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

Orlando

Orlando hits the top spot in 2012 by offering vacationers almost everything they could want. With its low prices (Low Price Rating: 85) and amazing entertainment options (Entertainment Rating: 90), it’s easy to see why this city is so popular with tourists. Orlando is the theme-park capital of the world, home to Disney World and more. Take a look:

Enter the incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.($79.00 - $85.00)
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 - $22, children 5 and under free)
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 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: 86), but also some of the country's largest cultural institutions. Enjoy these great bargains:

The World of Coca-Cola Tour (Free - $16)
CNN Studio Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the 24-hour news service ($11 - $15)
Centennial Olympic Park, an open-air park where the 1996 Olympic Games were held (Free)

Dallas-Fort Worth

Say howdy to Dallas-Fort Worth... as it again gets high marks on this year's Travel Value Index. Dallas-Fort Worth consistently makes this list because of its amazing discounts (Discount Rating: 83) on a wide variety of quality hotels and affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 65). 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 - $12)
Visit Fair Park's Hall of State and African American museums.(Free)

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: 100) 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 (Free - $13)
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 $9.50 - $11.50)

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: 76), 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 ($8 - $18)
Tour Taliesin West, the winter residence of architect Frank Lloyd Wright (Tours starting at $26)

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: 79). 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 ($16.95 to $21.95, children two and under FREE)
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center (Free)

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: 62) 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)

Charlotte

Southern charm and cosmopolitan character are just part of what helped put Charlotte on this list. This growing financial center is also a hit for travelers looking for bargains (Low Price Rating: 86). Close to both the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Coast, the “Queen City” is rich in history and full of fun attractions like:

Race on down to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and learn about the history and heritage of NASCAR.($12.95 - $19.95)
Strike it rich at the Reed Gold Mine where you can tour an underground mine tunnel.(Free)
Take a nature stroll through the beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens and visit their Orchid Conservatory.($6 - $12)

Albuquerque

Albuquerque, a city with Native American and Spanish influences, is sizzling hot, just like the chilies used in the city’s unique cuisine. Visitors love to flock here for the famous Hot Air Balloon Fiesta but it’s just as popular for travelers that like to save.(Low Price Rating: 77). Old Town Albuquerque attracts tourists with its folk art and Mariachi music. Check out these other activities:

Get taken for a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway and check out the views from 10,000 feet at the peak of the Sandia Mountains. (Free to $20)
The Albuquerque Biological Park is home to the zoo, Botanic Garden, and Aquarium. You can visit each one separately or get a combo pass to visit them all. ($3 - $12)
The Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum engages the minds and imaginations of visitors of all ages with fascinating hands-on learning exhibits. ($4 - $8)

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 ($2 entry, $4 - $8 per vehicle)