Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Marina City
The dueling main columns of Marina City overlook the Chicago River. Its scalloped “corn-on-the-cob” exterior, formed by undulating half-moon balconies, has made it instantly recognizable and a popular setting in movies such as Batman Begins, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Blues Brothers. While the historic buildings are largely residential—some 1,400 people call Marina City home today—visitors are welcome to the complex. You can head up to roof decks for 360 degree views of the city skyline, rent boats in the attached marina to explore the Chicago river, dine in restaurants like Smith and Wollensky’s Grill, catch a concert in the House of Blues, and even use the structures’ ice skating rink, swimming pool, and bowling alley.
Marina City’s 588-foot towers, designed by great Chicago architect Bertrand Goldberg, were the tallest residential structures and the tallest concrete buildings in the world when they were constructed in the early 1960s. Forty-stories of pie-shaped apartments, designed to emphasize city views, sit atop twenty stories of parking. Designed as a “city within a city,” with shopping, dining, office buildings, recreational spaces, and entertainment for its residents, the then-novel concept was part of a movement encouraging Chicagoans to return to downtown from the suburbs.
Practical Info
Marina City is located on the Chicago River at 300 N. State Street across from the famous “Loop” central business district. Parking in the area can be challenging, so it’s best to use public transit. The closest stops are Grand on the red line (three blocks north) and the Merchandise Mart on the brown and purple lines (three blocks west).
Address: 300 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA
From $ 41
Maritime Museum of San Diego
For over 60 years, the Maritime Museum of San Diego has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most engaging and imagination-inspiring attractions in San Diego. A history lesson and an adventure in one, the Maritime Museum of San Diego has been repeatedly voted one of the best attractions in San Diego, and visitors from the world over come here to see the excellent collections of historic tall ships, including the world’s oldest active merchant ship, the Star of India, an 1863 iron hulled, triple-mast behemoth. Known the world over for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating these historic vessels, a trip to the Maritime Museum will have you exploring (and, on some occasions, even sailing) four different tall ships (the ones with the big masts and sails), two submarines, and several yachts and harbor boats. As you explore these amazing vessels, you’ll discover a sense of what it was like to work and live on these amazing ships.
Practical Info
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is open daily for tours and is located just west of downtown on the corner of Ash Street and Harbor Drive. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Address: 1492 North Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours: Daily 9am - 8pm
Admission: Adult: $16; Senior/Student/Military: $13; Child: $8
From $ 18
Marineland of Florida
Animal lovers will enjoy visiting Marineland in St Augustine, Florida. It’s also a great attraction for those looking for a break from the many historic sites that St Augustine is known for. Marineland’s aim is to educate visitors about marine life and foster the protection and preservation of animals that swim in the sea. The biggest attraction at Marineland would be the dolphins.
Visitors who partake in the Marineland Dolphin Adventure will get the chance to feed dolphins and see them interact with each other in a setting that largely mimics their natural habitat in the ocean. Different dolphin programs at the park also allow you to swim, touch, feed and even do artwork with dolphins.
Practical Info
It’s important to know that General Admission to Marineland only lets you walk around the park and see dolphins through viewing windows. If you’re interested in a more interactive experience, upgrade your ticket to the activity of your choice. There’s also the Behind the Seas tour, a guided tour that goes over the 75-year history of Marineland. Marineland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located at 9600 Oceanshore Boulevard in St Augustine.
Address: 9600 North Oceanshore Boulevard, St. Augustine, Florida 32080, USA
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: General Admission: Adults $11.95; Children 3-12 $6.95; Seniors $10.95
From $ 25
Marble House
The 50-room Marble House, one of the first Beaux-Arts structures in the US, was built between 1888 and 1892 as the Gilded Age summer cottage for William and Alva Vanderbilt. Inspired by the Petit Trianon in Versailles, the $11 million mansion made mostly of marble became a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
The Basics
The Preservation Society of Newport County operates 11 Newport Mansions properties, including Marble House. A single house admission ticket to Marble House includes an audio tour, but you can also opt for a 2- or 5-house ticket, if you plan to visit other properties, including The Breakers, The Elms, or Rosecliff. Many guided Newport Mansions tours, including day trips from Boston, package entrance to both Marble House and The Breakers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Marble House is a must-visit for history buffs and first-time Newport visitors.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb stairs.
- Give yourself about an hour to 90 minutes to tour the house.
- Marble House is partially wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
While most visitors drive to Marble House and other Newport Mansions—there’s free off-street parking at all but Hunter House—it’s also possible to ride the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority trolley from the Newport Visitors Center. Most of the houses are within walking distance of each other.
When to Get There
Marble House is open daily throughout the year, though hours change depending on the season. Since Marble House kicked off the trend of building lavish mansions in Newport, it’s a good one to see first, if you’re planning to tour more than one historic property.
An Extravagant Birthday Present
William Vanderbilt, grandson of steamship and railroad tycoon Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, gave Marble House to his wife Alva as a gift for her 39th birthday. By 1895, the couple had divorced, and Alva moved down the street to Belcourt. Upon William’s death, she returned to Marble House before eventually selling it to Frederick H. Prince in 1932. In 1963, the house became the property of the Preservation Society.
Address: 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
Marina Vallarta
One of the major attractions in Puerto Vallarta, Marina Vallarta is a self-contained stretch of boardwalk, white sand and retail outlets that has become so well-known for its beauty and success that it was a model for its sister cities of Cabo, Mazatlan, Ixtapa and Cancun. Easily identifiable by its large, 450-slip marina and lush 18-hole golf course, Marina Vallarta’s main attraction is its beautiful promenade, whereupon you’ll find numerous boutique beachfront shops and restaurants, including a lighthouse that makes for great viewing of the bay.
Practical Info
The Marina Vallarta is conveniently located next to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and is about 15 minutes away from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Address: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
From $ 65
Manhattan Municipal Building
Manhattan has no shortage of towering buildings, but only a handful have architectural flourishes that set them apart and make their exteriors attractions in their own right. The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, right in the heart of lower Manhattan, is a skyline mainstay half a city block wide, 40 stories tall, and topped by the sparkling copper “Civic Fame” statue by Adolph A. Weinman. The building, covered in tan limestone, was completed in the mid 1910s and was the winning building design in an architectural contest hoping to unite many city employees under a single roof. Now more than a century later, the civic building remains one of the largest government office buildings in the world.
Ripe with symbolism, its center features four pinnacle turrets surrounding a massive central spire, which represent Manhattan and the surrounding four Burroughs of New York City. At it’s very top, the Civic Fame statue depicts a barefoot woman in a flowing dress holding a crown with five points for the five boroughs in her left hand.
After arriving at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall Metro stop (the building was the first in the city to incorporate a stop at its base), visitors stream through the arcaded plaza on the building’s south end. Be sure to look up for the sculpture and relief details adorning the building’s exterior before walking through the huge triumphal arch—inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome—which once supported a steady stream of car traffic before road patterns were altered. Inside, admire the embellished elevator banks and historical photos on the lobby level or purchase books and souvenirs in the official store of the City of New York.
Practical Info
The Manhattan Municipal Building is located at 1 Centre Street and above the Brooklyn-Bridge City Hall Metro Stop servicing lines 4, 5, and 6. The building is a few blocks southwest of Manhattan’s Chinatown and under a mile northeast of the World Trade Center Memorial Park. The inside has free WiFi and workstations for visitors conducting business in the building.
Address: 1 Centre St., New York 10007, USA
From $ 35
Marineland
Marineland is the largest theme park in Ontario, packed with rides and animal experiences that are thrilling for the whole family. Within easy distance of Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls, the park showcases Canadian land and marine animals, and strives to deepen understanding and compassion for all animals and their environments.
The Basics
Marineland is divided into several sections and you can visit most, if not all, of them in a full day. Arctic Cove is the beluga whale habitat, boasting the largest beluga population in human care. The orcas hang out in Friendship Cove, offering visitors underwater viewing. In the land animals section, you’ll find native Canadian animals like bison, elk, deer, and black bears. And the King Waldorf shows awe visitors with antics of dolphins, sea lions, walruses, and orcas. In addition to the animal experiences, families love the amusement park rides—especially the towering Sky Screamer.
Most visitors buy a day pass for the park, but if you may visit more than once, you can upgrade your admission to a season pass for a nominal fee.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Marineland is a must-do for families with children wanting to experience more of the Niagara Falls area.
- The park has a cafeteria-style restaurant and food kiosks, or you can bring your own food and drinks for a picnic (no alcohol or glass bottles).
- Marineland is accessible to wheelchair users except for the lower level of the Aquarium Dome and the Flying Dragon ride.
How to Get There
Marineland is located just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The closest major airports are in Toronto and Hamilton. You can take a train, bus, shuttle, or tour to Niagara Falls, but most people drive themselves. There is ample free parking at Marineland.
When to Get There
Marineland is open from Victoria Day weekend (the weekend preceding May 25) until Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday of October). Peak season is July and August, when hours are extended; spring and fall are less busy.
The Sky Screamer
The amusement park rides at Marineland run from easy to electrifying, and one of the most thrilling is the Sky Screamer. From the top of the ride—one of the highest triple-tower rides in the world—you can see Niagara Falls. Hang on tight as you plunge 450 feet (137 meters) to the ground at speeds up to 60 mph (96 kph).
Address: 7657 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 42
Market Square Park
Set in the heart of downtown Houston where the city was originally founded, Market Square Park is the greenest, hippest—and most historic—one square block in Houston. Three different versions of City Hall all stood on this open plot, but all were either destroyed by fire or eventually demolished and removed. The tall, four-sided clock tower, however, that still swings its arms in the park, dates all the way back to 1904 when it hung on City Hall. The history of the park aside, however, visitors are drawn to Market Square Park by the large amount of open green space and strong sense of community. Large displays of public art are scattered throughout the park, and Houston residents with four-legged friends can always be found at the dog park.
Market Square Park is known for its festive outdoor events—particularly community bike rides—although it’s also a place for pensive reflection in the middle of the bustling city. At the memorial known as “Lauren’s Garden” flowing water and seasonal flowers combine with a large, stone-filled fountain that’s dedicated to the memory of lives that were lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The garden is named for Lauren Grandcolas—a passenger on United 93—and is a peaceful, yet somber, piece of history that accompanies the centuries-old Texas heritage in Houston’s Market Square Park.
Practical Info
Market Square Park is open daily from 6am-11pm, and there is no admission to visit. Parking, restaurants, bars, and shopping are all within a five-minute walk.
Address: 301 Milam St, Houston, Texas, USA 77002, USA
Hours: Daily 6am-11pm
From $ 35
Marietas Islands
The small, uninhabited Marietas Islands are located in the Bay of Banderas off Mexico’s Pacific coast. Making up a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, the islands are famous for their abundant wildlife and provide a chance to escape the crowds of many Mexican beach resorts, hop on a boat, and explore the islands’ natural delights.
The Basics
The islands are a haven for creatures such as dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales, sea turtles, and blue-footed boobies. Boat tours allow you to see the wildlife, but visitors are only allowed to set foot on one area of the government-protected islands, a strip of sand dubbed the Hidden Beach. Snorkeling and scuba diving tours from Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta are the most popular ways to experience the islands and their coral reef, while whale-watching tours also run in winter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Diving and snorkeling tours typically last three to five hours, but some longer options include other activities such as kayaking.
- Diving tours often require PADI certification; if you are not certified, look for a beginner option.
- There is a cap on the number of daily visitors, so book your tour in advance.
How to Get There
It takes about 45 minutes to travel by boat from Punta de Mita to the Marietas Islands. Due to strict government protections, you must take a boat tour from a licensed tour operator.
When to Get There
Whale-watching season runs from December through March. For snorkeling and scuba diving, June through September offers the best visibility and warmest temperatures.
Conservation in the Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are an MAB Biosphere Reserve, meaning they are part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program to improve the relationship between humans and the environment. Because the islands have become increasingly popular, causing interference and possible damage to the ecosystem, the Mexican government authority known as the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) has closed the islands to the public in the past. Efforts may be made to prevent future damage in a variety of ways, so enjoy visiting while you can and keep in mind the fragile nature of this important ecological environment.
Address: Marietas Islands, Mexico
From $ 42
Mariachi Plaza (Plaza de los Mariachis)
Maybe it’s the soulful sound of the horn or the iconic sombrero-and-charro-suit performance clothing, but there’s something timeless about mariachi, the playful music of Mexico, and something great to be said about a visit to its cultural center. While the exact origins of the music are disputed, Guadalajara’s Mariachi Plaza, or Plaza de los Mariachis, is a particularly famous musical location and the best place in town to experience the custom, where bands of musicians offer up tableside serenades.
Visitors to the plaza can grab an outdoor table in this working class part of town, request a tableside song and sit back to watch, unwind and sing along with the locals. Often paired with tequila tastings or food tours, a stop in Mariachi Plaza can be a spirited way to spend an evening in Guadalajara.
Practical Info
It’s recommended that travelers head to Mariachi Plaza via guided tour or taxi and avoid venturing too far away from the action.
Address: Plaza de los Mariachis #23, Guadalajara, Mexico
From $ 121
Mardi Gras World
Step inside the colorful life of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World. The annual Mardi Gras festival is as much a part of the fabric of the city as jazz music and the Mississippi River. This fun and informative museum brings together a dazzling collection of floats and costumes from the event.
The Basics
The museum’s founder, Blaine Kern, built his first parade float with his father way back in 1932. After a long career building lavish, intricate floats, “Mr. Mardi Gras” as Kern is known, decided to open his collection to the public and launched the museum in 1989.
Visitors can tour the artists’ workshops, where huge sculptures are crafted in Styrofoam and see some of the most famous floats and costumes from previous years. Behind-the-scenes tours run throughout the day. You can pair a visit to the museum with a jazz-themed brunch river cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Book your tour in advance and enjoy free shuttle service to and from the museum.
- Discounted tickets are available for seniors, students, and children.
- Make sure you try a slice of “king cake,” a delicious brioche-style dough topped with colorful icing.
How to Get There
The museum is located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, at the bottom of Henderson Street in the Central Business District. There is paid parking available opposite the museum, or you can take the free shuttle bus as part of a prebooked tour. Alternatively, you can ride the streetcar. The nearest stop is Hilton Riverside Hotel, a short walk away.
When to Get There
Mardi Gras World is open seven days a week year-round, from 9am–5:30pm. The museum is closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Mardi Gras.
Experience the Magic of Mardi Gras
For an unforgettable experience, visit New Orleans in February or early March (the exact dates change each year) for the annual Mardi Gras festival. For two weeks, city streets come alive with music, dancing, and parades of gigantic Mardi Gras floats. Revelers wear elaborate costumes, and the fun culminates in a huge party on Mardi Gras day, also known as Fat Tuesday.
Address: 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70160, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Marina District
One of San Francisco’s prettiest neighborhoods, the Marina District enjoys a prime perch on San Francisco Bay with pastel-colored, low-rise architecture, stylish shops, and upscale restaurants. Surrounded on three sides by either green space or water, the area draws active locals who enjoy walking, running, and biking with bay views.
The Basics
The Marina is included on most San Francisco sightseeing tours, as it sits on the northern edge of the city between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bike, bus, and Segway tours pass along Marina Boulevard to show visitors the views of Alcatraz Island and the bridge. Other nearby attractions include the Palace of Fine Arts and Fort Mason.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chestnut Street is the main commercial strip, with trendy bars, eateries, and shops concentrated between Divisadero and Fillmore streets.
- There is metered and free street parking available, but pay attention to posted signs about prohibited parking during street cleaning or other times.
- Bring a jacket or other warm layers; when the fog rolls in from the Pacific, it gets chilly fast.
How to Get There
The 22 bus runs along Fillmore Street and will take you straight into the Marina. Lombard Street marks the southern edge of the neighborhood.
When to Get There
On sunny weekends, do as the locals do: Take a walk along the water followed by lunch on Chestnut Street, or enjoy the nightlife scene and mingle with the neighborhood’s generally young crowd. The early morning hours and sunset offer great light for photographs of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. July and August are usually foggy, while September and October are the sunniest months.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Most of the Marina’s green spaces are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is under the umbrella of the National Park Service and includes the Presidio, Fort Mason, and Crissy Field. Don’t miss the chance to discover the natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions of these coastal sites.
Address: San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 30
Mapparium
The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library is a stunning, three-story, stained-glass globe that reflects a 3D representation of how the world was laid out in 1935.
Visitors pass through the globe on a 30-foot glass bridge, surrounded by a seven-minute audio-visual show of words, music, and LED lights to show how the world and ideas have changed over time.
The Mapparium was originally built as part of the Christian Science Publishing Society building, and opened on June 1, 1935.
Due to the size, concave, spherical walls, and hard surface, the Mapparium has unique acoustics that turn the room into a whispering gallery, where you can hear others across the room no matter which direction you are talking.
Practical Info
You can only visit the Mapparium as part of a guided tour. Tours run every 20 minutes and last 15-20 minutes. The Mapparium is only available when the library is open, Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. You get free access to the Mapparium with the Go Boston Card.
Address: 200 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: The Mapparium is only available when the library is open, Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM.
From $ 57
Marin County
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and you’ll find yourself in Marin County, a rugged swath of Northern California known for its small towns, undeveloped coastline and rural interior landscape. Outdoors enthusiasts can rent mountain bikes and head out to explore the supposed birthplace of the sport or hike through pristine redwood forests. Music lovers can bob their heads to live music in San Rafael, hometown of the Grateful Dead. Foodies can chow down on fresh oysters all along the coast. There’s a little something for everyone.
Known locally as the Bay Area’s park, nearly 85 percent of Marin County is protected from development, much of that space occupied by Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The county’s abundant organic farms supply food to some of the nation’s best restaurants. To sample the goods for yourself, head to the Marin Farmers Market on Sunday, the third largest in California.
Known locally as the Bay Area’s park, nearly 85 percent of Marin County is protected from development, much of that space occupied by Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The county’s abundant organic farms supply food to some of the nation’s best restaurants. To sample the goods for yourself, head to the Marin Farmers Market on Sunday, the third largest in California.
Address: USA
From $ 66
Margaret Mitchell House
Though much of the epic Pulitzer Prize–winning novel Gone with the Wind takes place in famously grand houses, author Margaret Mitchell penned the tome from a tiny Atlanta apartment. Today her home is the Margaret Mitchell House, which serves as a tribute to where the author lived and worked while writing the novel from 1925 to 1932.
The Basics
Though humble with its red brick and white trim, the Tudor Revival–style apartment building (formerly known as the Crescent Apartments) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here visitors learn about Mitchell’s life in Atlanta and trivia about her writing of the novel. Guided tours are offered every half-hour and included with admission. An adjacent building houses a Making of the Movie exhibit with exceptional items such as photos from Gone with the Wind’s 1939 Atlanta movie premiere; the portrait of Scarlett O’Hara hanging in the Butler Mansion in the film; and pieces of the original Hollywood movie set.
You can visit the house independently, or as part of a Gone with the Wind tour that includes other key locations from the book and movie, an Atlanta film tour, or a tour of historic Atlanta homes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For Atlanta history buffs and Gone with the Wind fans alike, the Margaret Mitchell House is a must. It’s not the best choice for children, who may find it uninteresting.
- If you need to grab a bite, there are a handful of restaurants on the same block as the museum.
- The house is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Margaret Mitchell House is a short walk from Atlanta’s Midtown MARTA station. Limited free parking is available at the museum, plus there is paid street parking and a nearby public parking garage.
When to Get There
The Margaret Mitchell House is open from 10am to 5:30pm Monday through Saturday and from 12pm to 5:30pm on Sunday. Tours are available 30 minutes after opening until 30 minutes before closing every day. The museum hosts events such as book readings and signings throughout the year, and every summer it hosts a series of camps for young aspiring writers.
The Atlanta History Center
The Margaret Mitchell House is part of the Atlanta History Center, though it is located 13 miles (21 kilometers) away from the center’s main campus. For a full day of exploring Atlanta history, purchase a single admission ticket that gives you access to the Atlanta History Museum, Smith Family Farm, the Swan House mansion, and other sights.
Address: 990 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From $ 29
Manhattan Bridge
Connecting western Brooklyn with southeastern Manhattan, the Manhattan Bridge spans an impressive 6,855 feet across the East River. The suspension bridge allows for passage by vehicle, train, pedestrian, and bike. Construction on the historic bridge began at the turn of the century in 1901. Now it carries more than 450,00 people back and forth each day (the majority on public transport). It remains an icon of New York City, shown in numerous depictions of the city on film and television.
Its design was revolutionary at the time and served as a model for many of the long-span suspension bridges built after it. In 2009 the American Society of Civil Engineers named it a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. An arch and colonnade built to mark the bridge's entrance from Manhattan still stands as a city landmark. With its four-columned towers and long cables, it is particularly beautiful to behold as the sun is setting. A walk across it offers spectacular views of the city skyline.
Practical Info
The Manhattan Bridge runs between Flatbush Avenue Extension in Downtown Brooklyn and Canal Street in Chinatown, Manhattan. It is one of three toll-free bridges connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan. From Brooklyn you can enter at the intersection of Sands and Jay Street, and from Manhattan, at Forsyth and Canal Streets.
Address: South Street and FDR Drive, New York City, New York, USA, USA
Hours: 24/7
From $ 8
Manoa Valley
Manoa is both a valley and a neighborhood that's part of Honolulu. It's about three miles from downtown, and less than a mile from Waikiki Beach.
The Manoa Valley neighborhood is largely residential, though there is also a university campus here, and is surrounded by the tall, green mountains of the Ko'olau Range. In the 19th century, Manoa was the setting for Hawaii's first sugarcane and coffee plantations.
Because of the geography and position of the Manoa Valley, it rains at least a little bit almost every day – rainbows occur frequently – and it is always incredibly lush. One of the main attractions is the 150-foot Manoa Falls.
Practical Info
Manoa Falls is only reachable after a hike of roughly 0.8 miles. It's a moderate trail, and most people can make the trip there and back in about an hour.
Address: Manoa Valley, Oahu, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 40
Manhattan Skyline
Perhaps the most common backdrop for opening scenes of movies for the past several decades, the Manhattan skyline is New York City's shining beacon, designed to impress and inspire. From historical fixtures like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building to One World Trade Center, the man-made masterpiece dazzles at any time of day and from any vantage point in the NYC area.
The Basics
From land, water, and air, there are plenty of ways to admire the Manhattan skyline. Take a cruise on the Hudson River, East River, or New York Harbor for views of the city skyline and other landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge, an activity that provides the chance to see the skyline at your own pace. For aerial views, head to the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, or One World Observatory, or opt for a helicopter tour for a VIP-style experience in the Big Apple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The skyline is broken into two notable sections—Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.
- The walk from One World Trade Center to the Empire State Building is about three miles (five kilometers).
- If you want to visit a skyscraper observatory such as that at the Empire State Building, consider a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the typically long wait.
- For water views without booking a cruise, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry.
When to Get There
Consider the time of day for your viewing based on what you're looking for. If you want great photos, avoid the middle of the day, when the sun is high; for a romantic atmosphere, opt for a dinner cruise or nighttime stroll. Go during the holidays for the chance to admire the skyline in the snow and see the landmark buildings decked out in seasonal decorations.
Famous Buildings in the Manhattan Skyline
The 102-story Empire State Building is possibly the most iconic piece of architecture on the planet, built in 1931 in Art Deco style. The Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center offer more Art Deco examples, while the Time Warner Center, 4 Times Square, and One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) feature modern architecture.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
From $ 18
Marin Headlands
When outdoorsy San Franciscans need a nature fix, they head to the Marin Headlands, a wildlife haven on the coast known for its hiking trails, Pacific Ocean views, and historic sites. Part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the headlands sit just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County.
The Basics
The Marin Headlands make a great destination for a half-day trip or as part of a longer day trip to Muir Woods or Sonoma County. Go for a few hours to hike on the Tennessee Valley Trail, visit dog-friendly Rodeo Beach, or enjoy exceptional photo ops of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Golden Gate View Point on Conzelman Road. Bay cruises and helicopter tours give you the chance to admire the wild headlands from afar.
The southwest end of the headlands is home to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, Headlands Center for the Arts, and military attractions such as the Cold War–era Nike missile sites, gun batteries, Fort Barry, and Fort Cronkhite.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Marin Headlands are ideal for nature lovers and history buffs.
- The visitor center is located at Fort Barry, on the way to Rodeo Beach.
- Bring your own water and food; there are a few picnic sites, including at Battery Wallace.
- Accessible restrooms can be found near Rodeo Beach and at the visitor center.
How to Get There
From San Francisco, drive north over the Golden Gate Bridge and take the Alexander Avenue exit off US 101 to reach the Marin Headlands. If you’re feeling active, you can bike there.
When to Get There
If you wake up to a sunny day, go early to avoid the traffic, especially on weekend mornings when locals take the bridge out of the city. Photo and wildlife enthusiasts will want to visit in the early morning or evening for the best light and prime chances to see wildlife.
Marine Mammal Center
Near Rodeo Beach and Fort Cronkhite, the Marine Mammal Center works to rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals who have been injured, caught in nets, or a variety of other conditions. Educational programs and tours are open to the public.
Address: San Francisco, San Francisco Bay, USA
From $ 10
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a beautiful, moderate, 1-hour hike close to downtown Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Thanks to a paid parking lot and gravel path, it is one of the island’s most accessible hikes—and with a 150-foot (46-meter) rushing waterfall at the end, it is well worth the effort.
The Basics
The 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) round-trip Manoa Falls trail is well marked, and while visitors some go at it alone, a number of tour operators offer guided hikes. Parts of the path are paved or lined with gravel, but because of the heavy foot traffic and rainy weather, the trail can be very wet and muddy. As a result the relatively easy hike can be slippery; the last few minutes before the falls are the most challenging. The pool at the bottom of the falls is no longer open for swimming due to falling rocks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan on getting dirty, and wear sturdy walking shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
- Bring insect repellent, as mosquitos are out in full force on the trail.
- There is a small snack shop near the trail entrance.
- The force of the waterfall depends on rainfall; expect less water in summer months.
How to Get There
Manoa Falls is located at the end of Manoa Valley, northeast of downtown Honolulu. If driving from Waikiki, take the H1 toward the airport, exit at Punahou Road, and continue on to Manoa Road. There is paid parking near the entrance to the hike.
When to Get There
The Manoa Falls trail is open year-round. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate, with hotter days in summer and a rainy season typically from November to March. On rainy days the waterfall is at its most impressive and the trail is less crowded—yet also very muddy.
Tropical Vegetation
Manoa Falls is full of colorful, tropical plants, and a naturalist guide or book can help you identify what you see along the way. Parts of the trail are lined with guava, eucalyptus, and banyan trees as well as awapuhi, or bitter ginger flowers. It is common to spot tropical birds and insects as well.
Address: Manoa Falls, Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
From $ 40