Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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La Quebrada Cliff Divers
Acapulco's iconic attraction, made famous in Elvis flicks, Ray Austen stunts, and every cheerfully scrawled holiday postcard sent home ever since, are La Quebrada Cliff Divers. Beginning in the 1920s, these brave young men and women began leaping for the crowds some 45 craggy meters (150 terrifying feet) into a wave-crashed inlet just 4 meters (13 feet) deep. And that's if they time it just right.
The ritual begins with a prayer at the shrine to La Virgen de Guadalupe, carved into the cliff-top platform. Then, the divers carefully calculate when their target will have enough water to soften their fall. Finally, they leap. First in the afternoon, and as the sun sets, again. The final dive of the night plunges past torches into a sea of fire (lit with flaming gasoline), no easy feat.
Practical Info
La Quebrada Cliff Divers perform daily at 1pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, and 10:30pm. There are 2 top spots for watching them dive. The public viewing platform close to the cliff offers the best views, and charges a small fee (tips for the divers are, of course, appreciated). Or, grab a seat at gently aging Hotel Mirador Acapulco, with fine views from its restaurant, cocktail lounge, and guest areas.
Address: Plazoleta de la Quebrada 74, Acapulco, Mexico
Hours: Performances daily
Admission: Viewing platform: 30 pesos
From $ 22
Lafayette Square
The second oldest park in New Orleans and still one of the city’s best venues for a day outside in the sun, Lafayette Square has etched a name for itself into the collective psyche of all who experience an outdoor festival in this beautiful community square while visiting downtown New Orleans.
Home to numerous outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year, this compact urban park has played host to numerous inaugurations, civic events, and even the steeple which housed the bell used to ring curfew during the occupation of New Orleans during the Civil War. A true historical park, the park features a bronze statue of Henry Clay in the center of the park, and statues of John McDonogh and Benjamin Franklin on St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street, highlighting some of New Orleans most revered forefathers.
Designed in 1788 by Charles Laveau Trudeau, there are few parks in the US with more history, and few as easily accessible as Lafayette Square.
Practical Info
Lafayette Square, a 2.5-acre park, is located directly across from Gallier Hall. This noted Greek Revival building served as New Orleans City Hall for over 100 years. A favorite gathering spot for concerts and festivals the park features events including the free annual spring 12-week concert series Wednesdays at the Square and the annual fall free Harvest the Music.
Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
From $ 495
La Sima de las Cotorras (Sinkhole of Parrots)
Thousands of green parakeets inhabit the trees at the bottom of this massive plateau, giving rise to its namesake—Sinkhole of Parrots. Each morning between 5:30 and 6 a.m., as well as each evening from 4 until 5 p.m., these colorful birds dart through the sky as they depart for and return from the outside world. Travelers can bear witness to this spectacle, which is unlike any other, and which hits its peak between March and October. Sinkhole of Parrots attracts more than 80 other species of birds, including honeycreepers, thrushes and woodpeckers, making it a destination for avian aficionados.
In addition to an am impressive array of birds, travelers will find close to 50 ancient rock paintings nearly 70 meters below ground level. Visitors can climb down rocky cliffs to check out these images left by unknown artists between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Practical Info
La Sima de las Cotorras is located in the Karst plateau in the municipality of Ocozocoautla. It is about a 90-minute drive from Tuxtla Gutierrez. Stone cabins are available for travelers who want to stay overnight and a restaurant with a limited menu is located on the sinkhole edge.
Address: Ocozocoautla, Mexico
From $ 188
Labna
Labna is an excellent site for archaeology lovers and architectural buffs with its Mayan building ruins that were built in the ancient Puuc style. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula by the larger Uxmal ruins, Labna is a compact structure hidden within the Puuc Hills. Though smaller than some of the other Mayan ruin compounds in Mexico, it is impressive nonetheless. Labna was once used as a ceremonial center by the Mayans during the pre-Columbian era.
Labna’s impressive Gateway Arch is still standing today, and visitors can stand under it and walk through it while marveling at its intricate construction. It is believed that this arch was used to signify the start of the area of the ancient village where the priest and the elite people of Labna lived. Relief designs are etched into the side of the arch, providing impressive details that visitors love taking pictures of. Labna, along with the Uxmal ruins, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is estimated that Labna was inhabited by as many as 2,000 people between 750 AD and 1,000 AD.
Practical Info
Labna is located a little over two hours south of Merida and is accessible by car or tour bus.
Address: Labna, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 1,054
La Villita
San Antonio’s historic roots are preserved at La Villita Heritage District, a protected enclave of heritage buildings. The arts village is a living and breathing part of San Antonio, with boutiques, restaurants and galleries taking up the historic old buildings.
On a walking tour of the precinct you’ll see Cos House, one of the oldest buildings, dating back to before 1835. Other old buildings include the 1873 house occupied by Villita Stained Glass, and the 1839 cottage known as Losana House.
Shops in this vibrant quarter include Texan outfitters, art and craft galleries, souvenir shops and jewelry stores. You’ll also find a couple of typically Texan grills and cafes for snacks, meals and cocktails.
Practical Info
La Villita is on Villita Street, running off HemisFair Park in the center of San Antonio. The Alamo is a couple of blocks north.
Address: 418 Villita Street, San Antonio TX 78205, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 50
La Brea Tar Pits
Many a saber-toothed tiger, dire wolf, mammoth, and ground sloth had the misfortune of “discovering” the La Brea Tar Pits some 40,000 years ago. Excavation on the ice age fossil site—formerly the city’s natural history museum—began in 1915 and continues to this day right in the heart of Los Angeles.
The Basics
General admission to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum includes access to the Fossil Lab, Lake Pit, Observation Pit, Project 23, and museum areas, where you can watch scientists at work pulling fossils from the pits and studying them in a lab setting.
Admission to the Titans of the Ice Age 3D experience and multimedia Ice Age Encounter are separate. Many sightseeing tours of LA and a multi-attraction discount card include a visit to the tar pits.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The La Brea Tar Pits are a must-visit for history buffs and families traveling with kids.
- All exhibits within the museum are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to rent.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection, as some areas of the museum are outdoors.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the museum is by car; park in the paid lot or along the street (be sure to read parking signs carefully). The tar pits are a stop on the Red Line of the Los Angeles hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
When to Get There
The museum and pits are open daily throughout the year, with free admission on the first Tuesday of every month, except July and August. Try to visit from March to May or September to November when temperatures are comfortable and crowds thinner.
Fossils of Rancho La Brea
Since excavations of the tar pits began, more than a million bones have been recovered, including fossils from a coyote dating back 46,800 years. The fossils recovered to date represent more than 231 species of vertebrates, 234 species of invertebrates, and 234 species of plants. Dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and coyotes are the three most common animals that have been found in the pits.
Address: 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
La Roqueta Island
Located off the coast of Acapulco and reachable by boat, La Roqueta Island is an ideal spot for travelers looking to relax. Visitors lounge on the golden sand beaches, snorkel and kayak at secluded coves, and hike a network of trails that lead to stunning scenic overlooks. The island also offers a handful of restaurants and a small zoo.
The Basics
La Roqueta Island can be visited independently or on a sightseeing tour of Acapulco. Most travelers arrive as part of a snorkeling or kayaking tour that includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off. Tours typically include free time to relax on the beach and explore the island.
There’s also a hiking tour and a popular sunset or moonlight yacht cruise to consider. Glass-bottom boat rides take visitors to see a submerged bronze statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The island offers little shade, so remember to bring sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses.
- Snorkeling gear and kayaks are available to rent.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to make use of the trail network.
How to Get There
The quickest way to La Roqueta Island is by speedboat from Caleta and Caletilla beaches; boats leave every 20 minutes and the ride takes about 10 minutes. Travelers can also opt for a slightly longer (and more scenic) option, which includes a ride on a glass-bottom boat.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Acapulco is in winter, when humidity is low. Other times of the year are less crowded. Spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Expect wet weather with higher than average humidity during rainy season (June through October).
Hiking on La Roqueta Island
While many come to La Roqueta Island to snorkel, kayak, and lounge on the beach, its hiking trails are also worth exploring. Popular easy hikes take visitors along lush jungle trails up to the lighthouse, the island’s highest point, and to different lookout points around the island for beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Acapulco Bay.
Address: Mexico
From $ 40
La Venta Museum (Parque Museo La Venta)
Located on the site of an Olmec ceremonial center, along the bank of the beautiful Lagoon of Illusions, the Ventana Museum was created to preserve artifacts from the surrounding areas, including massive carved stone structures found when oil companies drained local marshes. Among a maze of walking paths through the jungle sit around 30 sculptures, including stone altars and rare Olmec heads, only 18 are known to exist, that weight about 20 tons. The park also has a botanical garden and a zoo with animals like howler monkeys, peccaries and jaguars.
Practical Info
Plan to spend at least a couple hours exploring the incredible artifacts and unique creatures in the zoo. And bring bug spray, as the park is set among the jungle alongside wetlands where mosquitos are abundant.
Address: Adolfo Ruiz Cortines Boulevard, Villahermosa 86040, Mexico
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Not free. Admission for non-Mexicans is 40 pesos (just over $2) per person.
From $ 38
La Feria de Chapultepec
As one of the most popular amusement parks in all of Mexico, La Feria de Chapultepec is a top spot for families with more than 50 rides and activities. Attractions range from roller coasters and flat rides to zoo animal exhibits and carnival games. Most are organized either for children, families, teens, or extreme adventurers and are designated as such.
The park dates back to 1964 when it debuted some of the tallest and faster roller coasters at that time. It has since been renovated, but keeps much of its original charm and nostalgia. The most classic roller coaster is La Montana Rusa, which held the world record for tallest roller coaster when it was built. There are also many slower rides and rides suited for ages 10 and under, such as the monorail, train, and bumper cars.
Practical Info
The park is located in the middle of Chapultepec Park near the Constituyentes Metro station. Admission costs are based on the amount of activities you’d like to take part in. The park is open daily from 10am-8pm.
Address: Circuito Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: 10am-8pm
Admission: $100-200 MXN
From $ 12
La Jolla
Immaculately landscaped parks, white-sand coves, upscale boutiques, and cliffs above deep, clear blue waters make it easy to understand why La Jolla translates from Spanish as “the jewel.”
La Jolla Village sits atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean on three sides. Girard Avenue and Prospect Streets are where you’ll find some of San Diego’s best restaurants and certainly its best boutique shopping. For a bit of old La Jolla, head to the La Jolla Historical Society and check out the vintage photos and beach memorabilia. La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego gets ever-changing world-class exhibitions.
Outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty to indulge in at La Jolla. A wonderful walking path skirts the shoreline, beginning at the Children’s Pool, where a jetty protects the beach from big waves. You can watch sea lions up close as they lounge on the shore. Atop Point La Jolla, at the path’s eastern end is Ellen Browning Scripps Park, a tidy expanse of green lawns and palm trees. The area north of northeast of here is simply called “The Shores.” This is the spot where La Jolla’s cliffs meet the wide, sandy beaches north to Del Mar.
Practical Info
La Jolla lies 20 minutes northwest of San Diego, along Interstate 5. A bus takes you from downtown and stops at many sights en route. The surrounding area is home to the University of San Diego and several research institutes. There is plenty of shopping and restaurants in the Village, so plan on spending an afternoon here, longer if you’re staying for dinner.
Address: La Jolla, California 92037, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 40
Lachine Canal (Canal de Lachine)
The Lachine Canal, which runs 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) from Montreal’s Old Port to Lake St. Louis, was built in 1824 to allow ships to bypass the dangerous Lachine Rapids. Today, the canal is lined with parks, bike paths, public art, and bustling residential neighborhoods, as well as the Fur Trade National Historic Site.
The Basics
Old Montreal walking tours often include views of the Lachine Canal and adjacent St. Lawrence River. Guided boat tours provide guests with background on the canal’s little-known history, while paddleboat, kayak, and canoe rentals are a popular choice for those who want a closer look at its natural landscape.
The Lachine Canal bike path runs the entire length of the waterway and is one of its most popular features. Bicycle tours that highlight Old Montreal often include the path, as well as Atwater Market and the Old Port. Visitors and locals can also explore the bike path using Montreal’s BIXI bike-share program.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lachine Canal is a must for active travelers and nature lovers.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as neighborhoods and paths along the canal are best explored on foot or by bicycle.
- Boat tours typically run from May to September due to frozen river conditions during the winter months.
- Public restrooms are available in Atwater Market and René Lévesque Park, at either end of the canal’s bike path.
How to Get There
Since Lachine Canal runs 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) along Montreal’s shoreline, there are a number of landmarks that provide easy access points, including Montreal’s Old Port and Atwater Market. If traveling to the Fur Trade National Historic Site by car, take Route 720 to Route 20 and exit towards Rue Richmond. Buses 191, 195, and 496 from downtown Montreal stop in Lachine, a 10-minute walk from the National Historic Site.
When to Get There
Lachine Canal is busiest during the warm-weather months, from May to September. Go in the early morning for a quiet ride or walk along the bike path. Boating, canoeing, and other water activities are off-limits during winter when the water is frozen over. Lachine Canal hosts a range of events throughout the spring and summer, including the Montreal Folk Fest and Lachine Half Marathon. A full calendar is available on the Parcs Canada website.
Fur Trade National Historic Site
The Fur Trade National Historic Site, one of Montreal’s hidden gems, is located at the westernmost point of Lachine Canal. While the historic stone warehouse was built in 1803, fur traders first began launching their boats and canoes from this site in the 17th century. Now a museum, the stone warehouse is located in a tranquil park on the banks of the Lachine Canal and is open daily.
Address: Montreal, QC, Canada, Canada
From $ 68
La Antigua
Considered by many to be the first true Spanish town in all of Mexico, La Antigua is the home of Hernan Cortes, who led the expedition that ended the Aztec Empire. His house, which was built in 1523, draws travelers from across the globe who seek a window into Mexico’s incredible—and sometimes bloody—past. Today, Cortes’s home, built of coral and stone, is wrapped thick with vines and overgrown with tree roots.
In addition to Cortes’s family home, the oldest church in the Americas, as well as Edificio del Cabildo—which held the first city council—are both located in La Antigua. Travelers can walk through what remains of the Cavalry Lancers’ garrison, where ready troops were once stationed to defend the town, or explore the Spanish colonial architecture hidden in the landscape of this sleepy town.
Practical Info
La Antigua is about a half hour north of Veracruz City. A Xalapa-bound bus from Veracruz stops about 15 minutes away from La Antigua and costs less than US$2 each way.
Address: La Antigua, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 70
La Fontaine Park
La Fontaine Park, located just north of Montreal’s Gay Village, is an 84-acre green space where locals come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Built in 1845 on what was once farmland, the park now boasts walking and bike paths, picnic areas, ponds, a dog park, tennis and pétanque courts, and outdoor swimming pools.
The Basics
A short 15-minute ride from Downtown Montreal, La Fontaine Park is often a feature on summer bike tours, which typically also include a stop or two for a bite to eat. Alternatively, a private tour offers the flexibility to tack La Fontaine Park onto a customized itinerary. As an ideal spot to relax, picnic, or play sports, exploring the park at a leisurely pace will really let you get to know its ambience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Fontaine Park is a must for families with children, nature lovers, and dog owners.
- Espace La Fontaine offers sit-down and takeaway options, but the neighborhood has plenty of other cafes and eateries, including the famed poutine joint La Banquise.
- Bathrooms are located in the swimming pool and ice skating pavilions.
- Street signs, including parking and traffic signs, are written in French. Metered street parking is available, but it’s often limited.
How to Get There
La Fontaine Park is easily accessible using Montreal’s comprehensive public transit system. Bus routes 24, 29, and 45 have stops in front of the park. In addition to bicycle racks within the park, a BIXI bike share dock is located two blocks west on the corner of St André and Duluth.
When to Get There
La Fontaine Park is at its busiest in spring and summer, but at 84 acres, it rarely feels overly crowded. Visit during the warm-weather months for activities such as picnics, outdoor theater, swimming, and tennis. In winter, the ponds are transformed into ice rinks with an adjacent skate-rental pavilion.
A Skating Spot Loved By Locals
Every winter from December to March, the ponds in La Fontaine Park are transformed into a natural ice skating space, free of charge to the public. Unlike the crowded ice rinks in Downtown or the Old Port, La Fontaine is tucked away from tourist hubs and rarely feels overly crowded. Skates are available to rent for $10.45 at the pavilion, and you can take skating lessons, too.
Address: 1619 Route 138, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
From $ 57
La Condesa
The charming, bohemian vibe of Mexico City’s La Condesa neighborhood attracts locals and tourists alike. The stylish area boasts a thriving food scene, as well as plenty of bars and clubs. Its wide, tree-lined avenues are dotted with modern cafés, galleries, and boutiques mixed with fixtures of its past, including art nouveau mansions and art deco apartment buildings.
The Basics
Located in the Cuauhtémoc borough of central Mexico City, La Condesa housed the artistic upper class during the early 20th century. Eventually those residents moved to newer neighborhoods, making way for younger, creative types who were seeking cheaper rent. Today Condesa, which draws comparisons to hipster neighborhoods in Brooklyn, has become a foodie destination within Mexico City, with readily available cuisine tours of the area and nearby La Roma.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- La Condesa is a popular place to stay for many travelers visiting Mexico City.
- Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, and Michoacán Avenues are the main spots for nightlife.
- The neighborhood’s Parque Mexico was previously a racetrack and now serves as the center of the district.
- Roma and La Condesa were among the areas hit hardest during the September 2017 earthquake, and the local residents and businesses are still recovering.
How to Get There
Centrally located in Mexico City, La Condesa is easily accessible by several major transportation lines, including four nearby metro stations (Patriotismo, Chilpancingo, Chapultepec, and Juanacatlán) and the Insurgentes route on the city’s Metrobus system. There are bike-sharing stations located in the neighborhood, and it’s a 30-minute drive from the Mexico City International Airport.
When to Get There
If you’re visiting La Condesa on a day trip, keep in mind that, as in most of Mexico, many businesses and shops close between 2pm and 4pm. Traffic may be heavy and boutiques may be closed around that time. Also, Mexico City’s peak tourist season typically runs from November to May, so popular areas like La Condesa may be more crowded.
The Frida Kahlo Museum
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Frida Kahlo Museum, located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Roma and La Condesa in Coyoacán. Also known as the Blue House (La Casa Azul) because of its can’t-miss cobalt blue walls, the historic home—which was Kahlo’s birthplace—now serves as a museum filled with works from the famous Mexican artist and her husband Diego Rivera, along with the couple’s Mexican folk art, photographs, memorabilia, personal effects, and other items.
Address: Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad Mexico, FD 06140, Mexico
From $ 65
Lafayette Cemetery
Few other places on earth can claim a cemetery as both an interesting tourist destination and a cultural icon. New Orleans’ elevation is technically a negative number, so the early settlers to the area had trouble with the bodies of their recently interned washing away come the summer rains. The settlers quickly learned that the only way to properly keep their dead in place was to build raised cemeteries, and thus the tradition of New Orleans’ raised cemeteries took hold. Lafayette Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, and this nearly 200 year-old attraction has a history that goes beyond the raised cement graves. Ripe with ghost stories and notable New Orleans elites, the Lafayette Cemetery, as any tour guide will tell you, holds the remains of only “Americans,” while the also popular St. Louis Cemetery houses what is left of the Creoles.
Practical Info:
The Lafayette Cemetery is free and open to the public year round. Unfortunately, bandits have been known to surprise unsuspecting tourists walking alone at night, so the raised cemeteries of New Orleans are best toured with a guide and as a group.
Address: 1400 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 2:30pm. Sat 8am - 12pm. Closed Sun and most major holidays.
Admission: Guided Tours $15
From $ 20
Lady Bird Lake
The 416-acre (169-hectare) Lady Bird Lake, at the northeastern end of Zilker Metropolitan Park, anchors a host of outdoor recreational opportunities in downtown Austin. Locals and visitors alike hike, bike, and walk it, as well as birdwatch, canoe, paddleboard, and fish for carp, largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in and around this man-made reservoir once known as Town Lake.
The Basics
Lady Bird Lake, along with Zilker Park, form a relaxing oasis in downtown Austin, allowing views of the skyline from a bench or something more adventurous, like a canoe or paddleboard floating on the water. There are several hiking and biking trails that zigzag through the park and two pedestrian-only bridges. Bike and kayak tours help you explore the sizeable Lady Bird Lake with assistance from a guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Maximize your fun by booking a tour to help you navigate the miles of trails and make the most of your time on the lake.
- Rental equipment, from bikes to boats and paddleboards are available through tour outfitters.
- It is illegal to swim in Lady Bird Lake (and has been since 1964) due to dangerous debris from bridges and dams.
- Motorized boats are prohibited in the lake.
- Bring sunscreen, and be sure to stay hydrated while on the water.
How to Get There
Lady Bird Lake runs between Riverside Drive and 1st Street in downtown Austin. You can find parking at Zilker Park, or look for street parking along South Lakeshore Boulevard between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside. If you want to explore the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, park at Festival Beach across the river.
When to Get There
If you want to get out on Lady Bird Lake and explore, the best time to visit is March through September, when the warmer weather makes for a relaxing day on the water. You can see the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats from Lady Bird Lake in spring and late summer. Late June through early August is considered peak season.
Austin Duck Derby
An annual rubber duck derby takes place on a Saturday in August in Austin, when a huge loader deposits 20,000 yellow rubber ducks into Lady Bird Lake from the Congress Avenue Bridge. The event draws large crowds to the pedestrian walkways, bridges, and on boats in the water to watch the ducks bob around, making their way to the finish line.
Address: Austin, Texas, USA
From $ 25
La Bufadora
On a peninsula along the Baja California coast, the blowhole ‘La Bufadora’ is a marine geyser that shoots ocean water straight up into the air. It occurs naturally from ocean waves that push water into a sea cavern, which causes the pressure to build and then explode when the water recedes. Depending on the level of the tide, the water can climb as high as 60 feet from the sea.
It’s often seen after a short scenic drive from nearby Ensenada, and has become well known as a natural phenomenon of the area. Legend explains that one of the many grey whales that migrate off the coast here swam too close to shore, and that the geyser is reminiscent of the whale’s spout while waiting to be discovered. There are always beautiful views of the coast here, and a small local square with shops and restaurants nearby.
Practical Info
La Bufadora can be found 21 miles south from the city of Ensenada, on the Punta Banda peninsula. To get there you'll drive about 25 minutes to Maneadero, and follow the signs to La Bufadora from there. Parking is readily available.
Address: Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
From $ 32
La Crucecita
La Crucecita sits just inland from Santa Cruz Bay on the coast of Oaxaca. Originally built as the service town for the Huatulco resort area, today La Crucecita has an authentic atmosphere draws that visitors from the beaches to its lively streets. Highlights include a traditional market, a historic church, specialty shops, and restaurants.
The Basics
La Crucecita’s La Probadita market is an ideal spot to shop for artisan crafts and taste Oaxacan specialties, such as chocolate, mezcal, and chapulines (fried grasshoppers). Visitors can also step inside the white stucco Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe to see a 65-foot (20-meter) mural of the religious icon painted on its dome. In the evenings, crowds gather in the zocalo (main square) to listen to live music and peruse the stands of numerous street vendors.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Crucecita is ideal for those who want to have a meal or do some shopping.
- Choose a Huatulco sightseeing tour with round-trip transport included.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Huatulco tourist areas.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach La Crucecita, located about half a mile (one kilometer) inland from Santa Cruz Bay. Most visitors arrive in Huatulco by air or cruise ship. Driving from Oaxaca City takes about 5 or 6 hours. Taxis are plentiful throughout the resort area.
When to Get There
As with all of Huatulco, La Crucecita is lovely year-round. This destination receives fewer tourists than other popular Mexican resort areas and overcrowding is rarely a problem, even during high season (December to April). Wet weather is likely from June to October.
Huatulco Bays
Huatulco is a Mexican resort destination made up of nine bays with 36 beaches. It spans 22 miles (35 kilometers) of coastline in the state of Oaxaca. Its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity make it popular with nature and wildlife lovers. Huatulco offers a variety of beach experiences, and a boat tour is one of the best ways to explore the bays.
Address: La Crucecita, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 35
La Merced Market
For a genuine glimpse of everyday life in most cities, head to the local food market. While Mexico City is packed with such spots, it’s La Merced Market that offers the most bang for your buck. With a maze of street food stalls selling goods from local produce to pinatas, this traditional spot is the city’s largest market and a major tourist draw.
The Basics
Located on the eastern edge of the city’s main plaza, La Merced spans more than four city blocks and includes a daunting labyrinth of passageways that can be hard to navigate, even for experienced Spanish-speaking travelers—with this, booking a walking food tour through the market with a guide can be beneficial. In addition, if you’re searching for the best mole, tacos, or guajillos chiles, for example, a tour guide will be able to steer you in the right direction. Plus, you’ll be able to learn about the history of the market, which was established in colonial times.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear closed-toe shoes and keep jewelry to a minimum since it’s a crowded space.
- La Merced Market is open daily, from 5am to 7pm, and is free to enter; it is closed on some holidays, such as Good Friday.
- Many walking tours include food samples and offer information on Mexico’s culinary culture.
How to Get There:
Located east of Mexico City’s historic center, just north of Sonora Market and the Fray Servando Teresa de Mier, the market and its surrounding neighborhood serve as the city’s commercial hub. La Merced is roughly a 15-minute drive from the airport and is easily accessible and within walking distance from downtown hotels. There is also a subway stop and a bus stop at the market.
When to Get There
La Merced Market is open daily, from 5am to 7pm. Like most food markets, the best time to visit is midweek during the mornings to avoid the crowds and score the freshest produce, meats, and other goods. Market vendors observe national and religious holidays, such as Good Friday, so be mindful of that before making plans to visit.
What to Eat at La Merced Market
The market is divided into different sections based on the types of food being sold, such as meats, fruits and vegetables, and even insects. For adventurous foodies, specialty vendors offer up crispy, fried insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and ants and their larvae. Other traditional Mexican food to try includes caldo de gallina (hen stew), pancita (another kind of stew made from cow's stomach), pork posole, and plenty of fresh tacos.
Address: Calle Rosario S/N, Venustiano Carranza, Merced Balbuena, Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico 15810, Mexico
From $ 69
La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is a stretch of coastline bordering the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve on Maui’s south shore. It was named for the French explorer Jean-François de La Pérouse, the first European to set foot on Maui in the 18th century. The bay is the site of Maui’s most recent volcanic activity, and the landscape is covered in jagged, black lava rock intermixed with pieces of white coral. Though there isn’t much of a beach visitors can hike this area using the King’s Trail, which winds past several small coves.
As its waters are protected from fishing by state law, aquatic life is abundant and excellent snorkeling spots can be found off its rocky coast. Spinner dolphins sightings are frequent in the bay. When waters are calm, it can be a great spot for swimming and kayaking.
Practical Info
La Perouse Bay is located at the end of Makena Alanui Road, at mile marker 7 just south of Wailea. There is a parking lot at the end of the road, but other facilities are limited. Arrive early for optimal hiking and snorkeling conditions before winds pick up in the afternoon.
Address: Wailea, Hawaii, USA
From $ 145