Top 140 Best Art Districts in America [2025 Survey]

When we surveyed over 3,000 art lovers about which districts they most want to explore this year, the answers revealed more than just a “top 10” list - they painted a picture of the country’s shifting creative map.

Here are the full rankings:

Key Findings

Florida’s art scene is on fire.

Four Florida districts made the cut, with Wynwood (Miami) topping the entire list. From Orlando’s Mills 50 to Melbourne’s EGAD, the Sunshine State proved it’s more than beaches and nightlife - it’s becoming a street-level gallery state.

California dominates, but shares the spotlight.

Six California neighborhoods ranked, but they’re spread across the map: urban powerhouses like LA’s Arts District, counterculture strongholds like San Francisco’s Mission, and beach-adjacent enclaves like Santa Cruz’s Tannery Arts Center. The Golden State’s variety is part of its strength.

New York is double-stacked in Brooklyn.

Williamsburg and Bushwick both landed in the top 10, showing Brooklyn’s continued pull for artists and art-seekers alike. The borough has managed to keep its creative brand alive, even in the face of rapid gentrification.

Texas loves its murals with a side of music.

From Dallas’ Deep Ellum to San Antonio’s Lone Star Arts District and Houston’s East End, the Lone Star State’s top picks all blend visual art with live music, food, and nightlife. It’s art you can hear, taste, and dance to.

The mountain states feature prominently.

Colorado landed three entries, led by Denver’s RiNo in the top 5. The mix of outdoor culture and warehouse-turned-gallery spaces is clearly resonating with visitors.

Mid-size cities are also gaining popularity.

Places like Kansas City (Crossroads), Portland (Alberta Arts), and Baltimore (Station North) show that you don’t need a massive tourist economy to have a thriving arts district - you just need community buy-in and creative grit.

Historic meets new wave.

Many districts balance deep cultural roots with fresh ideas: San Francisco’s Mission District with its Latinx heritage, Savannah’s Starland with its indie scene, and Santa Fe’s Canyon Road blending traditional fine art with contemporary galleries.

Gentrification is a shared storyline.

In Brooklyn, Portland, Denver, and LA, several districts walk the fine line between “polished destination” and “authentic hub.” The survey suggests visitors are drawn to places that keep a little grit in the mix.

Final Thoughts

While big cities’ art districts like Miami, LA, and New York still attract the most visitors, our 2025 rankings prove that smaller and mid-size cities are no longer playing catch-up.

Many have carved out distinct creative identities, attracting both locals and tourists who want more than just a gallery stroll - they want an experience.

And in the end, that’s what turns an art district from a neighborhood into a destination.