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Things to Do in North America

Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America

Minute Maid Park

Houston residents love their Astros—and they also love their park. Ever since 2000 when the stadium opened to immediately rave reviews, Minute Maid Park has been one America’s most loved park’s for baseball. Hitters love how the left field wall is only 315 feet away, and fielders love how natural grass is used instead of turf. Spectators love how the retractable roof can create the ideal conditions, as well the train that chugs on the tracks with every Astros home run. In a nod to the city’s railroad history, part of the park has incorporated the historic Union Station, which now serves as the park’s main entrance adjacent to the left field wall. During days when there isn’t an Astros home game, visitors can enjoy a tour of the park that includes the broadcasting booth, press box, luxury suites, dugout, and historic Union Station. Or, if it’s a day when Houston is gearing up to cheer for their hometown team, there are 40,963 seats if you’d like to purchase a couple of tickets and be an Astros fan for a day.

Practical Info

Minute Maid Park is easily accessible by car, bus, or rail. There are over 25,000 parking spots within walking distance of the ballpark. Tours are held at 10am and Noon, Monday-Saturday on days when there aren’t any home games.

501 Crawford St, Houston, Texas, USA 77002, USA

Daily 8:30am-5:30pm; hours vary during game season

Park Tour: $6-$15; game ticket prices vary

From $ 50

Milwaukee Art Museum

Milwaukee’s waterfront got a recent upgrade when the new, ultra-modern addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum. The soaring white structure of the Quadracci Pavilion looks like the prow of a ship setting to sea, with its masts and sails flowing out behind it. Inside, the museum is equally impressive, a world-class art museum that got its start in the late 1800s, and today boasts 30,000 works of art ranging from antiquity all the way to the modern era—notable names include Monet, Picasso and Warhol. The exhibits are constantly rotating through 40 galleries across four stories. Visitors should especially make time to explore the museum’s collection of works from Wisconsin native Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the largest in the world.

Practical Info

Located on the lakefront, just east of downtown Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Art Museum sits between Veterans Park and Discovery World. Visitors can come every day except Mondays. The on-site Café Calatrava offers a convenient spot to grab lunch while enjoying views of the lake.

700 N Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, USA

Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays

$17 for adults, free for children 12 and under

From $ 20

Miami Design District

The Miami Design District is dedicated to innovative fashion, design, architecture and dining. The area juxtaposes design brands with restaurants, international art collections and permanent and temporary art installations, while its new buildings exist with transformed historic ones. Design showrooms fill the area, including Holly Hunt, Knoll, Luminaire Contract and Ann Sacks, while retailers like Christian Louboutin, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Prada also saw the potential for the area and have opened stores here.

The neighborhood continues to evolve, and new renovations continue with additional luxury brands like Givenchy, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani and Van Cleef & Arpels slated to open shop. The long-term dream for the district is for it to exist as a renowned destination for cutting-edge fashion, art, design and culture, while maintaining its commitment to creative experiences.

Practical Info

The neighborhood is loosely bordered by NE 36th Street to the south, NE 43rd Street to the north, NW 1st Avenue to the west and Biscayne Boulevard (US1) to the east. The Design District is located just 2.8 miles from Downtown Miami, five miles from the Miami International Airport, and less than seven miles from the center of South Beach. Shopping hours vary but are generally from 10 am until 7pm.

Miami, Florida, USA

Vary

From $ 55

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

With more than 5,000 guest rooms, MGM Grand is one of the largest casino hotels in Las Vegas, and part of its draw is the gaming floor. The resort has more than 170,000 square feet of gaming space, which includes more than 2,500 slot machines and video poker. Denominations on these games range from 1¢ to $1,000. Majestic Lions and Lion’s Share are both custom machines found only at MGM Grand; a $1 million payout is the top reward.

Table games include blackjack, craps, baccarat, mini-baccarat, roulette, European roulette, Pai Gow poker, Pai Gow, big six wheel, let it ride, war, crazy for poker and three-card poker. MGM Grand’s race and sports book has seating for 104 guests with several television screens from which to watch the big game. This is also the first race and sports book to offer “skyboxes”—four rooms that host eight to ten guests in 300-325 square feet of space. Each is equipped with 42-inch plasma television, surround sound and CD systems. One of the most appealing aspects of MGM Grand’s casino is the non-smoking poker room, which has 23 tables.

Beyond the casino, guests at MGM Grand enjoy a number of fine restaurants including Joël Robuchon, which has received the Michelin three-star, Forbes five-star and AAA five-diamond restaurant ratings.

3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

From $ 13

Miami Seaquarium

The Miami Seaquarium is a world-class marine-life entertainment park located on the island of Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay, Florida. The 38-acre (15.4-hectare) tropical paradise features a variety of marine life such as dolphins, killer whales, sea lions, endangered sea turtles, manatees, stingrays, and much more. With more than a dozen interactive and educational exhibits, the Seaquarium is guaranteed fun for the whole family.

The Basics

Founded in 1955, Miami Seaquarium is one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States, and sees over a half-million visitors every year. The vast park works to preserve and protect wildlife while entertaining and educating visitors about the aquatic creatures that live there. The Seaquarium is home to many exhibits, including a tropical reef; the Shark Channel and its feeding presentations; and Discovery Bay, a natural mangrove habitat that serves as a refuge for rescued sea turtles.

Things to Know Before You Go

Allow at least four hours to see the Seaquarium and all four daily shows.
Frequent shows include killer whale, dolphin, and sea lion performances.
Dolphin Harbor is an especially fun venue for watching marine mammals play and show off.
Ample paid parking is available on-site.

How to Get There

The Miami Seaquarium is located a few minutes southeast of downtown Miami, the Port of Miami, and the airport, on the south side of Rickenbacker Causeway, en route to Key Biscayne. Although it’s located on an island, it’s accessible by car. Public bus transportation is available from hotels throughout the Miami metropolitan area.

When to Get There

Miami Seaquarium is open 365 days a year from 10am to 6pm. The busiest hours tend to be between noon and 2pm, and weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Things to Do Near the Seaquarium

If you have time, travel into Key Biscayne for the Biscayne Community Center & Village Green Park—which is ideal for kids—or Crandon Park, one of the city’s best beaches. There’s ample opportunity for wind- and watersports near the Seaquarium, too. Stand-up paddleboarding is an activity the whole family will enjoy, and a seaplane tour is a great way to see how all the keys are laid out from above.

4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, Florida 33149, USA

Daily 10am–6pm

Varies

From $ 50

Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

At the historic heart of one of the world's most populous cities, is the first and largest cathedral in the Americas, seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico, and a wonder to behold. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral - or Catedral Metropolitana - is a symphony in stone, composed over 4 centuries into manifold facades, displaying textbook Neoclassical, Renaissance, and wedding-cake ornate Mexican Baroque (Churrigueresque) styles.

Within its fantastic bulk are sheltered some 16 chapels, several alters and retablos, a fine parish church, and a choir, each an inspired work of art replete with gold gilt, fine paintings, and sculptural details. Above it all, 25 bells - measured in tons - ring and sing to the city all around.

The cathedral sits atop a far more ancient foundation, originally built for a temple to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of war. His pyramid was destroyed by the Spanish, who built their cathedral in its stead. As the thirsty city emptied its underground aquifer, however, this massive monument began to sink into the subsoil. It was stabilized in the 1990s, but still lists to one side.

Practical Info

The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral overlooks the Zócalo, more properly called Plaza de la Constitución, which has marked the city center since it was founded in 1325. Though the Spanish razed the neighborhood's original Aztec temples and federal buildings, they used the same stones to rebuild the capital city in Europe's image. Half a millennium later, this is still the center of all the action.

All roads lead to the Zócalo, but you're much better off without a car - traffic is terrible. Instead, take Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, right in front of the cathedral.

Plaza de la Constitución s/n, Mexico City, Mexico

Open daily 7am - 7pm

Free

From $ 17

Milwaukee City Hall

When the City Hall building of Milwaukee was built in 1895, it was the second tallest structure in America, with a bell tower stretching to 353 feet—only the Washington Monument was taller. The design was inspired by the Flemish Renaissance, similar to the Hamburg Rathaus, which shows the strong German heritage of the region. At the top of the bell tower, there still hangs the original 22,500-pound bell made from melted copper and tin, which was named Solomon Juneau after Milwaukee's first mayor. In 2005, City Hall was designated a National Historic Landmark, and a recent restoration project replaced the buildings damaged bricks, terracotta sculptures and windows.

Practical Info

City Hall sits at the corner of E Wells St. and N Water St. at the heart of downtown Milwaukee. It’s only a block from the Milwaukee Riverwalk, making it easy to stop by during a stroll along the waterfront.

200 E Wells Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, USA

From $ 30

Miami Beach Botanical Gardens

Since 1962 this 2.6-acre urban oasis has provided locals and travelers with easy access to some of the most diverse plant life on earth. Visitors can wander the well-kept grounds where lush green lawns with glittering fountains and stone paths lead the way to impressive atriums filled with colorful blossoms.

Wetlands and mangroves, orchids and bromeliads are just some of the standing exhibits on offer at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. The stunning Japanese Garden with its classic red lacquered bridge and placid ponds is one of the main attractions of this destination, while an expansive edible garden and placid water lily ponds are among other highlights that draw tens of thousands of travelers here each year.

Practical Info

The botanical gardens are located at 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach between Meridian and Prairie Avenues. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free.

2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, Florida, USA 33139, USA

Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm

From $ 40

Miller Park

Catch a baseball game in Miller Park, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The grand stadium is designed as throwback to baseball’s earlier days, with a red-brick façade, arched windows and a clock tower over the entrance, while incorporating modern features, namely the massive fan-shaped retractable roof. As you make your way to the entrance, you’ll spot statues of local baseball legends like Hank Aaron. The park also has a Brewers Hall of Fame, children’s play area, pub and a T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant. After the sixth inning of every game at Miller Park, fans cheer for the Famous Racing Sausages, which are the team mascots along with Bernie the Brewer.

Practical Info

Baseball fans interested in more than just watching a game can join a tour of the park during the baseball season. Tours include behind-the-scenes access to the dugout, luxury suite level, visiting clubhouse, press box and Bob Uecker’s broadcast booth.

1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214, USA

Game ticket prices vary. Tours costs $12 for adults, $8 for children.

From $ 40

Mexico City Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)

Known for its vast collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) in Mexico City houses works dating from the 1920s to the present. Included among the roughly 3,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and prints are seminal works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera—arguably Mexico’s best-known artists.

The Basics

Located in Chapultepec Park, the Museum of Modern Art opened in 1964 and is part of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, a Mexican institution that coordinates artistic and cultural activities. Its exhibits feature both national and international contemporary artists, as well as a permanent collection—located in room C of the main building—that includes works by Remedios Varo, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Juan Soriano, and many others. Highlights of the museum, which is often compared to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in terms of significance, include Kahlo’s famous self-portrait Las Dos Fridas and Rivera’s open-air murals.

Museum tickets are available upon arrival, or book a skip-the-line ticket in advance. Some museum visitors arrive via the Mexico City hop-on hop-off bus, which stops here.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Mexico City Museum of Modern Art is a must-see for art aficionados.
Museum admission is free on Sundays.
Book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid waiting in entry lines, especially in peak season.
There is an on-site coat check.
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Access the Museum of Modern Art through Chapultepec Park, which is easily accessible via public transportation; the nearest metro station is Chapultepec. The museum is about a 15-minute drive from the city’s historic center, and parking is available on Paseo de la Reforma, an avenue that runs diagonally through Mexico City.

When to Get There

The museum is open from 10:15am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Peak tourist season in Mexico City typically runs from November to May, so expect more crowds during that time—and on Sundays, when museum admission is free.

Spend the Day in Chapultepec Park

Before or after your visit to the Museum of Modern Art, spend some time in the surrounding Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), one of the largest city parks in the western hemisphere. The art museum is located in the park’s first of three sections, which boasts popular attractions such as Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), Chapultepec Zoo (Zoológico de Chapultepec), the Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología), and the Rufino Tamayo Museum (Museo Rufino Tamayo).

Av. Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Miguel Hidalgo, Bosque de Chapultepec, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 11560, Mexico

Varies

From $ 5

Millennium Park

Located just a block away from Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago, Millennium Park showcases world-class art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Completed in 2004, the 24.5-acre (10-hectare) park is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations, drawing 25 million visitors per year.

The Basics

There’s a lot to see and do in Millennium Park. Visitors can check out their reflection in the Cloud Gate—a steel sculpture affectionately nicknamed “The Bean” by Chicago locals; catch a live show in Harris Theater or Jay Pritzker Pavilion; visit the curvy, columned Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square; take a stroll down Chase Promenade; watch giant projected videos of facial expressions on the Crown Fountain tower blocks; and explore numerous other outdoor attractions. On sunny days, the Great Lawn and 100-foot (30-meter) Running Table are ideal picnicking spots.

Millennium Park is a true Chicago highlight, so most guided city tours stop there. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore at your own pace, or see the park on an electric bike, segway, or bus tour. Visitors can also admire Millennium Park’s dramatic nighttime lighting on a sunset or evening excursion, or head to the top of Willis Tower’s Skydeck to see the park from above.

Things to Know Before You Go

There are several concession stands in the park, as well as Park Grill—a 300-seat eatery located in McCormick Tribune Plaza.
Rollerblading and skateboarding are not allowed in the park.
The park is fully wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the Millennium Park Welcome Center.

How to Get There

Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago’s Loop district, on the northwest side of Grant Park. It is bordered by North Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Randolph Street, and Monroe Drive. The easiest way to reach the park is by public transit—multiple city buses stop nearby, as does Chicago’s elevated train.

When to Get There

Millennium Park is open year-round, but Chicago’s weather is most pleasant in spring, summer, and fall. Summer visitors can enjoy the park’s concert series and cool off at the Crown Fountain splash park, while winter visitors can skate at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.

Nearby Attractions

Millennium Park is part of Chicago’s larger Grant Park. Nearby attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, John G. Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the adjacent downtown area.

201 E. Randolph Street, The Loop, Chicago 60602, USA

Open daily 6am - 11pm

Free

From $ 27

Miles Canyon

At first it’s hard to imagine, but the turquoise water that peacefully flows through Miles Canyon once posed a formidable challenge for gold rush stampeders trying to find gold. A dam now controls the surge of the waves and the water gently laps against the multi-colored cliffs of volcanic rock. The Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge gives you a bird’s eye view of this historic site.

It’s become a serene getaway, but in the past hundreds of boats sank here, hammered by powerful waves, and smashed against the unforgiving cliffs. Eventually a wood railway system was built to bypass the dangerous river crossing.

Practical Info

Miles Canyon is 6 mi (10 km) upstream from Whitehorse and minutes from downtown. It can be reached by branching off the Alaska Highway at kilometer 1467/Mile 912. Cross the suspension bridge and take the path to the right to reach Canyon City, a Klondike Gold Rush ghost town.

Miles Canyon, Whitehorse, Canada

From $ 104

Mile End

Situated at the northernmost point of Montreal’s Plateau, Mile End is known for its array of independent shops, cafés, and underground music venues. The vibrant neighborhood, a cultural hub since the 1980s, is teeming with highly-rated restaurants and historical landmarks, from classic bagelries to scenes from the novels of Mordecai Richler.

The Basics

Mile End walking tours are often centered around food, as the neighborhood boasts a diverse range of cuisines and specialties. As a longtime hub for Montreal’s Jewish population, walking tours that highlight Jewish history, culture, and heritage are also popular, and often include stops at decades-old restaurants and Mordecai Richler’s old haunts. Bike tours offer a more active experience and enable you to see more than might be possible on foot.

Things to Know Before You Go

Mile End is a must-do for foodies, thrifters, and history buffs.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes, as the best way to explore the neighborhood is on foot.
Visit popular restaurants after the lunch rush to avoid notoriously long lines.
Street signs, including parking and traffic signs, are written in French.

How to Get There

Mile End is situated northeast of Mont Royal Park and is easily accessible via Montreal’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest stops are Saint Laurent and Saint Viateur on bus 55, Avenue du Parc and Fairmount on bus 80, and Laurier metro station on the orange 2 line. Alternatively, a BIXI bike-share dock is located on the southeast corner of Avenue du Parc and Avenue du Mont-Royal Ouest. Metered street parking is available, but often limited.

When to Get There

Mile End is busiest on weekends—especially during brunch. Beat the crowds by heading to restaurants and cafés before 11am. For a quieter experience, stroll through the neighborhood on a weekday morning. In addition to POP Montreal’s International Film Festival each September, Mile End also hosts the annual summer Marché des Possibles, a public market that features live music, art, films, and pop-up restaurants.

Battle of the Bagel

Mile End is home to Montreal’s two legendary bagel shops: St. Viateur and Fairmount, located only a few blocks apart. Montrealers are born and bred to have an unwavering loyalty to one or the other, creating a city-wide bagel debate that has been written about and reported on for decades. Try a fresh bagel at each shop and decide for yourself—both are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

From $ 18

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood

Shopping options might seem unlimited in Las Vegas — and, if you don’t hit the jackpot, they can also seem a little unrealistic. So, when it comes to most people’s Vegas budgets, it’s the strip’s centrally located Miracle Mile Shops that will most likely fit the bill. With some 170 stores and 20 restaurants, the mall stretches 1.2 miles in length and wraps around the Planet Hollywood Casino. With a wide range of stores, the selection is ideally suited for just about anyone and for any taste, and especially for those who don’t intend to spend every last cent of their casino winnings.

It’s also a pretty great place to walk around; not only can you escape the often-hot Las Vegas weather, but the mall entertains with sights of sorts, such as its surreal outside-but-actually-inside vibe, an indoor rain storm that pours from a virtual sky, and even a fancy water fountain that, during its hourly shows, sprays water 50 feet into the air through fog and lights. You’ll also find live entertainment venues that feature a variety of shows, as well as easy access to Planet Hollywood and even more show options (for which you may want to get tickets in advance).

Practical Info

If you’d like to visit more of the city’s mall options, consider booking a Las Vegas Shop and Shuttle, which will easily get you from shops to more shops. Note that while Miracle Mile Shops have relatively long hours, the restaurants and bars may not have the same opening times. Free valet and self-parking are available.

3663 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, USA

Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday to Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. The mall is open every day of the year.

From $ 44

Middleton Place

The 65-acre Middleton Place, a former rice plantation along the Ashley River, has persisted under the guidance of the Middleton family, without changing hands, for more than 320 years. Visitors to this National Historic Landmark home—built in 1755 by the father of Arthur Middleton, who signed the Declaration of Independence—can explore the Middleton Place house, the lavish landscaped gardens (the oldest in the nation), and the stable yards, where staff dressed in period clothing demonstrate weaving, blacksmithing, carpentry, and other trades formerly undertaken by slaves.

The Basics

A visit to Middleton Place offers insight into what Southern plantation life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. A general admission ticket includes access to the sprawling landscaped gardens and plantation stable yards, while possible add-on experiences are a 45-minute guided tour of the House Museum and a leisurely 40-minute open-air carriage tour around the plantation grounds. Those with more time can book a room at the Middleton Place Inn, which includes access to all Middleton points of interest.

This site is a must-see for history buffs.
Give yourself a minimum of two hours (and as much as a full day) to tour the estate.
The gardens are mostly wheelchair accessible, and the site offers handicapped parking and restrooms. The House Museum is not handicapped accessible.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for outdoor conditions.

How to Get to Middleton Place

Middleton Place is located about 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Charleston along the Ashley River and is best visited by car via Interstate 95. Parking is free of charge. For those without access to a car, it’s also possible to visit on a private tour, which usually includes roundtrip transportation from Charleston.

When to Get There

While Middleton Place is open throughout the year, many visitors plan their trip based on what’s blooming in the gardens. The winter months see centuries-old camellias burst into bloom, while vibrant azaleas put on a show above Rice Mill Pond in spring. In summer, expect roses, crepe myrtles, magnolias, and kalmia—as well as temperatures in the upper 80s.

A Taste of the Low Country

If walking around the grounds works up an appetite, grab a table at the Middleton Place Restaurant, where the menu features Carolina Low Country favorites like she-crab soup, collard greens, shrimp and grits, and Huguenot torte.

4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29414, USA

Daily 9am–5pm

Varies

From $ 12

Miami Beach

With its warm, clear waters and white sands, Miami Beach has perhaps some of the best urban beaches in the United States. Located just over the bridge from the city of Miami, it is also known for its vibrant neighborhoods, fine dining, pulsing nightlife, and architectural claim to fame: the area boasts the largest concentration of art deco buildings in the world.

The Basics

Though the beaches themselves draw huge crowds of sun-worshippers, there is so much more to appreciate about Miami Beach. If you’re seeking pastel buildings, vintage neon signs, and a bustling scene, head to South Beach—particularly the Art Deco District and Ocean Drive. Away from the beach, you’ll find a mix of restaurants, parks, shopping, and the quieter, historic Espanola Way. See the sights on a walking tour, a bus tour, or a boat tour that gets you out on the water—private tours and group tours are available. Pedicabs also take visitors on leisurely sightseeing tours around the area.

Things to Know Before You Go

Much of Miami Beach is pedestrian friendly, but you can cover more ground by car, or by taking a city sightseeing bus tour or boat tour.
The most crowded beaches run from about 5th Street to 21st Street in the South Beach area.
Families with kids should head north of 21st Street, especially to the beaches at 53rd Street or 73rd Street, or to Matheson Hammock Park or South Pointe Park.

How to Get There

Miami Beach is located on a barrier island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The bay separates Miami Beach from the city of Miami, but it is accessible by road. Miami tours often include pickup and drop-off in downtown Miami or Miami Beach.

When to Get There

South Florida has a warm climate—and lots of visitors—year-round. Miami Beach is most popular from January to May, so expect the heaviest crowds then. Hurricane season, which often sees tropical rains, is from June to November.

Exploring Beyond Miami Beach

After sunning and reveling in Miami Beach, take some time to explore the surrounding area. Just a jaunt away are the iconic parts and eclectic areas of Miami—Little Havana, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, downtown Miami—all of which you can check out on a Miami city tour by neighborhood. Other popular excursions from Miami Beach include day trips to the wild Everglades and beautiful Key West.

Miami Beach 33139, USA

Free

From $ 40

Miami Cruise Port

The Port of Miami is one of the busiest embarkation and disembarkation points in the cruising world, so get there a day or two early to minimize stress and see a bit of the city before you set sail. Known for its Art Deco architecture, glamorous South Beach and Cuban influences, Miami is a fast-paced city with endless urban adventures, but if it’s all a bit too much for you, escape the bustle for a shore excursion to the Florida Keys, an Everglades airboat tour or a helicopter ride up in the clouds.

How to Get to Miami

Your ship will be docked at the port on Dodge Island, just a couple of miles from downtown. It’s a 15-minute walk to the Bayside Marketplace shopping and dining center. Most other Miami attractions require a cab, which you’ll find near the port.

One Day in Miami

The beach is a must, but first, head inland to explore one of Miami’s most colorful neighborhoods, Little Havana, just west of downtown. Wander down 8th Street (or ‘Calle Ocho’), where you can watch cigars being rolled, try a Cubano sandwich and see several memorial statues along Cuban Memorial Boulevard.

Next, hop in a cab and head to the Miami Seaquarium, an aquatic park spread across nearly 40 acres (16 hectares) on Biscayne Bay. Watch sharks being fed, manatees being brought back to health, dolphins showing off their tricks and rescued turtles enjoying some rehabilitation.

Now it’s time to visit Miami Beach, which is reached easiest by cab. Ask the driver to drop you off around Ocean Drive and 10th Street, which puts you in the heart of the Art Deco District. Walk around for a bit to admire the historic buildings that put Miami on the architecture map, and then kick off your shoes and spend the rest of the afternoon on the white sands of South Beach.

Port Information

The language is English but you’ll hear a lot of Spanish, as well. The currency is the US dollar. There are no luggage lockers at the port, but baggage storage is available if you are flying out of Miami International Airport.

Dodge Island, Miami, FL, USA

From $ 357

Mexico City Alameda Central

Originally a public green space in 1592, Mexico City’s Alameda Central features fountains, statues, and lush landscaping. The urban park is a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax, people watch, and explore historic, cultural, and artistic sights like Diego Rivera's famous mural, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.

The Basics

In 1592, Viceroy Luis de Velasco planted dozens of poplar trees, creating the park and earning Alameda Central its name, which comes from the Spanish word álamo or poplar tree. Since then, the country’s leaders have put their mark on the green space, including President Porfirio Diaz, who commissioned the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) be built near the park.

In addition to wandering the area by foot, visitors can explore via bike and Segway tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

Alameda Central offers free Wi-Fi.
Food vendors aren’t allowed in the park, so be sure to bring snacks if you plan to stay.
The area is considered safe for visitors.

How to Get There

As is the case with most of Mexico City, pricy parking lots are located close to the Alameda Central, but it’s better to forgo the car or cab and take the metro to this congested neighborhood. Metro Bellas Artes, accessed by Lines 2 and 8, opens up right onto the park, while Metro Hidalgo, via Lines 2 and 3, is right across the street.

When to Get There

Alameda Central is a popular spot, especially on weekends and on weekdays between 4 and 7pm when locals leave work. As for time of year, visit during the spring (late March and April) to see the jacaranda trees in bloom with large, vibrant purple flowers; they are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Located at the end of Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is Mexico City’s major cultural center and hosts art exhibitions, along with a range of live events, including music, dance, theater, and opera. It also houses a permanent art collection with statues and murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and José Clemente Orozco.

Avenida Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico

Free

From $ 36

Mexico City Great Temple (Templo Mayor)

Overview

What remains of the Aztecs’ Great Temple (Templo Mayor) sits right in the middle of Mexico City, but many tourists miss it. In 1978, a massive, 8-ton (7,000-kilogram) stone depicting Coyolxauhqui (the Aztec goddess of the moon) was unearthed, marking the location of the temple, a gathering place sacred for the Aztecs during the 1300s and 1400s.

The Basics

Located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, close to the Zócalo, the ruins of the Great Temple currently consist of walls embedded with stuccoed skulls and enormous carvings dedicated to Tlaloc (the god of storms) and Huitzilopochtli (the god of war). Throughout the 1980s, excavation revealed an unprecedented trove of treasures from the Aztec Empire, with more and more being uncovered all the time.

Today, visitors can tour the ruins and explore the on-site museum, which houses artifacts, such as the monolith of the moon goddess, knives, masks, sculptures, and other objects. Excavation work at the UNESCO World Heritage Site continues today. Book your ticket in advance to skip long lines, or join a sightseeing tour of Mexico City that visits the Great Temple.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visit the museum before exploring the ruins to get a better understanding of the archaeological site.
You’ll walk through the ruins on gated pathways.
The Great Temple is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the Aztecs.

How to Get There

Driving isn't recommended because traffic can be heavy and parking expensive. Since the Great Temple site is situated near the historic center, it’s easily accessible by public transit. Via the Metro Line 2, hop off at the Zócalo stop, which is a quick walk from the museum. The archaeological site is also a stop on many bus tours.

When to Get There

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission is free Sundays, so expect crowds. The best time to visit any outdoor spot in Mexico City is between March and May, when it’s sunny and not too hot. But, it is also the busiest time of the year because of this.

National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)

The National Museum of Anthropology allows visitors to explore Aztec history further. Located in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s most-visited museum hosts a collection that includes notable historical items, such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue. From the Great Temple, it’s a short ride via public transit.

Seminario #8 Centro Historico, Mexico City, Mexico

Varies

From $ 9

Mint Museum of Art

Named for its former status as a branch of the U.S. Mint, the Mint Museum was, when it originally opened in 1936, the first art museum in North Carolina. Having outgrown its original Federal-style building, the museum was split into two locations in 2010.

The Mint Uptown is focused largely on American and European art from the 18th century on, but also features craft and design galleries of (largely) North Carolina-produced glass, pottery, jewelry and more. There are generally two rotating exhibits here – often by photography and new media artists – and the ongoing exhibition of local artist Romare Bearden’s modernist paintings and prints.

The Mint Randolph houses four permanent collections from the original Mint Museum: Art of the Ancient Americas, including Aztec and pre-Colombian clay and gold objects; a historic costume and accessories gallery that spans three centuries; Native American Art, including performance masks from Mexico and Guatemala; and a gallery of over 12,500 decorative art objects from around the world. The museum also stages 12 rotating exhibitions at any one time, highlighting objects and costumes from the original Mint Museum’s collections, as well as the work of Southern artists.

500 S. Tryon Street / 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Weds: 11am - 9pm; Thurs-Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm; Closed: Mon and Tues

Adults: $10; Senior/Student: $8; Child (5-17): $5

From $ 38