Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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VooDoo Zip Line
Las Vegas doesn't do entertainment on the small scale, and one of its newest amusement-park-like rides doesn't disappoint. The VooDoo Zip Line is strung between the Masquerade and Ipanema towers at the Rio Hotel and Casino and stretches almost a third of a mile between the two. The ride takes you from the high point at Rio's VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub down to the lower tower and then back again–you ride backwards on the return trip.
The zipline is also about 400 feet above the ground, and because Rio sits just off the main part of the Strip, you'll get panoramic views of the Strip and beyond in all directions. You'll have to look quickly, though, as the zipline can get reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour.
Practical Info
The VooDoo Zipline is open from noon until midnight every day. Tickets start at $27.49 per person, and two people can ride together at the same time (like a ski lift seat). Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Address: 3700 W Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Hours: Noon-midnight daily
Admission: Start at $27.49 per person
From $ 30
Victorian Village
Victorian Village, an historic neighborhood once known as Millionaire’s Row, is lined with grand mansions dating back to the mid to late 1800s. Some of these Victorian-era estates, including the Mallory Neely House, James Lee House, and Woodruff-Fontaine House, have been converted into museums, inns, and even a nightlife hot spot.
The Basics
Most Memphis city tours pass through Victorian Village, which officially comprises 14 historic properties, a dozen of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Three houses—the Magevney House, Mallory-Neely House, and Woodruff-Fontaine House—are now museums with original period furniture. The James Lee House operates as an upscale bed-and-breakfast, and the Mollie Fontaine Lounge has become a trendy cocktail bar serving modern Southern comfort food. The other homes can only be viewed from the outside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Victorian Village is a must-see for architecture and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable shoes to for a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood.
- The Mollie Fontaine Lounge and the first floors of the Mallory-Neely House and Woodruff-Fontaine House are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The homes of Victorian Village run along Adams Avenue on the east side of Downtown Memphis. It’s easy to get there on foot from downtown.
When to Get There
It’s possible to take in the sights of Victorian Village anytime, but you’ll want to visit during daytime hours to tour the museums or in the evening to sip a cocktail at the Mollie Fontaine Lounge, where there’s live music on the weekends.
History of Victorian Village
From 1845 to 1890, when the dozen or so Victorian-style homes along Millionaire’s Row were being built, this stretch of Adams Avenue was on the outskirts of Memphis. As the neighborhood grew in prestige, wealthy riverboat and cotton tycoons scrambled to establish residencies in this trendy area. Eventually Memphis grew past the area, and by the end of World War II, many of the elite families abandoned their Victorian Village mansions.
Address: Victorian Village, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
From $ 25
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Fluttering butterflies and moths flit amid a rainforest environment at the popular Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
The indoor butterfly house is a tranquil tropical retreat for butterflies and visitors alike, with a waterfall and stream, exotic plants and warm humid atmosphere.
Around 75 species of butterflies and moths live here, and you can even see the young butterflies fluttering into life in the nursery.
The tropical orchid gardens here are also justifiably famous, with ponds filled with golden carp and tropical birds like parrots and flamingos in residence.
Practical Info
The Victoria Butterfly Gardens are 20 km (14 miles) north of downtown Victoria, on the Saanich Peninsula. The Butchart Gardens are just five minutes away.
It’s a 30-minute drive from Victoria if you’re driving. Buses run here from downtown Victoria, as well as from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
Why not combine two of Victoria’s major highlights on an organized tour taking in both the Butterfly Gardens and the Butchart Gardens?
Address: 1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay BC V8M 1J5, Canada
Hours: Open daily
Admission: CA$12.50
From $ 185
Victoria Glacier
Named after Queen Victoria in 1897, Victoria Glacier created the iconic Lake Louise over 10,000 years ago and continues to feed the lake with the glacial waters that gives it its famous emerald hue.
Located in the heart of the hiking capital of Canada, the 3.4-mile Six Glaciers Trail is a great way to get up close to Victoria Glacier and make your way to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. From the Fairmont Chateau hotel, walk the shoreline trail, where the crowds will thin as you head up to the moraine trail left behind by Lower Victoria Glacier back in the 1850s and out along the high rocky banks of Louise Creek. The hike is quite challenge, taking about seven hours roundtrip, but knowing there’s a cup of hot tea and cake waiting at the tea house helps. Visitors can also take the trail even further past the end of Lake Louise along the Abbot Pass and down onto Mount Victoria itself.
You can also rent kayaks and canoes for a closer peek at Victoria Glacier, which is easily recognizable, nestled in the middle of the Mount Victoria area at the head of Lake Louise. Rock climbers can make their way up the glacier itself, though its deep crevasses and the risk of avalanche mean that it isn’t a climb for beginners.
In summer, popular activities around Lake Louise include horseback riding, rock climbing and taking a peek at the fairytale-like Fairmont Chateau hotel.
Practical Info
The Six Glaciers Tea House is open in July, August and sometimes in September, depending on the weather. Lake Louise is a 40-minute drive from the town of Banff, with regular buses from both Calgary and Banff. There are plenty of hotels in Lake Louise village, which is just a few minutes away from the lake itself.
Address: Lake Louise, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 141
Vizcaya Palace Museum and Gardens
Miami is often called the Magic City, and if it truly is, this opulent Italian Renaissance-style villa, the housing equivalent to a Fabergé egg, is its most fairy-tale residence. Built for industrialist James Deering in 1916, Vizcaya Palace brims with 15th to 19th century furniture, tapestries, paintings and decorative arts.
The poetic seaside grounds, which front Biscayne Bay, are full of splendid gardens (including a secret garden), beautiful fountains, sculptures, elegant pools, a charming Florentine gazebo, canals running everywhere and lots of trails. The landscape and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style.
Nearly 200,000 people visit Vizcaya each year including some of the world's leading dignitaries such as President Reagan, Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth of England and King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. In 1994, the historic Summit of the Americas was held at Vizcaya with President Clinton and the 34 leaders of the Western Hemisphere.
Practical Info
The Vizcaya Palace Museum & Gardens is located in Coconut Grove, just south of downtown Miami and the Rickenbacker Causeway. Nearby attractions include Barnacle State Historic Park and the Miami Museum of Science & Planetarium. Coconut Grove, itself, is worth a visit for shopping on Cocowalk & Streets of Mayfair or just taking in the mellow vibe of the neighborhood.
Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Coconut Grove, Miami 33129, USA
Hours: Open daily 9:30am - 4:30pm
Admission: Adults: US$15, Children (6-12yrs): US$6
From $ 63
Ville-Marie
Ville-Marie is the core of Montreal, encompassing most of the downtown area, including Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), the Quartier des Spectacles cultural quarter, the Gay Village, two islands on the St. Lawrence River, and most of Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal). It’s jam-packed with museums, churches, shops, restaurants, and other top attractions.
The Basics
Most visitors to Montreal spend time in Ville-Marie, as it’s home to many of the city’s biggest attractions, including the Old Port, Notre-Dame Basilica, the Underground City, and Place des Arts.
Sightseeing tours by coach often follow routes leading through Ville-Marie, past neighborhoods including Chinatown and the Latin Quarter and sights such as Habitat 67, the Moshe Safdie–designed housing complex built for Expo 67. Walking tours in Ville-Marie typically center on Old Montreal, a picturesque district with historical squares and Old World architecture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a camera as Ville-Marie is home to many of Montreal’s photo-worthy sights.
- Wear appropriate shoes for cobblestone streets.
- Much of Ville-Marie is wheelchair accessible with curb cuts on the sidewalks. Note that Old Montreal does have some cobblestone streets and that some of the sidewalks can be difficult to navigate after snowfall, which is common during Montreal’s winters.
How to Get There
Ville-Marie is well connected by public transport. Numerous metro stations are situated within the boundaries of Ville-Marie, including Berri-UQAM, where the Green, Orange, and Yellow metro lines all intersect.
When to Get There
Ville-Marie is arguably at its best during summer. In the warmer months, lots of festivals center on the borough, including the Les FrancoFolies de Montréal, which highlights music and other acts from the Francophone world; the Montreal International Jazz Festival; and the comedy-focused Just For Laughs festival.
Exploring Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the oldest part of the city, and its age shows with grand 18th-century buildings and historical sights at every turn. Wander here and you’ll find monument-studded public squares, such as Place d’Armes, Place Royale, and Place Jacques-Cartier, abuzz with people and photogenic streets such as Rue Saint-Paul, which is ideal for dining and shopping. Other highlights include the 18th-century Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, one of the city’s oldest churches, and Bonsecours Market, which dates all the way back to 1847.
Address: Montreal, QC, Canada, Canada
From $ 20
Virginia City
Step back in time to the Wild West at the historical mining town of Virginia City, once called the “richest place on Earth.” Enjoy 100-mile (160-kilometer) views across the high desert, ride the V&T railroad, shop, have a bite to eat or drink in an old saloon, and tour museums, mines, and mansions in one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmarks.
The Basics
The best way to enjoy Virginia City is to walk up and down C Street, the town’s main street. Stop at the Welcome Center on the corner of C Street and Taylor, pick up a map of attractions, and purchase tickets to individual attractions or an adventure pass. Highlights include the Chollar Mine Tour, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Piper’s Opera House, the Mark Twain Museum, and The Way It Was Museum. A number of ghost-hunting tours are available for those interested in the paranormal. And fans of Bonanza may recognize Virginia City from the show.
Guided tours are available from South Lake Tahoe, driving along part of the historical Pony Express Trail. Tours include a ride on the V&T Railroad, as well as stops at historical points of interest in Carson City.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Virginia City is a must-see for any visitor to northern Nevada.
- The town is free to visit, but certain attractions charge an admission fee.
- Virginia City is in the high desert, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.
How to Get There
Virginia City is located in western Nevada, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Reno. From Reno take US 395 to exit 57B, then climb along NV 341, known as Geiger Grade. From Carson City take US 50 east to NV 341, the Comstock Highway.
When to Get There
Virginia City can be visited year-round, though the most pleasant weather is in spring and fall. Summer can get very hot, while winter can see snow, which can affect road conditions. Virginia City also hosts a number of festivals and races throughout the year, including the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry in March, the International Camel and Ostrich Race in September, and the World Championship Outhouse Race in October.
Virginia City History
With the discovery of the Comstock Lode, the first major silver deposit found in the US, in 1859, the town seemed to boom overnight. Thousands of people sought their fortunes here, including Mark Twain, who worked here for two years. At one point, this area produced nearly half of all the precious metals mined in the US. The boom didn’t last for long, though, and mostly died down by 1880. Today, the town welcomes over two million visitors a year.
Address: Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, USA
From $ 65
Vikingsholm Castle
Vikingsholm Castle is a historic mansion and architectural highlight of Lake Tahoe. Located in beautiful Emerald Bay State Park, the majestic home overlooks the lake’s scenic Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. Blending seamlessly with its surrounding natural environment, Vikingsholm is considered to be one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere.
The Basics
Vikingsholm dates back to 1929, when it served as the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight. After visiting Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden for design inspiration, Knight had the 38-room house constructed using only natural materials from the area—no nails, pegs, or spikes. She also built a small teahouse on Fannette Island in the middle of the bay, accessible by boat, kayak, and canoe. Lake Tahoe boat tours often pass by the Vikingsholm, and cruises that visit Emerald Bay share history of the house and the area. You can also spy Vikingsholm from the air by helicopter tour. To see the interior of the house, you must be on a guided tour led by an official state park guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vikingsholm is a top Tahoe attraction for architecture buffs.
- The castle’s interior is available for 30-minute, fee-based tours in summer, from late May to late September.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes if making the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hike to the castle.
- While the castle can be seen from the water, road, and sky, getting an up-close look is difficult for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Vikingsholm is located in South Lake Tahoe on the California (western) side of the lake. To get to the mansion, take Highway 89 to the lake’s southwest shore. The house is a short, 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hike away from the Emerald Bay State Park lookout parking lot, which is worth stopping at for views of the bay and Fannette Island. Public bus service is available from both the north and south shores. Private boats can also pick up and drop off from a dock near the home.
When to Get There
Visitors can see the house exterior at any time of year. House tours are available only during the summer, from late May to late September. Guided tours last 30 minutes and are conducted on the half hour from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
What Not to Miss at Vikingsholm
As you enter the castle, take a look at the sod roof, which covers both wings of the house. It sprouts wildflowers each spring. Once inside, be sure to notice the level of exquisite detail, from the delicate paintings on the ceilings and walls to the antique furnishings and Nordic fireplaces.
Address: 11001 South Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe 96143, USA
Hours: Open daily. Tours run from 10:30am - 3:30pm
Admission: US$10
From $ 64
Vista Point
Visitors to the Bay Area always want to know: what is the best place to view the Golden Gate Bridge? For many, the answer is to head across the water to Marin Headlands.
Just across the bridge you’ll find some of the best views looking back at the bridge with the city of San Francisco in the background. On a clear day, the view from Vista Point of the bridge and the downtown skyline from across the bay is simply stunning. If thick fog is present, it is possible that you won’t be able to even see the bridge. Yet on a sunny day, with views spanning 180 degrees out to the water and out past Alcatraz, it’s hard to imagine a better place to see San Francisco. It is beautiful both during the day and at night, when the city lights are visible. It’s a particularly popular spot for photographers — in fact, many of the iconic photos you’ve seen of the bridge were likely taken from this locale.
Practical Info
Get to Vista Point from San Francisco by driving north on the Golden Gate Bridge. You will see an exit for Vista Point on the righthand side just after crossing. The circular parking lot can get crowded, but it is free for up to four hours. There is a short walking path from the parking lot to the best views. For nearby food, venture to the seaside town of Sausalito — or take a hike in the nearby Marin Headlands.
Address: US-101, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, California, USA 94965, USA
From $ 21
Virgin River
You can thank the meandering Virgin River for Zion’s epic beauty. Due to the ferocious forces of erosion over 200 million years, the Virgin River has carved Utah’s sandstone into geological art. Beginning at over 9,000 feet to the north of the park, the north fork of the river winds its way for 190 miles toward southern Nevada and beyond. Along the way it sculpts legendary formations such as Zion’s famous Narrows, and the striated lines of the canyon walls provide a peek at what the center of the Earth might look like.
On the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the road parallels the Virgin River as it winds its way down the canyon, and rockslides, floods and shifting boulders are evidence that the river isn’t quite finished carving Zion Canyon. In the town of Springdale on the park’s southern entrance, tubing down the river is a popular activity in the late spring and summer.
Practical Info
The water can be frigid during chilly parts of the year. When hiking in places such as the Narrows or slot canyons, always keep an eye on the weather forecast since the Virgin River is prone to flash floods at any time of the year.
Address: Zion National Park, Utah 84737, USA
From $ 80
Waianapanapa State Park
The legendary “Road to Hana” drive seems to indicate that the town of Hana itself is the goal, but you'd be crazy to miss a visit to Wai'anapanapa State Park.
Spending some time in Wai'anapanapa State Park is reason enough to stay overnight in Hana. It's a lush and gorgeous park just outside of Hana, and one of its most well-known features is the small black sand beach of Pa'iloa. It's a beautiful beach, to be sure, lovely for swimming or simply sunbathing, but there's more to this park than just a beach.
Wai'anapanapa has two underwater caves you can visit that are filled with a combination of fresh and salt water. You can go swimming in these pools, too. This area also has historical significance, too, as you'll see when you visit the ancient burial sites. There is also a trail that winds three miles along the coast, from the park all the way into Hana Town itself.
Practical Info
Wai'anapanapa State Park is located at mile marker 32, just before you get to Hana. There's no entry fee to get into the park, and parking is also free. There are camping facilities, including restrooms, drinking water, and outdoor showers, so you can spend the night here before heading back on the Road to Hana.
Address: Hana, Hawaii, USA
From $ 164
Victoria Inner Harbour
Victoria Inner Harbour is perhaps best known as a picturesque port frequented by more than a two hundred cruise ships each year, pouring a quarter of a million passengers, charmed I'm sure, onto shore. Their first view of the pretty city is dominated by the Olympic mountain range in the distance, and 1908 Fairmont Empress Hotel in the foreground, overlooking the magnificent yachts moored in the marina. Reflected in the crashing Pacific, this romantically lit Victorian masterpiece is famed for its afternoon high tea.
Though it's hard to top the bay's natural beauty, the dramatic coastline is aptly framed with more delightful Victorian homes, watched over by winsome Craigdarroch Castle, completed in 1890 by a Scottish coal billionaire with a taste for luxury. There's plenty of culture (and even more tourist claptrap, including a wax museum, aquarium, IMAX theater…you get the idea) to keep you busy. Consider strolling vividly landscaped Buchart Gardens, or taking a whale watching (April through October) cruise, then finishing your day with a meal in Victoria's vibrant Chinatown.
Though it's hard to top the bay's natural beauty, the dramatic coastline is aptly framed with more delightful Victorian homes, watched over by winsome Craigdarroch Castle, completed in 1890 by a Scottish coal billionaire with a taste for luxury. There's plenty of culture (and even more tourist claptrap, including a wax museum, aquarium, IMAX theater…you get the idea) to keep you busy. Consider strolling vividly landscaped Buchart Gardens, or taking a whale watching (April through October) cruise, then finishing your day with a meal in Victoria's vibrant Chinatown.
Practical Info
Enormous Vancouver Island (about the size of the Netherlands) is an impossibly scenic spot and the gateway to its spectacular snow-capped fjords and pristine beaches is the city of Victoria. You'll probably arrive here on the southern tip of the island by sea: a cruise ship, private vessel, or public ferry (two lines cross the Straight of Georgia to Vancouver; five serve Washington State in the USA.
Though the Pacific Northwest is notably rainy, Victoria is generally sunny and dry, in summer at least. It gets chilly and wet in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
There's a useful tourist bureau InfoCentre with maps and brochures galore on the inner harbor; you can download a free phone app with maps and information at their official website.
Though the Pacific Northwest is notably rainy, Victoria is generally sunny and dry, in summer at least. It gets chilly and wet in winter, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
There's a useful tourist bureau InfoCentre with maps and brochures galore on the inner harbor; you can download a free phone app with maps and information at their official website.
Address: British Columbia, 100km (62mi) south of Vancouver, Canada
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12
Vista House
Perhaps the most famous stop on the Historic Columbia River Highway, (and arguably its most scenic,) the iconic Vista House and rest stop was built as a tribute to early pioneers of Oregon lands. The observatory sits at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, offering sweeping views from its windows. Many stop in from the road to take in the surrounding cliffs, river, and fresh air, or watch boat traffic pass by through a telescope. When the weather permits there is also an outdoor balcony offering even greater views.
Eight panels of the house’s interior tell the history behind Vista House’s construction and use, as well as the geology of the gorge. Much of its interior is covered in Alaskan marble, and its dome is made of beautiful copper. The stone, octagonal structure was built from 1916-1918 and is now listed as an Oregon State Park and on the National Register of Historic Places. The beloved building and setting is widely regarded to be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.
Practical Info
To reach Vista House, take exit 22 from I-84 toward Corbett. From the top of Corbett Hill, you’ll travel about three miles before you arrive. The house is open daily from mid-March through October, from 10 am to 4 pm. During the winter months Vista House is open weekends and holidays (depending on weather conditions.) It is about a 20 minute drive from Portland and is free to enter.
Address: 40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, Oregon, USA
Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm. (Hours limited during winter months)
From $ 59
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, one of Washington DC’s most visited landmarks, is comprised of three parts—the Three Soldiers statue, the Women’s Memorial, and the main attraction, the Maya Lin–designed Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, engraved with the names of some 58,000 fallen and missing Vietnam War soldiers. Visitors arrive to pay their respects and leave notes and mementos at the wall.
The Basics
The free-to-visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a stop on the circuit of most DC sightseeing tours, many of which also visit the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, Washington Monument, and the US Capitol building. Walking tours ensure an up-close look at the names engraved on the black granite memorial wall, the scene of three uniformed women helping a wounded soldier depicted in the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the bronze Three Soldiers statue from artist Frederick Hart.
Things to Know Before You Go
- National Park Service rangers are available from 9:30am to 10pm daily to help visitors find relative names and make wall rubbings, which involves transferring wall names from the stone to paper.
- The memorial is wheelchair accessible.
- Visitors can download an official Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall smartphone app to locate specific names on the wall.
How to Get There
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is centrally located on the National Mall, just a 5-minute walk east of the Lincoln Memorial. If traveling via public transit, ride the Metro to the Foggy Bottom or Federal Triangle stop, or hop on the National Mall Circulator bus. Alternatively, book a tour with round-trip transport to skip the hassle of navigating on your own.
When to Get There
Open to visitors at all hours, the memorial is busiest in summer, during the afternoon, and on weekends. While most travelers visit during the day, some opt for an evening or night sightseeing tour to see the black granite wall hauntingly illuminated under the night sky.
Women’s Vietnam War History
The Women’s Memorial was a controversial addition to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In 1993 after nine years of resistance from the memorials commissions, former Army combat nurse Diane Evans finally gained approval for the addition to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to recognize the 265,000 women who served during the Vietnam War.
Address: Henry Bacon Drive, at Constitution Avenue NW, National Mall, Washington D.C., USA
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Virginia & Truckee Railroad
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad allows travelers to experience the frontier days, taking them back to the golden era of the West, when railroads were supreme and ’49ers populated the hills looking for gold. This steam-powered railway revives the bygone days when Carson City and the mining towns of Nevada were some of the richest on earth—filled with overnight millionaires. See the mines in person, learn about the flats and mountains, and hear stories of great wealth, boom and bust. Rides are often taken on tours out of Lake Tahoe.
Practical Info
A great experience for young and old, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad operates on original railways and maintains two open routes. The Historic Route is the most popular and runs seven daily trips from 10:30am to 4pm between May 24 and October 31. Trains start in Carson City, and tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 10 and under.
Address: 166 F Street, Virginia City, Lake Tahoe 89440, USA
Hours: May 24-Oct 31 10:30am-4pm
Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids 10 & under
From $ 65
Villa de Santiago
The charming cobblestone lanes and elegant colonial architecture of Villa de Santiago have earned it a place on Mexico’s list of ‘Pueblos Mágicos’ or ‘Magic Towns’ - traditional towns known for their unique culture, history and heritage. The architectural highlight of Villa de Santiago is the baroque church of Iglesia Santiago Apostol, which dates back to 1854, but there are a number of other attractions, including the grand fountain and pavilion of bustling Plaza Ocampo, the fascinating Santiago History Museum, a colorful handicrafts market and an excellent range of restaurants known for serving up some of Nuevo Leon’s best cuisine.
Less than half an hour from Monterrey, Villa de Santiago is also strategically located for exploring nearby sights like La Boca Dam, a popular summer swimming spot, and the Cola de Caballo, or Horsetail Falls, where activities include hiking, horseback riding and even
bungee jumping.
Practical Info
Villa de Santiago is located 33km south of Monterrey, along Highway 85.
Address: Villa de Santiago, Mexico
From $ 85
Victoria Cruise Port
Arriving in Victoria by ship is a fantastic introduction to the British Columbian capital city. The cruise ship terminal is at Ogden Point, not far from downtown and Inner Harbour attractions. With growing passenger traffic in recent years, the Victoria Cruise Port is now the busiest cruise ship port-of-call in all of Canada.
The Basics
Victoria’s mild climate and concentration of top attractions along the Inner Harbour and downtown make the city a great spot to explore on foot or by bike. To maximize your time in port, join a tour that hits the points you want to see, be it the Edwardian architecture of the provincial Parliament Buildings or the Fairmont Empress hotel, the lavish gardens of the perpetually green city, or the city’s top foodie haunts via bicycle. Alternatively, temporarily swap your cruise ship with a smaller vessel and head out on a whale-watching expedition.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours generally depart from downtown Victoria, not the cruise port.
- Dockside you will find gift shops, a currency exchange, and pay phones.
- The climate in Victoria is mild but tends to be rainy. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket.
- Butchart Gardens, a Victoria highlight, requires a tour or taxi to get there, as it is about a 20-minute drive.
How to Get to Victoria from the Victoria Cruise Port
It is simple to get to downtown Victoria from the terminal, as taxis, buses, shuttles, and even pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages are readily available dockside. To stretch your legs and enjoy more of the seaside city, walk about 20 minutes on wide paved sidewalks to the center of town.
Port Information
The currency is the Canadian dollar, although some stores accept US dollars (change will be given in Canadian dollars.) Major credit cards and bank debit cards are generally accepted. Sales tax is added at the register. Canada’s official languages are French and English, but in Victoria signage and communication are typically only in English.
Address: Ogden Point, Victoria, BC, Canada
From $ 39
Wahkeena Falls
Situated on the Oregon side of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Wahkeena Falls cascades 242 feet (74 meters) in tiers through lush green forest. It’s one of the most popular waterfalls in the area, not only because of its beauty, but also because getting to it requires only a very short hike.
The Basics
Located across a small stone bridge from the Columbia River Highway, this tiered waterfall is both easy to get to and beautiful (the name Wahkeena is believed to come from the Yakama term for “most beautiful”). The waterfall is a popular stop on Columbia Gorge tours, frequently visited in conjunction with nearby attractions such as Bridal Veil and Multnomah Falls. A popular loop hike connects Wahkeena with Multnomah Falls, passing by Fairy Falls en route.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring rain gear: Rain is common in the gorge, even during the summer.
- Although the hike is short, it requires walking on uneven terrain, so wear sturdy shoes.
- The parking lot here fills up quickly. If you visit on a summer weekend, be prepared to park elsewhere and walk.
How to Get There
Wahkeena Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge, on the Historic Columbia River Highway, about a 45-minute drive from Portland via the I-84 freeway. If you can't find parking right at the falls, you may have better luck leaving your car in the parking area at nearby Multnomah Falls and walking the rest of the way.
When to Get There
The waterfall is open throughout the year, though it’s at its best in early summer, when snowmelt keeps the water levels high. This time of year is also relatively warm, though there’s still a much higher chance of rain than if you visit later in the season. Avoid summer weekends if possible, as the crowds can make traffic (and parking) a pain.
Address: Wahkeena Falls, Oregon, USA
From $ 59
Waihee Ridge Trail
Tropical jungle and gorgeous valley views await along the popular and moderate Waihe'e Ridge Trail following an elevated spine in the West Maui mountains. From the ridge you’ll enjoy 360 degree views of the valley connecting Maui’s two halves, Maui’s riotous northern coast and undulating mountains that look as though someone took a massive green satiny cloth and draped it loosely with wrinkles and folds over tall hills. Waterfalls stream between the crevices and from several vantages the trail overlooks multi-tiered Makmakaole Falls, which rains down into a small basin from some 250 feet above.
The just under five-mile round-trip hike starts north of Kahului and ascends steeply from the 1,000-foot elevation at the trailhead to its zenith at Lanailili at 2,563 feet. The well-maintained path meanders over jutting tree roots and its sides are dotted with guava trees, ohi'a and tall ferns. Keep an eye out for native forest birds like the bright red 'apapane honeycreeper. At the end a picnic table offers respite overlooking a mist-shrouded valley. The return follows the same route.
Practical Info
The Na Ala Hele sign-marked trailhead is 0.9 miles inland up Maluhia Road. Find Maluhia Road near mile marker 6.9 off Kahekili (Highway 340) by the Boy Scouts’ Camp Maluhia north of Waihee town. Follow the signs through a small pasture before passing through a cattle-proof gate and entering the forest. The gate is open at 7am and closes at 7pm.
Start early (before 8am) for clearer valley vistas—as the day wears on, moisture condenses into cool clouds that shield some views. Wet weather and muddy conditions are not uncommon.
Address: Kahekili Hwy., Wailuku, Hawaii 96793, USA
From $ 114
Victoria Chinatown
Although the gold was nowhere close to Victoria, the city was the defacto supply center for the 1858 gold rush on the Fraser River. Thousands of gold miners headed north from San Francisco towards new gold strike claims along the Fraser River, including many Chinese. Soon Victoria grew to become both British Columbia’s biggest city and the home base to Canada’s largest Chinese community.
When Chinatown was founded, in 1858, it was the first in Canada and second in North America, behind the former gold-rush community in San Francisco. Today, it remains a vibrant part of Victoria’s downtown area, even if the local Chinese-Canadian population is considered small compared to many other cities. The impressive Gate of Harmonious Interest marks the entrance to Chinatown and the community reveals itself along Fisgard St.
The recently reopened Dragon Alley, the Chinese Public School and all the many colorful shops will all draw considerable attention, but self-guided visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk through Fan Tan Alley, which is undoubtedly the most famous part of Victoria’s Chinatown, if not the city itself.
Practical Info
The main entrance to Victoria’s Chinatown is located at the corner of Government and Fisgard Streets.
Address: Government and Fisgard Streets, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 11