What's up people,
I'm hoping to get some ideas. I try to take vacations to random cities twice a year and I need ideas on cities to visit that have a lot of things to do and places to see as well as natural scenery.

Any suggestions? maybe ur city? So far Chicago has been my fav city and I totally hated Washington dc and Houston (_{sorry if u live there})

JeSoul:

What's up people,
I'm hoping to get some ideas. I try to take vacations to random cities twice a year and I need ideas on cities to visit that have a lot of things to do and places to see as well as natural scenery.

Any suggestions? maybe your city? So far Chicago has been my fav city and[b] I totally hated Washington dc [/b] and Houston (_{sorry if u live there})

don't worry, washington dc is not all that it is hyped up to be. about 1/5 or less of the whole city is nice every where else is crappy.

maybe for your next vacation, you should try san francisco. i havent been there but almost everyone i've talked to loved it and you won't be overwhelmed with the east coast humidity. they have nice weather all year round and even though its hot, it not like miserably hot.

naija_diva:

don't worry, washington dc is not all that it is hyped up to be. about 1/5 or less of the whole city is nice every where else is crappy.

yeah it seemed like beyond downtown n all the historic stuff there wasn't much else. I found it very hard to also find something like a "food district" with all kinds of restaurants n stuff. . .was it that I didn't look at the right places/areas?

maybe for your next vacation, you should try san francisco. i havent been there but almost everyone i've talked to loved it and you won't be overwhelmed with the east coast humidity. they have nice weather all year round and even though its hot, it not like miserably hot.

thanks girl. Do you know what's out there to see/do in SanFran? I'm betting the beaches would be the major attraction but besides that know of anything else? thanks.

JeSoul:

yeah it seemed like beyond downtown n all the historic stuff there wasn't much else. I found it very hard to also find something like a "food district" with all kinds of restaurants n stuff. . .was it that I didn't look at the right places/areas?
thanks girl. Do you know what's out there to see/do in SanFran? I'm betting the beaches would be the major attraction but besides that know of anything else? thanks.

you didn't have to look for anything cuz there's nothing there (atlease that doesn't interest me). if you are looking for a really nice place to eat that isn't mcdonald than let just say you better be loaded on cash.

as for SF, i'm not sure but if you do a little research online i'm sure you'll find something interesting. cali is not as old as the east coast so they may not have a lot of historic places to visit (but i could be wrong). but i'm sure the beach will be a good place to check out.

any where in the houston area. there is so many cultures represented in that area.

Have you tried New York. It will be somewhat similar to Chicago, however on a larger scale. It's has a bubbling/happening downtown like Chicago, and a lot to do. it definitely will not be as clean as chicago though.  Actually, there are very few cities (if any) in the US that will have the kind of skyline/architecture Chicago has. what about Miami and Vegas? Again thosea are OK cities and unique in their own way, but totally different from Chicago. San Francisco is good too. You should just check online. Each US city has something to offer.

onyinye2:

any where in the houston area. there is so many cultures represented in that area.

 

JeSoul:

  So far Chicago has been my fav city and I totally hated Washington dc and Houston (_{sorry if u live there})

  sorry.
Houston seemed particularly boring, especially the architecture. And maybe its just the time I was there but it seems like a lazy (for lack of a better word) city to me, I hunted around for hours on a saturday morning trying to find something decent to eat - downtown! they weren't open yet. I'm used to 24hr dennys' and 5am Dunkins'.
and the stores were so plain, nuthin unique. And in a conversation I had with a guy on the bus when I told him I was just visiting, he looked at me bewildered and asked "why would u want to come out here? there's nuthin out here"

Bossman:

Have you tried New York. It will be somewhat similar to Chicago, however on a larger scale. It's has a bubbling/happening downtown like Chicago, and a lot to do. it definitely will not be as clean as chicago though.  Actually, there are very few cities (if any) in the US that will have the kind of skyline/architecture Chicago has.

  Been to NY couple times as its only 3-4 hrs from boston. and the only thing I love about it is the street food vendors .
Waaay too busy and too tight n too many rude people. But yeah u right in that there are a lotta things to do there. But as for architecture I think Chicago is worlds away from NY - which is mostly just super tall buildings n fancy billboards.

what about Miami and Vegas? Again thosea are OK cities and unique in their own way, but totally different from Chicago. San Francisco is good too. You should just check online. Each US city has something to offer.

Anytime I think vegas all that comes to mind is casinos. Is there much else?
  Miami is def an option although I haven't read much on what's up down there besides the obvious. Besides I hate to travel to a yr-rd warn weather city in the summer, like to save those for the winter time.

Thanks everyone for your contributions so far.

naija_diva:

you didn't have to look for anything because there's nothing there (atlease that doesn't interest me). if you are looking for a really nice place to eat that isn't mcdonald than let just say you better be loaded on cash.

lol, its funny I finally ended up at a wendy's but had to wait so long I gave up and left. Later found a place called 'italian restorante' n the food was ok.

as for SF, i'm not sure but if you do a little research online i'm sure you'll find something interesting. cali is not as old as the east coast so they may not have a lot of historic places to visit (but i could be wrong). but i'm sure the beach will be a good place to check out.

cool thanks.

i truly depends on your social status and how well you know the city. i love houston and cant imagine living it. there is always something to do. especially in the summer.

New Yorkers are not rude, they just dont like people wasting there time. Its call the New York state of mind.

Charlotte, Richmond, Atlanta, Orlando, Philly.

There are many more.

OK, something needs to be clarified. I see quite a few cities mentioned here. but most of them are not tourists cities at all. For example Houston, Atlanta, Raleigh etc. Those are not tourists cities like NY, Chicago, San Fran, etc. Those places do not have any kind of downtown presence at all. After certain times the downtown is dead! What you can use to determine a big city downtown is if they have a major transportation system (rail, bus. cab) into/out of the city. For example in NY, Chicago, for every 10 cars you see downtown you will see 5-6 cabs. These cities have extensive rail system that  links the suburbs. So, you need to consider all those factors in determining where to go.

PS: I work in downton Chicago right accross from the Millenium Park.

Bossman:

OK, something needs to be clarified. I see quite a few cities mentioned here. but most of them are not tourists cities at all. For example Houston, Atlanta, Raleigh etc. Those are not tourists cities like NY, Chicago, San Fran, etc. Those places do not have any kind of downtown presence at all. After certain times the downtown is dead! What you can use to determine a big city downtown is if they have a major transportation system (rail, bus. cab) into/out of the city. For example in NY, Chicago, for every 10 cars you see downtown you will see 5-6 cabs. These cities have extensive rail system that links the suburbs. So, you need to consider all those factors in determining where to go.

PS: I work in downton Chicago right accross from the Millenium Park.

you're right but some people don't like to go to the downtowns or major cities because (this is just me personally) you don't get actual feel of the state/places. i haven't been to every city in the US, but most of the big cities are alike but if you go out side the city than you get to see the "actual" place for what it is. and sometimes that is how outsiders get the decieved, because in pamplets they pretty much show the city side so it looks all cool and what not but when they go there and travel everywhere, its not all that. but i think if anyone travels, it should be balance, see the good and not so good places.

Bossman:

OK, something needs to be clarified. I see quite a few cities mentioned here. but most of them are not tourists cities at all. For example Houston, Atlanta, Raleigh etc. Those are not tourists cities like NY, Chicago, San Fran, etc. Those places do not have any kind of downtown presence at all. After certain times the downtown is dead! What you can use to determine a big city downtown is if they have a major transportation system (rail, bus. cab) into/out of the city. For example in NY, Chicago, for every 10 cars you see downtown you will see 5-6 cabs. These cities have extensive rail system that links the suburbs. So, you need to consider all those factors in determining where to go.

 Bossman that's a great point! I think u said it perfectly, some cities are tourist cities and others are not. But I guess it depends on what the person is looking for - n I def more on the tourist side.

SeanT21:

New Yorkers are not rude, they just don't like people wasting there time. Its call the New York state of mind.

okay so NYkers are not rude, they're just impatient, loud, obnoxious, always in a hurry, disrespectful etc.  
I was there just 2weeks ago and in that short time I was called a racist n not supporting black people for not buying some tickets being hawked by some afro-amer guys,
- another guy called me n my bf heartless for not contributing to his charity
- I was stepped on countless times without a single apology
- some liberian guys tired to shove some fake prada bags in my face
- The drivers are incredibly reckless and inconsiderate it made me appreciate boston 100x more. . . want me to continue?  

downtown houston is known mostly for shopping or going to a Rockets game. but the city has so much to offer. if you take the time to look around.

okay so NYkers are not rude, they're just impatient, loud, obnoxious, always in a hurry, disrespectful etc.
I was there just 2weeks ago and in that short time I was called a racist n not supporting black people for not buying some tickets being hawked by some afro-amer guys,
- another guy called me n my boyfriend heartless for not contributing to his charity - I was stepped on countless times without a single apology
- some liberian guys tired to shove some fake prada bags in my face
- The drivers are incredibly reckless and inconsiderate it made me appreciate boston 100x more. . . want me to continue?

lol

naija_diva:

you're right but some people don't like to go to the downtowns or major cities because (this is just me personally) you don't get actual feel of the state/places. i haven't been to every city in the US, but most of the big cities are alike but if you go out side the city than you get to see the "actual" place for what it is. and sometimes that is how outsiders get the decieved, because in pamplets they pretty much show the city side so it looks all cool and what not but when they go there and travel everywhere, its not all that. but i think if anyone travels, it should be balance, see the good and not so good places.

 well I think that's true to an extent. I love the downtowns of cities and I would beg to differ that they're all alike, I think they're quite different, culturally, archetechurally and general overall vibe. Some are more laid back and easy going, others are hyper and fast paced. Some are extremely diverse and others are more just generally "american".
 But u are right when u say the rest of the areas could be drastically different from downtown. I remember telling a friend how I loved Philly and it was so lively and clean and organized and easy to get around n do stuff and she just laughed n said - "you must have stayed only downtown"

onyinye2:

downtown houston is known mostly for shopping or going to a Rockets game. but the city has so much to offer. if you take the time to look around.

 Yes I did have fun at the game, it was actually the highlite of the trip. If I'm ever in houston again, I'm asking you for the places to go. . .  

sure anytime. i love the city to death.

Are you only looking at USA citiesonly, i liked Boston, Altana, New York(only for shopping), virigina and pocno mountains in pennyslavia very beautiful.

if you are looking outside US- Eqypt, Bali was great. I could go on

femigirl:

Are you only looking at USA citiesonly, i liked Boston, Altana, New York(only for shopping), virigina and pocno mountains in pennyslavia very beautiful.

My bf n I got lost once and ended up in Pocono, yep it was beautiful, a pleasant suprise. But it was such a remote place, we were lucky to find wireless internet connection on my laptop at a holiday inn parking lot, lol. We maquested our way back to civilization - and never went on another road trip without a navigator! lol

JeSoul:


My boyfriend n I got lost once and ended up in Pocono, yes it was beautiful, a pleasant suprise. But it was such a remote place, we were lucky to find wireless internet connection on my laptop at a holiday inn parking lot, lol. We maquested our way back to civilization - and never went on another road trip without a navigator! lol

LOL

@ JeSoul

I will not recommend New York City. I lived there for many years. The people are rude, very rude like you mentioned. Not with my clear eye I take run when I felt I had enough of the madness. I don't miss that place at all. Ok, maybe a little when it comes to getting my hair done. I am now in Las Vegas. Yes there are casinos but what I like about Las Vegas is the variety of buffets in the various casinos. Girl, the food is to die for, reasonable, and all you can eat. Also, there are alot of shows, concerts and stuff. People like Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige etc come here to perform quite often.
Its not a bad city to come visit actually.

Did someone mention Philadelphia as a place to visit? I visited Philly when I used to live in NY. The tourist area is nice but I was not too impressed. When we walked through some of the neighborhoods, it was dry. Dry like a desert and then we had some white people acting weird like they have never come across a black person in their life before. It was strange. Even the philly cheese steak that we ate there had no taste I'm not going there again anytime soon. Try visiting California, like San Diego, San francisco and such cities. Personally, that's where I would love to visit

It all depend on what your defination of BEST CITY is, if vacational then Vist the smokey mountains in GATLINGBURG Tennessee its a true Germany town and you can also visit Dolly Parton's dixie stampede (dollywood) which also in gatlingburg and the largest acquatic reserve where u can view live Sharks and other sea creatures, you would be amazed. Was there last April had a swell time. You wont know you are in the USA, you will probably think you are somewhere in Germany. There is also a cable cab that takes you up to the top of the smokey mountain.

@Poster, if you cant find any US city anylonger that appeal to you, TRY CANADA, hahaha

I have been to sum US cities maself and they r just as boring as anything except CHICAGO so far, am heading to the US by July 2nd.

Ezinwannem:

@Poster, if you can find any US city anylonger that appeal to you, TRY CANADA, hahaha

I have been to sum US cities maself and they r just as boring as anything except CHICAGO so far, am heading to the US by July 2nd.

what cities will that be?

like Ohio and Indiana r boring,

what about benin city, have you considered it ?

Tegese:

what about benin city, have you considered it ?

is there a benin city in the US?

Ezinwannem:

like Ohio and Indiana r boring,

those are not cities? I am pretty sure you didnt visit everywhere in those states, so you are being a bit bias by judging your experience on a little town or community you pass through.

Nwaka77:

@ JeSoul

I will not recommend New York City. I lived there for many years. The people are rude, very rude like you mentioned. Not with my clear eye I take run when I felt I had enough of the madness. I don't miss that place at all. Ok, maybe a little when it comes to getting my hair done. I am now in Las Vegas. Yes there are casinos but what I like about Las Vegas is the variety of buffets in the various casinos. Girl, the food is to die for, reasonable, and all you can eat. Also, there are alot of shows, concerts and stuff. People like Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige etc come here to perform quite often.
Its not a bad city to come visit actually.

Yeah I def agree Nyc is a not a good place to live. I don't even know how the people there can take that kind of madness. good for u in leaving!
Thanks for the info on vegas. I'm more of an outdoorsy person when I take trips so the shows/concerts don't really seduce me much.

@SeanT21, I visted those states. I can't just quote something. I was at Columbus OH. I go dere every summer, infact, as a capital city, I expected it 2 be bubbling and as for Indiana, I was at Portage. so because itz close 2 Chicago, I go dere often. as a whole, those 2 states are boring to me,

Because a city is a capital city does not mean it will be bubbling at all. capital cities are chose for various reasons. None of which has to do with how big the city is. Just Like Albany is the capital of NY, and Springfield (a city of may be $70k) is the capital of Illinois. Just about all the US states have a small no name city as their capital.

Ezinwannem:

@SeanT21, I visted those states. I can't just quote something. I was at Columbus OH. I go dere every summer, infact, as a capital city, I expected it 2 be bubbling and as for Indiana, I was at Portage. so because itz close 2 Chicago, I go dere often. as a whole, those 2 states are boring to me,

Go to vegas. It is fun there

@Bossman, Columbus is not even big as a whole, anyhow, i tend 2 go where I know ppl now atleast we make sumthing out of it,