Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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William Heath Davis House
Built in 1850, the William Heath Davis House is the oldest house in San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter. It was owned by, you guessed it William Heath Davis, but he didn't build it in San Diego. The pre-fabricated house was shipped to town from Portland, Maine by boat via Cape Horn.
It was Davis' dream to build a city near San Diego Bay. New Town as it was called, included a wharf, store, park and several houses, but there was no potable water. When Davis lost his fortune he gave up on the city that would later become the Gaslamp District. The William Heath Davis House is also the home to the nonprofit Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation.
Practical Info
Self-guided house tours are available every day but Monday, when it is closed. The William Heath Davis House is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4pm on Sundays.
Address: 410 Island Avenue, San Diego, California 92101, USA
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sunday noon-4pm
Admission: $5
From $ 94
Winter Park
Even though Denver is the "mile high city," the city itself is set in the plains at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Denver ski resorts are often over an hour away from the city, and Winter Park is one of the closest at only 80 minutes from downtown. It's also the oldest and one of the largest ski resorts in the state, and one of its mountains"”Mary Jane"”is often considered to have the best moguls of any resort in the country. Like many other parts of Colorado, Winter Park is graced with over 300 inches of snowfall and 300 days of sunshine"”thereby creating ideal conditions for an active resort in the mountains.
The resort's elevation is notably high"”with a base at 9,000 feet"”and the summit trails officially top out at just over 12,000 feet. Aside from the 143 runs"”some of which are five miles long"”the small community of Winter Park is one of the nation's highest. Here you'll find dining, lodging, golfing, and a comfortable family amenities, and even when the snow stops falling in summer, the lifts keep running for mountain bikers looking to gain some speed down the trails.
Practical Info
Winter Park is located 67 miles to the north and west of Denver. Ski season is usually from November-April, with most years offering at least 150 days of skiing and snowboarding at the resort.
Address: 100 Winter Park Dr, Winter Park, CO, USA 80482, USA
Hours: Nov-April; Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm
From $ 125
World Erotic Art Museum
Located in Miami's Art Deco District, The World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) was founded in 2005 and is the only museum of its kind in the United States "“ exclusively filled with erotic art. The collection includes over 4,000 works of international art, dating back as far as 300 BC.
The 12,000-square-foot museum is the world's largest public collection of erotic art and was founded by Naomi Wilzig, an American art collector and writer. There are pieces from noted artists on display, including Rembrandt, Rodin, Picasso and Dali, while modern pieces include everything from countless sex toys in various shapes to dominatrix Barbie dolls.
If you're surprised to see Rembrandt's name on the list of noted artists, you'll soon learn about his erotic works here. "Rembrandt's Erotic Secrets" is an exhibit of 20 etchings, several of which are now permanently housed in the museum. Another popular exhibit is "African Treasures," which explores fertility worship in Africa as it relates to objects and practices both inside and outside of the bedroom.
Wilzig was honored with a Key to the City of Miami Beach in 2006, and the city also designated October 16 as "World Erotic Art Museum Day" in 2011.
Practical Info
The World Erotic Art Museum is located at 1205 Washington Avenue, at the corner of 12th Street. It's open Monday through Thursday from 11am until 8pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 11am until midnight. WEAM is open year-round but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. No one under 18 allowed in the museum, and no photography or video is allowed. Admission costs $15.
Address: 1205 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-8pm; Fri-Sun: 11am-midnight
Admission: $15
From $ 79
Ulupalakua Ranch
In the southern region of Maui near Haleakala lies Ulupalakua Ranch, the second largest cattle ranch on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Ulupalakua Ranch covers 18,000 acres stretching from the ocean up the sloping side of Haleakala Volcano. The ranch reaches an elevation of 6,000 feet at its highest point. Visitors to the ranch will mostly hang out at 2,000 feet, which still boasts incredible views of Maui and the nearby islands of Lanai and Molokai. The views are a big draw of Ulupalakua Ranch, but they aren't the only reason people like to visit it while traveling in Maui.
Ulupalakua Ranch also has many activities visitors can partake in. Horseback riding is available through Makena Stables. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy visiting as Ulupalakua Ranch is home to the only winery on the island. Sporting clay shooting is also available, which lets you shoot at a variety of stands, some with moving parts.
Visitors will also learn more about Maui's history through visiting Ulupalakua Ranch as it was originally founded in 1845 and still focuses on upholding the traditions and culture of Maui as well as preserving the island's agriculture and nature areas.
Practical Info
It's easiest to get to Ulupalakua Ranch by car. To get there, take Highway 37 if coming from the north or Highway 31 if traveling from the southeast.
Address: HC 1 Box 901, Kula, Maui, Hawaii, USA
From $ 325
Yukon River
The Yukon River is a winding, smooth, fast waterway that impresses with its power and speed. Known as the "River of Gold," the Yukon was the route to gold during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. The source of the river is located in British Columbia and the waterway stretches across the Yukon Territory and into Alaska before emptying into the Bering Sea. In total the Yukon River crosses nearly 2,000 miles--more than 3,000 kilometers.
The river winds through many historic sites and visitors will spot remnants of abandoned cabins and sternwheelers along the way. At the Fort Selkirk historic site, visitors will learn of the Yukon's trading and exploration history. At the Thirty Mile section of the river, what was once the most treacherous stretch is now a designated Canadian Heritage River and the perfect spot for a peaceful paddle. Rent canoes or kayaks from one of the many suppliers located along the riverbanks and enjoy a quiet and remote journey with plenty of history, wildlife and scenery.
Address: Yukon River, Whitehorse, Canada
From $ 152
Wells Fargo Plaza
The Wells Fargo skyscraper has won awards for its design"”twice. Not only a designer's masterpiece, Wells Fargo Plaza is also the tallest all-glass tower in the western hemisphere, the 16th tallest building in the U.S. and the second tallest building in Houston, making it one of the highlights of modern American skyscraper architecture. Its unique construction offers visitors to Houston an unparalleled look at the city's fabulous skyline, and from high atop one of the plaza's two sky lobbies, one can see all of Houston.
Outlaid with fine Italian marble, stainless steel and glass, the Wells Fargo Plaza is an inimitable take on the modern skyscraper and one stop your visit to Houston shouldn't be without. Connected to the famous Downtown Houston Tunnels, the Wells Fargo Plaza building encompasses an entire city block and features the area's only sunken plaza.
Practical Info
Wells Fargo Plaza in Houston is located at 1000 Louisiana Street downtown.
Address: 1000 Louisiana St, Houston, Texas 77002, USA
From $ 35
Westwater Canyon
Up a gorge of the Colorado River and between red sandstone cliff walls, Westwater Canyon is one of the best spots for experiencing the whitewater rapids of the the Moab River. Running 17 miles and crossing the Colorado-Utah state border, there are pools and streams for both beginning and advanced rafting levels. There are 10 class III-IV rapids for experienced whitewater rafters. Journeys through the canyon vary from 1,200 foot high canyon walls to black rock cliffs and rapids through gorges, and stops ashore can include exploration of caves, historic cabins, Indian petroglyphs, and some of the oldest geographic layers in the world.
Great Blue Herons, river otters, and bald eagles can also be spotted. The canyon is remote and often serene (when the water is calm) and the variety of scenery and speed makes this is an easy spot to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Practical Info
Westwater Canyon is located between Grand Junction, Colorado and Moab, Utah. Permits are required and limited.
Address: Utah, USA
From $ 197
Totem Heritage Center
Historic totem poles from the 19th century are preserved and exhibited at Ketchikan's Totem Heritage Center.
The tall totems were collected from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages in the region. Other Alaskan displays such as masks, photographs and artwork are also exhibited at the center, which hosts programs and classes to promote and safeguard traditional arts and crafts.
The century-old totems are poignantly weathered, their paint faded and patchy. Tours help fill in the stories behind the various carvings of animals and symbols.
The tall totems were collected from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages in the region. Other Alaskan displays such as masks, photographs and artwork are also exhibited at the center, which hosts programs and classes to promote and safeguard traditional arts and crafts.
The century-old totems are poignantly weathered, their paint faded and patchy. Tours help fill in the stories behind the various carvings of animals and symbols.
Practical Info
The Totem Heritage Center is a few streets east of downtown Ketchikan.
Address: 601 Deermont Street, Ketchikan AK 99901, USA
Hours: Open May - Sept 8am - 5pm daily, Oct - Apr Mon - Fri 1pm - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $5 (May - Sept)
From $ 700
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
When people think of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, they usually think of the WWI monument in Arlington National Cemetery. However, Philadelphia's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors the many fallen heroes from the American Revolutionary War. It was established in Washington Square Park in 1957, and the monument includes an eternal flame and a bronze statue of George Washington. Inside the tomb are the remains of a soldier found in the park, which was formerly used as a cemetery. Also found in the park is a clone of the original Moon Tree, a sycamore grown from a seed that was taken to space by astronaut Stuart Roosa on Apollo XIV.
Practical Info
Washington Square Park is situated just steps from Independence Hall in downtown Philadelphia, making it a convenient stop as you explore the city's historical sites on foot. As a public park, it is open and free to visit every day.
Address: Walnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
From $ 33
Toronado Pub
A local beer pub with an extraordinary beer selection on tap, Toronado Pub is one of San Francisco's most beloved bars. Ask anyone in the city who knows their beer where to find the best, and they'll send you here. The unpretentious atmosphere makes it feel like a local secret, but the bar is well regarded. It also tops lists of the best craft beer bars in America, so you know you're in for some serious beer sipping.
Toronado has more than 40 beers on tap and 100+ more in bottles. The pub updates its draft beer listing online nearly daily, with interesting new finds alongside classic favorites that never change. If you're looking for something seasonal or special, odds are you can find it here. With such variety, it's a fun spot for everyone "” but a must-see for any beer aficionado.
Practical Info
You can find Toronado in the Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco. Several city bus lines run to this area. The pub is open everyday from 11:30am-2am, though it tends to get especially crowded in the early evenings. The bar is cash only.
Address: 547 Haight Street, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Open daily from 11:30am"“2am
From $ 79
Union Square
A welcome patch of green in Downtown Manhattan, Union Square is one of New Yorkers' favorite city squares. It's the place for public gatherings, yoga and exercise classes, and for people from all walks of life to take a break and catch some sunshine, eat lunch, or read a book.
Stock up on fresh produce at the wonderful Greenmarket held here Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays, and if you're here in November/December you can pick up gifts at the holiday market.
Some striking architecture surrounds the square, and you'll find statues of famous figures dotted throughout, including Washington, Lincoln, Lafayette, and Mahatma Gandhi. Big-name stores and fine restaurants are nearby, and Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and the Flatiron District are just a stroll away.
Practical Info
Union Square is bordered by E 14th Street to the south and E 17th Street to the north, with Broadway and Park Avenue continuing up to Midtown from the square's northern corners.
The closest subway is Union Square/14th Street Station on the southern edge of leafy Union Square Park.
Address: Broadway and 14th Street, New York City 10003, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Venetian Gondola Rides
The Venetian Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip recreates the romantic experience of a gondola ride on the Grand Canal of Venice in Italy. Travelers can glide down the replica canals under graceful bridges, passing striking architectural structures and the hotel's Grand Canal Shoppes in the duplicated Venetian streetscape.
The Basics
Gondola rides are offered every day, and visitors can choose between a private two-person gondola and a shared gondola that seats four people. The 14-minute ride covers about half a mile of water, weaving indoors beneath the Venetianís sky-painted ceilings or outdoors along the Strip. Fifteen minutes before the rides begin, singing gondoliers appear in front of the lagoon to further transport travelers to Venice.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photo packages are available for an additional fee.
- The last ride leaves the dock 15 minutes before closing time.
- Reservations must be made in person unless you book ahead with a super saver that includes admission to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
How to Get to the Venetian Gondola Rides
The Venetian Hotel is located on Las Vegas Blvd, near other resorts and hotels such as the Stratosphere, the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Paris Las Vegas.
When to Get There
The indoor gondola operates Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 11pm and on Friday and Saturday from 10am to midnight. Outdoor gondola rides run daily from 11am to 10pm, weather permitting, and the gondola box office opens at 10am daily.
Want to be a Gondolier?
Each day, a small group of participants at the Venetian get to participate in a special Gondola University training program that teaches them how to be a gondolier, complete with a hat, T-shirt, photo, and official degree.
Address: 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas 89109, USA
Hours: Indoor: Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Outdoor: noon-11pm
Admission: $16 per person
From $ 55
Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is the 3-block entertainment epicenter of Universal Studios Hollywood"”the place to be after a day at the theme park for dining, shopping, and live shows (including Howl and the Moon). Visitors here will find 30 restaurants, a multiscreen movie theater, 30 shops, indoor skydiving, and a live concert venue.
The Basics
The Universal CityWalk sits adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, so chances are you'll end up here at some point if Universal is on your Los Angeles agenda. Some sightseeing tours of Hollywood also stop at CityWalk, including the Blue Route of the Los Angeles double-decker hop-on hop-off bus (along with the Chinese Theater and Hollywood Bowl).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Universal CityWalk is an excellent spot to grab a bite or do some shopping after a day at the park.
- Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the area, more if you plan to include some of the attractions.
- Entrance to Universal CityWalk is free, but many attractions require separate admission.
- CityWalk is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs can be rented in the valet area.
How to Get There
Universal CityWalk is located just outside the gate of Universal Studios in Universal City, west of Griffith Park. To get there, take the Hollywood Freeway and get off at either the Universal Center Drive or Lankershim Boulevard exits.
When to Get There
Businesses within Universal CityWalk maintain their own hours of operation, but many open and close about an hour after Universal Studios. Most travelers visit in the evening hours when the area is at its liveliest.
Indoor Skydiving at Universal CityWalk
One of the most popular activities at CityWalk is iFLY Hollywood, an indoor vertical wind tunnel where thrill-seekers can experience the sensation of skydiving without the risks or expense. A typical experience includes two 60-second "jumps" into artificial winds blowing up to 175 mph (282 kph).
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608, USA
Hours: Open daily 24hrs
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
Tomales Bay Oyster Company
Tomales Bay Oyster Company, which dates back to 1909, is California's oldest shellfish farm. It's situated north of San Francisco on the shores of Tomales Bay, an inlet between Point Reyes National Seashore, on the western edge of Marin County. Its proximity to San Francisco means city-dwellers flock here on the weekends to purchase oysters fresh from the sea.
The Basics
Tomales Bay Oyster Company is located 40 miles (65 kilometers) from San Francisco in the community of Marshall, just north of Point Reyes Station. Unlike neighboring oyster companies, Tomales Bay does not allow on-site picnicking or grilling; you simply buy your oysters and take them to a nearby beach or park to enjoy them. Some Marin County food tours include this as a stop, although many stop at Hog Island Oyster Company or Marshall Store.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Oysters are typically priced by the dozen (or bag of 50) and cost depends on size and type.
- Sauces, lemons, ice, an oyster knife, and shucking gloves are available for purchase.
- Bring a cooler so you can keep your oysters on ice after purchasing.
- Be sure to properly dispose of your oyster shells when you are done picnicking.
How to Get There
From San Francisco via vehicle, head across the Golden Gate Bridge and north along State Route 1 until you reach the oyster farm on the west side of the road, just past Millerton Point.
When to Get There
Tomales Bay Oyster Company is open for oyster sales on Friday 12pm-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm. Go early to beat the line.
Cowgirl Creamery
On your way to Tomales Bay Oyster Company, stop by Tomales Bay Foods in Point Reyes Station to pick up locally made cheeses by Cowgirl Creamery. This Bay Area favorite also has a popular shop in the San Francisco Ferry Building.
Address: 15479 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall, California, USA 94940, USA
From $ 195
Union Station
First opened in 1907, the D.C. area's largest train station is the headquarters for Amtrak, the busiest station on the Metrorail's Red Line, and a shopping and dining destination. Set just five blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building, this sprawling warren of specialty boutiques, food courts and elegant restaurants beneath soaring, gilded ceilings and Grecian arches makes for an easy stop amidst sightseeing in Federal Triangle, on Capitol Hill, and in Chinatown and Penn Quarter.
Union Station reached its peak in popularity during and immediately following World War II, but after a failed attempt to turn it into a popular National Visitors Center in the 1970s, it was refurbished and re-launched in its present form in 1988. Since then, the train station has been used by an average of 1o,000 Amtrak travelers per year, headed to and from destinations all over the country.
A variety of city tours depart from the Main Hall at the station's street level, including Old Town Trolley Tours and Open Top Sightseeing, but guided tours of Union Station itself are not offered. To get a different view of the station, visit the popular outdoor market held here each April through October, Monday "“ Saturday from 7 a.m. "“ 7 p.m.
Located on the Metrorail Red Line, there is also a large public parking lot on the premises of Union Station; with validation, up to two hours' parking costs $1.
Union Station reached its peak in popularity during and immediately following World War II, but after a failed attempt to turn it into a popular National Visitors Center in the 1970s, it was refurbished and re-launched in its present form in 1988. Since then, the train station has been used by an average of 1o,000 Amtrak travelers per year, headed to and from destinations all over the country.
A variety of city tours depart from the Main Hall at the station's street level, including Old Town Trolley Tours and Open Top Sightseeing, but guided tours of Union Station itself are not offered. To get a different view of the station, visit the popular outdoor market held here each April through October, Monday "“ Saturday from 7 a.m. "“ 7 p.m.
Located on the Metrorail Red Line, there is also a large public parking lot on the premises of Union Station; with validation, up to two hours' parking costs $1.
Address: 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington DC, USA
From $ 44
Zocalo
The heart of any Spanish Colonial city is the central plaza, or Zócalo, and the ancient port town of Acapulco - despite its several modern facelifts - is no exception. The swirl of activity, the live music on weekends, the vendors selling every sort of cheap (and some very nice) souvenirs are all here, mixing and mingling with tourists and locals relaxing in the shade.
Like all central plazas, Acapulco's Zócalo is presided over by a Catholic church, in this case Nuestra Señora de la Soledad. Its unusually domed and stellar interior, bookended by two of the least traditional bell towers you'll find in Mexico, were originally part of a movie set, later redeveloped into a parish church and declared a cathedral (temporarily) in 1959. It is the perfect centerpiece to Acapulco's resort-chic collection of Mediterranean, modernist, and other original buildings.
Practical Info
Just behind the strip of high rise hotels fronting the main beach is the city itself, centered on Acapulco's Zócalo, more properly called Plaza Juan ÃÂlvarez. It is walking distance from anywhere in the city proper, and can be easily reached by Caleta or Base bus plying the Costera; taxis may be more convenient. On holidays, religious or civic, this is the place to be, and you'll often find live music and dance, fireworks, and other festivities geared toward locals going on right here.
Address: Calle Inependencia and Costera Miguel Alemán, Acapulco, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 22