In every large American city, it’s easy to find the top tourist attractions. But to get the true texture of a city, you may need to do a little digging.

The splendor of a big city can be seen in its tall buildings, art museums, entertainment complexes and shopping destinations. The charm of a big city can be seen in its older, historic districts. A short stroll from the downtown business center is Portland's Chinatown, Old Town and Saturday Market.

Who would have thought that a wild volcanic event many thousands of years ago in a remote section of what is now the Pacific Northwest would create Crater Lake, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. Starting this summer, Oregon Skyway will let you spend a perfect day sampling many of Oregon's beautiful outdoor sights, including Crater Lake, Salt Creek Falls, Willamette Pass Resort and Shelter Cove Resort on Odell Lake.

An old, tired section of Northwest Portland, once known for its worn-out warehouses, has been transformed almost overnight into one of the nation's snazziest neighborhoods. The Pearl District, featuring upscale condos, art galleries and shops has become a favorite with both locals and tourists. The area also boasts some of the top rated restaurants in the city and a great place for a foodie exploration.

Kid-friendly is a term that can describe any number of theme parks and tourist attractions throughout the United States. Las Vegas is a different story. The 24/7 casino culture in Nevada's neon jungle is mostly thought of for the over 21 crowd. Minors are not allowed in casinos as their parents try their luck at roulette, blackjack and craps.

Las Vegas is a sprawling desert paradise for the super rich. Some celebrities travel to the sparkling city to be seen. Others prefer privacy - perhaps taking up a game of poker in a more secluded section of a hotel casino. The rich and famous can dine at pricey celebrity-chef restaurants and shop at luxury destinations such as Gucci or Louis Vuitton.