Phoenix
At the top of our list this year is Phoenix, a city that offers almost everything a vacationer could want. From low prices on world-class hotels and resorts (Low Price Rating: 99), Phoenix offers outdoor adventures, breath-taking golf courses, trendy shopping in the "Beverly Hills of the desert", and nearly perfect year-round weather. Phoenix ranks 100 on Hotwire's Travel Value Index and is the city to beat on this year's list. Take a look:
- Mosey around Old Town Scottsdale, "The West's Most Western Town" (Free)
- Tour the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden ($10.00)
- 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)
Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas is not only known for big barbecuing and shopping, but also big discounts on travel (Discount Rating: 94). 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)
Orlando
Orlando again ranks in the top 10, 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. Enjoy these great bargains:
- 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)
Denver
Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Denver year after year, giving this city the deserved number four spot on this year's list. The Mile High City offers great discounts (Discount Rating: 75) 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)
Atlanta
Georgia on your mind? Well it should be. Atlanta tops the list because of its deep discounts (81), affordable entertainment and wide variety of quality hotels (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)
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)
Washington DC
Number seven 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 received one of the top scores for affordable entertainment (Entertainment Rating: 92). 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)
Kansas City
The City of Fountains scored high marks for low prices (Low Price Rating: 89) and fantastic discounts (Discount Rating: 80), making it part of the top ten for the second year in a row. Music enthusiasts are drawn to the jazz clubs and old haunts of Charlie Parker and Count Basie, while others enjoy Kansas City's plentiful fountains and museums. Enjoy these bargains:
- The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (Free)
- Union Station, a hub of entertainment and cultural activities (Prices vary)
- The Truman Presidential Museum & Library, one of 11 U.S. presidential libraries (Free)
Miami
Sports-fans, sun-bathers and salsa-dancers alike should head South as Miami sizzles all year long with exciting entertainment venues and attractions (Entertainment Rating: 89) From exploring the historic art-deco buildings of South Beach to frolicking on the beautiful beaches of Virginia Keys and Key Biscayne, you will melt in this exciting city. Also enjoy:
- A stroll through the historic and beautiful Biltmore Hotel (Free)
- Visit the Freedom Tower, built as a memorial to Cuban immigration and on the US National Register of Historic places (Free)
- Soak in the sights and sounds of Little Havana or enjoy the sun at Haulover Beach Park. (Free)
Milwaukee
Home to some of the best breweries and sports teams in the nation, as well as powerhouse performing arts, dynamic exhibitions and even a casino, Milwaukee is the final city on our top 10 list, earning high marks with visitors of all ages looking to have fun on a dime. (Discount Rating: 94) Take a look:
- Gaze at European and American pieces of art at the Milwaukee Art Museum ($8)
- Try a Scotch Egg (a hard-boiled egg, wrapped in sausage, and then deep-fried) at the Water Street Brewery, Milwaukee's oldest pub. ($2.50)
- Brew up some fun at the Miller Brewing Company tour. (Free)
- Check out local sporting events including: a Brewers game at Miller park, a Milwaukee Bucks game, or a Milwaukee Admirals game at The Bradley Center. (Standard rates vary)
pricing trends, weather patterns, local events, attractions and much more.
