When planning a vacation within the states, the same places are often thrown around as ideas: New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and beaches in Florida. However, through my travels, I have been able to discover cities within the states that are often looked over or not thought of as typical vacation spots.

Instead of returning to the Big Apple on your next weekend getaway think about looking into one of these delightful cities:

1. Seattle, Washington

Though often rainy, Seattle offers everything your in-house outdoorsman or hipster could hope for. In the home of Starbucks, coffee culture is alive and well in the city with many local shops brewing some of the best cups of joe.

Just outside the city you can hike up mountains and participate in water sports like kayaking.

With endless stores, coffee shops, outdoor activities, and restaurants to go to, Seattle is sure to appease any traveler.

2. Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico is often an overlooked state, but within it is the small city of Santa Fe. Santa Fe is enriched with native history and culture on every street.

Most homes are made out of adobe and the city is very walkable. In the main area of the city, many local craftsmen sell handmade jewellery, art, and clothes. The city is further enriched by its culture through festivals like the festival of the Burning Man.

Right outside the city, you can tour historic pueblos. Here you can see where natives live and try foods cooked in clay ovens.

Though a small city the culture runs deep and gives a tourist the opportunity to meet Native Americans and try authentic mexican food.

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Home to America's largest mall and indoor waterpark. Need I say more?

Minneapolis will satisfy any shopaholic or person looking for retail therapy. Not only can you buy clothes minus the sales tax, Minneapolis is a great place to experience art up close and personal.

The city's sculpture garden is home to many famous larger than life sculptures. This city is perfect for a weekend getaway to satisfy your shopping itch as well as engage in the arts.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in America and houses Independence Hall where the Constitution was signed. Beyond this Philly offers diverse experiences in the arts, shopping, food, and history.

Philly is made up of many neighborhoods all with different things to offer. In Rittenhouse Square, you can find amazing restaurants and shopping. If you travel a few blocks east you will find Old City which is home to local stores and an abundance of historical sights, coffee shops, and museums.

In the case of art, you can find fine arts and music at places like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Arden Theatre, and the Kimmel Center.

While often in the shadow of New York City, Philly has everything you could want and more (but without the sales tax.)

5. Savannah, Georgia

Nestled on the Savannah River and just a boat ride away from beautiful islands, Savannah encapsulates southern culture through food, architecture, and history.

With river rides, adorable shops, and restaurants serving southern comfort food, Savannah allows for a trip of discovery and relaxation.You can go on plantation ghost tours if you are up for something spooky or take a boat ride down the river if you'd rather skip the haunts.

The charm of this city is what makes it so enjoyable and why it tops off the list of where your next getaway should be.