With 26 UNESCO-declared world heritage sites, charming colonial towns and dozens of thrilling cities, there's plenty to explore in this country of 109 million. Outside the cities, stunning Pacific beaches, stark deserts, mangrove swamps and swimming holes provide all you need for a relaxing, romantic or adventurous vacation. Captivating, cosmopolitan and chaotic Mexico City and the 32 states offer an incredible abundance of experiences, from laid-back and leisurely to upbeat to adrenalin-charging.
The festive city of San Juan is the perfect place to experience true Puerto Rican culture. Get to know its roots by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), which consists mostly of Spanish colonial buildings. Flesh out your self-guided history lesson with a visit to El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century citadel that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then reward yourself with a cooling dip at Luquillo or Carolina Beach, then a tasty tour of the Bacardi rum plant.
Puerto Rico offers the perfect balance of rum-soaked nightlife and tranquil retreat. The Spanish colonial buildings of San Juan set a perfect backdrop for a day of shopping and sightseeing. Hike the massive El Yunque rainforest to see waterfalls, stone towers, and colorful Puerto Rican wildlife. As far as beaches go, it doesn’t get better than the private sands of Isla de Vieques – particularly Mosquito Bay, where by moonlight the water glows blue-green thanks to magical microorganisms.
Is there anything better than stretching out like a cat in a warm patch of Jamaican sun? Only if you sprinkle your island vacation with a dash of adventure. Known fondly as “the land of wood and water,” Jamaica’s forests feature prime hiking and bird watching. History buffs can the heritage sites of Trelawny, while reggae and dancehall fans will love the authentic music clubs of Kingston. Montego Bay is perfect for snorkeling and shopping, while the spas of Ocho Rios can make any stresses melt away.
The DR delights visitors with its mix of white-sand beaches and "gingerbread" Victorian architecture. Nine hundred miles of Caribbean coastline make the Hispaniola Island country a beach-lover’s paradise. Day-trip to Puerto Plata and ride the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, or groove to the steel drum beats of Cabarete nightlife. The breezy palms and sparkling waters of Punta Cana make it a true tropical paradise.
Entertainment can be experienced in a variety of ways in Santiago de Cuba. Your ears may find comfort in the Casa de Las Tradiciones, a venue of the Trivoli neighborhood where Cuba's finest musicians gather for improvisation; your mouth, in Paladar Salon Tropical, where mainstays of the national cuisine arrive in generous portions; your eyes, in the Jardin de Los Helechos, home to a floral explosion of 90 types of orchids and 350 types of ferns.The gentile Tivolí district, some of Santiago de Cuba's most exciting ensembles, singers and soloists take turns improvising. Friday nights are reserved for straight-up, classic trova, à la Ñico Saquito and the like.
A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction with a backdrop of irresistible color. Walk El Malecón, the walkway bordering the ocean; visit Old Havana and the Catedral de San Cristóbal; and listen for salsa music, open-air bazaars and parties that last all night.
U.S. citizens still need to jump through a few hoops to visit Cuba, but as visitors from around the world know, the island offers fascinating opportunities for cultural exchange... and some simply amazing beaches. Havana is a balance of old-world architecture and contemporary nightlife. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Trinidad is a vision of Spanish colonial architecture and makes a great base for a visit to the hauntingly beautiful Valley of the Sugar Mills.
Lounging on smooth Caribbean sands can be more restorative than the most luxurious spa treatment. Stretches of white and black beaches spill into the coolest, bluest waters of your dreams. A Caribbean island is the perfect literal jumping off point for a snorkeling or dive excursion, and the sea life seems just as welcoming as the islanders themselves. Sipping a tropical a cocktail while the sun paints the sky in shades of tangerine, you’ll ask yourself: “Is this heaven?”
With a little bit of this and a little bit of that all mixed together with flair and panache, beautifully vibrant New Orleans has made the most of marks left by whomever was calling the shots during whatever era over the past few centuries. Hardly a hodgepodge, the result of such a distinctive blend of cultures is an enchanting cityscape, a set of unique traditions that continuously delight the world, and a jaunty way of living that must be experienced to be appreciated.
New York is a huge metropolis that attracts people from around the world, but at its heart, the diverse neighborhoods are what make the city so special. From the southern tip of Manhattan in the bustling Financial District to Harlem up north, every block is a destination in its own right with surprises around every corner. To really get a sense of the Big Apple, there’s no better way to experience the city than exploring a neighborhood.
San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.
Each of San Francisco's unique neighborhoods has its own collective personality shaped by its residents, topography and history. This diversity is one of the great hallmarks of the city, as well as its tradition for rebellion, and both make traversing San Francisco as a visitor an intriguing adventure that provides fresh discoveries for locals as well. While half of the city’s growth during the 19th century was due to the arrival of American immigrants, the balance was due to immigration from around the world. Today, the city's neighborhoods reflect this fact with their cosmopolitan flair and distinctive character.
You could spend months or years in Chicago and still not experience everything that this metropolis has to offer. Lively, diverse, vibrant and energetic describes both the city and its people. From skyscrapers to waterfronts to historic neighborhoods to shopping paradises, Chicago’s neighborhoods work together to create a multidimensional destination with unique experiences around every corner. The Windy City is home to movers and shakers including presidents, boxers, civil rights leaders, famed architects, business tycoons and iconic figures. It’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, shoppers, history buffs and everyone in between.
At the shore in Miami Beach, visitors can swim, surf and jet ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. You can also nap on the white sands, work on a tan or simply watch the beautiful people, especially at South Beach, a favorite of models and celebrities.
San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.
Having appeared in virtually countless TV and movie productions over the years, so many sites throughout Los Angeles are ingrained in our collective psyche - from the glamour of Hollywood and the palm tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills to the skyscrapers of downtown and the gorgeous coastline. Visiting for oneself, you’ll experience how Los Angeles feels much like a large collection of small towns connected across miles of wide boulevards and freeways. This city has a little bit of everything for everyone.
As you would expect, The Mountain State displays rustic charm with dramatic river gorges, large limestone caverns and spectacular mountain views. West Virginia hosts outdoor enthusiasts and family vacationers looking for fresh-air activities and serene mountain atmosphere. If stimulating city holidays are your preference, Charleston combines warm hospitality with a lovely riverside location. A family-friendly destination, you’ll discover children’s theatre, river park recreation and popular Bridge Road for shopping and dining. Smaller towns blend outdoor adventure with quaint village atmospheres. Set between the New, Greenbrier and Bluestone Rivers, Hinton is an historic rail town filled with turn-of-the-century architecture and a host of water activities at its doorstep – rafting, fishing, kayaking and more. In the heart of West Virginia, Summersville is a “Mountain Water Playground.” Its lakeside location encourages outdoor recreation from swimming and boating to scuba diving and rafting. And history buffs can trace Civil War battles throughout the states historic sites and state parks. Hiking or horseback riding along trails through deep hardwood forests is another family favorite, especially when you stop for a picnic along a clear mountain stream.
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