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Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial lies on the National Mall in Washington DC, on the edge of the Tidal Basin. The sprawling site comprises four distinct parts, portraying each of the 32nd president’s terms in office. Bronze sculptures and quotes engraved into the stone walls take visitors on a journey through FDR’s presidency and era.

The Basics

The 7.5-acre (3-hectare) memorial, opened to the public in 1997, is a fitting tribute to a man who stressed the importance of the National Park Service, saying that the “country belongs to the people.” The memorial is one of the capital’s most popular and inviting, with waterfalls; engravings of 21 famous FDR quotes; sculptures of the president, the first lady, and their beloved dog; and depictions of the difficult days of the Great Depression.

Many Washington DC city and monuments tours take in the FDR Memorial. National Park Service Rangers offer various tours as well; check the NPS website for details.

Things to Know Before You Go

The FDR Memorial is a must-see for those with a keen interest in presidential history.
Entrance to the memorial is free.
The statues are part of the memorial’s interactive nature. You may touch the statues but please do not climb or sit on them.
Distances between locations on the National Mall can be a lot farther than anticipated, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water with you.
Washington DC can have unpredictable weather. Dress appropriately for the climate and tote an umbrella.
The FDR Memorial is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The former can be borrowed from the bookstore.

How to Get There

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is located along the National Mall’s Tidal Basin and easily reached by bus, on foot, or by Metrorail. The two nearest stops are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian (on the blue, orange, and silver lines), a few blocks from the memorial. Street parking is very limited, but there is designated visitor parking on Ohio Drive, between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. There is also handicapped parking available in front of the memorial on West Basin Drive.

When to Get There

The FDR Memorial is open to the public year-round. The best times to visit DC are in the spring and fall, when temperatures are generally mild and the summer crowds are not in full swing. Washington DC can experience extreme or unpredictable weather, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms

Every spring, DC celebrates the National Cherry Blossom Festival to commemorate the gift of cherry trees given to the nation’s capital in 1947 by Tokyo’s then-mayor Yukio Ozaki. The stunning pink blossoms reflected in the Tidal Basin are a sight to behold. Peak bloom is without a doubt the most beautiful time to visit the National Mall and the FDR Memorial, though this window varies from year to year and is quite fleeting. The buds generally open between the end of March and the first few days of April, but if possible check in advance to plan your visit.

Washington DC, USA

From $ 14

Fort Street

From historic architecture to contemporary museums, Victoria if filled with plenty for travelers to do, see and experience. But for visitors looking to comb through halls of rare antiques, explore finds at tiny auction houses and finger through Canadian oddities, there’s no place better than the famous Front Street.

This picturesque street is lined with quiet cafes, Asian restaurants, used bookstores and a well-known chocolate shop. A colorful mural of Emily Carr, located on the side of Island Blue Print and Art Supplies pays homage to the city’s most famous female. And Craigdarroch Castle and the Greater Victoria Art Gallery are both within walking distance from Fort Street.

Practical Info

Fort Street is accessible using public transportation. Both the local pus and the regional rail system have multiple stops along this popular destination.

Fort Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, Canada

From $ 36

Franklin Institute Science Museum

Few individuals influenced the rise of the young American nation as much as quintessential Renaissance man Benjamin Franklin- author, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, soldier, and diplomat. The Franklin Institute pays homage to Franklin's scientific side, as it is one of the oldest and premier centers of science education and development in the United States. The institute is comprised of three centers- The Science Center, The Franklin Center, and The Center for Innovation in Science Learning.

The most recognizable part of The Franklin Institute's Science Center is The Franklin Institute Science Museum. Filled with numerous hands on exhibits, children and adults alike will be entertained for hours by wandering around the expansive museum. Be sure to check out some of the most popular interactive exhibits such as The Sports Challenge, Changing Earth, The Train Factory, Sir Isaac's Loft, and the famous The most recognizable part of The Franklin Institute's Science Center is The Franklin Institute Science Museum. Filled with numerous hands on exhibits, children and adults alike will be entertained for hours by wandering around the expansive museum. Be sure to check out some of the most popular interactive exhibits such as The Sports Challenge, Changing Earth, The Train Factory, Sir Isaac's Loft, and the famous Giant Heart, a gigantic model walk-through that has become a Philadelphia icon.

Practical Info

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is located right in the heart of Philadelphia, between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, making it easily accessible from any part of the city.

222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, USA

9:30am - 5pm

Adult: $15.50; Child: $12

From $ 23

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Fort Ross State Historic Park in Sonoma County is part fortress, part settlement. It was originally built in 1812 as part of the Russian-American Company, a commercial enterprise to supply goods to Russian outposts in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Most of the buildings date to 1836 and offer a well-preserved peek into an overlooked piece of California history.

The Basics

Fort Ross is a vital cog in the multicultural history of California. The southernmost settlement for Russian efforts of North American colonization, the now state historic park is a compound comprising several buildings surrounded by a stockade wall. Several Russian-era buildings have been reconstructed, including the Fur Warehouse and a Russian Orthodox chapel. Built from an existing structure in 1836, the Rotchev house is thought to be an original building. A museum and working windmill are more recent additions.

To best experience the historic park, take a private tour to learn about Russian history in the region as well as details about their interactions with Alaskans, Native Americans, and the Spanish, and about the region’s later history as a ranching community. Save an hour or two to explore the park’s beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

Fort Ross is a must for history buffs visiting Sonoma County.
Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Mornings are often foggy and damp, afternoons are often clear and sunny, and a breeze is almost constant.
Wear sturdy walking shoes for exploring the park’s buildings, beaches, and windswept bluffs.
There is no food available at Fort Ross State Historic Park but drinking water is available. Facilities are available at the visitor center.
The park’s buildings are not accessible to wheelchair users, but some picnic areas, trails, and beaches are.

How to Get There

Fort Ross State Historic Park is about a 2.5-hour drive north of San Francisco, 12 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1. You must drive there, as public transportation is unavailable. There is paid parking on-site, a short walk from the park’s visitor center and sights.

When to Get There

The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, and its buildings are open daily from 10am to 4:30pm. June through August is the park’s busiest season, when campgrounds book up well in advance. During the high season, Park Interpreters offer presentations are available during the week and on weekends; at other times of year, presentations are on weekends only.

Activities Near Fort Ross

Fort Ross State Historic Park abuts Northern California’s world-renowned wine country, and nearby wineries are widely recognized for their pinot noirs and chardonnays. The Russian River, which meets the Pacific Ocean at Jenner, is one of Sonoma County’s most famous wine-producing regions. After a visit to Fort Ross and some tasting rooms, head to Guerneville to see stands of old-growth redwood forests and experience another side of California's rich history.

19005 Coast Hwy One, Jenner, California 95450, USA

Varies

From $ 20

Fourth Ward

Visitors get a feel for times of the past strolling through Charlotte’s Fourth Ward. Located in the downtown area, it’s home to 100-plus-year-old Victorian houses and tree-lined streets. Knowing a bit of the Fourth Ward’s history helps you appreciate its persevering charm. In the mid-1830s the city of Charlotte was divided into four political wards. The Fourth Ward was considered to be a prosperous area. The area went through a period of decline and neglect in the late 1900s, before a renaissance in the late 20th century.

Now along with restored Victorians there are luxury condominiums, apartments and businesses. Fourth Ward Park is popular place to get outside and enjoy a sunny day. The three-acre park features a playground, walking trails and decorative water fountains.

Practical Info

The Fourth Ward is about 30 city blocks in size. The Charlotte Information Center downtown offers free self-guided walking tour maps.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, USA

From $ 15

Fountain of Youth

Your quest for the Fountain of Youth is over once you’ve visited this park in St. Augustine, Florida. This site where Spanish explorer Ponce de León came in search of the elusive fountain in the 16th century, founding the oldest European settlement in the US. Sip the legendary waters while you learn about the area’s indigenous history.

The Basics

Since 1871, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park has drawn visitors to the birthplace of St. Augustine and colonial European America. Entertaining and interactive exhibits include de León’s Spring of Eternal Hope, a re-created Timucuan village, a planetarium, hourly cannon demonstrations, and informative staff in period dress. The park is a worthwhile addition to your St. Augustine sightseeing itinerary, which might also include a stop at the Old Jail, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, Potter’s Wax Museum, and other attractions. Skip the driving and try a hop-on hop-off tour to explore all of these attractions at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Fountain of Youth is great for historians, and offers a lot of entertainment and space for kids to roam, too.
Discounted tickets are available for children, active military, senior citizens, and AAA members.
An on-site restaurant serves locally sourced barbecue, or you can bring your own food.
Plan to spend at least two hours to explore the entire site.
The park is pet-friendly and mostly accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

The Fountain of Youth is located in downtown St. Augustine on Magnolia Avenue, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Jacksonville. Take I-95 South to FL-16 East to Magnolia Avenue. Free on-site parking is available. The Sunshine Bus purple line also stops at US-1 south of Matanzas Avenue, about a 6-minute walk to the park.

When to Get There

The archeological park is open from 9am to 6pm daily. St. Augustine weather is generally ideal in the spring, from March through May, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds on weekdays and earlier or later in the day (though note that last entry is at 5pm).

Water of Life

This particular Fountain of Youth isn’t the only one in Florida that claims a Ponce de León origin story. Dozens of legends have sprung up about the area’s springs and wells, including a fountain in Punta Gorda that has been deemed unsafe for drinking and potentially radioactive. Rest assured, this park’s well is tested regularly and meets standards of consumption.

11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine 32084, USA

Varies

From $ 28

Fort Worth

Known as the home of “Cowboys and Culture,” Fort Worth is the smaller—but no less robust— neighbor in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Its roots as a cowtown can still be seen in such museums as the Stockyards Museum and family-friendly activities including twice-daily Texas longhorn cattle runs.

The Basics

Fort Worth has three key districts for visitors: Sundance Square, the Cultural District, and the Stockyards. Trendy Sundance Square spans 35 blocks downtown and has restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The Cultural District has five acclaimed museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Stockyards offers up a slice of old-school western life, with cattle drives and homey cafes and shops.

Things to Know Before You Go
Fort Worth is a friendly, laid-back destination that is ideal for families.
A free visitor trolley, Molly the Trolley, takes visitors around to the three main downtown districts.
Traffic can be busy throughout the DFW area, particularly during rush hour.

How to Get There

Fort Worth is 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Dallas. From Dallas, follow I-30 West and take the Lancaster Avenue exit for downtown. Trinity Railway Express train service runs between the two cities, and the city bus service is called “the T.” Visitors can also take the free Molly the Trolley throughout downtown.

When to Get There

For the best climate during your stay, try to time your visit for the fall, September through November. Major events that take place throughout the year include the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in January and the National Day of the American Cowboy in July.

Have You “Herd”?

Fort Worth’s Stockyards is the only place in the world where you can see a herd of Texas longhorn cattle roaming the streets. One of the Stockyards’ six staff drovers drive the cattle twice a day, at 11:30am and 4pm.

Main Street, Fort Worth TX 76101, USA

Free

From $ 15

Fort York

Fort York was constructed in 1793 by the British Army and Canadian militia troops for the defense of York (now Toronto). Today it’s a National Historic Site with Canada’s largest group of original War of 1812 structures. Explore the stone and wood barracks used during the 1813 Battle of York, when the U.S. invaded and destroyed the fort.

The Basics

A 7-acre (3-hectare) walled military fort built by the British Army and Canadian militia troops in the late 1800s, Fort York gives visitors a glimpse into Canadian history. Explore the barracks and battlefield, take a guided tour (on the hour), hear the twice-daily cannon firing, and observe a drill and the flag raising and lowering.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is an admission fee, with discounts for seniors and children; kids 5 and under enter free.
Plan to spend about two hours visiting the fort.
Most of the walking throughout the fort is on an even terrain, but some of the structures involve stairs.
All walkways are accessible by wheelchairs, but the Stone Magazine and Brick Magazine are not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Fort York is located about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) west of the CN Tower between the Gardiner Expressway and the train lines. It’s a 20- to 30-minute walk from most parts of downtown Toronto. You can take the Bloor Street Subway to the Bathurst Station or the 509 streetcar westbound, exiting at Fleet Street and Fort York Boulevard. Parking is available at the corner of Fleet Street and Strachan Avenue.

When to Get There

Fort York is open daily year-round. From September to June, the fort is busy with school groups. In July and August, visitors are treated to a variety of events designed to bring history to life, including guided tours, special museum exhibits, Fort York Guard demonstrations, and cooking demonstrations and tastings.

War of 1812

During the War of 1812, American troops invaded Canada, then a British colony, and attacked Fort York the Battle of York in 1813. British troops retreated and the Americans occupied the fort for six days, looting and destroying the Government House and Parliament Buildings. Angered, British troops stormed Washington and burned the White House and other buildings the following year.

250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

From $ 129

Fourth Ward Park

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream is realized every day at Atlanta's Historic Fourth Ward Park in the neighborhood in which he was born. Today the area houses the first completed urban park of the Atlanta Beltline Project, which brings modern, renovated park spaces to the city.

This 17-acre space celebrates Atlanta’s natural beauty with wide open green areas and its central two-acre lake, also used as a stormwater retention basin. Multiple lawns dot the park, all suitable for reading, a game of Frisbee and picnics. A modern playground with a splash pad is the crowning jewel of the park for young kids, and a skate park, athletic field and amphitheater round out the park’s entertainment options.

Practical Info

The Historic Fourth Ward Park is located behind Ponce City Market and extends south to the Carter Center. It is generally open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is free to the public.

680 Dallas Street, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

6 a.m.-11 p.m.

From $ 29

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites

Perched on a rocky promontory off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, the red and white tower of the Fisgard Lighthouse is immediately noticeable from the water and makes a popular photo opportunity for visitors cruising the coast from nearby Victoria. The Lighthouse is more than just a navigational landmark, though – Fisgard has been guiding ships into Victoria harbor since 1860, making it Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse and now an important national historic site.

Looming behind the lighthouse, Fort Rodd Hill is another significant site, dotted with the remains of the 19th and 20th century coastal defenses that once protected Victoria and the neighboring Esquimalt Naval Base. Visitors can explore three artillery batteries, plus the command posts, guardhouses, underground magazines and barracks, where multi-media displays and interactive exhibitions bring the historic site to life.

Practical Info

The Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites are located along the southeastern coast of Vancouver Island, just west of Victoria. The sites are open daily from 10am-5.30pm (9am-4.30pm in winter) and adult admission is C$4 at the time of writing.

603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd, Victoria BC, Canada

Open daily from 10am-5.30pm (9am-4.30pm in winter)

Adults: C$4

From $ 92

Fox Theatre Atlanta

Glance up during a movie, concert or live performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and you will be dazzled by a gleaming starry sky. The man-made "sky’"projects 96 crystal stars and even clouds that drift, and this is only one of the many architectural features that make the Fox Theatre so fabulous. It opened on Christmas Day in 1929 to incredible fanfare and was designed and built to be grand and opulent, a decadent escape for patrons of the arts. That kind of opulence could not be maintained during the Great Depression, however, and the venue sunk into bankruptcy.

The salvation and revitalization of the Fabulous Fox, as it is known in Atlanta, was a community effort. Over $3 million was raised to protect the theater, most of which came from Atlanta residents. The site reopened in 1975 and today ranks among some of the country’s most notable not-for-profit performing art theaters. Today, patrons come to see world-famous productions, but they also come simply to lay eyes on the Fabulous Fox Theatre in person.

Practical Info

There are two ways to experience the Fox Theatre: by buying a ticket to an event or show, or by taking a tour. The guided tour costs $18 for adults, with discounts for military members, seniors and children. Knowledgeable guides share the incredible history of the theater and point out its stunning artistic details. The theater shows movies throughout the year, in addition to live performances.

660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, USA

Varies

From $ 29

Fox Island

Fox Island -- not to be confused with the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Island chain -- is a remote island accessible from Seward by about an hour boat ride. Full of rainforests, beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, secluded coves and access to the Kenai Fjords National Park, it’s a true Alaskan paradise for those who enjoy scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation.

Kayak through the turquoise waters that surround the island watching for Stellar sea lions, whales, otters, Dall’s porpoise and seabirds. One of the top kayaking routes from Fox Island is the Fox Island Spit, which begins on the north side of the island and takes you to your choice of Humpy Cove, Thumb’s Cove or El Dorado Narrows for beautiful scenery and great wildlife spotting opportunities.

Fishing is another popular Fox Island activity, especially from mid-July through August when the waters are abundant with salmon. Sign up for a fishing trip or cast your reel right from the beach. And for those who enjoy hiking and camping, Sunny Cove allows for overnight camping and features beach, woodland and rainforest trekking trails. Fox Island is also home to remote beachfront cabins which provide a serene and comfortable Alaskan wilderness experience.

For an ambient experience, opt to take a cruise from Seward to Fox Island. The journey takes you over Resurrection Bay, where you can sip beer and wine while taking in sights like Bear Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, and wildlife like whales, sea lions, otters and seabirds. When you arrive to Fox Island, get your camera out and take some photos of the scenery before enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet at a private lodge. Some dishes you may sample include wild Alaska salmon, prime rib, salad and fresh vegetables followed by a decadent dessert. You’ll also have the option to upgrade your meal to include king crab.

Fox Island, Seward, AK, USA

From $ 216

Fortress of the Bear

Animal lovers heading to Sitka should consider visiting Fortress of the Bear, a non-profit bear rescue facility and the largest of its kind in the United States. Focused on educating the public on bears and how to help their populations, Fortress of the Bear takes in orphaned bear cubs and creates a protective and enriching environment for them. The operation was started by couple Les and Evy Kinnear who transformed Sitka’s old pulp mill into a place where baby bears could be cared for. Visitors can watch the bears being fed, observe and photograph bear interactions, and hear the story of each bear and how it ended up at Fortress of the Bear.

Keep in mind this is not like a typical zoo where you see an animal in a cage. Instead, you’ll watch the bears playing with large barrels and tire swings and being active in a large expanse of land. Additionally, the attraction has a non-touristy, non-commercial feel, allowing for a more authentic experience.

Practical Info

Fortress of the Bear is located at 4639 Sawmill Creek Road. A $3 shuttle service to the attraction is offered from the dock. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for youth aged 7-18; and free for children under 7. They’re open from 9am to 5pm daily during the summer and 10am to 2pm Friday through Sunday from October 1 through April 15. Call 907 747 3032 or 907 747 3550 for more information.

4639 Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, Alaska, USA

Adults: $10; Children: $5

From $ 69

Fort Zachary Taylor

Popular for both its military history and current recreational opportunities, Fort Zachary Taylor is also the location of one of Key West’s favorites beaches. Spanning 54 acres, Fort Zachary Taylor is worth a visit both for its colorful past and its attractive present.

Construction on Fort Taylor was begun in 1845 and the Fort hosted active duty squadrons until 1947. During the period of the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor remained one of only three fortresses in Florida to remain under Federal control; it’s now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and contains the largest cache of Civil War-era seacoast cannons in the U.S. Fort Taylor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Tours are conducted daily and pamphlets for self-guided tours are available as well.

Today, Fort Zachary Taylor is best known for its outdoor activities and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The beach, which is the southernmost in the U.S., is considered one of the best in Key West, not only for its expanse of sand (a rarity in the Keys), but also for swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving off of the shore. Other popular activities include biking, fishing, hiking along the nature trails, bird watching, picnicking, sunset watching and more.

Practical Info

Fort Zachary Taylor is open to the public 365 days a year. Entrance to the park is dependent on the number of people in one vehicle: $4.50 for one person, $7.00 for two and $.50 for each additional person. There is a $2.50 fee for anyone walking or riding a bike into the park.

Key West, Florida, USA

Varies

From $ 60

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Franklin D. Roosevelt may have been the 32nd U.S. president, but he was the first to have a presidential library named in his honor. It was built on his family estate and FDR even provided personal guidance and direction while it was under construction.

Travelers who visit the library and museum will have access to FDR’s own personal records and archives, which include some 16,000 books, 15,000 photographs and plenty of film and audio recordings, too. The library was built in the Dutch colonial style the president loved and is one of just 13 presidential libraries across the country. Scholarly visitors can schedule a stop at the research archives, but even non-academics stand to learn something on a stop at the museum, which includes interactive exhibits and personal effects that belonged to the former president and his family.

Visitors can explore the museum and library on their own, or view it as part of the Hudson Valley New York Great Estates Pass, which includes stops at other top area attractions.

Practical Info

The library and museum is located at 4079 Albany Post Road. Tickets include a tour of the Home of FDR and admission to the library and museum.

4079 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, New York 12538, USA

9am-5pm November through March; 9am-6pm April through October

$18

From $ 73

Fortifications of Quebec

Encircling Old Quebec, these historic fortifications are the defense system of the only surviving walled city in North America. Originally developed by the French to protect them from the British, and later by the British to protect them from the Americans, the restored walls are now a National Historic Site.

The Basics

Running for 2.8 miles (4.6 kilometers) around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quebec, the Fortifications of Quebec, which were built between the 17th and 19th centuries, are hard to miss. You can follow the circuit yourself, admiring the sweeping views of the city and the St. Lawrence River from the walls. Alternatively, go as part of guided walking tours during the summer months, during which tour leaders provide background on the the city’s military past. You can also view the ramparts during hop-on hop-off bus tours, and bike tours of Quebec City.

Things to Know Before You Go

The fortifications are a must-do for anyone with an interest in military history and defense.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as some parts of the fortifications are sloping and uneven.
Most of the fortifications are not wheelchair-friendly, though the Citadelle of Quebec (La Citadelle) is.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the fortifications.

How to Get There

A good place to start your fortifications walk is at St. John Gate (Porte St-Jean) near Place D’Youville. The square is about a 10-minute walk from Château Frontenac. Local buses stop at nearby D’Youville bus terminal.

When to Get There

The best time to explore the fortifications is during summer, when the warm temperatures make for pleasant strolling. Go early in the morning to experience it at its quietest. The fortifications are also a nice place to watch the sunset.

Old Quebec’s Defenses

Though Quebec’s defensive walls are now used more for sightseeing and recreation, evidence of their military purpose still exists. Look out for cannons near the Citadelle of Quebec, which point out to the river as well as to the city itself. At Porte Saint-Louis, take a short detour down Rue Saint-Louis until the intersection with Rue du Corps de Garde, where you can see a rogue cannonball lodged in the trunk of a tree—a vestige from an old battle.

100 rue St-Louis, Old Upper Town, Quebec City, Canada

Open daily, May-October

From $ 15

Fortification Hill

When it comes to Las Vegas, City of Sin, and a cluster of neon lights, hiking isn’t the very first thing that comes to most people’s minds. The reality, however, is that Vegas is surrounded by dozens of great hiking trails and rung by mystical mountains, with the trail to the top of Fortification Hill offering one of the area’s best views. From the top of this rocky pinnacle inside of Lake Mead National Recreation area, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. This six-mile trail is for serious hikers who are comfortable with a little bit of bouldering, as sections in the middle can require scrambling for about 10 vertical feet. Most of the trail is straightforward, however, albeit a little steep, as the trail gains approximately 1,400 feet in a little under three miles. While you’re sure to work up a sweat when climbing—especially since there isn’t any shade—the view from the top makes every step completely worth the effort.

Practical Info

The trailhead to Fortification Hill is about an hour outside of Las Vegas, in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam. Access to the trailhead is over rough road, and a map of the area and 4-wheel drive are handy for easy access. Hiking is possible from fall through spring, since extreme temperatures in the summer months can lead to dangerous conditions.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, USA

From $ 300

Franklin Court

First opened during the Bicentennial year of 1976, this fun, free indoor-outdoor museum near Independence Hall celebrates the life and times of Philadelphia’s most famous resident, Benjamin Franklin.

The central building is a reconstruction of what Franklin’s original home may have looked like (the architect, Robert Venturi, couldn’t be sure without proper plans and pictures to guide him), and contains a fascinating museum exploring the many interests and accomplishments of the political leader, diplomat, inventor, scientist, printer and more. For fans of American history, the interactive and audio exhibits here paint a detailed picture of Franklin and how he helped shaped his era and country.

On either side of the central building are some of Franklin’s rental properties, including a printing office and book bindery, a newspaper office where Franklin’s son was editor, and a post office. At the latter, where Franklin was once the city’s Postmaster General, you can get a letter or postcard postmarked: “The Benjamin Franklin Post Office.”

A mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, this complex includes a small archeological site known as the “Fragments of Franklin Court,” the remains of a house built by Benjamin Franklin in 1786. Found at 318 Market Street, Franklin built this house on a site that was very dear to him; in addition to having been the boarding house where he lived when he first arrived in Philadelphia in 1723, it was also where he met his future wife, Deborah – who was then the daughter of the boarding house proprietor.

Practical Info

The printing office and underground museum is open Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The post office is open Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

318 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA

Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; Sat-Sun 11am-5pm

From $ 19

Fort Point National Historic Site

Sitting just below the massive Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is a National Historic Site that once served to defend the entrance to San Francisco Bay. The brick fort can still be explored on foot today, with the opportunity to learn about the area’s history and the fort’s former military use.

The fort was in operation from the Gold Rush era through World War II, a fascinating time in San Francisco’s history. A visit to the site offers extraordinary, close-up views of San Francisco’s most famous landmark — the Golden Gate Bridge. It is one of only three third-system brick forts on the west coast of the United States. Due to its location and protection of the coastline, it is also known as the “Gibraltar of the West.”

Visitors have the chance to explore Civil War era uniforms, weaponry, and historic photographs on display. With its many floors and wide brick arches, it stands as an excellent example of American military architecture.

Practical Info

Fort Point is open Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and is closed Monday to Thursday. It is located at the end of Marine Drive on the Presidio of San Francisco. To get there by public transportation, take Muni bus 28 or the PresidiGo bus and get off at the bridge toll plaza stop. Limited parking is available. Tours and cannon drills are offered when open. Admission is free.

Long Avenue & Marine Drive, San Francisco, California, USA, USA

Fri-Sun 10am-5pm

From $ 28

Fountain Paint Pot

Fountain Paint Pot is one of several mud pots found within Yellowstone National Park that bursts and pops as the mud thickens throughout summer. The surrounding Fountain Paint Pot area is known for its pools of thermophiles (heat-loving bacteria) that gather to form multihued puddles in the earth, as well as mini-geysers and fumaroles.

The Basics

The Fountain Paint Pot area is one of the most accessible part of Yellowstone National Park, and one where you can see all four types of thermal features found in Yellowstone—hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and fumaroles. Most tours of the Yellowstone Lower Loop include a walk along the Fountain Paint Pot boardwalk, as do winter tours to Old Faithful by snowmobile or snowcoach.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Fountain Paint Pot area is a must-visit for all first-time visitors to the national park.
Don’t forget to bring sun protection, as there’s not much shade in the Fountain Paint Pot area.
Plan to spend about 30 minutes touring the volcanic features of the area.

How to Get There

Fountain Paint Pot is accessed via a half-mile (0.80-kilometer) loop boardwalk known as the Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail. The easy trail is right next to Grand Loop Road in the Lower Geyser Basin area of the park. Plan to visit early in the morning to enjoy the scenery before the crowds pick up.

When to Get There

Fountain Paint Pot changes with the seasons. It’s at its most fluid and bubbly in the spring as snowmelt provides plenty of water to the pools. By the end of summer and into early autumn, the mud starts to thicken and dry.

Clepsydra Geyser

Not all geysers are as reliable as this one, situated in the Fountain Paint Pot area. In Ancient Greece, a clepsydra was a type of water clock, and Clepsydra Geyser erupts like clockwork every three minutes. After an earthquake in 1959, the geyser now erupts almost continuously, making it a star in Yellowstone’s Lower Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

From $ 260