American Cities For The Best Weekend Of Your Life

No one can argue that a short getaway is in order after a long working week. Don't turn deciding where to go into an overwhelming problem. The cities on the following list have been selected based on several factors including how many opportunities they offer for entertainment, adventure, and relaxation, as well as accessibility and food scene.

If there is one city in the second largest state in the U.S. that you should make time to visit – other than Austin – it is San Antonio. Even the most capricious travelers will find it worthy. The food is outstanding, and the adventure and sightseeing opportunities never end. There is a lot to do and see – River Walk, the Alamo and SeaWorld are just a few. Taste some of the best Mexican food in all of the U.S. Explore the history at the Spanish colonial missions, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, and enjoy pulse-pounding rides at world-class theme parks. Don't miss attractions like the Museum of Art.

The Big Apple will never disappoint. The tourist attractions are countless, but you can easily find many off the radar spots to have an amazing experience. The number of activities for the young and old grows every day. Shopping doesn't get much better the Fifth Avenue, live shows don't get better than those on Broadway, and the food is rarely a miss. The city literally never sleeps – visit a museum anytime, go bar-hopping all night, or crash a random rooftop party.

This is definitely a city to take the family. The fact that the weather stays fairy the same year-round only makes it more attractive for outdoor adventures. Visit Golden Gate Park, have a picnic, let your children play on the playground and view the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. Take the family to a floating national park – the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The city ranked among the very top in the concert category. Wander up a random staircase to climb the city's famous hills. Bonus: The wonderful Carmel-by-the-Sea, the gorgeous sleepy coastal town, is just two hours south of San Francisco.

This could be an easy weekend getaway destination or the ultimate city for a partygoer (considering there are so many college students around). It's one the best walkable cities in the country with Chinatown-Leather District, Bay Village, and Beacon Hill being the top neighborhoods. Don't miss the iconic Fenway park (and catch a game if you can), Boston Common, and the Freedom Trail. This historic city should be on every American's travel bucket list; it's home to the country's first subway system, public school and public park.

Known for its jazz heritage and incredible barbecue, Kansas City, a somewhat underappreciated city, is not only a cheap weekend getaway but an exciting one, too. This is the perfect family-friendly destination. Take the kids to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, enjoy Free Friday Night Flicks at Crown Center, view tons of wildlife in William M. Klein Park, and explore nature at the Lakeside Nature Center. Make sure you have time to tour Boulevard Brewing; taste drinks you can't get elsewhere.

This is definitely a city where history buffs will have a blast. Start with Independence Hall where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. There are also plenty of modern-day things to do. Don't leave without trying a cheesesteak sandwich at both Pat's and Geno's (and let us know which one you like more), running up the Rocky stairs before you visit the art museum. The nightlife and its live-music scene are a blast as well.

Considering that Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, do you expect it to be quiet and boring? The weather is incredible year-round; the sun shines more than 300 days a year. Biking on the scenic Boulder Creek Path is just one way to enjoy this beautiful mountain town. Visitors also enjoy hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains and downhill skiing at Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. In the summer kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking is popular. In the winter, snowboarding is a common interest. Go hiking at Chautauqua regardless of the season.

The desert town draws in artists, healers and wanderers, while the surrounding landscape brings active people who love the outdoors. Adventurers are also drawn by its beautiful red rock formations and the energy vortices rumored to exist there. Take to Submarine Rock on a mountain bike, head off the beaten path with ATVs, and hike Red Rock State Park. Sedona is also popular for its hundreds of hiking trails and world-class spas. Wine tasting along the Verde Valley Wine Trail is a must.

Austin is absolutely beautiful any time of year and a perfect vacation destination for people who love adventure. The city has warm weather nearly year-round, making recreational activities a favorite pastime for residents and visitors. On hot days you can cool off by kayaking on the river, go swimming, or take out a boat to a nearby lake. Austin also has a bustling nightlife, gorgeous sunrises, delicious food, and incredible festivals.

The Second City is an ideal destination for boaters. In fact, going on an architecture boat tour is a must. During the summer, residents have plenty of lakes to choose from, including the fifth largest in the world, Lake Michigan. Spring is the time to go to enjoy the annual flower and garden show, which lures more than 40,000 garden enthusiasts and newbies every year from across the Midwest. Chicago is one of the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July, it won't break the bank if you go there for Labor Day, and it has some of the best bike paths in the country. Comedy shows are lots of fun and the bar scene is outstanding. Tip: Don't ever ask to put ketchup on your hotdog. 

Tourists who want to have an enjoyable weekend binging on great food and even better music on a modest budget should consider Nashville. There is plenty of free music, and the city hosts many cultural attractions that will entertain you throughout the weekend. Take a guided tour of all the foodie hotspots with Walk Eat Nashville. Listen to music at the famous Bluebird Café, visit the Tennessee Agricultural Museum, watch free concerts by the Nashville Symphony, and take a stroll along the Music City Walk of Fame – all for free. Take your adult friends and have fun at whiskey tastings at distilleries.

Honolulu is absolutely stunning year-round and makes a visit worth your time and money. It's a great place to escape the snow and see historical landmarks such as the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S. It is also the ultimate family paradise. Try a new water sport, go scuba diving and snorkeling. Have some fun in the sun at Waikiki beach, take pictures by the beautiful Manoa Falls and walk the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Then, take a private tour, visit the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and learn more about history at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the Diamond Head State Monument and the Honolulu Museum of Art.   

Some call Portland the best beer city in the country, if not the world. A vacation destination that won't break the bank, Portland is ideal for anyone who wants to combine eating delicious food right after embarking on active adventures such as hiking in a forest or biking around the city's many parks.

This is probably the ultimate wild party city in the country. It's also famous for its gorgeous beaches, delicious foods, and most importantly, its year-round incredible weather. According to TripAdvisor, Miami, nicknamed "America's Riviera," encompasses the warmest ocean temperature in the U.S. mainland, which makes it the perfect spot for a beach vacation all year long. The average temperature in the winter ranges from 75F.

This is one of the richest cultural cities in the country; it's like an art paradise for the soul. With bars and night clubs around every corner having fun is unavoidable. Escape the snow with great music and unforgettable food. The city is famous all over the world for its jazz, zydeco, blues, Cajun & funk events. The street to listen to the best music is the Frenchmen Street. If you're not interested in Mardi Gras mania, plan to visit in December or January. Just make sure you don't make these mistakes.