Astounding natural wonders, invigorating outdoor recreation and fascinating cultural attractions make Flagstaff the perfect getaway to rejuvenate the body and replenish the mind. Set at the base of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, and surrounded by lush national forests, the city provides ample opportunity for fresh air fun. Spring, summer and fall bring hikers, campers and mountain bikers, while winter draws skiers and ice skaters. But don't let a focus on the "good old outdoors" fool you. Fostered by the local university, Flagstaff is also chock-full of educational and cultural attractions. Be sure to see the award-winning permanent exhibit "Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau" at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Pioneer Museum offers a glimpse of what life was like for the early settlers of the region and includes a 1929 Baldwin locomotive in its collection. The city also has an arboretum and a planetarium. The entire area is a living anthropology and geology lesson, with ancient Native American ruins and stunning scenery at the Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments, just waiting to be explored.

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.

Nestled in the conifer forests of the Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott is a historic city boasting much in the way of adventure and culture. Golfers flock to its six pristine courses, while outdoors enthusiasts find exciting hiking trails, secluded picnicking spots and adventure on the waters of its five lakes. Discover the history of the Old West in the city's museums, historic railways and the Pioneer Home Cemetery, where "Big Nose Kate" Elder, wife of Doc Holiday, found her final resting place.

Home to the Phoenix metropolitan area and its more than 3.4 million residents, Central Arizona offers an amazing array of museums, cultural venues and outdoor adventures. The Valley of the Sun boasts hopping nightlife and a thrilling selection of restaurants, resorts and spas. Discover Old West and Native American history. Hike among the cacti in the Sonoran desert. Try your hand at ranching in Glendale. Drive the Superstition Mountains. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West in Scottsdale.

Is there any possible way Las Vegas could not be on our "best nightlife" list? The only way we could possibly omit it is on a technicality—since you can do pretty much anything 24/7 in Vegas, it might be wrong to call it "nightlife."

Tucked into the mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite cliffs and waterfalls. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the formations made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. The valley is open year-round for camping, hiking, and climbing. Traffic is congested during peak season and park rangers encourage visitors to use the free shuttle system. For upscale visits, the Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927, is chic and luxurious.   

With NASCAR at the Speedway, harness racing at Dover Downs, 10 nationally recognised museums, plus historical attractions galore, it's easy to see why the capital of Delaware is a great weekend destination. Check out the world's largest cargo plane, stationed at Dover Air Force Base, or explore the beginnings of recorded sound at the Johnson Victrola Museum. It's the perfect time to visit the Biggs Museum of Art, which is running a special exhibition to celebrate its 10th anniversary. "Artful Living: the Legacy of Sewell C. Biggs" features fine and decorative art gems from the private collection of the local patron and museum namesake. Also worth a visit: the Delaware Agricultural Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation, where staff, dressed in period costume, explain and reenact life in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Round out the day with a meander around Green and Loockerman Streets downtown. Lined with historic Colonial and Victorian buildings, plus speciality book, candle and jewellery stores, it's a great place to shop or sample the local fare at a neighbourhood cafe or restaurant.