Top U.S. places for value vacations - Travel Value Index at Hotwire.com

Dallas-Fort Worth

Say howdy to Dallas-Fort Worth... especially now that it tops this year's Travel Value Index. Dallas-Fort Worth takes the number one spot because of its amazing discounts (Discount Rating: 92) on a wide variety of quality hotels and affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 68). The city known for big barbecuing and shopping also has plenty more to offer, like 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 ($9 to $12)
Visit Fair Park's Hall of State and African American museums (Free)

Atlanta

Georgia on your mind? Well it should be because it's consistently rated highly in the Travel Value Index. Atlanta is not only home to some of the best travel discounts (Discount Rating: 100), but also some of the country's largest cultural institutions. Enjoy these great bargains:

The World of Coca-Cola Tour (Free to $15)
CNN Studio Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the 24-hour news service ($8 to $12)
Centennial Olympic Park, an open-air park where the 1996 Olympic Games were held (Free)

Orlando

Orlando offers almost everything a vacationer could want. It consistently ranks highly (this year is no exception), attracting tourists who want low prices (Low Price Rating: 89) and affordable entertainment (better known as beaches close by). Orlando is the theme-park capital of the world, home to Disney World and more. 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 ($25.56)
Take a day trip to Daytona Beach, known as the World's Most Famous Beach (Free)

Tampa

From its vibrant waterfront and brilliant sunsets to the rollercoaster thrill rides of Busch Gardens, Tampa is a red-hot destination, especially for those seeking great travel deals (Low Price Rating: 80). With its unique blend of urban excitement and beautiful natural surroundings, Tampa's ranked as the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes. Popular attractions and theme parks include: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium.

Lowry Park Zoo is recognized as the number one zoo in the U.S. by both Parents and Child magazines ($18.95 to $23.95, children 2 and under FREE)
Tee time anyone? Have your pick from dozens of pristine golf courses overlooking the beautiful blue waters.
Tampa is home to the best light tackle sport fishing in the world (Free)
The Florida Aquarium ($14.95 to $19.95, children two and under FREE)
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center (Free)

Phoenix

Scoring high marks on our list again is the desert oasis of Phoenix. With low prices on world-class hotels and resorts (Low Price Rating: 68), 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 ($15)
Tour Taliesin West, the winter residence of architect Frank Lloyd Wright (Tours range start at $26)

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: 92) 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 free 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)

Denver

Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Denver year after year, giving this city a well-deserved spot on this year's list. The Mile High City offers great discounts (Low Price Rating: 64) 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)

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)

Miami

Beachgoers head to Miami by the thousands, but there's more than just sun and surf to attract the crowds. You might not think of Miami as a bargain-hunter's paradise, but this warm and fun (Entertainment Rating: 89) destination makes it on our value list because of what you can do for next to nothing. Here are just a few choices:

The Everglades comprise 1.5 million acres of spectacular wilderness and wildlife. Just $10 gets you a 7-day vehicle pass to explore the area
Speaking of wildlife, the Miami Metro Zoo is one of the best in the nation. Admission ranges from $11.95-$15.95, and for a mere two bucks more you can hand-feed a giraffe
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is about as scenic and relaxing as it gets. A historic lighthouse, great fishing, and of course the beach (Free)

San Diego

Sunshine. Sea World. And surfing. Just three reasons to put San Diego at the top of your list of travel destinations (Entertainment Rating: 95). Renowned for its idyllic climate and 70 miles of pristine beaches, San Diego offers great travel discounts. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego and LEGOLAND California. Other fun activities include:

La Jolla Cove, where you can dip your toe in the beautiful blue water, and check out the picturesque cliffs. (Also a great place to snorkel and kayak.) (Free)
Gas Lamp Quarter is not only historic, but also a shopping nirvana mixed with great dining and nightlife. (Free)
World-class golf courses boasting dramatic coastline views. Golf Digest named San Diego one of the Top 50 golf destinations in the world.