Home/
North America

Things to Do in North America

Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America

The Battery and White Point Garden

The Battery wraps around the edge of Charleston’s peninsula, providing an elegant buffer between the city and the Ashley and Cooper rivers. Stroll and sightsee along the wide pedestrian paths, which pass by antebellum homes and historic sights, or perch beneath the live oaks in White Point Garden and watch the world go by.

The Basics

The Battery refers to the stretch of seawall and adjoining pedestrian paths along Charleston’s peninsular edge. White Point Garden is a 5.7-acre (2.3-hectare) public park on the Battery that rests on Charleston’s southernmost tip, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers converge. Both attractions are free and open to the public—expect to see them full of locals and visitors alike on any given day, especially around sunset. The Battery is also rich with historic sights and monuments, including old cannons, the Confederate Defenders of Charleston statue, and grand antebellum homes as far as the eye can see.

Visiting the Battery is an essential Charleston experience. You can explore it and White Point Garden independently or with a guide, as its complex history is included on most city sightseeing boat, bus, and walking tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Battery and White Point Garden are a must for first-time visitors to Charleston, especially history buffs.
This outdoor attraction is great for kids and suitable for pets.
Dress for the weather, keeping in mind the midday heat.
There are no public restrooms or water fountains nearby.
While mostly accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, uneven surfaces can make it difficult to navigate.

How to Get There

The Battery is located along the edge of the Charleston peninsula. You can walk or bike from downtown Charleston, or take the free DART shuttle’s green line. If driving, there is free and metered street parking in the vicinity.

When to Get There

The Battery and White Point Garden are free, open, and popular year-round. Be sure to check the weather before you go and plan accordingly.

Tours of the Battery

If you’re looking for more than just a pleasant walk along the Battery and White Point Garden, consider going as part of a guided tour. Downtown Charleston walking tours are a popular option, as are sightseeing cruises that let you see the Battery from the water.

USA

From $ 20

The Hermitage

The Hermitage is the historic home and plantation of Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president. Visiting gives you a sense of Jackson’s everyday life—original furnishings make the mansion homey—and also of 19th-century life in the South for everyone, from aristocrats to enslaved persons. Plus, it’s a great Nashville day trip.

The Basics

The Hermitage is much more than an historic home. The 1,120-acre (453-hectare) property has more than 30 historic buildings, large gardens, and the tombs of Andrew Jackson and his wife, Rachel. The property also has a number of historic slave cabins that tell the stories of the people Jackson enslaved to work on his plantation, plus farm buildings, a church, garden, and landscaped grounds.

The Hermitage offers some specialty tours with its docents, and private companies in Nashville also have options for guided visits. Visit on your own for a peaceful afternoon away from the city. Basic admission includes a guided audio tour of the main home, which means you can move through the many rooms at your own pace—an especially popular feature for families touring with kids. Or, join a guided tour to learn more about Jackson’s life in Tennessee.

Things to Know Before You Go

Most of the Hermitage is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to rent free of charge.
Tour translations are available in Spanish, German, French, Russian, and Japanese.
Those with hearing impairments can request audio tour scripts.
Dress for the weather to fully enjoy the grounds.
Photography is allowed on the grounds, but not inside the mansion.

How to Get There

Only 11 miles (18 kilometers) east of Nashville, the Hermitage is most quickly visited by car. It is accessible from I-40 or I-65, and free parking is available at a lot next to the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center. If you don’t have a car, consider booking advanced transportation or taking the bus; the 6 and the 27 both run from central Nashville to the Hermitage.

When to Get There

The Hermitage is open daily during seasonal hours. It’s open from 8:30am to 5pm from April 1 to October 15 and from 9am to 4:30pm the rest of the year. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the third week of January.

Nashville Historic Homes

The Hermitage isn’t the only historic home around Nashville. Belle Meade Plantation, known as the Queen of the Tennessee Plantations, is another popular choice, as are the Civil War–era Carter House, Belmont Mansion, and the Historic Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum.

4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville 37076, USA

Varies

From $ 79

The Elms

Built as a summer residence, The Elms is one of almost a dozen properties cared for by Rhode Island's Preservation Society of Newport County. It was designed and constructed in 1901. Modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d'Asnieres (c.1750) outside Paris, it cost the Berwind family approximately $1.4 million to build. (Calling both Philadelphia and New York home, Edward Berwind made his fortune in the coal industry.) After the house was finished, elaborate gardens were planted in the early 1900s.

The house remained in the Berwind family until 1961. The Preservation Society of Newport County purchased The Elms in 1962 and opened it to the public. In 1996, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Practical Info

An audio tour is included with admission to The Elms. Plan on an hour and a half to explore the mansion and grounds. The operating schedule varies according to the season, and free off-street parking is available. Children are welcome at The Elms, but strollers are not permitted inside the mansion.

367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Vary

Varies

From $ 38

The Magnificent Mile

Fashion, architecture, and history in Chicago come together on this renowned stretch of Michigan Avenue nicknamed the Magnificent Mile. As you walk from the Chicago River to Oak Street, you’ll pass several Windy City landmarks, including the Water Tower, John Hancock Center, and Tribune Tower, as well as numerous luxury brand retailers.

The Basics

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most prestigious sections of pavement in the country—a Chicago must-do, even if you’re only window-shopping. Its central location and prominent place in the city’s cultural landscape mean its featured on just about every sightseeing tour, whether on foot, bus, bicycle, trolley, or Segway. To get a sweeping view of the Magnificent Mile, head up to 360 Chicago, an observation deck inside the John Hancock building.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Magnificent Mile is a must-see for fashionistas, architecture buffs, and first-time visitors.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; the Magnificent Mile stretches for 13 blocks.
Public restrooms are located at Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Shops, and The Shops at North Bridge.

How to Get There

The Magnificent Mile is well-connected by public transportation, with numerous bus lines stopping along North Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Oak Street. If you’re walking along the Chicago River, hop aboard a water taxi for a unique ride to the Magnificent Mile.

When to Get There

The Magnificent Mile is always on—a buzzing hub of shopping, dining, and sightseeing throughout the day and well into the night. If you’d like to see the neighborhood at its most photogenic, plan to visit during the holiday season when the entire stretch is illuminated in twinkling lights.

Magnificent Mile, By the Numbers

There’s a ton to see and do in and around the Magnificent Mile. This stretch of road is home to more than 460 stores, 275 restaurants, and 60 hotels. Some of the city’s top attractions can be found here as well, including the 360 Chicago Observatory, Chicago Sports Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA

From $ 25

The Castro

The Castro District, known otherwise as simply, "the Castro," is widely considered the United States' gay capital. Not only is it the largest, but also the country's first.

Regardless of a visitor's sexual orientation, the Castro is full of wonderful attractions, including the Castro Theatre, one of San Francisco's more popular movie palaces, complete with a world-class interior chandelier and designed with a colonial Spanish Baroque facade.

Perhaps the area's most culturally significant landmark, the GLBT Historical Society includes a museum and archives documenting the history of the gay and lesbian communities in the U.S. Aside from its core purpose, the building also houses other interesting institutions including the Cartoon Art Museum, which features well over 6,000 different cartoons and comics, and the Catharine Clark Gallery, an exhibition including different forms of media for contemporary, living artists.

Also be sure to check out Harvey Milk Plaza, named after the famous openly gay politician, commonly labeled the "martyr of gay rights."

Practical Info

The most efficient way to commute to the Castro District is via the MUNI Metro system, either by the L, K, or M line. For a more scenic and exciting experience you can also take the famous F Market streetcar line that will tour you through the Castro's lovely downtown area and Fisherman's Wharf.

San Francisco, USA

From $ 24

The Breakers

The Breakers, the crown jewel of the Newport mansions and the summer estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, is an architectural and social archetype of the Gilded Age. The 70-room, four-story structure was built in 1895 and designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who modeled it after 16th-century Italian Renaissance palaces.

The Basics

Vanderbilt, the grandson of railroad tycoon Commodore Vanderbilt, spared no expense in designing this lavish Gilded Age temple, installing a high entrance gate that weighs over seven tons; using gold leaf and rare marble; and bringing in painters from Europe to create mural-size baroque paintings. Inside, all the furnishings on view are original. Outside, open-air terraces give way to breathtaking ocean views. The Preservation Society of Newport County purchased the house in 1972, and today it is a National Historic Landmark, part of the Bellevue Avenue Historic District.

To visit the Breakers, you must arrange a tour through the Preservation Society of Newport County. Many Breakers tours are available, some departing from as far away as Boston and New Hampshire. Local tours of Newport include city sightseeing with admission to the Breakers and sometimes Marble House as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

During the busy summer months, tours do sell out. Purchase a tour ahead of time to avoid disappointment, or ensure your admission as part of a more comprehensive guided Newport tour.
Flash-free photography is allowed inside the Breakers, but tripods and other equipment are not.
The Breakers, Marble House, the Elms, and Rosecliff are partially wheelchair accessible; please call ahead for more information.
Children are welcome at the Breakers, but strollers are not allowed inside the house.

How to Get There

The Breakers is located on Ochre Point Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. About a half-mile west of the house is the Breakers Stable & Carriage House, which houses an exhibit on the New York Central Railroad.

When to Get There

The Breakers mansion is open year-round for tours and is busiest in the summer, when Newport plays host to vacationers from all over the East Coast and beyond.

Other Historic Newport Cottages

The Breakers is part of a group of historic cottages under the auspices of the Newport Preservation Society. Most of them are within walking distance of one another, and include Rosecliff, Marble House, the Elms, Chepstow, Hunter House, the Isaac Bell House, Chateau-sur-Mer, Kingscote, and the Green Animals Topiary Garden. Some excursions include admission and guided tours of some or all of the houses.

44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Daily 9am - 5pm

Varies

From $ 38

The Green

This one-and-a-half acre park is a well-known landmark in Uptown Charlotte. The Green has an artsy flair, with colorful sculptures and fountains, and there are numerous options alongside the park to grab a bite to eat, while the park itself has all the makings for a nice picnic. It’s a frequent lunch spot for employees who work nearby and plays host to the Charlotte Shakespeare Festival every summer.

Practical Info

The Green is located across from the Convention Center in Uptown Charlotte. Parking is located underneath The Green, at The Green parking garage.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, USA

From $ 45

The D Las Vegas

Formerly known as Fitzgerald’s Casino, The D Las Vegas is set at the heart of the city’s historic downtown, and just steps from the Fremont Street Experience with its evening sound and light shows.

The hotel spent $22 million during a 2012 renovation, and today two levels of gambling halls accompany 638 rooms, restaurants, and evening shows. For the raucous and raunchy late night crowd, head to Jokesters Comedy Club where many of the city’s best comedians sling jokes that are definitely on the dirty side. Or, for an evening of side-splitting shows and theater, catch a performance of “Marriage Can Be Murder” or the Broadway show, “Defending a Caveman.” To keep the night going after the show, grab a drink at the Long Bar— which is the longest bar in Las Vegas—or test your luck at one of the tables that feature dancing dealers.

Practical Info

The D Las Vegas is about 20 minutes away from the Las Vegas airport. While the hotel has a number of casual restaurants, Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse is reputed to have one of the best steaks in Vegas and is a must if staying at the hotel.

Did You Know? The D Hotel is home to American Coney Island restaurant—the only one outside Michigan.

301 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

From $ 18

The Gondola at Heavenly

Whether you're an adventure junkie or a relaxation-seeking traveler, the Gondola at Heavenly Ski Resort is a can't-miss Lake Tahoe attraction. Take it to the top of the mountain, then gaze out over panoramic shore-to-shore views of aqua-blue Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains from up high.

The Basics

The Gondola at Heavenly travels 2.5 miles (4 km) up the mountain from Heavenly Village in 15 minutes. Stop midway at the 9,123-foot (2,780-meter) Observation Deck viewing platform for photos, and at the top, embark on three summer hiking trails or hang out at the Tamarack Lodge.

Even those afraid of heights will feel safe in the fully enclosed gondola.
This is a great group activity for skiers and non-skiers alike.
The three hiking trails at the top are available for summertime use.
Dress in layers for the elevation change and cooler air at the top of the mountain.
Scenic gondola rides are included with the Heavenly season pass.

How to Get to the Gondola at Heavenly

The Gondola departs from the middle of Heavenly Village. Located on the California-Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is easily accessible by car from Lake Tahoe resorts such as Northstar and Squaw Valley or Tahoe City.

When to Get There

A gondola ride at Heavenly Lake Tahoe offers very different experiences in winter and summer, but the scenery is equally breathtaking. Wintertime provides scenic views of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada and a chance to go skiing or just experience the bustling Tamarack Lodge. Summertime allows for hiking at the top, a ropes course, or maybe even a ride on a zip line in addition to the views over Carson Valley and the Desolation Wilderness. Gondola tickets prices go up on holidays.

Other Things to Do at Heavenly

Ride back down to the village and spend some time in the pedestrian mall; here, you can browse souvenir shops and boutiques. If you're with kids, take them to the arcade or ice skating at the Heavenly Village Outdoor Ice Rink. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort itself has 97 runs and 30 lifts, a ski school, and terrain parks spread between California and Nevada.

3860 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe 96150, USA

Summer (Jun - Sept) only: daily 10am - 4pm

Adults: US$32, Teen (13-18yrs): US$26, Children (5-12yrs): US$20

From $ 27

The Coaster at Goats on the Roof

On the edge of the Smoky Mountains, the family friendly roadside stop Goats on the Roof draws visitors with a wide range of attractions, including the eponymous goats that graze on the roof of the building, and also a unique Alpine-style roller coaster that twists and turns through the forest. Unlike traditional roller coasters, The Coaster at Goats on the Roof runs single carts that are driver operated. Riders can go alone or with a friend, and once they’re strapped in, they have control of the ride with a hand brake to adjust the speed. At full speed, the coaster reaches almost 30 mph, the track is about a mile long, and the average ride lasts for about 7 minutes.

Practical Info

The Coaster at Goats on the Roof is only about 20 minutes from both Dollywood and Gatlinburg, making for a fun afternoon activity when visiting the Pigeon Forge areas or Smoky Mountains National Park.

1341 Wears Valley Rd., Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863, USA

Open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Adults, $15; children ages 7 to 12, $12l; children ages 3 to 6; $5.

From $ 15

The Hamptons

New Yorkers know that when city streets heat up in the summer, weekends are best spent by the coast. That’s why every Friday, urbanites in search of escape fill the Hampton Jitney and the Long Island Expressway to take in some sun and fun in the Hamptons.

The Basics

The Hamptons is a string of villages in Long Island’s East End, around 100 miles (161 kilometers) east of New York City. In summer, its cool bays and laid-back atmosphere provide relief to the stifling city heat. Home to quiet streets, country stores, world-class restaurants and museums, and broad sandy beaches, many well-to-do New Yorkers and celebrities have summer residences here.

Although it makes for a long day of traveling, it’s possible to visit on a day trip from NYC. Guided tours usually pick up passengers in Midtown Manhattan and generally include walking tours of a handful of the charming small coastal towns, such as Southampton and Sag Harbor. Some break up the return journey with a stop at the Tanger Outlets mall and often include discount cards.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Hamptons is a must-visit for NYC visitors looking for an outdoors escape.
Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially on summer weekends.
Some beaches are private and require passes to access.
If you’re driving, you’ll need a permit to park at many beaches.

How to Get There

The Hampton Jitney bus service makes several stops in NYC and throughout the Hamptons. If you’re driving, the Long Island Expressway or Southern State Parkway to Sunrise Highway takes you straight through the Hamptons. Or, avoid traffic and take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station; the Montauk Branch stops at Southampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk.

When to Get There

The Hamptons are busiest during summer weekends: Beaches are crowded, accommodations book up (and prices inflated), and you’ll likely have a hard time getting a seat at the best restaurants. Try to visit on a weekday instead. In winter, the biting sea wind can be unpleasant, but spring and fall are usually mild and lack crowds, although some businesses close outside of peak season (Memorial through Labor Day).

World-Class Museums

Contemporary art lovers shouldn’t miss the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, Dan Flavin Art Institute in Bridgehampton, and the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in East Hampton. History buffs should head for the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum, and Southampton’s Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum, dedicated to Native American history.

New York, USA

From $ 169

The Dakota

The iconic apartment building ‘The Dakota’ is a stunning structure that ushered in an era of luxury apartment living in Manhattan. Built in the 1800s in Gothic and Victorian styles, it is adorned with ornate balconies and a slate and copper roof. Prior to its construction, apartments were often viewed only as a low income housing option. Now a central and desirable spot in the Upper West Side, at the time it was built it was considered far from the center of the city (hence its name, thought to be as far out as North and South Dakota.) The Dakota offered amenities similar to luxury hotel properties to its residents, such as full-time staff, a gymnasium, private dining room, and meal delivery.

Many famous names have called The Dakota home. The building surrounds a beautifully maintained courtyard that was once the arrival spot for carriages. It is perhaps best known, however, as the tragic site of John Lennon’s death. He owned multiple apartments in the building, and was shot upon exiting its entryway. Many of his fans visit The Dakota before or after a visit to the nearby Strawberry Fields.

Practical Info

You can find the Dakota at the intersection of 72nd Street and Central Park West. To get there using the subway, take either the B or C train to the 72nd Street Station. It is only possible to view the exterior of the private residence.

1 West 72nd Street, New York City, New York, USA, USA

From $ 30

The Metropolitan Opera

Affectionately known to many as “The Met,” the Metropolitan Opera of New York is a landmark institution and cultural hub of the city. Since its founding in 1883, its stage has hosted some of the finest artists and voices in the world.

Located at the Lincoln Center for the Arts in the heart of Manhattan, it is the largest classical music organization in North America. Opera season runs from September to May each year, with about 27 different operas performed during that time. The opera’s performing company consists of a large symphony-sized orchestra, a chorus, a children's choir and additional solo singers. There are nearly 4,000 seats in the main auditorium.

Outside of the world-class performances, the building itself is something to see with its dozens of chandeliers, murals by artist Marc Chagall, winding stairways and a multi-level auditorium decorated in white and gold. Tours of the backstage area are held daily alongside daily tours of the Lincoln Center, which include the auditorium and front of the house.

Practical Info

The Metropolitan Opera is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, between West 62nd and 65th streets and Columbus and Amsterdam avenues. There is a 24-hour public parking lot beneath the Lincoln Center. Daily tours start at $18.

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York City, New York 10023, USA

Daily

Tours $18

From $ 98

The Grove

This 57,000 square-foot outdoor mall in L.A.'s condensed Mid-City neighborhood draws crowds of tourists and locals every day of the year. Opened in 2002 and designed to look like a city within a city, its meandering layout features faux-Art Deco facades, stone-paved pathways, several restaurants and cafes, a shiny double-decker streetcar, and a whimsically animated fountain beside a grassy park. Since 2010, the entertainment tabloid show Extra has been filmed here, providing visitors a chance to see both a TV production and host Mario Lopez in action.

Surrounded by a shopping district full of independent boutiques and restaurants, and only about a mile from the famous Beverly Center, The Grove's popularity can be ironically attributed to its location. The mall sprawls adjacent to two other major attractions, CBS Television City (where visitors line up to see tapings of TV shows like Dancing With the Stars and American Idol) and the Original Farmer's Market. The latter, a city fixture since 1934, is a friendly warren of food stalls and sit-down eateries, gourmet provision and souvenir shops, and some of the best people-watching in Los Angeles; the Farmer's Market is one of the few places in town where you'll see old men in Greek fishing caps playing backgammon, an extended Korean family, and a surly pack of teenage hipsters in the same glance.

The Grove offers shopping and eating opportunities for visitors from all ages, as can be seen with the enormous, pink American Girl Place; a small Nordstrom's with a wildly popular shoe department; a glitzy 14-screen movie theatre; a huge Banana Republic; an even bigger Barnes & Noble; a swanky cocktail bar scene at The Whisper Lounge; gleaming outposts of Maggiano's Little Italy and The Cheesecake Factory; local chain Umami Burger and UK chef Gordon Ramsay's Fat Cow; and an Apple store that attracts TV and movie celebrities to its second-floor Genius Bar.

The Christmas season is especially festive at The Grove, which begins shortly before Thanksgiving. Here you'll find Santa in his North Pole house, an ongoing series of holiday concerts, a twinkling display of nighttime lights, and, trimmed to the hilt, the city's largest Christmas tree.

189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA

Mon - Thurs: 10am-9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am-10pm; Sun: 10am-8pm

From $ 49

The Pentagon

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, housed in one of the largest office buildings in the world. Located in Washington DC, it is composed of five wedge-shaped sections and houses 30,000 military and civilian employees.

The Basics

The Pentagon is a city unto itself, and its distinctive 5-sided building lays claim to six ZIP codes. Designed by American architect George Bergstrom and dedicated in 1943, the grounds are home to the 2-acre (0.80-hectare) Pentagon Memorial.

A walking tour of the Pentagon covers 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) over the course of an hour and highlights the missions and accomplishments of the Armed Services, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Staff. Many tours of Washington DC and Arlington stop at the Pentagon, whether you want to visit on a private or group tour. Hop-on, hop-off tours typically stop at the Pentagon along with DC highlights such as the White House, Jefferson Memorial, and US Capitol Building.

Things to Know Before You Go

No photos, videos, or recordings are allowed during Pentagon tours.
Travelers must exit the building directly after their tour concludes and are not allowed back into the Visitor Center.
The Pentagon is accessible to wheelchair users, although they must travel with someone to assist them inside the building.

How to Get There

While guided tours and hop-on, hop-off buses are a good way to arrive at the Pentagon, travelers who arrive by car can park at the Pentagon City Mall and walk through the pedestrian tunnel (about a 10-minute walk). The Pentagon has its own Metrorail stop, serving the Blue and Yellow lines.

When to Get There

The building can sometimes be closed to visitors without notice, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time. For scheduled tours, arrive at the security checkpoint at least an hour ahead of the tour start time. Be sure to explore the gift shop and Visitor Center, as you won’t be allowed back into these areas after your tour concludes.

The Pentagon Memorial

On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the west wall of the Pentagon, penetrating three of the five rings. The area hit was under renovation at the time, and many of the offices were empty, sparing countless lives. The area has since been repaired and is now flanked by the Memorial, which is open to the public 24 hours a day. This monument to the airplane attack honors the 184 victims, symbolized by illuminated granite benches arranged in order of their ages: 3 to 71.

1400 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301, USA

From $ 49

The Narrows

One of Zion National Park’s most famous hikes, The Narrows are the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, with sandstone walls reaching 1,000 feet (305 meters) high and sometimes 20 feet (6 meters) across. The Virgin River flows underfoot for most of this adventurous trek—be prepared to get wet.

The Basics

The most popular Narrows hiking route leads up the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava. Follow the mile-long (1.6-kilometer) Riverside Walk to where the paved trail ends and the real Narrows begin. For the next 4 miles (6 kilometers), slosh through the Virgin River and weave deeper and deeper into the wild. The other route begins at Chamberlain’s Ranch on the park’s northern boundary and follows the river for 16 miles (26 kilometers) down Zion Canyon.

Explore The Narrows independently at your own pace. It’s also possible to visit on a multi-day national parks tour from Las Vegas, which allows you to see Zion along with other American highlights, such as Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Narrows is a must-see for nature and adventure lovers.
Waterproof footwear and a hiking stick are recommended. Depending on water levels, it’s also a good idea to bring a wetsuit.
Although no permits are required when hiking from the Temple of Sinawava, backcountry permits must be acquired when hiking from Chamberlain’s Ranch.
The Riverside Walk is paved and wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Narrows are in Zion National Park, roughly 2.6 hours by road from Las Vegas. Parking is limited inside the park, so it’s a good idea to park in Springdale and ride the free Springdale Shuttle to the park’s Pedestrian Entrance. From there, free shuttles run throughout the park.

When to Get There

Late spring and summer are the most popular times to hike The Narrows, when the water tends to be warmest and the water level is low. However, storms can cause flash floods during these seasons. During winter and early spring, the water is cold and typically high. The route can be closed during spring due to snowmelt; fall typically brings more stable weather.

Zion National Park

The Virgin River carved Zion National Park’s famous white, pink, and red rock formations over time. The Narrows are just one of over a dozen major hiking trails in the park, including Angels Landing, an intense 5-mile (8-kilometer) trail that rewards hikers with sweeping views at the summit. Emerald Pools Trail is another great option, with views of multiple waterfalls and glistening pools.

The Narrows Bottom Up, Hurricane, Utah 84737, USA

From $ 80

The Embarcadero

Acting as both the waterfront and major road along the eastern edge of San Francisco, the Embarcadero stretches from Fisherman’s Wharf to South Beach, passing through some of the city’s most popular destinations. It attracts visitors and locals with its restaurants, bars, hotels, tourist attractions, event spaces, bay cruises and ferries, and a wide pathway for walkers and joggers.

The Basics

You’ll likely find yourself on the Embarcadero at some point during your stay in San Francisco, whether you’re watching the sea lions at Pier 39, hopping on an Alcatraz ferry at Pier 33, visiting the Exploratorium at Pier 15, catching a ferry to Sausalito at the Ferry Building, or taking in a Giants baseball game at AT&T Park. See it from above on a helicopter flight, or explore on two wheels with a bike or Segway tour.

The Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District, which consists of piers 1, 1 1/2, 3, and 5, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Embarcadero is 3 miles (4.6 kilometers) long, so wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to walk it.
It’s a busy road, with both vehicle traffic and streetcars, so only cross at designated crosswalks.
Starting at the Ferry Building, odd-numbered piers run north to Fisherman’s Wharf and even-numbered piers run south to South Beach.

How to Get There

The MUNI light rail system runs along Market Street to the Embarcadero, as well as along the southern portion of the Embarcadero itself. If you’re taking the BART, get off at the Embarcadero station. Paid parking lots and metered street parking are available all along the Embarcadero.

When to Get There

Enthusiastic photographers will want to go at sunrise for shots of the sun rising over the bay, while those who want to eat and shop should wait until late morning. Waterfront bars and restaurants near downtown get lively during happy hour—a fun time to mingle with locals. Fourth of July fireworks take place near Fisherman’s Wharf, and an ice skating rink operates at the Embarcadero Center during the holidays.

Ferry Building

In the center of the Embarcadero, across from where Market Street ends at the Embarcadero Plaza, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a haven of gourmet goodies and views of San Francisco Bay. Taste your way through the historical building, from cheese and bread to oysters, wine, coffee, and ice cream, or try your luck at getting a table at the Slanted Door, a popular Vietnamese restaurant.

The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, USA

From $ 20

The Cannery

Located beside San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, The Cannery is a historic building that (as you might have guessed) was once home to the California Fruit Company (later Del Monte) fruit and vegetable canning plant. In fact, while it was open it was the largest peach canning facility in the world.

It was utilized as such until 1937, and upon renovation in 1960 it reopened as collection of shops and restaurants. The beautiful red brick exterior surrounds a courtyard where trains once ran into the cannery. Its courtyard still has the same century-old olive trees which line the outdoor space for sidewalk cafes and, during the summer, street performers and musicians.

Unique shops located at The Cannery include a build-a-bear toy shop, art and sculpture galleries, and an international musical instrument shop. There is also a small wine tasting room, artisan bakery, and the classic Jack’s Cannery Bar. The shopping center overlooks San Francisco Bay.

Practical Info

The Cannery is located at Del Monte Square on Leavenworth Street, just three blocks from Pier 39 in San Francisco. Shops open daily at 10 am, and on Sundays at 11 am. Restaurants begin serving lunch around 11 am.

2801 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94133, USA

Shops are open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 11am-6pm

From $ 59

The Cloisters

A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met Cloisters is a hodgepodge construction, featuring parts of several European monasteries, which were dismantled, transported, and rebuilt here in New York. The collections center on medieval art and include frescoes, tapestries, sculptures, stained glass, and religious icons.

The Basics

Visitors can prepurchase a 3-day general admission ticket to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, which grants access to all three branches: the Met Fifth Avenue, the Met Breuer, and the Met Cloisters. Tour the Cloisters independently, join a guided highlights tour (included with admission), or rent an audio guide. Some art-focused tours of Harlem and Upper Manhattan stop at the Cloisters, while select New York sightseeing and discount passes include free access to the Cloisters.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Met Cloisters is a must for art and architecture lovers.
Leave large bags and luggage at home as they can’t be stored at or brought into the museum.
Because of its listed status, wheelchair accessibility is limited at the Cloisters. Notify staff ahead of your arrival for extra assistance.

How to Get There

The Met Cloisters is situated in Fort Tryon Park in Hudson Heights, Northern Manhattan. To get there, take the subway to 190th Street (A train); the Cloisters is about a 10-minute walk north along Margaret Corbin Drive. From the Met Fifth Avenue, ride the M4 bus from Madison Avenue and 83rd Street.

When to Get There

The best time to visit is spring and summer, when warmer weather means you can fully enjoy surrounding Fort Tryon Park and the views of the Hudson River. The museum is busiest on weekends. If you want more space to explore, arrive early in the day. The galleries typically fill up as the day goes on.

The Other Branches of the Met

The Met owns one of the world’s largest art collections, with more than two million pieces to its name. Its biggest branch is the Met Fifth Avenue, which features everything from an ancient Egyptian temple to paintings by European masters. Opened in 2016, the Met Breuer, on the Upper East Side, is the museum’s newest outpost. The Breuer is devoted to modern and contemporary art and features works ranging from photography and video pieces to installations.

99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY, USA

Varies

From $ 25

The LINQ

One of the nicest additions to the Las Vegas strip in quite some time, The LINQ is an upscale outdoor mall district, hotel and casino next to the Flamingo that boasts excellent shopping, dining and even free Wi-Fi for those strolling this expansive promenade. The spot's main hotel, once known as the Imperial Palace before going by the Quad, has undergone one more fitting name change and is now known as The LINQ Hotel and Casino. The namesake hotel provides access to the new glittering jewel of Las Vegas: the High Roller, which is known as the world’s largest rotating observation wheel (a technical term for Ferris wheel) and stands a full 550 feet high.

While enjoying your stay in Vegas, take in the hotel's shows, which include offbeat options that can't be found anywhere else: Jeff Civillico: Comedy in Action and Divas starring Frank Marino.

In addition to all this, the Polaroid Fotobar and Museum, some carnival stands and other charming eccentricities are all situated in the area, making for the rarest of Las Vegas gems—a place frequented by both locals and tourists.

Practical Info

The LINQ is located on the Las Vegas Strip, easily accessible from hotels in the area.

3535 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas 89109, USA

From $ 13