Breathing clean air is fundamental to human health and well-being. Whether you live in or grew up in a city or are planning to visit one, ensuring good air quality is vital. This provides good health and makes the most of your stay.
With so many diverse landscapes across the U.S., numerous cities boast excellent air quality. If you plan a getaway to a spot that is not necessarily riddled with industrialization and urbanization, you have come to the right place.
This detailed guide will examine the top 15 cities with the best air quality in the USA, which you can add to your travel plans.
1. Honolulu, Hawaii
Average AQI: 21
As a whole, Hawaii ranks at the top regarding ecological balance, natural sights, and a laid-back nature. Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is renowned for its mesmerizing beaches and volcanic craters. However, one reason locals and tourists love it is its clean air. The ocean winds constantly sweep away pollutants, and since there is minimal industrialization, that also keeps the AQI low. The city’s coastal positioning is also a reason behind its clean air.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Diamond Head Crater
- Waikiki Beach
- Iolani Palace
- Hanauma Bay
2. Cheyenne, Wyoming
Average AQI: 23
The capital city of Wyoming, Cheyenne, is quite underrated and ranked as one of the cleanest cities with the best air quality. Since the city is at a high elevation and has limited urban sprawl, the city sees very little smog, ensuring a dry and cool climate with clean and fresh air. Also, strong regulations and minimal vehicular traffic keep the air quality low. You can experience cowboy culture, open skies, and fresh, crisp air in Cheyenne.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Wyoming State Capitol
- Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
- Big Boy Steam Engine
- Terry Bison Ranch
3. Bangor, Maine
Average AQI: 22
Bangor is located in the northeastern part of the U.S. and is surrounded by forests, lush greenery, and steep mountains, making it a favorable spot if you want to steer clear of crowded city life. Also, since the city is away from major industrial hubs, the air remains clean and unpolluted. The city also benefits from Atlantic breezes and extensive green coverage, which keeps the air fresh and clean throughout the year.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Stephen King’s House
- Bangor Waterfront
- Penobscot River Walkway
- Mount Hope Cemetery
4. Bismarck, North Dakota
Average AQI: 25
Bismarck is another underrated and less explored city in North Dakota, along the Missouri River. Beyond the beauty of nature, Bismarck enjoys a sparse population and wide-open landscapes, ensuring that the locals and visitors breathe in clean air throughout the year. The city’s administration heavily emphasizes clean energy initiatives with minimal industrial activity, ensuring less pollution. Regarding air quality, the city has consistently ranked at the top of the chart.
Top Spots to Visit:
- North Dakota Heritage Center
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
- Dakota Zoo
- Sertoma Park
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5. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Average AQI: 26
With its location 7000 feet above sea level, Santa Fe in New Mexico is another popular city renowned for its clean air. The dry air has very little pollution, ensuring that the inhabitants and visitors aren’t compromising their health. The laidback nature of the city stands out for its adobe architecture, cultural richness, and mountainous surroundings, which add a refreshing touch to the city.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Santa Fe Plaza
- Canyon Road Art Galleries
- Loretto Chapel
- Museum Hill
6. Anchorage, Alaska
Average AQI: 24
Despite its remote location, Anchorage is one of those cities that deserves a spot in the top 10 of this list. Anchorage has one of the best air qualities in the U.S., all thanks to the crisp and clean Alaskan air, minimal industrial development, and the cool climate, which prevents the pollutants from festering in the environment. There are risks of summer wildfires in the area, which often affect the air quality, but these are relatively rare occurrences.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- Anchorage Museum
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Flattop Mountain
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7. Duluth, Minnesota
Average AQI: 27
If you are in or around Minnesota, Duluth is a remote city that deserves to be explored. The quaint town is located on the shores of Lake Superior. The city’s close proximity to the lake keeps the atmosphere clean, dispersing pollutants in the freshwater lake. In the Midwest of the U.S., Duluth is a city that happens to have the cleanest air.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Canal Park
- Aerial Lift Bridge
- Lakewalk Trail
- Great Lakes Aquarium
8. Fort Collins, Colorado
Average AQI: 29
Located against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is another popular city in the U.S with the best air quality. Fort Collins is usually crowded with tourists during the winter months, thanks to the deep snow and the activities available. The high-altitude location of this city contributes to the crisp, clean air. Also, the city participates in environmental initiatives and green urban planning, keeping pollution in check.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Horsetooth Reservoir
- Old Town Fort Collins
- Gardens on Spring Creek
- Lory State Park
9. Flagstaff, Arizona
Average AQI: 25
Arizona is usually known for its deserts and the arid and dry air around it, including the extensive air pollution caused by desert-like surroundings. However, Flagstaff in Arizona ranks among the cities with the best air quality in the U.S. The city is surrounded by Ponderosa pine forests, which enables it to enjoy fresh, mountain-filtered air. The dry desert climate helps reduce mold and allergens, while the city’s remote location keeps pollution low.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Lowell Observatory
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Historic Downtown
- Snowbowl Ski Resort
10. Missoula, Montana
Average AQI: 28
The western part of Montana is often prone to wildfires, which usually lead to poor air quality. However, Missoula is one exception, with clean and fresh air for you to breathe in, mainly because of its remote location. The AQI of this quaint city remains favorably low due to its forested surroundings and the conservation-first community efforts. Also, the town is surrounded by rivers and greenbelts, which keep the environment clean.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
- Caras Park
- Mount Sentinel
- Missoula Art Museum
11. Boise, Idaho
Average AQI: 29
Regarded as one of the fastest growing and developing cities in the West, Boise is another one of the cities with the best air quality in the U.S. Despite rapid urbanization and industries, the city maintains excellent air quality thanks to the surrounding high desert plains and proximity to the Boise National Forest. Also, city officials are focused on implementing the right green policies, which keeps the pollution levels low.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Boise River Greenbelt
- Old Idaho Penitentiary
- Boise Art Museum
- Camel’s Back Park
12. Sarasota, Florida
Average AQI: 30
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Sarasota is another less-talked-about city with one of the best air qualities in the country. Owing to the sea breezes and a warm, humid climate, the pollutants in the air disperse quickly instead of remaining stagnant. Also, since the city has few industrial interventions, emissions, and vehicular traffic, the city is often quite popular among older people who want to retire and lead a peaceful life.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Siesta Key Beach
- The Ringling Museum
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- Mote Marine Laboratory
13. Asheville, North Carolina
Average AQI: 30
Asheville is located near the Blue Ridge Mountains and is surrounded by thick and dense forested areas, which naturally filter out the air, ensuring you breathe clean air. The city is growing in popularity exponentially, but the community is focused on sustainability and outdoor living, ensuring that the air quality in the city isn’t compromised. Beyond clean and rejuvenating air, Asheville is known for its artisanal vibes and impressive culture.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Biltmore Estate
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- North Carolina Arboretum
- Downtown Asheville Arts District
14. Eugene, Oregon
Average AQI: 31
Eugene has vast green spaces, minimal industrialization, and a bike-friendly urban plan. The city is located in the Willamette Valley and surrounded by forests, which keeps the air quality in check and ensures that you are breathing in fresh and clean air. The eco-conscious community in the city is another reason why the air quality is so good. If you value fresh air and active lifestyles, this city is one of the best.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Spencer Butte
- Cascades Raptor Center
- Skinner Butte Park
- Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
15. San Luis Obispo, California
Average AQI: 32
San Luis Obispo was once termed the “happiest city in America,” primarily after Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement. The city experiences a pleasant Mediterranean-like climate with mild winters and summers. The combination of coastal winds, agricultural zones, and strict environmental regulations also contribute to keeping the air clean. The city is between LA and San Francisco, yet far away from urban pollution, keeping the air clean.
Top Spots to Visit:
- Mission San Luis Obispo
- Bubblegum Alley
- Pismo Beach
- Bishop Peak
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Final Words
On your next travel around the U.S, these are the top 15 cities with the cleanest air quality, ensuring that you aren’t compromising on the air you breathe. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, these cities are great for going on an adventure or simply basking in the beauty of the nature around. So, which city among them are you planning to visit on your next getaway?
