Wanderlust is real. The holidays are over and summer is weeks away. This is the best time to switch up the scenery to keep your peace of mind. We are usually so quick to grab our passports and leave the country but what about all the gems are hidden in our own backyard? And I’m not talking about the usual tourist cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Miami, let’s explore the cities that are overflowing with culture and fun for all. Whether you’re in the mood to get away from a couple of days or years, check out 10 of our suggested cities.

Washington, D.C.

Photo: Shutterstock

Affectionately known as "Chocolate City," D.C. is jam packed with things to do. We may have some unwanted guests currently in the White House but don’t let that steer you from exploring this great city! The newly established National Museum of African American History and Culture is the cities latest must see institution. It’s so poppin’ that advance tickets are booked up all the way until April! If you’re not lucky enough to get same day tickets, head down to the National Mall where you can see the MLK Jr Memorial as well as the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial and many more national parks. 

Looking for some night time fun? No problem! Head down to Dupont Circle for some of the best restaurants and chill vibes. Head over to U Street, the center of D.C.’s music, for some turn-up fun at establishments such as Alero’s or catch a quick show of your favorite artist at the Howard Theatre. The next morning, get rid of that hangover with brunch at Mulebone or a personal favorite, Busboys and Poets. 

Notable live events: Funk Parade, Broccoli City Fest,  National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC Jazz Festival

New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: PhotoShelter

They call New Orleans “The Big Easy” for a reason. From the laid-back attitude of its residents and the overall easy-going nature of the city, people travel from near and far to enjoy the jazz music and overall culture. Where do we even beginning? Let’s start with food. You have to be careful with black-owned restaurants such as Dooky Chase, Ma Momma’s House, and The Praline Connection because you’ll easily put yourself into a food coma. But make sure you save some room for Cafe du Monde’s world famous beignets. Not too far from the French Quarter is the Tremé community where you can find the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail with 26 sites including the New Orleans African American Museum, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, Madame C.J. Walker’s birthplace, and the St. Augustine Parish (Isle Brevelle) Church. As for as nightlife, you can catch live music at any given moment up and down Frenchmen Street. If you’re in the right area on a Sunday afternoon, you may stumble across a second line (parade) so make sure you pack your dancing shoes!

Notable live events: Mardi Gras, NBA All Star Weekend, Jazz & Heritage Fest, Essence Fest

Atlanta, Georgia

 Photo: Cox Media Group

Over the past few decades, Atlanta has made their mark as the ‘Hollywood of the South’ thanks to their rise in the film and media industry. Although many transplants have changed the city from a strictly southern culture to a multicultural spot, ATL’s tourism is still mainly driven by their historical sites and outdoor attractions. The Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest aquarium, is located at Pemberton Place that is also home to the World of Coca-Cola exhibition and the Center of Civil and Human Rights. Within walking distance is the infamous Centennial Olympic Park and Skyview Atlanta just across the street. No sane person should step foot in the state of Georgia without visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, a place that holds special programs to commemorate his legacy during Black History Month and on the anniversary of his assassination on April 4. Grab a group of your friends and head over to Midtown for some fun at Top Golf or is Magic City and Onyx more your speed? Hey, we don’t judge.

Notable live events: Atlanta Dogwood Festival, National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta Pride, The Atlanta Jazz Festival

Chicago, Illinois

Photo: Getty Images

Although the media loves to focus on the rough areas, Chicago hosted over 54 million visitors in 2016, making it one of the top visited cities in the nation. As the third-largest media market after NYC and LA, The Windy City is home to some of our favorite movies and television series such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone, Mean Girls, The Dark Knight, Family Matters, Kenan & Kel and Shameless to name a few. First thing’s first, let’s head down to The Magnificent Mile for some shopping! There are other attractions such as 360 Chicago or The Chicago Flower and Garden Show if you’re more of the adventurous type.  We can’t forget to make a day trip to Museum Campus, a park that encompasses five of the city’s most notable attractions; the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, Soldier Field (home of the NFL Chicago Bears) and the Lakeside Center of McCormick Place. Another notable museum in Chicago is the DuSable Museum of African American History, it holds a collection of 13,000 artifacts, books, art objects, and much more. The exhibition includes work from scholar W.E.B. Du Bois, poet Langston Hughes and the desk of activist Ida B. Wells. In the near future, we can expect the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Hyde Park to be both former President Obama’s presidential library and offices of the Obama foundation. When you’re ready to unwind, head down to Soho House or The ROOF at the Wilt Hotel for some good food, better drinks and a great view of Chicago’s skyline.

Notable live events: Chicago Beer Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Lollapalooza 

Honolulu, Hawaii

 Photo: Royal Caribbean International

I know most tend to forget but Hawaii is a part of the United States. In 2015, it was ranked high on world livability rankings and the second safest city in the US. After you take in all the beauty around you, visiting the Shangri La is a must. It’s a center for Islamic arts and cultures and was the Honolulu home of American heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke. Tours begin and end at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Just 20 minutes northwest is the city of Oahu where the Byodo-In Temple is a smaller-scale replica of the one in Japan. It’s a non-practicing Buddhist temple which welcomes people of all faiths to worship and meditate. Go ‘head and get those chakra aligned, y’all! Looking for a great spot that has a great bar, great food, and a great nightlife? Check out Addiction, Bar 35, or M Nightclub.

Notable live events: Pow! Wow! Hawai’i, Honolulu Festival, African American Film Festival

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Photo: Visit Philadelphia

What comes to mind when you think of the city of Brotherly Love? If you’re greedy like us, food! Home of the Philly cheesesteak, there’s a life long debate on where to get the most authentic one; Ishkabibble’s, Jim’s or Max’s. The best way to decide is to work up an appetite big enough to get down a whole cheesesteak. What better way to do so than to venture out onto the Quintessential Rocky Tour of Philadelphia? Running up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is something we’ve all dreamed of doing growing up, don’t front. The African American Museum in Philadelphia will celebrate their 40th anniversary this Spring and the Celebration of Black Arts, the oldest event of its kind, is hosting its annual month-long celebration of African-American literature and art features this May. Make time to visit the Liberty Bell and the Love Sculpture to remember the good that this country still represents. Lastly, end your trip by taking in the beautiful architecture and smooth vibes at the Vango Lounge and Skybar. 

Notable live events: Roots Picnic, 2017 NFL Draft, The Penn Relays, Philly Tech Week

San Francisco, California

 Photo: Get Your Guide

No surprise that San Fran has gained the nickname ‘The Fog City’ because for a better part of the morning you can barely see what’s in front of you. But once the fog clears? What a beautiful city to explore. The various attractions at Pier 39 is a great time for everybody thanks to their endless options. Prison turned museum, Alcatraz Island is a must see in San Fran. If you’re more into the city, hop on a trolley down in Union Square or gather the crew and keep it classy for wine tasting during the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour. Once called “the bridge that cannot be built”, Golden Gate Bridge is now considered one of the seven wonders of the world. You can either walk over or bike over but make sure you get your pic for the gram. Head 30 minutes east of the City of Oakland and visit the Oakland Museum that has a running exhibit of the Black Panther Party for their 50th anniversary. Pack your kicks to walk the Black Panther Tours, to explore the Redwood Regional Park or have a picnic in the infamous Alamo Square park. When you get hungry, check out this list of black owned restaurants in both San Francisco and Oakland that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. For the techies at heart, what’s a trip to San Fran without visiting Silicon Valley?

Notable live events: Chinese New Year Parade, 420 in the Park, San Fran Pride Parade

Houston, Texas

 Photo: Trip Advisor

There was a close tie between featuring Dallas or Houston on this list but Queen Bey runs the world so we had to put on for her hometown! H-Town is home to NASA’s Space Center, one of Houston’s top attraction and the #1 attraction for international visitors. It is also the home of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. You can spend the entire day at The Galleria to shop, eat, hang out or even ice skate. Yes, you can ice skate in the mall! Houston is the food capital of the south, holding down over 11,000 different restaurants. Make sure to visit some of these black-owned businesses; Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant, The Breakfast Klub, and Mikki’s Soul Food Cafe. Can’t forget dessert! Hank’s Ice Cream will hook you up with a nice cone filled with one of their 20+ flavors. For some night time fun, check out The Original Red Rooster or Grooves. If you’re tempted to tap into your wild side, get those singles and visit Dreams or Onyx. Drake didn’t make a song called HOUSTatlantavegas for no reason. Hell, he’s planning a grand opening of ‘The Ballet’ in early 2017.

Notable live events: Houston Creole Festival, March Madness Music Festival, World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, Comicpalooza

Detroit, Michigan

 Photo: Dr. Odd

Due to the decline of the auto industry, Detroit has seen a rapid loss in the city’s population. In 2014, they even had to declare a state of emergency. That was then, and this is now! Midtown and Downtown Detroit is being renovated by new inhabitants such as students and young entrepreneurs.

Everybody that grew up on R&B and Soul knows that the D is home to MoTown. Visiting Hitsville USA is a MUST! As well as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Historical Museum. Greektown Casino & Hotel is one of four in the city and is the place to be for some daring fun. Plan ahead to catch a concert at The Fillmore, known for its classic interior and crisp acoustics. Get your grub on at Savannah Blue, southern cuisine with a twist, enjoy happy hour over at The Block or stop by Flood Bar and Grille for some to die for fried chicken and live entertainment.

Notable live events: Movement Festival, Sidewalk Detroit, Ribs R&B Music Festival

Nashville, Tennessee 

Photo: Visit Music City

If New Orleans is the home of Jazz, that would make Nashville the reigning champ of country music; which is exactly why they call it the “Music City.” As we patiently wait for the grand opening of the National Museum of African American Music in 2018, there are plenty of other ways to get your life in the streets of Nashville. Jefferson Street, once known for their overflow of jazz, blues and rhythm and blues artists, is keeping the vibes alive with events such as the Jefferson Street Art Crawl and the Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival. Jefferson St is also the home of The Garden Brunch Cafe, a venue where you the cuisine, artwork, ambiance and spoken-word will have you coming brunch and again for dinner! If you’re looking for some live entertainment, The American Negro Playwright Theatre mission is to sustain the most visible and viable professional African American Theatre by telling stories that must be told!

Notable live events: African Street Festival, Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival, Nashville Fashion Week

One travel tip we firmly believe in is to always make friends with the locals! They will show you the hottest spots and locations that make their city what it is. Have you been to any of these cities listed? Share your favorite in the comments below!