The first thing you need to know about Carmel: Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor, so don’t come here if you’re a hooligan. But if you’re after a romantic getaway to a seaside, art-filled village, Carmel might be perfect for you. You can even bring your dog—Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly.

Monterey offers a host of historic attractions from Cannery Row to the famed Monterey Aquarium. This incredible sliver of oceanfront offers an amazing bounty of things to do, with marine, floral and vine-fresh delights to savor. Monterey-Salinas Transit and Amtrak let you take your eyes off the road. Charming towns, world-class golf courses and idyllic inns lie at the hem of the glittering Pacific. Whether you're looking for calm or noisy beachside fun, the Monterey Peninsula has it in buckets.

A city of natural beauty, charm, history and western hospitality, this state capital derived its name from Kit Carson, the legendary trapper, scout and explorer. A trip to the city is a living history lesson. One need only jump on the Kit Carson Trail downtown, which passes old mansions, courthouses, a depot and a brewery, to experience a taste of life in the Old West. Also downtown, the State Capitol, built in 1870, offers a look at the birth of Nevada as a state and Carson City as its capital. Other historic landmarks, cultural heritage centers and museums dot the landscape around town, but don't forget your clubs. The city is well-known for the Divine Nine, a group of top-rated area courses designed by pros such as Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller and John Harbottle and set amid the magnificent Sierra Mountains. After a little golf, gambling or sightseeing, spend some down time at the Carson City Hot Springs. You will emerge feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for more exciting endeavors.

Hollywood beckons to tourists who long for a brush with Tinseltown glamor. Tour movie studios, slip your hands into the famous prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or indulge in a celeb sighting at one of LA’s white-hot nightspots. Spot your favorite star while shopping at The Grove, or forget all about the famous eye candy as you take in the iconic artwork at The Getty Center. For a different type of star-gazing, peek through the telescopes at the Griffith Observatory.

Located in the heart of Native America, Gallup is enriched by the cultures of numerous First Nations, including Zuni, Hopi, Acoma and Laguna Pueblo and Navajo people as well as Latin American communities. The city boasts vibrant native arts, ceremonies, jewelry and cuisine representing its blend of cultures. The land surrounding Gallup holds many mysteries and adventures as well, from the High Desert Trail System and the Mentmore Rock Climbing area to sacred Mt. Taylor and the Church Rock Trail.

With over 18 miles of beach, first-class Gulf of Mexico fishing, golfing, shopping, coastal dining and wildlife aplenty, there’s no end to the breezy fun of Port Aransas. Located on the central flyway, Port A's estuaries, inlets and nature reserves draw hundreds of species of birds. You can kick your feet up in a luxury condo, hotel, motel, private home, cottage or a campsite under the stars, all just 30 minutes from Corpus Christi.

The inland city of Guadalajara is bursting with history and culture. Many attractions are in the city's historic center and in the neighboring city of Zapopan. Museums, parks and churches flourish alongside bullfights, rodeos and soccer (futbol). Nearby are the towns of Tequila, where the liquor of the same name is produced, and Tlaquepaque and Tonala, where artisans create an abundance of Mexican handicrafts. Mariachi, which originated in the area, is a common sight and sound in Guadalajara.

High in the cool hills, this colonial gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches inspires artists with its color, character and light. Baroque, neoclassical and neogothic mix in the city's buildings, notably at the pink stone 18th-century church on the Plaza Principal. Founded in 1542, the city is a mix of Hispanic and Mesoamerican influences.