New York City and Los Angeles get all the love. And why not? They’re tourist hotspots for a reason. But there are so many more awesome cities to visit, we thought we’d put together a list of our top 10.
1. Atlanta –Stay at the Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta, starting the day with a relaxing spa treatment in one of the poolside cabanas. Walk down the gracious tree lined streets of the “City in a Forest,” past historic mansions to Centennial Olympic Park. Visit the Atlanta Aquarium, tour the CNN studios, or explore the interactive World of Coca-Cola. Savor dinner at the Busy Bee Café, serving Atlanta’s best soul food cooking for over 50 years before a night out on the town.
2. Boston
Walk (and eat) your way through Boston’s history. Start out with a sweet treat for breakfast at one of Little Italy’s bakeries, then burn off those calories walking the Freedom Trail and touring the sites integral to the American Revolution. Or grab lunch at a food truck parked along the Rose Kennedy Greenway and head down to the Sam Adams Brewery for a tour. Then finish off the day with dinner at a waterfront seafood restaurant like Del Frisco’s before heading back to the comfort of “'The Grande Dame' of Boston, The Fairmont Copley Plaza.
3. Denver – Denver is a paradise for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. When you’re not skiing, biking, hiking or rock climbing, take a ride on the narrow gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad through scenic Clear Creek Canyon and over the massive Devil's Gate High Bridge. When you come back down, visit Euclid Hall Restaurant, specializing in paring the city’s many microbrews with hearty, unique dishes. Enjoy downtown Denver’s amenities while still getting a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains by staying at the Westin Denver Downtown.
4. Las Vegas
Las Vegas isn’t all showgirls and gambling—it’s a surprisingly family-friendly city with activities for all ages. Take a day trip to marvel at the Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon. Or visit the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, where you’ll come nose-to-nose with bottlenose dolphins and more. Then take a trip back in time at the “Tournament of Kings” dinner show at Excalibur Hotel & Casino.
5. Miami – Forget theme parks and sandcastles, Miami is a playground for grown-ups. Spend the morning leisurely strolling the Art Deco district and the afternoon on a guided culinary tour of Little Havana, where you’ll learn about the neighborhood’s history along with its culinary delights. After that, it’s time to head back to your hotel to rest and relax until the sun goes down. Then head to South Beach to party with the stars all night long.
6. New Orleans
There’s more to New Orleans than Mardi Gras. Stay at the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans in the heart of the French Quarter and wake up with beignets and coffee at Café du Monde. Take the Canal Streetcar to City Park to wander the sculpture garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art. After a day of exploring, return to the French Quarter for a Sazerac and some jazz at the Balcony Music Club.
7. Phoenix – Phoenix is an outdoor paradise, but there’s no need to rough it. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has something for the whole family, including four pools, two 18-hole golf courses and horseback riding. No need to put on hiking boots for a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, featuring a diverse collection of plants from around the world. There’s plenty of open-air shopping and dining, and if you’re looking for great food with amazing mountain views, make reservations at the historic El Chorro Lodge at the base of Camelback Mountain.
8. San Antonio – The San Antonio River Walk has been the heart of the city’s cultural life since it was first built in the 1940s. Four Spanish colonial missions—Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada—lay at the south end of the “Passeo del Rio.” From there it winds through the city, providing easy access to restaurants, attractions and convenient accommodations like the Westin Riverwalk San Antonio. North of downtown, the newest section of the River Walk features sculptures, native plants, and access to the San Diego Museum of Art.
9. San Diego
San Diego embodies laid-back California cool. Spend the morning learning to surf or exploring Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Feast on fresh fish tacos at a La Jolla seafood joint for lunch then take in a free concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion or bar-hop through the Gaslamp Quarter.
10. Seattle – Forget the umbrella, Seattle isn’t as gloomy as you’ve heard. In fact, the colors of the Chihuly Garden and Glass are downright psychedelic. Visit Pike Place Market for lunch, with a stop at the original Starbucks for a jolt of Seattle’s famous brew. If it does happen to drizzle, pop into the Experience Music Project Museum, otherwise, be sure to take the ferry out to the scenic Whidbey and Camano islands.
