Whether your dream vacation includes snow-capped mountains, sunny coasts, or city skylines, you can find the perfect setting to match your travel vibe. Planning your itinerary can be a snap when your travel destination complements your favorite activities. The hardest part will be finding enough time to fit in all the fun. So, go ahead and vacation your way with a travel destination that checks all your boxes. For inspiration, check out these four popular vacation experiences and their ideal locations.
1. Beach Basking
If your favorite vacation memories feature sun-kissed sand and saltwater waves, these cities are the perfect setting for a beach vacay. With 60 miles of sugary coastline, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a beach lover’s paradise. There’s plenty of oceanfront fun, whether you’re dipping your toes in the Atlantic or enjoying the view atop the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.
For a retro seaside scene, Ocean City, Maryland, boasts a historic beach boardwalk with 3 miles of shopping, dining, and attractions. Or enjoy an island getaway — in Texas! — at historic Galveston Island, home to 32 miles of beautiful Gulf beaches and an impressive variety of entertainment and attractions. In Newport, Rhode Island, coastal living meets New England charm with over 400 miles of golden shores and a vibrant historic district.
Ready to hit the beach? Start planning your trip with these essential beach hacks.
2. Nature Bathing
From enchanting desert canyons to epic mountain valleys, escape to the great outdoors for an inspiring retreat surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, is a pastoral paradise brimming with sightseeing experiences and outdoor adventures — from orchards and wineries to waterfall hikes and cavern tours. Like the sound of that? Get 10 Shenandoah Valley attraction ideas.
In Sedona, Arizona, you can explore desert vistas and unique displays of natural wonders, including world-famous red rock cliffs and colorful canyons, with over 400 miles of hiking and biking trails. Lake Tahoe has year-round fun and plenty of attractions for every itinerary, whether you’re seeking summer water sports or snowy winter activities.
3. City Slicking
If the highlight of your itinerary is shopping and sightseeing followed by a night on the town, these metropolitan locations may be right up your alley. Even if casinos aren’t your scene, Las Vegas, Nevada is an exciting destination for vacationers looking for world-class entertainment, exclusive dining, and one-of-a-kind attractions. Chicago, Illinois, indulges visitors in iconic experiences from its vibrant arts and culture scene to must-do’s like the Magnificent Mile and famous attractions like Navy Pier.
Music lovers and creatives will feel right at home in Nashville, Tennessee, thanks to its legendary Music City landmarks, lively nightlife, and eclectic neighborhoods. Denver, Colorado, is another thriving arts and cultural hub, surrounded by natural beauty. From historic neighborhoods and trendy nightclubs to crafter breweries and artisan boutiques, you can enjoy big city fun in a laid-back atmosphere. Start planning your downtown adventure with these five city travel tips.
4. Family Bonding
Vacations are a great way to create new memories and these destinations are jam-packed with enough thrills and fun for the whole family. Orlando, Florida, is a treasure trove of family-friendly venues, whether you’re playing at world-class theme parks, exploring aquariums and interactive exhibits, or dining with dinosaurs.
In Branson, Missouri, adventure is just around the corner — discover record-breaking coasters and 1880s-themed attractions at Silver Dollar City, share an aerial adventure in the Ozarks, and much more. Visit Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for family fun in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Choose your own adventure from over 80 attractions, including Dollywood, a world-class theme park awarded for the friendliest park atmosphere in the world.
Plus, try these four all-in-one destinations that have a variety of attractions sure to suit every member of the family.