Things to Do in North America

For those wondering where to go in Miami, head to Washington Avenue. One of the main avenues of South Beach, it’s lined with shops, parks, nightclubs, restaurants, bars,  designer labels, hotels and interesting architecture.

Start your exploration of Washington Avenue at the Temple Emanu-El, a synagogue noted for its marble design and Byzantine and Moorish architecture. Continue taking in beauty at South Pointe Park, one of Miami Beach’s most scenic stretches. The park features 17 acres (6.9 hectares) of waterfront green space, a paved jogging path, and views of Downtown Miami, Fisher Island, Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

No stroll down Washington Avenue would be complete without some retail therapy, especially as it’s here as well as the parallel Collins Avenue where you’ll find designer brands like Armani, Barneys New York, True Religion, Diesel and Dash. Washington Avenue is also home to Lincoln Road Mall, a pedestrian-only promenade with attractions and stores. Some other noteworthy shops to check out along Washington Avenue in Miami include Belinda's Designs Courture, which sells whimsical dresses reminiscent of classic bygone eras; Boutique 12, known for its high-fashion clothing; and Luna Designs, selling globally-inspired attire.

For those who like to party, Washington Avenue is where you’ll find Miami’s hottest nightclubs, some of which include Cameo, Mansion and Love Hate. These venues are where people go to see and be seen, with DJs spinning energetic beats all night. If you want a fun night out void of pretension, Automatic Slims offers cheap drinks, dance music and a more relaxed vibe than most of South Beach’s trendy establishments. Don’t leave Washington Avenue without grabbing a bite to eat, as it’s lined with restaurants serving all types of cuisine, like French at Otentic; Peruvian at Chalan On the Beach; Mexican at Oh! Mexico; and Italian at Escopazzo.

Built to honor the first US president, George Washington, the Washington Monument is the tallest building in DC. Reaching an impressive 555 feet (170 meters), this iconic structure is quite remarkable, as is its mirror image in the 2,029-foot-long (618-meter) Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool below. Most travelers stop to view and photograph the monument's exterior on the National Mall, but it's also possible to take a glass-walled elevator to an observation landing at the top (currently closed until spring 2019).

Open to all faiths and creeds, the Washington National Cathedral conducts services for many faiths and peoples. Martin Luther King Jr gave his last Sunday sermon here; now it's the standard place for state funerals and other high-profile events. It’s often considered the country’s most beautiful church.

The building is elegant, but also powerfully Neo-Gothic. With its pale limestone walls, flying buttresses, intricate carving and exquisite stained glass, it is intended to rival Europe's great cathedrals. Take the elevator to the tower overlook for expansive city views; posted maps explain what you see. Chapels in the main sanctuary honor the Apollo astronauts, Martin Luther King Jr, Abraham Lincoln, and abstract ideas like peace and justice.

The endearing Children's Chapel is filled with images of real and imaginary animals. Famous folks like Helen Keller and Woodrow Wilson are buried downstairs in the crypt. Outside, walk through the charming Bishop's Garden, a small English-style garden with winding paths that lend a mood of solitude.

Designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti in 1962, this distinctive five-building apartment and business complex beside the Potomac River was home to the political scandal that caused the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. However, as this tall, modern compound was partially funded by the Vatican, approved by the nation’s first Catholic president (John F. Kennedy), and thought to mar the city’s elegant riverfront, Watergate had been controversial for years before this scandal ever happened.

The scandal, though, made Watergate a household name. In 1972, high-level officials from the Nixon administration were sent to headquarters of the Democratic National Committee –then located on the sixth floor of the Watergate Hotel and Office Building – to burglarize the office, photograph documents and tap the phones. A subsequent investigation by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of The Washington Post revealed the break-in, and in 1974, Richard Nixon was forced to step down as president.

The Watergate Complex remains a series of expensive apartments and offices, but the Watergate Hotel has been closed for renovations since 2010. There isn’t much diversion here for visitors, but set near Georgetown and the Kennedy Center, it makes an easy stop on a visit to those areas or on a walk along the Potomac around Foggy Bottom.

Washington Park is a sprawling woodland in Southwest Portland, home to the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, and a series of gardens including the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Cycling paths and walking trails wind throughout the park, providing a convenient nature escape. 

The Basics

Stroll through Washington Park’s many trails, rent a bike to explore on two wheels, or bring a lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s picnic areas. Don’t miss the 64-acre (61.5-hectare) zoo, which houses more than 2,000 animals from North America, Asia, and Africa; the Children’s Museum with its 12-foot (3.7-meter) waterfall; and the Japanese Garden’s vine-draped arbors, curving bridges, and stone sculptures. 

Washington Park is a top Portland attraction and therefore features on many city sightseeing tours, whether you want to explore on a full-day or half-day excursion. Small-group guided tours are available, and you can also see the park at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour. 

Things to Know Before You Go

• Washington Park is a must-see for nature lovers and families with kids. 
  
• Remember to bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. 
  
• Visitor facilities include restrooms, gift shops, picnic areas, and multiple information kiosks. 
  
• Wheelchair-accessible parking is available. 
  

How to Get There

Washington Park is located roughly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from Downtown Portland. Parking for cars is limited, especially during warm, sunny weekends. The city’s MAX Light Rail is a good public transportation option, and from May through September a free shuttle service runs on a loop through the park. Biking and walking trails also connect the park to Downtown Portland. 

When to Get There

You can visit Washington Park year-round, but Portland’s weather is typically best from June through August. To avoid crowds, opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit. 

Other Attractions in Washington Park 

Besides the famous rose garden, Japanese garden, and arboretum, Washington Park also houses the World Forestry Center with exhibits exploring forests in the Pacific Northwest and around the world, the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial, tennis courts, and an archery range.