Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Why go? Despite its sprawling size, Philly has kept some period charm, with cobbled streets, historic buildings and colonial houses, and is easily explored on foot.
Must-see The Old City is 18th-century Philadelphia. Head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and mimic Rocky's famous run up the steps. Check out the Comcast Center (1701 John F Kennedy Boulevard), at 300m, the city's tallest skyscraper.
Eat Village Whiskey (118 South 20th Street), which opened last autumn in fashionable Rittenhouse, has more than 80 whiskies to try, and monster burgers for under $10.
Nightlife Start at Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street , a Bavarian brewery that stocks 80 bottled beers plus 20 on tap, all served by waitresses in dirndls.
Stay The Morris House Hotel (+1 215 922 2446, doubles from $179, room only) is a national historic landmark renovated into a cosy boutique hotel.
Fly British Airways flies from Heathrow, from £372.
San Diego, California
Why go? This elegant harbour town has miles of beaches, top-notch restaurants, historic sites and family friendly attractions galore.
Must-see Balboa Park is the largest urban park in the US, with museums, theatres, gardens and a zoo. Viva la Revolucion: A Dialogue with the Urban Landscape, from 18 July, will see public spaces transformed into art by artists including Banksy.
Eat Alchemy, on 30th Street, is part tapas bar, part fine-dining establishment, part art gallery; a meal for two with wine will cost less than $50.
Nightlife Fluxx on 4th Avenue, the latest addition to the city's upscale nightlife, has a rotating art feature and a VIP "treehouse" area.
Stay Hotel Indigo (+1 619 727 4000, doubles from $189) is the city's first green hotel.
Fly American Airlines flies from Heathrow, from £455.
Boston, Massachusetts
Why go? This historic city is full of great museums and landmarks, and has a thriving live music scene.
Must-see The Freedom Trail (thefreedomtrail.org), from Boston Common to Bunker Hill Monument, takes in 16 historic landmarks. The Museum of Fine Arts ; its new Art of the Americas wing reopens in November after a $300m renovation, and will feature everything from ancient gold to paintings.
Eat Coppa on Shawmut Avenue, is a wine bar in the South End that opened in December and serves Italian-inspired small plates at reasonable prices.
Nightlife The opening of House of Blues on Lansdowne Street was big news last year. Expect big names and a great atmosphere.
Stay The Inn@St Botolph (+1 617 236 8099, doubles from $199) is centrally located and has stylish suites with steel four-posters.
Fly Virgin Atlantic flies from Heathrow, from £424.
• This entry was amended on 26 August 2010. The original stated that the Museum of Fine Arts would reopen in November. This has been corrected.
Portland, Oregon
Why go? Voted one of America's best towns for pedestrians, this eco-conscious city has great scenery, and a hip, alternative vibe.
Must-see The 19th-century Pioneer Courthouse and the great vintage shops. Hawthorne Bridge, across the Willamette River, is celebrating its 100th birthday, with a festival of art and music from 24 July to 7 August.
Eat A perfect lunch stop, Tao of Tea (3430 SE Belmont Street, taooftea.com) serves tasty bites and lots of teas.
Nightlife One of the best places for live music, Doug Fir Lounge has shows most nights and is open till 4am.
Stay Ace Hotel (+1 212 679 2222, doubles from $95) is a cool, unpretentious boutique hotel in downtown Portland.
Fly United flies from Gatwick, from £345.
Memphis, Tennessee
Why go? It's home of the blues and the king of rock'n'roll.
Must-see Memphis Rock'n'Soul Museum explores the history of the city's music. Graceland has a new exhibition, Elvis Presley: Fashion King, showcasing everything from handmade shirts to the king's flashy jewellery.
Eat Bag a table on the patio of the new Thyme Bistro on Quince Road for salads, pizza and fish.
Nightlife Beale Street is "home of the blues" with bars, clubs and live music nightly.
Stay Talbot Heirs (+1 901 527 9772) has self-catering suits in an elegant downtown house from $800 a week.
Fly American Airlines flies from Heathrow, from £435.
