Slices of natural beauty, art, culture and history greet visitors around every corner of Monterey. There's an emphasis on public art, and you'll see many paintings, sculptures and murals around the city. Monterey provides a nurturing atmosphere for artists, musicians and writers. Historic landmarks, buildings and walkways are reminders of bygone days. Cannery Row, made famous by novelist John Steinbeck, is now a popular area where tourists shop for souvenirs and dine in seafood restaurants. Local wineries produce exceptional vintages, and there are many wine-tasting places and events. Activities include golf, cycling, hiking, sailing and whale-watching. Families will enjoy the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which has over 500 species of marine life and is devoted to conservation of the world's oceans.

Sink your teeth into the sweet fruit of Medford, Oregon. Known for its delectable pears, the city tempts travelers with this mouth-watering treat. Visit Harry and David's for a factory tour, and maybe a free sample, of one of the country's biggest suppliers of fruit gifts. Tour the area's five covered bridges and take advantage of the mild climate to go hiking, biking or rafting. Or make your way through orchards, creameries and vineyards on a tasty wine and cheese tour.

Modern myth has it that these days everyone in Los Angeles has written a screenplay, is writing a screenplay or is just visiting. For those in the latter category we offer a road map of ideas to help make a trip to this ultra-hip, ultra-happening haven easy, fun and exciting. While LA will always be associated with movies and movie stars, it is also a culturally vibrant city that boasts a range of interesting attractions from prestigious art museums and galleries to fabulous theatre, both well-known productions and smaller fringe shows. Art enthusiasts will be stunned by the extensive collections at the J. Paul Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits on Museum Row, then investigate the trendy shops on Melrose Avenue. Families will not want to miss the zoo or the action at Universal Studios Hollywood. Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without a stop at the Venice Beach Boardwalk or a visit to Mann's Chinese Theater and the Walk of Fame.

San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.

Its location just 60 miles from the southern rim of the Grand Canyon makes Williams a popular stop for visitors to the natural beauty of Arizona. The historic Grand Canyon Railway makes it southern stop here, ferrying hundreds of thousands of tourists every year to and from the Canyon on its hundred-year-old steam-powered line. In the more immediate surrounds, the Kaibab National Forest and the Bill Williams Mountain area provide ample opportunities for camping, hiking and adventure.

Nearly perfect year-round weather and several impeccably designed championship courses have made Phoenix one of the world's top golf destinations. But there's more to this mild-mannered metropolis than pristine greens and tee times. The greater Phoenix area also offers an array of impressive cultural attractions. Visit the internationally renowned Heard Museum for an in-depth look at Native American history or peruse the fine collection at the Phoenix Museum of Art. Enjoy a ballet performance at the ornate Orpheum Theater, or catch a Broadway show at the state-of-the-art Dodge. In addition to golf, the city offers numerous outdoor activities including rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, desert jeep tours and more. Family-friendly attractions, first-rate shopping, dining and entertainment, and spectacular recreational activities make Phoenix a must-see destination.

From the Magic Kingdom to magical spa treatments, Orlando sparkles with the promise of adventure. Spend a day exploring the world-famous Disney theme parks or screaming your head off on a Universal Studios roller coaster. For a less adrenaline-pumping afternoon, enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens or enjoy a seaweed scrub at a luxury day spa. Savor fresh and local ingredients at one of Orlando’s James Beard-nominated restaurants.

You might think that the sun, 60 miles of wide sandy beaches and more than a hundred golf courses would be enough to lure holidaymakers to Myrtle Beach, but this popular coastal city offers even more to enjoy. Also known as the Grand Strand, the Myrtle Beach area is a fantasy land of family attractions. In between beach days, take the kids go-cart racing at the Myrtle Beach Grand Prix Family Thrill Park, on a breathtaking roller coaster ride at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion or crazy golf at any of the area's 46 fun-themed courses. More serious golfing can be found pretty much anywhere, on some of the highest-rated courses in the USA. With restaurants galore, vibrant nightlife and accommodation that ranges from high-rise beachfront hotels to campsites with indoor swimming pools, Myrtle Beach is the perfect all-round getaway destination.