With so many people traveling at this time of year, especially as we head into the holiday season in China, it feels like the perfect time to share my summer travel recommendations from the U.S. 

If you’ve been following my blog, you know how much I love creating travel guides. I enjoy recommending my favorite spots to others so they can hopefully experience the same joy I did. 

This past summer, I spent a few weeks exploring Boston, Los Angeles, and New York, and I’ve rounded up the best of what I discovered. Whether you’re already planning your next trip or simply daydreaming about one, I hope these recommendations inspire you.

Boston: A Blend of History, Rivalries, and Seafood Heaven

Boston is full of history, with a modern edge that keeps the city vibrant. It’s a place where you can dive deep into the past while enjoying lively new experiences, all within the same day. 

Here are some of my top picks:

Contessa

Contessa is a rooftop restaurant perched above The Newbury Hotel, offering sweeping views of Boston. We had lunch here, and it felt like the perfect spot to enjoy a slow afternoon, surrounded by open windows that let in the breeze. It’s bright, elegant, and yet wonderfully unpretentious. The food is fresh and seasonal—perfect for a light, breezy meal. I’d highly recommend reserving a table in advance, especially if you’re after those stunning views.

Boston Duck Boat Tour

The Boston Duck Boat Tour was an absolute highlight, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The tour takes you through the streets of Boston in an amphibious vehicle, showing off the city’s landmarks before splashing into the Charles River for a scenic water ride.

What made it extra special was how interactive it was—Nick even got to steer the boat when we were in the water! It’s a fun, family-friendly way to learn about Boston’s history while having a unique experience. The blend of land and water sightseeing makes this tour a must-do for anyone visiting the city.

The Barking Crab

Down by the waterfront, The Barking Crab is the ultimate spot for seafood lovers. It’s casual and vibrant, with long communal tables and giant seafood platters. 

We dug into fresh crab, shrimp, and oysters while soaking in the relaxed seaside atmosphere. 

Their clam chowder was deliciously rich—classic New England style. It’s the kind of place where you can get a true taste of Boston’s seafood culture without any frills, just good food and a great view of the harbor.

Fenway Park: Red Sox vs. Yankees

Fenway Park is one of Boston’s oldest treasures, and seeing the Red Sox face off against the Yankees is as iconic as it gets. 

I’m not a huge baseball fan, but the energy at Fenway, especially during such a heated rivalry, was contagious. 

We had classic stadium snacks—hot dogs, lemonade, and Cracker Jacks—while cheering with the crowd. 

It was the quintessential American baseball experience, made even better by the fact that Nick was completely captivated by the game. If you’re ever in Boston, catching a game at Fenway is a must, even if you’re not a sports fan.

Alive and Kicking Lobster Rolls

This is the kind of hidden gem you discover on a whim. Alive and Kicking serves up some of the best lobster rolls in the city, in a humble, no-frills setting. 

After visiting Harvard, we stopped by here, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our day. The lobster rolls are buttery and loaded with fresh lobster meat—no fancy presentations, just pure flavor. If you’re visiting the university, this is a great stop to recharge.

Union Oyster House

For a real taste of history, the Union Oyster House is an experience in itself. As one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the U.S., it feels like stepping back in time. 

We tried their famous clam chowder and lobster roll, both of which lived up to their legendary reputation. If you’re walking the Freedom Trail, this is a perfect spot to stop for a meal that connects you with Boston’s past—after all, it’s been serving guests for over 200 years.

Los Angeles: Sunny Days, Coastal Memories, and Childhood Flashbacks

Los Angeles has a special place in my heart, and this trip felt like a nostalgic return to my roots. From visiting my old high school to enjoying the city’s vibrant spots, it was a perfect mix of personal memories and new discoveries.

The Farm, Brentwood

This spot feels like the heart of Westside LA—a lively mix of a deli, restaurant, and café. We enjoyed brunch here, surrounded by families and locals. 

There’s something comforting about its laid-back charm, where you can have a delicious, fresh meal without the hustle of downtown LA. It’s the perfect place to start your day before exploring the rest of Brentwood.

Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes is where I spent part of my high school years, so coming back was like stepping into a time capsule. The beaches here are stunning—less crowded and more peaceful than other LA spots. 

We wandered along the cliffs, watching surfers glide on the waves below, and I couldn’t help but reminisce about my teenage years spent here. Nick loved it too, especially the fresh ocean air and wide-open spaces. It was a beautiful reminder of how some places stay etched in your heart.

California Adventure & The Grove

California Adventure is an easy win if you’re traveling with kids, and Nick had a blast. Disney parks never lose their magic, no matter how old you are. We also spent time at The Grove, an outdoor shopping center that feels more like a charming village. 

With fountains, interactive spaces, and plenty of shops, it’s a lively spot for families to relax, explore, and shop. Williams & Sonoma, one of my favorites, is perfect for picking up kitchen gadgets and cookware if you love to cook like I do.

New York City: The City That Never Sleeps, and You Won’t Want To Either

New York’s energy is unlike any other. Every corner offers something new, whether it’s a cultural landmark, a hidden restaurant, or a striking memory. Here are a few places that left a lasting impression:

The Spy Museum

This museum was a huge hit with Nick. It’s incredibly interactive, with escape rooms, secret missions, and gadgets that make you feel like a real-life spy. 

It’s a great spot for families, especially if you’re looking for something fun and hands-on. The kids can learn while playing, which makes it the perfect combination of education and entertainment.

Kunjip Korean, K-Town

One of the best meals we had in New York was in Koreatown at Kunjip. It’s authentic Korean food in a vibrant, bustling space. 

The sizzling BBQ plates and hot kimchi stews are as authentic as they come, and the service is friendly and fast. It reminded me a bit of the food culture in China—busy, flavorful, and communal.

9/11 Memorial Museum

This was an incredibly moving experience. I wasn’t sure how Nick would react to such a somber topic, but the museum is designed in a way that’s both respectful and educational. 

It’s a powerful reminder of resilience, and I’m glad we went. For anyone visiting New York, it’s a must-see, offering a deep connection to one of the most pivotal moments in recent history.

Sawdelle’s French Toast

Sawdelle’s is the kind of brunch spot you keep coming back to. Their French toast was crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with fresh berries—a perfect mix of textures and flavors. 

It’s one of those places that turns a simple meal into something memorable. If you’re in New York and love brunch as much as I do, make sure to stop here.

Travel Tips: Staying Organized and Making the Most of Your Trip

Whether you’re planning a trip to these cities or exploring elsewhere, here are a few tips that help me stay organized and stress-free while traveling:

1. Packing Smart: Keep things simple with versatile outfits that you can mix and match. Packing cubes help me stay organized and save space. 
2. Reservations: Book in advance for popular spots like Contessa or Fenway Park. Apps like Resy or OpenTable are great for snagging last-minute reservations.
3. Flexible Itinerary: I like to have a rough plan but leave room for spontaneous discoveries—sometimes the best experiences, like Alive and Kicking, happen when you wander off the beaten path.
4. Staying Organized: Use digital wallets for tickets, hotel reservations, and even maps. It’s much easier than juggling paper, especially when you’re on the go with family!

Keep Reading: Guide to Staying Organized While You Travel

I hope this guide gives you some inspiration for your own travels! Whether you’re off to Boston, LA, or NYC, or just dreaming of your next trip, these places are sure to create lasting memories.

Safe travels!

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