No time to head overseas this summer, or maybe it’s just not in the budget? No problem!
The U.S. is filled with destinations where the scenery and culture are completely different than here at home. Skip the passport fees (nearly $500 for a family of four) and customs at the airport, and get in line for fun. These places feel a world away without leaving the U.S.
Florida Keys
Instead of St. Bart’s or Aruba, consider our more budget-friendly version of the Caribbean: the Florida Keys.
Even if you only have a few days, it’s only a one-hour drive from Miami International Airport to Key Largo, the northernmost of the Florida Keys. Enjoy the outdoors by kayaking or snorkeling in John Pennekamp State Park. The natural hotel choice is the Hilton Key Largo (pictured below) with its beautiful stretch of white-sand beach. Kick back at the beachfront tiki bar and drink in the sunset, or play a few games of tennis.
Got a few more days? Head two hours south to Key West. Hemingway fell in love with the quirky culture of the “Conch Republic,” and a tour of the Hemingway House and its famous six-toed cats is a must-see destination. Another hotel that will make you forget you’re on the mainland is the aptly named Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort (pictured below), one hour north of Key West in the town of Marathon. Gulf-side beachfront townhouses are decorated in upscale island décor. There are two large landscaped pools, one for families and one for adults only, and a pristine beach area with a laid-back patio bar/restaurant.
The area’s namesake key lime pie is a favorite souvenir, but I prefer wearing my gifts home. Don’t leave Key West without stopping at Kino Sandal Factory. You’ll find a wide variety of quality leather sandals, made on site, for only $13. At that price, if the shoe fits, get it in every color! It’s a great reminder of the laid-back island attitude you’ll find in the Florida Keys.
Puerto Rico
Beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, fantastic galleries and a rainforest are found in this commonwealth of the U.S. It’s a great chance to try out your high school Spanish—but don’t worry, because both English and Spanish are official languages on THE ISLAND, as it’s known.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element at the Rainforest & Oceanview Inn near El Yunque, the USA’s only national subtropical rainforest. Don’t forget to wear your bathing suit when hiking El Yunque’s trails, which meander past waterfalls and swimmable lagoons. If you’re up for a more extreme adventure, go ziplining at JungleQui Rainforest Eco Adventure Park or horseback riding or ATV’ing at Carabali Rainforest Park.
Are you a culture vulture? If you say “si,” then San Juan’s your best bet. Casinos, art galleries and beautiful beaches abound. San Juan’s DoubleTree Hilton is a hip, yet comfortable, budget-friendly hotel just minutes from historic Old San Juan and two blocks from the beach.
Puerto Rico’s second largest city, Ponce, is just over an hour from San Juan on a drive that offers spectacular mountain views. The beachfront Hilton Ponce is a five-minute drive from the historic colonial district and has plenty for every age and interest, with golf, tennis, a waterpark and plenty of games, as well as giant chess for the kids and the lure of the casino for the adults.
San Antonio, Texas
Remember the Alamo? If not, consider visiting San Antonio, known for its Spanish-American architecture and Tex-Mex cuisine. Get your history lesson at the Alamo, the Lone Star State’s top tourist destination, where Texans were overrun by Mexican soldiers in 1836.
Then see how Mexican culture continues to thrive at El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the U.S. It’s part of Market Square, a colorful, three-block area of restaurants, shops and art galleries. Take a break from shopping at the Square’s best-known restaurant, Mi Tierra, famous since the 1940s for its authentic Mexican cuisine.
After exploring American history and Mexican influences, stroll along San Antonio’s famed River Walk past shops, museums and parks. Across from the River Walk is San Antonio’s grand dame, the historic Menger Hotel, the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi, a fine place to soak in the city’s culture.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Brew City celebrates the heritage of its largest immigrant population every July at German Fest. Some of the most authentic German food you’re going to find, outside of Bavaria, is at Mader’s. They’ve been serving schnitzel, sauerbraten and strudel to dignitaries and celebrities, including John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Britney Spears, since they opened in 1902. It’s not just the menu that’s authentic. Wooden picnic tables, wall hangings and stained glass make you feel like you’ve been transported to Munich.
Top photo: El Yunque (Courtesy of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.)
