Krista Diamond

As the country’s fourth-largest city by population, Houston already has plenty of bodies to keep occupied. That’s especially good news for travelers rolling through town—when it comes to the best things to do in Houston, there’s something for everyone. Take their cultural access alone, with a mind-boggling collection of over 150 museums that range from NASA's Space Center Houston to a museum focused on the history of funerals (yes, you read that right) and massive art exhibitons. There are sprawling outdoor spaces for nature lovers to explore year-round (even in sticky summers) and a brimming restaurant scene that rivals (and some say, thrashes) Dallas and Austin (particularly when it comes to Asian cuisine and brunch). You could call it an embarrassment of riches if it weren’t so darn entertaining here. Whatever your reason for touching down at IAH, the best things to do in Houston will keep you busy—here’s everything to check off your bucket list.

When kids are restless they get antsy and irritated, so why not avoid boredom altogether by taking them on an adventure in Chicago? With a sprawling skyline, lakeside location and endless activities to check out, the Windy City is a top-tier place to explore with kids. The city is home to plenty of children's museums and parks to entertain your little one, and some of the most notable Chicago attractions are kid-friendly, too. Here’s our list of the best ways to have a blast with your kids, whether you’re in the North Side, West Side, South Side or right downtown. Some of these require a bit of travel to nearby suburbs, so get ready to pack the kids into the car and take off to make some new memories together—we’re willing to bet you’ll have just as much fun as the kiddos. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best things to do in Chicago

Maui might be Hawaii’s second-largest island, but most will agree that it comes on top of the pile when talking about beaches and ocean-related excitement. This is paradise, after all, a dream island in the heart of the Central Pacific (not literally, the Pacific is flippin’ massive), all simmering volcanoes, shimmering beaches, and the rest. If you want to experience Hawaii at its most, well, ‘Hawaii’, Maui is the place to go. Don’t be fooled into thinking this place is all about the magical combination of sun, sea, and sand. There is innovation here, best experienced in a blossoming culinary scene and a craft beer community that isn’t afraid to take a chance or two on their brews. After all, if it doesn’t work, you can hang out on the beach and reflect. Or go snorkeling, surfing, paddling, whatever you want. These are the best things to do in Maui. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Las Vegas. Just mentioning the name of the city conjures a mental picture of bright neon lights, huge hotels and countless casinos. Frequently referred to as Sin City, movies like The Hangover have done little to repeal its reputation of being a 24-hour epicenter of indulgence. There are tons of great things to do in Veas, and Nevada's biggest city draws an average of more than 36 million visitors every year. Most think of The Strip as being Vegas, however, this is just one small part. The name Las Vegas is Spanish for 'the meadows' as once upon a time, it was abundant with wild grasses, plus there's a natural desert spring, making it a key location for the journey westward. This was also instrumental when construction began in 1931 on the Hoover Dam, the same year Nevada legalized casino gambling. Vegas served as both a home to many workers and an opportunity to blow off steam and spend their hard-earned. Consequently, there's a lot more history behind the self-proclaimed Entertainment Capital of the World than you probably realize. The best things to do in Las Vegas run the gamut from seriously entertaining to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Las Vegas’ best attractions and museums. Hungry? You've come to the right place because there are tons of amazing restaurants in Las Vegas that highlight the city's rich and diverse culinary landscape, not to mention some of the world’s most amazing buffets. Take in a night of world-class entertainment

The best waterparks in Miami offer sweet, sweet relief from the heat, which—if you’ve spent any time in this city, you know sticks around about 11 months out of the year. Sure, the Miami beaches are also a refuge from the weather, but there’s nothing like plunging into an icy pool to really cool off. It also helps that South Florida waterparks double as great things to do with kids in Miami. Water slides, splash zones and lazy rivers—it’s practically a no-brainer when it comes to finding family-friendly fun. Inexpensive and accessible from most neighborhoods, these Miami waterparks range from over-the-top attractions you can spend all day enjoying to smaller outfits tucked away in local Miami parks and community centers. Below, our picks of city’s must-visit waterparks. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami

NYC is not just for grownups! There are so many things to do in New York with kids that are fun for the whole family. Locals know that kids in NYC have access to a dizzying array of playgrounds and visitors will find that the city has tons of kid-friendly attractions and museums. Kids can play to their heart's content while getting fresh air with a range of outdoor activities, or keep it indoors when the weather isn’t cooperating. Kids can have a grand old time at real-deal NYC pizza joints and fun, kid-friendly restaurants. Baseball games, ice cream shops, kid-friendly Broadway shows, Coney Island, story time… the list is endless. While you probably won’t exhaust this list any time soon, there are tons of options for kids in the greater NY region too, like family-friendly hiking trails and biking trails, and kid-approved day trips and weekend getaways. With all the things to do with kids in NYC across the five boroughs, they’ll be worn out and so will you — and you definitely deserve a stop at one of NYC’s kid-friendly bars.

Atlanta conjures up images of Southern charm, hot nights, great food, hip hop, history and more. With all the things to do in this sprawling city, it’s no wonder Atlanta is one of the best cities in America to visit. The nickname “Hotlanta” doesn’t just refer to sweltering summer days and nights, it also reflects the cutting-edge restaurants, acclaimed bars and hotspots that keep people coming back (and staying permanently). Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to check out the best Atlanta attractions — we’ve got them all right here for you. On the cultural side of things, Atlanta has amazing museums that cover everything from Jimmy Carter to Civil Rights to Coca-Cola to Trap music. Don’t miss visiting these museums to learn about the unique culture of the South (and more). The city also has plenty of attractions focused on entertainment and other pursuits. Atlanta has famous fast food joints that draw visitors for more than just a bite to eat, a great zoo and aquarium, beautiful parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, and a state-of-the-art stadium. These Atlanta attractions are worth revisiting again and again. After you’ve had your fill of Southern fare — you can’t visit Atlanta without eating your way through the best BBQ joints or diving into hearty plates of biscuits or fried chicken at a breakfast spot — work it all off by touring these parks, museums and other great attractions that the city has to offer. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do

A relatively tiny city by Texan standards, San Antonio was traditionally a short day trip from Austin or Houston. The city has bulked up over the years, however, and the list of best things to do in San Antonio has grown in tandem; today, you can’t get away with exploring the city in a single afternoon because San An is a bonafide weekend getaway. Long before San Antonio earned its place on national travel lists, visitors flocked to this culturally-explosive city to float down the charming River Walk, to experience Tejano culture, and of course, to ‘Remember the Alamo!’ As years passed, San Antonio grew (adding about 100,000 new residents over the past decade) and its attractions expanded to include buzzy new neighborhoods, cultural experiences, and a thriving culinary scene to boot. What’s the best way to fill up your weekend escape? Proving its status as one of Texas’ premier travel destinations, the best things to do in San Antonio range from historic excursions to exciting bars and restaurants—here’s everything worth checking off your list.

You don’t have to get on a plane to feel like you’re in another country. Southern California is dotted with gorgeous, quaint destinations perfect for a weekend getaway from L.A. These easy, affordable road trips are all within a three-hour scenic drive (or ferry ride) of the city. Once you arrive at your destination, partake in things that Californians do best: beach-lounging, wine-drinking, hiking and dining. Oh and there’s some pretty good shopping and thrifting in the mix too. Let these weekend getaways from L.A. be your roadmap to a magical world within SoCal.  RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from L.A. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

If any place could be described both as a wild west filled with undiscovered gems, and as a well-trodden tourist trap to be navigated with care, it’s Miami Beach. People from all over the world aspire to spread a towel over its pristine sands, frolick in its warm waters and party at South Beach’s notorious nightclubs. But even if you live here, it’s easy to get lost in the madness of Miami Beach and miss out on so many of the city’s best things to do and see. For starters, some of the best restaurants in Miami are in Miami Beach—and not just the fancy ones in the big hotels. From quaint cafes to contemporary art museums, botanical gardens to lit drag brunches, there’s something for everyone in Miami Beach. You just have to know where to look, and we’ve already done that part for you! Read on for our fully vetted guide to the best things to do in Miami Beach.

From coast to coast, the most beautiful cities in the U.S. prove that this country truly is America the Beautiful. Sure, a long list of things to do throughout the states includes natural wonders, amazing restaurants, and impressive architecture, but you'll find that certain cities have it all plus stunning looks to back it up.Heavy-hitters like New York and Los Angeles are the most obvious of the bunch. They're picture-perfect melting pots of cultures, unique neighborhoods, top museums, and cutting edge style. But even smaller cities, from California to Florida, are just as lovely. Take Las Vegas and Miami, for example, both of which stimulate the senses with glitz, glamour, and sparkling scenery. Then there’s New Orleans, where every single day is a celebration of culture and music (not to mention fantastic architecture), while cities like Nashville and Charleston offer history and entertainment all wrapped up in a pretty package. RECOMMENDED: The best places to live in the U.S. Whether you’re a museum hopper drawn to a city’s unique past, an urban trend-seeker looking to check out next-gen coffee and record shops, or someone in need of a first-class getaway packed with cool adventures and sweet places to stay, you'll find the city of your dreams in our list of the most beautiful cities in the U.S.

If everything’s bigger in Texas, then everything’s mahoosive in Dallas. Y’all need to carve out some solid dates when in town, because there’s plenty to keep everyone busy, no matter what their interests. Let’s begin with the stuff that Dallas is best known for. The Dallas Cowboys, champions of the AT&T Stadium; actual cowboys, saddling up at the rodeo; and of course, meat, served at Dallas’ best restaurants and BBQ joints. Cows aside, the Big D is packing everything else too (including vegan-friendly activity - phew!). From world-class art museums and botanical gardens, to hipster neighborhoods with a variety of dining options and all-welcoming watering holes, this is a metropolis with variety, no bull about it. Here’s the wide spectrum of fun that can be had in delicious Dallas. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Dallas