Krista Diamond

Sure, Houston might be known for NASA, oil production and Beyonce, but it’s a city driving innovation on all fronts. It’s home to several world-class museums, over 200 green spaces and is one of the few American cities with permanent ballet, symphony and opera companies. Not to mention, its culinary scene, made richer by its cultural diversity, is shining bright with six one-Michelin-star restaurants and 14 Bib Gourmands.  Expect to find everything, from BBQ and Tex-Mex to cajun-Vietnamese and New American.  With 25 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, you could spend a year exploring and still not see everything Houston has to offer. So take our advice and check out the best things to do in Houston on your journey through Space City (more on that below!). This guide was updated by Houston-based writers Patrick Magee and Rebecca Deurlein. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:  🍴The best restaurants in Houston🏠The best Houston Airbnbs🇺🇸The best hotels in Houston

San Antonio may be the seventh-largest city in America, but it radiates the warmth of a small community. A friendly “hello” from a passerby is common, and in a city accustomed to tourism, locals are welcoming and always happy to help. Visitors can expect warm Texas hospitality layered over a world of wonders, from museums and iconic architecture to outdoor adventures and citywide celebrations. The city also boasts a thriving culinary scene where innovation and experimentation take center stage. (Ahem, San Antonio was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy—one of only two U.S. cities to receive this honor).  Unlike other Texas cities, where a car is a must, San Antonio is completely walkable and bike-friendly. Stroll along the River Walk, explore the Pearl Brewery’s restaurants, local shops and cultural attractions or check out one of the city’s many museums and interactive installations, such as the Witte Museum, San Antonio Fire Museum or Hopscotch San Antonio.   No matter where you wander, San Antonio is brimming with fun and exciting activities. Here’s a complete guide on everything to see and do on your next visit.  This guide was updated by San Antonio experts Jill Robbins and James Wong. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: 🌮 The best restaurants in San Antonio🏛️ The best museums in San Antonio🍺 The best bars in San Antonio🏨 T

Other cities might get all the shine as family-friendly destinations, but D.C. really holds its own here. The District offers activities that suit the whole family, especially little ones; think zoos, parks and botanical gardens—perfect for getting some fresh air while exploring the nation's capital. You can also keep it casual with a picnic at one of the many scenic parks, and escape inclement weather in one of the many (often free) world-class museums. The best part? Most attractions are free, and many of them are educational (but not in a way that would make them uninteresting to little ones). Here are 21 of the best things to do with kids in Washington, D.C. right now. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🍝 The best restaurants in Washington, D.C.🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C.🚌 The best day trips in Washington, D.C.

Atlanta is a treat for all the senses, whether you go for the buzzy nightlife scene boosted by amazing cocktail bars, or the breathtaking culinary offerings that range from  casual wing spots to cutting-edge modern takes on Latin or Italian fare. The best attractions in Atlanta offer a deeper dive into the history and culture of the city, as well as plenty of opportunities for fun, thrills and even a taste of the great outdoors. There’s a reason why Atlanta is called the city in the forest. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to bask in nature. Atlanta also has world-class museums, a renowned aquarium and attractions dedicated to Atlanta-based companies Delta and Coca-Cola. From sports fanatics and nature lovers to foodies and the athletically-inclined, these Atlanta attractions offer something for everyone. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Atlanta is known for its hip-hop music scene, green spaces and legendary soul food, but if you’re visiting for the first time, you have to dig deep into its history. Atlanta is a brilliant hub of culture and Southern charm, and it gives you the opportunity to learn tons about U.S. history—especially the civil rights movement. There’s so much to learn about Atlanta, it’s tricky to know where to begin. We’ve created a foolproof guide to its museums, and ranked them so you know where to start. Some of them are on our list for their significance as a cultural landmark, and others simply for how beautiful the buildings are. Learn about the history of football, Delta jets and Martin Luther King at these awesome exhibits. Here are the best museums in Atlanta. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Atlanta 🍴 The best restaurants in Atlanta👪 The best things to do with kids in Atlanta🏛️ The best attractions in Atlanta

Forget what you thought you knew about Washington, D.C.—the city's got way more to offer than just politics and government buildings—though we’ve got plenty of those, too. From free access to world-class museums to soaking up the sounds and beats of go-go, D.C. has got it all. So, after you snap your obligatory pic with the Lincoln Memorial, consider swinging by Ben's Chili Bowl for a legendary half-smoke. Or take a stroll through some of the nation’s best-kept parks before catching a show at the legendary Kennedy Center. The possibilities are endless and year-round. Here are the top things to do in Washington, D.C. this year. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Omnia Saed. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:👪 The best things to do in Washington D.C. with kids🌿 The best cannabis dispensaries in D.C.🧳 The best day trips from D.C. to get away from it all🍺 The best bars in D.C.🛏️ The best hotels in Washington D.C.🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington D.C.

The best things to do in San Jose deserve a spot on your Bay Area bucket list. No longer the mousy step-sister to San Francisco, San Jose is finally moving into a spotlight of its own as the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley. Just like its diverse population whose roots stretch from Latin America to Asia, San Jose is a diverse collection of historic places, outdoor adventures, scientific innovation, great restaurants (the Mexican restaurants in San Jose are especially great) and oddball institutions. Downtown San Jose and the South of First (SoFa) districts are the fastest growing neighborhoods for eateries, bars and breweries and also the center of San Jose’s arts scene. Elsewhere in town you’ll find can’t miss gems like the famous Winchester Mystery House, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the NASA Ames Research Center. Staying for awhile? Book a room in one of these San Jose hotels.  Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. RECOMMENDED:🏨Check out the best hotels in San Jose Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

Just when you thought you had it pegged, South Beach can still totally surprise you—like when it decided to break up with spring break in 2024. Though the neighborhood’s renowned beaches and elite party scene are among its biggest draws, South Beach is also home to world-class shopping, historic Art Deco architecture and funky hidden gems, including several speakeasy bars and some of the best restaurants in Miami. Whether you’re seeking culture in the form of contemporary art or a very good Cuban croqueta, or just hoping to discover something new, our guide to the best things to do in South Beach has you covered. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in South Beach

You don’t have to get on a plane to feel like you’re in another country. Southern California is dotted with gorgeous, quaint destinations—all of them perfect for a weekend getaway from L.A. These easy, mostly affordable road trips are all within a three-hour scenic drive (or ferry ride) of the city. Once you arrive at your destination, partake in some of the local specialties: beach-lounging, wine-drinking, hiking and dining. Oh ,and there’s some pretty good shopping and thrifting in the mix, too. Let these weekend getaways from L.A. be your roadmap to a magical world within SoCal.  RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from L.A.  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

When summer rolls around, New Orleans gets humid. You can avoid getting hot and sticky by ducking into some of the city’s world-class museums and other attractions where the AC is sure to be cranking. Or check out the seasonal appearance of cool, refreshing dishes at top restaurants and ice-cold cocktails at local bars. But sometimes, you just have to cool off by taking a dip in a big body of water. New Orleans is on the Gulf Coast, so there are plenty of New Orleans-area beaches where you can enjoy the sun and sand within a few hours of the city. These beaches near New Orleans are a welcome summer escape, but they’re great to visit any time of year when you just need to dip your toes into the gentle waters of the Gulf of Mexico. From Mississippi to Alabama to Florida, you can hit up these beaches for a day of fun in the sun—returning in time for a night on the town—or spend a relaxing weekend exploring all that the Gulf Coast has to offer. Whatever your beach ambitions may be, these New Orleans beaches are worth a visit. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

Who said there’s nothing for kids to do in Las Vegas? Even though the city no longer markets itself as a family-friendly destination, this list clearly shows there are plenty of exciting things for children—from toddlers to teens—to experience in Vegas. From roller coasters to water parks to kid-friendly shows and animal sanctuaries, this entertainment hub is full of fun for the whole family. Read on to discover the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Vegas⛰️ The best hidden gems in Vegas🏨 The best hotels in Vegas

As Washington State's largest city, it's no surprise that Seattle boasts an unlimited amount of things to do and see. Beyond its attractions that are known across the world, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, there's plenty more to explore no matter what your interests are. Home to museums, iconic buildings, a revolutionary musical history, fantastic restaurants, and some of the best coffee shops in the country, it's a place you'll never tire of even if you're a long-time resident.  Yes, it rains often, but that is just a handy excuse to nip inside for a shot of culture, caffeine, or both. Plus, when the weather is good, those parks are a real thing of beauty. Check out our guide to the best Seattle attractions and get planning that itinerary for your upcoming trip.  RECOMMENDED: 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Seattle🍹 The best bars in Seattle🏨 The best hotels in Seattle At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.