Top 10: Summer Destinations USA

1.  Oahu, Hawai'i:  Waikiki, Honolulu, the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, this island has it all.  Oahu is the ideal vacation destination with its beautiful beaches, excellent weather conditions, and variety of attractions for all ages.  After a day touring around the island, nothing says summer like a drink on a resort balcony over-looking the water as the sun sets on your day in paradise.  It's a simple choice and it's the top choice.

2.  Seattle, Washington:  A hidden gem, and a close second.  This Northwest city is commonly known for its heavy rainfall, but in the summer the beautiful colors of the trees, the water, and the mountains wipe away those rainy days.  Enjoy a day on the lake basking in the hot sun and fresh air, then head downtown to enjoy some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.







3. South Florida (Miami, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale):  Other than the humidity this part of the country boasts some of the best conditions in the country.  Warm weather, warm water, and even warmer women, this Caribbean location is a hot spot for those looking for a good time.  It is also an attractive destination for the elder folk due to its warmth and wonderful golf courses.  Make sure you spend some time in the shade during the day though, the sun can drain your energy needed to rebound for the infamous nightlife in South Beach. 




4.  Cape Cod:  Much like Seattle, this northern-coastal area is a hidden gem.  A little more reserved for elderly folk, Cape Cod has some of the most beautiful homes and yards in the country.  A cold drink on the patio with the barbeque going caps off a relaxing day.  A phenomenal place to hold a wedding ceremony as well.

5.  San Francisco, California:  An obvious choice for this list.  This bay area city has been a staple for summer travelers and with good reason.  The weather, amount of attractions downtown, and the appealing views of the bay are just a few of "the City's" highlights.  Personally, a day game at AT&T Park to watch the defending World Champion Giants is a nice way to spend an afternoon, topped off by quality dining downtown.

6.  Chicago, Illinois:  The Midwest doesn't get a lot of attention but Chicago is a different story.  Such a well rounded city with its beautiful skyline, passionate sports fans, and great dining, Chicago is a standard choice for a summer vacation.  My suggestion:  skip the Oprah studios, throw on some flip flops, and snag some bleacher seats for a day game at Wrigley to watch the Cubbies.

7.  New York City, New York:  It's New York, should be a good enough reason to make the list.  Nonetheless, the Big Apple provides a world of entertainment attractions that will keep you busy.  Catch a Yankee game, pay your respects to 9/11, check out MSG, Grand Central, Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Coney Island, do it all but leave the Trump Tower off your list.

8.  Las Vegas, Nevada:  What would this list be without Vegas?  An obvious attraction destination,  Vegas stands alone when it comes to entertainment.  Not at the top of my list, but I'll be there this summer and we'll see where it stands after that, if I can remember.








9.  Los Angeles, California:  The hometown, well somewhat.  Great weather, beaches, entertainment, this Southern California city has it all, but maybe too much.  Downtown can get congested with all the hoopla surrounding this "star-studded" city, but the beaches and nightlife rank atop the best in the country.

10.  San Diego, California:  Known for its great weather and beaches, this most-southern California city sits close to Mexico but has a peaceful feel to it.  It boasts attractions like Sea World, Legoland and the San Diego Zoo but it's best attraction is its coastline.  Enjoy a day at the beach and make sure you stay for one of the best sunset's you will ever see.






Honorable Mentions:  Denver, Colorado; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Washington D.C.