Having recently shed its rakish reputation, Tijuana has undergone a complete renaissance. Although lively bars serving tequila shots are still in plentiful supply, the Tijuana Cultural Centre, the Estadio Caliente Stadium, and El Popo Market also offer a healthy dose of Mexican culture.

Centrally located near all of Southern California’s major cities, Temecula Valley is the region’s wine country — with 40+ wineries offering everything from tours and events to restaurants and early-morning hot air balloon flights featuring panoramic views. Visitors also enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities; the largest casino in the state at Pechanga Resort Casino; and a historic Old Town featuring wooden boardwalks, artisanal shops and restaurants, and a bustling nightlife.

About an hour south of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach has a spectacular clifftop setting above some of the finest beaches in California. Outdoor enthusiasts can snorkel, scuba dive, body-surf, or hike the trails in nearby Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. A centre for artists, there are a number of special events and festivals,such as the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters, Art-A-Fair and Plein Air Painting Invitational. The Laguna Art Museum focuses on California artists. Window shoppers and collectors will enjoy strolling the village’s quaint streets, as well as visiting galleries spotted along Pacific Coast Highway.

Beyond its epic theme parks and perfect weather, Orange County is celebrated for outdoor dining, entertainment and beach-bound adventure. Treat yourself at South Coast Plaza for the finest in luxury shopping and superlative restaurants. Spend an afternoon aboard a whale watching cruise in Newport Harbour, or cast a reel from the Huntington Beach Pier. Stop to smell the flowers at the Sherman Library and Gardens, or explore Laguna’s vast variety of boutique shops along the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys both make their home in Arlington. Midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, the city has long been home to Rangers baseball and now also hosts the Cowboys. Their state-of-the-art structure is the world’s largest domed arena. Visitors looking for other adventures can enjoy the original Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor water park, along with shopping, golf and nightlife. Arlington also has a vibrant culture of live music, symphony, museums and theater.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is perhaps best known for its famous breweries and the Major League Brewers, but there's more to the city than beer and baseball. Milwaukee is rich in historical and cultural attractions, making it the perfect place for a weekend of exploring. Visit the newly expanded Milwaukee Art Museum or the Mitchell Park Horticultural Society, which hosts an annual show of the same flora and fauna seen in Georgia O'Keefe's paintings. Those interested in the city's history can visit the grand Pabst Mansion, former home of one of the city's famous beer barons, or the Milwaukee Public Museum, to see what life was like in Old Milwaukee. If you have children with you, don't miss the Milwaukee County Zoo or the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. Of course, a trip to the "Genuine American City" would not be complete without a tour of the Miller Brewing Company and a Brewers game at Miller Park.

A great family beach holiday spot, Orange Beach, Alabama, offers offer wonderful dining experiences, dolphin-sighting cruises, championship golf courses, fishing charters and nature hikes. Choose from national hotel and motel chains, camping or a variety of beach houses for your stay. There are numerous options for nightlife, from family entertainment to rocking roadhouses, enjoy your pick of plays, free concerts, dancing or just listening to any number of musical stylings at a local hot spot.

Discover an essential chapter of America's history in the cobblestone streets, river walks and monuments of Richmond. Originally a colonial settlement, Virginia's capital is now a thriving hub for culture, shopping and outdoor fun. Explore Civil War history at the American Civil War Museum, stroll along the canal downtown or test your nerve whitewater rafting on the James River. With lively neighbourhoods and a vibrant restaurant scene, Richmond is perfect for a quick break or an extended getaway.