Orlando
At the top of our list this year is Orlando, a city that offers almost everything a vacationer could want. Orlando consistently ranks highly, attracting tourists who want low prices (Low Price Rating: 100) and affordable entertainment (better known as beaches close by). Orlando is the theme-park capital of the world, home to Disney World and more. Orlando scores 100 on Hotwire's Travel Value Index and is the city to beat on this year's list. Take a look:
- Saturday nights in Old Town, featuring rock concerts and classic-car cruising (Free)
- Guided tours of the Daytona Speedway, home of the Daytona 500 ($10)
- Take a day trip to Daytona Beach, known as the World's Most Famous Beach (Free)
Atlanta
Georgia on your mind? Well it should be. Atlanta takes this year's number two spot because of its deep discounts (Discount Rating: 100) on a wide variety of quality hotels and affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 68). Atlanta is home to some of the country's largest cultural institutions. Enjoy these great bargains:
- The World of Coca-Cola Tour (Free to $9)
- CNN Studio Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the 24-hour news service ($9 to $12)
- Centennial Olympic Park, an open-air park where the 1996 Olympic Games were held (Free)
Denver
Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Denver year after year, giving this city the deserved number three spot on this year's list. The Mile High City offers great discounts (Discount Rating: 81) on accommodations and a wide variety of outdoor and free activities (Entertainment Rating: 75). Enjoy these activities:
- The U.S. Mint, where 40 million coins are produced a day (Free)
- Coors Brewery Tour (Free)
- More than 450 miles of bike paths, including beautiful trails along the Cherry Creek River (Free)
Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas is not only known for big barbecuing and shopping, but also big discounts on travel (Discount Rating: 90). Shop for bargains at Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall or enjoy these great destinations:
- Hiking and biking trails connecting White Rock Lake and White Rock Creek Park (Free)
- Texas Wild exhibit at the Fort Worth Zoo ($5.25 to $10.50)
- Visit Fair Park's Hall of State and African American museums (Free)
Phoenix
Scoring high marks on our list again is Phoenix. With low prices on world-class hotels and resorts (Low Price Rating: 75), Phoenix also offers outdoor adventures, golf courses, a wide selection of shopping, and nearly perfect year-round weather. Take a look:
- Mosey around Old Town Scottsdale, "The West's Most Western Town" (Free)
- Tour the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden ($10)
- Explore the city's fascinating origins at the Phoenix Museum of History ($6.00)
- Tour Taliesin West, the winter residence of architect Frank Lloyd Wright (Tours range from $27 to $33)
Houston
The nation's fourth-largest city offers something for everyone. With its impressive array of skyscrapers, parks, museums and shops, downtown Houston exudes both cosmopolitan vivacity and old-school Southern charm. This town ranks high on our list for offering big discounts on travel (Discount Rating 94) and sunny year-round weather. Enjoy these activities:
- The Museum District, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and Hermann Park - home of Houston's zoo (Tickets range from $7 to $15)
- Take a stroll near downtown Houston, where the main drag of Montrose runs along Westheimer Boulevard; it's full of antique stores and coffee shops and ethnic restaurants (Free)
- Don't forget the Space Center Houston. Young space cadets will especially love Kids Space Place (Buy online and save $3)
Los Angeles
You don't need celebrity status to enjoy your visit to Los Angeles. The City of Angels received high marks for affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 100). With its numerous beaches, free museums, and parks, Los Angeles offers plenty of activities and sights to enjoy. Check out:
- The J. Paul Getty Museum, featuring an impressive collection of art, tranquil gardens, and unbeatable views (Free)
- Griffith Park and Observatory, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of Los Angeles (Free)
- The Hollywood Walk of Fame, star-studded sidewalks featuring celebrity names (Free)
Tampa
Tampa is a popular winter destination, so visit in summer for some of the best bargains. Not only will you save money (Low Price Rating 75), but you will also save time by not having to wait in extra-long lines at the hottest attractions. Check out these great venues:
- Spend a day at one of the area's spectacular beaches or choose from more than 100 parks (Free)
- Stand up and cheer for Tampa's best athletes at a pro sports game. Watch the Devil Rays throw fastballs by baseball's best sluggers or the Lightning square off against hockey's elite skaters (Various prices)
- See Eureka Spring Park's rare plants and stroll the boardwalk. This residential area also boasts Hard Rock Casino and is near Dinosaur World (Free)
Washington DC
Number nine on our list is Washington DC, a city that is worthy of being our nation's capital. From its beautiful cherry blossom trees to historic and emotional memorials to the exhibits that pique our fascination in human space exploration, it's no surprise Washington makes the list. It ranked highly for its great discounts (Discount Rating: 83) and is well known for its affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 74). The nation's capital is home to dozens of free museums, historical attractions, and parks. Enjoy these great destinations:
- The White House tour, home to every U.S. president since 1800 (Free; but make sure to book in advance as these tours can fill up 8 months in advance)
- Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex and research (Free)
- National Mall, 2 miles of monuments, memorials and historic points of reference (Free)
Chicago
With wonderful attractions and activities year-round, Chicago has something to offer all visitors. With quality discounts (76), you could, in a single day, admire Impressionist art, enjoy the view from atop North America's tallest building, and root for the home team at a classic ballpark. Chicago is also great for families with Navy Pier, Lake Michigan and the Lincoln Zoo nearby. Take a look:
- Window shop along the Magnificent Mile. This tree-shaded boulevard features gorgeous shop windows, big department stores, and specialty boutiques (Free)
- Enjoy works by Matisse, Monet, and Picasso at the renowned Art Institute of Chicago (Free in February; March-January: Adults $12, Kids 12 & Under Free)
- Take a tour of the city's impressive historical architecture inside The Loop. See the Chicago Public Library, the Cultural Center, the Sears Tower, the theater district and more (Free)
pricing trends, weather patterns, local events, attractions and much more.
