The 14 places in America you have to visit in 2016
After a year of historic announcements, surprising discoveries and unexpected natural phenomena in 2015, it's hard to say what 2016 will hold for travelers. But we do know that the year ahead will be one of technological innovations and historical significance in many American destinations. Here are the places across the U.S. to keep on your travel radar in 2016.
San Diego
In 2016, San Diego will usher in the future and commemorate its history. The famous San Diego Zoo will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary all year with new exhibitions and events for both locals and visitors. South of the zoo, America's first bi-national airport will open and allow travelers flying through Tijuana International Airport to cross over to San Diego without ever leaving the airport.
A 390-foot foot-bridge, known as the Cross Border Xpress, crosses over the fence that separates the U.S. from Mexico, which will save travelers from waiting in the traffic of the border crossing. It costs $18 and takes five minutes to walk across the overpass to a U.S. border inspector. This innovative approach to border crossings is more convenient and great news for travelers wishing to explore both Tijuana and San Diego.
Louisville
Whether it's your first, second or hundredth time, 2016 is the year to visit Louisville. The Urban Bourbon Trail has expanded with the opening of seven new distilleries offering bourbon, brandy and moonshine.
But bourbon isn't the only thing Louisville has brewing. The Mega Cavern is an underground bike park with more than 320,000 square feet of trails, jumps and BMX tracks. All this has been constructed in a limestone cavern 100 feet below the surface.
The Mega Cavern isn't just for extreme athletes, though. It offers trails for riders of all ages, with or without training wheels. You can also enjoy the ropes course, tram car and zip-lines. Plus, with the absence of rain, no need for sunscreen, and a climate-controlled temperate of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, biking underground has a lot of advantages. This is one adventure vacation that won't be ruined by the weather.
The national parks
The U.S. National Parks Service will officially celebrate its 100th anniversary on Aug. 25, but you won't have to wait until then to enjoy this special event because the parks will be celebrating throughout the year. The National Park Service has launched the Find Your Park campaign to help travelers find the national parks closest to them. And with more than 400 parks, there's a lot to explore locally and across the country.
The parks will be also be free on the following days in honor of the centennial:
• Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Day
• April 16 - 24: National Park Week
• Aug. 25 - 28: National Park Service Birthday
• Sept. 24: National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day
San Antonio
The Spanish Missions of San Antonio were officially named a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2015. These religious outposts are landmarks of the Spanish Empire and hold great historical value. You may remember the Alamo, but there are many more missions to discover south of the city, some of which you can even explore by kayaking along the San Antonio River.
Along this river, you'll see and enjoy the native vegetation that has been restored and is thriving after years of settlement took a toll on the environment. History is also thriving within the city center with the opening of the Emma Hotel and the tastings and tours that are offered at the city's historic Pearl Brewery.
Hawaii
If you're planning on celebrating the National Park's Centennial, a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must. As the 15th national park to be established in the U.S., the park will be celebrating all year long by introducing a Centennial Hike series, After Dark programs and more. This is a wonderful chance to take in the spectacular geology of the region and learn how the many eruptions have changed Volcanoes National Park over the past 100 years. And if you're the athletic type, you might consider taking part in the Ragnar Relay, an overnight race that's sweeping the country and coming to Hawaii in 2016.
Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Boathouse District is where Olympic kayakers and canoeists train, and now the facilities will be opening up a brand new state-of-the-art adventure facility for the public in 2016. RIVERSPORT Rapids will be one of the only aquatic adventure facilities in the world that's fit for both Olympic athletes and families.
And when you've conquered the river, stay tuned for H&8th Oklahoma City's popular food truck market that features live music, local beer and more than 45,000 people. In 2016 the market will switch from monthly to yearly in order to make it bigger and coincide with the Pro-am bike races.
The year ahead will also see the opening of The Criterion, a new music venue in the Bricktown neighborhood.
Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love heads into 2016 with a new title under its belt: America's first UNESCO World Heritage City. Visitors will be able to take in expansive views of the city from the new One Liberty Observation deck, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be hosting international art exhibitions throughout the year, and the city will also host this year's Democratic Convention, which is sure to amplify Philly's already patriotic buzz.
Cleveland
For Cleveland, 2016 is the year of the pedestrian. With the renovation of a greener Public Square underway and plans to build restaurant and retail spaces in both Edgewater Park and the Flats East Bank District, there will be more to do on foot in Cleveland than ever before. It's a great year to take in the sights along the Cuyahoga River or explore the beaches of Lake Eerie while enjoying this friendly and accessible city.
Daytona, Fla.
Daytona is revving up its engines for the completion of the immense Daytona Rising. The overhaul of Daytona International Speedway is set to open in January and will be packed with amazing new features for racing enthusiasts. There are 11 new social areas, 60 new luxury trackside suites, and 101,000 new grandstands featuring arm and back rests. And with the installation of more than 5,000 solar panels, Daytona Rising will simultaneously thrill fans and conserve energy.
Indiana
The state of Indiana is celebrating a notable moment this year with the commemoration of its bicentennial. And as everyone knows, there's no party like a 200th birthday party. Special events throughout the state include summer symphonies on the beach and a sand sculpture contest at Indiana Dunes State Park. Indiana's many microbreweries will also be joining the festivities by coming together to create a special bicentennial brew. 2016 will also signify the 100th running of the Indy 500.
Hartford, Conn.
Professional baseball is returning to Hartford for the first time in 60 years, and in 2016 the city will have both a new minor league team and a new stadium — Dunkin Donuts Park. The complex, set to open for the 2016 season, will include a supermarket and the relocated Thomas Hooker Brewing Company. Additionally, new hotel openings, such as Hotel@440 and Delmar West Hartford, are adding to city's 2016 buzz.
Detroit
Detroit is a rapidly changing city. In 2016, it's all about learning and family fun with the opening of a new Legoland, a comprehensive Beatles exhibit, and an expansion to the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium.
Also set to open early in 2016, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center will be the largest penguin facility in the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe four different species of penguin play, dive, and fish in their aquatic habitat.
Las Vegas
It will be a year of anniversaries and music in Sin City as Ceasars Palace celebrates its 50th anniversary with the opening of the renovated Julius Tower. In August, Celine Dion will come to the Palace to perform her 1,000th show. Also in 2016, Jennifer Lopez and Lionel Richie will both begin their residency at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood.
Galveston, Texas
If you're looking for an exciting summer vacation, look no further than this island off the coast of Texas. Galveston will become the newest port for Carnival Cruise Lines and will host the Carnival Breeze in the Port of Galveston on May 8. Disney Cruise Line will also sail from the island this year. Even if you don't take to the seas, there's never been a better time to visit Galveston. After a beach nourishment and expansion project, the city is ready to unveil seven miles of new beach by spring break.
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