Ogunquit is a town on Maine’s southern coast. Ogunquit Beach, a long, sandy peninsula with grassy dunes, lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. Nearby, Marginal Way is a cliff walk with coastal views, benches, and a lighthouse. Musicals are staged at the Ogunquit Playhouse summer theater. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is known for its waterside sculptures and works by Maine-related artists.

Ogunquit is a town on Maine’s southern coast. Ogunquit Beach, a long, sandy peninsula with grassy dunes, lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. Nearby, Marginal Way is a cliff walk with coastal views, benches, and a lighthouse. Musicals are staged at the Ogunquit Playhouse summer theater. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is known for its waterside sculptures and works by Maine-related artists.

In Ogunquit, you'll find 3.5 miles of sandy beaches and coastline, where you can enjoy deep-sea fishing, whale watching, sailing, sea kayaking, hiking, or golfing. Your lodging choices range from B&Bs to fine hotels, resorts, and spas. You can shop an assortment of boutiques, gift shops, and antique shops and dine at several fine restaurants. Artists discovered Ogunquit's inspirational scenery more than a century ago. You can go gallery hopping, visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, or catch a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse, a grand old summer-stock theater.

Address: York County, Maine

Named for the remnants of glaciers from the ice age, Glacier National Park is located on the border of Canada and Montana. It is often called the "Crown of the Continent," because of its dizzying array of natural beauty. A favorite spot among hikers, the park features a variety of trails for all skill levels, ranging from the easy Trail of the Cedars (home to towering and beautiful cedars) to the challenging Grinnell Glacier (which offers sweeping views). What's more, the park boasts more than 700 lakes, numerous waterfalls, and two mountain ranges, spread across more than 1 million acres that shelter a variety of wildlife.

Aside from its breathtaking geological features, it's also home to a fair amount of history. The Going-to-the-Sun Road – a scenic, 50-mile drive through the park – is a National Historic Landmark and an engineering marvel that offers spectacular views, as well as access to popular hiking trails. Plus, many of the park's lodges, chalets, and hotels were constructed by the Great Northern Railway in the early 20th century and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Care to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site? You'll find that here, too: the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

To limit the number of people visiting the park, Glacier National Park implemented a ticketed entry system through Sept. 6, 2021, for certain park entrances. Other activities include backpacking, cycling, and camping. Diverse wildlife ranges from mountain goats to grizzly bears. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is in July and August. It is the peak season for visitors, with daytime temperatures averaging in the low 80s and nighttime temps dipping into the 40s

Address: Montana, United States

Martha's Vineyard, a Massachusetts island, sits in the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod. A longtime New England summer colony, it encompasses harbor towns and lighthouses, sandy beaches, and farmland. It's accessible only by boat or air. Vineyard Haven, on the eastern end, is a ferry port and the island's commercial center. Oak Bluffs has Carpenter Gothic cottages and an iconic carousel.

The triangle-shaped island – sitting about 8 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts – has been a secret summer hideaway of the rich and famous for more than a century. Today, the "Hollywood East" reputation is going strong thanks to frequent visitors like former President Barack Obama, David Letterman, and Bill Murray, among many others. But despite the all-star summer lineup, a laid-back lifestyle rules the island.

The main draw of rushing Vineyard visitors off the ferry is the chance to let their hair down for a long weekend. You'll find insanely expensive summer cottages and pricey restaurants in some corners of the island like Chilmark. But low-key towns and villages like Vineyard Haven and Menemsha are still predominantly focused on their marine industries and offer a more casual experience. Even the island's must-have souvenir – a Black Dog sweatshirt – is informal. So swap the stilettos for your scrappiest flat sandals, and do play it cool when you spy some film stars in Edgartown; everyone deserves a slice of a Vineyard vacation.

Address: Dukes County, Massachusetts

Monterey is a city on California’s rugged central coast. Its Cannery Row, a one-time center of the sardine-packing industry, was immortalized by novelist John Steinbeck. Today, it's a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants, and bars in converted factories. Also famous is Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants on display in underwater and interactive exhibits.

The Monterey Peninsula is different than any other part of California. Here, time slows, the architecture is humble (except the homes in Pebble Beach), and the lifestyle is the perfect synthesis of SoCal laid back and NorCal sophisticated. On the northern side of the peninsula, the town of Monterey draws most of the tourists, while farther south, Carmel-by-the-Sea lures the easygoing wealthy set. Tremendous price tags on real estate help maintain the small-community atmosphere along Monterey's jaw-dropping coastline.

The area makes for an ideal road-trip stop or a romantic weekend stay. This stretch of the California coastline boasts some of the most coveted fairways in the world. In addition, it's a year-round whale-watching destination that's also home to some of the best California tours. Add to that an abundance of natural wonders, luxury resorts, and seafood restaurants, and Monterey might just be the perfect destination for your next getaway. The best time to visit Monterey is between April and May. Spring offers warmer temperatures, fewer crowds, and food festivals dishing out delectable eats, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville.

Address: California

According to Native American legend, the 11 glacial lakes that comprise the Finger Lakes in central New York are evidence of the Great Spirit leaving his handprint as a blessing on the area. Thus, the region's freshwater lakes carry Native American names like Skaneateles, Keuka, Cayuga, and Seneca. Today, this 9,000-square-mile area is a year-round outdoor playground and home to a burgeoning wine country that's been compared to Napa Valley.

In addition to an abundance of boating, fishing, and water sports, the Finger Lakes offer challenging hikes through stunning state parks that boast dramatic rocky gorges and cascading waterfalls. But the region also provides plenty of opportunities for relaxation, with scenic drives through wine and farm country. If it's the culture you're after, the area has you covered there, too: It's home to the Corning Museum of Glass, The Strong International Museum of Play, and the George Eastman Museum.

The Finger Lakes region is New York's largest wine-producing region. Over 400 wineries and vineyards surround Seneca, Cayuga, Canandaigua, Keuka, Conesus, and Hemlock Lakes. Because of the lakes' great depth, they provide a lake effect to the lush vineyards that flank their shores. Due to the size and concentration of these lakes, the region retains residual summer warmth in the winter and winter's cold in the spring; as a result, the grapes are protected from disastrous spring frost during shoot growth and early frost before the harvest. Additionally, due to the long, narrow, north-to-south positioning of the Finger Lakes, the slopes on the east and west side provide for variations in sunlight exposure, temperature, soil, and more; this leads to a great diversity of growing environments within the region and ultimately in the yielded wine. The main grape varieties grown are Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot noir, Cabernet Franc, Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, and many Vitis labrusca (American native) varieties or cultivars. The best time to visit the Finger Lakes region is from May to September when there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the area's outdoor pursuits.

Address: New York State

Grand Canyon National Park, in Arizona, is home to much of the immense Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history. Viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, architect Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio, and her Desert View Watchtower. Lipan Point, with wide views of the canyon and Colorado River, is popular, especially at sunrise and sunset

"Grand" doesn't begin to do this canyon justice. Measuring approximately 277 river miles in length, up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, this massive chasm in northern Arizona is truly a natural wonder. For 6 million years, the Grand Canyon has expanded with the help of the mighty Colorado River, and for centuries, people from all over the globe have traveled to gaze out over its red and orange grandeur. Managed by the National Park Service and officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon leaves its approximately 6 million visitors per year awestruck.

But if you're seeking a secluded escape to Mother Nature, you should be prepared: The Grand Canyon can be very crowded. The South Rim – home to the Grand Canyon Village and the well-worn Bright Angel Trail – is particularly popular for sightseers and hikers. It is on this site that you'll find the most amenities. For a break from the crowds, head to the North Rim. It is the place for backwoods camping and hardcore hiking. For an unforgettable view of the canyon, consider signing up for a helicopter tour. The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin.

Address: Arizona, United States

The Outer Banks are barrier islands off the coast of the U.S. state of North Carolina, separating the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. Their open-sea beaches, state parks, and shipwreck diving sites make them a popular holiday destination. Roanoke Island was the site of England’s first settlement in the New World, an endeavor sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh.

History drips from the Outer Banks: Here, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright took their famous first flight (at Kill Devil Hills), the pirate Blackbeard fought his last battle (at Ocracoke) and the mysterious Lost Colony disappeared (exactly where is anyone's guess, but it was last seen on Roanoke Island near Manteo). Yet this chain of barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina – affectionately dubbed OBX – isn't just for history buffs. Fishing, windsurfing, and wildlife watching attract adventurous types as well. The Outer Banks' roughly 3,000 shipwrecks, explorable by snorkeling or scuba diving, earned it a reputation as "the graveyard of the Atlantic." Families gravitate toward the beaches, the mini-golf courses, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island.

Each neighborhood has its charm: Old lighthouses, rugged dunes, and secluded beaches in the south coupled with vacation rentals, water sports, and kitschy beach shops in the north all form a unique seaside destination. OBX is ideal for those looking to skip overly developed touristy towns and head straight for the unspoiled beaches. You won't find big nightlife, but you will find an abundance of natural beauty. Beaches are more populated during the summer months, but with so many destinations spread out along the barrier islands, you likely won't experience unmanageable crowds at any time of year. The best time to visit the Outer Banks is between March and May or September and November when lodging rates drop and crowds dissipate

Address: North Carolina

St. Augustine is a city on the northeast coast of Florida. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S. and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches like sandy St. Augustine Beach and tranquil Crescent Beach. Anastasia State Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary. The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet.

No matter where you go in St. Augustine, odds are you'll stand face to face with American history. Founded by the Spaniards in 1565, this town in northeastern Florida is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S. Alongside narrow cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, you'll find Romanesque Revival-style buildings, many of which were designed by railroad and oil tycoon Henry Flagler, who played a key role in developing St. Augustine and the rest of Florida's east coast. With so much history, it should come as no surprise that St. Augustine also has a penchant for the paranormal: Many of the town's top attractions, which are believed to be haunted by Spanish settlers and original inhabitants, tout nighttime ghost tours.

Though the main draw here is the abundance of landmarks that date back to the Spanish occupation, the Ancient City also offers various boutiques, eateries, live music venues, and art galleries. Travelers with children should check out the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Lightner Museum's eclectic collection, while shopaholics cannot pass up a chance to peruse the boutiques on St. George Street. And once you're ready to relax, grab your gear and head to the beach. As with many coastal Florida towns, St. Augustine offers prime access to the Atlantic Ocean and year-round sunshine. The best time to visit St. Augustine is between March and May. During this time, you'll find fewer people, comfortable temperatures, and low hotel and airfare rates

Address: Florida

Yellowstone National Park is nearly 3,500-sq.-mile wilderness recreation area atop a volcanic hot spot. Mostly in Wyoming, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho too. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs, and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It's also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope.

With dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, Yellowstone National Park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Multicolored pools swirl around hot springs; verdant forests weave past expansive meadows; and volatile geysers launch streams of steaming water toward the sky. With so much unspoiled natural beauty, it's no wonder why everyone suspected John Colter (a scout for explorers Lewis and Clark) was embellishing when he first described Yellowstone's geothermal curiosities in 1807. Nowadays, there's no doubt that the park is indeed extraordinary. While you traverse its 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers, and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with permanent residents like buffalo, elk, and sometimes even grizzlies.

Although Yellowstone attracts more than 4 million visitors every year, chances are – unless you spend your entire trip at Old Faithful – you won't see much of them. Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres creep from the northwest corner of Wyoming into the edges of Idaho and Montana, offering plenty of untouched territories to explore. Carve out a day or two to take in the view at Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Springs. But save some time for the trails through lesser-known regions, like the hot springs of the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the untamed wildlife dotting the Lewis River Channel and Dogshead Loop. While the sheer number of trails and wildlife-watching opportunities may seem daunting at first, remember: You can always come back. The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park are from late April to May as well as September through early October.

Address: United States

Gatlinburg, a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, is known as a gateway to the roughly 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of its key attractions offer sweeping views of the neighboring park, including the 407-ft. Space Needle observation tower and the Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that journeys from Downtown to the popular amusement park and ski resort Ober Gatlinburg.

With three entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, it's no surprise that visiting the park is the most popular attraction in this eastern Tennessee town. It's such a hit that Gatlinburg's population balloons during the peak tourist season from less than 4,000 residents to more than 40,000. With miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as historical exhibits and cabins, and the opportunity to view black bears, elk, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, it's easy to see why the park is such a hot spot. When you're not in the park enjoying its natural wonders, you'll likely spend time admiring it from several of Gatlinburg's top attractions, including the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.

But Gatlinburg isn't just a gateway to the Smokies. This small mountain town is a destination in its own right and one that's particularly popular with families thanks to kid-friendly diversions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. To get a taste of local Gatlinburg culture, skip the kitschy souvenir shops and visit one of several local galleries, including the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to watch local artists and craftsmen create everything from paintings and pottery to handmade brooms and jewelry.

The best time to visit Gatlinburg is between September and October. The two peak seasons in Gatlinburg are summer (June, July, and August) and the month of October when the fall foliage is at its zenith. July is the busiest month of the summer season, while weekends in October draw the largest crowds in the fall. Summer is hot with temperatures in the 80s but normally less humid than surrounding areas due to the city's high elevation.

Address: Tennessee

Tucson is an exceptionally sunny city, with more than 350 days of sunshine a year. And with daytime temperatures rarely dipping below the mid-60s, Arizona's second-largest city makes a great place to escape the cold weather. But Tucson is much more than an incubator for snowbirds. Deeply rooted in Hispanic heritage, "Old Pueblo" (a nickname for Tucson) is a hotbed of historic and cultural attractions, not to mention a mecca for those in search of some spicy Mexican cuisine north of the border.

Despite its ever-expanding size, Tucson exudes a small-town atmosphere. Neighborhoods like the El Presidio Historic District and the Barrio Histórico – complete with colorful adobe buildings and quaint shops – make you feel like you're in an old Mexican village. Meanwhile, the high-end restaurants and resorts of the Catalina Foothills district add a contemporary flair that may soon rival that of Phoenix's ritzy suburbs, like Scottsdale. And the trendy shops and rowdy bars surrounding the palm tree-laden University of Arizona campus infuse this city with a youthful spirit. Unlike the sprawling state capital, Tucson has yet to overpower its surroundings; nearby mountains and wilderness areas like Saguaro National Park offer a true taste of the Sonoran Desert.

Since 2009, the Tucson Festival of Books has been held annually over two days in March at the University of Arizona. By 2010 it had become the fourth largest book festival in the United States, with 450 authors and 80,000 attendees. In addition to readings and lectures, it features a science fair, varied entertainment, food, and exhibitors ranging from local retailers and publishers to regional and national nonprofit organizations.

The best times to visit Tucson are from April to May and from September to October. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and reasonable room rates. Winter's sunny skies and comfortable temperatures attract thousands of northerners in need of a thaw. And the summer months offer spectacular hotel discounts, but temperatures often hover in the triple digits, making outdoor activities insufferable.

Address: Pima County, Arizona, United States

San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas with a rich colonial heritage. The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission preserved as a museum, marks an infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico. Following the San Antonio River, the miles-long River Walk is a landmark pedestrian promenade lined with cafes and shops. HemisFair Park’s 750-ft. The Tower of the Americas overlooks the city.

If you and your spouse love history and have a craving for Tex-Mex, there is no better postnuptial retreat than San Antonio. Spend your days admiring the preserved structures at the Alamo or San Antonio Missions National Historical Park before enjoying an evening along the lively River Walk. Time your honeymoon between November and April to enjoy pleasant temps and a reprieve from summer's crowds and high prices.

Families will particularly enjoy the Texas city's theme parks, top-notch museums, professional sports teams, and the famous River Walk. What's more, San Antonio is a burgeoning culinary destination, with a selection of its signature Tex-Mex style and an assortment of new barbecue establishments and eclectic upscale eateries. With the array of ways to spend your day, you might have too much to do to "Remember the Alamo." If you're short on time, consider signing up for one of the best San Antonio tours for a sampling of the city's history, culture, and food.

The best time to visit San Antonio is from November to April when the weather is comfortable and the hotel rates are lower. Summer sees the largest influx of tourists from in- and out-of-state. Because of its historical significance to the state and its family-friendly theme parks, San Antonio attracts hordes of Texas families when the kids are on summer break. But the long Texan summer is close to unbearable (for most people) with high humidity and temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The masses also make for more crowded attractions and higher prices at hotels. You'll enjoy the city a lot more when you are less damp, saving cash and enjoying the festivals of the winter and spring.

Address: Texas