Lüshunkou (Port Arthur) — 50km southwest, 1–1.5 hours by bus or taxi. The site of the 1904–05 Russo-Japanese War siege, with well-preserved Japanese and Russian forts, a war museum, and cemeteries. The Dongjiguan Fort and the 203 Metre Hill (where the decisive battle was fought) are the main draws. Note that parts of the area were restricted to foreigners until relatively recently and some sites require advance permission.
Jinshitan National Holiday Resort — 30km northeast, about 45 minutes. A quieter stretch of coastline with dramatic rock formations, clean beaches, and a golf resort. Far less crowded than the city beaches. Worth combining with a stop at Golden Pebble Beach (Jinshitan proper) for a walk along the coast.
Golden Pebble Beach (Jinshitan) — Further northeast along the same stretch of coast, famous for its rounded golden-gravel beach and unusual rock formations shaped by wave erosion. A popular domestic resort with amusement parks alongside the natural scenery.
Shenyang — 3 hours by high-speed rail. The capital of Liaoning province and the former Manchu capital, with the Shenyang Imperial Palace (a smaller but earlier counterpart to the Forbidden City), the tombs of the Qing dynasty founders, and significant WWII and Korean War history at the 9.18 Historical Museum.