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Get away for a weekend or a week to one of these top U.S. destinations for summer travelers. From the wine country of Northern California to the sun and fun in Orlando's theme parks, these top summer destinations offer fun for every traveler.
1. New York City-Catch a Broadway show, take in a museum, catch a taping of "Saturday Night Live" and pay your respects at Ground Zero. Special events this summer include the Tribeca Film Festival, Summer Restaurant Week, the New York Shakespeare Festival and the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival.
2. San Francisco-Escape the summer heat in the city by the Bay. Take in the arts and entertainment at the famous Haight Street Fair, catch a few of the 250 films from around the world at the International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, and spend the Fourth of July on Pier 39.
3. Las Vegas-It may be witheringly hot in the desert, but the casinos on the Strip really cool things down. Catch Wayne Newton at the Stardust, pig out at a buffet, and try your luck at roulette or blackjack.
4. San Diego-The breezes off the ocean should cool down any summer vacation to this beautiful city. San Diego gets high marks as a family destination, with its zoos, museums, beaches, theme parks and bicycle trails.
5. Chicago-Don't miss fireworks at the Navy Pier, the Chicago Gospel Festival or the Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach.
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Visit the new Millennium Park this summer, too. See sidebar for other events and dates!
6. Washington DC-Catch a free "Sunset Serenade" concert at the zoo this summer, or explore American culture. Public tours of locations such as the Capitol Building, FBI headquarters, and the Library of Congress have resumed.
7. Los Angeles-Hang out on the square mile of cool known as NoHo (North Hollywood), take in a theme park, or try out for a game show. It's easy to get starstruck in this city, with its beautiful mild weather year round.
8. Orlando-The theme park capital of the world is, not surprisingly, the top family destination. Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World are the major draws, but there are plenty of smaller venues as well.
9. Atlanta-Spend the day in merry old England during the Georgia Renaissance Festival, take in some culture at the Atlanta National Arts Festival and join in the Gay Pride Festival.
10. San Antonio-The romantic Riverwalk is a focal point of many trips to this city in the heart of Texas. Experience traditional charro horsemanship at the Saint Anthony Day Anniversary Charreada, catch Freedom Fest on the Fourth of July and, well, "don't forget" the Alamo.
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Educational excursions. Many Americans are opting for vacations that incorporate learning. Literary tours, anthropological travel--even cooking lessons--are all gaining popularity.
Short trips. A three-day weekend can refresh and renew almost as well as a week off. These are perfect for the hard-charging executives who just can't tear themselves away from their responsibilities.
Getting the family together. Family reunions account for an increasing share of travel.
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The Travel Industry Association reports that 34 percent of Americans have traveled to a family reunion in the past three years. But increasingly, families are not just getting together, they're traveling together.
Multigenerational travel takes several forms: Three generations may tour or cruise together, rent out a house as a family, or settle in en masse at a resort. Such trips enable everyone to vacation at our own speed, but come together for meals.
Have Safe Travels This Summer!
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