Vote now for top things to do and places to visit
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy activities that celebrate getting outdoors — sometimes combined with taking in some entertainment. Some of the most popular things to do include going to a fireworks show, watching a double feature at a drive-in, going for a leisurely hike, learning about sea creatures at an aquarium, enjoying tunes at an outdoor concert series, setting out on a scenic train ride, and, of course, traveling for a summer vacation.
To find the best of these beloved pastimes, a panel of experts nominated their favorites across seven categories, and now it’s your turn to vote. Voting ends on Monday, May 13 at noon ET, and you can vote once per day, per category.
Click on each category below to vote:
Best Aquarium
Which aquarium do you think is the best? — Photo courtesy of galitskaya / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Aquariums reveal the hidden wonders of the world’s oceans, lakes, and waterways in fun, exploratory settings. The best aquariums also play a vital role in animal conservation by participating in rescue efforts and marine advocacy.
These 20 aquariums, nominated by a panel of experts, represent the best in the country for their high-quality exhibits and visitor interactions.
Which aquarium would you most like to explore?
Best Drive-In Theater
Which drive-in theater would you most like to visit? — Photo courtesy of Rina Mskaya / iStock / Getty Images Plus
The first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, on June 6, 1933, and by the 1950s, there were more than 4,000 drive-in theaters in the United States.
The rise of home entertainment led to the decline of the classic American drive-in, and there are currently fewer than 400 in operation. Still, this great American pastime is undergoing a revival, with many drive-ins converting to digital projection and offering innovative concessions. An expert panel has nominated their top 20 spots to enjoy a drive-in movie, and now it’s your turn to decide the winner.
What’s your favorite drive-in theater?
Best Hiking Trail
Which hiking trail would you most like to explore? — Photo courtesy of vm / E+
The United States, with its diverse landscapes, boasts a plethora of easy to moderate hiking trails that are fun for nature enthusiasts of all levels. An expert panel has nominated their top picks for scenic trails that are perfect for leisurely day hikes. These trails not only promote physical well-being but also provide a mental respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Which hiking trail do you think offers the best experience?
Best Outdoor Concert Series
Where is your favorite spot to enjoy an outdoor concert? — Photo courtesy of Urupong / iStock / Getty Images Plus
A number of towns and cities across the United States host an outdoor concert series over the spring and summer months. These events are family-friendly, offer diverse genres of music, are almost always free, and are a great way to enjoy being outside in the evening, when temperatures cool off.
An expert panel has nominated 20 of the top outdoor concert series events, and we need your help to crown the very best.
Which outdoor concert series do you vibe with?
Vote: Best Outdoor Concert Series »
Best Place to See Fireworks
Which fireworks show gets your vote? — Photo courtesy of Corri Seizinger / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Fireworks may not have originated in the United States, but they’re certainly a longstanding American tradition. The first 4th of July fireworks display dates back nearly 250 years, and fireworks have long been a mainstay for a wide variety of other holidays and festivities as well.
Beyond being such a feast for the eyes, public fireworks displays are a shared experience that can bring a community together. An expert panel has nominated 20 of this country’s most eye-popping fireworks displays, and we need your help to crown the very best.
Which place do you think is the best for fireworks?
Vote: Best Place to See Fireworks »
Best Scenic Train Ride
Which train ride is your favorite? — Photo courtesy of Pekic / E+
Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. Such is the case for passengers who step aboard these 20 trains — hand-picked by a panel of travel experts for offering the best scenic rides in the United States.
Which scenic train ride would you most like to purchase a ticket for?
Vote: Best Scenic Train Ride »
Best Summer Travel Destination
What’s your go-to summer vacation destination? — Photo courtesy of Image Source / DigitalVision
Whether you’re hitting the road with the family or embarking on a solo adventure, summer is the peak season for travel in the United States. There are so many endlessly compelling sights to see and things to do throughout this country’s millions of square miles, from picturesque national parks to sleepy mountain towns to breathtakingly beautiful beaches.
An expert panel has nominated their 20 must-see places for a summer vacation, and we need your help to crown the best of the best.
Which summer travel destination is your favorite spot?
Vote: Best Summer Travel Destination »
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on Wednesday, May 22.
