Scattered throughout the Old Town, these twelve churches are among the oldest buildings in Cologne—most of them date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. They’ve all got that heavy Romanesque look, but each one’s a bit different. Great St. Martin stands out with its massive tower right by the river, St. Gereon has got an unusual oval dome, and St. Maria im Kapitol is one of the largest. You don’t need to see all twelve, but stopping in at a couple while you’re exploring the Old Town gives you a good feel for the city’s medieval side.

If mild seclusion and stellar surf are high on your list of beach requirements, Terramar is for you. With soft sand and small, delicate reefs, this piece of coast produces wonderful waves. Due to the limited visibility of the access, this may be your best chance for a quiet day enjoying the beach. Be sure to arrive prepared for the time you plan to spend, as there are no restrooms or nearby stores.

Art. Music. Film. All three reside under the roof of the historic Kessler Theater. Born in 1942 and owned temporarily by Gene Autry, the Kessler is proof that good things CAN happen after dark. The Kessler fosters an ambiance of hip and ageless fun with live music, a cinema, and art shows. Its quirky location in the Historical Arts District dubbed “X+” only adds to its mystique.

The museum is located in Victory Park, near Downtown Dallas, and boasts five floors of exploration across eleven permanent exhibit halls. You’ll find state-of-the-art technology, such as video displays and 3D computer animation, as well as hands-on activities, interactive kiosks, and educational games designed to engage visitors of all ages. For younger children, there's even a dedicated children's museum, complete with an outdoor play space for extra fun.