Wow, that's a new one. I'd understand Hawaii as a top destination, but I've never heard of anyone who would actually put the city of Honolulu in their top three before!!!

There are a few questions in the original post, so let's hit them one at a time:

Where did I visit and have a great time?
1. Miami Beach
2. Chicago
3. New York City

Which cities did I see and I keep going back?
1. Miami Beach
2. San Diego
3. Las Vegas

Which three cities would be my future must-sees, no others allowed?
1. New York City
2. San Francisco
3. Chicago

Of course, I live in southern California, so I've left LA off the list. From an outsider's perspective, LA is a must-see, although it's a huge area that exists more as a concept than an easily-managed geographic location. I can see it anytime, and after nearly 20 years I'm still finding new things.

Now class, which metropolitan area in the central South, with a huge hub airport, has everyone left off their lists? Anyone...? Bueller...?

Patrick - Honolulu has a multitude of things to do besides go to the beach. The historic areas downtown are unique. You can go to the symphony. The Honolulu Academy of Art, the Contemporary Art Museum and the Bishop Museum are all unique in their own ways. You can investigate Chinatown. There are an incredible number of restaurants in Honolulu that serve good food from various cuisines. The air smells good. (and you don't get to see it while you breathe it! :-d as in some other cities named here...)

I have yet to travel to many American cities, but I wanted to top this thread so I'll put in my two cents anyway:

Where do I go to have a great time:
Vegas!!!
Chicago
San Francisco

Which city keeps calling me back:
San Diego (for ten consecutive years)

If I could only visit 3 cities in the future (I haven't been to any of these):
New York
New Orleans
Seattle

Can I add another category?
Least favorite cities:
Detroit
LA (as a long-time San Diego resident I just didn't understand the appeal)
DC (yes, the museums and monuments are cool, but I don't feel comfortable there)

C'mon, Jocelyn,
Those politicians aren't that bad when you get used to them.

This is an interesting question. But I think I'll give it a different viewpoint.

First off, visit NYC because it is NYC. However, NYC is very different from the rest of the USA.

So next I suggest a city that represents what most of us go through in a day. Some place with gridlock like Charlotte, Atlanta, or Phoenix. Strip malls, surburban sprawl, McMansions, etc. Take the visitors to big box stores, let them drive a SUV, let them cuss at drivers weaving in and out of lanes during rush hour traffic.

Then, since you've been in a typical sprawl town, I would send them to a beach town. Any will do, but I like Nags Head or Wrightsville. I haven't been to Cape Cod, but it does sound nice. The opportunity to veg out and stare at the water and forget about traffic.

I won't include Chicago, because the question is from a visitor's perspective, but I think Europeans who come here like it much more than most of the others that they actually have seen first.

I've been to almost all major cities except for those in the Northwest.

To visit for 5 days and not to live there, but if you have never been- these are GOOD to visit:

NYC
San Diego (to me not really a big city)
SF (also not big city to me)


Very good cities to visit also and ones I go back for more:

LV
Miami
NO
Boston

AND if you love baseball:

Kansas City
St. Louis
Milwaukee
Boston
NYC

All these questions from a visitor's viewpoint are comparing places that really are so different that it is a lot like apples and oranges.

Three cities I want to get to in the next 2 years:

DC
Charleston
Seattle

Three is really tough because of the different character of each city. If you are thirsting for history maybe Charleton or Savannah & many other places or if you like wine & beautiful country sides maybe Sonoma, or beaches maybe Honolulu, etc, etc. However, here goes: Chicago - San Diego - Honolulu but we we are speaking mainland only then New Orleans.

Los Angeles
San Francisco
Honolulu

I adore Seattle as a place to live but really don't "get it" as a vacation destination.

suze,

Interesting you say that about Seattle. I have never been, but it's on my short list of places I'd like to see. Places/images that appeal to me:
That big fish market
Space Needle
Whale watching in Puget Sound
The landscape and outdoor activities so close by
Coffeehouse hopping

So many large cities nowadays don't seem to have much to distinguish them from the metropolis next door. In my mind, though, Seattle has a distinct personality, I guess because of the proximity to the water, the weather, and the beautiful landscape. I can't wait to see if for myself!

NYC
Las Vegas
San Francisco

Not fond of LA and got mugged in New Orleans - which as much as I try to not let it colour my view of the city, it does.

Great times in
NYC
Santa Fe (not a big city but still..)
Chicago
Boston
SF
I know there are 5 but how can I eliminate any?

Have to get to:
Seattle
New Orleans

As a New Yorker, glad to see how many of you like my city! Although I guess "a good place to visit but..." may describe many of you right? :)

My top 3 are:
1. Chicago (go every year - getting back to some earlier points I'm always recommending it to Europeans who don't have it on their itinerary!
2. SF
3. DC

I see that Seattle sparked some conversation. While it isn't in my top 3, it is a really fun destination! I spent 2 4 day weekends there over past 2 years and there is a lot to do! Aside from things already mentioned, there is the Bumpershoot music festival over Labor Day weekend, kayaking in the lake, great sunsets, and one of the best hikes I have done in the US (Sunrise - the 10 mile hike)

My top 3 of places I have been to would probably be: NYC, Boston and San Diego. Ask me tomorrow and you may well get a different answer though.

3 places I have not yet seen properly but would like to: Chicago (was only there for 1 day), New Orleans, Seattle.

Pretty much liked most places I've been but I was a bit lukewarm on LA and Orlando.

BIG cities San Francisco, NY & Chicago.. Not so big New Orleans, Sedona & Key West. By my own count, I have been to New Orleans the most followed by San Francisco then Key West.

I'm not sure I stated my Seattle thoughts well. It is truly a unique city, absolutely. After I vacationed here twice, I MOVED here permanently. But it is quality of life and every day experiences that keep me here. If I toured the downtown area on a couple rainy days, I don't think I would be all that impressed with the place.

NYC
New Orleans
Miami

Interesting...

Where did you visit and have a great time?

Actually, the better answer for me would be where did I visit and not have a good time. I've enjoyed almost all the places I've visited, but I could pass on Milwaukee, Houston, and Dallas.

Which cities did you see and you just keep going back, or want to go back for more?

San Fran
Boston (although tied with DC)
New Orleans


If you could only visit 3 american cities in the future, where would you want to go?

I'm presuming this means ones that I haven't been to? They would be:

Chicago
Charleston
Santa Fe

NYC (because I can never get enough); Chicago, (great to visit in the spring and fall); Santa Fe (because it is has a very different feel). I left out SF because I live here.

Can't list just 3. These are my favorites.

1. NYC
2. San Francisco
3. Washington, DC
4. Boston
5. Chicago
6. San Diego
7. Charleston
8. Seattle
9. Savannah
10. New Orleans