Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
ShowingFilter 1261-1280 of 2596 listings.
Medicine Lake
When is a lake not a lake? When it’s a river. Medicine Lake is a geologic anomaly: though it looks like a long—4.3 mi (7 km)—and relatively shallow lake, it’s actually an area of the Maligne River. During times of glacial melt during the summer, the water backs up and forms the “lake” until it can slowly drain underground again through a series of sinkholes.
Aboriginal people called the lake Medicine Lake because of its incredible disappearing trick, but visitors these days are inspired by the opportunities for wildlife viewing of large mammals like bear, deer, moose and caribou. Fly-fishing is another popular pastime due to the proliferations of trout, but be prepared: Medicine Lake disappears in the fall and winter months, becoming a mudflat.
Practical Info
Medicine Lake is located approximately 12 mi (20 km) southeast of the town of Jasper, Alberta. Entry into Jasper National Park is $9.80 for adults, $8.30 for seniors and $4.90 for youth ages 6 -16. Jasper National Park and Medicine Lake are open year round, but adverse weather conditions may cause temporary closures of some roads.
Address: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 56
Medieval Times Baltimore
Serfs, wenches, knights, horses, lances, swords, and falcons - they’re all a part of an action packed outing to Medieval Times in Baltimore. Leave the modern city behind as you travel to the 11th century, enjoying the show as a guest of the King inside of his lavish castle. Prior to sitting down for the feast, wander the gruesome Torture Museum and learn about hunting with falcons, before settling in for a four course meal that you literally eat with your hands. When it’s time for the evening’s main show to begin, choose a knight you think will win the series of jousts and combat, where swordsmanship and horsemanship are impressively put on display. Join the crowd in raucously cheering - or booing - depending on the knight, and experience the thrill of a night on the town in the spirit of Medieval Spain.
Practical Info
Medieval Times Baltimore is in the town of Hanover insider the Arundel Hills Mall. There’s a full service bar for adult guests, and vegetarian or vegan meals are available upon request. Since seating around the arena is first-come, first-serve, arrive early about an hour prior to the scheduled start time of the show.
Address: 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, Baltimore 21076, USA
Hours: Most easily accessed by car and there is free parking in the mall. Opening hours: Show times are at 11am, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, and 7:30pm, depending on the day of the week.
Admission: $60 for adults and $37 for children
From $ 60
Merced River
With its origins located in the southeastern corner of Yosemite National Park, near Merced Lake, the Merced River flows for 145 miles (233 km) westward through a series of canyons and gorge, spilling into the Little Yosemite Valley and dropping over Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls before continuing through Yosemite Valley.
The Merced River and its tributaries are home to some of the most popular recreational activities in Yosemite National Park, including boating, fishing, whitewater rafting and swimming off of its sandy beaches. One-day intermediate to advanced rafting trips are available to challenge Class III and IV rapids in the spring; during the rest of the season, the river becomes friendly to rafters of all abilities. There are also wonderful hiking trails that wander through the river shed; perhaps the most famous is the John Muir Trail, which starts near Happy Isles and climbs the Giant Staircase, past Vernal and Nevada Falls, into Little Yosemite Valley and north along Sunrise Creek to join the Pacific Crest Trail near Tuolumne Meadows.
The Merced River and its tributaries are home to some of the most popular recreational activities in Yosemite National Park, including boating, fishing, whitewater rafting and swimming off of its sandy beaches. One-day intermediate to advanced rafting trips are available to challenge Class III and IV rapids in the spring; during the rest of the season, the river becomes friendly to rafters of all abilities. There are also wonderful hiking trails that wander through the river shed; perhaps the most famous is the John Muir Trail, which starts near Happy Isles and climbs the Giant Staircase, past Vernal and Nevada Falls, into Little Yosemite Valley and north along Sunrise Creek to join the Pacific Crest Trail near Tuolumne Meadows.
Practical Info
If rafting is on the agenda, you can rent a raft or bring your own; other non-motorized vehicles such as kayaks and stand up paddleboards are also permitted. Rafting is permitted on the Merced River between Stoneman Bridge and Sentinel Beach Picnic Area between 10am and 6pm, depending on conditions. Rafting is also permitted on the South Fork of the Merced River in the Wawona area.
Address: Merced River, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
From $ 74
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Arguably America’s musical heart, a cultural melting pot that created the rhythm and blues sound, Memphis has a number of tourist attractions dedicated to the craft. Local favorites—some well-known, some more obscure—are celebrated in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, a small upstairs Smithsonian-branded museum, which shares a building with the Hard Rock Café Memphis and a retail outlet of Memphis clothier Lansky Bros. The museum is the headquarters for an off-site annual induction ceremony that adds new note-worthy blues, soul, and rock musicians from the city to its ranks—among its honored acts Al Green, Justin Timberlake, Johnny Cash, David Porter, Elvis Presley, and B.B. King.
Visitors can read about the perfect storm that led to a burgeoning music scene in Memphis, and browse interactive displays offering information about inductees’ and their discographies. There’s also videos and large glass cases housing prized possessions including a playbill and guitar used by Johnny Cash; Isaac Hayes’ white, electric organ; Elvis Presley’s briefcase telephone; and one of Al Green’s green suits. There’s also a bevvy of outlandish, shiny and ostentatious costumes worn by inductees (including one ornamented with a stuffed snake), an Oscar from the movie Hustle and Flow, and ½ of Jerry Lee Lewis’ baby blue Cadillac protruding from a wall.
Practical Info
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is located at 126 Beale Street in downtown Memphis, four blocks from the Mississippi River, and two blocks northwest of the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Several bus routes connect the museum to Central Station.
Exhibits are open daily from 10am to 7pm, and admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children. It’s possible to see the small museum in an hour. Bundled tickets with the similar and nearby Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are also available. The museum has a small gift shop selling branded mugs, magnets, t-shirts and more, near its entrance.
Address: 126 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10am-7pm
Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for children
From $ 8
Medano Beach (Playa el Medano)
The water may be wild elsewhere, but at Medano Beach - or Playa el Medano - there’s miles of safe, calm swimming and beach fun for all the family.
Los Cabo’s most popular beach is a long, long stretch of beach towels, sun umbrellas, beach volleyball, pleasure boats and beach bars. Resorts and high-rise apartment buildings line the sands, offering beachfront restaurants and bars.
Beach vendors stroll the sands selling everything from sombreros to jewelry, and when the sun goes down the beach turns into Los Cabo’s nightlife hub.
Practical Info
The cape’s downtown beach, Medano Beach runs east from the harbor at Cabo San Lucas, for 2 miles (3 km) to Villa del Palmar.
From the sands, you have a terrific view of Land’s End and El Arco framing the horizon.
Address: Camino Vieja a San José, Cabo San Lucas 23410, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Medieval Times Dallas
Transport to a time of knights, kings, and queens at Medieval Times in Dallas, a unique dining and live-action experience that’s entertaining for the whole family. Enjoy a four-course feast included with your ticket while you watch sword fights, jousting from horseback, and even falcons in flight.
The Basics
Part of the nationally acclaimed dinner-theater company, the Dallas-based production of Medieval Times hosts guests inside a historical-looking castle. Dinner portions are large and include items such as roast chicken, tomato soup, garlic bread, baked potato, and dessert. Then prepare for some fun and audience participation as you cheer for your “home team,” which includes six knights on their two-hour epic battle quest and a supporting cast of live horses, serfs, and royalty.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Save money on your Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament ticket by purchasing ahead of time.
- Arrive early to get the best seats to view the action.
- Meal selections are fixed, and there are no utensils. Vegetarian options are available.
- This show is appropriate for all ages, including younger children.
How to Get There
Medieval Times Dallas is located at 2021 North Stemmons Freeway, in the Design District of Dallas, Texas. From DFW Airport, it’s an 18-minute drive southeast. Follow I-35E south to North Stemmons Freeway and free on-site parking. The nearest DART bus stop is I-35 at Oak Lawn.
When to Get There
Reserve your Medieval Times Dallas ticket in advance to ensure the time and date of your choice. The castle opens 75 minutes prior to the scheduled showtime, and it’s recommended that you arrive early so you have plenty of time to get a good seat and check out the additional features of the castle, as well as purchase souvenirs if you wish.
Torture Chamber
One of the additional “attractions” at Medieval Times Dallas that guests frequently talk about is the creepy medieval torture museum, available to tour for an additional fee. Here you can see some of the devices used for punishment during the 11th century. This may not be suitable for children.
Address: 2021 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 58
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
No trip to Memphis would be complete without learning about its music history, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is just the place to do this. Originally a Smithsonian Institute research project, it became their first permanent exhibition outside of New York and Washington DC. Inside, you’ll find seven expansive galleries showcasing instruments, costumes, photographs, artifacts and exhibits like “Rural Music,” “Coming to Memphis,” “Sun Records & Youth Culture,” “Soul Music” and “Social Changes” that take you through a timeline and tell the story of Memphis and its music history.
The doesn’t just focus on the music itself or the artists, but the actual socio-economic and racial struggles as well as the successes of the people who overcame prejudice and put Memphis on the map as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” By the time you leave the museum, you’ll have a better understanding of the civil rights movement, historic Beale Street and how the sounds of Memphis inspired its people.
One way to enhance your Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum experience is opting for the audio guide, which features 300 minutes of information including 100 songs. This combined with the exhibits will undoubtedly have you dancing during your visit and on your way out (and probably for the rest of the afternoon!).
Allow a minimum of two hours to explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, although you’ll probably want more.
The doesn’t just focus on the music itself or the artists, but the actual socio-economic and racial struggles as well as the successes of the people who overcame prejudice and put Memphis on the map as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” By the time you leave the museum, you’ll have a better understanding of the civil rights movement, historic Beale Street and how the sounds of Memphis inspired its people.
One way to enhance your Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum experience is opting for the audio guide, which features 300 minutes of information including 100 songs. This combined with the exhibits will undoubtedly have you dancing during your visit and on your way out (and probably for the rest of the afternoon!).
Allow a minimum of two hours to explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, although you’ll probably want more.
Practical Info
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with the last tour offered at 6:15pm. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for children aged 5-17.
Address: 191 Beale St, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Admission: Adults: $11; Children: $8
From $ 8
Memorial Presbyterian Church
This stunning contemporary church is widely considered one of the eight religious wonders of the world. Perhaps that’s because its stunning façade with towering spires, royal arch and smooth white stone are truly a sight to behold.
Visitors who appreciate breathtaking architecture and attention to stonework detail with find a stop at Memorial Presbyterian Church worth the trip. Trained docents can unlock the art and history of the interior during a free tour, and religious travelers can participate in a Sunday morning worship where all are welcome.
Practical Info
The church is located at 32 Sevilla Street in St Augustine near the corner of Valencia Street near Flagler College. Worship takes place Sundays at 10 am. It is open for visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 3:30 pm.
Address: 32 Sevilla Street, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 3:30 pm.
From $ 28
Mercer-Williams House Museum
The Mercer-Williams House Museum is a historic building and museum located in the Savannah Historic District’s Monterey Square. Construction began in 1860 but was delayed by the American Civil War, and was finally completed around 1868.
The building was used as the Savannah Shriners Alee Temple for a number of years and then remained vacant until 1968 when Jim Williams purchased it. Williams was one of Savannah’s earliest restorationists and embarked on a two-year project to restore the Mercer House.
Today, the Mercer-Williams House is owned by Williams’ sister, Dorothy Kingery, who kindly opened it for the public to enjoy. The site houses Williams’ private collection of 18th- and 19th-century furniture, 18th-century English and American portraits, drawings from the 17th century and a large collection of Chinese export porcelain.
Practical Info
The Mercer-Williams House Museum is located at 429 Bull Street and is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30am to 4:10pm, and Sunday, noon to 4pm. There is a museum gift shop open Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, 10:30am-4:30pm.
Address: 430 Whitaker St, Savannah, Georgia 31401, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-4:10pm, Sun 12pm-4pm
Admission: Adults $12.50, Students $8
From $ 25
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s most prestigious art collections and cultural hubs. Five million annual visitors stroll the Met’s 17 acres (6.9 hectares) of gallery space, gazing upon pieces representing 5,000 years of art and human history. From Egyptian tombs to American abstract expressionist paintings, the museum’s permanent collection has more than 2 million objects, so expect to stay awhile.
The Basics
Valid for three consecutive days, basic Met tickets include access exhibits at the museum’s three branches: the Met Fifth Avenue, the Met Breuer, and the Met Cloisters. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and peruse the Met’s vast collection on your own, or see the highlights on a private tour with an expert guide. Skip-the-line tickets and VIP after-hours admission are also available for visitors who want to save time and escape the crowds. Similarly, travelers can choose an EmptyMet tour to visit before the museum opens and partner up with an art expert to enjoy an intimate view of the collection’s most famous exhibits.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fee-based audio tours are available in several languages.
- Food and drink, other than water in plastic bottles, are not allowed into the museum.
- There are eight onsite dining options, ranging from casual cafés and cafeterias to fine dining spots.
- Flash photography and video cameras are not permitted inside the museum.
- Luggage, carry-on bags, musical instruments, oversize backpacks, and other large items are not allowed in the museum and cannot be stored at the coat check.
How to Get There
Set back from Fifth Avenue on the eastern edge of Central Park in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the star attraction of Museum Mile. To get there, catch a Fifth Avenue bus or take the subway to 86th Street (4, 5, or 6 train); from the Upper West Side, take the M86 bus across the park and get off at Fifth Avenue.
When to Get There
The Met is open year-round and daily from 10am to 5:30pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Summer visitors can enjoy incredible views of Central Park from the rooftop café and bar, open May through October. In winter, the museum can be a cozy retreat from chilly weather. Weekends are the busiest time to visit, so visit on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds. For a sophisticated evening treat, visit on Friday or Saturday night, when the Met serves cocktails and snacks with live music on the Great Hall Balcony Bar.
Met Museum Highlights
Since the Met opened to the public in 1880, its footprint has expanded to cover more than 2 million square feet (186,000 square meters). While there is something for everyone here, highlights include the collections of European paintings, classical antiquities, medieval armor, Islamic art and artifacts, and American decorative arts. Don’t miss masterpieces such as Canova’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Monet’s The Water Lily Pond, and Vincent van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses. The roof garden showcases a different temporary installation each year.
Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue, 10028, USA
Hours: Open Sun - Thurs 10am - 5:30pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 9pm
Admission: US$25 for adults
From $ 25
Medieval Times Myrtle Beach
Medieval Times Myrtle Beach offers families a dining and entertainment experience that’s unlike any other. The jaw-dropping night of live performances transports guests back in time to an era when knights battled for the affection of the princess and kings and queens ruled the land.
Admission to the show includes a hearty meal that’s fit for a king and a top-notch seat right up close to the action. A thrilling dinner theater performance takes place live on stage, complete with sword fights between armored knights, jousting on horseback and falcons taking flight. It’s an experience that’s perfect for the entire family and is guaranteed to be a dinner to remember!
A variety of ticket packages are available for families, with options to include VIP first row seating and framed photos, priority castle access and even VIP birthday seating.
Practical Info
Medieval Times Myrtle Beach is located at 2904 Fantasy Way. Shows last approximately two hours and the cost of admission includes dinner.
Address: 2904 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Hours: Daily 11am-12am
Admission: Adults $53.95, Children under 12 $26.95
From $ 50
Medieval Times Chicago
Experience entertainment fit for a king at Medieval Times in Chicago. The huge stone towers of the Schaumberg Castle house a rousing dinner and action-packed show that attracts travelers to the Windy City for a ringside seat at the tournament. Guests enjoy a full medieval-style feast (vegetarian options available) — no utensils allowed! While devouring the four-course meal, visitors can cheer and leer for their favorite armored knights throughout the show and its jousting tournament, horsemanship and falconry. Adult beverages are available for purchase from the full bar before, during or after the show, and travelers can also pop by the castle for a night of chivalry, sustenance and libations.
Practical Info
The theater is accessible by car or public transportation. Multiple shows run daily. Times and ticket prices vary.
Address: 2001 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL, USA, USA
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 57
Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles is full of shopping and entertainment diversions, but one of the most famous areas is Melrose Avenue. Even before the popular 1990s show Melrose Place was set in the area, at least part of the avenue was already a shopping and hangout destination for the burgeoning new wave crowd. The neighborhood remains an excellent spot for shopping, with more than 300 boutiques lining the street, as well as trendy restaurants and bars.
Unlike in the TV show, the actual Melrose Place doesn't have apartment buildings – it has yet more shops. In addition to the places to shop and eat, Melrose Avenue is also home to some of LA's best-known street art. Artists whose work you can see along the corridor include Annie Preece, Sebastien Walker, Ivan Preciado, and Jules Muck.
Practical Info
Melrose Avenue stretches 22 blocks from Santa Monica Boulevard to Lucille Avenue, and it's not far from the tourist attractions of West Hollywood.
Address: Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA
From $ 55
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
No coastal city would be complete without its own shipwreck legends, and Key West is no exception. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum allows you to explore artifacts from some of the most famous ships that went down in the Florida Keys.
The shipwrecks are mostly from merchant and slave ships in the 17th and 18th centuries. The artifacts on board serve as a window to the past, revealing a great deal about trade, colonization, slavery, and even daily life from the time period. One of the most famous ships to run aground in the Keys, the Henrietta Marie, is believed to be the world’s largest source of tangible objects from the early years of the slave trade. A visit to the museum lets you view historical artifacts in an new way, as the shipwreck legacy casts an eerie and exciting feeling over the objects.
Practical Info
Located on the northwest coast of the island, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a short distance from almost all locations in Key West.
Address: 200 Greene Street, Key West 33040-6516, USA
Hours: Open daily
From $ 15
Mendenhall Glacier
No visit to Juneau is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier — one of Alaska’s most popular attractions. The 13-mile-long (19 km) glacier ends at Mendenhall Lake and is easily viewed from the historic Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. On a sunny day the glacier is beautiful, with blue skies and snow-capped mountains in the background. On a cloudy and drizzly afternoon, the glacier is even more impressive, as the ice turns shades of deep blue.
The Basics
Near the face of the glacier is the visitor center, which houses various exhibits including a large map of the Juneau Ice Field, an observatory with telescopes, and a theater that shows a film about the glacier every 20 minutes.
- If you plan on walking, dress accordingly and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Those visiting by cruise ship can take a tour of Mendenhall Glacier as a shore excursion.
- No food or drink other than water is allowed from May through September, due to bear activity.
- Look for Nugget Falls, a salmon-viewing platform overlooking Steep Creek, and for six hiking trails of varying difficulty.
How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is located about 12 miles (19 km) outside of downtown Juneau, at the head of Glacier Spur Road. You can reach the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center by taxi, car, or bus.
Note that the city bus drops visitors a mile and a half from the visitor center so plan accordingly.
When to Get There
From May through September, the visitor center is open daily between 8am and 7:30pm. October through April, it’s open Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The trails and outdoor areas are open all year.
Mendenhall for Adventurers
If you’re visiting Alaska, chances are high you’ve already got a bit of the adventurous spirit. There are many glacier tours catering to adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. Opt for a combo that includes a whale watching tour, a hike along the glacier, and a salmon bake; paddle down the river to the glacier from Juneau by raft, kayak, or canoe; or embark on a guided adventure tour that includes hiking or ice exploration.
Address: Ketchikan 99901, USA
Admission: Adults: US$3 from May - Sept
From $ 89
Medieval Times Buena Park
One of America's favorite dinner attractions, Medieval Times Buena Park presents an exciting evening of family entertainment based upon the glory of Medieval Spain. Experience spectacular pageantry, dramatic horsemanship, breathtaking swordplay and romance while feasting on a four-course banquet served in true medieval, pre-silverware fashion.
The Medieval Times dinner and show are held in a mock 11th-century, fortress-like Spanish palace, complete with red tile roofs, palm trees and blazing southern Californian sun. Guests feast on oven-roasted chicken, spare ribs, potatoes and pastry, while the experience culminates in an authentic jousting tournament between six brave knights of the realm. The castle also features a bar, gift shop and the Hall of Arms, which displays myriad medieval artifacts and a medieval torture museum. From the famous Andalusian Stallions to authentic weapons and historic jousting tournament, this recreation will surely transport visitors back to a colorful period of European history.
Practical Info
Medieval Times is located 15 minutes northwest of Disneyland on Interstate 5, near the Santa Ana and Artesia freeways, in Buena Park. The show lasts about two hours, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Free parking is available.
Address: 7662 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park 90620, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 53
Menehune Fish Pond
The Menehune Fishpond is scenic—set amid lush jungle where craggy mountains are close enough to frame the edges of a killer sunset photo shot. But this giant pool of green-brown water has been attributed mythical qualities that are evident even in its name. Menehune is a mysterious race of little people—some say they’re like Hawaiian leprechauns—that have been credited with building sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands swiftly and stealthily. Legend has it they built this particular 39-acre loko wai (freshwater pond) by passing stones to each other from the village of Makaweli more than two dozen miles away, damming up the Hule’ia River with walls 900 feet long and five feet tall. In a single night. To get up close and personal with the work of the Menehune, join a kayak tour of the Hule’ia—it’s the only way to gain access into the otherwise off-limits Hule’ia National Wildlife Refuge that surrounds the pond. Fishponds like this one are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and were used to store and easily retrieve fish for the alii or ruling class. And, the Menehune Fishpond is one of the best preserved examples of a Hawaiian freshwater fishpond still in existence today.
Practical Info
The best place to see the Fishpond quickly is from the Alekoko Scenic Overlook off Halemalu Road, about ½ mile from the Nawiliwili small boat harbor and just outside of Lihue. Kayak tours that visit the fishpond also often include a short hike to Hidden Valley Falls.
Address: Lihue, Hawaii, USA 96766, USA
From $ 135
Mesa Verde National Park
In the southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is known for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and boasts a landscape of mesas and canyons. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts history and archaeology buffs who go to marvel at the pueblos built into cliffs, which were inhabited from about 1190 to 1300.
The Basics
Start at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center to get oriented with the national park and purchase (optional) admission to the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House cliff dwellings, which can be accessed only on popular ranger-guided tours. Or check out the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and drive along Mesa Top Loop Road, a 6-mile (10-kilometer) route that’s home to easily accessible surface dwellings and cliff dwelling overlooks.
The closest city to the park is Cortez, Colorado, but the historical railroad town of Durango is the more visitor-friendly base from where most day tours to the park depart. Book a tour if you want the ease of round-trip transportation; otherwise go on your own to explore at your own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mesa Verde National Park is ideal for lovers of archaeology, history, and nature.
- There is no bus or shuttle in the park so you will need a vehicle or bike to get around. Bikes are permitted on paved roads but not on most of the trails.
- Give yourself at least two hours just to drive in and out of the park, as the route is a narrow and steep mountain road, and weather and sporadic road work can cause delays.
- The park ranges in elevation from 6,900 to 8,572 feet (2,100 to 2,612 meters), so stay hydrated to help ward off altitude sickness.
- Free WiFi is available in the visitor center lobby and parking area.
- Mesa Verde National Park’s visitor center and most park attractions are accessible to wheelchairs, though some may require assistance due to gravel paths and grades.
How to Get There
The turnoff from Highway 160 to Mesa Verde National Park is about a 45-minute drive from Durango, between the towns of Cortez and Mancos. From there it’s a 21-mile (34 kilometer) drive to the first view of a cliff dwelling along a winding road.
When to Get There
The park is open daily year-round, but winter weather may cause some closures. While it’s typically mild in the winter, snowstorms are possible from October through May. It’s warm to hot from June to September, when temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C) during the day with cool evenings. In July and August, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
Four Corners
About an hour’s drive southwest of Mesa Verde lies the Four Corners Monument, where the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. Managed by the Navajo Nation, the remote site features a marker where you can stand in four states at once.
Address: Highway 160, Cortez 81321, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 80
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
If you love meat then exploring Mercado 20 de Noviembre in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a must. This market is centrally located in downtown Oaxaca and puts a strong focus on meat plus has a variety of other products for sale.
Of the meat offerings at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, its claim to fame is the section of the market dedicated to Carnes Asadas, which means grilled meat. You can buy cuts of meat raw to grill it up yourself if you're staying somewhere that has such capabilities, or you can take the easy route and purchase the sizzling slices of meat grilled right in front of you at the market and enjoy it at one of the stall-side tables. To really make your Carnes Asadas experience fun, pick up some chiles or veggies at one of the produce stalls by the lane of Carnes Asadas stands and ask your meat vendor to grill them up with your Carnes Asadas.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre is also home to a variety of stalls filled with buckets and containers holding spices, fruits, mole (a Mexican sauce that Oaxaca is known for) and much more. You can also find local arts and crafts, though the focus at Mercado 20 de Noviembre is largely on the food.
Practical Info
Mercado 20 de Noviembre is located at Calle del 20 de Noviembre (hence its name) in the Centro neighborhood of Oaxaca.
Address: Calle del 20 de Noviembre, Oaxaca 68000, Mexico
From $ 46
Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
Built around the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum immediately emits its cultural and historical significance to all who visit. Exhibits chronicle some of the most important episodes of the Civil Rights Movement, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the Little Rock Nine, Montgomery Bus Boycotts, and the famous sit-ins of the 1960s.
The Basics
Both the historical importance of the place and the material displayed within make the National Civil Rights Museum a must for better understanding this tumultuous part of American history. As one of the most meaningful attractions in Memphis, the museum can be visited a number of ways. Many sightseeing tours, particularly American Civil Rights and history tours, include a stop here, while other tours combine the museum with visits to sites such as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Travelers who'd rather move at their own pace can visit independently or on a self-guided tour of the city’s many African American heritage sites.
- This site is a must-see for history buffs.
- Give yourself a minimum of two hours to experience the museum exhibits.
- Flash-free photography is permitted.
- Much of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to the Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
The museum is situated in the South Main District in downtown Memphis, a short drive from most of the city’s other attractions. Free parking is available in a guest lot off Mulberry Street. It’s also a short walk from the Main Street Trolley line.
When to Get There
The National Civil Rights Museum is closed on Tuesdays and most major U.S. holidays. During the summer season between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, opening hours are extended in the evenings. On weekdays, school groups tend to arrive in the morning, so planning a visit for later in the afternoon can mean shorter lines and fewer crowds.
What to See Beyond the Lorraine
Many visitors tour the portion of the museum housed within the Lorraine Motel and leave, but they’re missing out. Across Mulberry Street from the motel, the Young & Morrow and Boarding House buildings from (where the assassin’s shot was allegedly fired) house the Legacy exhibits, which cover a timeline of the American Civil Rights movement and a look at the movement’s effect on global human rights.
Address: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103-4214, USA
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sat: 9am–5pm (opens at 1pm on Sun)
Admission: Varies
From $ 30