Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Downtown Historic District
Centered on Pershing Square, this condensed collection of city blocks once comprised the most glamorous commercial area in Los Angeles; after a decade’s worth of rejuvenation efforts, it has once again become a desirable destination. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it encompasses the Broadway Theater District, the Old Spring Street Financial District and Bunker Hill.
Crowned by the gilded Art Deco splendor of the Biltmore Hotel, buildings like the Los Angeles Central Library (a columnar fusion of Art Deco and ancient Egypt), Grand Central Market (the oldest food market in the city); and the Bradbury Building (built in 1893 and famed for its Victorian interior) make this one of the most architecturally significant swaths of L.A. Also home to Angels Flight, a funicular billed as the world’s shortest railway, elegant MacGuire Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), you could spend half a day or more exploring the core of Downtown.
Crowned by the gilded Art Deco splendor of the Biltmore Hotel, buildings like the Los Angeles Central Library (a columnar fusion of Art Deco and ancient Egypt), Grand Central Market (the oldest food market in the city); and the Bradbury Building (built in 1893 and famed for its Victorian interior) make this one of the most architecturally significant swaths of L.A. Also home to Angels Flight, a funicular billed as the world’s shortest railway, elegant MacGuire Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), you could spend half a day or more exploring the core of Downtown.
Practical Info:
Every Saturday at 10 a.m., docents from the Los Angeles Conservancy lead
2 ½-hour tours of the District ($10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and
under), meeting in the middle of Pershing Square.
Address: Los Angeles, CA, USA
From $ 79
Downtown San Diego
The eighth largest city center in the US, downtown San Diego has its fair share of entertainment. Located just minutes from the airport, you’ll find a wonderland of accommodations, restaurants, entertainment and cultural attractions in downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter is downtown’s most famous district, though you’ll also find neighboring Balboa Park hosts quite a number of San Diego attractions, including the world famous San Diego Zoo. Walk to Petco Park to catch a Padres game, take the kids to the New Children’s Museum, or take a walk down the Embarcadero district and hit the beach, see the USS Midway Museum, or stop and shop in Seaport Village. If you’re in San Diego, downtown is the place to be.
Address: Downtown, San Diego, CA, USA
From $ 35
Dolores Park
When the sun breaks through the clouds in San Francisco, the Mission District feels it first, and locals flock to Mission Dolores Park to soak up those rays and enjoy picnics and lawn games on the grass. Noted for its view of the San Francisco skyline and proximity to some of the city’s best places to eat, Dolores Park is the place to be on a sunny afternoon.
The Basics
Located between the Castro and Mission District, Dolores Park is home to tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, a playground, picnic tables, a dog play area, and plenty of green space, making it one of the city’s favorite parks. Standard city sightseeing tours don’t typically include the park, but walking tours of the Mission provide the chance to visit or pass by while exploring the neighborhood’s cultural history or food scene. Alternatively, pick up food and drinks at one of the many local businesses on 18th and Valencia streets, and head to the park with a blanket and a group of friends.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair access is limited; there is a ramp at the entrance at Dolores and 19th streets.
- Public restrooms are available inside the park.
- “Leave no trace” is the motto to be followed—make sure to take all your trash with you when you leave.
How to Get There
Dolores Park sits between Church, Dolores, 18th, and 20th streets. Free and metered street parking is available (pay attention to the posted signs for limits). The J-Church light rail runs along the park’s western edge. Bus route 33 passes by the park.
When to Get There
A sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon is prime time for people-watching with what may feel like half of San Francisco. Go on a weekday afternoon to enjoy the vibe without fighting for a space on the grass.
Mission San Francisco de Asís
Founded in 1776, the oldest structure in San Francisco, known as Mission Dolores, is often overlooked by visitors who go to the Mission District to frequent the shops, bars, restaurants, and park. But it’s worth a stop to see the historic architecture and learn about a piece of California history.
Address: Dolores Park, San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 24
Downtown Vancouver
Surrounded by water on three sides, downtown Vancouver is the place to go for sea views, bright lights, and action. The city’s commercial core, it encompasses several distinct areas including shop-lined Robson Street, the green expanse of Stanley Park, historic Gastown, and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.
The Basics
With so much to see here, many visitors to Vancouver devote the majority of their time to downtown. Join sightseeing tours of downtown, or delve deeper with walking tours of specific downtown neighborhoods, such as Victorian-era Gastown or the hip waterfront enclave of Yaletown. Downtown biking tours typically follow routes around Stanley Park’s scenic seawall, while many boat tours cruise around Vancouver Harbour, False Creek, and English Bay, offering front-row views of the downtown skyline.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Downtown Vancouver is a must for first-time visitors.
- You’ll never be far from a restaurant in downtown Vancouver, with lots of dining options at all price points, including an abundance of Asian eateries.
- Navigating downtown Vancouver is easy, with an interlinked transit network that includes the SkyTrain, buses, and the SeaBus passenger ferry.
How to Get There
From the airport, take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Yaletown–Roundhouse, Vancouver City Centre, or Waterfront station. Cruise ship passengers disembark at Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, on downtown Vancouver’s waterfront .
When to Get There
Downtown Vancouver sees the warmest weather from mid-June through mid-September, and this is the best time for outdoor activities such as biking around Stanley Park or kayaking in False Creek. Avoid driving into or out of downtown during rush hours (7am–10am and 4pm–7pm).
Top Sights in Downtown Vancouver
Many of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks and well-known attractions are situated in the downtown area. View the city from on high at the Vancouver Lookout observation deck, admire the sail-shaped forms of Canada Place, hear the Gastown steam clock chime, and explore Stanley Park, home to the Brockton Point Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Address: Canada
From $ 30
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, in Vancouver’s Chinatown, was the first “scholar’s” garden built outside of China in the Ming Dynasty tradition. This cultural and natural oasis offers a serene break from Vancouver’s hustle and bustle, and the nonprofit organization was named the one of top 10 city gardens in the world by National Geographic.
The Basics
This combination of the free public park and admission fee-based garden comprises winding covered walkways, ancient limestone formations, and 150-year-old miniature trees that serve as a tranquil break from the concrete jungle. The first classical Chinese garden in Canada, the site was created by master craftsmen from China using 14th-century methods: no screws, no glue, and no power tools. On Friday nights in summer, the garden hosts an eclectic repertoire of musical and dance performances that includes classical, Asian, world, gypsy jazz, Slavic soul, and fusion. The garden aims to create cultural understanding between the eastern and western ways of life in British Columbia.
The Chinese garden offers 45-minute guided tours throughout the day and is also a stop on many Vancouver gardens tours, city highlights tours, Vancouver bike tours, and cultural tours of Chinatown.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The garden serves traditional Chinese tea and offers a family-friendly scavenger hunt for kids.
- It is recommend to sign up for guided tours in advance to ensure your desired time.
- Parking in Chinatown can be tricky. Tours with included transportation from area hotels offer an easy solution, as does public transportation.
- The small garden requires little walking and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, on Carrall Street in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, is easily accessible via public transportation, and it’s only a few blocks away from the Gastown neighborhood and downtown Vancouver.
When to Get There
The garden is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm from October 1 to April 30 (closed on Mondays from November 1 to April 30), 10am to 6pm May 1 to June 14, and 9:30am to 7pm from June 15 to August 31. Summertime visitors get an added bonus of Friday night cultural performances, held from mid-July through the first weekend in September.
Feng Shui at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, or energy alignment between physical spaces and people’s intentions, is evident everywhere in the garden. Notice how dark pebbles are placed next to light ones, how swaying bamboo grows around immovable rocks, and the way in which soft-moving water flows across solid stone. Each item—including the roof tiles, tai hu rocks, and native flora—was placed with a considered purpose to create balance and harmony.
Address: 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, Canada
Hours: 10am to 4:30pm from October 1 to April 30 (closed on Mondays from November 1 to April 30), 10am to 6pm May 1 to June 14, and 9:30am to 7pm from June 15 to August 31
Admission: Varies
From $ 52
Dolby Theatre
Renamed in 2012 when sponsor Eastman Kodak filed for bankruptcy, this 180,000-square-foot, 3,400-seat theater now showcases Dolby Laboratories' state-of-the-art sound technologies. Situated in the popular Hollywood & Highland mall complex, the elegant Dolby Theatre hosts both the Academy Awards and Cirque du Soleil's Iris, a resident stage show which celebrates the history of film.
Periodically, the Dolby also plays host to charity benefits, movie premieres, special events and other televised award shows. The theater's soaring stage, one of the largest in the United States, has featured the national premiere of Pixar's Brave, the American Idol finals, the Daytime Emmys, the American Ballet Theatre and even President Barack Obama, while out on the campaign trail.
Periodically, the Dolby also plays host to charity benefits, movie premieres, special events and other televised award shows. The theater's soaring stage, one of the largest in the United States, has featured the national premiere of Pixar's Brave, the American Idol finals, the Daytime Emmys, the American Ballet Theatre and even President Barack Obama, while out on the campaign trail.
Practical Info
Guided walking tours of the theater's architectural and historical
highlights (including a five-level lobby with geometric patterns
inspired by the kaleidoscopic dance numbers in Busby Berkeley musicals)
are offered seven days a week, departing every 30 minutes between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
Address: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028, USA
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:30am–4pm
From $ 23
Downtown Aquarium
Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is a fun and educational attraction, especially for families. Children can get up close and personal with more than 200 types of underwater creatures, including myriad fish, eels, rays in a touch tank, sharks, and white tigers. Kids also love the amusement rides and dining in the underwater aquarium restaurant.
The Basics
This 500,000-gallon (1.89-million-liter) complex takes you through a network of tanks all organized with a different theme. You might enjoy seeing a replica of a 17th-century shipwreck reef teeming with fish or riding through the Shark Voyage tunnel. Another add-on ticket option includes petting stingrays in the aquarium’s touch tanks. End your visit with a peek at the two resident white tigers housed in a replica Maharaja’s temple and a spin on some of the amusement rides. If you’ve worked up an appetite, consider a meal in the aquarium restaurant—and dine next to colorful fish swimming in floor-to-ceiling tanks.
You can get single tickets for individual attractions in the complex, or make a day of it with an All-Day Adventure Pass, which includes admission to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and Stingray Reef plus unlimited amusement rides. Combination tickets are available that provide entry to the Downtown Aquarium along with other Houston area attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Houston aquarium is a great activity for families with young kids.
- If you plan to enjoy the outdoor attractions, remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Skip the line with a Houston CityPASS—cardholders enter through a dedicated line.
- The Downtown Aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Downtown Aquarium is located on Bagby Street between Preston Street and Memorial Drive, just east of US 45 (Gulf Freeway) in downtown Houston. The city’s bus service stops at Preston and Bagby. If driving, paid parking is available in the downtown lot next to the aquarium complex.
When to Get There
Houston’s aquarium is open every day of the year from 10am; it closes at 8:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. To beat the crowds, visit early or late in the day, even an hour or two before closing—you can get through the main aquarium fairly quickly. Expect throngs on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
Ride the Train Under the Sharks
For added fun, spring for a train ticket that takes you through the Downtown Aquarium’s Shark Voyage, a tunnel through a 200,000-gallon (757,000-liter) tank filled with sharks swimming overhead. There are several outdoor attractions worth exploring, too, plus amusement rides including a 100-foot (30.5-meter) Ferris wheel and an aquatic carousel.
Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Dole Plantation
What started out as a Wahiawa fruit stand in the middle of the pineapple fields in 1950 is now an extremely popular Hawaiian attraction. The sprawling Dole Plantation in central Oahu is a rural throwback to a time when the pineapple helped rule Oahu’s economy. Visitors can sample the sweet yellow fruit, ride on the famous Pineapple Express train and motor out through the fields, take a walk through a huge garden maze, learn how to find fresh pineapple when grocery shopping, and hear how pineapples are grown on plants—and not underground or on trees.
The Basics
Allowing travelers to learn how agriculture helped influence the rise of modern Oahu, the plantation is a popular stop on small-group and private circle island tours departing from Waikiki. The site is often paired with other Oahu sightseeing activities including snorkeling and sites such as Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor or Hanauma Bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dole Plantation is a must-see for families with kids and Hawaiian history buffs.
- Expect to spend one to two hours at the plantation, depending on which activities you’d like to take part in. (Each activity requires a separate fee.)
- The plantation is a common stop on North Shore tours.
- The Dole Plantation is wheelchair accessible.
- There is both a gift shop and an on-site restaurant, the Plantation Grille.
How To Get There
The Dole Pineapple Plantation is located outside of Wahiawa on the road to the island of Oahu’s North Shore, about 30 minutes from Honolulu International Airport and 45 minutes from Waikiki by road. Buses run from Waikiki to the Ala Moana shopping center to connect with the Circle Island service; it’s a 1-hour and 45-minute trip.
When To Get There
The Dole Plantation is open 9:30am to 5:30pm daily. The site is busiest in summer and around the winter holidays, and crowds are smallest from September to December. To beat the late afternoon crowds, consider planning a mid-morning visit.
Get Lost in the World’s Largest Maze
When Pineapple King James Dole first moved to Hawaii in 1899, he probably never thought his plantation would house the world’s largest maze. Constructed from over 14,000 plants, the site’s garden maze covers three acres (1.2 hectares) and has navigational plaques that help you eventually find your way to the exit.
Address: 64–1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa 96786, USA
Hours: Open daily 9:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: $7 - $22 per adult
From $ 98
Dorchester Square
Since its completion in 1892, Dorchester Square has been a cultural and political focal point for protests, social gatherings, and pedestrian traffic in Downtown Montreal. Adjacent to the Dominion Square Building and Place du Canada, the public park is home to four historic monuments, including a Robert Burns statue and the Boer War memorial.
The Basics
The centrally located Dorchester Square is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, a convenient way for visitors to sightsee without the hassle of navigating. Downtown walking tours often include Dorchester Square in conjunction with other nearby landmarks, such as Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, St. Catherine Street, and parts of Montreal’s Underground City. Opt for a private tour and you can tack on a stroll through Dorchester Square to any customized itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dorchester Square is a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers.
- Street signs, including parking and traffic signs, are written in French.
- Don’t forget comfortable shoes—the best way to explore the neighborhood is on foot.
- Food trucks are often parked along the square, but Downtown Montreal offers a variety of cafés and restaurants.
How to Get There
Dorchester Square’s central downtown location makes it easily accessible using Montreal’s comprehensive public transit system. Buses 107, 150, 430, and 747 all stop directly in front of the square, and the nearest metro stations are Bonaventure on the red 2 line and Peel on the green 2 line. Alternatively, a BIXI bike share dock is located on the square’s northeast corner.
When to Get There
Dorchester Square is open to the public 24 hours a day. Like most outdoor spaces in Montreal, the square is busiest from May to September; seating areas, shady trees, and wide walkways make it an easy place to spend an afternoon.
A Grave Beginning
Before 1854, Dorchester Square was the burial site of victims of a 1851 cholera epidemic that caused more deaths worldwide than any other 19th-century pandemic. Because the cemetery was built quickly and without much foresight, the government exhumed the bodies later that year and moved them to Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery atop Mount Royal. As you walk through Dorchester Square, you’ll spot the crosses engraved in the pathways—a small reminder of this land’s solemn beginnings.
Address: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
From $ 19
Dow Museum of Historic Houses
This popular city attraction is the ideal destination for history, architecture and art lovers. Travelers can saddle up to a city block that dates back some 400 years and learn about the stunning collection that was once Kenneth Dow’s. The nine homes and stunning courtyards that make up this worth-while stop showcase the life of locals during historic times and pay homage to the gardens, traditions and artistry this part of the state is known for.
Practical Info
The Dow Museum of Historic Houses is located at 149 Cardova Street, near the corner of Bridge Street in St. Augustine, in the old town section of the city. It is open daily from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with tours offered at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.
Address: 149 Cardova Street, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with tours offered at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.
From $ 28
Downtown Tampa
The central business district of this popular Florida destination is known by both travelers and locals as Downtown Tampa. This part of the city is ripe with a diverse arts and culture scene, as well as lively night life, dozens of museums and a handful of historic performances spaces. Visitors can spend the afternoon exploring the impressive Florida Aquarium or the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. The Glazer Children’s Museum, next to the Tampa Museum of Art, offers up plenty of interactive fun for the family set, and a stroll along the scenic river walk showcases striking views of the Tampa city skyline. Travelers who prefer an evening out on the town will find what they’re after in the Uptown District, where some of the city’s best restaurants and bars are located, while those in search of an urban escape can enjoy the outdoors in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Practical Info
The easiest way to navigate Tampa is by private car or hired taxi. But the city does have its own metro system known as HART, as well a streetcar system known as TECO for travelers who prefer to the convenience of mass transit.
Address: Tampa, Florida, USA
From $ 70
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
As the main hall of the Los Angeles Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to some of the best musical performances in the LA area. It was built utilizing a “total design” aesthetic, meaning that every detail from the carpeting to the engineering was coordinated for uniformity of design. Historically its halls and stage have been home to everything from the LA Philharmonic to the Academy Awards, though these days it’s the site of the LA Opera and Glorya Kaufman dance performances (which often brings in traveling dance troupes.)
Excellent acoustics create resonating sounds across its four-tiers of seating, while crystal chandeliers and wide stairways add to the ambiance of elegance. The Los Angeles Music Center that it is part of it is one of the three largest centers for performing arts in the United States, and some of classical music’s greatest performers have graced its stage.
Practical Info
The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located on Grand Ave in Los Angeles. As with most of LA, driving is the best way to get there and both self-parking and valet is available. Tours of the Los Angeles Music Center of which the pavilion is part of take place Tuesday to Saturday at both 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Address: 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, California, USA 90012, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
From $ 70
Drexel University
Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthon J. Drexel, Drexel University is a private research university with three campuses in Philadelphia, as well as another one in Sacramento. It is most famous for offering cooperative education program and is regularly ranked as one of the top co-op programs in the United States. The university is also known for its impressive online efforts.
In terms of tourist attractions, Drexel University is home to the Academy of Natural Sciences (which hosts a sought-after and complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil), as well as the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. The university is also regularly referenced to in popular culture, such as in General Hospital and All My Children. Additionally, nearby Drexel Park offers fantastic views of downtown Philadelphia.
Practical Info
Drexel University is located at 3141 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. It can be reached by car and by public transit (Phlash Trolleys and SEPTA bus routes 32, 33 and 48). Entry to the Academy of Natural Sciences costs $15.95 per adult and $13.95 per children. The Academy is open from 10am to 4:30pm between Monday and Friday and between 10am and 5pm on weekends and holidays.
Address: 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 45
Dollywood
Country music legend Dolly Parton is co-owner of Dollywood, a family-centered theme park in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Amusements include more than 40 rides and attractions, 15 live shows, and several large seasonal festivals inspired by Dolly Parton and the history of the Smoky Mountains.
The Basics
The 150-acre (61-hectare) Dollywood theme park welcomes around 2.5 million visitors annually, making it Tennessee’s top ticketed attraction. Visitors can choose between 1-, 2-, or 3-day tickets that grant access to all rides, shows, and attractions. Travelers planning to spend more time in the Smoky Mountains region should consider a multi-attraction pass, which includes entrance to Dollywood, as well as Anakeesta, Titanic Museum, Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery, and the Island in Pigeon Forge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dollywood is a must-visit for families, and theme park or Dolly Parton enthusiasts.
- Buy a mobile ticket ahead of time to skip the line (and hassle) at the ticket office.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; flip-flops are not allowed on some rides.
- Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and remember to stay hydrated.
- A majority of the park is wheelchair accessible, as are many rides and attractions.
How to Get There
Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, 35 miles (56 kilometers) southeast of Knoxville. The best way to get there is to drive, but it’s also possible to ride the Fun Time Trolley from Pigeon Forge.
When to Get There
For the best balance of good weather and short lines for attractions, plan to visit on a weekday in spring or autumn. Plan to arrive first thing in the morning if you’re visiting during spring break, summer, or on a weekend. The park closes for much of January, February, and March.
TimeSaver Line Management Pass
Dollywood is one of Tennessee’s most popular attractions, so ride lines can be long. Visitors who want to make the most of their time in the park can purchase a TimeSaver pass, which allows for expedited access to select rides and shows throughout the day.
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA 37863, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 175
Domaine Chandon
Ensconced amid manicured gardens and a tasting room dotted with sculpture, paintings, and photography, Domaine Chandon is Napa Valley's showcase for sparkling wine. But the bubbly is not all you’ll taste; Domain Chandon also produces fine still wines, including Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Tastings are a special event at Domaine Chandon. In the Tasting Lounge - with its breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside - guests linger around the bar, a cocktail table, or shaded patio table in modern, stylish setting to taste wines by flight, glass, or bottle.
Practical Info
Domaine Chandon is located in Yountville, about 15 minutes north of Napa on Highway 29. The winery is also part of the Silverado Trail, thus the area is dotted with many wineries. Yountville is worth exploring, as well, and has some of the finest restaurants in all of Napa Valley.
Address: 1 California Drive, Yountville 94599, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Day, and New Year's Day.
Admission: Prices for tastings vary
From $ 129
Downtown Nashville
Music City’s lively downtown doesn’t disappoint. Nashville’s entertainment hub is home to a who’s who of restaurants, hotels, and cultural hot spots, including the Frist Art Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. After dark, live music takes over the bars of Honky Tonk Highway.
The Basics
With so many attractions packed in, Downtown Nashville deserves a prominent spot on any itinerary in the city. While the neighborhood is easily explored on foot, you can also hop in a horse and carriage for a tour of attractions like the Johnny Cash Museum and Tennessee State Capitol. Night owls can experience the best of downtown aboard a BYOB open-air party bus as it cruises through Lower Broadway and Downtown Nashville.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Downtown Nashville is a must-visit for music buffs, night owls, and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a fair amount of walking.
- Bring some cash for buying drinks and tipping at the downtown bars; it’s faster than paying by card.
- Some downtown venues charge a cover in the evenings, though most of the honky-tonks are free.
How to Get There
While Downtown Nashville is best experienced with a car, those who’d rather skip the rental can take the bus to Music City Central station or the commuter train to Riverfront Station to find themselves in the heart of the downtown action.
When to Get There
To get a feel for Downtown Nashville, plan to visit during the day to take in the cultural attractions and again at night to experience the famous nightlife. There’s live music pretty much every night of the week, but it’s a good idea to take a look at who’s playing beforehand and get tickets, if necessary.
Printer’s Alley
Printer’s Alley Historic District is located in Downtown Nashville, once the center of the city’s printing industry during the early 1900s; both The Tennessean and the Nashville Banner once had their offices here. By the 1940s, the alley was a hot spot for live music; clubs and saloons hosted acts such as Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, and The Supremes. It remains one of the best live music spots in a city known for its music.
Address: Nashville, Tennessee, USA, USA
From $ 30
Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas thrived as the city’s gambling district until the 1980s when new resorts and casinos pulled the crowds away from the area toward the Strip, the city’s main thoroughfare today. After a period of neglect, Downtown has seen revitalization over the past few years, transforming it into a Las Vegas cultural and entertainment hub in its own right.
The Basics
Downtown’s famed Fremont Street is still home to historic casinos such as the Golden Nugget and El Cortez, as well as the Fremont Street Experience, a multisensory light and sound show using more than two million lights and the world’s largest audio-video system. Downtown’s Arts District is home to several art galleries, studios, and stores, and there are also museums scattered around the neighborhood, including the Natural History Museum, Mob Museum, and Neon Museum.
Downtown Las Vegas is best explored on foot, the better to soak up the sights and sounds of the historic district. Guided walking tours introduce visitors to the history and culture of the area, as well as its quirky side. Food tours include tasting stops at a handful of notable restaurants in addition to neighborhood exploration. Alternatively, pick up a bicycle from the bike share in front of Container Park and explore independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fans of mid-century modern-style architecture flock to downtown Las Vegas to soak up the “classic Vegas” era feeling.
- Fremont Street’s light shows take place on the hour every hour from early evening through early morning.
- Casinos in downtown Las Vegas are open 24/7.
How to Get There
Downtown Las Vegas is located just north of the Las Vegas Strip, bordered by I-15 on the west, Washington Avenue on the north, Maryland Parkway on the east, and Sahara Avenue on the south. Cars can reach it via Interstate 15 and Route 95. The Deuce bus service runs from Mandalay Bay on the Strip to Fremont Street, stopping at resorts along the way.
When to Get There
Fremont Street comes alive with light shows and live entertainment every night of the week, but especially so on Friday and Saturday. There’s plenty to see and do during the day (galleries, museums, and stores) but nighttime, when the neon lights are lit, is the busiest.
The Neon Museum
Las Vegas is well-known for its neon signage, but in the 1990s, LED and LCD screens began replacing neon. In response, local preservationists saved neon signs in what was called the Neon Boneyard. Now, these symbols of the city’s heydey are honored at the Neon Museum, with more than 150 signs. Just north of downtown, the museum’s visitor’s center is in the renovated La Concha Motel lobby, a famed seashell-shaped, mid-century modern building.
Address: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
From $ 35
Downtown St Augustine
St. Augustine holds the title of “America’s Oldest City,” and its historic downtown district arguably holds more history than any other in the United States. Founded by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in America that was settled first by Europeans. The multicultural city has centuries of stories built into its streets and walls. A stroll through the downtown unfolds influence by the Spanish and English, as well as Native Americans, African Americans, and even Greeks.
The heart of the area is St George’s Street, a pedestrian-only promenade lined with historic architecture and specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants. Parts of the historic downtown have been preserved as living museums, some with artifacts dating back to the 1500s. Don’t miss the “Fountain of Youth,” a monument dedicated to Juan Ponce de Leon (who claimed Florida for Spain in 1513.) The old schoolhouse, old jail, colonial Spanish Quarter, and Castillo de San Marcos all offer a glimpse into the past.
Practical Info
Downtown St Augustine is pedestrian-friendly and most of the historic sights can be seen on foot. Many of the streets are narrow and designed for foot traffic as opposed to cars, so parking in the historic area itself can be a challenge — though some public lots are available.
Address: St Augustine, Florida 32084, USA
From $ 17
Dolphin Mall
Miami is known for its lively nightclub scene, sandy beaches and fiery flavors. But Dolphin Mall has put this colorful city on the map for shopping and entertainment, too.
With more than 240 stores, shops and restaurants—including high-end discount outlets—Dolphin Mall has become a destination for travelers eager to shop ‘til they drop. Visitors can explore the mall’s unique layout—which includes areas like Ramblas, Playa and Moda, which pay homage to Miami’s multicultural roots. Guests can comb through casual apparel, home design and décor, and even high-end boutiques that offer up one-of-a-kind designs.
Practical Info
Easy access via public transportation, airport shuttle and the Florida Turnpike make this retail Mecca convenient trip from just about anywhere in the county. Travelers can select ground transfer options direct from the airport, or venture on their own to this top shopping destination.
Address: 11401 12th St NW, Miami, Florida 33172, USA
Hours: 10am-10pm Saturday through Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday 10am-11pm and Friday 9am-11pm
From $ 27
Downtown Container Park
This collection of boutique shops with unique goods was formed from leftover shipping containers. The open air shopping spot is centered around a courtyard, which has a playground for children (with a treehouse!) and a stage with frequent live entertainment and events. Dining options range from high-end restaurants to gourmet hot dog stands and a craft whiskey bar. There are even art galleries to peruse and often concerts and films.
Specialty shops vary from boutique clothing stores to home decor and smaller local goods. The emphasis is on supporting one-of-a-kind products from local Las Vegas businesses and items that cannot be found elsewhere. There are also interesting artistic designs and exhibits throughout, making this a fascinating place to explore with something for everyone.
Practical Info
The park is located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas on the historic Fremont Street. The shops are open from Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, with extended hours Friday to Saturday, and limited hours on Sunday. A bus provides transportation from the Las Vegas Strip. There is no on-site parking.
Address: 707 Fremont St, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, USA
From $ 9