Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Meatpacking District
New York City’s famous Meatpacking District is a 24-hour destination known for its fashion, culture, design and food. This neighborhood, located on the west side of Manhattan, spans approximately 20 square blocks and is popular for its nightlife and even its historical side.
The market-filled industrial center was once solely home to meatpacking plants, lumber yards and scores of open-air meat markets, and after an unseemly period during the 1980s when the area was a hotbed for scandal, a new transformation began. In the late 1990s, high-end boutiques and restaurants began opening, and the completion of the High Line Park in 2009 really set the Meatpacking District apart. And in May 2015, one of New York’s most well-respected art institutes, the Whitney Museum, opens its doors in the neighborhood.
Although the Meatpacking District has changed significantly over time, its historical past is still evident today. You can wander the cobblestone streets and find facades from former meat lockers, and there are even a few meatpackers still operating in the area. On the modern end of the spectrum, the swanky Gansevoort Hotel is a Meatpacking icon with its beautifully landscaped rooftop garden and expansive loft. Late-night restaurants and clubs also dominate, and spots like Cielo, with its reputation as one of the toughest clubs to enter in New York City, keep the hype alive.
Practical Info
The Meatpacking District runs roughly from West 14th Street south to Gansevoort Street and from the Hudson River east to Hudson Street. Some suggest it extends north to West 16th Street and further east than Hudson Street.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
From $ 30
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
When visiting Cambridge, Massachusetts, one not-to-miss attraction is the well-respected Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This private research university set on 168-acres (68 hectares), is home to five schools and 34 academic departments, research laboratories and innovative programs, and has a strong focus on technology, science and engineering. Although it’s an urban campus, you’ll see a mixture of interesting buildings and peaceful green spaces for an aesthetically-pleasing experience.
One reason many people enjoy touring the MIT campus is to take in the beautiful architecture. The Maclaurin Buildings refer to buildings 3, 4 and 10, which are typically shown in media and postcard shots, forming a U-shape around Killian Court. Building 10 is particularly interesting, with a colonnade facade and massive dome reminiscent of Rome’s Pantheon. The Kresge Auditorium is another building beloved for its architecture, touted along with the nearby Chapel as a prime example of mid-Century modern architecture in the United States. And don’t miss the Stata Center, with its peculiar and striking angular design, and the avant-garde Simmons Hall. Fore sourvenirs and MIT logo gear, stop by the MIT Coop Shop and peruse its wide selection.
One reason many people enjoy touring the MIT campus is to take in the beautiful architecture. The Maclaurin Buildings refer to buildings 3, 4 and 10, which are typically shown in media and postcard shots, forming a U-shape around Killian Court. Building 10 is particularly interesting, with a colonnade facade and massive dome reminiscent of Rome’s Pantheon. The Kresge Auditorium is another building beloved for its architecture, touted along with the nearby Chapel as a prime example of mid-Century modern architecture in the United States. And don’t miss the Stata Center, with its peculiar and striking angular design, and the avant-garde Simmons Hall. Fore sourvenirs and MIT logo gear, stop by the MIT Coop Shop and peruse its wide selection.
Practical Info
Visitors can take a 75- to 90-minute tour of the campus with a student guide
from Monday through Friday at 11am and 3pm. The excursion covers
interesting campus sites like the Stata Center, the MIT Chapel, the
Zesiger Athletic Center, Kresge Auditorium, the Infinite Corridor and
the Student Center. Tours leave from the Building 7 Lobby at 77
Massachusetts Avenue.
As MIT is located on the Charles River, it’s also a great place to enjoy a picnic, see pretty sailboards drifting by, go for a run or just take photographs of the peaceful scenery.
As MIT is located on the Charles River, it’s also a great place to enjoy a picnic, see pretty sailboards drifting by, go for a run or just take photographs of the peaceful scenery.
Address: 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
From $ 12
Mayflower II
The story of America’s first settlers comes to life on a visit to the iconic Mayflower II. Travelers can venture aboard a life-size replica of the famous ship and interact with costumed characters who describe what life was like on the high seas.
Visitors can learn about early navigation techniques and explore exhibits that highlight the lives of the ship’s first passengers. Experts will share stories about ancestors and crew while still leaving plenty of time to comb through artifacts and photos, too. And perhaps most impressive of all, the Mayflower II provides travelers with the chance to see just what it was like aboard what is arguably the world’s most famous ship.
This iconic boat is the perfect way to bring history to life and an ideal stop for families with children on a journey through New England. Whether it’s visiting the ship on its own, or combining a tour with the Plimoth Plantation and the Living Museum, a stop at the Mayflower II is bound to be a memorable part of any American history-themed vacation.
Practical Info
The boat is berthed at the State Pier in the Plymouth Waterfront. Tours are led by costumed guides. The ship is currently under restoration until 2019 at Mystic Seaport.
Address: Plymouth, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
From $ 28
Matanuska Glacier
Originating within the Chugach Mountain Range, the Matanuska Glacier can enhance your Anchorage itinerary. At about 26 miles long and four miles wide, it is the largest glacier in Alaska that is accessible by vehicle. While many areas in Alaska are not known for their reliable weather, the Matanuska Glacier has an impressive ability to push warm air up, leading to a sunny, enjoyable climate.
Your best bet for experiencing the glacier up close is to visit the 229-acre (93-hectare) Matanuska Glacier Park, where you’ll be able to park your car right next to the natural attraction. From there, hike onto the glacier or even go ice-climbing (guides are recommended for both), truly memorable Alaska experiences. Around the glacier and within the park are also trekking routes with viewing platforms. That being said, it’s visible from the surrounding Glenn Highway Scenic Byway, making it a popular roadside attraction.
While the Matanuska Glacier is the highlight of the drive from Anchorage, there are a number of not-to-miss attractions along the way. These include the Eagle River Nature Center, the historic Eklutna Village, Musk Ox Farm and the famous Lion’s Head Trail, a challenging trek awarding aerial views of the glacier from 2,000 feet (610 m).
Practical Info
The Matanuska Glacier is located about two hours outside of Anchorage via the Glenn Highway. Admission to see the glacier is $20 per person. Make sure to dress in layers, and be prepared to walk through brush, rivers and uneven terrain.
Address: Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Admission: $20
From $ 249
Mather Point
One of the sites most visitors encounter when they enter the South Rim is Mather Point. It’s an astonishing, breathtaking glimpse into the Grand Canyon. Best of all, you’re a short walk to the Canyon View Information Plaza, where you can pick up park information and begin your journey into the Canyon.
Mather Point has quite an extensive viewing area, set as it is on the south side of the Colorado River. Two narrow, railed overlooks, built on projecting rocks, provide views along the rim in both directions. The panorama extends from the lower end of Garden Creek, taking in some of the Bright Angel Trail, and a spectacular view over the deep canyon of Pipe Creek. To the west, you can jump on the Rim Trail, which offers more scenic vistas on its way to Yavapai Point. You can also see Bright Angel Creek, on the North Rim, between a collection of red buttes and ravines. A stop here is an excellent introduction to the Grand Canyon.
Part of the South Rim, Mather Point is located near the the Grand Canyon South Rim should be the Canyon View Visitor Center, near the south entrance. The visitor center stocks maps, books, and videos. This is the main entrance into the Grand Canyon. From Flagstaff, take U.S. 180 directly to the South Rim. Allow 1 hour for your visit.
Address: USA
From $ 99
Maunalua Bay
Maunalua Bay is a popular bay for water sports activities on Oahu’s south shore. Home to many stand up paddlers and kayakers, snorkelers and divers also come to explore the nearby reef. Hawaiian for “two mountains,” Maunalua Bay is framed by the Ko’olau range and sits by the peaks of Koko Crater and Koko Head.
Famous for its sunsets, the adventure beach is especially popular among Honolulu’s boaters and jet skiers who come to make the most of Maunalua Bay’s launch site. Look out for parasailers while you’re here too, and if you’re coming to Maunalua Bay to snorkel or scuba dive the reef is a mile out to shore, its crystal-clear waters full of colorful reef fish and bright green sea turtles. If you’d rather relax, there are also park benches available on the shore where it’s popular to enjoy a picnic under the setting sun.
Practical Info
Six miles from Honolulu’s beachside Waikiki neighborhood, to get to Maunalua Bay just head to the beach park off Kalanianaole Highway, which is just across from Hawaii Kai Drive. As the ocean bottom is shallow and rocky at Maunalua Bay, this isn’t really a swimmer’s beach.
Address: Manualua Bay, Oahu, USA
From $ 89
Market Street
One of San Francisco’s main thoroughfares, ever-pulsating Market Street cuts a diagonal line from the Embarcadero on the city’s northeastern edge to the Twin Peaks neighborhood. It’s home to everything from big-name shops, restaurants, and cafés to offices, theaters, and plazas—attracting visitors and locals both day and night.
The Basics
Market Street spans 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) and is where much of the action takes place in San Francisco, from both a working and visiting perspective. Union Square, Civic Center, and the Financial District are on the drag’s northern side, and the South of Market (SoMa) and Castro districts lie on the southern side. Book a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore the sights at your own pace, or jump aboard the F-Market MUNI line to ride down Market Street in a vintage streetcar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Being a main artery of San Francisco, Market Street is a virtually unavoidable experience for all visitors to the city.
- Market is flat and walkable from the Embarcadero through the downtown area; it starts to get hilly as you near the Castro and Twin Peaks.
- With heavy pedestrian traffic, bus lanes, and streetcar tracks, Market Street is busy and can be a stressful driving experience for first-timers.
- Market’s sidewalks are well maintained and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
A variety of public transportation options ply Market Street, including several MUNI bus and train lines, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, and the San Francisco Cable Car, which runs down Powell Street to Market. There is plenty of metered street parking available, but pay attention to posted signs about prohibited parking during rush hour.
When to Get There
Market Street bustles all day long—go in the late morning or afternoon for shopping or lunch, or have dinner at a popular restaurant such as Zuni Café. The street is quieter at night, when locals head home after post-work happy hour. You’ll get the best photos in the early morning, before the 9-to-5 crowd arrives.
Ferry Building
Across the Embarcadero from the end of Market Street sits the Ferry Building Marketplace, a haven of gourmet goodies nestled amidst stellar views of San Francisco Bay. Eat your way through the historical building, tasting cheese, oysters, bread, wine, coffee, and ice cream, or try your luck at getting a table at the Slanted Door, one of the city’s best Vietnamese eateries.
Address: Market St. begins at The Embarcadero, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
When it comes to the macadamia nut, never has a nut been so difficult to crack but so tremendously easy to eat. Whether eaten whole, covered in chocolate, or crushed into a succulent brittle, the macadamia is a culinary staple of Hawaiian treats and desserts.
Luckily for travelers visiting Hilo, there is an entire factory and sprawling orchard devoted solely to the wonders of this nut. At the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, a self-guided tour explains the process of harvesting these off-white nuts, from the lengthy and protracted growing process right up through roasting and canning. More than just a look at the production process, there are also recipes on the dozens of ways to consume a macadamia. From standard methods of baking them in cookies to wasabi or onion flavoring, even the most accomplished gourmands and foodies will likely pick up some tips. Best of all, free samples are often distributed in the visitor center gift shop, and from the moment you turn on Macadamia Road and make the three-mile drive through the orchard, everything about this farm experience seems tasty, engaging, and fresh.
Practical Info
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory is located five miles south of Hilo off of Highway 11. Visitor center hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and the factory is an easy, convenient detour on the drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Address: 16-701 Macadamia Nut Rd, Keaau, HI 96749, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm
From $ 99
Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park and Preserve, a historic site left to the city for use as a park in 1971, is part of the Mayfield-Gutsch Estate. The grounds include historic cottage and two acres of gardens, while the preserve is the 21-acre natural area that surrounds the park and contains walking trails and wildlife.
Peafowl are a common sight here; two types and approximately two dozen total call the area home. Most of the peafowl seen today are descendants from the original pair given to the Gutschs as a Christmas gift in 1935. If you are hoping to catch a peafowl with its tail fanned, consider visiting in late winter or spring, beginning around February, when they start courting the females.
Don’t miss Mayfield Park’s ponds, especially the cast iron pond near the cottage. There are six large lily ponds that are arranged in the general shape of a flower -- the center circular pond is surrounded by four oval shaped ponds (the petals) and an hourglass pond with small waterfall that represents the stem.
Practical Info
Mayfield Park is located at 3801 W 35th Street in Austin and is open from 5am until 10pm. The Mayfield-Gutsch Estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Mayfield Park does host private events like weddings and business workshops. When a private event is reserved, the general public is not allowed in the garden area.
Address: 3801 W 35th Street, Austin 78703, USA
Hours: Daily 5am-10pm
From $ 25
Mauna Loa
The world’s most massive volcano doesn’t tower over Hawaii Island like you might expect. Instead, its giant three-pronged fingers take up most of the southern half of the island, reaching the sea in spots both north and south of Kailua Kona, across the Saddle Road interior and sloping down behind Hilo. It’s possible to be on the slopes of Mauna Loa and not even realize it.
To get a true sense of the volcano, most visitors opt to drive along the central Saddle Road, etched into the barren lava rock foothills where Mauna Loa meets Mauna Kea. Those who turn in near the 28 Mile Marker on Mauna Loa Observatory Road are rewarded with a 17-mile (one-way) scenic drive up its slopes from about 6,500 feet above sea level to 11,150 feet, ending near the entrance to mountain's observatories.
Unlike the astronomical observatories atop neighboring Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa’s observatories mostly monitor weather. They are possible to visit, but prior arrangement is required. Additionally, a number of hikes around the island explore Mauna Loa’s flanks and two challenging routes—a 13-mile day trip and a 30+ mile, three- to five-day trip—will get your feet shuffling toward the summit. Travelers should note that hiking the longer Mauna Kea Summit Trail requires advance permits obtained through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Along-the-route cabins restrict the trail to a maximum of 16 hikers at any given time, so it’s best to reserve permits in advance.
Practical Info
Though currently not erupting (the last was in 1984), the volcano is still considered active. Mauna Loa is not prone to violent eruptions—instead it oozes lava toward the sea—but visitors should still be aware of the possibility of eruption and take appropriate precautions when visiting. If you plan to go up Mauna Loa, or even just drive along the Saddle Road, note that elevation gain is significant and that this should not be done following scuba diving. If you have any signs of altitude sickness—weakness, trouble breathing, higher pulse—turn back to a lower elevation. It can be chilly at the top (it even sometimes snows!) so be sure to wear cold-weather clothing if you plan to leave your vehicle. Tours of the summit observatories are currently only offered on select Thursdays at 12:30pm (though this could change).
Address: Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 120
Maui Tropical Plantation
Set amid 500 acres (202 hectares) of farmland in Waikapu Valley, Maui Tropical Plantation is a working plantation and agricultural theme park where more than 40 different crops and native plants are grown and harvested. Located on the grounds of a former sugarcane plantation, the park offers a glimpse into Maui’s agricultural past.
The Basics
Visitors have several ways of exploring the plantation grounds. Take a tram ride around the beautiful grounds to learn about the island’s agricultural past and Hawaii’s native plants and tropical fruits, watch a live coconut-husking demonstration, zipline above the plantation, or shop for seasonal organic produce, including tasty tropical fruit, macadamia nuts, and other made-in-Maui products. Admission to the park is free, although each attraction or experience has its own fee, allowing travelers to customize their visit. The plantation tour is included on the Maui Value Pass, along with entry to the Atlantis Maui Submarine Adventure, Maui Ocean Center, and Bailey House Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Maui Tropical Plantation is a must-see for families.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Much of the plantation is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Maui Tropical Plantation is situated in Central Maui in the town of Waikapu, about 30 minutes from Wailea and 40 minutes from Lahaina by road. The easiest way to get there is to drive.
When to Get There
Maui Tropical Plantation is open daily. The summer season (July to September) sees the least rainfall in Maui, making it a good time to experience the plantation’s outdoor attractions. Be sure to book ahead if a cruise ship is in port—the plantation is a popular excursion.
Dining at the Maui Tropical Plantation
Come hungry, because the plantation grounds offer several culinary experiences. Sip a small-batch Hawaiian coffee at the Mill House Roasting Co., tuck into a multicourse meal at Maui Chef’s Table, dine on farm-to-table fare by a quiet lagoon at The Mill House, or satisfy a craving for something sweet at The Scoop, known for its ice creams and smoothies, all freshly made with plantation-grown ingredients.
Address: 1670 Honoapiilani Highway, Waikapu 96793, USA
Hours: Open daily 8am - 9pm
Admission: Adults: US$20, Children (3-12yrs): US$10
From $ 20
Maryland Science Center
One of the oldest scientific institutions in the US, the Maryland Science Center has been attracting visitors of all ages since 1976. Also known as the MSC, the site features three floors of exhibits, hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to get folks excited about science. Highlights include more than a dozen full-size dinosaurs, a unique journey through the human body and an exhibit on blue crabs that focuses on the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay.
A mix of educational flicks and Hollywood blockbusters play daily on the 400-seat, five-story 3D IMAX Theater. The Davis Planetarium offers programs featuring everything from the night’s sky to shows aimed at young kids featuring popular Sesame Street characters.
Practical Info
The Maryland Science Center is located at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. If you are coming by car, the MSC is accessible from numerous highways including I-95 and I-295 from the south, I-95 and I-83 from the north, and I-70 to the west. The Maryland Science Center also validates at two nearby garages. If you are looking for public transportation options, Light rail and MARC Trains stop four blocks away at Camden Yards.
Address: 601 Light St, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Admission: Adults $18.95-$22.95, Child $15.95-19.95
From $ 15
Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory
Visiting the Mauna Kea Summit and Observatories gives you the feeling of being on top of the world for good reason: You’re actually pretty close. Standing at 13,796 feet (4,138 meters), the mountain is Hawaii’s tallest and the highlight of many visitors’ trips to the Big Island of Hawaii. The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) feature some of the world's largest telescopes, including equipment from Canada, France, and the University of Hawaii, due to its designation as an unparalleled destination for stargazing.
The Basics
Mauna Kea tours depart from Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa Village, and usually last upwards of eight hours. Whether you choose to visit for sunrise, sunset, a midday summit tour, or after-dark stargazing, the mountain makes for a popular day trip on the Big Island.
The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station sits at 9,300 feet (2,790 m) and features interactive displays and videos, with telescopes, talks, and tours. It’s important to stop here even if you’re headed to the summit to acclimate to the altitude. In addition to checking out the magnificent night sky, you can learn about Mauna Kea’s formation and why the mountain is considered sacred to native Hawaiians.
Insider Tip
Sunrise and sunset are great times to visit Mauna Kea. Enjoy stargazing (offered nightly from 6 to 10pm) and hot chocolate (available for purchase) at the Visitor Information Station, or rise bright and early to drive up to the summit in time to watch the sunrise.
Best Ways to Summit Mauna Kea
You can make an ambitious go of the summit on your own (on foot or in a vehicle), or join an organized summit adventure tour during visiting hours (from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset). From the Visitor Information Station, a roughly 10-hour, roundtrip hike on a rugged trail takes you to the top and back. Be prepared for a workout, and be sure to wear layers and sturdy closed-toe walking shoes; you’ll encounter all kinds of weather as you ascend above the Big Island’s layer of cloud cover. You must bring your own water and pack out your waste; there are no amenities on the trail.
If you’d rather drive to the top, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, plenty of water and sunscreen, and a keen eye for hazards. Depending on conditions, summit attempts can be particularly dangerous in winter. Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet in a few hours.
Practical Info
How to Get There
What Makes Mauna Kea Ideal for Astronomical Sightseeing?
The Subaru Telescope, the W.M. Keck Observatory, and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility take advantage of Mauna Kea’s ideal location near the equator and above most of the atmosphere’s water vapor, which means a clear view of stars in both of the earth’s hemispheres.
Address: Saddle Road, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 145
Marquette University
Just outside of downtown Milwaukee, Marquette University is one of the city’s historic educational centers, established as Marquette College by the Society of Jesus in 1881. It was names for Father Jacques Marquette, who was a renowned missionary in this part of the county in the late 1600s, who spoke at least six Native American languages. One of the most notable sights on the campus is its oldest building, the Gothic-style Johnston Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is today home to the university’s communications program.
Practical Info
Marquette University is located just east of downtown Milwaukee, at the intersection of I-94 and I-43. Visitors who are interested can stroll the grounds and see the historic Johnston Hall.
Address: 1250 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, USA
From $ 40
Maui Cruise Port
The second largest of the islands, Maui is known for its legendary Road to Hana (aka the Hana Highway). This scenic route past waterfalls and beaches is one of the most popular attractions on the island and makes a great shore excursion. Other shore excursions include snorkeling and trips to the Haleakala Crater, a well-known sunset spot.
Maui has great beaches, including white-sand Kaanapali Beach near Lahaina, so don’t be afraid to spend your whole day in port on the sand.
How to get to Maui
Ships dock in Kahului Harbor on the north coast or anchor off Lahaina on the west coast. If you’re not taking an organized tour, you’ll want a rental car to get around the island. Most of the rental companies have shuttles from each port to take you to one of the airports to pick up your car.
One Day on Maui
The Road to Hana is a must, so plan your day around that. The 68-mile (109-km) journey (technically highways 36 and 360) starts in Kahului and travels east along the northern coast of the island to the town of Hana, on the eastern end of the island. The road takes you through the lush rainforest and over nearly 60 bridges. Stop whenever you like to check out waterfalls and amazing coastal views.
When you reach Hana, continue about 45 minutes past town if you’d like to swim in Ohe'o Gulch, a series of pools and waterfalls in Haleakala National Park.
Make sure you keep an eye on the time. Each way, the journey can take 2.5 to 3 hours, longer when you make stops.
Maui has great beaches, including white-sand Kaanapali Beach near Lahaina, so don’t be afraid to spend your whole day in port on the sand.
How to get to Maui
Ships dock in Kahului Harbor on the north coast or anchor off Lahaina on the west coast. If you’re not taking an organized tour, you’ll want a rental car to get around the island. Most of the rental companies have shuttles from each port to take you to one of the airports to pick up your car.
One Day on Maui
The Road to Hana is a must, so plan your day around that. The 68-mile (109-km) journey (technically highways 36 and 360) starts in Kahului and travels east along the northern coast of the island to the town of Hana, on the eastern end of the island. The road takes you through the lush rainforest and over nearly 60 bridges. Stop whenever you like to check out waterfalls and amazing coastal views.
When you reach Hana, continue about 45 minutes past town if you’d like to swim in Ohe'o Gulch, a series of pools and waterfalls in Haleakala National Park.
Make sure you keep an eye on the time. Each way, the journey can take 2.5 to 3 hours, longer when you make stops.
Port Information
The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. English is the official language, as is Hawaiian, which many locals also speak.
Address: Kahului Harbor, Kahului, HI, USA
From $ 89
Massachusetts State House
Newcomers to the city of Boston often refer to it as “the city of history” because while walking along the Freedom Trail, you encounter so many important historical points—points that were instrumental in the founding of America. It makes for an incredible walk through time, and one of the highlights on this Freedom Trail is a visit to the Massachusetts State House.
Built in 1788, the “new” Massachusetts State House is built across from the Boston Common on the top of Beacon Hill. Known far and wide for its gilded gold dome (it’s actually made of wood and copper, but topped with 24-karat gold), the State House symbolizes what the founding fathers had envisioned upon landing at Plymouth Rock – to build a city upon a hill. Inside, the working State House houses working government officials, beautiful murals depicting colonial times of war, spacious marble-filled corridors, and other historical items that reflect the heritage of the Boston area – a pinecone high atop the dome pays homage to Boston’s logging industry, and the “Sacred Cod” is a nod to the fishing industry—both paragons of the early industry that made Boston one of the most influential cities in America.
Practical Info
The Massachusetts State House is located on Beacon Hill, in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. Free 30 to 45-minute tours are given weekdays year-round from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Address: Beacon Hill, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm
From $ 54
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park commemorates the life, work, and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement leader. The center—which takes up several blocks in Sweet Auburn, the center of black Atlanta—includes King’s birth home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where both King’s father and grandfather served as ministers.
The Basics
At the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, stroll around to follow the journey of Dr. King from his birth to his rise as one of the country’s most important leaders. Inside the visitor center is a museum that chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement, and Dr King’s role in it. The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change has more information on MLK’s life and work, and a few of his personal effects, including his Nobel Peace Prize. His grave, between the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center, is surrounded by a long reflecting pool and rose garden.
The National Park Service offers free, guided tours of Dr. King’s Birth Home; pick up a timed ticket at the information desk. Other tours from downtown Atlanta via bus, electric car, or Segway make stops at this historic site along with other city sightseeing highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fire Station No. 6, a restored firehouse, has a gift shop selling memorabilia relating to Dr. King’s life.
- Most portions of the National Historical Park are accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Most exhibits and tour routes are inside, but you must pass between buildings, so dress accordingly for the weather.
How to Get There
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is in Midtown Atlanta, east of the CNN Center. The site is also part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District, an area bounded roughly by Irwin, Randolph, Edgewood, Jackson, and Auburn Avenues. You can get here easily by bus and MARTA trains.
When to Get There
A typical visit to the National Historical Park takes between one and two hours. The visitor center, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 9am to 5pm daily. The Birth Home is open for ranger-led tours from 10am to 4pm daily. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open from 9am to 5pm. All facilities are closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
The Eternal Flame
Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. King are buried in a crypt at the King Center. The eternal flame there symbolizes the continuing effort to realize Dr. King’s dream of the “Beloved Community,” which was his vision for a world of justice, peace, and equality for all mankind.
Address: 450 Auburn Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30312, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Mast Brothers Chocolate
In the 1980s, the biggest chocolate bar choice was between Snickers and Mars. Today, the dynamic duo Mast Brothers has upped the ante with meticulously crafted artisanal chocolate with cocoa that’s sustainably sourced from around the globe. Innovative flavors like sea salt, smoke, olive oil and sheep milk take the timeless candy bar to the next level. It’s chocolate elevated for the adult palate.
And while these precious bars decked out in fashionable paper wrappers that reflect the Mast brothers’ own aesthetic are available in specialty stores nationwide, there’s no substitute for a stop at Mast Brothers Chocolate in Williamsburg. Travelers can tour the site, sample the rich, bold bars during a coached tasting, and learn about the drive it takes to continue to create the borough’s best bar. The shop’s sleek design is a nod to fashion house show rooms and highlights the refined style of these truly tasty bars.
Practical Info
Mast Brothers Chocolate is located near the Bedford Avenue stop of the L train in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is open from 10am until 8pm daily and free tours are available to all without appointment. Chocolate is produced at the nearby Navy Yard factory located at 46 Washington Avenue.
Address: 111 North 3rd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11249, USA
Hours: 10am to 8pm daily
From $ 55
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The man whose dream changed America lives eternally in Washington DC. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial opened in October 2011, a few months after the 48th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I have a dream" speech. Set in the greater National Mall area, the memorial occupies four acres of land in West Potomac Park and looks out over Tidal Basin near the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
The site includes both a commanding 30-foot statue of Dr. King and a 450-foot granite inscription wall, featuring 14 excerpts from King's speeches, sermons and other public addresses.
Practical Info
The memorial is located at 1964 Independence Ave SW, the "1964" an intentional tribute to the Civil Rights Movement of the same year. The National Mall never closes, and the memorial is lit at night. There is very limited parking near the site; the best way to access it is by public transportation. The nearest metro stations are Smithsonian and Foggy Bottom (about a one-mile walk away).
Address: Washington DC 20024, USA
From $ 14
Maya Museum (Museo Maya)
Take a break from the beaches of Cancun to explore artifacts from Mexico’s ancient past at the Maya Museum, one of the largest created by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. Inside the museum, visitors can see incredible items recovered from sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum, including the Woman of the Palms, ancient skeletal remains found submerged in a water-filled cave near Tulum. Next to the museum is an ancient archaeological site called San Miguelito, where visitors can stroll among the ruins and gardens.
Practical Info
The Maya Museum is located at the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, making it easily reached by taxi or bus. It’s open every day except Mondays, and the $4/person entrance fee is well worth it to explore such unique remnants of Mayan history.
Address: Km. 16.5 Kukulcan Blvd., Cancun 77500, Mexico
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Admission costs 65 pesos (about $4) per person
From $ 5