As 2021 approaches and travel plans are being made, we have compiled a list of cities to visit in the new year. Each has its own history, culture, and adventure to explore.
Remember as you plan your vacation to take all necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe. No matter where you end up, be informed of that city’s current mandates and regulations.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is known as the City in the Forest. Hundreds of parks are scattered throughout the city including the Centennial Olympic Park and the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. There are also numerous mountains surrounding the city like Arabia Mountain, Stone Mountain, and Kennesaw Mountain.
The easiest way to get around the city is the Atlanta Beltline, an in-progress 22-mile track of converted railways that circle the city. Or just jump onto MARTA, the city’s public transportation that runs hundreds of buses, trains, and para-transit vehicles throughout Atlanta.
Atlanta is divided into 5 neighborhoods and each has its own highlights and features.
- Downtown is home to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame.
- Midtown houses the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Center for Puppetry Art, and the High Museum of Art.
- The Westside has Mile 0 of the Atlanta Beltline, the Atlantic Station, and Hammonds House Museum.
- On the Eastside, you will find Zoo Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park.
- Lastly, Buckhead won’t disappoint with Legoland, Lenox Square, and Chastain Memorial Park.
Sports fans will enjoy the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the State Farm Arena. History buffs won’t be able to get enough of the Atlanta History Center or the National Center for Civil & Human Rights. Foodies will eat their fill at show-stopping restaurants like Miller Union, B’s Cracklin’ BBQ, and El Tesoro.
With endless outdoor adventure, a breathtaking skyline, and buckets of Southern traditions, Atlanta will keep you busy and entertained no matter how long you plan to stay. Be sure to purchase your Atlanta CityPASS – an easy-to-use mobile ticket that gets users into numerous attractions around the city and is valid for 30 days.
>Related: Things to Do in Atlanta During Winter
Best Places to Stay While in Atlanta
Houston, Texas
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the US, was named the “New Capital of Southern Cool” by GQ Magazine. With its mild year-round temperatures, any time of the year is great to visit.
Home of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, the innovation in Houston is ever-growing and expanding.
The Houston Museum District includes the Holocaust Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science, 1940 Air Terminal Musem, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Lone Star Flight Museum and so many more.
Don’t miss their world-renowned performing and visual arts culture with the local ballet, opera, symphony, and theater. And we couldn’t forget about Houston’s award-winning restaurants which include Squable, Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana, and Tacos Tierra Caliente.
With over 52,000 acres of parks and greenspace, nature-lovers won’t be able to get enough of sights like Memorial Park. Also, check out the Downtown Aquarium and the Houston Zoo. With its cultural diversity sprinkled with Southern charm, Houston is 665 square miles of fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Houston also offers a CityPASS – a contactless mobile ticket that allows entry to 7 local attractions and is valid for 30 days.
>Related: Things to Do in Houston with Kids
Best Places to Stay While in Houston
Charlotte, North Carolina
Another amazing city to visit in the new year is Charlotte, the “Queen City.” Known for its natural beauty, visitors to Charlotte will love the local parks including the Frank Liske Park, the Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve, and the Independence Park. Charlotte also has 52 miles of developed greenway trails throughout the city.
For real adventure seekers, check out the US National Whitewater Center. There are over 30 different recreational activities, 50 miles of trails, and numerous festivals and events onsite. Outdoor lovers will also enjoy the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and the Carolina Raptor Center.
Home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte is a great place for racing fans to visit. There is also the Charlotte Motor Speedway where you can have your own NASCAR Racing Experience.
Charlotte is the home of many notable chefs and artists. Taste the town at restaurants like Beef’N Bottle, Mama’s Ricotta’s, and Soul Gastrolounge. Or just grab a bite at one of the food trucks you’ll see roaming around the city. Art enthusiasts will love the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Mint Museum.
For kids and families be sure to check out the Billy Graham Library, the SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium, and Discovery Place Kids. No matter when you get to visit, the metropolitan splendor of Charlotte is endless.
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Plan a Racing Themed Trip to Charlotte NC
Best Places to Stay While in Charlotte
Denver, Colorado
Denver is known as the “Mile High City” due to it being exactly one mile above sea level. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Denver is full of outdoor fun and activities. For the winter months, skiing is a no-brainer with resorts like Echo Mountain, Loveland, and Arapahoe Basin all within a two-hour drive of Denver. During the summertime, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore, festivals to attend, and outdoor movies all around town.
Many of the parks in Denver were designed in the early 1900s by the City Beautiful Movement to create green spaces that would feature mountain views with beautiful gardens. The Denver Botanic Gardens and Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre are two such creations. Both display the natural beauty of Denver with amphitheaters built into the natural landscape for concerts and other summer events.
Learn more about history and science at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Explore wildlife at the Denver Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium. Taste the award-winning cuisine at restaurants like The Wolf’s Tailor, Safta Restaurant, and Julep.
The whole family will enjoy Elitch Gardens, a theme, and water park, which celebrated 130 years of Denver entertainment in 2020. You will feel like you’ve entered an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood when they take a ride on the Denver Trolley. Also, check out the Children’s Museum of Denver where kids can explore a 500-foot-long outdoor aerial adventure course.
The Denver Art Museum is a showstopper. Located inside the Civic Center, this art museum is one of the largest art museums on the West Coast.
Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall: Denver has year-round fun for all ages. With breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and endless adventure, Denver should definitely be on the list of cities you plan to visit in the new year.
>Related: Denver Outdoor Activities & Hiking Trails
Best Places to Stay While in Denver
We hope the cities that you visit in the new year are full of fun and excitement. Don’t forget to book your extended stay with us to get the best nightly, weekly and monthly rates!
IMPORTANT: Some events have been canceled and attractions are closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. These listings may not reflect the most recent updates. Please check the official events’ and attractions’ websites to confirm the current status.
