Everything about Santa Monica sizzles, from hundreds of funky shops and restaurants to more than three miles of white sandy beach, to the multitude of celebrities zipping into the local airport and out on Montana Avenue. The subject of popular songs, movies and television shows ("Baywatch" was one of many filmed here), the city has a vibe like no other. Hollywood haute couture meets surfer chic meets hippie casual, and somehow it all works. A word of advice: ditch the car and walk everywhere. Santa Monica is small and prides itself on being pedestrian- and environmentally friendly. You won't need wheels at the auto-free Third Street Promenade, a stroller's paradise known for its multitude of cinemas, restaurants and street performers. Or at the famous and historic Santa Monica Pier, home to tempting smells from fast-food stalls and the solar-powered, nine-storey high Ferris wheel that has long been a symbol of the city. If your feet start to fail, hop on the electrically powered Tide Shuttle, a bus service that runs along the beach offering great views plus a ride to the artsy Bergamot Station and the Santa Monica Museum of Art, or your next spirited Santa Monica destination.

Boardwalk shops on Newport Beach Pier and outdoor mall, Fashion Island, present excellent opportunities to discover the ideal beach wardrobe. Swimming, sunning and boat trips to Catalina Island are on the menu by day, while spectacular sunsets and waterside dining beckon at night.

Corpus Christi possesses all of the main ingredients of an ideal weekend getaway: the sun, the sea, the sights, plus exhilarating and engaging activities the whole family can enjoy. Spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun or wind surfing, the breezy city's favourite pastime. Visit the Texas State Aquarium to take in encounters with hundreds of animals and explore the new immersive Caribbean Journey experience. Take a tour of The USS Lexington, one of the most famous aircraft carriers in U.S. naval history. Stroll through fabulous flora and fauna at the Botanical Gardens. At the Museum of Science and History, check out the Pinta and Santa Maria, recreations of two of the ships Columbus sailed to the new world. At night, enjoy a succulent seafood dinner at any number of fine restaurants, then head to the historic Harbour Playhouse for delightfully original community theatre and a true taste of what Corpus Christi is all about.