Evidence of our nation's birth abounds in Boston, a hub of revolution that is essentially the oldest city in the United States. Visitors are compelled to walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail around the city center, and bear witness to 16 historical locations related to the history of America.

Art, music and theater devotees will find much to embrace here, while sports fans have their choice of baseball (see the Red Sox at Fenway), basketball (Celtics), football (Patriots) and hockey (Bruins). And hey, everyone must eat, so don't miss the universally praised local seafood, from clam chowder to lobster.

Nearly 20 million people visit Boston annually, where they'll walk the Freedom Trail, visit "cradle of liberty" Faneuil Hall, view the collections at the Museum of Fine Arts, and ride a Swan Boat on the lake at Boston Common.