Things to Do in North America

Since the early 1980s Harrah’s has operated as a budget-friendly staple of the Las Vegas strip. It’s the perfect place for those who want a taste of Sin City but don’t want to break the bank doing it. This carnival-themed destination has three massive towers which house seven restaurants, plenty of entertainment options, shopping, a full-service spa and even a couple of performance spaces. 

With more than 2,500 rooms and close to 90,000 square feet of casino space, guests of this Mardi Gras-themed hotel won’t ever have to leave. The open-air Carnaval Court and indoor piano bar offer travelers two great in-house options for entertainment that’s as inexpensive as it is fun, and while visitors agree the basic rooms are nothing to write home about, they say both the accommodations and the accessibility are tough to beat for the price.

The Hard Rock Cafe is famous for its many locations in cities around the world, and its Hard Rock Key West is the Southernmost member of the chain in the continental United States. The cafe is primely located in the center of the action on Duval Street, and features the American cuisine and rock ’n’ roll memorabilia of its other restaurants — but with a tropical twist. Boots from Jimi Hendrix, a velvet jacket from Stevie Nicks, and a Les Paul guitar that was broken in concert by the band Nine Inch Nails are showcased, among others.

It’s particularly evident how special this Hard Rock Cafe is when dining al fresco on their patio, where you can feel the ocean breeze. Whether you go for a fruity cocktail or a full dinner, the Hard Rock Cafe Key West blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Accompanied by music playing from the stereo or one of the live entertainment acts, it may be the ultimate cheeseburger in paradise.

This uptown New York City neighborhood caught the public’s attention in the 1920s with the Harlem Renaissance—an explosion of African-American art, literature, and music. Though it has been subject to gentrification, the district remains a cultural powerhouse with jazz clubs, theaters, and soul food restaurants tucked away among old brownstones. 

Many tourists in New York City find themselves strolling the streets of Harlem. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (125th Street), Harlem’s main thoroughfare, holds many of the area’s top attractions including the Apollo Theater and the Studio Museum in Harlem. But to really get to know this part of Upper Manhattan, explore in the company of a tour guide. Walking tours focus on different aspects of its musical heritage—think hip-hop, Harlem gospel, and jazz—as well as Harlem’s history.

Other Harlem tours revolve around food, movie and TV filming locations, and the district’s swing-dance scene. Many tours make stops at notable religious structures, including the as-yet-unfinished Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the lively Abyssinian Baptist Church, and the Rockefeller-built Riverside Church.

Harlem is located in Upper Manhattan. The New York City neighborhood begins at the northern boundary of Central Park between Fifth Avenue and Manhattan Avenue. Harlem’s east-west boundaries widen as you travel north, eventually extending from the Harlem River all the way to the Hudson River. To get to the heart of Harlem, ride the A, B, D, 2, or 3 train to 125th Street. 

Harlem is fun to explore at any time, though the subway trip is probably best avoided during the crowded morning and evening rush hours. On Sundays, you can hear the strains of gospel music emerging from the neighborhood’s many places of worship. Friday and Saturday evenings are best for nightlife. 

For a glimpse into the Harlem of old, head for Strivers’ Row, also known as St. Nicholas Historic District. Situated on West 138th and 139th Streets between Frederick Douglass and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevards, this row of elegant 19th-century townhouses has been home to countless historic figures including Scott Joplin and Eubie Blake. Harlem also boasts what is arguably New York’s most glorious cathedral, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine—an immense stone construction blending Romanesque, Gothic, and neo-Gothic elements. 

The Hard Rock Cafe Seattle opened in early 2010, and it remains the only cafe in the popular chain in the state of Washington.

Seattle's Hard Rock Cafe is located in the heart of historic downtown, near the famous Pike Place Market. The building in which the restaurant is housed is historic, too, as well as environmentally designed, and the memorabilia on display is largely Seattle-specific.

The Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle, like all restaurants in the chain, features a traditional American menu, and an on-site Rock Shop where you can buy all kinds of Hard Rock Cafe merchandise. The Seattle location also features a music venue on the second floor, called the Cavern Club after the Liverpool basement club where The Beatles got their start.

What began as an American cafe in London has spread around the world, and Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh is no exception to the classic food and rock ’n’ roll atmosphere found in the many restaurants. With a industrial interior as well as an outdoor patio, there are many comfortable places to sit and take in the energy. The exposed-brick stage always has some form of entertainment whenever classic rock ’n’ roll isn’t playing on the speakers. Frequently the space holds open mic nights and battle of the bands events.

While the bar features specialty cocktails, the menu has burgers, chicken wings, nachos, and potato skins to start. Entree choices range from fresh salads, sandwiches, and hickory-smoked barbecue specialties. Memorabilia found specifically at this cafe includes costumes from legends such as Elton John, Elvis, and Michael Jackson, or see the instruments once played by The Who and Stevie Wonder. There is even a handwritten draft of lyrics written by Bob Marley.

Since 1996 Hard Rock Café in Niagara Falls has been a destination for travelers who want to relax, unwind and let loose after a day exploring the incredible landscapes of this true travelers paradise. Located just minutes from the falls, this iconic restaurant offers up a classic menu of American fare in a setting that’s a real nod to pop culture. Enjoy burgers, milkshakes and fries surrounded by music memorabilia, including instruments, clothing, gold records and other items from top entertainment icons. 

Hard Rock Café is more than just a popular eatery—traveler can catch performances of local and national stars on the restaurant’s stage many nights of the week. Just check their calendar for a listing of events and get ready to enjoy an evening of live entertainment after a day outside.

Established in June 1990 and located at the Universal Studios in the CityWalk entertainment complex, the Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando, Florida remains a hugely popular entertainment attraction in a city where there’s always something to see and do.

In fact, Orlando’s Hard Rock Cafe is the largest in the world. It features huge, grand pillars and a vast collection of rock memorabilia to rival all other Hard Rock Cafes. The complex boasts a multi-level version of the famous cafe, as well as a Hard Rock Live music venue, which has a 3000-person capacity and hosts all types of concerts and other events.

In the restaurant itself, diners can feast on classic burgers, nachos, wings, ribs, salads, and steaks as they take in the music memorabilia that adorns the walls and rock out to the non-stop Hard Rock beats.

Serving up classic American fare alongside some of rock and roll’s top music memorabilia, the Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis sits at the heart of downtown in the historic Morrison Opera House building. It’s in a central and fun area of the city, always drawing in a lively crowd. Their menu includes appetizers such as nachos, wings, and potato skins and tasty entrees that range from burgers and sandwiches to barbecue. Vegetarian options are also available.

The cafe also has two large event rooms, a dozen large screen televisions, a full bar with premium cocktails, a fun atmosphere, store, and of course, great music playing. Memorabilia on display rotates but includes musical instruments and stage costumes played and worn by the greatest musicians in rock and roll. With music, sights, and flavors, the Hard Rock Cafe is always a feast for all the senses.

Located in what is now called the Truman Annex in Old Town Key West, the Harry Truman Little White House was the winter White House for President Truman for a total of 175 days over the course of 11 visits.

The former president was not the only U.S. leader to enjoy some respite in Key West. The house originally served as the base commandant’s house for the naval submarine station at Key West. President Taft was the first to visit in 1912, and Thomas Edison resided in the house during World War I. Over the years, six American presidents have used the residence, but the most important usage was by Truman from 1946 to 1952. Due to advances in technology, he realized that he could continue to act on matters of importance outside of Washington, D.C. and thus, the Little White House became his home from November to December and February to March, allowing the president a time of rest and recuperation.

Other notable figures such as presidents Kennedy, Carter and Clinton have visited and worked in the Little White House; many continue to do so. Because of this, the property will occasionally be closed for government functions with very little advance notification.

The Hard Rock Café San Antonio has been a staple of the city's River Walk since its opening in 1995. The café provides three floors of patios from which you can enjoy signature food and drinks, listen to rock n’ roll classics, and look out over the tourist boats on the San Antonio River from Texas’ No. 1 tourist destination.

 

Like other Hard Rock Cafes around the world, the Hard Rock Café San Antonio features music memorabilia on the walls. Be sure to tour the restaurant and see various guitars, platinum records, and more. The Hard Rock Café San Antonio features Ozzy Osbourne’s black velvet jacket, Eddie Van Halen’s Charvel guitar, and a brick wall spray painted by Aerosmith during the 1994 groundbreaking ceremony.

The Hard Rock Café San Antonio offers space for large events of up to 400 guests as well, so is a perfect spot for a wedding reception or conference. You can reserve a patio, space inside the café, or even their private dinner barge.

Since 1998 the Hard Rock Café Philadelphia has been offering travelers a true taste of classic Americana in the City of Brotherly Love. Visitors can tuck into juicy burgers and sip on chocolaty milkshakes in an lively environment that pays homage to tons of musical greats. Relax in a cozy booth and gaze out at memorabilia from Elton John, The Beatles and Jim Morrison. It’s almost like dining with the stars!

Travelers can get an up close look at Hard Rock items like Van Halen’s guitar, a mic stand from Guns N ‘ Roses and even one of Elvis Presley’s colorful capes. Sip on craft cocktails and take in a show at the restaurant’s live venue, or continue a night of music and fun with a post-dinner trip to the nearby Electric Factory—another Philadelphia entertainment hot spot.

The Harold Washington Library Center is the main branch of the Chicago Public Library system. When it opened in 1991, the ten-story library was the largest public library in the world.

Located in Chicago’s South Loop, its design is based on the winning submission in a 1988 architecture contest. The contest was to design the new library called for by then-Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, the city’s first African American mayor. 

The Harold Washington Library Center is more than just a traditional library for books. Here, you can research your ancestry in their online genealogy databases. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the building, art on display from more than 50 artists, music practice rooms, a Maker Lab, and book clubs and reading events for your children. Be sure to visit the glass-domed Winter Garden atrium on the library’s 9th floor as well.

In the midst of the hundreds of shops that comprise the Mall of America, the Hard Rock Cafe brings the restaurant and rock ’n’ roll memorabilia that they’re known for to Minnesota. After a day of shopping, you can refuel on food and drink with their classic American menu, or take a look at their pieces of American music history on display. Items range from instruments and costumes worn by artists such as Alanis Morissette, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, and Britney Spears. There is also an extensive collection of Prince memorabilia including outfits and a signed guitar (he was a Minnesota native.)

A stage on the main level plays iconic music videos, and more often than not, is home to live performances. Visitors won’t want to miss the interactive Rock Wall Solo, a giant interactive touchscreen full of music history. With patio seating and two bars, the menu includes appetizers such as nachos, wings, and potato skins and tasty entrees that range from burgers and sandwiches to barbecue. Vegetarian options are also available.

The Hard Rock Café Pigeon Forge sports a country twang in the East Tennessee home of Dolly Parton’s famed theme park, Dollywood. This particular location is fairly new, recently relocated from nearby Gatlinburg to a spacious spot next door to the Smoky Mountain Opry. In addition to the main restaurant, visitors can hang out on the outdoor patio, catch a live show on the stage or virtually explore the Hard Rock’s vast music memorabilia collection at the Rock Wall Solo, a 52-inch interactive touch wall. There’s also plenty of memorabilia to check out in person, as the Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge features three main displays devoted to Dolly Parton, Jimi Hendrix, and Madonna—there’s also a lace dress from Taylor Swift among other country icons.

Hard Rock Café New Orleans is home to classic American fare, music memorabilia and plenty of good times.

Visitors who venture to this Bourbon Street staple in the heart of world-famous French Quarter will find the live music New Orleans is known for, complete with strong drinks, a mouth-watering food menu and a touch of Creole flare. Personal effects from the likes of Billy Holiday, Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan decorate the towering walls of this establishment and provide the perfect backdrop to performances by both local and global artists.

Hard Rock Café New Orleans is perfect for families with small children (thanks, in part, to several menus to meet even the pickiest taste buds). Prix-fixe options that include live performances of bluegrass, hip hop or jazz music are one of the top-draws at this Big Easy attraction.

Long, wooden tables and bright overhead lights of Harpoon Brewery beckon those interested in tasting local Boston brews. Harpoon makes some of the area’s most beloved beers, and the brewery offers the chance to learn about how it’s made and to taste a variety of their beverages. Visitors can sip on pints from the source in large open seating — they’re served with a pretzel and an outstanding view of downtown Boston.

Brewery tours bring you behind-the-scenes for a closer look at how the beer is made on site. Harpoon was one of the first breweries opened in Massachusetts in over 25 years, and is credited with contributing to the rise of microbreweries in America. Catwalks run throughout, making it easy to see production.

There are more than twenty different beers served at Harpoon, including seasonal offerings and the India Pale Ale they’re best known for. Tours give the information and history of the brewery, as well as several tastings and insight into Boston’s brewpub scene.

Hard Rock Café Myrtle Beach is home to classic American fare, music memorabilia and plenty of good times in a truly tropical location.

Visitors who venture to this Celebrity Circle staple in the heart of the Broadway Beach shopping complex will find strong drinks, a mouth-watering food menu, live music and more. Personal effects from big name stars decorate the towering walls of this establishment and provide the perfect backdrop to performances by both local and global artists.

Hard Rock Café Myrtle Beach is perfect for families with small children (thanks, in part, to several menus to meet even the pickiest taste buds). And its prime location offers travelers a place to kick back and relax after a long day of shopping or catching some sun at the beach.

Las Vegas has more than just a Hard Rock Cafe – there's also the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the first one to bore the Hard Rock name, which has its own cafe. The hotel's cafe opened in 1990, and the entire property features a huge casino, a sandy beach and swimming pool, a nightclub, a spa, a few bars, several restaurants, and a music venue. The memorabilia on display includes some items from Las Vegas legends The Rat Pack and Elvis.

A second Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas opened in 2009 right on The Strip. This one is significantly larger – 42,000 square feet – and spans three floors of restaurant seating. It's also home to the biggest Rock Shop in the Hard Rock Cafe universe.

The Hard Rock Cafe Phoenix was originally opened in 1995, and then relocated in 2002 to its present downtown location.

The new cafe has 8,000 square feet of space in which to welcome diners and guests, right in downtown Phoenix in Copper Square. It's close to the many sports venues as well as the Arizona Science Center and the convention center, making it an easy place to enjoy that famous Hard Rock food before or after an event.

The Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix, like all Hard Rock Cafes, has a restaurant focusing on traditional American favorites, plus a full bar with a lively atmosphere. There's a shop at the same location selling all the Hard Rock Cafe memorabilia.

The Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu was the first in the chain to open in Hawaii, in the summer of 1987. The restaurant moved to its present location in 2000.

The current setting for the Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu is right in the middle of Waikiki, within easy walking distance of many of the area's hotels and resorts, as well as other shops, restaurants, the Hawaii Convention Center, and the beach.

The Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu, like all the Hard Rock Cafes, has a casual restaurant with a menu full of American favorites, a lively full bar, and a shop where you can buy all kinds of Hard Rock Cafe merchandise.