Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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The Picasso
With Pablo Picasso’s unique, inventive style in all its glory, the aptly named Picasso statue in Chicago was his gift to the city. At 50 feet tall, it stands tall in the plaza in which it was placed. Before its arrival to the city, most of the public art and sculpture was traditional and historic. Picasso’s contemporary structure
and Cubist design redefined Chicago’s outdoor art and to this day is one of its most beloved pieces of culture. It has become a landmark and meeting spot as well, cementing its significance to the city.
Welded in steel, the massive sculpture features a face and delicate details. Its subject is abstract and up to interpretation (and often, debate by Chicagoans,) complicated by the fact that perception of the piece differs depending on your distance to it. Designed by Picasso in a small model, it was built in the United States at the nearby US Steel Company and made its debut in 1967. It does not
have a title, which is how it came to be known as simply “The Picasso.”
Practical Info
The Picasso statue is located in the Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center on Washington Street in downtown Chicago’s Loop. It is open to public 24 hours a day, free of charge.
Address: 50 W Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602, USA
From $ 28
The Queen Mary
Once the flagship of the Cunard Line, the elegant ocean liner RMS Queen Mary sailed between Southampton, England, Cherbourg, France, and New York City from 1936 to 1967. Now permanently moored in the port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary serves as a floating hotel, restaurant, special event venue, and tourist attraction.
The Basics
Visitors can spend the night in one of the ship’s 346 suites and staterooms, but even if you’re not an overnight guest, you can have a meal, cocktails, or afternoon tea in one of Queen Mary’s restaurants and bars; the Observation Bar, located in the former first-class lounge, is a favorite for its classic 1930s art deco flavor.
The ship offers multiple themed tours, including a ghost tour and a “steam and steel” option that takes you into the boiler and engine rooms. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour and choose from an array of optional activities and exhibits. Tours of the Queen Mary are included in the Go Los Angeles Card and often on tours focused on Los Angeles’ beaches. You can also get a bird’s-eye view of the ship on a helicopter tour from Long Beach.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Queen Mary is a must-see for history and maritime enthusiasts.
- The ship’s Champagne Sunday brunch, featuring global cuisine and live music, is a local favorite and has been rated one of the world’s best hotel brunches.
- To get onboard the ship, you need to have a reservation for a room, restaurant, or tour.
- Restaurants offer partial parking validation.
How to Get There
The Queen Mary is a short stroll from the Carnival Cruise Line harbor. It’s a 40-minute walk, 10-minute drive, or 25-minute ride on the free Passport bus from Downtown Long Beach.
When to Get There
The ship is open year-round, although opening hours vary between restaurants; check the website. One of the ship’s most popular events is its New Year’s celebrations, which has its own fireworks display. The ship’s hotel offers packages for those wanting to attend and spend the night.
Nearby Attractions
Docked near Downtown Long Beach, it’s easy to combine a visit to the Queen Mary with the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Pike at Long Beach entertainment complex, or the funky East Village Arts District, which is filled with independent galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 84
Tiburon
Named for the small leopard sharks that swim along its shoreline, Tiburon sits scenically in Marin County across the bay from San Francisco. It is a small, charming town known for its affluent residents and relaxed attitude. The quaint architecture and style are reminiscent of a New England seaport village. The town developed as a terminal connecting the railways of San Rafael to San Francisco.
Of course being directly across from the city, much of Tiburon’s waterfront has an excellent view of the San Francisco skyline. Boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants with said views can be found on the town’s Main Street and Ark Row. Many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and boating are popular here, especially on sunny days.
Practical Info
Two ferries depart San Francisco for Tiburon, or take Highway 101 to Tiburon Boulevard to arrive by car.
Address: Tiburon, California, USA
From $ 12
The Ride
Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are a popular option for seeing the sights in almost every major city. But The Ride in the Big Apple offers travelers a truly unique way to check out top landmarks and famous attractions by taking bus tours to a whole new level.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass top roofs provide 360-degree views of America’s most eclectic and energetic city on a 90-minute journey through the streets. The tour ventures through 10 neighborhoods and highlights 50 key spots including Radio City Music Hall, Times Square and Bryant Park. But what makes this tour truly unique is the bus’s coliseum-style seating and interactive surprise street theater that brings the best of New York City to life.
Travelers can choose from a single experience with The Ride, or opt for one of the popular combo packages, like those that include the Circle Line Cruise, Madame Tussaud’s or the Hard Rock Café.
Practical Info
The Ride offers several tour options daily and is perfect for the whole family. Holiday rides are available that showcase the best of city lights and window displays.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
Hours: 584 8th Ave box office: daily 9am–9pm; 47th Street box office: daily 10am–4pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
The Phillips Collection
The esteemed Phillips Collection houses one of the most prized collections of artwork in Washington DC. The collection features work from such renowned artists as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Mark Rothko. The collection is known for its intimate feeling, as though visitors are stepping into a home, rather than a museum.
Founded by Duncan Phillips and Marjorie Acker Phillips in 1921, The Phillips Collection is known for its role in bringing modern art into the mainstream in America. It is America’s first museum of modern art. It began as a small, well-curated collection of family art and has grown to include more than 3,000 works of art by American and European impressionist and modern artists. The museum hosts a variety of events every year, including special displays and exhibits. There is a coffee shop on the premises to enjoy before or after perusing the museum.
Practical Info
The Phillips Collection is located at 21st and Q Streets NW in Washington DC’s Dupont neighborhood. It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Sunday from noon to 7pm, and it offers extended hours on the first Thursday of every month from 5 to 8:30pm. It is closed on major United States holidays. Adult tickets are $12, and there are $2 discounts for students and visitors over 62 years of age. Visitors under 18 years old and members of the Phillips Collection pay no entrance fee.
Address: 1600 21st Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-7pm.
Extended hours until 8:30pm on first Thursday of every month
Admission: Adult $12, Students and seniors 62+ receive $2 discount, 18 and under free
From $ 10
The San Francisco Bay
Few waterways carry the prestige and iconographic status of the beautiful San Francisco Bay. A great natural harbor, from the first years of its European discovery the Golden Gate became known as a pivotal access point to the American West. Trade and military strategy aside, The Bay is California’s most important ecological treasure. A natural nursery for crab, halibut, waterfowl, seals and sea lions, as well as endangered species, the San Francisco Bay provides a great ecological treasure to residents and visitors alike. Whale watching, ferrying out to Alcatraz and Marin, or simple sunset tours with the glistening Golden Gate Bridge are favorite pastimes, while residents simply feel assured looking out of their windows and knowing that its calm waters are there.
Address: San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 10
Theodore Roosevelt Island
This beautiful island, just a short drive from Washington DC, is both a wilderness reserve and a tribute to America’s 26th President. Situated on wooded lands in the Potomac River, the island has a rich heritage: it was once a Native American fishing village and thereafter owned by a Caribbean sea captain and an aristocratic family, and then occupied by Union troops in the Civil War. Today it has returned mostly to its natural state, a grove of thick trees and grassy hillsides.
At its center, a tall, bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt stands in tribute to the man whose leadership shaped the many national parks, wilderness refuges, and public lands of the United States. His philosophies on youth and nature are immortalized by engraved quotations at the memorial site. Once you’ve paid tribute at the former president’s statue, be sure to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature on one of the many walking trails.
Practical Info
Theodore Roosevelt Island is located between Arlington Memorial Bridge and Key Bridge on the Potomac River. Get there by car from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Designated parking is available. From the lot, take the footbridge across to access the island. Or, take the metro; it’s a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station. The island is open year-round from 6 am to 10 pm. Admission is free.
Address: George Washington Pkwy, Arlington, Virginia, USA
From $ 45
Thompson River
As the Fraser River’s largest tributary, the Thompson River is the adrenaline vein of south central British Columbia. Beginning within the town of Kamloops, where the North Thompson and South Thompson rivers flow west into Kamloops Lake, the river continues for nearly 300 miles until it meets with the flowing Fraser. Within the city limits of Kamloops, tubing, canoeing, and floating the river are popular summer pursuits, where the calm conditions and cool waters make for leisurely, long summer days. Farther down the river, however, between the towns of Ashcroft and Lytton, the river descends steeply into a canyon and froths with whitewater and rapids. This is the heart of rafting country in south central British Columbia, where seemingly every type of whitewater watercraft is splashing through roiling rapids. Grab a paddle and help navigate your group through the scenic, steep-walled canyon, or hang on tight on a powered raft while attempting to not fall in. Aside from the rafting, tubing, and sightseeing, the fishing along the Thompson River also borders on legendary. Anglers converge on Spences Bridge for summer runs of salmon, and the steelhead fishing throughout the fall is some of Canada’s best.
Practical Info
Since the Thompson River is paralleled by the Trans-Canada Highway, towns and stops along the river are easily accessible by car. Lytton is approximately three hours from Vancouver and two hours from Kamloops, and is also accessible by the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railways. While the river is accessible during all times of year, late summer and early fall are the best for commercial rafting.
Address: British Columbia, Canada, Canada
From $ 114
The Presidio
Since it was founded in 1776, the Presidio of San Francisco has had many lives, from a Spanish military site to an American Army post to a National Park Service location. Today, it draws visitors for its cultural sites, hiking trails, public art, restaurants, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
The Basics
The Presidio is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is managed mostly by the Presidio Trust. Perched on the city’s northwest corner, it’s unique among national park sites: In addition to a variety of recreational activities, it’s also home to residential houses, businesses, and a school. Visit on a bike tour, GoCar tour, or a small-group tour by VW van or vintage fire truck, or see it from above on a helicopter ride.
To explore on your own, start at the Presidio Officers’ Club or the visitor center to get oriented and ask any questions you have. Attractions and experiences on offer include hiking, golfing, bowling, sailing, beaches, military buildings, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and four pieces of art around the park by artist Andy Goldsworthy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Unlike most national parks, the Presidio is free to visit.
- Most of its parking lots and street parking require a fee, but there are some free spaces.
- The Main Post is the heart of the park, where you’ll find the Presidio Visitor Center, Officers’ Club, the Inn at the Presidio, and the Presidio Trust offices.
- The Presidio is large, so you may end up walking more than you planned; wear comfortable shoes and keep water with you.
How to Get There
The PresidiGo shuttle operates a route inside the park, a route to Crissy Field, and a route from downtown. Biking from Fisherman’s Wharf or the Marina District is a pleasant way to get to the park, or take Muni bus 41 or 45.
When to Get There
Arrive in the late morning to plan your day from the visitor, while still leaving enough time to see everything you want. Events take place throughout the year, including outdoor family movies, live music, and cultural programs at the Officers’ Club. The Presidio Picnic runs on Sundays from March through October with a rotating selection of food trucks.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is not part of the Presidio but sits adjacent to the park’s northeastern edge, so it’s easy to visit at the same time. This European-looking monument was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition; today, it’s a great spot for photos and relaxing by the duck pond.
Address: San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 25
Three Sisters Island
In Niagara Falls State Park, three footbridges link Goat Island to the Three Sisters Islands. From there, you can see impressive views of the rapids of the Niagara River racing toward the falls. It’s a peaceful place to take a walk amid the highly popular park and town of Niagara Falls, New York.
The Basics
The islands are named after Celinda, Angelina, and Asenath Whitney, the daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney, an early settler in Niagara Falls. He and his daughters are believed to have been the first settlers to visit all three of these islands, before a bridge connected them. Spray from the falls makes the parkland here particularly rich with plant life.
The Three Sisters Islands are a peaceful and pretty place to walk when touring Niagara Falls State Park. Guided tours of Niagara Falls often make a detour to the islands, or allow for some free time, during which you can visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no entry fee to enter Niagara Falls State Park or the Three Sisters Islands.
- Bicycles can be rented in the Niagara Falls State Park and are a good way of getting to the Three Sisters Islands.
- There are several parking lots beside the park. They tend to fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
How to Get There
The Three Sisters Islands are to the southeast of Goat Island. They can only be reached by footbridge from Goat Island, which is itself on the southern edge of Niagara Falls State Park. The parking lots around the park get busy at the weekends and during holidays, so if staying in or near Buffalo, an alternative way of reaching the park is by bus no. 40.
When to Get There
The Niagara Falls area sees very heavy snowfall in winter. While the falls themselves can be visited at any time of year, access to Goat Island and the Three Sisters Islands is blocked once snow falls in the winter, usually by late November through to March.
Hike the Trails and State Parks of Niagara Gorge
The US side of Niagara Gorge is lined with several state parks, linked by hiking trails offering views of the Niagara River and the whirlpools and rapids along it. At the northern end of Niagara Falls State Park is the trailhead for the Niagara Gorge Hiking Trail. Other parks a couple of miles to the north include Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park.
Address: Niagara, New York 14301, USA
From $ 107
The Presbytere
Even if you can’t visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you can still learn all about the famous New Orleans tradition at the Presbytere. Part of the Louisiana State Museum, the Presbytere boasts an interactive exhibition that includes an impressive collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia.
"Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana," documents the celebration’s extensive history, from its origins to present day traditions. Visitors also learn about Mardi Gras events in Louisiana’s rural areas.
The Presbytere building has a unique history of its own. It gets its name from its location. It is built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. It was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo on the other side of St. Louis Cathedral. The Presbytere was used as commercial space and even served as a courthouse from 1834 to 1911 before becoming part of the Louisiana State Museum.
Practical Info
Centrally located on Jackson Square, the Presbytere is easy to visit when in New Orleans. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm. It is closed Mondays and state holidays.
Address: 751 Chartres St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, USA
Admission: $6
From $ 20
The Tabernacle
Completed in 1867, the Salt Lake City Tabernacle is an architectural marvel famous for its remarkable acoustics: A pin dropped at the pulpit can be heard clearly at the back of the hall 170 feet (52 meters) away. Home of the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the church hosts concerts and tours that attract visitors from all over the world.
The Basics
Tours of the Salt Lake City Tabernacle are free, and you can time your visit to catch a live performance by one of the most recognized and beloved choirs in the world, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Visitors can listen to the choir practice on Thursday evenings or attend a live Sunday morning broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word, the longest-running national broadcast in the country.
Many guided tours of Salt Lake City include a stop at the tabernacle as part of a visit to Temple Square, Utah’s most visited attraction. In addition to Temple Square, some tours include other city sights such as the Utah State Capitol and the Pony Express Monument.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets to the live Sunday morning broadcast performance of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are free.
- Sunday best or business-style dress is recommended for Sunday choir performances.
- The Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and rehearsals are free and open to the public.
- Thirty-minute organ recitals are given daily in the tabernacle and conference center at Temple Square.
How to Get There
The Tabernacle, located in Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City, is easily reached by bus or TRAX, Salt Lake City’s light rail system. Take the TRAX blue or green line to Temple Square or City Center, both within a block of Temple Square, or any number of buses that stop along North Temple Street. Bus and train transportation within the city’s Free Fare Zone, which includes Temple Square, is free.
When to Get There
The Salt Lake Tabernacle can be visited year-round, although the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs in the conference center on Temple Square during the summer months to accommodate larger crowds. The choir’s performance schedule may change during the holidays and tickets may be required for special holiday performances, so check ahead to avoid disappointment.
Others Things to See at Temple Square
In addition to the historical tabernacle, Temple Square also features two visitors center, the magnificent Salt Lake City Temple and reflecting ponds, monuments, fountains, gardens, and more. Free guided tours of Temple Square are available daily in over 40 languages.
Address: Temple Square, Salt Lake City 84150, USA
From $ 53
Tiffany & Co.
Located all over Manhattan, Tiffany & Co. is a high-end shop selling jewelry, watches and housewares. Their flagship store and most popular location is at 727 Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, and has been open since October 21, 1940. Specifically, Tiffany & Co. is well-known for its rare and magnificent diamond collection, like their iconic Tiffany Diamond, one of the world’s largest and fanciest yellow diamonds. It was the Tiffany Diamond, mounted in a Jean Schlumberger necklace, that Audrey Hepburn wore in promotional photographs for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Visitors can see the 128-karat diamond up-close on the store’s Main Floor. And for those who want a VIP shopping example, Tiffany & Co. offers personal shopping assistance and in-store diamond consultation. You can make an appointment for these services by calling 800-518-5555.
Even if you can’t afford to purchase anything, it is still worth stopping by the shop to simply peruse the merchandise and view their carefully decorated window displays, which are especially ornate during the winter holidays. To get to Tiffany & Co. on the subway, take the N, Q, R to 59th Street-Fifth Avenue; E, M to 53rd Street-Fifth Avenue; F to 57th Street.
Even if you can’t afford to purchase anything, it is still worth stopping by the shop to simply peruse the merchandise and view their carefully decorated window displays, which are especially ornate during the winter holidays. To get to Tiffany & Co. on the subway, take the N, Q, R to 59th Street-Fifth Avenue; E, M to 53rd Street-Fifth Avenue; F to 57th Street.
Address: 727 Fifth Ave, New York, NY, USA
From $ 70
This is the Place Heritage Park
The 450-acre (182-hectare) ‘This Is The Place’ Heritage Park is dedicated to the 1847 arrival of the Mormons to Salt Lake City. It was here that Brigham Young first laid eyes on the valley that was to become the Mormon pioneers' new home, where they would settle and build their State of Deseret. Over the next several years, tens of thousands of Mormon pioneers would make their home here.
The centerpiece of the park is the living-history Deseret Village, where from June through August, costumed docents reenact what life was like in the mid-19th century. The village features 41 pioneer homes and other historical buildings, some of which are originals, such as Brigham Young's farmhouse, while others are replicas.
Practical Info
The park is located on the east side of Salt Lake City at the foot of the Wasatch Range, near the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Admission to the park is free, but tickets to the historical village (including a train ride and activities) cost $10/$7 adult/child from June through August. The rest of the year access to the village is limited to varying degrees at reduced prices.
Address: 2601 Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City 84108, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm; opens at 10am on Saturday
Admission: $10 for adults; $7 for children
From $ 179
The Pirates' House
The historic Pirates’ House is thought to be the oldest standing building in the entire state and today serves as a restaurant. The site was built on land originally slated for a neighborhood botanical garden in the Savannah Historic District, which never did pan out.
A small gardening building called the Herb House was added to the plot in 1734 and was later transformed into an inn and tavern for visiting seamen about 20 years later. The Pirates’ House became the scourge of the neighborhood, earning a poor reputation for drunken sailors that went missing here. The city was full of underground tunnels, with Pirates’ House being right at the entrance to one, and it was generally agreed that if a drunken sailor wandered off, he would likely never be found again.
For some literary history, take a look at the walls of the Captain’s Room and the Treasure Room, which hold rare early edition pages of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. The current owners allege that one of Stevenson’s characters, Captain Flint, died in the upstairs bedroom and still haunts the house. Since Flint is a fictional character, there is no historical proof that any of this is true.
In 1948, Pirates’ House transformed the house into the restaurant and museum that it is today, with 15 dining rooms.
Practical Info
Pirates’ House is located at 20 East Broad Street in Savannah. Lunch is served from 11am to 4pm and there is a Southern-style buffet available from 11am to 3pm. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 9:30pm and from 4pm to10pm on Friday and Saturday.
Address: 20 E Broad St, Savannah, Georgia 31401, USA
Hours: Sun-Thur 11-am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm
From $ 31
Thurston Lava Tube
Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Thurston Lava Tube is the most accessible lava tube on the Big Island. Discovered in 1913, this 500-year-old tube was created by subterranean lava that once flowed through this young section of earth. Today, the tube is illuminated to create an eerie glow for visitors who venture inside.
The Basics
The Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nahuku, is one of several points of interest located along the park’s Crater Rim Drive. From the parking area, a 15- to 20-minute walk leads down through a fern forest to the cave-like tube. The tube features on just about every guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as well as circle island and volcano-themed tours of the Big Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Thurston Lava Tube is a must-visit for first-time park visitors and anyone with an interest in volcanology.
- Watch your head: There are some low spots within the 600-foot (183-meter) tube.
- Bring a flashlight to take a closer look at some of the cave’s natural features.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- The Thurston Lava Tube is not wheelchair accessible, though there are accessible restrooms in the parking area.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the lava tube is to drive. The parking area and trailhead leading down to the tube sits 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) past the park entrance on Crater Rim Drive. From there, a short trail (0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometers) leads to the tube entrance.
When to Get There
Since the Thurston Lava Tube is one of the most accessible, and therefore most popular, natural features within the park, it’s a good idea to head there first thing in the morning to explore the tube with fewer people.
Other Attractions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If you’re visiting the national park independently, there are several notable points of interest you won’t want to miss. Smell the sulfurous gases of the volcano at Sulphur Banks, breathe in the warmth at the Steam Vents, take in the lunar-like landscapes of Devastation Trail, hike across the floor of Kilauea Iki crater, and watch the glow of the active volcano from the Jaggar Museum observatory.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, 1 Crater Rim Dr, Volcano, HI 96178, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 103
Tidal Basin
This man-made reservoir located in West Potomac Park offers some of the most extraordinary views of Washington, DC's most spectacular sites. Whether visitors wander its parameter or hire paddle boats and cruise out into its waters, they will surely be treated to a picture-perfect look at the Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr. and George Mason memorials. Close proximity to the National Mall, Washington Monument and all of the top museums make it the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering, biking and exploring in DC.
Practical Info
Tidal Basin is located between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. The scenic reservoir is a hot spot any time of year, but tourists from around the world find their way here each spring during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when pink blooms take over the landscape.
Address: Washington, DC, USA
From $ 30
The Viper Room
On the Sunset Strip site of a club formerly known at various times as Filthy McNasty’s or The Central, this rock, punk, metal and indie music club and dive bar was originally opened by actor Johnny Depp in 1993. Later that same year, it achieved a sad brand of fame when actor (and Depp’s friend) River Phoenix died of a drug overdose just outside its doors.
Depp relinquished his partnership in the club in 2004, and today it’s partially owned by Harry Morton, founder of Southern California’s Pink Taco chain of Mexican restaurants and the son of Hard Rock Café founder Peter Morton.
Not as much of a star attraction now as it was in the 1990s, the Viper Room is still known for picky bouncers and a killer sound system; if you’re a true music fan who wants to catch an emerging act or a locally-popular DJ, this is the club for you. Food isn’t served, but drinks at the full bar are reasonably priced ($7-11) for a West Hollywood club.
Depp relinquished his partnership in the club in 2004, and today it’s partially owned by Harry Morton, founder of Southern California’s Pink Taco chain of Mexican restaurants and the son of Hard Rock Café founder Peter Morton.
Not as much of a star attraction now as it was in the 1990s, the Viper Room is still known for picky bouncers and a killer sound system; if you’re a true music fan who wants to catch an emerging act or a locally-popular DJ, this is the club for you. Food isn’t served, but drinks at the full bar are reasonably priced ($7-11) for a West Hollywood club.
Practical Info:
The best route to take by transit: Bus: 2/302, 30/330, 105.
Address: 8852 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
Hours: Mon-Sun 8pm - 2am.
Admission: Prices vary per event
From $ 34
Third Street Promenade
A commercial fixture in Santa Monica since the 1960s, this three-block-long pedestrian mall (centered on the three blocks of Third Street between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway) was re-designed in 1989 and officially named the Third Street Promenade. Only two blocks east of the amusements of the Santa Monica Pier, the cliff-top walking path at Palisades Park, and the Pacific Ocean, the Promenade is one of the most popular tourist destinations on L.A.'s Westside.
Originally host to a variety of local and family-owned businesses, the stores here currently tend towards large national chains like Anthropologie, Banana Republic and H&M. A magnet for street performers, the Promenade is often clustered with crowds enjoying live music, puppet shows and more. The area is also well known for its nightlife and has several movie theaters, a few music clubs, a large handful of bars and a slew of local eateries. Bordered at Broadway by the upscale and outdoor Santa Monica Place Mall, the Promenade's commercial influence has also spread a couple of blocks to the east and west of Third Street, creating the most condensed shopping and entertainment district in Santa Monica.
The Promenade is surrounded by inexpensive public parking lots, but available spaces tend to become scarce as the day progresses. Wednesdays and Saturdays are especially busy, this is when America's largest and oldest certified organic farmers' market is held on Arizona Avenue between 2nd and 4th streets.
Originally host to a variety of local and family-owned businesses, the stores here currently tend towards large national chains like Anthropologie, Banana Republic and H&M. A magnet for street performers, the Promenade is often clustered with crowds enjoying live music, puppet shows and more. The area is also well known for its nightlife and has several movie theaters, a few music clubs, a large handful of bars and a slew of local eateries. Bordered at Broadway by the upscale and outdoor Santa Monica Place Mall, the Promenade's commercial influence has also spread a couple of blocks to the east and west of Third Street, creating the most condensed shopping and entertainment district in Santa Monica.
The Promenade is surrounded by inexpensive public parking lots, but available spaces tend to become scarce as the day progresses. Wednesdays and Saturdays are especially busy, this is when America's largest and oldest certified organic farmers' market is held on Arizona Avenue between 2nd and 4th streets.
Address: Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
From $ 169
The Smithsonian
With 19 museums, nine research centers, and the National Zoological Park, it's no surprise the Smithsonian Institution is one of the most famous collections of museums in the United States and around the globe. Whether you're a history buff, a science lover, or an art enthusiast, you'll definitely want to spend at least a few hours—or maybe even a few days—in these world-renowned collections.
The Basics
When to Get There
The museums are open year round, and each has its own hours. You can expect to have company no matter the season, though the busiest times tend to be weekends, holidays, and during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. To avoid the biggest crowds, start your visit early in the morning on weekends or later in the day on weekdays.
What to See at the Smithsonian
The Basics
Since 10 of the Smithsonian museums are located on the National Mall, you'll see them on most Segway, bus, bike, and walking tours of Washington, DC, some of which include free time to enter the museums of your choosing. Many visitors get their bearings on a guided city tour and then head back to the Smithsonian Castle, home to the Smithsonian Visitors Center, to pick up free guides and maps before heading to a museum. Great news: all of the museums are free, though be aware you'll need a timed entry pass for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (bookable online and offered with some tours; a small number of same-day walk-up passes are also available on weekdays).
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Smithsonian
All of the museums are easily accessible via public transportation, with most on the National Mall and a few others in convenient downtown DC locations.
- Cameras are allowed, but leave the selfie sticks and tripods at home, as they're prohibited.
- Avoid bringing large bags and packages, as they'll be subject to a lengthy search process. Lockers are available for small items at some museums.
- All museums are wheelchair accessible.
- You can grab a cup of coffee at the Smithsonian Visitor Center cafe.
- To avoid crowds when exploring a museum, start on the top floor and move toward the ground floor, rather than starting at the first level.
All of the museums are easily accessible via public transportation, with most on the National Mall and a few others in convenient downtown DC locations.
When to Get There
The museums are open year round, and each has its own hours. You can expect to have company no matter the season, though the busiest times tend to be weekends, holidays, and during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. To avoid the biggest crowds, start your visit early in the morning on weekends or later in the day on weekdays.
What to See at the Smithsonian
It's impossible to see everything, so do a little research before you go to decide which site is at the top of your list. Is it the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History? The flight simulators at the National Air and Space Museum? The rare giant pandas at the National Zoo? Or perhaps you have to see the collections at the National Portrait Gallery, the Freer Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, or the Renwick Gallery. Each has something special, so choose what's most appealing to you.
Address: 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington D.C. 20013, USA
Hours: 10am - 5:30pm daily. Closed Dec 25
Admission: Free
From $ 14