A young city that feels very much like a college town, San Diego boasts beachy weather, craft breweries and laidback vibes. The hipster neighborhoods of Pacific Beach, North Park and the Gaslamp Quarter are all great options for your home base with fantastic restaurants and lively nightlife. During the day, explore Balboa Park’s multiple gardens and museums. The 11-acre (4.5 hectares) Japanese Friendship Garden is particularly serene, while the Museum of Us takes a unique approach to exploring what it means to be human. For a taste of San Diego’s popular beer scene, head to Resident Brewery near the Gaslamp Quarter and order a round of hazy IPAs or rum barrel-aged stouts. Come dinnertime, visit North Park, where Tribute Pizza and City Tacos are consistently delicious. Follow with heady cocktails at Polite Provisions or at South Park’s Kindred, where creations like the Spinal Tap cocktail — made with rhubarb-infused gin, strawberry, lime, ginger and Tiki bitters — await.

For a deep dive into U.S. history, consider visiting the memorials and monuments in the nation’s capital on a private guided tour. Discerning travelers will appreciate Context Travel’s full-day tour with the company’s expert guides bringing the history of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument to life. There’s no shortage of world-class museums to explore, too, like the National Portrait Gallery or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Spring also means cherry blossom trees bloom across the city. When you’re ready to eat, you can take your pick of cuisines from around the world. Snag a table at Michelin-starred Rania for upscale Indian dishes, while Albi serves trendy Middle Eastern food. For a more casual meal, try the award-winning breakfast tacos at La Tejana.

Surrounded by stunning red rock canyons, mesas and buttes, Moab offers plenty of outdoor recreation in the form of hiking, mountain biking, climbing, river rafting, stargazing and more. The ideal gateway to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab is also a destination in its own right. Take a break from outdoorsy adventures and learn about the fascinating cultural and natural history of Moab and the surrounding area with a visit to the Moab Museum. Then, take a step into the prehistoric world at Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, where you’ll find life-size dinosaur displays, interactive exhibits and more. Don’t leave town without exploring the incredible artisan food scene, too, producing everything from beer to chocolate and cheese. For easy access to all the highlights, rest your head at Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton, just one block from Moab’s Main Street and only a 10-minute drive from Arches National Park.