Lauren Dana

While there is lots to love about world-renowned art museums like the Louvre and the Uffizi Galleries, you don’t necessarily need to leave the country to admire incredible works. In fact, America boasts some of the world’s most impressive art museums, highlighting a number of different mediums (think mixed media, sculptures, photography, paintings, and more) genres (from abstract to Renaissance and beyond). What’s more, these anything-but-boring boast captivating exhibits and galleries that are sure to impress art enthusiasts, and many offer bonus features like sculpture gardens, rooftops and, in some cases, free admission. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite art museums across the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The weirdest museums in the U.S.10 immersive experiences in the U.S.

It’s no secret that the U.S. is teeming with incredible winter wonderlands and epic ski towns—but what if we told you these locales are especially charming in the summertime, too? What’s more, many of the top U.S. winter destinations offer dozens—if not more—of fun-filled outdoor adventures come summer, including but not limited to hiking, biking, paddling and, in some cases, rock climbing, fly fishing. Plus, some places have even more unique offerings, such as wildlife safaris, hot air balloon rides, and dog sledding (yes, really). Several also offer incredibly underrated arts and culture scenes, while others are burgeoning food and drink destinations. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best U.S. destinations worth visiting in the summertime, from Sun Valley to Stowe and beyond. RECOMMENDED: The best East Coast beach towns perfect for a summer vacation

Those looking to retreat to nature—or essentially anyone craving some outdoor adventure—should consider staying at a ranch resort in the U.S. These eclectic properties offer ample action-packed activities—think horseback riding, archery and fly-fishing. While the rustic accommodations run the gamut from log cabins to cozy rooms and suites to glamping units. Depending on the specific property, some are more luxe than others. As you scroll through our list of the top ranch resorts, you’ll notice a handful of them are all-inclusive—which provides excellent value—while others are a la carte. Keep in mind that some of these properties may also be referred to as “dude ranches,” which, per the Dude Ranchers Association (which, yes, is a thing), is described as “an all-inclusive immersive vacation that includes lodging, meals, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and more.” From a working cattle ranch in Montana to a family-friendly oasis in New York, here are the best luxury ranch resorts and dude ranches across the country. RECOMMENDED: The best national parks in the U.S.The best extreme adventure vacations in America  

The Heart of America doesn’t get the attention afforded to larger Midwest cities like Chicago and St. Louis, but the best things to do in Kansas City showcase a town packed with character, culture, and culinary charm. Sports, music, food, and arts take top billing, and the city is filled with gorgeous walks and beautiful fountains. They don’t call it the City of Fountains for no reason. KC embraced free public transportation in 2020, making it incredibly easy to get around to see the city’s attractions. If you want to punctuate your sightseeing with delicious food and crisp craft beers, you are on the right track. This is Kansas City, a city of heritage, history, and a whole lot of fun. 🛏️ Check out the best Airbnbs in Kansas City🏨 Check in at the best Kansas City hotels

Welcome to Memphis, ‘Home of the Blues’, where the live music is great and the BBQ is (arguably) even better. Tennessee cities like Nashville are only getting more popular as destinations, and this historic southwestern Tennessee city has become well-loved for its fascinating history and thriving arts and culture scene. It helps that Memphis is the home of the legendary Sun Studio (where Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley both recorded albums), and the music has been flowing ever since. Simply stroll through Beale Street to get completely absorbed in the culture – jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll sing from every corner. From fascinating museums to vintage train rides, here are the best things to do in Memphis right now.  RECOMMENDED:🍗 The best restaurants in Memphis📍 The best things to do in Memphis🏨 The best hotels in Memphis🌆 Our ultimate guide to Tennessee

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.) As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.) Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike. RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

With summer fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to start planning your next beach vacation. However, since America is home to over 12,000 miles of shoreline and 5,000-plus public beaches, finding the ideal oceanfront retreat is, well, no easy feat. However, some of the country’s best stretches of sand may be closer than you think—especially if you live near the East Coast. What’s more, the country’s Eastern Seaboard is home to dozens of charming beach towns that rival some of the ones you’d find on the West Coast (sorry, not sorry), each with its own distinct feel. From an arty enclave near Miami to a Maine hideaway that looks like it's been plucked straight from a Nancy Meyers rom-com, we’ve narrowed down the best East Coast beach towns along the Atlantic coast. RECOMMENDED: The 21 coziest cabins on Airbnb near NYC

As culinary tourism becomes increasingly popular, it’s safe to say that a destination’s food and drink offerings can easily make or break one’s vacation. However, you don’t necessarily need to travel too far from home to experience unique cuisine and beverage offerings, and that’s because the U.S. boasts a bevy of unique food and drink trails. Whether you prefer to sip margaritas in Santa Fe, slurp oysters in North Carolina, or chow down on barbecue in Alabama, the best food and drink trails across America offer something for every traveler. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorites across the States to inspire your future food-filled adventures. There's never been a better time to hit the road hungry. RECOMMENDED: The best food tours in the USAThe best gas station snacks ranked

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.

Summer is essentially synonymous with camp if you're a kid—just think back to your childhood and picture warm, sunny afternoons out on the water or in the woods. But that doesn't mean the fun stops when you grow up, and we don't mean taking up a job as a counselor. Feeling nostalgic for the good ol' days? Consider attending an adult summer camp in the U.S., where you can partake in classic outdoor adventures like kayaking and archery, albeit with a grown-up flair (think: mimosas or Bloody Marys at breakfast, cocktails in the evening and that include arts and crafts and spirits tasting). Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best adult summer camps across America—ultra-luxe offerings included.

You’re never far from good food in Portland.  A ton of very talented chefs now reside in Portland, cooking up innovative snacks to really put it on the map, and as a diverse city, there’s pretty much every kind of cuisine you can imagine here. And luckily enough, we’ve tasted it all. Every last dish. So on our list, you’ll find everything from small plates and pasta to Peruvian and Southern biscuits. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Portland’s got it. Here are the best restaurants in the city right now. We hope you’re hungry! RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Portland🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Portland🏨 The best hotels in Portland At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

It’s no secret that America's natural hot springs are renowned for their healing properties. In fact, experts believe these mineral-rich waters can help boost circulation, improve hypertension, alleviate stress, help with pain and reduce inflammation—that is, among a slew of other health benefits. And besides, who doesn’t enjoy a rejuvenating soak, especially following a strenuous hike or high-energy activity? If you need more convincing, we’ve got you covered: From under-the-radar picks in Nevada to ultra-scenic spots in Alaska, to a centuries-old historic haunt in Virginia, we’ve rounded up the best natural hot springs in the U.S. to inspire your future travels. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagrammable pools in the U.S.  

While major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Boston and Miami all offer plenty of Fourth of July fun, they can get quite crowded. Instead, escape the throngs of travelers by embarking on a last-minute getaway somewhere nearby. Below, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite Independence Day weekend getaways within easy driving distance of the aforementioned U.S. cities. From an oceanfront SoCal retreat to a quaint Rhode Island town steeped in history, these last-minute July 4th vacation destinations truly offer something for everyone.  Traverse City, Michigan Situated along the coast of Lake Michigan just four hours from Detroit and five hours from Chicago, Traverse City goes all out for Independence Day, with free events like an elaborate fireworks show, which, in our opinion, is best enjoyed out on the water via this Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise. The Fourth of July also coincides with the city’s weeklong National Cherry Festival. Taking place from June 29 through July 6, this fun, fruity festival celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage, vibrant culture and natural beauty (fun fact: Traverse City produces nearly half of the tart cherries in the U.S.). As part of the fun, visitors can partake in events such as the National Cherry Festival Airshow; live musical performances, parades, races and family-friendly programming are available, too. Also, be sure to carve out an afternoon to stroll through the city’s bustling downtown area, which is lined with ecl

Memorial Day weekend may be less than a week away, but it’s not too late to plan a last-minute escape. Fortunately, you don’t need to venture too far from home to experience an epic weekend getaway to ring in the unofficial start of summer. Ahead, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite Memorial Day weekend getaways, each within easy driving distance of major U.S. cities such as Miami, New York and Los Angeles. From a laid-back SoCal beach town where surf and sand reign supreme to a tranquil lakefront retreat in northwest Idaho, keep reading for our favorite last-minute Memorial Day weekend vacation spots for a spontaneous sojourn.  Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Named for the lake on which it lies, Coeur d’Alene is just under five hours from Seattle. The vibrant downtown area—home to over 100 quaint shops, restaurants and local businesses—is within easy walking distance of the lake. Out on the water, travelers can go fishing, rafting, jet-skiing and water skiing; alternatively, stay on land to soak up the sunny weather or enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride at the lakefront City Park, the Canfield Mountain Natural Area or the Coeur d'Alene National Forest. Meanwhile, golfers can perfect their swing at the course at Coeur d’Alene Resort, where you'll find the one and only “Floating Green,” described by the property as “the first and only floating, movable island golf green” that “changes position via an intricate, underwater cable system. Where to stay: Open since 2021, One Lakeside Resort

What’s more tempting than a Thanksgiving feast? Skipping the festivities altogether. This Thanksgiving, why not bypass the stress of cooking an entire meal, hosting your family and all the other necessary bits to celebrate a holiday? Instead, enjoy a relaxing Turkey Day escape close to home. We’ve rounded up five incredible Thanksgiving getaways within easy driving distance of major U.S. cities, including Miami, New York and Los Angeles. You’ll find these spots are under a five-hour drive—or a quick flight if holiday road trips are not your thing. Plus, each place has a distinct charm, natural beauty, fantastic food and drink offerings and noteworthy attractions. West Palm Beach, FL Often overlooked in favor of its swankier cousin, Palm Beach, this hip city still feels like a hidden gem (for now, at least). Its arty downtown area is home to The Square, an arts and culture hub that’s also brimming with some of the destination’s best shops, bars and restaurants like Barrio, El Camino and the recently opened Galley, as well as outposts of famed NYC staples Harry’s and Felice. Every Saturday between November and May, the city hosts an antiques and flea market; the GreenMarket also takes place on Saturdays between October and April. To get here from Miami, hop on I-95 (75 minutes, depending on traffic) or ditch the car altogether and hop on the high-speed Brightline train (also 75 minutes).  Where to stay: The Ben, Autograph Collection is a trendy hotel just minutes from the heart