Finding the right place for an event can take a bit of research. It should have everything your guests need to feel welcomed, entertained and fulfilled. These are some of the best cities in America for a destination event because they have so much to offer. Consider them for everything from professional conferences to weddings and your event planning will go much more smoothly.
1. Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest state, but don’t overlook Providence while you’re searching for the best destinations for a destination event. The historic vibe of the city and numerous restaurants are perfect for a family gathering or an educational event. Hotels and event spaces around Providence are also well-versed in large crowds because they regularly host events like the Rhode Island Comic Con and the R.I.S.E. Women’s Leadership Conference.
2. Austin, Texas
There are many major cities in Texas, but Austin is an excellent choice for big events. At the end of 2020, it had nearly 43,000 hotel rooms city-wide and over 12,000 downtown. You won’t have to battle for limited hotel space like in other destinations. There’s also plenty to do while your guests wait for a wedding or trade show to begin. They can tour film sets, listen to live music or even take a tour of bat-filled caves.
3. St. Louis, Missouri
People refer to St. Louis as the gateway to the west because so many visitors fly in every year. They can browse the many free activities downtown, visit the famous St. Louis zoo or walk through the city’s science center. People of all ages can find things to do and food to enjoy while in the city.
It’s also one of the best cities for a destination wedding because the average wedding costs $22,894 — that’s more budget-friendly than other major urban areas around the country. You can still have the downtown city-centric wedding of your dreams even if you can’t afford a ceremony in other places like Los Angeles or New York City.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
There are so many reasons to host a destination event in Salt Lake City beyond the gorgeous mountain views. The international airport just outside the heart of the city is a hub for twelve major airlines, making it easily accessible for global travelers. There’s a light rail system for downtown visitors who don’t want to rent a vehicle or walk to their event as well. Nothing will hold your guests back from having a great time while visiting Salt Lake City.
5. San Antonio, Texas
Many large events struggle to find space that can accommodate hundreds of people, much less thousands. You won’t have to worry about that in San Antonio. It’s among the best destinations for a destination event because the city’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention center recently underwent a $325 million expansion for events like award shows and art expos. San Antonio’s hospitality and event experts will know exactly how to help you plan an event of any size.
6. St. Petersburg, Florida
People may imagine retirees when they think of Florida, but St. Petersburg is a hub for fun events. Anyone who visits the area can visit numerous breweries, watch an MLB game and pick a room from over 25 downtown hotels. It’s also right next to the Tampa International Airport and numerous beaches. Oceanfront weddings, vow renewal ceremonies and business conferences happen all the time in the accommodating city of St. Petersburg.
7. Tucson, Arizona
Outdoor events that need plenty of space for exploring can happen in Tucson. It has several famous hiking trails, horseback riding venues and rock climbing locations for adventurous spirits. And if some of your guests would prefer a hotel room in between excursions, the average price is $122 even in the downtown area. Check out the Venue Event & Conference Center for massive gatherings and the numerous conference spaces available to rent for smaller meetings.
8. Orlando, Florida
There’s so much more to Orlando than Mickey Mouse hats and fireworks over a princess castle. It’s also one of the best cities for a destination wedding because it’s warm all year round. Beachfront weddings and family reunions won’t have to worry about chilly winds ruining their time away from home. You can also pick from the multiple convention centers to find available calendar space for expos or professional conferences.
9. Boston, Massachusetts
The history behind Boston is a significant reason why it’s a destination event city. People will look forward to attending any event where they can see sites from the Revolutionary War, stop by Fenway Park and try all the fresh seafood they can fit into their schedule. You’ll also get to choose an event room from the 2.1 million square feet within the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
10. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the south and features over 200 restaurants with food from all over the world. Schedule your event dates at the city’s convention center and map the route to your hotel from the airport located less than eight miles away. It’s an accessible location to fly into and it’s bursting with fun activities for anyone who stops by.
Find the Best Destination Event Cities
These are some of the best cities for a destination event, so consider what you’ll need for your event in mind. Whether you’ll need entertainment for wedding guests, office space for a conference, or multiple hotels for a large crowd, you’ll find everything you need in these destinations.