10 U.S. States and Cities that Start with the Letter D

1. Delaware

Located in the northeastern U.S., Delaware is the country’s second-smallest state. It borders the Atlantic Ocean and the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Delaware’s topography is dominated by coastal plains, although the southern part of the state features forested, rolling hills.

Wildlife in Delaware:Foxes, woodchucks, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and bats

2. Dallas, Texas

The third-most populated city in the state of Texas is Dallas, which is located in the northeastern area of the state. Dallas is located in the Blackland Prairie region of Texas, which is characterized by fertile soil and rolling hills. The city is a regional hub for business, arts, and culture and offers close proximity to several popular state parks.

Wildlife in Dallas:armadillos, bobcats, racoons, and foxes

3. Daytona Beach, Florida

With over 20 miles of shoreline, Daytona Beach, Florida is perhaps best known for the vast stretches of sand where motorcycles and cars once sped during races. Today, visitors can still drive their cars onto the sand and spend the day swimming or sunbathing. Afterwards, visitors can explore the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, which features arcades, food vendors, and roller coasters.

Wildlife in Daytona Beach: sea turtles, manatees, armadillos, seagulls, and opossums

4. Decatur, Alabama

Located in northern Alabama along the banks of the Tennessee River, Decatur’s strategic location has played an important role in its history. In its early days, the city was the site of an important river crossing, and it later served as a railroad hub. Today, Decatur is known for its bustling downtown, featuring shops, restaurants, and a historic art deco-style theater.

Wildlife in Decatur:coyotes, bobcats, squirrels, and rabbits

5. Denver, Colorado

With an elevation of 5,280 feet, Denver is also commonly known as the “Mile High City.” The city is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which offer a variety of options for hiking, camping, and skiing. Denver is home to over 700,000 residents and is known for its thriving restaurants, arts, and cultural scene.

Wildlife in Denver:beavers, black bears, mule deer, and bald eagles

6. Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines, is home to over 200,000 residents, making it the most populated city in the state. Des Moines stands out for its clean air as well as its robust selection of city parks and trails. The city offers several options for recreation, including the Des Moines Water Works Park, Saylorville Lake, and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens.

Wildlife in Des Moines: mountain lions, bald eagles, opossums, and eastern moles

7. Desert Hot Springs, California

As its name suggests, visitors to Desert Hot Springs will find multiple spas and pools to enjoy the naturally occurring, mineral-rich waters. Desert Hot Springs is located in southern California a short drive from Joshua Tree National Park and the San Bernandino Mountains. The city is a popular resort destination with several options for visitors to relax and recharge.

Wildlife in Desert Hot Springs:desert tortoises, coyotes, roadrunners, and bobcats

8. Detroit, Michigan

Located in southeastern Michigan on the western bank of the Detroit River, Detroit is the most populated city in the state with over 620,000 residents. The city has been an important hub for American manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector. In addition to its industrial significance, Detroit is well-known for its music and arts scene.

Wildlife in Detroit: white-tailed deer, river otters, beavers, and coyotes

9. Dover, Delaware

Located in central Delaware, Dover sits a mere 30 feet above sea level, making it one of the lowest-elevation capital cities in the country. The city is a short distance from the Delaware Bay and is home to around 40,000 people. Dover residents enjoy easy access to Silver Lake, which includes boat ramps, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a boardwalk.

Wildlife in Dover: woodchucks, minks, white-tailed deer, and bobcats

10. Durham, North Carolina

As a part of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Durham is a leader in education, research, and technology. In its early days, the city rose to prominence thanks to its agriculture and tobacco farming. Today, it is known as the “City of Medicine” due to its concentration of healthcare businesses, medical facilities, and universities, including Duke University and Medical Center.
Wildlife in Durham: raccoons, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and skunks