Groupon Getaways: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Palm Springs, Napa ...

Orlando, FL: $69.00 for Resort near Disney World and Universal Studios ($167.00 value)

Spacious Resort Close to Orlando Attractions

Ten miles from the entrance gates of Walt Disney World Resort and within walking distance of Wet ?n Wild Orlando sits the famous International Drive. The street leads to many of Orlando's major attractions, including SeaWorld, Universal Orlando Resort, and Gatorland. It?s also home to International Palms Resort & Conference Center Orlando, where, just outside, the I-Ride Trolley makes regular stops, picking up guests and heading over to the theme parks.

Behind the resort, there's a giant lagoon-style swimming pool where waterfalls trickle down rock formations. Grab a tropical drink from the Pool Hut Bar before heading over to lounge in one of the palm-tree-shaded deck chairs. When hunger strikes, check out one of the two onsite restaurants? there?s the casual Front Street Caf?, which features views of the pool, and the Coral Key Bar and Grill, which hosts karaoke amid a lively atmosphere.

Orlando, Florida: World-Famous Theme Parks and Cultural Surprises

Located in the center of Florida, Orlando may be forever associated with Walt Disney World, which opened on October 1, 1971, and is now the world?s most-visited entertainment resort. Disney World spans roughly 30,000 acres, encompassing four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and the Downtown Disney Marketplace. One can ride Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom in the morning, and then sample Moroccan cuisine over at Epcot?s World Showcase in the afternoon before watching the nightly IllumiNations fireworks, laser, and water show. As one of the most popular family destinations in the world, sunny Orlando is home to other theme parks, including Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gatorland.

Those hoping to shake up the typical theme-park-dominated itinerary can head into downtown Orlando's vibrant arts district. The neighborhood boasts venues such as CityArts Factory, a multifaceted patchwork of gallery spaces, and SAK Comedy Lab, which hosts family-friendly improv shows five nights a week.

About a 10-minute drive north, you?ll find eight cultural institutions at Loch Haven Park, including the Orlando Museum of Art, which houses pieces by Georgia O?Keeffe, Robert Rauschenberg, Ansel Adams, and Andy Warhol. The park is also home to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Orlando Science Center. Visit the science center to take a rover across a simulation of Mars?s red surface, or race on a 70-foot pinewood-derby track.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Greater Miami, FL: $132.00 for 4-Star Suites Close to Biscayne Bay ($344.00 value)

Elegant 4-Star Hotel Less Than a Block from Biscayne Bay

Throughout the 1970s and early '80s, The Mutiny Hotel, along with its famous Mutiny Club, was a major player in Miami?s party and disco scene, attracting international jet setters, celebrities, music moguls, and athletes. Even the hit TV show Miami Vice showed its characters partying at the club. Though The Mutiny closed its doors in 1985, it reopened in 1999 after renovating its suites to exhibit a more intimate, laid-back atmosphere. The hotel is all suites and boasts a boutique style. Today, the hotel?s distinctive 12-story luxury tower rises above a yacht-filled part of Biscayne Bay known as Sailboat Bay.

Frommer?s writes, ?service and style are bountiful at the Mutiny.? That trademark style is on display in each 750-square-foot one-bedroom suite, where you can stretch out in a separate living area, cook dinner in a full kitchen, and watch the news on a flat-panel TV. The elegant hotel was designed with an understated, tropical British-colonial motif. Some suites complete that theme with private balconies overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Executive chef Atchana Capellini crafts contemporary Asian-fusion fare at the onsite Atchana?s East/West Kitchen, where guests can dine indoors or sit outside near the poolside waterfall. To relax, take a dip in the heated pool, which is lined with lush tropical plants and all-white loungers.

Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, Florida: 1920s Magnificence Alongside Cuban Culture

Located just a few miles south of Miami, Coconut Grove is a small seaside town along Biscayne Bay. Here, you can stroll past the sidewalk caf?s, art galleries, and tropical gardens that characterize the elegant town. In the neighboring city of Coral Gables, a trolley runs down Ponce de Le?n Boulevard. The trolley is a testament to the throwback feel of Coral Gables, which has numerous boulevards lined with Mediterranean Revival mansions.

Throughout Coral Gables, signs demarcating local and national landmarks pop into view as frequently as brown anole lizards dart across the sidewalk. Walk through avenues such as Coral Way and you'll find fluted columns and terra-cotta tiles on Venetian-inspired villas, including the Merrick House, the former manor of Coral Gables founder George Edgar Merrick. To the south, the Miracle Mile features popular restaurants and independent boutiques.

You can experience an alternate history of the area in the nearby Miami neighborhood of Little Havana. Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street, brims with Spanish-language caf?s and restaurants that serve everything from coconut-laden Nicaraguan cuisine to Cuban sandwiches pressed as flat as an elephant's flip-flops. Nestled at the center of Calle Ocho is Domino Park, where domino masters play from dawn until dusk. The area buzzes with live music, gallery openings, and free walking tours led by historian Dr. Paul George during Viernes Culturales?Cultural Fridays?held the last week of every month.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Costa Rica?s Pacific Coast: $399.00 for Hilltop Resort in Costa Rica with Private Beach ($804.00 value)

Top Reasons to Visit 4-Star Zephyr Palace & Villa Caletas

• The hilltop resort, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and lush Costa Rican rainforests, was named one of Central America?s top five hotels by Cond? Nast Traveler?s Readers? Choice Awards.
• Guests can reach the resort?s private, volcanic beach by following a well-marked rainforest trail with the chance to see white-faced monkeys and toucans along the way.
• Suites and villas have private terraces with rainforest or partial ocean views.
• You can taste local seafood dishes at the two onsite eateries, Mirador Restaurant and Anfiteatro Restaurant, both of which have great views of the surrounding landscape.
• The onsite Serenity Spa uses local, organic products in its massages, body treatments, and facials.
• A quick 10-minute drive will get you to Jac?, a coastal town known for its nightlife and scenic beaches.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica: Scarlet Macaws and Surfing in Popular Ecotourism Getaway

Located along the Pacific coastline, Puntarenas is Costa Rica?s largest province, extending more than 500 miles from the Panama-Costa Rica border up to the Gulf of Nicoya. In Puntarenas, you?re never far from beaches, national parks, and nature reserves, making the area a popular ecotourism spot. The beachside town of Jac? attracts surfers from all over the globe with consistently big waves and good breaks. Just a few miles inland, Carara National Park, an 11,600-acre nature reserve, is home to crocodiles, two-toed sloths, and hundreds of scarlet macaws?a rare sight in most parts of the country.

About 60 miles northeast of Jac? lies the Costa Rican capital of San Jos?, a bustling cultural hub filled with open-air artisan markets and street vendors selling tamales and pupusas (stuffed flatbread). Wandering the streets here you'll see a confluence of architecture styles?part Spanish, part Moorish?and some of the older neighborhoods still have homes made out of wood and adobe.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Germany, Russia, Denmark, Sweden & More: $2,069.00 for 23-Day Cruise Through Scandinavia and Baltic Sea ($3,449.00 value)

23-Day, 7-Country ?Coastal Cultures of the West? Educational Voyage

The Institute for Shipboard Education was born from an idea to create a floating campus that reflected the ideals of the United Nations and the realities of globalization. Over the years, college students have enrolled in the Institute's Semester at Sea academic program, an intercontinental voyage that has attracted Mikhail Gorbachev, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and other world-famous guest lecturers to speak along the way. Today, the university tours the world aboard the MV Explorer, offering enrichment voyages that feature informative lectures, courses, and optional field excursions that delve into each port of call?s history and culture.

The Coastal Cultures of the West enrichment voyage is a 23-day trip departing on May 25, 2013, with stops at seven countries, including Germany, Russia, Denmark, and Sweden. Aboard the ship, scholars and field specialists will lead a string of seminars exploring history, language, literature, and more, with subjects often relating to the destination you?ll be visiting next. On land, explore each port of call independently or participate in the Institute's hands-on field studies, which can include museum tours as well as sportier activities such as nature hikes.

Coastal Cultures of the West is a multi-segment trip; this Groupon is valid for the third and final segment. Click here to see the full itinerary, including Segment III, beginning on May 25 in Dover, England, and ending on June 16 in Southampton.

May 25?May 28: After departing from Dover in England, you?ll spend two days at sea getting acquainted with the MV Explorer, which is smaller and more intimate than a traditional cruise ship. On the third morning, the ship docks at Oslo, Norway?s capital, known for its contemporary architecture and scenic fjords.

May 29?June 5: The cruise curves into the Baltic Sea and stops at Stockholm, Sweden, which Frommer's hails as ?arguably Scandinavia?s most regal, cutting-edge and intriguing city.? After spending a day there, you?ll head to Saint Petersburg, Russia, where historic buildings and palaces line the canals.

June 6?June 10: You?ll depart Saint Petersburg and spend a day at sea before arriving in Riga, Latvia?s 800-year-old capital. Feel free to roam the picturesque Old Town or tour its 13th-century cathedral. The next stop will be Denmark?s Copenhagen, home to Europe?s longest and oldest pedestrian-only shopping strip. The city was also dubbed Europe?s Best Town for Foodies by Travel + Leisure?be sure to grab a Danish pastry before you leave.

June 11?June 16: After leaving Copenhagen, you?ll cruise to Hamburg, Germany, a city with a mix of winding canals, glass towers, and old baroque buildings. Following that, the journey concludes in Southampton, England.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Dominican Republic: $599.00 for Four-Star Dominican Retreat near Rainforest ($1,620.00 value)

Four-Star Resort with Old-World Opulence Flanked by Tropical Rainforests and the Caribbean Sea

At The Palace at Playa Grande, peacocks parade amid columned porticoes accented by stone statues of Ganesh, and onion-dome pinnacles cap whitewashed walls. Despite the estate's architectural resemblance to an Indian palace, it remains a distinctly Caribbean hideaway on the north shore of the Dominican Republic. Onsite, there?s a seasonal private beach with golden sands, and a tropical rainforest buffers the resort from the bustle of the island's metropolises.

Each deluxe guest room features cool tile floors, antique four-poster beds, and local textiles. An absence of telephones and televisions and attached balconies or patios add to the overall sense of serenity. Downstairs, The Palace's skilled kitchen staff use local ingredients to craft a regularly rotating menu that may feature beef empanadas and roasted green-mango salad. The meal plan includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which you can enjoy on a terrace overlooking the ocean, at the beach, or in your own room. The meal plan with alcohol option also includes unlimited well drinks as well as select beers and wines. In the villa's pool area, bartenders mix cocktails at a swim-up bar.

Playa Grande, Dominican Republic: Marine Adventure on Caribbean Shore

Steps from the villa, the Atlantic stretches to the horizon past 1,000 feet of pristine, private beachfront tucked into the mountainside. The resort loans snorkeling gear to those seeking an up-close peek at the Caribbean's colorful marine life. At a local dive school, instructors certify scuba divers and lead expeditions into the watery depths, where coral reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater mountains await exploration.

Above the surface, the consistent breaks and swells of nearby Playa Grande Beach make it a must-visit destination for surfers. Giant leatherback sea turtles also frequent Playa Grande and can be glimpsed during nesting season, when they come ashore to discuss time-shares.

Forty minutes away, browse the vibrant market and jewelry shops of Cabarete. Perpetual wind gusts rushing southbound from the Atlantic make the area a popular spot for windsurfers and kiteboarders, who hit the waves on vessels powered by wind-driven sails or kites. After nightfall, Cabarete comes alive as salsa dancers flock to nightclubs pulsating with music and lights.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: $299.00 for All-Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic ($870.00 value)

All-Inclusive Oceanfront Resort with 12 Pools

If you grow tired of a certain pool at the all-inclusive The Tropical at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort, no matter. There are 11 others to swim in, each with slightly different features ranging from palm-tree-speckled islands to gradual entry designed to mimic a beach. The resort is situated along a 1.5-mile stretch of Cofresi Beach on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. You can spend your days lounging in the breezy beachfront cabanas or riding atop or beneath the waves with free snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, and kayaks.

Mediterranean influences can be found throughout the sprawling property. Cobblestone walkways wind between three-story buildings with spanish-tiled roofs and grand, curved staircases. With the all-inclusive package, you?ll have your pick of two buffet restaurants and nine specialty restaurants with cuisine that varies from Italian to Asian fusion to authentic Dominican. Several of the 14 onsite bars specialize in crafting cocktails with a certain spirit, such as rum or whiskey.

The hotel?s Los Mangos executive golf course has nine holes spread out over lush greens jutting out over the sea. Basketball, tennis, and beach-volleyball courts are also sprinkled across the grounds. Come nightfall, you can party at the onsite Vibe and Ice nightclubs (drinks not included), or opt for entertainment at one the hotel?s two theaters?Colosseum and Lights, Camera, Action.

This Groupon includes all meals and drinks at select onsite locations and covers beer, spirits, house wine with meals, juices, and soft drinks.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Centuries-Old Historical Sites

Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is best known for its sun-kissed beaches. But the province has several breathtaking geographical features inland as well. Damajagua is a natural water park of sorts?it features 27 waterfalls flowing from limestone rock formations. Tour guides lead groups up and back through the falls, and you can swim and occasionally slide down the natural water slides.

You can also get an aerial view of Puerto Plata and the Caribbean Sea on a telef?rico, or cable car. One of them in particular climbs 2,565 feet to the apex of Mount Isabel de Torres, which is crowned with blooming botanical gardens and a replica of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, a massive open-armed statue.

It's also worth it to take a scenic drive to Parque Hist?rico La Isabela, where you'll find the remains of a church as well as ruins of a colonial village where Columbus routinely woke his neighbors by blasting the Santa Maria's foghorn.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica: $499.00 for All-Inclusive Resort on Jamaican Beach ($2,360.00 value)

Sprawling Family-Friendly Resort on White-Sand Beach

Every Thursday night during Sunset Jamaica Grande?s weekly Pirates and Wenches party, guests dressed in their best swashbuckling attire populate the beachfront and enjoy a Jamaican buffet. It?s only one of several themed parties that the family-friendly resort hosts, speaking to its inherent focus on fun?also evident in its onsite casino, water trampolines, and Jamaica'N Me Crazy disco, open late into the night.

Five pools anchor the beachside complex, featuring waterfalls, jacuzzis, swim-up bars, and two water slides that start at the top of a lighthouse and twist and turn for 330 feet before reaching the water. The resort's musicians sing from a rope bridge, serenading swimmers as they paddle past. On the private 1,300-foot white-sand beach, you can rent kayaks and paddleboats, join a volleyball game, or criticize children?s sandcastles.

In the afternoons, Sunset Jamaica Grande has a variety of activities, and nightly entertainment includes Caribbean floor shows and fashion shows. There are four restaurants onsite?for something quick and casual, try the sandwiches and Jamaican specialties at North Beach Grill. At the upscale, romantic Ginger Lily, chefs fuse Asian favorites with Caribbean flavors.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Famed Waterfall and World-Class Shopping

Located within the parish of Saint Ann on Jamaica's north coast, Ocho Rios is best known for Dunn's River Falls, which served as a filming location for the first James Bond movie, Dr. No. Today, tour groups play at the bottom of the waterfall or make the 600-foot climb to the top, typically achieved by linking hands and carefully following behind a local guide.

A colorful world lies beneath the ocean; dive sites such as Devil's Reef contain anemones, corals, algae, and barracuda. For a look at Jamaica?s rainforest, drive south of Ocho Rios to Fern Gully, a gorge shaded by a canopy of ferns, trees, and lianas.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: $135.00 for Southern Estate on Hilton Head Island ($238.00 value)

Southern Estate Surrounded by Palmetto Trees and Championship Golf Courses

Hilton Head Island is only 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in recreation. Year-round, more than 2.5 million visitors pass through the island, sunning themselves on some of the Atlantic seaboard's finest beaches, pedaling through the countryside on miles of scenic bike trails, and teeing off at more than 45 championship golf courses. Shaded by magnolia and palmetto trees, Park Lane Hotel sits in the center of the island, just minutes from beaches, shopping, and gourmet restaurants. The hotel combines laid-back luxury with sports facilities including tennis courts, a basketball court, and a kids' playground.

An arched driveway leads to the Park Lane Hotel's stately entrance, which is adorned with thick columns and white chimneystacks rising from a slate roof. Inside, each spacious suite features a full kitchen with granite countertops. Overstuffed armchairs and fireplaces create a cozy environment for unwinding or pretending to be Alistair Cooke on Masterpiece Theatre.

Hilton Head, South Carolina: Southern Hospitality and East Coast Adventure

Set along the Atlantic coast just northeast of Savannah and two hours from Charleston, Hilton Head Island combines southern elegance with relaxed oceanfront living. The island's subtropical climate?with highs in the 60s during January?makes it a haven for outdoor-sports enthusiasts, especially golfers, who can choose from dozens of lush, championship courses and several herds of free-range caddies roaming the land. Additionally, more than 50 miles' worth of bike and rollerblade pathways crisscross the island, many of them leading to Hilton Head's wealth of justly lauded beaches.

Estes Park, CO: $99.00 for Haunted Getaway: Inspired by "The Shining" ($244.00 value)

Historic Hotel That Inspired Stephen King's The Shining

Something sinister lurks in room 217?and that?s what makes it one of The Stanley Hotel?s most popular spots. The infamous room 217 plays a prominent role in Stephen King?s classic horror novel The Shining, which was inspired by King's first visit to the historic estate next to Rocky Mountain National Park. A winding mountain road leads to the secluded, sprawling property, which was built in 1909 and has housed luminaries such as John Philip Sousa and Theodore Roosevelt?and its share of ghosts. It's easy to understand why the old-fashioned, New England?inspired building is a beloved haunt: every inch has been meticulously cared for, decorated with gleaming wooden floors, soaring ceilings, and traditional furnishings.

Up in the classic rooms, stately linens cover pillow-top king- or queen-size beds that sit atop plush carpeting. Decorated to resemble a comfortable, upscale home, most of the hotel's rooms feature unique accents, from cushy chairs to framed artwork. And you can look out to either the nearby Rocky Mountains or the courtyard through the room's enormous windows.

Downstairs, Cascades Restaurant serves up regional cuisine paired with varietals from its wine list, which won Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. To use your dining credit, grab breakfast and a cup of coffee at Steamers Caf?. Those looking to explore The Stanley?s haunted past can take the approximately 90-minute Ghost & History tour through the hotel's most haunted spots, including rooms and passages where ghosts have been sighted flipping over Do Not Disturb signs. Tours lead into The Stanley's underground tunnel and past the notorious room 217.

Estes Park, Colorado: Cultured Mountain Town with Outdoor Recreation

Located 7,500 feet above sea level, The Stanley Hotel is surrounded by the crisp, clean air and gorgeous scenery of Estes Park. The town is a picturesque playground for outdoors enthusiasts and nature lovers. Gentle horses can navigate the trails of the Rocky Mountain National Park, and skilled guides lead whitewater-rafting trips down the roaring Colorado River. For a scenic drive through the area, take Trail Ridge Road, which has hairpin curves that whip around the mountainside to reveal gorgeous views of the mountains (check the road?s status before heading out).

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Cannon Beach, OR: $119.00 for Hacienda-Style Lodgings on Oregon Coast ($198.00 value)

Spanish-Style Inns with near Pacific Ocean

Rising 235 feet above the sands of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is one of the most iconic natural landmarks along the rocky coast of Oregon. (Counted among Haystack Rock's many cultural appearances: a cameo early on in The Goonies.) Just one block north of the monolith, you'll find the Blue Gull Inn and the Inn at Haystack Rock?sister properties located across the street from one another. Both lie within walking distance of the shore, where you can take in Haystack Rock and see tide pools filled with starfish, crabs, and sea anemones.

The properties have a hacienda-style design centered on a courtyard with a tiered fountain. Inside, guest rooms feature original artwork and handcrafted furnishings, such as headboards painted with setting suns and carved kitchen chairs. The spa cottage at the Blue Gull Inn is ideally suited for those looking for a romantic getaway. The private, standalone unit has a two-person jacuzzi tub and a fireplace in the living room. If you're traveling with kids, consider the two-bedroom suite, which is equipped with a full kitchen and a dining table that seats four.

Cannon Beach, Oregon: Quaint Coastal Hamlet Abounding with Outdoor Pursuits

Tucked between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean, Cannon Beach got its name from the wreckage of a 19th-century schooner that washed ashore here. Among the items was a small cannon. Thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, the town built up a small artists' colony attracting creative types who wanted to avoid the bustling resort scene. You'll find a number of local galleries alongside charming, cedar-shingled boutiques and wine bars.

The town?s greatest draw, though, is its natural, coastal grandeur. Travel + Leisure magazine once named it one of its favorite family beaches, praising the shore's powdery sand and calm waters. Paying a visit to Haystack Rock is a must, but nearby Ecola State Park offers a more panoramic view of the Oregon coast. Here, hikers navigate forest trails once traversed by members of the Lewis and Clark expedition, passing through towering sitka spruces, douglas firs, and western hemlock and pausing at ocean overlooks to watch migrating gray whales in the distance.

Flat Rock, NC: $149.00 for Modern Lodge in Blue Ridge Mountains ($270.00 value)

Rustic Resort with Blue Ridge Mountain Views

The famous Blue Ridge Parkway curves and loops through northwestern North Carolina. Heading south down the 469-mile Appalachian Highway, hairpin turns cut past the maples and pines of the Pisgah National Forest. When the parkway reaches Asheville, it's about a 20-minute detour to reach the Mountain Lodge of Flat Rock. The cabin-inspired resort is settled in a prime location to explore the parkway and surrounding mountains.

In a nod to the forests around it, each of the lodge's studio suites is simply decorated with subdued earth tones and windows looking out onto the mountains. A fully equipped kitchen showcases Italian-granite countertops, and a roomy bathroom features a soaking tub. In the morning, a buffet-style hot breakfast starts the day with eggs, sausage, and coffee. Weather permitting, you can take breakfast on the terrace near a trickling waterfall fountain. If you purchase the second option, you?ll receive two tickets to a play of your choice at the Flat Rock Playhouse, a local theater just 3 miles away from the resort. Upcoming winter shows include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Nutcracker.

Flat Rock, North Carolina: Grand Estates and Scenic Parks

Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains just a 10-minute drive from the lodge is historical Flat Rock, a village listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its large number of homes styled after Old South antebellum manors. The stately home where poet Carl Sandburg spent the last two decades of his life is located right off Flat Rock's main highway. To the north in Asheville is the palatial Biltmore Estate. Dubbed America?s largest home, George Vanderbilt?s private estate features 250 rooms and gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Two national forests and Chimney Rock State Park lie within driving distance, so visitors can hike mountain trails, kayak down rushing rivers, and bike along the bumpy paths crisscrossing the countryside. For a popular day trip, head about 60 miles northwest into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to miles of walking trails, the 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome observation deck, and a thriving black-bear population.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

San Antonio: $77.00 for Historic Hotel near San Antonio River Walk ($149.00 value)

Historic Hotel near the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk

Many of the guest rooms at Crockett Hotel look out onto the Alamo?the historic landmark sits just across the street in a tree-lined plaza in downtown San Antonio. The hotel itself is located on the site of a legendary battle led by Davy Crockett in 1836?he and a small band of Texas settlers defended the Alamo against Santa Anna?s forces for 13 days during the Texas Revolution. Today, you can tour the Alamo and other historic buildings in Alamo Plaza free of charge.

The San Antonio River Walk is also within easy walking distance of the hotel. This 2.5-mile stretch of the San Antonio River is lined with shops, restaurants, and museums, all accessible from stone pathways that are restricted to pedestrians and bears riding unicycles.

Originally built in 1909, Crockett Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Subsequent renovations have helped to preserve its original charm while adding modern touches such as free WiFi in all guest rooms and an outdoor pool shaded by palm trees. Before heading out to explore the city, stop by the hotel?s atrium lobby for a free continental breakfast with pastries, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.

San Antonio, Texas: Historic Missions near Picturesque River Walk

In the late 1920s, architect Robert H. H. Hugman designed an urban park around the San Antonio River?a space he envisioned as an American version of Venice where people could shop and dine along the waterfront. Completed in 1941, the 2.5-mile river walk still serves as a vital artery in the heart of San Antonio as it wends its way past caf?s, hotels, bars, and shops.

Located one story below street level, the waterway is flanked on either side by stone pathways, quiet waterfalls, and towering cypress trees. The winding river-walk path reveals little surprises along the way, such as picturesque restaurants, public art installations, and cardboard cutouts of Davy Crockett. A new extension connects the river walk to the four-story San Antonio Museum of Art, where you'll find more than 25,000 sculptures and paintings that range from Roman antiquities to contemporary art.

Also neighboring the river walk is the Alamo. Thanks to the 1836 battle that made it a symbol of Texas independence, the Alamo has become the most visited tourist site in the state. It's actually one of five historic Spanish missions clustered around the San Antonio River. The largest, Mission San Jos?, lies just 5 miles south of downtown. Its famed rose window is once again on display following an extensive renovation.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: $89.00 for Family Condo Stay on Wisconsin's Lake Geneva ($135.00 value)

Family-Friendly Resort Minutes from Quaint Downtown Shops

Inside The Cove Of Lake Geneva's Sprecher?s Restaurant & Pub, brewmasters are hard at work, crafting more than a dozen varieties of beer using Old-World methods. Their hefe weiss and black bavarian brews complement hearty burgers forged from locally-sourced ingredients. They also create housemade root beer, flavoring it with pure vanilla, aromatic botanicals, and honey from Wisconsin honeycombs.

Upstairs, in each of The Cove's private units, there?s a spacious living room that houses a sleeper sofa next to a fireplace and a flat-screen TV. The suite is rounded out by a whirlpool tub and a full kitchen, which sets the stage for do-it-yourself dinners and science-project volcanoes with a toaster, a microwave, a dishwasher, pots and pans, and utensils. On the first floor, windows reminiscent of a small-town church surround an indoor pool flanked by high ceilings and wooden beams. After a swim, sample wine and cheese at The Cove?s nightly reception, held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Cozy Northern Town with an Adventurous Side

Located right across from The Cove of Lake Geneva is its namesake, a gaping gulf of crystal-clear lake. The footpaths that surround it pass by opulent mansions, expansive English-style gardens and estates, and a Buddhist temple. The winter unlocks another side of this dynamic town: take to the low mountains for skiing and snowboarding, or snowmobile, ice fish, or construct an outdoor ice sculpture.

Just a short walk from The Cove is the charming downtown area, which overflows with both casual and upscale restaurants, shopping, and homemade beers and ice cream. The neighboring rustic storefronts brandish hand-thrown pottery and kaleidoscopic glass-art pieces.

Port St. Lucie, FL: $99.00 for Florida Villas near Championship Golf Courses ($228.00 value)

Well-Appointed Villas near PGA Golf Mecca

PGA Village, located on Florida's Treasure Coast, was ranked one of the 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest in 2008, and deservedly so?the 450-acre complex is unabashedly devoted to the sport. There's a PGA-history museum, a professional hall of fame, and a 35-acre training center onsite. Most come here, though, to play its three championship golf courses, designed by legendary architects Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. Castle Pines Golf Villas, located about a mile from the tees, is within walking distance of this sporting mecca.

Set against a backdrop of wetlands and tropical foliage, the Wanamaker course at PGA Village is as beautiful as it is challenging; water is visible from almost every hole, and nearly 100 bunkers line the rolling fairways. The Ryder Course, which was named one of the Top 50 Public Golf Courses in Golf World's 2008 Readers? Choice Awards, rewards a solid short game, and Pete Dye's links-style track features pine-straw roughs. If you need a little help, head to the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance, where industry experts offer clinics and private instruction.

After a day spent on the course, head back to Castle Pines, a gated community dotted with luxury homes and palm trees. Deluxe guest rooms are private and modern and have homey amenities such as a kitchenettes, washers and dryers. During the afternoon, nongolfers can cool off at the zero-entry outdoor pool and kids can trade stock tips in a nearby play area.

Port St. Lucie, Florida: World-Class Golf Courses and Quiet Beaches

Port St. Lucie is located about 100 miles north of Miami in Florida's Treasure Coast, a tropical region named after a series of famous 18th-century shipwrecks. Today, the city is best known for its pristine golf courses, some of which have hosted national PGA tournaments. Its handful of white-sand beaches, which stretch for nearly 21 miles along the Atlantic, offer a more laid-back alternative to nearby Palm Beach. Visit Jaycee Park, which has a buoyed-off swimming area, about 20 minutes from the hotel. Or head to Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, where you can horseback ride along the ocean or cast a line in designated fishing areas.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Long Beach, CA: $89.00 for Posh Hilton in Long Beach ($249.00 value)

Luxurious Hilton near Downtown Long Beach

Just five minutes from the posh Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center, you?ll find the enormous Aquarium of the Pacific, where more than 10,000 exotic and endangered animals live in a facility that?s one of the largest of its kind in the United States. There are habitats mimicking the Pacific Northwest, the sultry Baja peninsula, and a lorikeet forest. Situated in downtown Long Beach, the aquarium stands near several other entertainment options, including art galleries and a World War II ocean liner that offers haunted tours?not to mention that Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Los Angeles are all less than an hour away.

Back in the Hilton's guest rooms, the tone is one of understated sophistication. Beds feature plush, button-back headboards and signature Serta Sweet Dreams mattresses. Each room is outfitted with a flat-screen TV and MP3 docking station to keep you entertained. The hotel?s elegant Ascari Ristorante welcomes diners with soft lighting and warm tones. The restaurant serves both buffet and ? la carte items. Quick appetizers include flatbread and hummus ($10), fried calamari ($10), and pan-seared crab cakes ($14).

If you're looking to unwind, there's a heated outdoor pool at the hotel, and the beach is just half a mile away. For all its luxurious amenities, the hotel is also ideal for business travelers. It's located near Long Beach's World Trade Center and offers fax and photocopy services as well as audio-visual equipment rentals onsite.

Long Beach, California: Outdoors, Arts, and Architectural Oddities

Less than an hour from tourist-clogged Hollywood and Disneyland, Long Beach offers a quieter experience distinguished by family-friendly attractions, art museums, and eclectic architecture. In the East Village Arts District downtown, independent playhouses and art galleries line the streets. This is the setting of an art walk held one Saturday a month, when galleries, boutiques, and caf?s stay open late and local artists display original works.

Long Beach's architecture has its own distinctive appeal. Geometry buffs may marvel at the distinctive Walter Pyramid sports arena, as well as the aptly named Skinny House at 708 Gladys Avenue, an extremely narrow structure?only 10 feet wide?reportedly built on a bet.

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Lincoln City, OR: $89.00 for Oceanfront Rooms in Coastal Oregon ($201.00 value)

Ocean-View Rooms with Fireplaces and Nautical Decor

In the days when Japanese fishermen used blown-glass balls to float their nets, beachcombers on the Oregon coast would occasionally find the green and blue orbs washed up on shore. Today, artists in Lincoln City honor the tradition by peppering the beaches with more than 2,000 handcrafted floats between mid-October and Memorial Day. Each year, visitors and locals comb the rocky coast in search of these colorful ornaments and keep any they find. You can take part in the hunt while staying at Surftides Lincoln City; the nautical-themed hotel has direct, handicap-friendly access to the scenic beachfront.

As their names suggest, premium king and double-queen oceanfront rooms are outfitted with balconies that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Maritime-themed local artwork and artifacts are sprinkled throughout the property, including a collection of essential sailing knots, a ship in a bottle, and Blackbeard's first razor.

On Surftides? grounds, you?ll find an outdoor courtyard with crackling gas fire pits, a nice spot to warm up on a cold winter?s night. At Mist, the onsite restaurant and bar, bartenders serve signature cocktails by an open fireplace and chefs craft dishes such as lobster mac 'n' cheese, wild-mushroom pasta, and grilled halibut using fresh, local ingredients from the sea and organic farms.

Lincoln City, Oregon: Artists' Community on Rugged Pacific Coast

Situated along Oregon?s northwestern coast, Lincoln City spans 7.5 miles of picturesque public beaches where you?ll find ample surfing and whale-watching opportunities. Two inland bays, Devils Lake and Siletz Bay, provide nice spots for fishing or boating in the warmer months. About 10 miles north of Lincoln City stands Cascade Head, a towering, 270-acre headland that juts into the ocean. Year-round and seasonal trails crisscross the rugged cliffs; while hiking the paths, keep an ear out for sea lions that bark rousing sea shanties.

The center of Lincoln City's flourishing art scene lies just a short distance inland. Seaside streets are peppered with dozens of galleries and antique shops, where visitors can glimpse genuine Japanese glass floats. Grab a bite to eat at one of the town?s many seafood restaurants, which are known for their fresh catches.

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Paris and Nice: $1,899.00 for Eight-Day Tour of Paris and Nice with Airfare ($2,899.00 value)

Eight-Day, Self-Guided Tour of Paris and Nice with Round-Trip Airfare

La plus belle avenue du monde translates to ?the most beautiful avenue in the world.? It?s a term of endearment Parisians reserve for the Champs-?lys?es, a resplendent avenue in the French capital known for its clipped horse-chestnut trees, luxury boutiques, caf?s, and monuments, including the Arc de Triomphe. On this eight-day, self-guided tour of Paris and Nice with round-trip airfare from Key Tours International, you can stroll the Champs-?lys?es as often as you?d like; it?s located less than a minute?s walk from your hotel.

Depending on which option you purchase, trips depart from airports in New York (JFK), Washington DC (IAD), Philadelphia (PHL), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), or Toronto (YYZ).

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Days 1?4: Paris

An overnight flight into Paris makes for a memorable introduction to the City of Light. Upon arrival, you?ll make your way to the Hotel la Regence Etoile, located in the heart of Paris? 17th arrondissement. The hotel sits on the right bank of the Seine, one minute away from the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-?lys?es and within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.

The next three days are yours to explore this world-class city; just a block away, the Charles de Gaulle ? ?toile Metro station provides access to Paris from four subway lines. The city is rife with famous landmarks and verdant parks ? visit the 12th-century Notre Dame de Paris cathedral or stroll through the Tuileries Garden, created in the 16th century and tended to by royalty over the years. Be sure to take advantage of the included 1-hour Seine River cruise before you?re whisked away to Nice on a bullet train on Day 5.

Days 5?8: Nice

For the next four days, you?re can explore the Mediterranean city of Nice at your leisure. France?s fourth-largest city, Nice is best known for its panoramic vistas, fabulous beaches, and a history rich in the arts. Whole museums are dedicated to painters such as Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse.

The Mus?e Marc Chagall is just a 10-minute drive from the 4-star H?tel la Perouse, where you?ll stay for the duration of the trip. Located on a promontory, the hotel overlooks the scenic Bay of Angels. You can ride an elevator to the top of building for sweeping views of the French Riviera, or head downstairs to one of Nice?s prettiest private beaches. On Day 8, you?ll make your way to the airport for your return flight home.

New Orleans: $115.00 for 4-Star Gilded Age Hotel near French Quarter ($239.00 value)

Historic Four-Star Hotel with Gilded Age Ambiance

With chandeliers imported from Czechoslovakia, hand-carved antiques, and cherubs on marble pedestals in the lobby, Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans surrounds its guests in elegance. But there?s hospitable warmth here as well. Each night at 10 p.m., the kitchen staff serves peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, cold milk, and mugs full of hot chocolate in the lobby. This tradition started nearly 30 years ago when a traveler asked if the hotel had any late-night comfort foods that he always enjoyed with his daughter at home. The hotel met his request, and has made this homey touch available to all its guests ever since.

Le Pavillon's sales manager credits this type of service to the genuinely friendly attitude of its staff. One of the hotel?s buffet servers?known as Patty Cakes?sweetly greets every guest who enters the Crystal Room. Her charming personality even got her inserted into the upcoming film The Butler when it was filming onsite.

Built in 1907, the hotel landed on the National Register of Historic Places in the ?90s, and for good reason. Its antique bar comes from a former Chicago hotel and dates back to 1880, and one of the hotel?s palace suites has a marble bathtub thought to have been owned by Napoleon Bonaparte. Those stepping into the hotel?s deluxe guest rooms will feel like they are entering another era, as the rooms feature hand-carved mahogany armoires, painted vignettes on the ceilings, and black marble vanities.

New Orleans: Vivid Local Color Defined by Generations-Old Culture

Le Pavillon is located in the heart of New Orleans, a short walk from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. In the French Quarter, historical buildings with intricate wrought-iron balconies line the narrow streets. Just off Jackson Square, the legendary Caf? Du Monde serves beignets under heaping piles of powdered sugar, as well as cups of iced or steaming caf? au lait. Street musicians play on the north side of the square most evenings, and you?ll see the occasional street performer or occult spell peddler here as well.

Bourbon Street is a mecca for some, but nearby Frenchmen Street, just north of the Quarter, offers an authentic alternative. Small jazz and blues bars line the street, drawing locals with performers such as trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, known to out-of-towners for his recurring role on HBO's Treme.

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Siesta Key, FL: $350.00 for Bungalows on Lagoon near Sarasota ($638.00 value)

Secluded Bungalows with Views of Lagoon and Tropical Palms

Siesta Key, a barrier island west of Sarasota, Florida, is sandwiched between Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Siesta Key Bungalows sit along the banks of Heron Lagoon, a narrow waterway in the middle of the island lined with mangroves. It's a secluded spot where you can kayak through the waves or fish from a private dock for snook and redfish. Tucked away as it is, the property is still close to the popular Siesta Beach, which was named America's Best Beach in 2011 by coastal researcher Dr. Beach.

Hibiscus bushes and 30 kinds of palms surround the Siesta Key Bungalows pool-deck area, shading it from the bright Florida sunshine. Feel free to borrow some pool gear free of charge. In addition, you can borrow bicycles and kayaks at no charge to explore the nearby coast.

Brick paths lead to the property?s 10 bungalows. Each bungalow has a unique layout; many feature palm-themed decor and white-wicker furnishings. One bungalow, the Tortuga, features a screened porch overlooking Heron Lagoon. Another, the Coquina, has its own private, walled-in garden.

Siesta Key, Florida: White-Sand Beaches near Sarasota's Arts Institutions

Dr. Beach frequently names Siesta Key Beach on his annual list of America's Best Beaches. Siesta Key has fine-grained white sand made up of quartz crystals and dunes covered in beach grass. Pipers, plovers, and egrets frequently dart in and out of the waves. Toward the southern end of the island, you'll find the secluded Turtle Beach. The sand here is coarser, and lined with shells.

When you're not at the beach, there's plenty to do around Sarasota. Visit the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which shows local dance, music, and theater performances. Farther north, the Ringling museum campus commemorates John Ringling, one of the founding brothers of the eponymous circus. Here, the Ringling Museum of Art displays baroque paintings such as Vel?zquez's Philip IV. Siesta Key is also conveniently located near Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens; all are within a 2.5-hour drive.

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Pensacola Beach, FL: $399.00 for Waterfront Resort on Gulf Coast ($732.00 value)

Top Reasons to Visit Portofino Island Resort

• This Mediterranean-style resort is adjacent to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, an 8-mile stretch of white-sand beaches between the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Bay.
• Converted from luxury condos, the two- and three-bedroom sky homes feature gourmet kitchens and private balconies with views of the gulf or bay.
• Guests can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards at Adventure Beach or explore the coast on waterfront biking trails.
• There are seven outdoor swimming pools on the 28-acre estate, including private pools at each of the resort's five towers and a centrally located infinity pool, as well as an indoor Olympic-style heated pool.
• You can dine on delicious local seafood at the upscale Terracotta restaurant or pick up ingredients for a home-cooked meal at The Market.
• The resort offers a complimentary water shuttle to the Portofino Boardwalk, home to clothing boutiques, wine bars, and an amphitheater. A tram delivers guests to Tiger Point, a 36-hole golf course set against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Sound.
• Located in the 40,000-square-foot Lifestyle Center, Spa Portofino offers treatments such as organic body wraps, anti-aging facials, and massages.

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Bloomington, MN: $79.00 for Water-Park Hotel by Mall of America ($159.00 value)

Family-Size Rooms Adjoining Gigantic Indoor Water Park

The Mall of America is practically its own ecosystem, with more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, an aquarium, and a 7-acre theme park with roller coasters. The mall is just a shuttle ride away from Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America. You don't need to leave the hotel premises to keep the family occupied, though: the Radisson connects directly to the Water Park of America, and those choosing Option 2 receive four passes to the park, where they can careen down the 10th-floor body slide or wade in the wave pool.

Designed with families in mind, the Radisson's guest rooms fill a spacious floor plan with enough beds to sleep six guests. Twin bunk beds occupy a recessed alcove on one side of the deluxe king rooms, and a full-size mattress unfolds from a sofa on the other. The premier queen rooms are similarly laid out, with two queen beds in place of the deluxe king bed. Feel free to use the activity table in the center of both rooms for card games, drawings, or plans of attack on unsuspecting siblings. Or, head down to the on-site Split Rock Grille for wood-fired pizzas, housemade turkey pot pie, and a full kids' menu.

Bloomington, Minnesota: Gargantuan Mall of America and Family Fun

Although the Radisson is not directly affiliated with the Mall of America, the hotel has a free shuttle service that makes dozens of trips daily to the massive shopping center. The shuttle also can take guests to Minneapolis?St. Paul International Airport.

Aside from its famous mall, guests visit this area for the historic Fort Snelling, a 19th-century fort that still has several of its original buildings and antique cannons intact. It's located inside an expansive state park about 5 miles east of the hotel, and it hosts craft demonstrations, military drills, and cooking exhibitions performed by costumed characters.

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Atlanta: $53.00 for Tranquil Inn near Emory University ($109.00 value)

Hotel Surrounded by Forest near Emory University

The Emory Inn sits on a 26-acre forest preserve on the campus of Emory University. In contrast to the natural woods surrounding it, the property pays homage to the French countryside with homey decor, making for a quiet retreat just 6 miles north of downtown Atlanta.

A peaceful atmosphere suffuses the Emory Inn?s 107 rooms, lounge, and onsite cafe. A courtyard garden surrounds the outdoor pool and whirlpool, while an indoor pool and health club sit nearby. A 1.5-mile hiking trail winds throughout the grounds. All stays at the inn come with a grab-and-go breakfast bag, including coffee, juice, and breakfast breads.

Atlanta: Urban Parks and Renowned Aquarium in Capital of the South

Named one of 50 Places of a Lifetime by National Geographic, Atlanta lies near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia's northwest region known for its famed trees: magnolias, pines, and dogwoods. These are especially prominent on the park-like campus of Emory University, one of the top 20 national universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Just a few minutes' walk from the hotel is Lullwater Park, site of the university president?s home and a number of walking trails that wind past a lake and shady trees.

Despite a metropolitan population of more than 5 million and what is considered the world's busiest airport by passenger count, Atlanta seems to always offer a relaxing escape. Stroll through the 185 acres of botanical gardens, hiking trails, and oaks at Piedmont Park, or study one of the country's largest Civil War exhibitions at the Atlanta History Center.

Kids enjoy visits to the Georgia Aquarium, located downtown at Centennial Olympic Park. Considered the world's largest aquarium with more than 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water and more than 100,000 animals, the aquarium is home to beluga whales, lionfish, whale sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

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Online: $99.00 for Spacious Lodge in Blue Ridge Mountains ($168.00 value)

Luxurious Resort Tucked in Scenic Mountains

In 1948, Claus Moberg invested just $25 an acre to acquire a sprawling 30-acre apple orchard, upon which he eventually built a quaint cottage for his family. Each summer, the Moberg family retreated to the abode tucked between dense forests, where guests can now get views of the mountains of North Carolina's High Country. Claus's touch is still evident throughout the hallways of the spacious Crestwood Resort & Spa, which displays his original artwork and floor plans.

A shaded stone walkway leads to the resort's homey interiors. There's a gas fireplace in the inviting Elite king room, and the Luxury queen room's two queen beds are decked in mounds of pillows. As is the case with many of the resort's rooms, a private terrace overlooks the towering Blue Ridge Mountains and the lush wooded surroundings.

Crestwood's onsite restaurant, The Table, partners with local producers to serve farm-to-table fare infused with an upscale European touch, such as sugary pork strip or piquant shrimp and grits. The Table is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the bar opens at 4 p.m. Elsewhere inside, white columns gird a placid lap pool at the onsite spa, which pampers guests with refreshing facials and reflexology massages.

North Carolina's High Country: Mountain Adventure and Gemstone Mines

In the High Country of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains and surging rivers set the stage for whitewater rafting and cave tours. In the winter, the snow-capped slopes double as runs for skiing and sledding. In addition to undertaking outdoor adventures, you can step into the past at nostalgic general stores and sift for precious stones and docile pet rocks at old-fashioned gemstone mines.

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Myrtle Beach, SC: $42.00 for Family-Friendly Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC ($70.00 value)

Splash-Park Resort near Myrtle Beach Attractions

The elaborate indoor aquatic facility at Landmark Resort Hotel keeps visitors splishing and splashing even during the winter. Set beneath a glass ceiling, the massive swimming pool centers on a tiled fountain and is augmented by a pint-sized pool for kids and a slowly drifting lazy river for tubers. Just steps from Myrtle Beach, this family-friendly, water-soaked resort makes for a fun-filled home base for exploring the Grand Strand?a popular 60-mile stretch of Carolina beachfront?and its amusement parks, live shows, and white-sand beaches.

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