Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
ShowingFilter 601-620 of 2596 listings.
Ex-Convento del Carmen
Ex-Convento del Carmen is a former monastery that now houses a museum. It was built in the 17th century and features a simple colonial church style of architecture that has a serene quality when walking through it with a peaceful courtyard.
The museum at Ex-Convento del Carmen is home to a variety of religious artwork, most notably paintings from the 16th century through the 18th century. Another interesting – and possibly eerie depending on your outlook – aspect of a visit to Ex-Convento del Carmen is found in the crypt. Down there, you’ll encounter a collection of remarkably well-preserved mummies. These 12 mummified human corpses are a highlight of most people’s visit to Ex-Convento del Carmen so be sure to travel downstairs to the crypt to find them before departing. The mummies also make Ex-Convento del Carmen a more kid-friendly site to visit as children will be enthralled by the real-life mummies.
Practical Info
Ex-Convento del Carmen is located in the San Angel neighborhood of Mexico City at Avenida Revolución 4. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you are allowed to walk through at your own leisure.
Address: Avenida Revolución 4, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From $ 53
Exploratorium
San Francisco’s Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s one giant laboratory. Perched on the downtown waterfront at Pier 15, the Exploratorium brings together science, art, and human perception through interactive, science-based experiences. The Exploratorium is wholly hands-on, with nearly every surface designed to be touched, played on, and engaged with.
The Basics
The Exploratorium, comprising six main galleries on a single floor facing the San Francisco Bay, houses a series of interactive exhibits and touch-me activities that invite—as the name suggests—exploration. From the Tactile Dome to the Tinkering Studio, the Exploratorium invites visitors of all ages to engage with the exhibits to explore the natural world and every individual’s perception of it. Featured themes include the living world, human emotions, and the senses of sight and hearing.
You can buy tickets at the Exploratorium or save time with advance-purchase skip-the-line tickets for the specific date of your visit. The museum is a stop on the hop-on hop-off bus, and entry is included with the San Francisco Go Card, Explorer Pass, and CityPass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Exploratorium is a must for families with children. Young kids and adults who are young at heart will delight in the freedom to play.
- Some exhibits, including the popular San Francisco fog and wind and tide exhibits, are outside. Wear layered clothing and shoes that can get wet.
- While the Exploratorium is oriented toward science and exploration for children, the Thursday evening events such as the Tactile Dome and After Dark attract an adult crowd.
- First-time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do. Plan an early arrival to experience as much as possible.
- The on-site restaurant, Seaglass, is very popular. Dine after 1pm to avoid the longest lines.
- The Exploratorium is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; loaner wheelchairs are available for free at the information desk.
How to Get There
The Exploratorium is served by MUNI’s E and F streetcars. Bus lines 10 and 12 stop a few blocks over, and the Embarcadero BART station is about a 15-minute walk away. If you must drive, there is a paid parking lot at Embarcadero and Green Street, and limited street parking along the Embarcadero before 3pm.
When to Get There
The Exploratorium is open daily from 10am to 5pm; in summer (generally July through August) it’s open 6pm to 10pm Thursday for those 18 and older, and 5pm to 9pm Friday for all ages. It’s an incredibly popular place, and on weekdays it’s often bustling with school and camp groups; late afternoons tend to be quieter.
From the Palace of Fine Arts to Pier 15
The brain child of Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium originally opened in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts, the former site of California’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Oppenheimer’s passion for teaching with hands-on activities and experiences helped transform science education. Working closely with artists, educators, and developers, this first-of-its-kind science museum invited visitors to use more than their eyes to learn. The Exploratorium moved to its new location on the Embarcadero’s Pier 15 in 2013.
Address: Pier 15, San Francisco 94111, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Extraterrestrial Highway
State Route 375 is an actual state highway in Nevada, but because of its proximity to Area 51, it's been officially designated by Nevada as the Extraterrestrial Highway. The strip is 98 miles long, connecting State Route 318 to U.S. Route 6, and running through what is basically empty desert. The area became a tourist destination because it's close to Area 51, the highly secret military base about which there are innumerable stories about aliens and UFOs, so in 1996 the state renamed the highway.
To learn more about the area's history, head for the tiny town of Rachel, roughly in the middle of the 98-mile stretch of highway, where everything is about aliens. There are Area 51 tours that include the Extraterrestrial Highway and Rachel.
Practical Info
At one end of the Extraterrestrial Highway is the ghost town of Crystal Springs, which is a minor tourist attraction, and even if you don't see a UFO you're likely to hear the sonic boom of an F18 on a test.
Address: Extraterrestrial Highway, Tonopah, Nevada 89049, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 200
Faubourg Marigny
Ask any tourist about the Faubourg Marigny and you’ll likely be met with blank stares. Ask any local about the Faubourg Marigny, and you’ll hear about one of New Orleans’s most interesting and musically active neighborhoods. A triangular area between Esplanade and Elysian Fields Avenue, this historic New Orleans neighborhood spans only a third of a square mile but has a wildly disproportionate concentration of musical talent.
Long a local secret, national attention landed upon Faubourg Marigny when, after Hurricane Katrina, a new wave of interest in New Orleans began, and with the economic resurgence that filled the land the Marigny neighborhood entered the spotlight as a local place to be and be seen.
Historically, the Faubourg Marigny was developed as New Orleans’ second suburb in 1806, and was the first recording neighborhood outside of the famous French Quarter. The neighborhood first became famous thanks to a wealthy eccentric southern gentleman who owned a plantation within the boundaries of the district and was known throughout the south for his generous displays of wealth and for bringing the now popular gambling game “craps” to America.
The most popular part of Faubourg Marigny is Frenchmen Street. This four block stretch of bars and restaurants is one of the most popular places in the city to catch live music and grab a good and soulful bite to eat. Many bars don’t feature cover charges, so patrons bounce from bar to bar with a “to go” drink, enjoying the neighborhood’s famous local music.
Practical Info
Marigny is down river from the French Quarter, to the north-east by compass.
Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
From $ 40
Factors Walk
Factors Walk in downtown Savannah is paved with the rest of the world. If you’re not sure exactly what that means, consider the cobbles that form the streets of uneven Factors Walk; brought to Savannah as ballast on ships and discarded here on shore, the stones came from China, India, Europe, and anywhere engaged with the agricultural trade that boomed in the 1700s. This rundown, funky, and some would say, real, stretch of Savannah is arguably its most authentic, as it shows the grungy underbelly of Savannah’s plantation past. After all, plantation life in Colonial Georgia was more than just mansions and fountains; it was schlepping crates full of Georgia cotton onto ships that were bound for England, and spending the few pence you earned for the job in a seedy riverfront grog shop. When strolling Factors Walk today, where steep stairways and narrow alleyways lead from the river up to Bay Street, there’s a dingy, historic, and industrial charm that’s free of the tourist gloss. One of the best ways to hear the Factors Walk stories is on a walking tour of downtown, lest you think it’s just souvenir shops in a poorly maintained part of town.
Practical Info
Factors Walk is part of the Savannah historic district, and is only a five-minute walk from City Hall and the heart of the riverfront scene. Because the cobbles are very uneven, take extra care when walking the alleys and navigating the steep sets of stairs.
Address: Factors Walk, Savannah, Georgia, USA 31401, USA
From $ 25
Fell's Point & Canton
Cobbled streets and a waterfront setting make Fell’s Point and Canton must-see locations in Baltimore.
Fell’s Point’s focus is Market Square, its 18th-century buildings now home to boutiques and restaurants. Historic pubs are a particular feature of this inner-city enclave, numbering more than 120, and the waterfront here has a salty maritime flavor for promenades and city views.
Neighboring Canton also has a central square, Canton Square, a patch of green surrounded by more sophisticated restaurants, galleries and shops.
Practical Info
Fell’s Point and Canton are on the eastern side of the Inner Harbor. Water taxis run to Fell’s Point and Anchorage, a few streets west of Canton.
Address: Market Square, Baltimore MD 21231, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 21
Fairmont Empress Hotel
The grand lady of Victoria, the Fairmont Empress Hotel was built in over-the-top French chateau style by the Canadian Pacific Railway company, opening in 1908.
Victoria’s first hotel is still the grandest, and one of the most highly awarded hotels in the country. Over the last 100 years, all manner of famous people have stayed here, including Edward Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth and Shirley Temple.
Taking afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is an experience not to be missed, complete with Edwardian style service, clotted cream, scones and pots of tea. Bookings are essential.
The style is more subcontinental colonial in the Bengal Lounge restaurant, where the menu features a curry buffet.Practical Info
The Fairmont Empress Hotel has a grandstand location on Government Street smack bang in the city center, with front-seat views of the inner harbor.
Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria BC V8W 1W5, Canada
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 169
Faro de Punta Celerain (Punta Sur) Ecological Park
Located on Cozumel’s southernmost tip, Faro de Punta Celerain (Punta Sur) Ecological Park spans 2,500 acres (1,011 hectares) of coastal wilderness, coral reefs, and Caribbean ocean. Here you can find ancient Maya ruins, a picturesque lighthouse, and sandy beaches—plus exotic birds, crocodiles, and sea turtles.
The Basics
Explore the park’s coral reefs on a diving or snorkeling tour to experience one of Cozumel’s richest underwater landscapes. On land, you can explore beautiful beaches, enjoy fresh seafood, and rest in shady hammocks. Climb the Celerain Point Lighthouse (Faro de Punta Celerain) for panoramic views of the area, visit the Tumba de Caracol (an ancient Maya shrine to Ixchel, the fertility goddess), or stroll through the wetlands to see crocodiles and rare birds.
Skip-the-line admission tickets to Punta Sur Ecological Beach Park allow you to save time and bypass long queues. Many Cozumel island tours include a visit to the park, whether you want to explore via Jeep, dune buggy, motorcycle, or electric bike. Some tour options include pickup and drop-off from hotels in Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or other Riviera Maya destinations.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is a must-see destination for wildlife lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and plenty of water.
- Be careful not to touch or disturb the wildlife, whether you’re on land or swimming on the reef.
How to Get There
The eco park is located roughly 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of San Miguel, at the island’s southernmost tip. There is no public transportation on the island, but you can rent a car, hire a cab, or visit as part of a tour.
When to Get There
The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities.
Exploring Cozumel’s Coral Reefs
Located off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel island is home to a world-famous coral reef system. The reef near Punta Sur Ecological Park is best for experienced divers and is famous for its underwater cavern system. Paradise Reef and Palancar Reef are ideal spots for novice divers and snorkelers due to their shallow depth; both offer a chance to glimpse sea turtles, colorful fish, towering coral spires, and gently waving sea fans.
Address: Costera Sur, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Opened in 1990, this re-creation of a medieval castle with its matching interior was a popular draw in its heyday, especially for families. As bigger, brighter and fancier resorts have opened up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, Excalibur has lost a bit of its luster, but it has managed to stand the test of time for those who are time-honored fans or traveling with kids.
Though it’s a bit rough around the edges, the 100,000-square-foot casino offers several table games and more than 1,700 slot, video poker and video keno machines. Excalibur’s casino truly excels in catering to the new gambler by offering several lessons each day (excluding holidays): poker at 11:00 a.m., roulette at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., blackjack at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and craps at noon and 8:00 p.m.
The resort’s race and sports book offers wagering on every major collegiate and professional sport including football, hockey, basketball, baseball, mixed martial arts, auto racing, golf and tennis.
If traveling with small children, no visit to Excalibur is complete without a stop in the Fun Dungeon, which has a large variety of carnival midways, prize redemption games, sports games and arcade games. The Tournament of Kings is an interactive dinner show that includes lots of medieval action such as jousting and fireworks.
Though it’s a bit rough around the edges, the 100,000-square-foot casino offers several table games and more than 1,700 slot, video poker and video keno machines. Excalibur’s casino truly excels in catering to the new gambler by offering several lessons each day (excluding holidays): poker at 11:00 a.m., roulette at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., blackjack at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and craps at noon and 8:00 p.m.
The resort’s race and sports book offers wagering on every major collegiate and professional sport including football, hockey, basketball, baseball, mixed martial arts, auto racing, golf and tennis.
If traveling with small children, no visit to Excalibur is complete without a stop in the Fun Dungeon, which has a large variety of carnival midways, prize redemption games, sports games and arcade games. The Tournament of Kings is an interactive dinner show that includes lots of medieval action such as jousting and fireworks.
Address: 3850 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
From $ 54
FBI Headquarters
The J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building, also known as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Headquarters, is the brain of the FBI’s activities around the world. The building, named after Hoover, who was the first FBI director, is located downtown in Washington DC, within walking distance of many other popular attractions. It also has a unique history, including a story that the famous FBI crime laboratory may have also been used as a smoking lounge.
The FBI has multiple locations, each of which handles various parts of the organization. The headquarters centralizes and coordinates activities at the highest levels. It serves as a hub for intelligence and information gathering. It’s also the location that takes the lead for the FBI during times of crisis or emergency.
Practical Info
The FBI Headquarters is currently located at 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW. There is metered street parking nearby, but it can often be difficult to find a spot. The best way to reach the headquarters is by public transportation. The closest metro subway stops are Federal Triangle, Gallery Place/Chinatown, Metro Center, and Archives/Navy Memorial. As of July 2014, the FBI is in search of a new location for the headquarters.
Address: 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20535, USA
From $ 39
Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier, the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that's accessible by road, is also one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Visitors can hike right up to the wall of blue ice to listen as it crackles and learn about how this and other glaciers from the Harding Icefield have reshaped the landscape over time.
The Basics
Since Exit Glacier is so easy to drive to, it’s included on many tours of Seward, along with attractions such as Resurrection Bay and the Alaska SeaLife Center. A short walk leads from the parking area through a forest and along a gravel river bed to the glacier, with markers indicating the glacier’s recession over the past century. The Edge of the Glacier Trail offers the best views of the front of the ice, while the Harding Icefield Trail climbs some 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) for views of the giant Harding Icefield (the source of 38 named glaciers).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Exit Glacier is a must for adventure travelers and those pressed for time.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- There are restrooms located in the Exit Glacier Nature Center.
- The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) trail from the parking lot to the Glacier View area is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Exit Glacier is situated at the end of Exit Glacier Road (officially called Herman Leirer Road) about 13 miles (21 kilometers) outside Seward. Most visitors arrive by car or as part of a guided tour, but it’s also possible to catch a shuttle from Seward to the glacier during the summer months.
When to Get There
While Exit Glacier is open throughout the year, the road to the glacier becomes impassible to cars beginning in mid-November through early May. The road does, however, remain open to snowmobiles, fat bikes, snowshoes, and cross-country skis.
Ranger-Led Walks
From late May through early September, national park rangers lead Exit Glacier walks four times daily. These guided hikes take the trail from the Exit Glacier Nature Center to the Glacier Overlook, with interpretation along the way about glacial activity, geology, and local flora and fauna.
Address: Kenai Fjords National Park, AK, USA
From $ 157
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
This bank in the heart of Lower Manhattan is one of 12 Federal Reserves in America. Visitors can go behind the scenes of trading rooms, museum and the famous vault—which holds some 900 tons of gold—on a guided small group tour of this iconic finance destination. Informative guides share stories about the banking system, American currency, global trade and importance of gold to the national economy.
Although tours are free, space is limited and most visitors will need to book at least 30 days in advance. Tours of this high-security landmark are ideal for families and visitors receive packets of shredded out-of-circulation cash as they leave the premise. It’s unlikely non-ticketed travelers will be able to enter the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, but the building’s exterior is impressive and still worth wandering past while in Lower Manhattan.
Practical Info
Tours are available Monday through Friday, except on bank holidays, between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Although the visits are free, groups are capped at 20. The bank and museum are accessible via the subway, by taking the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C or J train to Fulton Street and walking towards 44 Maiden Lane.
Address: 33 Liberty Street, New York, New York, USA 10045, USA
From $ 19
Fenway Park
Boston’s most cherished landmark isn’t Bunker Hill or the Tea Party Ships, but rather old Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. A must-see for sports enthusiasts as well as history and architecture buffs, Fenway Park is famous for its uniquely shaped playing field and towering left field wall known as the Green Monster.
The Basics
In the hearts of die-hard Bostonians, Fenway Park is the site of the city’s greatest dramas and worst defeats. If you can’t catch a game, step inside America’s oldest ballpark and explore its storied history on a walking tour of the stadium, during which you can sit inside the press box, visit the Red Sox Hall of Fame, and check out baseball’s oldest ballpark seats. Most Boston city sightseeing tours pass by Fenway Park, whether by bike, pedicab, or coach. Hop-on hop-off trolley tours also stop at the beloved ballpark, and a Go Boston Card provides free access to Fenway Park tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A variety of food options are available inside the park, including famous New England clam chowder and lobster rolls.
- Tickets to Red Sox games can be hard to come by—you may only be able to find single seats and obstructed-view tickets if you don't plan ahead, although some standing-room-only tickets are sold on game day.
- The park is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Fenway Park is located just south of Kenmore Square, on Yawkey Way. It is easily accessible via the MBTA subway, known as “the T,” from Fenway Station on foot. Paid public parking is available nearby, but this can fill up quickly—especially on game days.
When to Get There
Boston Red Sox baseball games are held from April to September, although stadium tours are offered year-round. On game days, the last tour departs three hours prior to game time. In summer, the ballpark hosts music concerts from world-renowned artists.
Fenway Park History
Historic Fenway Park echoes with reminders of the past. In the right field bleachers section, a lone red seat commemorates Ted Williams’ 502-foot (153-meter) home run, while baseball’s oldest scoreboard brings to mind contentious games between the Red Sox and their greatest rival: the New York Yankees. The legendary Green Monster, built in 1912, continues to top the charts as the highest wall in baseball at 37.17 feet (11.3 meters).
Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall is a bustling marketplace best known for its ever-changing lineup of street performers and its central location on Boston’s historic Freedom Trail. Tourists and locals alike flock to the complex’s shops and Quincy Market, featuring 30-plus food stalls selling everything from exotic coffee to fresh seafood and artisanal bread.
The Basics
To experience this bustling restaurant and shopping complex—housed in a refurbished 19th-century building—stop by on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and watch street performers execute jaw-dropping acrobatic and musical feats. Grab a bite to eat at Quincy Market or one of Faneuil Hall’s many restaurants, park at a streetside café or bar, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Let a guide show you the best hidden spots on a city bike tour or, for a taste of history, visit on a guided Freedom Trail walking tour. Because of its central location, Faneuil Hall is an excellent jumping-off point for visiting other Boston attractions such as the New England Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, Boston Public Garden, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring some change and a few dollar bills if you want to tip the street performers.
- If you have questions about the square, need directions, or are curious about nearby attractions, visit the information kiosk located in the plaza between the South Canopy and South Market building.
- Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market both have free Wi-Fi, but it may be slow due to the volume of tourist traffic.
- Faneuil Hall is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
The marketplace is centrally located next to Boston’s financial district, the waterfront, and the North End. Limited parking is available nearby and some marketplace vendors offer validation coupons. The easiest way to get to Faneuil Hall is via the subway, also known as “the T.”
When to Get There
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is open year-round. Summer, fall, and springtime visitors can enjoy outdoor seating at bars and restaurants, and the weather can be ideal for walking and bike tours. Winter visitors can cozy up indoors and see seasonal events such as ice sculpture contests and holiday light shows.
The Freedom Trail
Boston is rife with historic sights and remnants from America’s revolutionary past. Highlights include Old North Church, where the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal was sent to warn minutemen of approaching British forces; the colonial home of patriot Paul Revere; the site of the Boston Tea Party; and the Old State House—the oldest surviving public building in the city.
Address: Between North, Congress, and State Streets and Atlantic Avenue, Boston 02109, USA
Hours: Mon - Thurs: 10 am - 7 pm, Fri - Sat: 10 am - 9 pm,
Sun: Noon - 6 pm
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Fashion District
Los Angeles is one of the cities closely tied to the fashion world, and although the area in the city known as the Fashion District is largely catering to the industry it's also a tourist attraction that's partly open to the public.
LA's Fashion District is a hive of design activity – more than 100 blocks where fabric makers and wholesale clothing distributors occupying huge warehouses. These places don't sell to the general public, but there are some retail businesses in the neighborhood – and even some that are typically only open to the industry have special sale days once each month during which they sell off samples.
Inside the boundaries of the Fashion District are two popular tourist areas. The Los Angeles Flower District, where you'll find hundreds of wholesale flower shops (even if you're not shopping, it's gorgeous scenery); and Santee Alley, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops that's known for its bargains.
Practical Info
The Los Angeles Fashion District covers 100 blocks roughly from the Santa Monica Freeway to 6th Street, and Broadway to Stanford. Stores are grouped by product, so it's a good idea to get a map so you can focus on the things you want to buy. The sample sales occur on the last Friday of every month from roughly 9am-3pm in the designer showrooms.
Address: Los Angeles, California, USA
From $ 20
Exploration Tower
You can enjoy one of the best views along the Space Coast with a visit to Cape Canaveral’s new Exploration Tower. Built in 2013, the curved, sail-like building is a design match with the myriad cruise ships that venture in and out of Port Canaveral, and the viewing platform atop the seven-story structure offers an ideal vantage point for watching the bustle of the port or a NASA rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center, which sits about 10 miles to the north. Exploration Tower also features inside exhibits, including interactive movies in a two-story auditorium, and a simulator where would-be cruise captains can try their hand at navigating Port Canaveral.
Practical Info
Exploration Tower sits just off the waterfront in Port Canaveral, right next door to the major cruise ship terminals. Visitors can come any day to explore the exhibits and the view, while rocket-launch viewings only happen on occasion.
Address: 670 Dave Nisbet Dr., Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920, USA
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $6.50 for adults, $3.75 for children
From $ 80
Fern Grotto
Perfect acoustics and gorgeous scenery come together at Fern Grotto, the highlight of a cruise on the Wailua River.
A natural amphitheater, the fern-filled grotto provides a unique venue for visitors to hear traditional Hawaiian music in one of the islands’ most beautiful outdoor settings.
The beautiful grotto was created by volcanic activity, and is draped in tropical ferns.
Practical Info
Fern Grotto is on the eastern side of Kauai, reached by 40-minute boat tour along the Wailua River.
Address: Highway 56, Lihue 96766, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 115
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
There are 12 Federal Reserve Banks in the United States, and one of them is located in Atlanta. The Federal Reserve plays an important role in the US economy and banking system. They make sure banks are operating safely and fairly as well as establish monetary policies. Of the 12 locations throughout the country, only two have give tours. At the Atlanta location, visitors can tour the Atlanta Monetary Museum and learn about the history of money from barter to modern times. Different exhibits show the turbulent history of banking in America. There are also displays with rare coins and currency.
Interactive, multimedia exhibits explain the Federal Reserve's role in the economy. Visitors will also learn how monetary policy affects daily life, how the Fed supervises and regulates banks, and how the Fed provides payments system services to help the economy run smoothly. Tours also show visitors the cash processing operations where millions of dollars are counted, sorted, or shredded daily.
Practical Info
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is located at 1000 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Address: 1000 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From $ 59
False Creek
An inlet dividing downtown Vancouver from the rest of the city, False Creek borders some of Vancouver’s busiest shoreside neighborhoods, from chic Yaletown to Granville Island. The inlet hums with the activity of ferries, kayaks, and other boats, while the water’s edge is lined with scenic paths.
The Basics
Many travelers cross False Creek via the Burrard Street, Granville, or Cambie Street bridges on the way downtown. Some bike tours follow routes along the edge of False Creek, while select cruises and kayaking tours depart from Granville Island and venture out into the inlet. Water-based tours offer a unique view of shoreside urban landmarks, including Science World and BC Place stadium, and provide a chance to spot wildlife, such as harbor seals and cormorants.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A False Creek bike ride, walk, or cruise is a must for first-time visitors to Vancouver.
- False Creek is not suitable for swimming, though it is possible to use kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and dragon boats on the waterway.
- The seawall is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible ferries and boats also venture out into False Creek.
How to Get There
False Creek faces downtown Vancouver and is easily accessible via public transport. Take the SkyTrain to Stadium-Chinatown (Expo line), Main Street-Science World (Expo line), Yaletown-Roundhouse (Canada line), or Olympic Village (Canada line).
When to Get There
False Creek is quietest in early morning and evening. For a memorable experience, opt for a nighttime cruise or kayak tour, so you can see Vancouver sparkle.
Stroll the False Creek Seawall
Extending along the north and south edges of False Creek are pedestrian and cycle-friendly promenades. Follow the wide, paved False Creek seawall, which offers excellent views of the downtown skyline and mountain peaks looming behind the skyscrapers. The route leads past Granville Island Market, waterfront parks, and the Olympic Village, which hosted athletes during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Address: Vancouver, BC, Canada
From $ 30
Fallen Leaf Lake
Though only one mile south of its much larger neighbor Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake holds its own, scenically surrounded by tall pine trees and mountains. It was created centuries ago by a glacier from the Glen Alpine Valley, and a lack of commercial development here means a very high quality of water, the clarity of which means visibility up to 50 feet. The bottom is even often visible from the shore!
Boating and fishing are both popular activities, with a variety of small boats available for visitors to rent. There are also several fantastic hiking trails around the area, and though there are no designated areas the lake is great for swimming. The proximity to Lake Tahoe and remaining relatively unknown means fewer crowds and less bustling activity. There is also a campground for those seeking full immersion into the peace of nature here.
Practical Info
Get there by taking Fallen Leaf Road, which begins at State Route 89 and runs along the south shore of Lake Tahoe.
Address: Eldorado National Forest, California, USA
From $ 179