20 United States cities with unexpectedly good nightlife

Scottsdale, Arizona, isn’t just a retirement community or a prime destination for the snowbirds. It also has great nightlife. Old Town Scottsdale is full of locals and tourists ready to rage, but there are bars throughout the city with quieter music and brighter lights if you’re after something milder. 

If you’ve never been to South Dakota before, Deadwood will surprise you. Located in the Black Hills, the town is rife with history and gambling, and it's imbued uniquely in each of its bars. It's a small town, but it's packed with activity. 

Kansas City has two states' worth of good nightlife. Its bar scene is best defined by the Power and Light District, but that’s not all it offers. There's also the Country Club Plaza, 39th Street, and Westport.

No place in Wisconsin should be doubted for its nightlife. Even the smallest towns have something to offer. That said, one of its bigger towns, Milwaukee, has lots going on into the wee hours of the night, with lots of places near the water serving as prime locations. 

Minneapolis, Minnesota, has an exciting nightlife that is well-known to locals and visitors from surrounding states, but it hasn't gotten the national recognition it deserves. And while Minneapolis has a decidedly city feel, its neighbor St. Paul has a vintage vibe for an entirely different experience. 

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is more of a hub of exciting nightlife than most people realize. There are lots of breweries, comedy clubs, speakeasies, and venues for live music, truly offering something for everyone. 

Honolulu has just about every different vibe of bar you could ask for. Whether you want something quintessentially Hawaiian or are searching for something with a different cultural feel, you’ll be able to find it. There’s lots to do in Honolulu. 

The lesser-known cities in the Midwest have good things going on at night, too. There are pockets all across Omaha with great nightlife, but the most happening place on any given night is its downtown area known as the Old Market. 

Many have written off Salt Lake City as the home of the ultra-conservative, but as it grows, so does its diversity and nightlife. Yes, you can drink liquor in Salt Lake City, and there are plenty of bars and clubs where you can do so. 

Providence, Rhode Island, has an interesting nightlife but is still unexpectedly good. It's a college town and the state capital, giving it a unique blend of vibes. Add the posh coastal feel, and you have a recipe for a memorable time out. 

Pittsburgh might surprise you with its nightlife offerings. It has sports bars, casinos, and college bars, but it also has clubs and speakeasies that don’t feel quite so industrial. It's worth a shot. 

Orlando isn't known for much outside of Disney World, but locals will tell you its nightlife is underrated. If you're dying to escape the Disney of it all, check out the bars and clubs in the downtown area and explore the restaurant scene throughout the city. 

Denver isn't called the Mile High City for nothing. Whether it's the altitude or the city's spirit, it's easy to get caught up in Denver's nightlife scene. There are great options all over the place, so you can choose whichever area is closest to you, and you're sure to have a good time. 

Seattle is a diverse city, and that's reflected in its nightlife offerings. You can probably find it in Seattle, no matter what you're after. And if you need a pick-me-up in the morning after a night spent having too much fun, there's plenty of caffeine available. 

In the past few years, Nashville, Tennessee, has exploded on the map of American cities with great nightlife, but many of the state's natives would argue that Memphis is the better option. It's a little more lowkey, but Beale Street and South Main Street have plenty to offer visitors. 

Southern California is crawling with great nightlife, but San Diego is one place that often gets overlooked. After spending the day at the zoo or the beach, you can head to the Gaslamp Quarter for a night of adventures. And there are loads of options for rooftop bars if you’re after a stunning view of the water. 

Located right on the border, El Paso, Texas, offers a marriage of cultures, and it's evident in its exciting nightlife. The locals might suggest checking out Pride Square or Union Plaza if you're new to the area, but if you do some digging on your own, you'll likely find a hidden gem. 

There's a great music scene in St. Louis. It's easy to find live jazz whenever you're in the mood, and many bars offer karaoke, too. There are also the stereotypical bar offerings across the city, each playing their part to ensure locals and visitors that there’s always something to do. 

You can have a great night out in Baltimore. After you've stuffed your face with every form of crab imaginable, try one of the many hotel bars or cocktail places. Some places across the city are open until 4 a.m., so there's plenty of time at night for activity. 

Indianapolis is one of those United States cities that can feel like a big city or a small town, depending on how you approach it. For a city feel at night, look for its cocktail bars and clubs. For a small-town vibe, opt for its dive bars and off-beat establishments.