Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
ShowingFilter 241-260 of 2596 listings.
Brookfield Place (World Financial Center)
Formerly known as the World Financial Center, the office complex known as Brookfield Place was renovated after 9/11 and has been the home of numerous financial companies like Merrill Lynch and American Express.
Today, this incredible architectural masterpiece that overlooks the Hudson River, is a destination for art-lovers, shoppers and foodies, thanks to a wide variety of boutiques, high-end stores, art installations and top-tier restaurants. Visitors can relax on park benches near the waterfront, enjoy strong drinks at one of the lively watering holes, or shop for unique items at some of the nearby retailers.
Practical Info
Brookfield Place is located at 230 Vesey Street in Manhattan’s Battery Park City. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. It is accessible via the World Trade Center subway station.
Address: 230 Vesey Street, New York City, New York, USA 10281, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm
From $ 15
Brooklyn Heights
Known as the “first suburb of America,” Brooklyn Heights is a mere five minutes from Manhattan on the subway and maintains its unique character and historic charm in its fast-moving city. With rows of brownstones and mansions, tree-lined streets and perhaps the best possible views of the New York City skyline, it’s easy to see why Brooklyn Heights is a coveted neighborhood.
Stretching from Old Fulton Street near the Brooklyn Bridge south to Atlantic Avenue and east from the river to Court Street, the area is known for its classic architecture, restaurant variety and vibrant culture. There are also several historic churches to see throughout, while pedestrian-only Montague Street, which ends at the scenic Brooklyn Heights promenade, is a favorite for visitors and locals alike. A stroll along the East River waterfront is also a popular pastime and great for taking in the views of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York City.
Practical Info
Brooklyn Heights is a suburb of the Brooklyn. Situated close to Manhattan, it is easily accessed via subway: the A, C, F, N and R trains can be taken to Jay Street; on MetroTech, the 2 and 3 trains can be taken to Clark Street and the 2, 3, 4, 5, N and R trains to Court Street-Borough Hall. Buses include the B25, B69, B57, B63 and B61.
Address: Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, New York, USA
From $ 40
Bronx Zoo
In the middle of the Bronx, this New York borough’s zoo pops up in Bronx Park. It is the largest urban zoo in the United States, and one of the most well known worldwide. Its exhibits and habitats span more than 265 acres, on which its diverse collection of more than 4,000 animals and plants can be found. There are both free exhibits accessible with a general ticket—such as the African Plains, Bison Range, and Himalayan Highlands—and there are premium exhibits available for viewing at an additional cost. These experiences include a carousel, butterfly garden, jungle world, shuttle, monorail, 4-D theater, and a zoo created specifically for children.
Other sections of the zoo are divided by type of animal, including birds and reptiles. The zoo has an emphasis on conservation, particularly for the American Bison which have been threatened in the past. Interactive feedings for the zoo’s sea lions and penguins take place daily.
Practical Info
Get to the Bronx Zoo via the subway 2 train to Pelham Parkway. The Bronx Zoo The BxM11 express bus is a convenient public transport option if you’re traveling from Manhattan. Admission is $22.95 for adults, $15.95 for children, and $20.95 for seniors, and free to all on Wednesdays. It’s open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, New York, USA 10460, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults: $22.95; Children: $15.95
From $ 35
Bunker Hill Monument
The Bunker Hill Memorial is a granite monument built in memory of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the first real battle of the American Revolutionary War.
The Battle of Bunker Hill took place in June 1775 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, when American Revolutionary forces met the British Army during one of the earliest battles of the war. The British ultimately won that battle – although, of course, they would go on to lose the war.
The battle itself took place on nearby Breed's Hill, but Bunker Hill was the main objective of both armies – so that's where the Bunker Hill Monument was built. The first monument was built in 1794, made of wood, and stood 18 feet tall. From 1827-1842, the current granite memorial was built. The obelisk resembles the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., towering over the surrounding landscape.
Practical Info
The Bunker Hill Memorial is located in nearby Charlestown, roughly two miles from Boston. You can climb to the top inside the 221-foot-tall tower via 294 steps. The site is open daily from 9am-4:30pm, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free.
Address: Monument Square, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-4:30pm
From $ 25
Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum
The final resting place of Wild West showman extraordinaire William “Buffalo Bill” Cody sits atop Lookout Mountain on the outskirts of Golden, Colorado, where grave marker itself overlooks a panoramic view of the Rock Mountains. Since Cody’s burial here in 1917, which had some 20,000 fans in attendance, the mountain attraction has also grown to include a museum devoted to his life.
The 3,000-square-foot museum is a family-friendly roadside attraction with a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits documenting his life and legend. See rare historical artifacts, including one of Cody’s Stetson hats and a peace pipe from Sitting Bull. Other exhibits include a display of Wild West guns and a Kid’s Cowboy Corral, where children can design their own brand and learn to throw a lasso.
Practical Info
The Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum sits atop Lookout Mountain, just outside Golden and about 30 minutes west of downtown Denver. During the summer (May to October), the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in the winter (November through April), opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 65 and up and $1 for children (free for kids 5 and under).
Address: 987 Lookout Mountain Rd., Golden, Colorado 80401, USA
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in the winter (November through April), opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 65 and up and $1 for children (free for kids 5 and under).
From $ 55
Burial Hill
Burial Hill is a historic cemetery in Plymouth, Mass., that dates back to the 1620s, making it one of the oldest remaining cemeteries in America. It sits atop a beautiful hill with views of Plymouth Harbor and is an ideal spot to relax and contemplate the last few centuries of American history.
Many notable historic figures are buried here, including Mary Allerton, the last surviving Mayflower passenger; Plymouth colony governor William Bradford; and Squanto, a Native American guide who played a critical role in the Pilgrims’ survival after arriving in North America. None of the original wooden gravestones remain, but stone markers have been used here since the mid-17th century, many of which still mark the final resting places of the country’s original settlers. The last burial occurred in 1957, and the land has remained frozen in time since.
As a bonus, history buffs will appreciate that the cemetery is situated off of what was originally First Street. Created in 1602, this street is notable in its own right, as there are claims that it is the oldest continuously inhabited street of the 13 colonies.
Practical Info
Located just off of Leyden Street in Plymouth, Burial Hill is easily accessible by car or on foot. While many of the original graves and markers are intact, the site is not very well-maintained. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds on their own at any time. It’s worth noting that the gravestones are priceless historic works; visitors should not disturb or touch them.
Address: Hull Street, North End, Boston 02113, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 42
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Tampa’s Busch Gardens combines the thrills of a theme park—replete with myriad roller coasters, ziplines, a white rapids ride, and other rides—with the wonder of a zoo, including more than 12,000 animals from 300 different species. Across its 335 acres (136 hectares), the Africa-themed park also hosts live performances for the whole family.
The Basics
Purchase tickets to Busch Gardens in advance to save money over gate prices—and save time waiting in line. Ticket options include single-day admission to Busch Gardens, combo admission to Busch Gardens and other Tampa hot spots such as SeaWorld, and all-day dining. The Tampa Bay CityPASS gives you access to five attractions, including Busch Gardens, at a deep discount, while other packages roll in admission to area water parks. On extra busy days at Busch Gardens, it may pay to purchase Quick Queue to bypass lines for the most popular rides.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Busch Gardens is ideal for families with children visiting the Tampa area.
- A dining pass saves money—and time—if you plan to eat at least two meals at the park.
- There are several dining options available throughout the park, from grab-and-go snacks to buffets and sit-down dining.
- An air-conditioned kennel is available for pets at the front of the park for $10 per day.
- The park is accessible to wheelchair users. Strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters are available to rent.
How to Get There
Busch Gardens is located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) northeast of downtown Tampa, about a 20-minute drive; approximately one hour from Orlando via I-4; and 30 minutes east of Tampa area beaches and the Tampa International Airport. Paid parking is available on-site. An advance-purchase ticket includes free round-trip transportation, through Mears Destination Services, to Busch Gardens from several Orlando area locations.
When to Get There
Busch Gardens is open every day of the year. The most crowded days tend to track with American school holidays—namely summer and spring break. Beat the crowds by visiting the park on a weekday, and arrive at or close to the park’s opening time.
How to Use Child Swap
Like many other major theme parks, Busch Gardens offers Child Swap for parents who are with a child too small to ride an attraction. This allows one adult to ride alone or with an older child, while the other adult waits with the small child; then they swap so the waiting adult can ride, relieving both adults from having to wait in line.
Address: 3000 East Busch Blvd., Tampa 33612, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 99
Brooklyn Brewery
While the first beer was brewed in Brooklyn in 1822, this homegrown brewery founded in 1988 by a couple of neighbors, led the charge towards a new trend in borough-local micro-brewing. While it began with just a single lager, Brooklyn Brewery’s lineup now includes a pilsner, an IPA, a brown ale, a few seasonal brews, and a number of rotating small-batch brews. These days, the Brooklyn Brewery label (designed by graphic artist Milton Glaser of “I <3 New York” fame) is ubiquitous in the pubs, tavern and markets of New York City.
Due to Brooklyn zoning laws, neighbors and home-brewing enthusiasts Steve Hindy and Tom Potter originally had to open their operations in Utica, New York, but were finally able to move to their present Williamsburg digs in 1996. Garrett Oliver, Hindy and Potter’s first apprentice, has been their brewmaster since 1993 and is now one of the most famous faces in the beer industry. All three of these gentlemen have written books on beer, and all are available for sale at the brewery.
Due to Brooklyn zoning laws, neighbors and home-brewing enthusiasts Steve Hindy and Tom Potter originally had to open their operations in Utica, New York, but were finally able to move to their present Williamsburg digs in 1996. Garrett Oliver, Hindy and Potter’s first apprentice, has been their brewmaster since 1993 and is now one of the most famous faces in the beer industry. All three of these gentlemen have written books on beer, and all are available for sale at the brewery.
Practical Info:
Forty-minute small batch tours are offered by reservation only Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. p.m. and cost $8, which includes tastings and a souvenir glass. Free facility tours requiring no reservations are given
several times a day on weekends, generally between 1 and 5 p.m. The Brooklyn Brewery becomes a convivial bar on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, and while only a few snacks are for sale here, bringing in outside food and/or getting deliveries from nearby restaurants is encouraged.
Address: 79 North 11th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Hours: Fri (6-11pm), Sat (noon-8pm) and Sun (noon-6pm)
Admission: Varies
From $ 55
Brooklyn Bridge
Extending for 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) across New York City’s East River, this 19th-century bridge sees constant foot, bike, and car traffic thanks to commuters and sightseers alike. After a construction beset by tragedies—at least 20 people died during the building process—this steel-wire suspension bridge, then the world’s largest, finally opened to the public in 1883. Today crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is an essential New York experience. Visitors come in droves to admire the bridge’s dramatic neo-Gothic towers and the stellar views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront.
The Basics
The storied history of the Brooklyn Bridge and the spectacular views it affords make it a common inclusion on guided walking tours and bike tours of the city. For a whole new perspective on the bridge, take a sightseeing cruise or even a helicopter flight during which you will buzz over the iconic structure as well as other well-known NYC landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty.
Things to Know Before You Go
- In cooler months, wear an extra layer or two, as it can be colder and windier on the bridge than on street level.
- The bridge’s pedestrian path is narrow; be careful not to veer into the adjacent bike lane.
- Crossing the bridge on foot takes around 25 minutes, or longer if you pause for photographs.
How to Get There
From Manhattan, you can access the bridge’s walkway from Park Row and Centre Street, opposite City Hall Park. The closest subway stations are Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall (4, 5, and 6 trains) and Chambers Street (J and Z). On the Brooklyn side, access the pedestrian walkway from Tillary Street and Adams Street in Brooklyn Heights. Here the nearest subway stations are Jay Street–MetroTech (A, C, and F), Court Street (N and R), and Borough Hall (2, 3, 4, and 5).
When to Get There
Avoid the morning and evening rush hours: The bridge is congested with commuters. It’s quieter early on weekend mornings (before 10am) and at night (after 8pm), when the bridge’s neo-Gothic towers are dramatically illuminated.
The Fascinating History of the Brooklyn Bridge
Though the Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John Roebling in the 1860s, Roebling never got to see his creation realized, having died following an accident in 1869. After his death, his son, Washington Roebling, and his wife, Emily, oversaw the construction. On May 30, 1883, just a few days after its opening, the bridge was the site of a tragic stampede that killed 12 pedestrians. In 1884, in an effort to allay concerns regarding the structural integrity of the bridge, circus owner P.T. Barnum had a troupe of 21 elephants, including the famous Jumbo, cross it.
Address: FDR Drive, 10038, USA
Hours: 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Brooklyn Bridge Park
When it comes to life in the Big Apple, Central Park has always taken the prize for expansive outdoor space and scenic greenery in an otherwise urban setting. But these days, Brooklyn Bridge Park, with its epic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline, soccer fields, walking paths, food stalls and ferry terminals, is inching its way to the top.
Grab bagels in the trendy nearby neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and enjoy breakfast in the park with an incredible view of the city. Stroll or bike along the recently renovated greenway, which connects the piers that make up this impressive park to one another. Take a ride on Jane’s Carousel—one of the oldest operating rides in America, or head to Pier 2 for outdoor roller-skating and basketball on the East River. Further down the greenway, near Pier 5, travelers can find beach volleyball courts, public BBQ grills and soccer fields for local club teams.
Practical Info
Brooklyn Bridge Park is easy to access via public transportation by taking the F train to York Street, the A or C train to High Street or the 2 and 3 trains to Clark Street. It is also accessible via the ferry. Piers 2 and 5, as well as the volley ball courts at Pier 6, are open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Address: 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Hours: 6am-1am
From $ 6
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Since 1910 this Prospect neighborhood staple has been attracting as many Brooklyn borough residents in search of a quiet, peaceful respite as it has travelers looking to explore the best New York flora and breathtaking flower displays this side of the Hudson. From a Zen-inspired bonsai museum to an aquatic plant house, Japanese garden and stunning reflecting pool filled with giant water lilies, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a Mecca for natural beauty and a perfect urban escape.
From late March to mid-May travelers can catch orchards of stunning pink cherry blossoms in bloom and during summer months the Cranford Rose Garden—home to more than 5,000 species of this fragrant flower—comes to life. Both the Native Flora Garden, filled with woodland plants native to the area surrounding New York City, and the Shakespeare Garden offer travelers a picture-perfect escape from the Big Apple.
Practical Info
The garden is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. November through February, and until 6 p.m. during all other months. It is most easily accessible by taking the 2/3 train to Eastern Parkway.
Address: 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York 11225, USA
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. November through February.
Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for seniors, $6 for students with ID, children under 12 free
From $ 15
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park showcases the red rock canyons and rugged horizon-stretching vistas that make Utah famous. With a variety of otherworldly geological formations, Bryce Canyon is an active traveler's playground, crammed full of pinnacles, steeples, spires, and hoodoos, which are thin eroded rock formations that reveal sedimentary layers of red, orange, and white.
The Basics
Outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world come to Bryce Canyon—one of Utah's most popular natural attractions—for hiking, camping, and stargazing beneath its dark night skies. Many visitors stop here as part of a multi-day tour of the region's national and state parks, including Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. Those with limited time can see the park's highlights on a day trip from Las Vegas, Ogden, or Salt Lake City.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This national park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.
- The national park provides little shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water.
- Due to the distance involved, day trips from Las Vegas can last upwards of 12 hours.
How to Get to Bryce Canyon National Park
The closest major airports to Bryce Canyon are in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City—both are about 270 miles (435 km) from the park entrance. No public transportation runs to the park, so the easiest way to visit, especially if you don’t want to rent a car, is to join a guided tour.
When to Get There
Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, though some park roads may close temporarily during and after winter snow storms. While brief afternoon showers are common in summer, daytime temperatures range from the high 70s F to low 80s F, making it a pleasant time to visit. Temperatures often fall below freezing at night between October and May due to the park's high elevation.
Points of Interest in Bryce Canyon
Perhaps the best view of the spectacular hoodoo-filled Bryce Amphitheater is from Inspiration Point; from there, head south up a small rise on the Rim Trail for an even better vantage point. To fully appreciate the canyon, you also need to get down in it. From Sunset Point, combine Navajo Loop with Queen's Garden Trail, a hike that will take you past Thor's Hammer, the steep rock formations of Wall Street, and the impressive Queen Victoria, a hoodoo that resembles royalty.
Address: Off Hwy 63 & Hwy 12, Utah 84776, USA
Hours: Daily year–round
Admission: Varies
From $ 80
Brooklyn Navy Yard
Set on the Brooklyn shore of the East River’s Wallabout Bay, directly between the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, this shipyard was once America’s largest. Utilized by the U.S. Navy since 1801, it saw the building of some of the country’s most renowned fighting ships, including the USS Maine and USS Missouri. Remaining attractions within the Yard include a 24-acre Naval hospital campus and a dry dock that pre-dates the Civil War and is still in use for ship repair today.
The Navy Yard reached its peak of operations during World War II, when 70,000 employees worked here around the clock. After a period of decline in production, the shipyard was decommissioned in 1966 and a few years later the entire yard was purchased by the city of New York.
Today, the 300-acre Brooklyn Navy Yard is an industrial park operated by the nonprofit Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, with over 40 buildings leased by more than 330 companies in a wide range of industries, from movie and television production to green manufacturing. One building houses BLDG 92, a LEED-Platinum Visitor Center that includes exhibitions about the past, present, and future of innovation at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and a café that overlooks the site. From World War II history to sustainable architecture and industry, there are various tours of the yard available, including theme-based bus and bike tours start and end at BLDG 92. A portion of all ticket proceeds go to support the Visitor, Exhibition, and Employment Center at BLDG 92.
The Navy Yard reached its peak of operations during World War II, when 70,000 employees worked here around the clock. After a period of decline in production, the shipyard was decommissioned in 1966 and a few years later the entire yard was purchased by the city of New York.
Today, the 300-acre Brooklyn Navy Yard is an industrial park operated by the nonprofit Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, with over 40 buildings leased by more than 330 companies in a wide range of industries, from movie and television production to green manufacturing. One building houses BLDG 92, a LEED-Platinum Visitor Center that includes exhibitions about the past, present, and future of innovation at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and a café that overlooks the site. From World War II history to sustainable architecture and industry, there are various tours of the yard available, including theme-based bus and bike tours start and end at BLDG 92. A portion of all ticket proceeds go to support the Visitor, Exhibition, and Employment Center at BLDG 92.
Practical Info
To reach the Brooklyn Navy Yard and BLDG 92 by subway, take the A, C Train to High St/Brooklyn; the F Train to York St; or the G Train to Clinton/Washington.
Address: 63 Flushing Ave #300, Brookyln, New York 11205, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm
From $ 30
Browns Canyon National Monument
The Browns Canyon National Monument is an area around the Arkansas River that's long been a popular recreational area.
The nearly 22,000-acre area of the Arkansas River that is contained within the Browns Canyon National Monument is the United States' most popular place for whitewater rafting. It is also popular for its hiking and fishing opportunities.
Prior to becoming a National Monument in 2015, the area had also been popular with hunters. With the designation, animals such as bighorn sheep, elk, and golden eagles are more protected.
Practical Info
The stretch of river inside the Browns Canyon National Monument runs from the town of Buena Vista to the town of Salida. Mountain bikes are not permitted inside the monument.
Address: Buena Vista, Colorado, USA, USA
From $ 77
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
More money passes through the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington DC than most people make in a lifetime. At this federal agency managed by the US Department of the Treasury, visitors can see the country’s paper money being printed, learn about counterfeit currency, and explore how paper money has been made more secure.
The Basics
A visit to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing involves a free tour, where visitors can see millions of dollars being printed on the production floor. An introductory film outlines the printing process, and a gift shop sells a variety of currency products.
The bureau is part of several Washington DC tours, including half-day and day trips, and hop-on hop-off bus and Segway tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a must-see for currency collectors, budget travelers, and anyone curious about the US currency system.
- All visitors to the bureau are required to go through security screening.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available upon request.
- Photography is not allowed inside the tour gallery.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the bureau is to take the metro Blue or Orange Line to the Smithsonian station. The building is about a block away from the Independence Avenue/Bureau of Engraving and Printing exit. The Old Town Trolley Orange Loop also stops near the bureau at the intersection of Independence Avenue and 12th Street.
When to Get There
Tours are only available on weekdays. Since a limited number of tickets are available each day, it’s a good idea to show up a few minutes before the bureau opens to avoid disappointment.
Where Our Currency Comes From
Not all US currency comes from this Washington bureau. While the facility remains the largest producer of government security documents, the Washington DC location now shares responsibilities with another facility in Fort Worth. You won’t see coins being made at either location; that’s the job of the United States Mint.
Address: 300 14th Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20228, USA
From $ 14
Bronze Fonz
While strolling the Milwaukee Riverwalk, make a point to stop and see one of the city’s more unusual, and endearing, sights: a bronze statue of the fictional character Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz,” from the TV show Happy Days, which was set in Milwaukee. The statue has become a popular attraction, so you can expect a line of people waiting to take photos with it on warm summer days along the river. The statue itself is surprisingly small, though actor Henry Winkler was only 5 foot 6 inches, so it’s life-size. The statue depicts the Fonz in his trademark pose, with two thumbs up, seemingly saying "Aayyyy!" to passerby.
Practical Info
The Bronze Fonz was the brainchild of Milwaukee tourism bureau, and the project participants raised $85,000 to make the statue a reality. It’s easy to visit the statue, as it sits just of Wells St. on the Milwaukee Riverwalk, just steps from the popular bars and restaurants along Water St.
Address: 117 E Wells St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, USA
From $ 40
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Greeting visitors with a 34-foot (10-meter) bronze star, the Bullock Texas State History Museum invites you to learn about the story of Texas. Its three floors of historical exhibits are as entertaining and engaging as they are informative. Also here are Austin’s only IMAX theater and a separate 4-D theater.
The Basics
Located right in downtown Austin, the Bullock Museum offers you a greater understanding of Texas history. Your tour begins with the museum’s earliest indigenous artifacts, starting Texas’ historical journey over 14,000 years ago. As you climb each floor, you learn about the state’s journey to independence, the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, NASA Mission Control, and more.
You can purchase tickets to see one of the historical films in the Texas Spirit Theater, which engages your senses with seat vibrations, wind, and other 4-D features. Various documentaries and first-run films are also screened daily at the IMAX theater. And you don’t have to visit the museum in order to see a show.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bullock Museum is a very family-friendly venue and great for anyone interested in learning more about Texas history.
- Admission discounts are available for military members, senior citizens, students, and children.
- Museum admission does not include movie tickets or special exhibitions.
- The first floor features a gift shop, with unique Texas gifts, and there’s a café on the museum’s second floor.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Wheelchairs are available for no fee.
How to Get There
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is located on Congress Avenue at 18th Street in downtown Austin, about a 10-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol. The museum has a paid parking garage, and there is also paid parking in nearby lots and on the street. Several CapMetro buses stop within two blocks of the Bullock; city bike rental is another option.
When to Get There
The Bullock Museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 5pm Sunday, except for major holidays. The first Sunday of every month, admission is free—which means the museum may be more crowded than usual. Weekdays are much quieter and offer a more relaxed way to explore the museum. Note that on home-game days for the University of Texas at Austin, parking is more expensive and harder to find.
Who Was Bob Bullock?
The Bullock Museum is named in honor of Texas’s 38th lieutenant governor, Bob Bullock, who made it his cause to preserve and honor Texas history. As part of this effort, he helped establish the museum in 2001. Bullock served two terms as lieutenant governor and is remembered for his bipartisanship and the way he insisted on a government that worked best for Texas.
Address: 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Bryant Park
Located between 40th and 42nd Street and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Bryant Park encompasses 9.6 acres of public green space and recreation. For those looking for a respite from the bustling city, Bryant Park provides a relaxed atmosphere with historical monuments, colorful flower beds, London plane trees, the 300-foot lawn and the Southwest Porch lounge where you can relax on rockers and swings and enjoy free wireless. Play games like chess, backgammon and ping pong or get a free petanque lesson Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm. For something whimsical, Bryant Park also features a timeless carousel. In the winter, the park is full of festive cheer with an ice skating rink as well as a makeshift village of “streets” lined with artisanal holiday shops. And no matter what time of year it is, visitors can enjoy quality food and drinks in the park. While Bryant Park Grill features American cuisine and a rooftop for aerial city views, Bryant Park Cafe is an informal outdoor cafe. Moreover, ‘wichcraft kiosks litter the grounds and offer seasonal snacks, sandwiches, soups and salads. To get to Bryant Park, take the B,D,F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park or the 7 to Fifth Avenue.
Address: 41 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018, USA
From $ 25
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Stuffed critters, a shooting gallery and museums of Americana and the Texas Rangers make having a drink at the Buckhorn Saloon a memorable experience.
From cattle to fish, birds and game, the Buckhorn Museum is a taxidermist’s dream, stuffed with more than 520 species from around the globe. Look out for the huge black marlin, ’78 Point Buck’ and prehistoric Irish elk complete with antlers.
The collection housed in the adjoining Ranger Museum includes weapons, badges, photos, a Bonnie & Clyde exhibit and ‘Ranger Town’, re-creating early-20th-century San Antonio.
Drop in for lunch at the cafe, or choose a locally brewed ale at 130-year-old saloon bar.
Practical Info
The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is in downtown San Antonio, just a couple of blocks from the Alamo and a block from the River Walk.
Address: 318 East Houston Street, San Antonio TX 78205, USA
Hours: Spring Break/Memorial Day - Labor Day: 10am - 8pm. Labor Day - Memorial Day: 10am until 5pm
Admission: Adults: US$17.99
From $ 22
Brooklyn
Historically known for its multicultural neighborhoods and working-class roots, the New York City borough of Brooklyn has become in recent years the epitome of hip. The city's most populous borough, Brooklyn draws both locals and visitors with its food (particularly pizza), art spaces, brownstones, parks, and views of Manhattan.
The Basics
Lying just across the East River from Manhattan, Brooklyn is home to attractions like Coney Island, Prospect Park, Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and, of course, the Brooklyn Bridge. Popular Brooklyn neighborhoods for exploring include trendy Williamsburg and Bushwick; the former warehouse district of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass); Park Slope with its brownstones, restaurants, and shops; and Flatbush, home to the 1920s-era Kings Theatre. Walking tours and food tours offer a relaxing way to see the area with insight from a guide about Brooklyn's history, gentrification, and top spots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Brooklyn Bridge spans about 6,000 feet (1,830 meters), and the walk across from Manhattan takes about 20 minutes.
- For a shot of Brooklyn's most popular photo op—a slice of the Manhattan Bridge between red-bricked buildings—head to the intersection of Washington and Water streets in DUMBO.
- Top views of the Lower Manhattan skyline can be seen from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
How to Get There
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must, at least one way. Public transport options include several New York City subway lines, MTA bus lines, and the NYC Ferry on the South Brooklyn or East River routes. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off tours provide easy transportation between Manhattan and Brooklyn, where you can hop off at the bus stops that interest you.
When to Get There
Avoid traveling between boroughs during morning and evening rush hours unless you want to fight commuters for a spot on the subway. Otherwise, Brooklyn is great at any time. Go during the day if you're interested in browsing shops, relaxing over coffee, comparing pizza slices for lunch, or walking across the bridge. For live music in Williamsburg or a romantic stroll along the water, visit at night.
Parks in Brooklyn
Near the center of Brooklyn, Prospect Park is the borough's heart, with Park Slope on one side and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on another. Locals head here to picnic, play sports, and relax by the Boathouse. Fort Greene Park is known for its Revolutionary War history, while Brooklyn Bridge Park provides waterfront green space, gardens, and a bike path. For retro fun, visit Luna Park at Coney Island and take a ride on the 1927 Coney Island Cyclone wooden roller coaster.
Address: New York City, New York 11201, USA
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