Another classic food item in Cincinnati found its origins in American just across the river in Covington, KY. Known as goetta, it is a breakfast staple that is both delicious and satisfying! If you enjoy sausage breakfast patties, be prepared to have your mind blown by the delicious flavor and crispy texture of fresh off the skillet goetta. This simple medieval meal has evolved over time to be a massively successful breakfast item that has only recently begun to appear on restaurant menus (as this was something that was mostly cooked at home). If you are in Cincinnati during the summer, make sure to check out GoettaFest for a variety of goetta treats and it is held just across the river in Newport, KY by Gliers, the original goetta producer!

If you are visiting Cincinnati, Skyline Chili is a staple food item that you have to try. Unlike most chilis that you may be familiar with, this style does not incorporate beans in their traditional recipe. You are sure to be delighted by the three-way traditional style chili that makes this part of the country famous. Make sure to try this cheap eat while you are in Cincinnati and I promise you will not be disappointed!

A must-see historic piece of American history is the Liberty Bell, a national symbol of freedom. Any visit to Philadelphia would not be complete without going to see one of the original bells that rang above Independence hall. Now located across the street from Independence Hall, the Park Service maintains the bell. Make sure to get the perfect photo of the bell with Independence Hall in the background!

A must-visit Philadelphia historical site, Independence Hall is the premier location to visit if you are interested in or want to learn more about American history. This beautiful building is managed by the National Park Service and offers spectacular free tours every 15 minutes. If you are visiting, you should make sure to go on one of these tours with the park service to get up close and personal with America's founding.

If you are looking for lobster, look no farther than the Lobster Bar. It is a must-visit sit-down restaurant that offers an outside deck with beautiful views across the water. Their menu reflects their name so almost everything they serve involves lobster. I highly recommend their "naked" lobster roll sandwich for a true New England experience or if you are looking for a surf-and-turf option, you can't go wrong with the Lobster Bar Burger! Make sure to visit the Lobster Bar to eat incredibly fresh and delicious lobster. You also can't go wrong by enjoying a mixed drink on the deck after you eat but be sure to have a light jacket as it can occasionally be a little chilly in the evenings.

The hiking in Great Falls National Park is probably my favorite in the Washington DC area. If you are looking for a trail that is a little less arduous, you don't have to look far! Right across the river is the C&O Canal National Park which has a flat path that runs along the canal and also offers views of the falls from the opposite side of the river. I definitely recommend both, but be sure to check out the C&O Canal if you are looking for a more leisurely hiking experience!

If you are feeling sore and are in the mood to treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience, then Spa World in Centreville is the perfect location to relax and ease your sore muscles. When you visit you will head into a gender-specific changing room before heading into one of the massive spaces with extensive hot tubs with water features and pressurized water jets to begin to loosen your sore muscles. Once you are done relaxing in the hot pool, you can head into one of the multiple saunas, hot rock, or freezer rooms so continue to ease your muscles. When I am feeling extra sore, I also book a massage and head up into one of the private rooms for the perfect massage. A visit to Spa World will definitely make you feel renewed and being open 24/7, you can visit as early or late as you wish!

As one of my favorite restaurants in Northern Virginia, Urban Tandoor not only has great food but a wonderful atmosphere. I went here with my family the first week they opened and received spectacular service and after eating, I was already thinking about the next time I would visit. Every time I go back, Urban Tandoor does not disappoint and continues to impress me. I highly recommend their Lamb Goan Vindaloo or the Malabar Lamb Curry which is one of their specialties. They also offer multiple delicious vegetarian dishes, so even your non-meat-eating friends and family will love this restaurant as well!

If you are an air and space fan, this is the museum for you as it is the Smithsonian's largest air and space facility. This museum, which is also free, boasts the full-length space shuttle Discovery, an SR-71 Blackbird, the Enola Gay, and many other large aircraft! While there is paid parking on site, the museum is also accessible via the silver line on Metro. The museum also makes a great place to visit if you are on a long layover at Dulles International Airport as a regular bus service runs between the two locations. Just make sure you leave enough time to go back through security at the airport.

One of my favorite all-you-can-eat restaurants in Columbia, make sure to HuHot Mongolian Grill on an empty stomach. After you are seated by the hostess, head over to their multiple food stations and pile your bowl full of raw ingredients. Then in just a minute or two, you will see your meal cooked right in front of you on the massive cooktop by expert chefs. A fun and exciting eating experience, make sure to add HuHot Mongolian Grill to your itinerary and bring along friends for an even better time!

If you are looking for a delicious meal and it is your first time at Okii Mama, you can't go wrong with their reasonably priced combo meals. This allows you to choose noodles or rice, your meat, and a side which they have out to you super quick. You should definitely grab lunch here if you are on the south side of Columbia.

If you are taking a trip to Chattanooga, TN, you must visit this city's aquarium. One of my favorite in the country, the aquarium has two buildings, one which is freshwater while the other is saltwater. The aquariums are extremely well done, and the freshwater building has a three-story tank that you can walk past on three landings that are built next to it. Make sure to set aside a whole day when you visit this great aquarium and get your tickets in advance so you can enjoy every minute of your visit!

Kayaking is one of the best outdoor activities in the Tampa area if you want to spend time on the water without the crowds. There are so many places to go kayaking in the area, but I recommend going to Honeymoon Island or taking the ferry to Caladesi Island, both of which are west of Tampa along its Caribbean coast. These two islands are beautiful natural areas where you can kayak to your heart's content through mangroves and along beautiful beaches. You might even get to see owls while you are out on Honeymoon Island which is always an amazing experience.

If you are looking for the best Indian food around Washington, D.C. without having to pay the high city prices, make Saffron Indian Cuisine in Falls Church your first choice. My favorite Indian restaurant in the area, everything on their menu is made fresh to order and full of flavor! If you aren't sure what to get, I highly recommend their Korma curries (my favorite dish on their menu). You should also grab samosas and the bhajia as appetizers for the table! This is a restaurant that never lets you down, so if you are in the mood for Indian food, look no farther than Saffron Indian Cuisine!

One of the most romantic spots in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch offers a beautiful backdrop for picnics and photos with your loved one. If you are looking for a romantic experience that is extra special, take the last tram of the day to the top of the Gateway Arch to watch the sunset from the observation deck. Make sure to check what time sunset will be and get your tickets in advance so you can surprise your loved one with this special experience!

This hotel has it all, from great rooms to a huge atrium where you can relax and lounge in the center of the hotel. Their on-site restaurant also has delicious wine and desserts if you are looking for a nice activity before bed. What makes the Atlanta Marriott Marquis my favorite hotel in the city is that it does have the best access to all of the area attractions especially the Georgia Aquarium. Make the Atlanta Marriott Marquis your hotel choice if you are looking for a location that is convenient to everything!

One of my favorite activities in Atlanta is visiting the only aquarium in the United States where you can see whale sharks! This aquarium is well worth a visit with its massive main tank and walk-through tunnel. If you want a truly special experience, make sure to get tickets to the behind-the-seas experience where you will get to go back into the employee-only areas. If you are the adventurous type, you should try the scuba diving experience with the whale sharks or cage diving with hammerhead and tiger sharks!

In my opinion, Waterman's Surfside Grille is the best seafood restaurant in the Virginia Beach area. With the wonderful ambiance and oceanfront views that this restaurant offers, their delicious food makes this restaurant my first choice when going out. While everything on their menu is amazing, my favorite dish is their crab-stuffed fish of the day, especially when the fish of the day is flounder! Make sure to make reservations if you are going there for dinner as they get quite busy, but even if you don't the food is worth the wait!

My long-time favorite Mexican restaurant in Virginia Beach, I have been going here since 1999! With fresh hot nachos and salsa as soon as you sit down, you can snack while you look at the menu and enjoy the wonderful ambiance that this restaurant offers. With beautiful murals on the walls, you will feel like you are in a small cantina while receiving exceptional service! My favorite dish has always been their fajitas, but everything on the menu is delicious and fulfilling. If you are looking for great Mexican food in Virginia Beach, I highly recommend Plaza Azteca. Make sure to get reservations in advance on the weekend though, as they can get busy fast!

If you are going to Kings Dominion and you love an adrenaline rush, your only option is to go on the Intimidator 305. One of my favorite roller coasters, the Intimidator 305 is one of the fastest and tallest coasters in the world. While slower than Formula Rossa (the world's fastest roller coaster in Abu Dhabi), I found the Intimidator 305 to be just as adrenaline-inducing. Make sure to get your tickets to Kings Dominion in advance.  If you go to the park in the off-season, see how many times you can ride the Intimidator 305 in a row. My record is five times!

An awesome experience while in Virginia Beach that also allows you to go on an active military base, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure to give yourself extra time on your way to the lighthouse, as you will have to provide photo identification to the gate guard before they allow your group onto the base. The gate guard may ask you to open the trunk of your car, but don't worry this is just normal procedure.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is my favorite location to visit in Virginia Beach. Before you even walk in the door, you will see seals swimming in an outdoor tank! Inside, you have the opportunity to touch stingrays, explore and learn about the ocean, watch sharks in a massive floor-to-ceiling tank, and even walk outside along multiple paths and through an aviary. The perfect place to take your kids while in Virginia Beach, I highly recommend visiting the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center on a rainy day when you can't do outdoor beach activities.

The Four Points by Sheraton in Virginia Beach is one of my favorite places to stay when I want to wake up to an oceanfront view. Every room in the hotel offers an oceanfront view and is one of the best-priced hotels to stay in during the off-season. Every time I stay here I also see dolphins swimming off-shore, which truly makes the experience wonderful! This hotel is also conveniently located close to some of the top attractions, including the Virginia Marine Science Center, my favorite place to go in the city!

The Missouri Botanical Garden is my favorite place to go on a date and is a beautiful and romantic place to visit. The Botanical Gardens offer signature events throughout the year, and many occur in the evening. During the summer, my favorite events at the Missouri Botanical Garden are the Wednesday evening Whitaker music festival shows. Make sure to get your tickets early and enjoy a night out listening to live music!

As one of only a handful of free zoos in the United States, the St. Louis Zoo is a must-visit attraction while you are visiting the city! The Zoo has a multitude of animals and you can easily spend the whole day exploring all of the exhibits. My favorite exhibit is the Bird House and Garden, but my friends always love seeing the penguins, puffins, and polar bears. I suggest that if you want to avoid paying for parking at the zoo, park in either one of the free parking lots in Franklin Park or street park on Oakland Ave. The walk to the zoo takes about 15 minutes from either of these parking locations.

Shaw's Coffee is the perfect place on "The Hill" to grab a freshly brewed coffee or espresso after a long night out. If you are on "The Hill" on a Sunday, after enjoying your coffee on Shaw's outdoor patio, walk just one block to Carnivore STL to grab a fulfilling brunch that will not disappoint!

Offering the best views in the city, it is well worth going inside the St. Louis Arch and taking the tram to the top for absolutely spectacular views of the city and river! While you wait for your turn to take a tram to the top, make sure to explore all the museum exhibits that this National Park has on offer. If you are visiting with children, talk to one of the Park Rangers so that they can give you the workbook for the junior ranger program, where your child can earn a commemorative badge!

Rise Coffee, which offers great coffee and traditional coffee house vibes, is in a great location and perfect to visit if you are near the Zoo or Franklin Park.  Their specialty coffees are always worth trying and their food menu is delicious and even offers gluten-free and vegan items. Make sure to grab either their avocado toast or their hash, two of my personal favorites!

My favorite coffee shop in St. Louis, Blueprint Coffee is the place to be if you love coffee! Both of their locations have a wonderful atmosphere and serve delicious coffee. While their downtown location offers everything you need, if you are out by the Zoo or going to one of the famous Italian restaurants in St. Louis' "The Hill" neighborhood, you should visit the Blueprint Coffee location on Watson road. This location is in a refurbished automobile maintenance garage, which allows for lots of natural light and an industrial vibe that provide a wonderful atmosphere to sit and enjoy your coffee.

The Marriott St. Louis Grand is a great place to stay in the heart of downtown St. Louis! A beautiful building both inside and out and with extremely helpful and friendly staff, this hotel provided everything I needed while staying there. They even included free early check-in and late check-out for my stay. It was easy walking distance to the Gateway Arch as well as museums and restaurants in the downtown quarter. The hotel also has beautiful reception halls for events which I have attended during a wedding. I highly recommend staying at The Marriott St. Louis Grand while you are in this city!

Attending the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Ellipse at President’s Park feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to the limited number of tickets that are given away for this one evening event. With the National Park Service providing tickets through a lottery system, you will need to put your proverbial hat in the ring on the recreation.gov website. Make sure to enter online if you are planning to be in D.C. when the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place for the chance to attend this spectacular event!

As one of the most popular locations to visit in Washington D.C., the line at the ticket office of Fords Theatre can often be very long and operates in a first-come, first-served fashion. I recommend booking tickets ahead of time online so that you are able to ensure that you can visit the theatre at a date and time that works best for you while you are in D.C.

As the National Zoo is one of only four zoos that have pandas in the U.S., this makes it one of the best free zoos in the U.S. A must-do activity while visiting Washington D.C., make sure to check both the outdoor and indoor viewing areas as sometimes the pandas can be hard to find in their exhibit. The pandas tend to be more active in the morning, so make sure the zoo's panda exhibit is the first exhibit you visit!

The National Arboretum in D.C.'s northeast is a sprawling property that is absolutely gorgeous! While spring and summer are the best times to visit, the fall can also be absolutely stunning especially when the leaves begin to change colors. Make sure to get your Instagram-worthy photo by the 22 columns from the capitol building located in the center of the arboretum!

For nature lovers, Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg is an absolutely gorgeous place to spend the day. Situated at the tip of the peninsula that creates the northwestern part of Tampa Bay,  Fort De Soto Park offers some of the top beaches in America as well as wildlife watching! You will frequently see dolphins swimming by off shore and a multitude of migratory birds whose beautiful colors are a delight to see. You can also take one of the ferries to the small islands off the coast of the park, which is a wonderful addition to a day trip to Fort De Soto Park! 

When visiting the quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston, make sure to enter through the Walters Gate. As this is an active US Army base, you will need to present a driver's license before heading onto the installation. You may also need to open your car for a routine inspection, but don't worry this is normal for visitors to the base!

The best sponge shops are located along Dodecanese Blvd., which has a lively Greek atmosphere and delicious restaurants. The area normally has a relaxed atmosphere but can be extremely busy during university spring break (March and April) when students create a vibrant party scene. A must-do activity is going on sponge diving tours from one of the local companies. These tours include a 40-minute boat cruise with local sponge divers who tell you about the history and experience!

Not only does Point Loma over opportunities to get close to the underwater world through tidepools. This southernmost peninsula in California offers some of the best views in San Diego. Head to Cabrillo National Monument located at the tip of Point Loma to get beautiful views out across the Pacific, towards downtown San Diego, of Coronado Island, and into Mexico! Taking in these views is sure to delight mom on her special day!

One of the best taverns I have ever been to, Martin's is a to-die-for upscale establishment in D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood! My favorite dishes at this tavern are the Shepards Pie, the Meatloaf, and the London Broil. Make sure to visit this wonderful tavern for a truly Irish feel that is both rustic, homely, and sure to make you want to return!

If you are looking for a real Italian pizzeria, look no farther than Il Canale! This is hands down the best Italian-style pizza in D.C. My personal favorite is the Diavola with spicy pepperoni and buffalo mozzarella. This is a must-visit pizza spot in the Georgetown neighborhood of D.C., and I promise your taste buds will not regret it!

There is nothing more American than heading to a baseball game, and Kauffman Stadium is a great place to watch a game. In a stadium with great sight-lines, you don't have to worry about missing a thing, even if you have seats in the nosebleeds. I definitely recommend catching a game in Royal's home stadium, and it will be even better if it's an away game for your home team!

If you are in the K.C. area and you need your adrenaline fix, the fastest way to get it is at Worlds of Fun. The top amusement park in the K.C. area, you will find a variety of roller coasters with different levels of thrill! My personal favorite, the TimberWolf, is a traditional wooden roller coaster. However, if you are looking for a newer metal rollercoaster, you should definitely ride the Mamba or the Patriot. If you want the park mostly to yourself, try visiting during the week, when area schools are still in session.

My personal favorite BBQ joint in K.C., Gates Bar-B-Q offers the best sandwiches that I have had in the city! While the menu has many different options, my personal favorite is the Combo Double Decker, where you can get two different types of meat in your sandwich. If you have a large appetite and want to try even more options, get the 4 Bone where you get ribs, two types of meat, and two sides!

St. Louis is a great weekend trip from Kansas City, all while staying in the same state. With many attractions to see including the Arch, visiting the free entry Zoo or the City Museum, you can easily fill a whole weekend with activities. Crossing the state doesn't just offer new things to see but also the opportunity to compare the world-famous K.C.-style barbecue against the equally famous St. Louis style barbecue. Everyone has to eat during a weekend trip, so head down to Pappy's Smokehouse and taste the flavor difference between these distinct barbecue styles within the same state.

Visiting the famous home and hometown of the author of books such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is a great experience! If you love history, classic American literature, and beautiful Missouri scenery, you will love spending time in Hannibal. If you find yourself on a weekend trip to Hannibal, Missouri, I highly recommend exploring this historic city and spending some peaceful time along the Missouri River.

A trip to the Field Museum is great for people of all ages that are interested in natural and human history. Make sure to check out all of the dinosaur skeletons and head over to the Ronald and Christina Gidwitz Hall of Birds, my personal favorite exhibit. With a multitude of exhibits to explore, this museum can keep you occupied for a full day and makes for a great rainy day activity!

With so many pizza places to choose from, it can be hard to decide where exactly to go. Though, if you are looking for traditional deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, you can never go wrong with a Giordano's. I highly recommend that if this is your first time trying deep-dish pizza in Chicago, that you try Giordano's Chicago Classic deep dish! Never fear if the ingredients don't fit your fancy as you can always get a make your own pizza with the ingredients of your choice.

With just 24 hours in Chicago, going up to the Skydeck is a great choice as long as the weather is clear. With some of the best views of the city, walk out onto the glass and grab a selfie or post an Instagram/Snapchat story to document your trip! Make sure to book your ticket online in advance and select a time slot for when the weather is predicted to be best.

If you want to stand above the Chicago skyline you can't go wrong with visiting the Skydeck Chicago. Whether you go alone or with someone, you will get beautiful views of the city and also some great photos or selfies. Make sure to watch the weather and cloud cover so that you can get the best possible views when you walk out onto glass over 100 stories above ground!

An all-around top museum to visit in the City of Chicago, it has something on offer that few other locations in the world give you the opportunity to explore. Situated inside the museum is the complete U-505, a German submarine from World War II. Personally my favorite experience at the museum, you get the opportunity to walk through and explore this living piece of history. If you have a keen interest in history, this is an opportunity included with your museum entrance cost that you can't pass up!

Make sure to slow your roll as you walk along Chicago's River Walk to take in the beautiful architecture along this path. From the many different bridges to the towering skyscrapers, you can admire the historic and new architecture that makes this city beautiful! Make sure to bring a windbreaker, as sometimes the wind along the River Walk will remind you why Chicago is referred to as the windy city.

One of the best places to visit in Chicago when you are wanting to get out of the cold, the Garfield Park Conservancy is a must-visit location. Offering hundreds of species of plants and several semi-tropical environments, you can find yourself surrounded by greenery even when there is snow on the ground. If you are in Chicago in the winter, this is a must-visit free botanical garden that will whisk you away to another world!

Walking out onto Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions, shopping, and the opportunity to walk above Lake Michigan. One of my favorite activities on Navy Pier is walking to the end and looking out across Lake Michigan. With beautiful views across the water during any season, going during winter can be bone-chilling, but you might be offered beautiful views of floating ice chunks on the lake. 

No trip to Chicago is complete without a trip to the Cloud Gate, the famous reflective "bean" where people from around the world get their photos taken. You can't go wrong with getting a selfie at this must-visit Chicago art piece!

This truly is the destination to see the big acts before they make it big! The 9:30 Club is my go-to concert venue for a personal and up-close concert experience. Personally, I enjoy watching the concert from the second level (where I feel just as close to the action) so that I am not packed in with everyone right in front of the stage. Finding parking can be pretty hard, so taking the Metro to U St. makes it a less than ten minutes walk to the venue, and then you don't have to worry about how many drinks you have during the concert.

Shows at the Kennedy Center can be a hot commodity, especially when they are well-known names. Be sure to get your tickets online at least a week before the show (the farther out the better) as there is no guarantee that you can get multiple seats next to each other from the box office on the night of the show. Make sure to dress appropriately for going out to see a show, and if you are getting dinner beforehand, make sure to get a reservation at the restaurant so that you don't have to wait and cut it close for the start of the show.

A restaurant where you are always guaranteed quality food in a relaxed atmosphere, Busboy and Poets is a great place where you are sure to find something for everyone in your group. Offering great brunch options till 3 pm every day, the Sweet Potato Hash is my go-to brunch option. For a delicious meal later in the day I recommend the Mediterranean Lamb Burger or any of their entrees. You'll be sure to find something for everyone with delicious vegetarian and vegan options as well. Their Vegan “Chorizo” Pasta and the Vegan Nachos some of my favorite meatless dishes that they have on offer.

You can never go wrong with a trip to the Smithsonian Museums. With so many of them situated around the National Mall, a great option for your group is to designate a meeting place and time before splitting up and exploring the museums that you are each most interested in! Remember to take photos so that everyone can share what they saw over dinner.

While the Cherry Blossom Festival is truly an experience on its own, if you watch the National Park Service announcements, they can only do their best to predict when the peak blossom will be. Fortunately, this means that if you are in D.C. the week before or after the festival, you will still get to see a plethora of cherry trees in bloom. If you want to avoid the most crowded areas around the Tidal Basin, take a short walk or drive to Haines Point for a loop that passes hundreds of cherry trees in bloom!

Something that is always a great time is going to a ball game at Nationals Park. Make sure to show up early to experience the before-game party at the surrounding outdoor restaurants and pop-up eateries. Once the game starts, it just seems right to get a ballpark hotdog. So why not head over to the famous Ben's Chili Bowl stand to experience two of D.C.'s great things, a chili dog and a ball game! Even if there is not a game on, check and see if the bullpen will be hosting Truckaroo while you are in D.C., where a plethora of food trucks congregate and you can experience many of D.C.'s best food trucks!

Great Falls has some of the best hiking trails just outside of D.C. I highly recommend crossing the river and visiting the C & O Canal to take a walk along the Billy Goat Trail but remember to bring water and snacks. This trail is long and can be tough in a few spots, so you should also make sure you wear good hiking shoes and are prepared for the weather. You will be delighted with beautiful views and a wonderful time out in nature!

The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. is a very somber yet beautiful site to visit. A Visit to the Memorial at night offers a very different experience than during the day, and you are more likely to experience the site with few other visitors. The best time to go is May through September as the fountains are turned off when temperatures reach freezing.

If you are looking for a tried and true sandwich option in D.C., you can't go wrong with Potbelly. With multiple locations across the city, you are always within walking distance of one of their locations. With 20 sandwiches to choose from and loads of sides, you are sure to find something for everyone. You should definitely get their amazing Mac and Cheese as well where you can add two toppings! I like to add bacon and hot peppers, but you can mix it up to make your ideal Mac and Cheese!

A visit to Washington D.C. is not complete without stopping by Ben's Chilli Bowl. A local staple, they serve the best chili dog and chili fries you will ever have! The line moves quickly, so when you get to the counter so be prepared to give your order before you reach the till. You can get your meal to go or grab a seat at a table and dive into the delicious food. They also offer delicious vegetarian burgers, dogs, and chili options if someone in your party isn't a meat-eater.

One of the best Italian restaurants in the area, Filomena Ristorante is a must-visit location. If you aren't sure what to get, I highly recommend the Tortelloni Di Michele, a dish which is my personal and a local favorite. This all-around great Italian joint is a location that lovers of traditional Italian dishes won't want to miss!

Scenic drives and California are two things that just seem to be synonymous (you can't visit one without seeing the other). While the 59-Mile Scenic Drive offers views of everything there is to see in San Diego, you also can't go wrong with a drive up Highway 1. While the 59-Mile Scenic Drive is confined to San Diego, Highway 1 is one of the ultimate scenic coastal drives with beautiful ocean views in the entire world! 

If you are interested in history or the military, the USS Midway Museum is the best place to view military aircraft and learn about naval military history. If you want the top naval experience see if your visit is during Fleet Week when the US Navy showcases many of their ships and aircraft. Or if your trip is during the Miramar Air Show, you should head to the Marine Corps Air Station where you can see one of the best military air shows in the world! The hub of naval operations in California, you can't go wrong with experiencing military history while in San Diego.

Mt. Soledad is absolutely the best place for views of the city both during the day and at night! There is also a nice hike that leaves from the summit and loops back if you are looking for a walk with a view. This hike, while short can be pretty difficult with some pretty steep parts, so you should be ready for a moderate workout and definitely bring water and a snack with you.

Visiting the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument is one of my favorite activities. There are always so many ocean creatures to look for in the tide pools but you will have the best experience at low tide. You should definitely look for my favorite animal the nudibranch. There are three types that are more frequent in the tide pools including Hermissenda, Hopkins Rose, and the Dorid Nudibranch. Also, be on the lookout for other exciting animals like octopuses and eels! If you have an underwater camera you can get great close-up photos as well!

All of the Mexican restaurants in Old Town are wonderful, but my favorites are the Old Town Mexican Cafe and Cafe Coyote. The food at both is absolutely amazing, authentic, and reasonably priced. You can even watch your tortillas being made at the Old Town Mexican Cafe. You can't go wrong visiting either of these spots, and you are sure to get a truly authentic experience.

Seeing the sunset across the Pacific ocean is a magical experience and should definitely be part of your trip to San Diego! Sometimes Sunset Point can be a little crowded, especially in the summer. If this is the case,  just a couple of minute's drive away are two other great locations to view the sunset. You could either head down the road to Ocean Beach Pier or Sunset Cliffs Beach, which are both only about a ten minutes drive from Sunset Point.

Point Loma is one of the top locations for a variety of viewscapes in the San Diego area. I highly recommend this location for beautiful views of the Pacific, Coronado, and if you are a military aficionado – the Naval Air Station where a variety of military aircraft take-off and land. I also enjoy heading to the tip of Point Loma – Cabrillo National Monument – which contains some of the best viewscapes, as well as hiking trails that during low tide are passible down the cliffs, where you can explore many tide pools. 

Heading up the road to Disney from San Diego is a great time and makes for an easy and fun-filled day trip! However, make sure to time when you leave and return to avoid rush hour traffic. You should also book your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines and get you through the door faster!

If you are looking for a great concert venue, the 9:30 Club will not let you down! With a second level that surrounds the stage, you can feel up close and personal to your favorite performer in this small venue. I highly recommend grabbing tickets to a show at the 9:30 Club!

A D.C. staple, Ben's Chili Bowl should definitely be on your itinerary when visiting the city. They don't take reservations and always have a line, so be prepared to wait, luckily the line moves fast! If you don't make it up to their original location during your visit, they have opened a second in the airport where you can grab a bite while you wait for your flight out of town.

True to its name, Baked and Wired is the best place in the city to appease your sweet tooth, while simultaneously drinking great coffee! If you are spending time in Georgetown, you should definitely stop by and experience the atmosphere, or at least grab something delectable to go!

When my best friend first took me to Trusty's, I wasn't sure what they were getting me into... However, I quickly fell in love with the laid-back atmosphere of this unique dive bar where you can chill with your friends! You should definitely put Trusty's on your list of must-visit bars in Washington, D.C., and make sure to hang out both upstairs and at the main bar.

While the botanical garden has many beautiful flowers and plants, it also has a hidden perk, especially during the winter. If you are in Washington D.C. during the cold parts of the year, it is well worth a trip to the Botanical Gardens to warm up in their tropical and desert environments! You should also watch their website and see if their corpse flower will be blooming during your visit as it can be many years to decades between each time it blooms.

If you are an air and space fan you should drive out to the Smithsonian's larger facility the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport. This museum which is also free, boasts the full-length space shuttle Discovery, an SR-71 Blackbird, the Enola Gay, and many other large aircraft! Accessible via the silver line on Metro or by car, you should have no issues getting out of the city to see all of these amazing aircraft. My personal favorite in the museum's collection is an aircraft that was used for early aerial photography in Antarctica!

If you are looking to take in this breathtaking memorial without the crowds, plan your visit before 8 am or after 8 pm. As these are the best times to try and get a private moment inside the memorial. Otherwise, stop by for one of the free talks from the National Park Service to learn about the history of the man and the memorial!

With so much on offer, it can be hard to decide just which museum to visit! Lovers of dinosaurs should make sure to add the recently remodeled exhibit at the Natural History Museum to their schedule. After being closed for five years, the dinosaur exhibit reopened in 2019 and was an incredible sight to see with brand new dinosaurs and a completely new layout. It was so well done that I visited three times in the first month that it reopened!

The National Park Service ranger talks at the Monuments and Memorials in Washington, D.C. are one of the best free programs on offer. Always friendly and available to answer your questions after their talks, these park rangers provide detailed and compelling stories about the history of the Monuments and Memorials and make sure to dispel any myths that have arisen about them over time. I can promise that you won't be disappointed whether you are a history buff or only learned about these places while in school.