Activity: Fireworks

Dive into the City That Never Sleeps, where the culture is built on energy, finance, and the arts. Attend a Broadway show, explore world-class institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), or stroll through Central Park.

Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is the birthplace of the modern steel-framed skyscraper, boasting a world-renowned architectural scene (take a boat tour!). Its cultural pulse is felt in its contributions to Jazz and Blues music and its distinctive deep-dish pizza. Don’t miss the art at the Art Institute of Chicago or the reflective “Bean” sculpture at Millennium Park.

A city rich in history, Atlanta is the definitive capital of the American South. Its culture is profoundly shaped by the Civil Rights Movement—visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. It’s also a major center for hip-hop music, and home to the World of Coca-Cola.

As a state, California offers perhaps the most diverse set of activities: from the glamorous film culture of Hollywood, Los Angeles, and the iconic tech/liberal spirit of San Francisco, to the breathtaking natural beauty of Yosemite National Park. Its culture embraces innovation, outdoor activity (surfing, hiking), and diverse global cuisines.

Dallas offers a mix of classic Texan pride and sophisticated urban life. The culture is a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, football fanaticism (Go Cowboys!), and a rich history, highlighted by the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (focused on President Kennedy). Enjoy a vibrant culinary scene, especially Tex-Mex and authentic barbecue.

Immerse yourself in the heart of American democracy. Key activities revolve around the National Mall, featuring the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol Building. Its culture is dominated by history, politics, and the incredible free access to the Smithsonian Museums (like the Air and Space Museum).