Best US Cities for Summer Vacations
With temperatures warming across the States, there’s no denying that summer is upon us. If you have school-aged children, the exact start-date of summer as you know it probably coincides with the last day of school (a beautiful and terrifying day). You may suddenly be wondering just what to do with your family this summer. It’s the season for family vacations, but where to? Our favorite destinations for the summer of 2016 offer the perfect combination of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, high-quality entertainment, and education. Planning the perfect vacation is about more than just deciding where to go and how long to stay. To make your dream summer vacation more affordable be sure to pick up a money-saving attraction pass. Go City Cards and Explorer Passes, by Smart Destinations, are available in 13 U.S. cities – including Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Antonio, Oahu, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington DC. Save up to 55% on top attractions, museums, tours, and more.
Below we listed just a few of these great cities where you can enjoy big savings and discounts on many of the top attractions each city has to offer. Enjoy!
San Diego Vacations
San Diego’s Balboa Park (an attraction in itself) plays host to dozens of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where panda bears play and bonobos show off their intellect. You’ll also find a plethora of museums here, such as the San Diego Museum of Man, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the Model Railroad Museum—among many others. However, you should also make time for a bit of beach hopping and outdoor adventure. Hop aboard a San Diego Harbor Tour or paddle around La Jolla Cove in your kayak with La Jolla Bike and Kayak Tours. Southern California’s relaxing beach town vibe is just the kind of atmosphere that will help you wind down and enjoy your time off. Perhaps even the kids will catch on to the mellowed out mood.
Los Angeles Vacations
Head up to Los Angeles, and you’ll find yourself in the city of showbiz in its prime. A trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is always an exciting time, and this summer you’ll enjoy new attractions like Fast & Furious - Supercharged, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and its complementary play zone, Super Silly Fun Land. You can also make good use of a Go Los Angeles Card in the popular Santa Monica beach community at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, and a Santa Monica bike rental for a beautiful ride along Ocean Front Walk.
San Francisco Vacations
‘The City by the Bay’ is the perfect setting for some summertime fun! With that nice, cool Pacific Ocean breeze, you’ll want to embrace the outdoors. Rent some bikes and experience riding across the Golden Gate Bridge! See the spectacular living museum of rare and beautiful tropical plants at the Conservatory of Flowers. One of our favorite summertime tour? The Wine Country Tour, of course!
Oahu Vacations
Beautiful Hawaii has the optimal weather year-round, making them masters of outdoor activties. Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Snorkel the North Shore, and Makani Catamaran Sail are summertime favorites. The lush natural surroundings of Oahu make for a truly unforgettable vacation experience.
Miami Vacations
A diverse, metropolitan city, Miami is home to glorious beaches, an affluent art scene, gorgeous parks, and alluring outdoor activities. Experience the most exotic outdoor attractions – be transported to Jungle Island and visit some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals, take an Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Tour. Take the Key West Day Trip and get a taste of this Caribbean atmosphere as street artists, outdoor cafes, and restaurants enchant you.
Orlando Vacations
Home to some of the most notorious theme parks, Orlando is a playground for kids and adults. Home to favorites such as SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and the Fun Spot Action Park, your entire family will have an unforgettable experience this summer! Discover the incredible eco-systems of the Everglades in an unique and thrilling Boggy Creek Airboat Tour. Celebrate the magic of LEGOS with rides, shows, sculptures and much more at LEGOLAND Florida.
Chicago Vacations
In the Midwest, Chicago is the summer hot spot of choice. There’s a lot going on this summer, so a Go Chicago Card will come in handy. The city’s newest and most beloved public space, Millennium Park, is often showcasing arts, culture, design, music, and more. The annual Jazz Fest celebration will be held here in this summer, featuring world-class jazz musicians. Navy Pier, one of the Midwest’s most popular attractions hosts a fireworks display every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer, lighting up the sky above Lake Michigan. It’s also the perfect season to enjoy an Architecture River Cruise or marvel at the views on a Skyline Lake Tour.
Boston Vacations
One of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is known for its historical sites, sports culture, beautiful bays, and renowned museums. Some of the best summer attractions include the Freedom Trail Walking Tour, which takes you to some of the most infamous Boston sites, the USS Constitution Cruise, and the Swan Boats of Boston in the Public Garden. One of the best things about Boston as a travel destination is that its small size makes transportation easy, and you can see a lot in just a few days.
New York City Vacations
Alas, the East Coast has its own unique summer energy. New York, you know we’d never forget about you. Summer is without a doubt NYC’s busiest season, and we can’t blame everyone for wanting to be part of the action. Numerous cultural, ethnic, and just plain fun festivals take to the streets—the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, Museum Mile Festival, National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Make Music New York, and Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade come to mind. Use a New York City Explorer Pass to get convenient access to top summer attractions like the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, and the awe-inspiring Statue of Liberty Night Cruise.
Go City Cards Available in 10 Cities
The Go City Card, by Smart Destinations, is currently offered in 10 U.S. cities - including Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Oahu, Orlando, San Diego, and San Francisco. Make sure to check out what discount attractions, special offers, and convenient perks your family will receive when you travel with a Go City Card attraction pass.
