So you’ve grabbed the summer internship of your dreams, but it’s in a city that’s not exactly in your backyard. You’re Monday through Friday 9 to 5 schedule is pretty full with work, but now you’re wondering how you’re going to fill your nights and weekends to make this summer one of the best in your life. After all, all work and no play makes a very dull intern. So what better time than the present to enjoy all the perks of an internship in a new city?

And if you’re in Houston, Miami or San Diego then you’re in luck. Here are some of the top places to hit this summer in those four cities:

Houston:

Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens - Once you’ve settled into your new summer internship in Houston, a great way to introduce yourself to the city is by taking a walking tour of the Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Managed and operated by the local county government, the arboretum is a nationally recognized public garden. It covers 250 acres along the Cypress Creek, and features the Texas Gulf Coast’s largest display of native and cultivated plants. Visitors can participate in a wide range of educational programs, tours and classes, as well as recreational opportunities including garden walks, woodland trails, picnic areas and a canoe launch.

Mercer is home to over 20 different types of gardens ranging from the Endangered Species Garden to the Antique and Perennial Gardens. There is also a collection of woody trees and shrubs that covers over 100 acres. Mercer aims to make their visitors feel at home by setting up Garden Showcases by artists, encouraging feedback from visitors, and participation in events ad programs in the park. The park has barbeque pavilions for its visitors, and can even arrange for group tours.

Miami:

Miami Everglades National Park - At 1,399,078.26 acres, the Miami Everglades National Park is considered world recognized with an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Protection of wading birds and other animals from commercial exploitation and encroachments was the prime reason for setting the park aside. With so many acres to explore, you can spend an incredible amount of time exploring all of the nooks and crannies of the park. There is even a hotel on the park grounds, the Flamingo Hotel, which also has a restaurant and a store. For those who want the true park experience, campgrounds are also available.

One-third of the park is covered by water, and the Gulf of Mexico runs along its western side, making paddling and boat tours an adventure. This trip will take you into the mangrove waterways that wind through the park, as well as out to the pristine white sandy beaches that are scattered throughout the Island Region. Walking and canoe trails, boat tours and tram tours are excellent for viewing wildlife, including alligators, a multitude of tropical and temperate birds, and a great floral variety that is one of the key resources of the park.

The Everglades Safari Park, Florida Everglades' premier and most complete airboat attraction takes your experience to another level. Experienced tour guides describe the wonders of the unique ecosystem and the native and exotic wildlife that inhabit it. All tours will include their world famous airboat rides, alligator wildlife show, and a walking trail filled with crocodilian exhibits.

San Diego:

Old Town San Diego - San Diego offers an abundance of stunning natural beauty, rich history and an array of cultural, iconic and entertaining attractions. Old Town San Diego is considered the "birthplace" of California. San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. In 1968, the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation established Old Town State Historic Park to preserve the rich heritage that characterized San Diego during the 1821 to 1872 period. The park includes a main plaza, exhibits, museums and living history demonstrations.

Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego offers a guided tour that ensures that you will not miss any of the important attractions in the city. The tour combines points of interest in the city that highlight historical facts, whimsical anecdotes, and popular attractions. Your trek back into time will include exploring galleries, shops, and museums, and entertainment such as mariachis, dancers, and period attire guides on tours. You can even enjoy fresh, homemade tortillas made by one of San Diego’s Old Town Tortilla ladies. The Old Town market allows visitors to see first hand how the Mexican settlers built their homes and lives in the area. The tour also includes a visit to the island of Coronado to explore the historic Hotel del Coronado. The Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego was voted "Best Way To See The City" by SignOnSanDiego making it great stop for all San Diego summer interns.