The great outdoors has the amazing natural scenery and rustic attraction many people crave, but as Lindsey Stone will tell you, there are many cities in the U.S. that offer great vacation getaway experiences. You can find just about anything you are looking for, including historical and cultural sites, family fun and some great night life.
Austin, Texas
You may wonder why this university town and capital of Texas is on this list. If you are a music lover, you’ll already know that Austin has an incredible music scene with the most live performances per capita in the country and one of the top music festivals in the country, South by Southwest (SXSW). It’s not just the local boys who like to play, the big-name artists often show up in small clubs to get up close and personal with their audience.
Austin is also considered to be the second best city in the country for good restaurants after San Francisco. Whether you’re looking for Tex-Mex, barbeque, gourmet cuisine or vegan specialties, Austin will not disappoint. There is also an amazing show of bats every evening along the river.
San Diego
San Diego offers big-city attractions with a small-town ambiance. With some of the best beaches in the country, and almost perfect weather, you can’t go wrong with a weekend getaway in San Diego. The Gaslamp District offers excellent cafes and restaurants as well as quaint boutiques, and a trolley that will take you all the way to the Mexican border.
You can watch the people and yes, dogs surf at Cardiff State Beach when the surf’s up or visit the world famous San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND or take a scenic harbor cruise. If seafood is your favorite, you’re in luck. You can enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood right on the beach and have a tour of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier after lunch.
Charleston, South Carolina
This is the city to visit if you want urban conveniences in a relaxing environment. Like a step back in time, you can visit the historical district in a horse-drawn carriage or go by foot and enjoy the shops and restaurants. Considered the friendliest city in the nation it is also considered the best city by the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine reader poll. You can enjoy the local food such as shrimp and grits or attend an oyster roast. The shopping area is not overwhelmed with chain stores and lets you shop at your leisure. You can also enjoy some of the world’s best golf courses.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston offers a lot for visitors to see and do in a small area. The two and a half mile Freedom Trail is a brick walking path that takes you past 16 Revolutionary War era sites as well as to the first public park in the U.S., Boston Commons. The city is so compact that it’s easy to explore the Back Bay, waterfront and downtown on foot. The Duck Tours are famous as is the Sam Adams Brewery. Take a tour and see the craft beer brewing process and sample several of the awarding-winning beers.
These are just four of the best cities in the U.S. to visit for a vacation. You can look for budget accommodation, to save the major part of your vacation budget to sample some of the best food in the world.