By now, you’ve rested up from the holidays and the sun is starting to rise earlier, which means spring is just around the corner. That means spring break, summer vacation, and a couple of long weekends when you will want to get out of dodge. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with the whole family, here are 10 top vacation spots to visit in 2014.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is U.S. News & World Report readers’ top choice for best places to visit in the USA, and we couldn’t agree more. A prime spot for nature lovers, history lovers, and wildlife watchers, Yellowstone covers more than 2.2 million acres in northwest Wyoming. With plenty of campgrounds and lodges, it’s a perfect destination for families and others who want to spend a few days off the grid.
2. Hocking Hills, Ohio
Buzzfeed named Hocking Hills, Ohio, one of world’s top under-the-radar places to visit in 2014. This area, known as “Ohio’s Scenic Wonderland” is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Explore the region’s stunning natural rock formations, hike in Hocking Hills State Park, and get your thrills on world-class ziplines. End the day with some star-gazing from the private patio hot tub of your secluded Hocking Hills cabin.
3. Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast
Lonely Planet named Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast its number one travel destination for this year. Grand Rapids is one of the country’s best beer cities, and the Gold Cost features 300 miles of sparkling beaches…and wineries! Like Hocking Hills, this area has long been a well-kept, locals-only secret, but now the word is out—so visit soon, before the masses descend.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
For history buffs and baseball lovers, Boston is a perennial favorite. Refresh your American history by walking the Freedom Trail, check out the new exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts, and watch the defending World Series champions play at Fenway Park. And, of course, eat your fill of baked beans and New England clam chowder.
5. Savannah, Georgia
You will feel transported back in time by the architecture and Southern hospitality of Savannah, also known as “The Hostess City.” Savannah has thriving arts, music, and food scenes—but to enjoy them, you have to pull yourself away from the local bourbon or mint julep you are enjoying on the covered verandah of your former-mansion-turned-hotel.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is no longer just for gamblers and those wanting a glimpse of the seedy side of life. Today, the city known as “America’s Playground” is a top destination for families, foodies, and theater-lovers alike. Sure, you can still get married by an Elvis impersonator and gorge at an all-you-can-eat late-night buffet, but you can also have a fun-filled vacation complete with Cirque du Soleil shows, roller coaster rides, and some of the country’s best shopping.
7. Portland, Oregon
Maybe it’s the green spaces on every corner, or the excellent collection of local brews (both beer and coffee), but Portland may very well be the country’s friendliest city. Enjoy big city entertainments at small city prices and a food scene that is nearly unrivaled.
8. Lana’i, Hawaii
Another entry on Lonely Planet’s top destinations list, Lana’i is the smallest publicly accessible Hawaiian island. This isn’t the place for vacationers looking for excitement, but if you like pineapples, beaches, and island luxury, it might be the place for you. If you are planning a romantic getaway this year, Lana’i should be at the top of your list.
9. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Almost all the luxury of Martha’s Vineyard without the high price tag—Cape Cod is a tourist favorite for its slow pace and excellent seafood. In summer, Cape Cod is the perfect place to visit museums, take whale watching tours, and even do some celebrity watching.
10. Orlando, Florida
Finally, this list would not be complete without a nod to the city that boasts some of the top family destinations in the country. Orlando is the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and more. It is also a great destination for golfers and sun-seekers at any time of year.
Start planning your next vacation today!
Photo credits: Yellowstone by MatthiasKabel [CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0]; Ash Cave by Dustin M. Ramsey [CC-BY-SA-2.5]; Boston by Emmanuel Huybrechts [CC-BY-2.0]; Savannah by Billy Hathorn [CC-BY-SA-3.0 ]; Las Vegas by Lasvegaslover [CC-BY-3.0]; Portland by M.O. Stevens [CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0]; Cape Cod by Phillip Capper [CC-BY-2.0]; Orlando by David Bjorgen [CC-BY-SA-2.5]
