Carolina Beach’s old-fashioned seaside fun is centered on the vintage boardwalk dotted with pizza, doughnut and ice cream stands. Nearby, summer amusements abound, including miniature golf, batting cages, rides and an arcade. Enjoy live music venues, tiki bars and fresh seafood served with views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can surf or paddleboard, hike the white sand trails of Carolina Beach State Park or just take in the sea, sun and sights.

Golf, sunbathing and fishing entice resort-minded holiday-makers to North Myrtle Beach, which hugs the South Carolina coast at the northern end of its famous Grand Strand strip. In the home of "the shag" the infectious 1930s dance that still swings through the local clubs, a family-friendly vibe prevails. Explore a nature trail filled with migratory birds, go for thrills at one of the local amusement parks or take in live theatre. The mild subtropical climate means that outdoor activities are an option year-round.

Located about a 2 ½-hours drive from the state capital of Raleigh, this welcoming strand of coastline is the perfect blend of solitude and activities. Emerald Island is by no means desolate. There are plenty of funky shops that sell traditional beach trinkets, including T-shirts, toys and water toys for the entire family. If it’s outdoor activities you want, you will find plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, sailing and more. Kids love flying kites along these sandy white beaches. You can also enjoy a plethora of sightseeing, shopping, golf and other fun activities.

Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly beach destination—which means in addition to great beaches, there’s plenty to do when the kids are sick of making sand castles. Amusement parks, water sports and golf courses are nearby. And family-friendly dining and hotels abound.

The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.

Here in the heart of Rhode Island’s “Classic Coast,” you can choose your own adventure. Soak in miles of spectacular coastal scenery, study authentic Colonial and Gilded Age architecture, saunter along the wharves of the bustling waterfront, and sink your toes into the sand of stunning beaches. You can be inspired at the legendary mansions, be energized by the vibrant nightlife, and savor local flavour at our many celebrated restaurants, wineries and breweries.

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."