Casinos, naturally, continue to draw tourists to Las Vegas. From penny slots to high-stakes table games in private salons, you'll find it here. But there's much more to Las Vegas than gambling. Our weekend itinerary highlights attractions of a different sort, from the choreographed fountains at the Bellagio to the Liberace Museum. Las Vegas is also surprisingly family-friendly. In an attempt to appeal to kids, the hotels have spent millions developing technically sophisticated indoor amusement rides such as the Race for Atlantis.

A few years ago San Francisco was riding high on the wealth of the dot com explosion. And it showed in outrageously high-priced hotels, restaurants and real estate. When the bubble burst, the city was forced to adjust. In fact, now is a great time to visit the somewhat humbler, but just as fabulous, cultural mecca of the Left Coast. Hotels and restaurants have lowered their prices, making it easier to enjoy a weekend here. One of the best things about San Francisco is that you can be in a museum in the morning and on a mountain in the afternoon. Mind-expanding cultural attractions exist alongside invigorating outdoor activities. Gaze at the work of Jackson Pollock at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in the morning and then head to Muir Woods to peer up at gigantic redwoods in the afternoon. From the hippie haunts of Haight-Ashbury to the colourful Victorian architecture of the predominantly gay Castro District, and from Japantown to Chinatown, San Francisco is all about neighbourhoods. Each has a distinct look and vibe; you could easily spend a day in each or hop on a streetcar to sample a few.

Tucked away in the heart of the northern Rocky Mountains, Missoula is the perfect spot for a weekend of history, culture and outdoor fun. Home to the University of Montana, one of the country's most architecturally distinguished academic institutions, the city offers a number of intellectually stimulating attractions. Spend a few hours browsing through the exhibits at the Art Museum of Missoula or take a trip back in time at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. The city's proximity to three major rivers and acres of lush forest means that visitors can also enjoy a host of activities, from fly fishing and kayaking to hiking and cycling. Missoula's historic downtown area has classic early 20th-century buildings and boasts unique shops, galleries, fine dining and a lively nightlife. If you've got children with you, don't miss Dragon Hollow, a magical playground that features an extraordinary hand-carved carousel.

With attractions and activities galore, Chicago is everyone's kind of town. See all the famous sights, then go to a show in the theatre district or a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by a late-night visit to a blues club or jazz bar. Culture hounds will delight in the multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and plenty to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could spend all day strolling through Hyde Park or shopping along the Magnificent Mile. Discover vibrant ethnic neighbourhoods, architectural landmarks, delicious food and world-class hotels. From the top of the Sears Tower to the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers so much to do, visitors keep coming back for more.

From the National Mall’s monuments and memorials to vibrant neighbourhoods filled with character and charm, DC is a world-class destination featuring breathtaking views, award-winning hotels and hundreds of free things to do. Experience outstanding performing arts at acclaimed theatres, shop in historic Georgetown, hear great live music at legendary venues, enjoy sporting entertainment from six professional franchises and be dazzled by a flourishing dining scene with Michelin-starred restaurants.

Whether it's your first visit or your 50th, New York City is a great destination for a weekend trip. See the landmark sights, catch a Broadway show or explore small, off-the-beaten-path museums like the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Just as it has activities to suit every interest, New York City has hotel options to suit every pocket. Whether you're looking for a hip new hotel, an old standard or a budget inn, you'll have plenty of options.

It seems like most folks have a grandmother, great-uncle or some other distant relative that used to live in Brooklyn, or perhaps a friend that lives there now. In the early 1900s, it was a mecca for immigrants arriving via Ellis Island. A hundred years later, young professionals and artists left pricey Manhattan digs for Brooklyn's cheaper and more expansive space. Neighbourhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, were restored and reborn as funky enclaves. Walk or bike over the historic Brooklyn Bridge (or ride the subway) to Brooklyn Heights for a stroll along the Promenade and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Meander through Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for a taste of nature in the urban wilds. Catch a performance at the world-famous Brooklyn Academy of Music. From the delicious Italian restaurants of Bensonhurst to the Irish bars that line the avenues of Bay Ridge, from the hotdogs and rollercoasters of Coney Island to the bagels and handball courts of Greenpoint, Brooklyn is a state of mind as well as a dynamic community. Discover why, no matter where people move on to, they remain Brooklynites at heart.