Las Vegas a Top 10 travel destination, Lonely Planet says

Las Vegas has made another list. This time the city has been ranked at No. 8 as one of the best travel destinations for 2014.

Those with wanderlust, look no further. Lonely Planet has combed the states to find places travelers should check out in the coming year.

So why did Las Vegas make the list?

Aside from attracting high-rolling tourists to spend money and gamble, Las Vegas also has a burgeoning arts and entertainment area downtown.

Fremont East and the Arts District have become hubs for the hip and trendy, places where even locals can escape. Galleries, bars and eateries, along with other small businesses — not to mention the Burlesque Hall of Fame — give travelers a reason to move beyond the Strip. From the Fremont Street Experience to The Beat Coffeehouse and Records to newly painted mural art from the Life is Beautiful Festival, these neighborhoods have blossomed as must-see destinations.

If you can’t miss the Strip experience, the new High Roller observation wheel will be the focal point of a $550 million LINQ district project by Caesars Entertainment, which is set to open in mid-2014.

Lonely Planet also offers tips for the low-roller’s budget.

Other highlights from Lonely Planet’s Top 10 US travel destinations for 2014 go coast-to-coast and beyond.

Grand Rapids, Mich., and Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast were ranked the No. 1 place to visit in 2014. Grand Rapids was voted best beer city in the U.S. for 2013 with 25 craft breweries. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the permanent art exhibits, and the largest art competition in America, ArtPrize, takes place there. Lonely Planet says the 30-mile Gold Coast is “USA’s most unexpected beach getaway.”

Two metropolitan areas, Boston and Kansas City, Mo., made the list. Lonely Planet selects two places in California — the Central Coast, between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and Yosemite National Park.

To get away from Colorado’s expensive resort areas, try Sun Valley, Idaho, in winter or summer. If the beach is more your scene, check out Lana’i, Hawaii, or the Jersey Shore.

Cumberland Island, Ga., is one of the most underdeveloped, unspoiled places found in the U.S., says Lonely Planet. Camping, privacy and 50 miles of hiking trails keep visitors coming back.

Whether you’re looking to vacation or are a wandering vagabond, this list should make your travel plans a little easier.

Contact Kayla Heffner at kheffner@reviewjournal.com. Follow Kayla on Twitter @KaylaHeffner1.