The unofficial start to summer, the Memorial Day 3-day weekend, is upon us - and it's a great opportunity to get your family out of the house. Thinking of taking a short vacation from your local home?

Well, clear blue skies, plenty of sunshine,and the open road might be just what you need to get away from the everyday stresses in your life. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day 3-day weekend. Good news: as the holiday travel period begins May 23, it's not too late to beat the crowd of automobilists on the highway and plan a healthy last-minute getaway with you and your family.

According to a study conducted by Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin, published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal, women who vacationed less often than once every two years were more prone to suffer from depression and higher levels of stress compared to those who took a vacation at least twice a year. While the health benefits of a 3-day weekend vacation versus a longer vacation were not discussed, a get away from the typical routine provides the mind with a refreshed outlook on life.

It's time to pack a bag (or two for your shoes), load the troops and head on out to the open doors to visit the top 5 best healthy cities to visit with your family this Memorial Day 3-day weekend. These top cities were rated based on the amount of physical activity families can get from sightseeing.

Denver skyline.

1. Denver, Colorado

The city located in the mountainous state of Colorado is a healthy heart's paradise with one of the country's lowest obesity rate at 21 percent, according to the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's (RWJF) F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Fututre 2012 report.

Living in Colorado — which has the highest altitude in the country — has been linked to a lower risk of heart and lung disease. Researchers from the CU School of Medicine and Harvard did a study on people who partook in "the high life" and found that life expectancy in the United States was greater in Colorado or Utah, compared with the rest of the country.

It's time to climb the Rocky Mountains this weekend, or do a scenic drive-by. The thin air quality in the Denver will give you the opportunity to breathe in the great outdoors.

Family-friendly destination: El Dorado Canyon State Park.

The opportunity to go hiking among the sandstone cliffs or have a picnic along the scenic South Boulder Creek will give you an intense workout that an lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Regular physical activity such as walking is valuable in combating heart disease says the U.S. government's National Cholesterol Education Program.

Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C.

2. Washington, D.C.

It is no surprise that Washington, D.C. makes the list just shy of the number one spot. The red, white and blue American city has a plethora of large parks accompanied by a high percentage in the number of residents who bike or walk to work. Eighty-two percent of people in Washington D.C. have reported undergoing a form of physical activity or exercise in the last 30 days which complements the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Fitness Index target goal of 83 percent.

And, of course, what better way to memorialized our fallen heros of the U.S. Army than spending time in the country's capital?

Family-friendly destination: The National Mall with DC by Foot.

Want to get your cardio on? This is a walking tour company that gives free, kid-friendly tours. The Arlington Cemetery Walking Tour, the Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour, and the Twilight Washington Bus Tour are all included in this free package. A regular brisk walk can prevent or treat heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes says Mayo Clinic.

Boston Public Garden in Boston, MA.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

"Beantown" is home to a cornucopia of American history, including the Freedom Trail, which connects 16 of the city's most historic places. In addition, Bostonians rank lower than average when it comes to rates of obesity and diabetes with 47 percent of the population engaging in moderate physical activity reports ACSM American Fitness Index.

Visitors to this heavily populated city could also learn a thing or two when it comes to eating healthy. The Boston area is filled with farmers' markets — which might explain why 25 percent of residents eat five or more serving of fruit and vegetables a day. The opening of the Roxbury Greenhouse in the city has made affordable produce available to low-income residents as part of an initiative to encourage healthy eating habits in the community.

Family-friendly destination: Garden of Flags — Boston Common Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

A garden of flags on the Boston Common is created by the mass Military Heroes Fund for Memorial Day weekend. Thirty-three thousand flags will be planted this year to honor Massachusetts service men and women who gave their life to defend the country dating back to the Civil War. This event is a good opportunity to soak in some vitamin D, which can release endorphins that enhance your mood and energy says the, according to Dermato-Endocrinology.

The city of Austin, TX.

4. Austin, Texas

The "clean air city" makes it worth the effort gathering the troops and heading down South to breathe in that Southern quality air. In Austin it is prohibited to smoke in places open to the public, reports the City of Austin's official site. The birthplace of Whole Foods was ranked best in nutrition by Women's Health with about 35 percent of women having their five servings of fruits and vegetables a day which is above the national average. This heart healthy city offers a wide variety of restaurants that cater to the most unique mouth palate.

Family-friendly destination: Austin Wine and Music Festival.

This festival, which coincides with Memorial Day Weekend, provides a weekend of wine tasting in the scenic outdoors of Austin. Opt for the red wine in tastings to benefit from the polyphenols antioxidants that protect the lining of the blood vessels in your heart says Mayo Clinic. For the kids, the live entertainment and family bonding will promote better family communication.

Atlanta skyline.

5. Atlanta, Georgia

"Hotlanta" has more natural food stores per capita than any other city surveyed in Natural Health's healthy cities in 49 metropolitan areas. Georgia State University reports that the city has lower rates of angina or coronary heart disease than the nation, along with a lower-than-average death rate for diabetes. Visitors can enjoy the eco-friendly restaurants that serve organic food and a wide range of vegetarian options.

Family-friendly destination: Callaway Gardens.

Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of Robin Lake Beach, an event that includes water activities like Blaster Boats and Aqua Island. According to the event website, visitors can view water sports athletes that represent more than 14 countries competing for $110,000 in cash and prizes in the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament. Participating in water-based activities with your family can improve the emotional well being of you and your kids, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).