Things to Do in North America

Long disparaged as Miami's lesser northern neighbor, Fort Lauderdale has recently come into its own with a renovated waterfront, a burgeoning culinary scene, and beaches worthy of palm-swept daydreams bringing rightful attention to the Venice of America. Stretching 3,000 miles (4,800 km) between the United States' Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the city's Intracoastal Waterway provides easy access to maritime activities and on-shore attractions along the 300 miles of inland canals that wind through south Florida's unmistakable sky-high resorts and Everglades ecosystem.

Bordered by Chartres, St. Peter, St. Ann and Decatur Streets near the Mississippi River in the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a colorful city plaza and home to the elegant St. Louis Cathedral. A National Historic Landmark, the square attracts visitors and locals who gather to listen to street performers and buskers, have their palm read by a gypsy, browse the shops, have a chicory coffee and beignet at Café du Monde or just relax under a tree while life in the French Quarter moves around them.

Jackson Square is a great place to pick up some local art, as well. Artists must have permits to sell their work in the square, and only 200 are issued annually, meaning you’ll be browsing through pieces by legitimate and talented artists. Across Chartres Street sits the Cabildo, the 18th-century building where the Louisiana Purchase was signed.

The World War II-era USS Intrepid aircraft carrier retired to Manhattan’s West Side, where it was transformed into a museum. The complex hosts noteworthy craft, including NASA’s Enterprise space shuttle, the USS Growler missile submarine, and a Concorde jet. While there, check out original artifacts, film, and photographs, plus simulators that recreate the flying experience. 

The Basics

Standard admission generally includes access to the carrier flight deck, gallery deck, and mess deck, as well as the Space Shuttle Pavilion (where the Enterprise space shuttle is held), and the USS Growler submarine. While the British Airways Concorde can be seen from outside, the interior can only be accessed by private tour. Visitors can pre-purchase an admission ticket that allows quick access via a dedicated advanced sales entrance, and upgrade to include the simulator rides. Multi-stop package tours often combine skip-the-line access to the museum with early access to the Empire State Building observation deck, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, guided bus tours, or hop-on hop-off boat tours along the Hudson River.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-do for anyone with an interest in maritime, aviation, or military history.
  
• Many sightseeing passes, including New York CityPASS, New York City Explorer Pass, the New York Sightseeing Pass, and the New York Pass, grant holders free—and in some cases skip-the-line—entry to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. 
  
• Allow at least two to three hours to properly explore the complex.
  
• Most of the museum is wheelchair-accessible with the exception of the forecastle (the forward deck), combat information center, the interior of the Growler submarine, and the Concorde. 
  
• In the hot summer months, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. 
  

How to Get There

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located at Pier 86 (12th Avenue and 46th Street) in Hell’s Kitchen. Ride the A,C, or E subway line to 42nd Street and walk west toward the waterfront. Or, take the M34 (34th Street), M42 (42nd Street), or M50 (49th Street) crosstown buses to 12th Avenue and the Hudson River.

When to Get There

The museum is busiest during summer weekends and school holidays. Lines form but usually move pretty quickly. Mornings are the quietest time to visit. Book tickets in advance to save time.

Intrepid After Dark

For an even more immersive experience, opt for an overnight stay on the Intrepid. During sleepovers, visitors get to enjoy a buffet dinner, explore the exhibitions after hours, sleep on the hangar deck, and have breakfast onboard.

When it comes to cities at altitudes over 7,000 feet, flowers aren’t usually the very first thing associated with a market. Here at Jamaica Market, however, in the heart of Mexico City, colorful flowers appear by the truckload to fill the air with the sweet scents of roses, hydrangeas, and lilies. At this bustling wholesale flower market, families shop for white flowers they’ll need for an upcoming funeral, or lovers purchase bags of rose petals—available by the kilo. The stalls are a rainbow of brilliant colors, the air a fragrant elixir, and flower prices are so shockingly low they’re almost too good to believe. The tens of thousands of flowers aside, Jamaica Market is also known for its stalls of colorful produce, as well as authentic, exceptional street food at prices that travelers will love.

Much more than just a popular Honolulu visitor attraction, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace to exist within the United States of America. Constructed in 1882, this ornate palace served as the political centerpiece for the Kingdom of Hawaii, and monarchs such as King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani ruled the kingdom from its luxurious halls.

During the time it was constructed, Iolani Palace was considered to be one of the most modern buildings in the world and even boasted electricity and telephones prior to the White House in Washington D.C. The palace also featured indoor plumbing, and large galas were thrown to welcome visiting dignitaries to the modern and sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii. Since King Kalakaua was the world’s first monarch to circumnavigate the globe, the palace was also adorned with decorations and memorabilia acquired during his travels around the world.

In the overthrow of 1893, however, possession of the palace was transferred to Sanford Dole and a group of Western businessmen who formed the Republic of Hawaii. During this time, Queen Liliuokalani was sentenced to house arrest in an upstairs bedroom of the palace, and despite the fact that she firmly believed the United States would grant power back to the monarchy, the start of the Spanish-American war resulted in Hawaii being acquired as a territory, and the palace (and the Kingdom), has remained in American hands ever since.

Iolani Palace today is an enduring symbol of the Hawaiian monarchy and the greatest physical representation of the overthrown Kingdom. The palace is now a popular visitor attraction which is open from Monday through Saturday, and hour-long tours are offered which detail the history of the royal palace.