“Bright lights, big city...” There’s truly something special about the energy you’ll find when visiting the biggest and best cities in the country. So, when you’re on the hunt for world-class museums, unforgettable dining experiences, and epic sights that can’t be beat—look no further than these top 10 big cities for your next great vacation.
New York City, NY
Times Square is electric; its energy has been felt by visitors for decades and it remains one of the most photographed spaces in all of Manhattan.
Why it’s the best: It’s a hub for culture, finance, and history; as well as the most populous city in the nation. NYC is often cited as America's melting pot, where over 30% of its inhabitants originates in other countries and where there are as many as 800 languages are spoken. The city is also home to some of the greatest museums and theaters—as well as some of the most iconic (and recognizable) buildings—in the world.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: There’s no better way to experience that true Big Apple vibe than with a visit to Times Square. The energy here is electric and it’s easy to get caught up in the 24-hour hustle and bustle of twinkling lights and moving people. It’s also the gateway to Broadway shows, a hotbed of world-class shopping, and a food lover’s paradise.
How to experience it all: Taxi, bus, subway, walking—you name it. Wherever you need to go, New York City’s transit system will take you there. And when you really want the best view in town, head to the outdoor observation deck of the iconic Empire State Building to really take it all in.
Plan your next trip with our New York City travel guide and book your New York City hotel today!
San Francisco, CA
The rust-orange pylons of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge rising from San Francisco's famous fog offers visitors an eerie and unforgettable sight.
Why it’s the best: San Francisco offers all the best big city fun and history (both indoors and out) in a beautiful compact space. In fact, San Francisco is often cited as one of the nation’s most beautiful “big” cities—from its famously winding, hilly, flower-lined streets, to its cute and colorful row houses, historic buildings, expansive parks and foggy bay views.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: The historic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most-recognizable structures in the world. No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit and a selfie. For a truly unforgettable experience on the way there, start at the Palace of Fine Arts and take a lovely stroll through the Presidio. Don’t forget the camera!
How to experience it all: Taxis, ridesharing, buses and even pedicabs will get you around with ease. Take the BART when you want to get around quickly or see the sights outside of town. Or, for a guided adventure through San Francisco’s most iconic attractions and nearby locales (including the towering old-growth redwood groves of Muir Woods), check out Dylan’s Famous Tour.
Plan your next trip with our San Francisco travel guide and book your San Francisco hotel today!
Las Vegas
The Strip and its glow (thanks to over 12 million sparkling lights) can be seen from space.
Why it’s the best: Las Vegas is the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and a sparkling mecca of both adult-oriented and family-friendly fun. Live shows for every interest and age group are aplenty. Luxury themed casinos with replicas of famous world landmarks just beg to be explored. And the endless buffets and world-class dining options will keep you full and beyond satisfied.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: The Las Vegas Strip is the most-visited tourist attraction in the world. The Strip and city itself are nearly synonymous. And these 4.2 miles of colorful casinos, thrill rides, landmark replicas and more are jam-packed with more than enough entertainment to fill several vacations. For an escape from the Strip and unique trip back into Vegas history, book a tour of The Neon Museum.
How to experience it all: The Strip is very walkable, making it easy to get around on foot. And there’s no better way to get in on all the top Vegas action and fun than with a self-guided tour. Don’t feel like walking? Taxis and “hop-on, hop-off” buses are easy to catch.
Plan your next trip with our Las Vegas travel guide and book your Las Vegas hotel today!
Chicago, IL
The second tallest building in the country, standing at 1,450 feet from base to attenna, maintains its place as an iconic landmark of the Chicago skyline.
Why it’s the best: The Second City is second-to-none. It boasts one of the world’s top food-scenes, with endless Michelin-rated experiences, eclectic local dives, and something for literally every taste in-between. It’s not just the food scene—Chicago is also rich in culture, with a vast collection of world-class museums, music venues, historic attractions and so much more.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: Made world-famous by its magnificent collections and set deep into pop-culture by the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Art Institute of Chicago should find itself at the very top of your list of things to do in Chicago. And no trip to the Second City would be complete without a visit to the second tallest building in the country, the iconic Willis Tower.
How to experience it all: Getting around on foot is easy; and so is taking a bus or train via the Chicago Transit Authority. You can also see the Second City from a different perspective via the water on a Chicago Architecture River Cruise aboard the historic Chicago’s First Lady. Or, see it stretch out beneath you—103 stories beneath you, that is—from the glass ledge of the Willis Tower Skydeck.
Plan your next trip with our Chicago travel guide and book your Chicago hotel today!
Austin, TX
The State Capitol building is truly Texas-sized—its iconic red granite structure is, in fact, the largest capitol building in the country.
Why it’s the best: Austin has a unique vibe and a reputation for “keeping things weird.” It’s also the seat of the Texas government and the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The Lone Star State’s capital city experienced a musical rebirth in the 70’s, and now the city features over 250 music venues and hosts dozens of music festivals and concerts throughout the year.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: For a truly Texas-sized attraction, head to the Texas State Capitol. Its iconic golden dome is taller than the dome of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC. Or, for a walk back through storied Texas history, check out Bullock Texas State History Museum. But for that real Austin experience, catch Austin City Limits (America’s longest-running TV music series) at the Moody Theater.
How to experience it all: Some would recommend renting a car as the best option to get around. If you’d rather avoid traffic, try the Capitol Metro—Austin’s public transportation system.
Plan your next trip with our Austin travel guide and book your Austin hotel today!
Washington, DC
The National Mall is the place to be when you want to fully immerse yourself in American history.
Why it’s the best: Washington, D.C. is the one of the most-visited cities in the country; and it’s easy to see why. It’s the heart and soul of American government and history, where the country’s past and future meet. Our nation’s capital city is also home to a vibrant food and art scene that goes far beyond the walls of the city’s white marble monuments.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: Visit the iconic monuments and government buildings along the National Mall—from the Capitol Building to the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial and everything in-between. But if you had to choose just one major point of interest on the National Mall to visit, make it incomparable Smithsonian Museum Complex—the largest in the world.
How to experience it all: You’ll only need to rent a car if you plan to visit the suburbs or cities outside DC. Once in town, you can get to where all the action is via the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. And, once you’re there, walking is the best way to visit all the top attractions.
Plan your next trip with our Washington, DC travel guide and book your Washington, DC hotel today!
Denver, CO
With four seasons of outdoor recreation and an iconic Rocky Mountain backdrop, Denver's beauty is hard to match.
Why it’s the best: Denver is a visually appealing city with gorgeous Rocky Mountain backdrops that puts you just a short drive from some of the most spectacular natural settings in the country. The Mile High city is also a leader in craft breweries, as well as boasting hip indie music and art performances, a vibrant downtown (with plenty of nightlife action), and a growing food truck scene.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: Stick to the outdoors and visit the Denver Botanic Gardens, one of the most-visited botanic gardens in the nation. It boasts 23-acres of themed gardens, a conservatory dome, and a sunken amphitheater. Visiting during the colder months? Head indoors and take an unforgettable tour of the seven-story Denver Art Museum.
How to experience it all: There’s a lot of distance to cover when visiting the Denver area, especially if you plan to adventure in the Rockies. Renting a car is your best bet for getting around. You can also easily explore downtown attractions via Denver’s RTD Bus & Rail service, or on foot.
Plan your next trip with our Denver travel guide and book your Denver hotel today!
Los Angeles, CA
Griffith Park, home of its namesake observatory, sits just north of Hollywood and offers unforgettable views of the entire Los Angeles skyline.
Why it’s the best: La La Land, as it’s affectionately called, is where dreams are made. It’s the home of the Hollywood stars and another major melting pot of American culture. Los Angeles also boasts terrific weather, spectacular beaches and boardwalks, world-class music and art venues, and—of course—ndless amusement park thrills and spills the whole family can enjoy.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: Aside from the obvious (the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, Disneyland and the like), a great way to experience the very best LA has to offer is with a visit to the Griffith Observatory for spectacular views of the city and the actual stars. If you’d rather stay “down to earth,” head to the Hollywood Bowl to experience an outdoor concert in one the best live music venues in the country.
How to experience it all: The Los Angeles Metro Area is the largest in the nation. Your best bet for getting around would be to rent a car. Light rail service is limited to the downtown and surrounding area. For the tour that offers the best bang for your buck, take the seven-hour Grand LA (or the Original Hollywood) tour bus via Hollywood City Tours.
Plan your next trip with our Los Angeles travel guide and book your Los Angeles hotel today!
Miami, FL
While most Miami vistors choose to keep their feet planted on the beach, seeing the city sparkle from above is an experience you won't soon forget.
Why it’s the best: World-famous beaches with sugary-white sands, year-round sunshine and mild weather, authentic Cuban food and culture, art-deco architecture swathed in neon lights, the pumped-up night life, the boardwalks, the people… Need we say more?
Top must-see or must-do attraction: In town for the food and culture? Take a walk through Little Havana and immerse yourself in authentic Cuban cuisine. A tour of the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens offers a dose of Miami culture and history, as well as some of the most beautiful gardens and architecture in the city. And, of course, any of the world-renowned beaches will do when you’re looking for some sun and surf near all that Miami hustle—both day and night.
How to experience it all: How to get around really depends on what kind of Miami vacation you seek. There’s the Little Havana Walking Tour, the free Miami Beach City Trolley, or even a 30-minute Seaplane Tour of Miami. If you’re sticking to the boardwalks and beaches, taxis or rideshares will get you there and walking will get you around.
Plan your next trip with our Miami travel guide and book your Miami hotel today!
Portland, OR
For even better views of downtown, and an interesting glimpse back into Portland's past, drive a little further up the hill to the historic Pittock Mansion.
Why it’s the best: It's a weird and wonderful town that loves the outdoors and has one of the best public transportation services in the country. This “Bridgetown” boasts the nation’s largest urban park and puts you only a short drive from majestic Mount Hood and endless outdoor recreation along the picturesque Columbia River Gorge. There’s also a foodie scene downtown and throughout Portland's eclectic neighborhoods that just can’t be beat.
Top must-see or must-do attraction: Historic Washington Park isn’t just a hillside city retreat with incredible views of downtown Portland. It’s also an all-in-one method to experience the some of the very best attractions the city has to offer, like the world-renowned Japanese Garden, the free-to-explore International Rose Testing Garden, the family-friendly Oregon Zoo and more.
How to experience it all: Portland’s public transportation system rivals that of cities multiple times its size. Use the TriMet buses, light rail, and commuter trains to see the top sights. The city is also one of the most bike-friendly in the world, so you’ll find plenty of options to rent one for a day of sightseeing.
Plan your next trip with our Portland travel guide and book your Portland hotel today!