Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Hudson River Park
This 550-acre parks is the second largest in New York City and home to a scenic walking, biking and running path where thousands of New Yorkers can run, ride and stroll without having to wait at crosswalks or navigate busy city streets. Epic stretches of greenway meet up with the scenic Hudson River, where travelers can picnic on uninterrupted strips of lush grass or quiet tables nestled onto well-developed piers.
In addition to places designed to rest and relax, Hudson River Park boasts plenty of recreational sites as well. The Waterside Park near 11th Avenue and 24th Street houses a massive sports activity center with a playground for kids and basketball courts for adults. Famed Chelsea Piers, with its indoor ice skating rink, soccer fields and driving range is also located off of Hudson River Park.
Practical Info
The park runs through Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Midtown West. It is accessible from the West Side Highway.
Address: 353 West St, New York, USA
From $ 34
Houmas House
Locals call this beautiful plantation the Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road, partly because of its rich history and partly because of its incredible old-world architecture. Established as a sugar farm around 1803, Houmas House was open to the public in 1963. The traditional southern plantation home has seen its share of generals, Union forces and colonels, too. The same gardens, mansion and peaceful grounds that drew men in search of respite in times of war, draw travelers today who are in search of a nearby escape from the energy and gluttony of the Big Easy.
Daily tours treat visitors with true Southern hospitality and welcome them to the grounds not as tourists, but as guests. Expert guides lead travelers through the elaborate halls of the plantation’s mansion, through galleries of antiques and art, and across the well-kept grounds of the Houmas Gardens. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s available only south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Practical Info
Houmas House is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m with the last tour starting at 7 p.m. Travelers with cars can take I-10 to Gonzales and Take Exit 179 from Baton Rouge, or I-10 East across the Bonnet Carre Spillway, past LaPlace and Gramercy to Exity 182 coming from New Orleans.
Address: 40136 HWY 942, Darrow, Louisiana 70725, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-8pm
Admission: $24
From $ 26
Huleia National Wildlife Refuge
Visible by kayak from the Huleia River, or from a roadside overlook, the otherwise closed-to-the-public Huleia National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Kauai is a popular bird watching spot. The site is one of just two sanctuaries on the planet (both National Wildlife Refuges on Kauai) home to wild populations of five species of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds—the Hawaiian coot, stilt, duck, goose (the state bird) and the elusive moorhen. Twenty-six other species of bird also call the federally-managed wetlands home. The lush landscape of riverine pools and waterfalls that surround the refuge have served as a jungle backdrop in several movies including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and Lost World.
The refuge’s flat valley, formerly comprised of wetland taro and rice paddies, is shielded from the sea to the west by a long ridge of peaks. It abuts Alekoko, the Menehune Fishpond, a historic aquaculture system thought to be built 1,000 years ago by an early and mythical race of Hawaiian of people called the Menehune.
Practical Info
The refuge is four miles southwest of Lihue via Highway 50W. The best way to view the refuge is on a guided kayak tour, but if you’re short on time, it’s also visible from the Alekoko Scenic Overlook off Hulemalu Road, just under a mile from the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
Address: Lihue, Kauai, USA
From $ 124
Houston City Hall
A prime example of southwestern architecture of the late 1930s, Houston’s City Hall was built to house the local government and state officials who do business within the city of Houston – but its long history doesn’t stop there. Originally built above a crowded fish market, City Hall has always entertained a lively commercial market, and today the towering structure sits relatively small among downtown's massive skyscrapers. Remnants of that long and lively history can be seen at the City Hall Farmers' Market located just outside the City Hall Reflecting Pool on Wednesdays in the spring from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where local farmers sell everything from coffee to broccoli.
Inside Houston City Hall you’ll find various notable items all harkening back to the great lawgivers that came before us. From the aluminum medallions featuring Julius Caesar, Moses, Charlemagne, Thomas Jefferson and more, to the great marble stairways and specially cast aluminum doors, City Hall is both a step back in time and a contemporary look at modern law making.
Practical Info
Houston City Hall is located at 900 Bagby, and free tours are available twice a month on the first and third Wednesday of the month, as well as on the fourth Thursday of the month.
Address: 900 Bagby St, Houston, Texas 77002, USA
From $ 35
Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain is the second-highest of the Catskill Mountains, and home to an extremely popular ski resort.
The peak of Hunter Mountain is at roughly 4,040 feet, not far behind the tallest Catskill (Slide Mountain). During the summer months, activities include hiking and horseback riding, though there are only four routes to the top of the mountain that get any amount of upkeep. The most popular is Spruceton Trail, the former road that leads to the fire tower that sits at the mountain's peak.
The ski resort on Hunter Mountain opened in 1959, and although it doesn't actually include the highest point of the mountain it does have a 1,600 foot vertical drop. It's popular for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. The ski resort also has summer activities, including zipline tours, golf, fly fishing, and 4x4 adventures.
Practical Info
Hunter Mountain is roughly 56 miles from Albany and 127 miles from New York City in central New York.
Address: Hunter, New York, USA
From $ 60
Houston Theater District
When you think of theater in the United States what cities come to mind? New York? LA? Chicago? Vegas? Maybe Washington DC? While all those cities definitely share an abundance of performing arts, it’s actually Houston that has the most second-most theater seats of any city in the country. In fact, between the 12,948 seats for live theater performances and the 1,580 movie seats that are also in the city’s theater district, there are enough seats to treat 89% of Texas towns to a show.
By every professional and statistical measure, Houston’s theater district is one the world’s most culturally rich destinations. Ballet, music, theater, and opera all have permanent, professional companies, and the actors, musicians, dancers and performers are among the best in the world. When visiting Houston’s theater district, enjoy a play at the Alley Theater, a longtime Houston icon. Or treat yourself to the sounds of a Symphony that was founded in 1913. The Houston Opera has won countless awards including a Tony, two Emmys, and two Grammys, and the Houston Ballet is the fifth largest company in the United States. Combined with the wealth of dining options within walking distance of the shows, the Houston Theater District is the ultimate night out for culture, food, and the arts.
Practical Info
The Theater District is made up of a 17-block area in Downtown Houston.
Address: Houston, Texas, USA, USA
From $ 64
Hôtel de Glace
The first ice hotel in North America, Quebec’s Hôtel de Glace is sculpted over the course of five weeks every winter from over 500 tons of ice and 15,000 tons of snow. Open from January until late March with 44 bedrooms and suites, the hotel even has its own wedding chapel made of ice.
In fact, everything’s made of ice, from the huge chandelier in the Great Hall to the icy frozen blocks that make up the hotel’s beds. Thanks to high-tech sleeping bags and plush deer pelts, you’ll still be able to keep cozy on an overnight stay, and the outdoor spa and sauna will help to warm you up, too. Even if you’re not staying the night, you can head to the Hôtel de Glace’s Ice Bar for a chilled vodka shot (or a hot chocolate for the kids). Kids and adults will also love the chance to zip down the hotel’s famous ice slide.
Practical Info
Ten minutes north of downtown on 9530 rue de la faune, the Hôtel de Glace is open from January 5 until March 22 each year. Guided tours are available, or you can check out the hotel’s public spaces and bar independently for $18 ($14 after 8pm). To stay the night, prices start at $269 per person, which includes a welcome cocktail, access to the hot tub and sauna, breakfast and all gratuities.
Address: 9530 Rue de la Faune, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 445
Hudson River
An inspiration for artists, a scenic escape for New York City dwellers, a vital artery for commerce, and a designated American Heritage River, the Hudson River plays a crucial role in many facets of New York State life. The river is a magnet for locals and visitors, attracting pleasure cruisers, campers, history buffs, and hikers alike.
The Basics
The Hudson River runs for 315 miles (507 kilometers) from its source in the Adirondack Mountains all the way to New York City before finally emptying into the Atlantic. Though easily accessible from other cities such as Albany and Kingston, most visitors encounter the Hudson during trips to New York City. You can see the river from many of west Manhattan’s top attractions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art; the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; and the High Line, an elevated park set along a disused railway track.
Cruises on the Hudson depart from piers on Manhattan’s west side. Choose between dinner, sightseeing, or sunset city cruises, or opt for longer cruises that travel beyond the boundaries of the Big Apple to destinations in the Hudson Highlands, such as Bear Mountain. Most Hudson River cruises feature on-board commentary about the area’s history and architecture.
For a unique perspective on the winding waterway, take a helicopter ride, enjoying bird’s-eye views of the river, the Manhattan skyline, and the George Washington Bridge. Seasonal fall foliage helicopter tours showcase the rust-red and golden leaves of the Hudson Valley’s woodlands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hudson River is a magnet for sightseers who want to soak up views of both NYC and the peaceful Hudson Valley countryside.
- Bring an extra layer, as it can feel colder out on the river than on dry land.
- Some Hudson River cruises can accomodate wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Within New York City, you can experience the Hudson River all along the 11-mile (18-kilometer) Hudson River Greenway, a traffic-free walking and cycling path beginning at Battery Park (ride the 4 or 5 subway to Bowling Green station) in Lower Manhattan. The route runs through Hudson River Park, Riverside Park, and Fort Washington Park.
Departing from Grand Central Station, the Metro-North Hudson Line train brings passengers into the Hudson River Valley, running along the east bank of the river as far as Poughkeepsie.
When to Get There
Hudson River sightseeing tours run year-round, with open-air sightseeing decks in summer and enclosed, heated interior decks in winter. The Hudson Greenway is best enjoyed in spring, summer, or fall. Go early in the day for the quietest experience. The Hudson Valley is at its prettiest during the fall apple-picking season.
The Famous Hudson Valley Fables
It was acclaimed writer Washington Irving who helped put the Hudson River Valley on the map, with the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent, which was published serially throughout 1819 and 1820. The most well-known stories in the series were “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Fans of Irving’s work can visit the author’s old home, Sunnyside, near Tarrytown.
Address: New York, USA
From $ 19
House of Blues Orlando
Come for the barbecue and stay for the live entertainment at House of Blues Orlando. Just far enough away from the main Disney World Resort restaurants and entertainment venues to make a dent in the crowds, House of Blues has long been a favorite of both locals and park visitors. The venue hosts all kinds of performers, from local favorites to world-famous stars. Even when there isn’t a concert, music will be playing and TVs will be on for sports fans.
The dual restaurant and concert venue set-up provides something for everyone. Families love House of Blues for its many kid-friendly meal options, while couples enjoy the sprawling patio, where live music can be heard. Diners rave about the shrimp, grits and barbecue ribs, and night owls particularly like the concerts and the late-night bar menu that goes along with them.
Practical Info
Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, House of Blues Orlando is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. Some events are only for those 18 or 21 years of age and older, but dining is open to all ages. Tickets for performances range in price.
Address: 1490 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 109
Houston Museum District
The Houston Museum District encompasses 19 museums in a 1.5 mile radius of the Mecon Fountain, creating a walkable destination within Houston for those wanting an immersive educational experience. While the Asia Society Texas Center provides insight into Asian arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum focuses on American and African American history. Continue your stroll to the Rothko Chapel, a place for meditative contemplation for people of all faiths, the Health Museum, an interactive science museum, and the Houston Zoo, which provides a home for over 6,000 animals.
Those looking for a creative experience may want to visit institutions like the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston Center for Photography, Lawndale Art Center, The Menil Collection, The Jung Center of Houston, The Museum of Fine Arts or the Rice University Art Galley. Other museums in the district include the Children’s Museum of Houston, Czech Center Museum Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, the John C. Freeman Weather Museum and the Museum of African American Culture.
A convenient feature of the Houston Museum District is over half these museums are free all the time, while all of them offer free entry at certain times. Visitors can easily have a worthwhile day browsing the different institutions without spending a dime. Along with creating an accessible world of art, history, culture and science, the museums also feature interesting daily events that can make your Houston visit more interesting. In the spring, the Houston Museum District truly comes to life as the many gardens littering the area becoming vibrant with seasonal flowers.
Those looking for a creative experience may want to visit institutions like the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston Center for Photography, Lawndale Art Center, The Menil Collection, The Jung Center of Houston, The Museum of Fine Arts or the Rice University Art Galley. Other museums in the district include the Children’s Museum of Houston, Czech Center Museum Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, the John C. Freeman Weather Museum and the Museum of African American Culture.
A convenient feature of the Houston Museum District is over half these museums are free all the time, while all of them offer free entry at certain times. Visitors can easily have a worthwhile day browsing the different institutions without spending a dime. Along with creating an accessible world of art, history, culture and science, the museums also feature interesting daily events that can make your Houston visit more interesting. In the spring, the Houston Museum District truly comes to life as the many gardens littering the area becoming vibrant with seasonal flowers.
Address: Houston, Texas, USA
From $ 35
HopMonk Tavern
A brewpub at the heart of California wine country, the HopMonk Tavern is known for its draft beers, live music, and fun atmosphere. Housed in a historic farmhouse, it’s particularly lively on sunny days when its patio becomes a beer garden. Fire pits keep visitors warm during the evenings, and it’s a great place to get a taste for local brews in an area famous for its wine.
Their unique beers range from ales and pilsners to IPAs and saisons. Serving both house made beers and international brews, there's a wide selection to sip on that changes regularly. The tavern serves wine and spirits as well. Beer tours of the area often include a tasting stop here.
When it comes to food, you’ll find shared plates as well as fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads. With both an indoor and an outdoor stage, the tavern regularly hosts talented musicians to perform. You’ll find live music playing most nights of the week.
Practical Info
HopMonk Tavern can be found in Sebastopol, with two additional locations in nearby Sonoma and Novato. It’s open every day from 11:30am-9pm. Concerts are free, and you can check their website for a schedule. Free parking and street parking are available, and the area is both dog and kid-friendly.
Address: 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, California 95476, USA
Hours: Open daily from 11:30am-9pm
From $ 130
Houston Zoo
Home to more than 6,000 animals and 900 species, the Houston Zoo is a popular attraction for locals and visitors to Houston. Located in the beautiful Hermann Park, the 55-acre zoo features many exhibits, animal encounters, shows and ecosystems to explore. Additionally, the attraction is well-staffed, and there is always a knowledgeable worker to answer your questions or direct you.
While the zoo has numerous interesting sites within it, there are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss. First is the Masai giraffe feeding, which can be done daily from 11am to 2pm. Visitors can feed these long-necked creatures crispy lettuce leaves while getting a close-up view. Another not-to-miss attraction is the African Forest exhibit, which will transport you to a different continent as you trek through an African jungle full of chimpanzees, rhinos and antelopes, Masai giraffes, zebra and ostriches. Part of the experience is also authentic drumming and art. The Hoofed Run exhibit also introduces visitors to some of Earth exotic hoofed animals, like the Okapi, Eland, Warthog and Duiker. And of course, no visit to the zoo would be complete without taking in a sea lion show as they cute creates dive, flip and learn how to distinguish from four objects in a mirror’s reflection.
Travel tip: Go early, as parking can be tricky as it gets later in the day.
The Houston Zoo is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Tickets cost $14 for adults, $10 for children 2 through 11, $7.50 for seniors 65 and over and free for children under two. A portion of the proceeds go toward protecting wild animals. From September through May the Houston Zoo offers for admission to guests on the first Tuesday of each month from 2pm to close.
While the zoo has numerous interesting sites within it, there are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss. First is the Masai giraffe feeding, which can be done daily from 11am to 2pm. Visitors can feed these long-necked creatures crispy lettuce leaves while getting a close-up view. Another not-to-miss attraction is the African Forest exhibit, which will transport you to a different continent as you trek through an African jungle full of chimpanzees, rhinos and antelopes, Masai giraffes, zebra and ostriches. Part of the experience is also authentic drumming and art. The Hoofed Run exhibit also introduces visitors to some of Earth exotic hoofed animals, like the Okapi, Eland, Warthog and Duiker. And of course, no visit to the zoo would be complete without taking in a sea lion show as they cute creates dive, flip and learn how to distinguish from four objects in a mirror’s reflection.
Travel tip: Go early, as parking can be tricky as it gets later in the day.
The Houston Zoo is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Tickets cost $14 for adults, $10 for children 2 through 11, $7.50 for seniors 65 and over and free for children under two. A portion of the proceeds go toward protecting wild animals. From September through May the Houston Zoo offers for admission to guests on the first Tuesday of each month from 2pm to close.
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Hours: Daily: 9am - 6pm
Admission: Adults $14, Child $10, Senior $7.50
From $ 59
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which spans 80 acres (73 hectares) of land, is a ruggedly beautiful park in the middle of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There’s something for everyone here: paved paths for bicyclists, several nature trails for hikers, and more than 200 plant species. A freshwater lagoon is a great place for canoeing or kayaking, and you can fish here, too.
The Basics
Start by swinging by the Terramar Visitor Center, where you’ll gain a basic understanding of the ecology and history of the park. From there, you can go swimming, canoeing, camping, bicycling, or picnicking among the plentiful wildlife, which includes turtles, butterflies, opossums, squirrels, and more than 200 species of birds. There are several guided walks and presentations each week.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You can order a meal or a snack at Park & Ocean, the on-site restaurant and bar.
- Beach wheelchairs are available from the Beach Concession.
- You can check out the park’s one-mile audio tour for free.
- Restrooms are located at the Beach Concession.
How to Get There
The park is adjacent to Fort Lauderdale Beach on East Sunrise Boulevard, about three miles (4.8 kilometers) northeast of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Take US-1 North to Sunrise Boulevard. Paid parking is available on-site. The nearest bus stop is Sunrise and A1A, about a four-minute walk.
When to Get There
The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is open 8am to sunset year round and hosts regular events, from the annual South Florida Folk Festival to nature walks throughout the week, including guided themed tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the calendar to see what’s happening during your visit, and remember that weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Gopher Tortoises
One of the most interesting animals you might see here is the Gopher Tortoise, a threatened species and the only native tortoise species in the eastern United States. It’s also considered a keystone species because it shares its burrow with more than 350 other animal species.
Address: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Hours: Daily Sunrise to Sunset
Admission: Varies
From $ 47
Hudson Valley
Overview
New York’s Hudson Valley has long inspired artists and writers with its peaceful winding river, forested hills, and sleepy towns. Set just 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Manhattan, the historic valley is a peaceful escape famous for its art, local culinary offerings, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The Basics
Step back in time at the medieval Castle-on-Hudson, a 19th-century luxury hotel sitting atop a scenic Tarrytown hillside, or tour New Rochelle, the city that inspired some of Norman Rockwell’s most memorable illustrations. Canoeing, kayaking, and sailing are popular outdoor activities, and easy access to the Appalachian Trail allows travelers to get their fill of nature.
Most Hudson Valley tours depart from New York City and include round-trip transportation, making for an easy day trip. The region is dotted with wineries and breweries, and culinary excursions allow you to avoid the hassle of driving, explore the countryside, and taste local wines, beers, or ciders. Bike tours are a good option for travelers who want to get some exercise and explore the countryside up-close, while helicopter and hang-gliding tours provide sweeping views over the entire region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hudson Valley is a must-see for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers.
- The valley’s restaurant scene is famous for its talented chefs and abundance of local ingredients. Be sure to grab a bite at a local establishment.
- Most Hudson Valley towns feature bike-friendly streets, while scenic off-road bike trails are often easily accessible.
How to Get There
Hudson Valley is located just north of Manhattan and ecompasses New Paltz, Nyack, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, and Beacon. The Metro North train connects the Big Apple to multiple Hudson Valley cities, while guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation from Manhattan.
When to Get There
Spring and summer weather is typically pleasant in the Hudson Valley, making those seasons ideal for outdoor activities. While temperatures may be crisp in autumn, the region’s spectacular fall foliage is a draw for many travelers.
Wine, Beer, and Spirits in the Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is an East Coast hotbed for wine production, putting out award-winning cabernet francs, chardonnays, and merlots. The region is home to some of America’s oldest vineyards, which were operating before California’s Sonoma and Napa valleys rose to fame. Craft beer breweries, cider orchards, and boutique distilleries also populate the valley.
Address: Cortlandt, New York 10567, USA
From $ 99
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Located in Hermann Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is dedicated to providing interesting and educational science exhibits and experiences. Visitors can find four floors of science halls and exhibits in the main building, as well as a planetarium, butterfly center and big screen theater. You could easily spend hours perusing all the institution has to offer.
With so much to explore, where do you begin? The permanent exhibits are included in your general admission ticket and host some worthwhile attractions. For example, the Paleontology exhibit is a common favorite, as it showcases a unique display of predators in action, creating an illusion that the skeletal displays are alive. A progressive timeline layout showcasing over 50 dinosaurs and a section on human evolution also keeps things interesting.
The Gems & Minerals exhibit is another favorite. Featuring over 450 crystallized minerals and rare stones, you’ll find gems you didn’t even know existed. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the enormous blue topaz crystal weighing more than 2,000 carats. This exhibit is best viewed with a visit to the onsite Gem Vault, which has been compared to London’s Crown Jewels. Other permanent exhibits include Hall of Ancient Egypt, Energy Hall, The Americas, African Wildlife, Chemistry, Earth Forum, Malacology and Texas Wildlife. Before leaving, take a stroll through the Cockrell Butterfly Center and immerse yourself in a live butterfly habitat. Additionally, the Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts a variety of special exhibits that change throughout the year.
Weekends and weekday mornings can get crowded, so you may want to opt to visit later in the day or call the museum (713-639-4629) to inquire about crowd levels.
Hours for the exhibitions are Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission for permanent exhibits is $15 for adults, $10 for children, college students, military and seniors 62 and over, $7 for groups of 20 or more, $3.50 for school groups, and free for members. Admission to the permanent exhibits is free from 2pm to 5pm on Thursdays. Special exhibit prices vary.
With so much to explore, where do you begin? The permanent exhibits are included in your general admission ticket and host some worthwhile attractions. For example, the Paleontology exhibit is a common favorite, as it showcases a unique display of predators in action, creating an illusion that the skeletal displays are alive. A progressive timeline layout showcasing over 50 dinosaurs and a section on human evolution also keeps things interesting.
The Gems & Minerals exhibit is another favorite. Featuring over 450 crystallized minerals and rare stones, you’ll find gems you didn’t even know existed. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the enormous blue topaz crystal weighing more than 2,000 carats. This exhibit is best viewed with a visit to the onsite Gem Vault, which has been compared to London’s Crown Jewels. Other permanent exhibits include Hall of Ancient Egypt, Energy Hall, The Americas, African Wildlife, Chemistry, Earth Forum, Malacology and Texas Wildlife. Before leaving, take a stroll through the Cockrell Butterfly Center and immerse yourself in a live butterfly habitat. Additionally, the Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts a variety of special exhibits that change throughout the year.
Weekends and weekday mornings can get crowded, so you may want to opt to visit later in the day or call the museum (713-639-4629) to inquire about crowd levels.
Hours for the exhibitions are Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission for permanent exhibits is $15 for adults, $10 for children, college students, military and seniors 62 and over, $7 for groups of 20 or more, $3.50 for school groups, and free for members. Admission to the permanent exhibits is free from 2pm to 5pm on Thursdays. Special exhibit prices vary.
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am - 5pm, Free Thursdays 2pm - 5pm
Admission: Adult $15, Child $10, Student/Senior $10
From $ 8
Hualapai Village
The Hualapai have been living in the Grand Canyon area for generations, and today the tribe offers some of the area’s best experiences at Hualapai Village. Enjoy cowboy shows, cookouts, and wagon rides; visit Indian Village to learn fascinating history; and brave the Skywalk, a platform extending 70 feet (21 meters) out over the canyon.
The Basics
Since Hualapai Village is on tribal lands outside the bounds of Grand Canyon National Park, visitors are afforded experiences not available on the south and north rims of the canyon. Walk 4,000 feet above the canyon, float along the Colorado River, hike to the ruins of an old guano mine at Guano Point, or soar high above the canyon on a helicopter tour, with a landing on the canyon floor.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hualapai Village offers an alternative look at the iconic Grand Canyon.
- The village is a must for thrill seekers.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water.
How to Get There
The West Rim location of Hualapai Village sits about 250 miles (400 kilometers) from the South Rim of Grand Canyon Park and about two hours from Las Vegas. Most visitors arrive at Hualapai Village as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
March through May and September through November represent the best times to visit the Grand Canyon, including Hualapai Village. Expect peak season crowds from June to August, and be ready for short afternoon rainstorms in July.
Accommodations at Hualapai Village
Due to the considerable distance between Hualapai Village and the nearest commercial airport, some visitors choose to overnight in the area. The Hualapai tribe operates 26 cabins facing the canyon rim, as well as Western-style dining, horseback riding, and guest-only activities like lasso lessons or s’mores by the bonfire.
Address: USA
From $ 340
Hualalai Volcano
Hualalai is massive, and yet it’s unknown. For all of its size and volcanic grandeur—gradually rising behind the town of Kona and fading into the clouds—this dormant volcano is shrouded in obscurity by its famous, more active neighbors.
At 8,200 feet in height, Hualalai isn’t nearly as high as Mauna Loa, and having last erupted in 1801, it isn’t considered nearly as active as the currently erupting Kilauea. Nevertheless, Hualalai remains an active volcano just miles from populous Kona, and experts feel that this sleeping volcano is on the brink of waking up.
It’s believed that Hualalai will erupt again within the next 100 years, potentially adding more black lava rock to Kona’s volcanic landscape. As the volcano sleeps, however, coffee farms continue to dominate its flanks and resorts now dot its shoreline. The odd hiker will occasionally venture up to its fog-lined, uppermost reaches, although since much of the land is private property, Hualalai mostly sits stoically behind Kona and silently lays in waiting.
Practical Info
The summit of Hualalai is often clear during early summer mornings, and the best way to get a view of the summit is during a helicopter tour from Kona. Visiting a Kona coffee plantation is another way to see the mountain and to learn how this land that gives rise to coffee may one day be its destruction.
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, USA
From $ 185
Huntington Beach
When people think of what life is like for folks who actually live in Southern California, images similar to Huntington Beach typically come to mind. Appropriately nicknamed “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach’s 10 miles of coastline and warm temperatures make outdoor living possible year round.
Popular activities revolve around the wide, sandy beaches, from surfing to volleyball, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. When the sun sets, beach bonfires become the star attraction in the sand. Huntington Beach has more than over 500 fire rings, free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hot dogs and s’mores cook nicely under the stars.
The Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast, stretching 1,850 feet into the waves. It serves as the unofficial center of all of the action and is located on the Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. Visitors can fish, shop, eat or just wander.
Practical Info
Huntington Beach is located less than an hour from five Southern California international airports: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR).
Address: Huntington Beach 92648, USA
From $ 69
Huatulco National Park
In 1998 this national park, which spans tens of thousands of acres of Oaxaca countryside, was declared a protected area and later designated as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. As a result, Huatulco National Park has become a destination for travelers looking to get back to nature and spot rare species of animals and birds that exist nowhere else in the world.
Exhaustive conservation efforts have preserved the ecosystems of the tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs and wetlands that make up this park. Visitors agree the park’s untouched beauty makes it worth a trip and easy access from nearby Cruz Huatulco means it a breeze to get to. Despite easy access this crystal blue bay manages to remain untouched. So whether it’s charting a boat to snorkel, dive, or fish in the pristine surrounding waters, or lounging on one of the deserted beaches, Huatulco National Park offers visitors a chance to experience the country as it used to be.
Practical Info
Huatulco National Park is located in the municipality of Santa Maria Huatulco, just west of Cruz Huatulco. It is most easily accessible by boat.
Address: Parque Nacional Huatulco, Santa Maria Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 34
Hulihee Palace
Though this stately two-story lava rock and stucco home in downtown Kailua-Kona is no castle, it did serve as a vacation home for royalty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Built by Hawaii’s second governor John Adams Kuakini in 1838, the six-room estate was handed down to Princess Ruth Keelikolani after his death, and she opened its doors to many visiting members of the Hawaiian royal family including King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiolani. The palace today is run as a museum of Hawaiian artifacts downstairs—including kapa (bark) cloth, King Kamehameha’s own giant spears, royal busts—and a showcase of royal life with original Victorian furniture and details—koa wood furniture, original bed frames and quilts—upstairs. Docent-led tours give a brief overview of Hawaiian and palace history including the rapid adoption of European tastes evident in the home’s décor.
Set on prime ocean-front real estate in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona off Alii Drive, the palace is close to other historic attractions including the islands' oldest Christian church (1820) across the street and the final residence of Island-uniting King Kamehameha I visible from the palace’s top floor lanai (porch). A small gift shop on the property outside the palace sells Hawaiian cultural books and souvenirs, and one Sunday a month, traditional music and hula performances take place on the palace lawn.
Practical Info
The palace is located at 75 -5718 Alii Drive and open from 9am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, except major holidays. Admission is $8 for adults and $1 for children 17 and under. Docent-led tours are on-demand (for a $2 additional charge for adults only) before 3 pm.
Address: 75 - 5718 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–4pm
Admission: Adults $8; Children 17 and under $1
From $ 124