Things to Do in North America

The San Diego Museum of Art is at the center of Balboa Park. Inside the ornamented building, you'll find an extensive art collection that spans more than 7,000 years, from great works by European masters, such as El Greco and Francisco Goya, to an array of South Asian paintings, sculpture, and American and Latin American art.

The museum offers cultural and educational programs for the whole family. Its collections and exhibitions showcase artwork and artifacts from around the world and include works by artists such as, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, Georgia O'Keeffe, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and more. The temporary exhibits are always changing, so there's always something new to see.

The museum also hosts workshops, art cafes, art after hours, and special events. Docent tours are offered most days. For those looking to save money, entry is included in a discounted multi-attraction pass.

 

There are several ways to reach the San Diego Museum of Art, located in Balboa Park. Ride the Route 120, Route 7, or Rapid 215 bus routes, or hop on the free tram that loops through the park. If you're driving, follow Laurel Street until it ends at the Plaza de Panama, adjacent to the museum.

The art museum is open every day, except Wednesday, and there isn't really a bad time to visit. If possible, avoid visiting on the third Tuesday of every month when the museum offers free admission for San Diego residents as these days tend to be busy. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

The San Diego Museum of Art is located in the heart of Balboa Park, just steps from museums and attractions, such as the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Museum of Man, and Spanish Village Art Center. Other park highlights include the California Tower, the Old Globe Theatre, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the San Diego Zoo.

Although situated more than 150 miles (241 kilometers) from the Gulf of Mexico, SeaWorld San Antonio brings the seven seas to the heart of Texas through its series of animal exhibits (bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and beluga whales, among others), educational shows and demonstrations, thrill rides, and water features. Part amusement park, part water park, and part zoo, this popular San Antonio attraction is a hit with visitors of all ages.

SeaWorld San Antonio is one of Texas' most popular family attractions and an excellent place to learn about marine animals while supporting critical conservation efforts. Visitors can choose a single park admission ticket to SeaWorld or a combo ticket that also grants entrance to Aquatica San Antonio, SeaWorld's waterpark. Besides general admission, which includes access to animal exhibits and rides, visitors can add upgrades, such as an all-day dining pass, skip-the-line access to the most popular rides, or enhanced animal encounters, for additional fees.

SeaWorld San Antonio is on the western edge of San Antonio, off Highway 151. Paid parking is available in a general or preferred lot.

The park is open daily from Memorial Day through late August, from Friday to Sunday during the month of October and from April to Memorial Day, and on select days during November, December, and early January. The park is closed in early January to April. For the best combination of sparse crowds and cool weather, plan your visit for a Friday during fall or spring. If you're visiting in summer and want to beat the crowds, try June when it's not too hot and some schools are still in session.

If you don't mind braving the crowds, SeaWorld San Antonio pulls out all the stops for the holidays. On select days in September and October, families enjoy the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular, featuring trick-or-treating and a hay maze. At night after 7pm, Howl-O-Scream kicks into gear; it includes six scare zones and five haunted houses and is not recommended for visitors under 13. During the park's Christmas Celebration, visitors are treated to visits with Santa, festive foods, and some 8 million twinkling lights.

Discover the past, present, and future of the automobile at the San Diego Automotive Museum, and see a collection of Harley Davidson motorcycles and the famous 1947 Louie Mattar Cadillac that drove 6,300 miles (10,139 kilometers) without stopping. Learn about the history of the automobile and view a collection of classic cars.

The San Diego Automotive Museum offers activities for the whole family. Young kids can get behind the wheel of a stripped-down race car and hop aboard a full-sized motorcycle, while visitors of all ages can enjoy the museum's collections and exhibits. There's also a section on general automotive history, a 1928 Studebaker barn find, and a look at San Diego's historic Plank Road.

For those who want to save money, entry is included in a discounted multi-attraction pass.

 

There are several ways to reach the Automotive Museum, located in Balboa Park. Ride the Route 120, Route 7, or Rapid 215 bus through the park. If you're driving, take Park Boulevard to Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Road.

The museum is open daily to visitors, and there isn't really a bad time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive in the morning and expect to spend about an hour exploring the exhibits. The museum is closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

With museums and attractions, such as the California Tower and the San Diego Zoo, there's no shortage of things to do in Balboa Park. Set aside some time to stroll through the gardens and grab a bite to eat at one of the outdoor cafes. Highlights include the Spanish Village Art Center, the Old Globe Theater, and the San Diego Air and Space Museum.

Texas has a history as long as fascinating as the United States itself, and Sam Houston Park is where history and green space combine in the heart of Houston. Established back in 1900, Sam Houston Park is not only the oldest park in the Houston, but also a time portal to the 1800s when the city was first being founded. Wander past the Kellum Noble house that dates to 1847, and is believed to be the oldest brick house in the entire Houston area. Even older is the Old Place Cabin that dates to 1823, and was relocated to the park to join the collection of preserved, historic buildings. Credit for all of the preservation can be attributed to the Heritage Society"”a group that was founded in 1954 to preserve the city's heritage. If visiting the park in the middle of the day, stop in to the The Heritage Society Museum for a look at artifacts and memorabilia from Houston's lengthy past. The museum is modeled after a 19th-century, small-town general store, and tells the story of how the largest city in Texas started from small town roots. 

Ripley's Moving Theater in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a fun addition to a visit to the spectacular waterfalls that give the town its name. Kids and adults alike will love the excitement of the 4D movies, which take viewers on a ride right into the action. Sit down, buckle up, and be prepared for a few shrieks and giggles.

 

The films shown at Ripley's Moving Theater combine sight, sound, and movement, for a full sensory experience. The theater has state-of-the-art 6-channel digital surround sound. Strap yourself in tight, as you're in for quite a ride. Enjoy two movies in a row, with a short intermission between them. The movies are for the whole family, so this is an ideal attraction for most ages, and it's open until late at night, so you can visit whenever the urge strikes.

 

As Ripley's Moving Theater is part of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! attraction, many visitors combine a trip with a visit to the Odditorium"”which shows a variety of weird and wonderful exhibits"”as well as Louis Tussaud's Waxworks. Single-attraction or combined-entry tickets can be purchased. Many Niagara Falls day tours from Toronto include some free time, during which it's possible to drop by Ripley's Moving Theater.

 

 

The theater is located at 4915 Clifton Hill, right in the heart of the tourist area of Niagara Falls, Ontario. It's a short walk from the waterfalls. The building, an upended Empire State Building replica with King Kong standing at the top, is easy to spot.

 

Ripley's Moving Theater is open 365 days a year. Monday"“Thursday, it's open 10am"“11pm; Friday, from 10am"“midnight; Saturday, 9am"“midnight; and Sunday, 9am"“11pm.

 

If you want some more action-packed fun after visiting Ripley's Moving Theater, check out the nearby Great Wolf Lodge. This 100,000-square-foot (9,000-square-meter) indoor water park includes thrilling water-based rides for adults and older kids, and fun play areas for younger kids. It's also a hotel, so you can stay and have days of fun.

Selva Mágica translates to "Magic Jungle," and that's the theme throughout this amusement park beside the Guadalajara Zoo. With 38 attractions and rides in three categories (children, family-friendly, or extreme) there is something fun for everyone here. There are slower, classic rides such as a carousel, Go Kart racing, and bumper cars, and more thrilling roller coasters, waterfall slides, and a House of Terror. The "Choza Chueca" zone turns the world on its side "” it's a section of the park in which everything is crooked.

Selva Mágica's tallest roller coasters include the newer Galeria Jubile and the Titan. The park is also home to the largest Ferris wheel in Latin America. Colorfully decorated and often lively, it's a fun environment for family members of any age. Live shows and performances are frequent, and there are carnival games to play as well.

Though not as well known as Yosemite's famous Half Dome, at 4,150 feet high a climb up Sentinel Dome offers some incredible 360 degree views of the national park. The 2.6 mile hike up is well-marked with signs and is easy to follow. From the gently-rounded top you can see the whole of Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  The trail is mostly flat, except for the granite slope to the summit.

Sentinel Dome first became known for the lone Jeffrey Pine tree that grew from its peak. The tree is no longer there, but was well-documented by photographer Ansel Adams. The dome is a sight in itself, but the real rewards are the views from atop. It's a good alternative to the often crowded viewpoints of Glacier Point, and is particularly scenic during the sunset hours.

Filled with interesting exhibits, interactive displays, and comprehensive educational programs, Roberson Museum is the premier center for scientific knowledge in upstate New York. Housed in a historic mansion, it's the perfect meeting of local history with the future of science and research. There's an impressive planetarium, a science learning center, the largest model train display in the area, and thousands of artifacts. Sections of the museum are dedicated to history, as well as art, science, and natural history. It's a great place to learn about the cultures that have influenced the area over time.

The mansion itself remains a sight to behold, with three stories of intricate design and a restored ballroom on the third floor. The home's many rooms are now home to classroom, studios, and research centers. Its digital planetarium is the highlight for many visitors. Tours include museum admission and all activities, plus planetarium access if selected.

From the original Native American settlers who called this desert home, to the Spanish explorers who constructed missions through the San Diego region, this city has one of California's lengthiest and richest histories. Here in the San Diego History Center, the series of events that created the city are on intricately detailed display"”where over 2.5 million historical photographs help weave the city's tale. On a visit to the famous Balboa Park museum, examine postcards of how San Diego looked while it was still in its original infancy, and learn the lengthy military history of the nearby bases and ships. Explore a collection of pottery and textiles from early San Diego residents, as well as an extensive collection of fine art relating to San Diego. This is one of America's only museums that tells the history of a town, and after an hour spent reading the city's history and walking the photo lined halls, visitors will have an entire new perspective on this sunny town by the coast. 

Three fun attractions are part of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Niagara Falls: The Odditorium, which displays quirky exhibits; the Ripley's Moving Theater motion simulator ride; and Louis Tussaud's Waxworks. It's a fun-filled attraction to visit before or after you've seen the amazing falls, and is a popular place with both kids and adults.

 

The Odditorium at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Niagara Falls is a quirky and interactive museum presenting crazy and mind-boggling artifacts from around the world. Exhibits include shrunken heads, decorated skulls, and 2-headed animals. In the Moving Theater, visitors view 4D films and ride along in them. To top off the Ripley's experience, Louis Tussaud's Waxworks allows visitors to "meet" more than 100 wax celebrities and get their photos taken with them.

 

Visitors to Niagara Falls, Ontario, often tour Ripley's on day trips from Toronto. Organized tours either give visitors some free time during which they can choose to visit Ripley's, or a visit will be built into the itinerary. It's also easy to visit Ripley's independently, as it's in the heart of Niagara Falls town, just a few minutes' walk from the waterfalls. There are many hotels in the town for visitors who want to stay longer.

 

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Niagara Falls is located at 4960 Clifton Hill, the bustling street leading west from the falls that's home to many quirky tourist attractions. The building is easy to spot as it looks like the Empire State Building on its side, with King Kong jumping up and down on it.

 

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Niagara Falls is open 365 days of the year. Its opening hours are 10am until 11pm Monday to Thursday, 10am until midnight on Friday, 9am until midnight on Saturday, and 9am until 11pm on Sunday.

 

Ripley's fans who also visit nearby Toronto can check out Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, too. The numerous themed tanks are home to everything from creatures found in the seas around Canada to reef fish and plants. Combo tickets for the Toronto and Niagara Falls attractions can save visitors money.

Astonishing humans, amazing animals, shocking science and more in Ripley's Believe it or Not! This staple of the bizarre, unbelievable, yet true collection of history's great oddities is the most successful franchise museum of its kind, and is one opportunity you shouldn't miss out on while in Mexico City. Shaped like a medieval castle and boasting over 14 different exhibits that will shock and amaze (like the mirror maze, swivel tunnel, and oddity museum), Ripley's Believe it or Not! is known as a fantastic adventure into the surreal, unnatural, and even famous (there's a wax sculpture museum to explore). If you or your loved ones would like to come face-to-face with nature and mankind's greatest head-scratchers, this is your chance.

Safari West is a 400-acre (162-hectare) private wildlife preserve located in Santa Rosa, California. The park focuses on species native to Africa and is home to more than 800 wild animals, including cheetahs, Cape buffalo, zebras, rhinos, and giraffe.

Set in the heart of wine country, the preserve is known locally as the Sonoma Serengeti. There are a number of ways to explore, including jeep or double-decker truck tours and private safaris with dedicated tour guides. It's also possible to spend the night in luxury tents and cabins. The tents are glamorous, with polished wood floors, private bathrooms, and handmade furniture.

Just 75 miles (121 kilometers) from San Francisco, Safari West lies in the heart of California's Sonoma County. Public transportation in the area is limited, so the best way to reach the park is by car. Parking is available on-site, and the Sonoma County Airport is just 10 minutes away. 

Reservations are required at Safari West, whether you want to spend the night or just take a safari tour during the day. Safari tours depart every day in the morning and afternoon, regardless of weather.

Currently a fully accredited zoo, the three goals of Safari West are education, conservation, and exploration. The Langs, who own the preserve, are dedicated to research and conservation of the species they house. 

Beyond anything you'd expect inside a mall, at Sea Life Aquarium Dallas you can immerse yourself in the oceanic environment filled with sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, clownfish, jellyfish, touch tanks, and more. Visitors of all ages will love walking through the 360-degree ocean tunnel, watching fish swim overhead.

Sea Life Aquarium is part of a worldwide group of aquariums offering smaller-scale aquarium experiences that allow you time to visit several area attractions. You can explore the aquarium on your own, watching daily feedings or special talks about sharks, rescued turtles, and other animals, or take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the animals who live here. The Interactive Rockpool exhibit allows visitors to touch sea stars, crabs, sea urchins, and more.

Sea Life Aquarium Dallas is located at 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway in Grapevine, Texas, at the Grapevine Mills Mall, across from Legoland Discovery Center. From the DFW Airport, head south on International Parkway to State Highway 121, then take the Grapevine Mills exit. The mall parking lot is free. A Grapevine Visitors Shuttle runs from downtown Grapevine to several area attractions and includes a mall stop.

The aquarium is open from 10am to 7:30pm Monday through Saturday and from 11am to 5:30pm on Sunday. You can anticipate larger crowds on weekends, particularly during school breaks, and over the summer, in addition to spring break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If you don't mind crowds, the aquarium runs several special holiday-themed events, including a Scuba-diving Santa.

Sea Life has a breeding and conservation program and helps save injured sea animals. Throughout the exhibits, guests can learn about these programs, including missions to assist with coral propagation and breed, rescue, and protect undulate rays and lined seahorses. The aquarium also helps to educate people about making responsible choices to protect the environment.

The Frederick C. Robie House was built in Prairie Style by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1910, today it is known as one of the finest examples of American architecture, perhaps the first architectural style that is uniquely American. The exterior is characterized by its art-glass windows, sharp edges, and horizontal Roman brick work. A contemporary space with an open floor plan that is still being restored, it is considered a precursor to modernist architecture. 

In 1957, the house was placed under threat of demolition. Frank Lloyd Wright himself lobbied to save it at the age of 90. It was one of the last houses designed in his Oak Park studio. The American Institute of Architects named the Frederick C. Robie House one of the ten most significant structures of the 20th century.

The San Juan Islands are among the most popular vacation destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Between the mouth of Puget Sound and Vancouver Island, the archipelago consists of 172 islands, only four of which are inhabited and serviced by ferry: Orcas Island, San Juan Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island.

The best way to explore the San Juan Islands is to get out on the water. Aboard whale-watching tours, which depart from Friday Harbor, visitors might spot orcas (aka killer whales), minke whales, humpbacks, and the occasional gray whale. Ten of the islands are protected state marine parks, perfect for sea kayaking, canoeing, or sailing. Back on land, the more developed islands offer biking, hiking, golfing, shopping, and dining.

While it's possible to fly to the islands from Seattle International Airport, the most popular mode of transportation is the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes"”you can drive your car right aboard.

A mild, maritime climate means there isn't really a bad time to visit the San Juan Islands. July and August are the busiest months (so book your ferry well in advance), while whale watching tends to be at its best between May and October. 

The historical seaside town of Friday Harbor serves as the gateway to the rest of the San Juan Islands, and if you're basing yourself here, there's plenty to see and do around town. Spring Street is known for its shopping opportunities, while Brickworks Plaza often hosts outdoor concerts and community gatherings. Those interested in the history and culture of the islands should plan to visit the Whale Museum and the San Juan Historical Museum.

As far as salty bodies of water located directly on a fault line go, the Salton Sea is pretty unique. The largest inland lake in California, it's positioned on the San Andreas fault at more than 200 feet (61 m) below sea level. Geothermal activity and unique landscapes such as bubbling mud and sand dunes can be seen nearby.

A popular state park and recreation area, the Salton Sea has much to offer boaters, campers, hikers, and bird watchers, and is home to more than 400 species of birds as well as some fish. Though created by accidental irrigation overflow at the turn of the 20th century, only a trickle of fresh water runs to the lake now.

Learn more about the history and geography of the distinct area on a Jeep tour of Earthquake Canyon, or visit the park by bike to make the most of Southern California's natural offerings.

Located within the same grounds and operated by the same people as LEGOLAND, the SEA LIFE Aquarium is a part of a long line of aquariums open to tourists in the San Diego area.  However, this aquarium, which is found in Carlsbad, California, has a bit of a twist making it very different than all the other sea exhibitions in the region. The SEA LIFE aquarium blends the LEGO theme with the underwater world exhibitions.

Geared towards children and education in a fun way, the SEA LIFE exhibition contains play zones, quiz trails and a number of interactive enclosures. The biggest attraction here is a giant pacific octopus. Guests to the aquarium can actually watch the highly intelligent animal solve puzzles, play with different toys and learn about how these great animals eat and survive in the wild. Other popular animals at the aquarium include clown fish, reef sharks, cownose rays, and seahorse. There is also an interactive rock pool where you can see, and even touch, star fish.