21 U.S. Destinations to Visit in 2021: Kansas City, Missouri

Nicknamed the “city of fountains,” Kansas City is known for its delicious namesake style of barbeque, award-winning craft breweries, and exciting sports teams. Dig a little deeper into the many vibrant neighborhoods and you’ll find the hidden gems that are part of the local social scene. If you’ve never had the chance to visit, the city has gone through extensive redevelopment with new sports venues, performing arts centers, luxury boutique hotels, and a wave of new restaurants that add to the allure.

As with every major city, museums are a big tourist attraction. From the fantastic World War I Museum and Memorial to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the collections are top notch. What sets Kansas City apart is the uniqueness of the museums, such as the National Airline History Museum, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, and the American Jazz Museum. Another one of these special museums is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, without question one of the top sports museums in the United States. After your visit, explore the historic areas surrounding the museums, including River Market, 18th and Vine, and Union Station.

You’ll need a long weekend to feel like you’ve experienced everything that Kansas City has to offer. Base yourself at one of the many hotels in Country Club Plaza, within walking distance of the Spanish-style outdoor dining and shopping district. Spend your days exploring the sights, but pace yourself, as there is plenty of nightlife to enjoy across the city. Don’t miss Westport, the city’s oldest historic district comes to life in the evenings. The buzz of energy can be heard from blocks away as you approach the many restaurants and venues with live entertainment.