06 Feb Summer Travel

DW Hot List

Dreaming of a summer getaway? These destinations each offer something special this year.

Washington, DC: The nation’s capital is experiencing a renaissance of new restaurants, clubs, and boutiques. Its museums and monuments—many of them free—are packed with cultural and historical attractions. You’ll also find a vibrant music district in the U Street Corridor.

Las Vegas: This desert metropolis is justly famous for its nightlife, and this year, both Jennifer Lopez and Lionel Richie will be in residence at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood. Sin City is also a great place to treat yourself to spa treatments and gourmet meals. If you tire of the bright lights and glitz, you can explore the serene landscapes of nearby Red Rock Canyon.

Alaska: Summer in Alaska is short but glorious, and one of the best ways to experience it is on a cruise. The most popular route takes you along the Inside Passage from Seattle or Vancouver. Relax with a glass of wine while you glide past glaciers and take in the views.

San Diego and Los Angeles: This year, the world-renowned San Diego Zoo celebrates its 100th anniversary with special events and exhibits. Up the road in Hollywood, the much-anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter—featuring 3D technology—opens at Universal Studios. This part of Southern California boasts beaches, mountains, restaurants, and more.

Detroit: The Motor City is making a comeback as a family travel destination. This year, the world’s largest penguin facility, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, debuts at the Detroit Zoo. A new Legoland just opened in nearby Auburn Hills, and an expansion is under way at the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. Don’t miss Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

Hawaii: As part of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers special After Dark in the Park programs and Centennial Hikes—your chance to get an up-close look at what’s been called the world’s only drive-in volcano. Elsewhere on the island of Hawaii—and the 50th state’s other islands—you can experience the beaches, lush landscapes, and tropical breezes that make this western paradise a perennial attraction.

Philadelphia: The Democratic National Convention will put this city in the spotlight in late July, but that’s just one reason to pay a visit to the City of Brotherly Love, recently named the first UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States. The Philadelphia Museum of Art will host international art exhibitions, and the new One Liberty Observation Deck lets you take in city views from 57 stories up. Visit discoverphl.com to learn about LGBT and African American–themed itineraries.