When you’re planning summertime fun, literally the coolest place to be is inside some of the best museums and theaters in the world. Omni destinations make a city culture tour simple and fun for families and connoisseurs with locations near the best arts districts in the nation.
San Antonio: A City to Remember
The Omni La Mansion Del Rio in San Antonio, Texas seems to belong to another romantic time with its elegant, old-world architecture and stunning location overlooking the famous River Walk. Begin by exploring this historic property itself with a guided tour before you visit The Alamo, where you can see the restored barracks and the chapel where the defenders are still honored today.
Then visit the DoSeum, a super fun museum especially for kids, where it’s ok to touch the exhibits! No visit to Texas would be complete without cowboys, so put the Briscoe Western Art Museum on your list. This museum preserves the art, heritage and history of the West, and shows how San Antonio was a key part of that story. There is so much more to discover in this hidden gem of a South Texas city!
Chicago: Razzle Dazzle ‘Em
You don’t have to cross an ocean to see the world’s greatest art and theater. It’s all right here in this midwestern marvel: Chicago. The first stop is the Art Institute of Chicago, where you can see all the greats from Monet to Van Gogh to O’Keeffe and more.
It’s also a live theater town, where you can find a show from Shakespeare to Little Shop of Horrors in outdoor venues and traditional theaters of all kinds. You’ll find children’s theater, tear-jerking dramas for adults, as well as side-splitting improv comedy.
Music is the heartbeat of Chicago and Millennium Park is the perfect place to listen to all genres, including blues, jazz, house and world music. Plus, the park is located on the lakefront and features outdoor modern art galleries, rock climbing, gardens and the perfect Chicago photo-op in front of Cloud Gate. And since all the best attractions are nearby, the Omni Chicago Hotel makes seeing it all easy so you can squeeze in one more show before you go.
Washington, D.C.: History Happening Now
Our nation’s capital is full of opportunities to experience uniquely American events and culture. Omni Shoreham Hotel has been host to many of the history makers since 1930. And it’s located next to Rock Creek Park, which was designated the third national park in 1890 and features a nature center and planetarium, plus over 1,700 acres to explore.
The National Mall features the monuments and memorial parks that most people think of as iconic American symbols. This is where you’ll see the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, as well as national war memorials. For an extra special view, tour the monuments at night!
If museums are your thing, then the Smithsonian Institution is the place for you. It’s the world’s largest museum, education and research complex with exhibits on art and design, history and culture, and science and nature. There’s so much to learn and to see at the Smithsonian, you’ll want to visit again and again.
The Kennedy Center leads the nation in promoting the performing arts and recognizing its importance to our lives and culture. Performances of all kinds happen here and represent the diversity of the people who make and enjoy art. When you attend a Kennedy Center event, you’re in for something very special indeed.
With Omni Hotels & Resorts located coast to coast, there’s a city for you to explore near or far. Looking for more locations for a city culture tour? Check out our 5 unexpected museum vacations and start planning your city escape today!