Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Mt Tolmie Park
A popular destination for residents and tourists alike, Mt Tolmie Park is widely recognized as the best place for panoramic views of the city of Victoria. Viewpoints from the summit (approximately 120 meters above sea level) offer 360-degree vistas of the Gulf Islands, Saanich, and the city of Victoria across to the Olympic mountain range and even Mount Baker in the distance on a clear day. Mt Tolmie is located near the University of Victoria, making it an often-visited stop along the Beach Drive coastal route.
Located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria, the park features numerous trails for visitors to walk on. Alternatively, travelers can drive up the windy road to the summit for a fast track to the views. Plenty of picnic tables and places for drivers to pull over offer different viewing areas, and about a mile’s worth (more than 1,500 meters) of trails within the park lead hikers through meadows and up rocky slopes, with many of them going directly to the summit. The adventurous traveler can follow the trails to numerous secluded natural areas and various bird-watching outlooks.
Practical Info
Mt Tolmie is located near the University of Victoria on Mayfair Drive off of Cedar Hill Cross Road. Driving up windy Mayfair Drive will take you past several parking areas with different views, including a few right at the mountain top. From downtown Victoria, the bottom of Mt Tolmie is a short bus ride of about 20 minutes away. The gravel trails running through the park start from the bottom of the mountain and loop around the entire area, passing the giant concrete reservoir near the top as well as several picnic areas with great views. Leashed dogs are allowed, and there are no public toilets.
Address: 3494 Mayfair Drive, Victoria, British Columbia V8P 4P9, Canada
From $ 36
Mount Robson
At 12,972 ft (3,954 m), Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and the second highest peak in British Columbia; its south face is visible from the Yellowhead Highway and is a popular photographic subject along this route. Mount Robson is also known as Cloud Cap Mountain and The Mountain of the Spiral Road because of its distinctive, horizontal layers of rock which angle upwards to the east, giving the appearance of a track running around the mountain to form a spiral. The 4,921 ft (1,500 m) Emperor Face on the northwest side is the most difficult route for climbers, though the most popular routes are the Kain route and the southeast face. Although the mountain is less than 13,200 ft (4,000 m), there is no easy way to summit and Mount Robson has small success rate: about 10% of summit attempts are successful.
Mount Robson Provincial Park, where Mount Robson is located, is the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system, celebrating its 100th birthday in 2013. Set to the west of Jasper National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park consists of more than 536 acres undisturbed wilderness, home to 182 species of birds and many Rocky Mountain mammals such as deer, moose, caribou, mountain goats and sheep, bears and elk.
Practical Info
Mount Robson is located in the Fraser River Valley east of the Robson River about 2.5 mi (4 km) south of Berg Lake. Entrance to the park is free; camping rates vary. During the operating season, park gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Address: Mount Robson Provincial Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Hours: 7am - 11pm
From $ 90
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
For those interested in learning about Interior and Arctic Alaska as well as Native culture, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is a must-have experience when visiting Fairbanks. The mission of the attraction is to celebrate the people and culture of Interior Alaska while also promoting the local economy and acting as a community gathering place to exchange cultural ideas, and they do this in a number of ways.
First, the center showcases a number of free exhibits on Interior Alaska and its people, providing insight to the heritage of the area. For example, their main exhibit, “How We Live: The People and the Land”, features life-sized dioramas depicting the seasons of Interior Alaska. You can also shop for Native Alaskan artwork in their Alaska Geographic store; dress up in traditional Athabaskan attire for a photo; see a traditional performance of music, art and storytelling; create your own traditional Athabascan moose skin bags or sun catcher; view a film of Alaska’s history; and more. On the first Friday of each month the center hosts First Fridays from 5pm to 8pm, a free reception showcasing the work of a local Interior Alaska artist.
First, the center showcases a number of free exhibits on Interior Alaska and its people, providing insight to the heritage of the area. For example, their main exhibit, “How We Live: The People and the Land”, features life-sized dioramas depicting the seasons of Interior Alaska. You can also shop for Native Alaskan artwork in their Alaska Geographic store; dress up in traditional Athabaskan attire for a photo; see a traditional performance of music, art and storytelling; create your own traditional Athabascan moose skin bags or sun catcher; view a film of Alaska’s history; and more. On the first Friday of each month the center hosts First Fridays from 5pm to 8pm, a free reception showcasing the work of a local Interior Alaska artist.
Practical Info
Hours for the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center are 8am to 9pm during the summer and 8am to 5pm during the winter each day.
Photo credit: Angie Cerny/FCVB
Photo credit: Angie Cerny/FCVB
Address: 101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
Hours: Open Daily: Winter: 8am - 5pm, Summer: 8am - 9pm
From $ 105
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon—the former Virginia home and final resting place of George and Martha Washington—is a carefully restored National Historic Landmark on the banks of the Potomac River. The site is comprised of a 21-room, white-brick mansion, a 23-gallery museum, a four-acre farm, and elaborate gardens featuring fruit trees and a red-brick greenhouse. Visitors can experience Washington’s waterwheel gristmill and learn about the long-held tradition of distilling small-batch rye whiskey onsite. A world away from the hustle and bustle of Washington DC’s action, George Washington’s Mount Vernon continues to transport visitors to a regal but rural retreat for American colonial gentility.
The Basics
Mount Vernon is commonly visited on a day trip tour from Washington DC, either by river cruise, group tour, or private tour. If visiting independently, be sure to book your tickets in advance to gain flexibility on your mansion tour time. A visit to the site is often combined with a tour of Old Town Alexandria or the Arlington National Cemetery. To truly appreciate how the Washingtons lived, join one of the regular on-site tours of the first two of the estate’s three floors (included in general admission). Guests should also head to Orientation Center for a 25-minute educational film, then visit the museum and education center to see popular George Washington artifacts including letters and his famous wooden teeth.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s best to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes while exploring the grounds.
- Free WiFi is available throughout the Mount Vernon estate, and the site’s downloadable app offers audio tours, a map, and even a scavenger hunt.
- Photography is prohibited in the mansion, and all bags and containers must be smaller than 16x16x8 inches.
- Fans of the ”National Treasure: Book of Secrets” film can take an hour-long tour highlighting historical details and settings employed in the onsite production of the blockbuster.
- The off-site gristmill and distillery can be reached via a shuttle that runs regularly from April to October.
How to Get There
Mount Vernon is located 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Washington DC and just under 10 miles (15 kilometers) along the Potomac from Alexandria, Virginia. By road, cross the Memorial Bridge and take George Washington Memorial Parkway, which ends at Mount Vernon. By public transit, take the metro to Huntington Station and then connect to bus 101 for a 25-minute ride to the estate. Potomac cruises are also a leisurely and enjoyable arrival method—the Spirit of Mount Vernon departs from Pier 4 in downtown DC and the Potomac Riverboat Company docks in Old Town Alexandria.
When to Get There
Though the site is open 365 days a year, it is busiest from March to June, September to October, and on holiday weekends, especially Presidents Day (George Washington’s birthday and an admission-free day).
Visiting Mount Vernon in Winter
Offered from late November through December, special character-guided, candlelit evening tours of Mount Vernon highlight traditional festive holiday celebrations and draw huge crowds to the historic estate during an otherwise slow season. Purchase tickets well in advance to experience period dancing, 18th-century holiday traditions, and rooms lit by lantern light.
Address: 3200 George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon 22309, USA
Hours: Apr-Oct: 9am-5pm, Nov-March: 9am-4pm
Admission: Adults: US$20, Seniors(ages 62+): US$19, Youth(6-11yrs): US$10
From $ 18
Mount Royal
Mount Royal (Mont Royal), a 764-foot (233-meter) “mountain” in the midst of urban Montreal, is much-loved by locals and visitors alike, with Montrealers frequenting the leafy slopes as if the area were their own backyard. Cyclists, joggers, sunbathers, picnickers, and strollers abound in summer, while snowshoers, tobogganers, ice skaters, and cross-country skiers dominate in winter. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted—the creative force behind New York City’s Central Park—the 470-acre (190-hectare) Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) encompasses forest trails, manmade monuments, and grassy meadows for picnicking. On a clear day, the views from the Mount Royal summit lookout can’t be beaten.
The Basics
A stop at Mount Royal Park is commonly included on Montreal sightseeing tours and on hop-on hop-off bus tours, but the site can also be explored thoroughly on a midday stroll, picnic lunch, or as part of guided nighttime tours. E-bike (electric bike) and walking tours are popular options no matter the season, and in winter, travelers can traverse the snowy terrain and try ice skating, snowshoeing, or tubing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, as some of the paths in the park are narrow and uneven.
- Montreal can be extremely cold during winter; a hat, gloves, scarf, winter boots and an appropriate winter coat are a must if you visit during this period.
- Bring a refillable water bottle and make use of the fountains dotted around the park.
How to Get There
Mont Royal is located in the Ville-Marie borough of Montreal. Ride the 80, 435, or 129 bus to the Sir George Etienne Cartier Monument and make the 30-minute uphill walk to the top. To avoid the trek, take the 11 bus from Mont-Royal metro station to Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake) and walk from there.
When to Get There
Mont Royal is a four-season attraction, providing you are properly prepared; be sure to wrap up warmly during winter. On summer Sundays, the park hosts what are known as Tam Tams, informal festival-like gatherings with a drum circle and dancing. Fall is perhaps the most scenic time to visit, as the park’s maple and oak trees turn lovely shades of red, orange, and gold.
Top Things to See at Mount Royal
Mont Royal has several must-see spots, most notably the 1932 stone Chalet du Mont-Royal and the adjacent Kondiaronk Lookout. Not far from here are the landmark Mount Royal Cross, which is illuminated at night, and Beaver Lake (Lac des Castors), which serves as an ice-skating rink in winter. If you want more information about the park, the mid-19th-century Smith House (Maison Smith) has displays on the park’s habitats and wildlife. The eastern lookout, Observatoire de l’Est, affords another perspective across the city.
Address: Surrounds McGill University, Ave Cedar, and Ave des Pins Ouest, Plateau du Mont Royal, Montreal H3H 1A2, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 42
Morris-Jumel Mansion
This iconic whitewashed house in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood was built in 1765 and is officially the oldest home in the borough. Now a museum dedicated to the city—and the nation’ —colorful past, the Morris-Jumel Mansion once served as the headquarters for the American Revolution.
In addition to exploring the galleries, which are filled with historic artifacts and photographs, travelers can enjoy the expansive gardens, which are tended by local volunteers, and even relax during warmer months with live music performances in the stunning outdoor setting.
Practical Info
The mansion is located at 65 Jumel Terrace in Roger Morris Park, near Amsterdam Avenue. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children and seniors.
Address: 65 Jumel Terrace, New York City, New York, USA 10032, USA
Hours: Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm and Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: $8
From $ 25
Mount Rushmore
The stony faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt peer out from the iconic granite outcrop known as Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota is an American symbol, and with some 3 million visitors each year, it’s the state’s most popular attraction.
The Basics
Completed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his team in 1941, Mount Rushmore is operated by the National Park Service and includes an interpretive center and recreational trail network. Many travelers visit this popular South Dakota attraction on a day trip from nearby Rapid City. A typical sightseeing tour includes a meal at Carver’s Marketplace, time to explore the national memorial and its visitor center, and a visit to other Black Hills attractions, such as nearby Crazy Horse Memorial and scenic Custer State Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mount Rushmore is a must-see for history buffs, families, and visitors experiencing South Dakota for the first time.
- Combine your visit to Mount Rushmore with stops at Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park on a tour.
- Much of the memorial is wheelchair accessible, including the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and the Presidential Trail.
- Don’t forget to bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
How to Get There
Mount Rushmore is about a 30-minute drive southwest of Rapid City, South Dakota, and most visitors arrive by car. There’s no entrance fee to visit the site, but there is a per-vehicle parking fee.
When to Get There
To strike a balance between good weather and sparser crowds, visit Mount Rushmore in September or October. Expect rainy and cold conditions in spring, and peak crowds during June, July, and August. No matter what time of year you visit, plan to come once during the day and again when the sculptures are illuminated at night.
Gutzon Borglum’s Sculptor’s Studio
While touring Mount Rushmore, don’t miss a visit to the Sculptor’s Studio, the space where Gutzon Borglum worked from 1939 to 1941. See the scale model of Mount Rushmore, and hear ranger-led presentations on the tools and techniques Borglum and others used in carving out the American presidents.
Address: Keystone, South Dakota, USA
From $ 50
Moraine Lake
Hemmed in by the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park’s glacier-fed Moraine Lake is renowned for its bright blue-green waters. The surreally vivid color results from light refracting off of tiny glacial rock particles. Stunning Lake Moraine was famously featured on the back of Canada’s $20 bill between 1969 and 1979.
The Basics
Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, is a common fixture on sightseeing tours of Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Yoho National Park. Moraine Lake tours depart from Banff and Calgary, and typically include sightseeing stops at other Alberta beauty spots such as Victoria Glacier, Takakkaw Falls, Lake Louise, and Bow, Emerald, and Peyto lakes. Moraine Lake is also a stop on the hop-on, hop-off Banff bus, which runs between Banff and Lake Louise. Active travelers can opt for a 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) guided hike through Larch Valley, or, in summer, rent a canoe from the Moraine Lake Boathouse and paddle out onto the water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Moraine Lake is a must-see for photographers and appreciators of natural beauty.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the lakeside trail can be uneven.
- Bring warm clothes. Even on pleasant summer days, weather patterns here are unpredictable and can change rapidly.
How to Get There
Moraine Lake is about nine miles (14 kilometers) from Lake Louise. Follow Moraine Lake Road, which branches off from Lake Louise Drive. Parking is limited at the site, and finding a spot can take some time. Private shuttles also depart from Lake Louise, while Parks Canada shuttles run from the Lake Louise overflow parking lot from mid-September to mid-October.
When to Get There
Access to Moraine Lake is available from mid-May through mid-October. The lake is fed by glacier melt, and water levels often remain low until late June. Larch tree viewing season, between mid-September and mid-October, is the busiest period. Sunrise is one of the best times for photographs, when the soft, low-angle light shines on the peaks and sightseers are few and far between.
Where to Find the Best Views of Moraine Lake
For views of Lake Moraine that will have you reaching for your camera, follow the 1,150-foot (350-meter) Rockpile Trail. The trail begins at the parking lot, crosses over a bridge, and connects to a series of stone steps. The steps lead up to the top of some glacial rock, from which elevated viewpoints offer sublime lake vistas. Other trails in the vicinity include the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Lakeshore Trail, a relatively easy lakeside route.
Address: Moraine Lake, Banff, Canada
From $ 46
Mount Gulian Historic Site
History-loving travelers will enjoy stepping back in time during a visit to the Mount Gulian Historic Site. This well-kept 18th Century Dutch manor home located on the scenic Hudson River once served as a headquarters during the Revolutionary War and later was the birthplace of the much-storied Society of the Cincinnati. And while its ties to early American history are clear, archeologists suggest the land surrounding Mount Gulian may have been home to Native Americans as early as 6000 BC.
Visitors who opt for a tour of the grounds will find themselves deep in the trenches of American history, as expert guides will gladly share stories of army Major Generals, escaped slaves and groundbreaking revolutions. Whether travelers are interested in the stunningly preserved interiors, well-kept grounds, beautiful Hudson River views or the tales of early American life, a stop at Mount Gulian Historic Site has something for just about everyone.
Practical Info
Mount Gulian Historic Site is located on 13 acres of land at 145 Sterling Street in Beacon, New York. Guided tours are available between May and October, Wednesday through Friday and on Sunday, from 1pm-5pm. Entry is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children.
Address: 145 Sterling Street, Beacon, USA
Hours: Tours are available between May and October, Wednesday through Friday and on Sunday, from 1pm-5pm
Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children
From $ 73
Mt Waialeale
Be prepared for more colors of green than you’ve ever seen before in the area surrounding Kauai’s central Mt. Waialeale—it’s one of the wettest places on planet Earth, receiving more than 450 inches of rainfall each year. It’s dominating sheer green 5,066 cliff wall has also been called the Wall of Tears, for the many waterfalls that fill its crevices and stream down its face during frequent rains. And, if the setting looks familiar, that could be because it starred as the backdrop for opening scenes of the original 1992 Jurassic Park movie. To get to the base of Waialeale, and to the the Wailua River, you’ll have to take a 4x4 down the bumpy Wailua Forestry Management Road and then trek in. Alternatively, several helicopter tours take you much closer to its cliff face—and its waterfalls—than you could easily get to on a hike.
Practical Info
There’s only one company currently permitted to take groups of trekkers back in along the bumpy Wailua Forestry Management access road—Aloha Kauai Tours—and they only offer short day hikes into the surrounding valley. If you don’t have 4-wheel drive—and many rental cars don’t—this might be your only option for trekking access other than hiking the more than 10 miles down the road to the trailhead. To get to the actual mountain base, it’s another several miles through thick jungle, which is easily bypassed in a helicopter tour.
Address: Kauai, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 135
Mormon Row Historic District
Some of the first settlers of the Jackson Hole Valley were homesteading Mormon pioneers, who managed to farm and raise irrigated crops in the harsh Teton terrain. Arriving from Idaho in the 1890s, they constructed cabins, log homes, and barns that had no running water or electricity, and the wooden structures still standing today offer glimpses of this pioneering past. At the famously scenic John Moulton Barn, the snow-capped peaks of the Teton Range offer a dramatic wilderness backdrop, and help to shape the ruggedly romantic feel of Wyoming’s frontier. In 1997, Mormon Row was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and remains one of the most popularly photographed spots in Grand Teton National Park.
Practical Info
To reach the Mormon Row Historic District, head north from Jackson on Highway 191, where past Moose Junction you’ll make a right onto Antelope Flats Road. From here, drive 1.5 miles until you see a dirt road with a pink stucco house on the corner. There is no admission fee or opening hours, and the drive is approximately 30 minutes from Jackson.
Address: Moose, Wyoming, USA
From $ 139
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens’ infamous eruption on the morning of May 18, 1980, punched a 1,300-foot (396-meter) hole in the volcano and sent fire and ash raining down the mountainside. Visitors today can view the mountain’s crater, spot wildlife, see the country’s youngest glacier, and witness the surrounding forest’s recovery.
The Basics
Mount St. Helens is protected as a National Monument, preserving its forests, meadows, glacier, and crater. Visitors can pick from among numerous hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging, including an option to climb the mountain and peer into its crater. The drive toward the crater is breathtaking, and visitor centers along the way educate you about the blast and the area’s recovery.
Visit independently or join a group or private tour from Seattle that includes round-trip transportation. Most full-day excursions include a visit to the blast site, the Johnston Ridge Observatory, a walk along Eruption Trail, and a gourmet picnic.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visiting Mount St. Helens will enthrall a range of travelers, including families with young children, serious hikers, photographers, and geology buffs.
- Wear layered clothing, as alpine weather can change quickly. The Pacific Northwest is often rainy, so a raincoat is advisable.
- Mount St. Helens’ visitor centers are easily accessible by car. Visitor centers have restrooms, helpful staff, and gift shops.
How to Get There
Mount St. Helens is located 96 miles (154 kilometers) south of Seattle and 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Portland. To access the Monument Visitor Centers and Johnston Ridge, take I-5 to Castle Rock, exiting onto Highway 504, which dead-ends at the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
When to Get There
Mount St. Helens and the surrounding area see significant snowfall in winter; summer is the best time to visit. The visitor centers close seasonally during winter and reopen during late spring. The area is busiest on weekends in July and August; to avoid crowds, visit on a weekday.
Best Hikes Around Mount St. Helens
To view the blast zone, walk the Hummocks Trail, a flat 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) round-trip hike. For a longer stroll with crater views, trek the 8-mile (13-kilometer) Harry’s Ridge trail near Johnston Ridge Observatory. Duck into Ape Caves, eerie lava tubes on the mountain’s southern flank. A 10-mile (16-kilometer) adventure, requiring knowledge of alpine environments and snow travel, brings you to the peak. Obtain a permit through the Forest Learning Center located off Highway 504.
Address: USA
From $ 263
Mt Norquay
It might be the smallest of the 3 major ski resorts within the Banff National Park, but since opening in 1926, Mt Norquay has fast become a favorite destination for in-the-know skiers, and has even served as an Olympic and World Cup training ground. Today, the Mt Norquay Ski Resort offers 16.4 km of runs, with ample opportunities for all levels, from first-time skiers to professionals, including a terrain park with a range of boxes and rails.
With a fully equipped ski school on-site, this is a great spot for beginners, and along with skiing and snowboarding, there’s also a snow tube park, snowshoeing trails and the chance to enjoy a moonlight skiing excursion.
The fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts either – the Mt Norquay Ski Resort is open all year-round and summer visitors can ride the 8,040-foot chairlift for a view of the surrounding mountains, dine at the mountaintop Cliffhouse or tackle the Via Ferrata climbing routes.
Practical Info
Mt Norquay is located in the Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The Mt Norquay ski resort is open all year-round, but the ski season typically runs from early December to mid-April.
Address: Banff, Alberta, Canada, Canada
From $ 130
Mother Road Brewing Company
To sample some of Flagstaff’s best craft beers, head to Mother Road Brewing Company. Named after Historic Route 66, which was nicknamed the Mother Road in its heyday, the brewery sits just a couple blocks from the iconic highway that runs through the center of town. The brewery is located in the Milum Building, a former commercial laundromat that has been repurposed in an ideal spot to grab a pint after a day of adventuring in the surrounding mountains and high desert. Their artfully crafted beers include complex flavors like the mesquite honey and British hops of the English Barleywine-style 4th Anniversary Ale or the coffee and orange notes of the popular chocolate stout Lost Highway.
Practical Info
While Mother Road doesn’t serve food, it does have an arrangement with Pizzicleta, in the same building, so patrons can order pizzas from their barstool. For visitors interested in learning more about the production side, the brewery offers weekly tours every Saturday afternoon at 3pm for $10, which include two 10-ounce beers, along with coasters and stickers as souvenirs.
Address: 7 South Mikes Pike, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA 86001, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Thurs: 2pm-9pm; Fri: 2pm-10pm; Sat: 12pm-10pm; Sun: 12pm-9pm
Admission: $10
From $ 49
Monument Valley Tribal Park
Monument Valley Tribal Park is a Navajo Nations park that spans 91,696 acres across southern Utah and northern Arizona in the American southwest. It is the ancestral home of the Navajo people, and the park has been used in many films. The natural forces of wind and water eroded the land for 50 million years, eventually resulting in the rock formations seen today. The sandstone pinnacles reach heights of 400 to 1,000 feet and are surrounded by miles of mesas and buttes, shrubs, trees and windblown sand.
The park can be enjoyed on a 17-mile scenic drive where visitors can see many of the park’s main highlights. Visitors can also get a closer look by taking the self-guided Wildcat hiking trail. The trail is 3.2 miles long around the West Mitten Butte at approximately 5,400 feet in elevation. It takes about one and a half to two hours to hike the trail. Various tours of the park are available to show you around and teach you about the Navajo culture.
Practical Info
Monument Valley is located about 50 miles south of Bluff, UT on US highway 163. Admission costs $10 per person or $20 per vehicle with up to four people. The park visitor center is open from 6am to 8pm May 1 through September 30 and 8am to 5pm October 1 through April 30.
Address: USA
Admission: General Admission $10, Children 9 and under Free, Per vehicle fee $20 (Up to 4 people)
From $ 65
Mr Sanchos Beach Club Cozumel
Set on a private stretch of white sand, Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club Cozumel allows you to avoid the island’s beachfront crowds and offers amenities for a relaxing seaside experience. Here you can swim in the Caribbean ocean, sample all you can eat from the restaurant and bar, float in the infinity pool, and relax in shaded cabanas.
The Basics
With over 1,000 feet (305 meters) of sandy beach, three pools, and two swim-up bars, Mr. Sancho’s is an ideal place to relax and enjoy Cozumel’s ample sunshine. An all-inclusive day pass to Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club allows you to enjoy an open bar and all-you-can-eat buffet, while additional entry packages typically include add-ons such as massages or access to private beachfront cabanas. You can also take a horseback riding tour along the beach, cruise through the jungle on an ATV tour, join a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion, or participate in watersports such as parasailing and WaveRunner rides. Families with kids can hit the onsite aquatic park and its inflatable climbing structures and trampolines.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mr. Sancho's is an ideal retreat for beach lovers, couples, and families.
- Remember to bring sun protection, swimwear, and towels.
- Lockers and restrooms are available onsite.
- The minimum drinking age is 18 years.
How to Get There
Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club is located on the island of Cozumel, off the coast of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Ferries to Cozumel typically leave every half hour from Playa del Carmen and arrive at San Miguel, the island’s main town and cruise ship port. From San Miguel, it takes roughly 20 minutes to get to Mr. Sancho’s by road. Taxis and rental scooters are easy ways to travel on the island.
When to Get There
Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
Exploring Cozumel’s Coral Reefs
Cozumel is best known for its expansive coral reefs, some of the largest in the world. Paradise Reef and Palancar Reef are ideal spots for novice divers and snorkelers due to their shallow depth, and offer a chance to glimpse sea turtles, colorful fish, towering coral spires, and gently waving sea fans.
Address: Carretera Costera Sur Km. 15, Cozumel 77600, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Mt Tantalus
A not-so-well-kept local secret, Mt Tantalus (Puʻuohiʻa) looms behind Honolulu offering stunning skyline panoramas. The nine-mile Round Top and Tantalus Drive loop snakes up its side with attractive pull-offs overlooking the city’s high rises, Punch Bowl Crater, iconic Diamond Head, the homes dotting Manoa Valley, as well as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in the west.
The scenic drive to the top drive lingers in lush forests but is not for the faint of heart—steep and narrow passages are frequent and sheer drops loom around abundant curves. Trailheads for a handful of hikes begin along this route and lead into valleys often shrouded in mist and topped by Honolulu’s famous rainbows. At the summit, Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park has a small cement walkway with commanding views of all of southern Oahu. There’s also a grassy lawn popular with picnickers. Though the drive is equally spectacular when buildings cast shadows and city lights glow at night, the summit park closes at sundown.
Tantalus is the first in a series of peaks that form the imposing green wall of the Koolau range, which hugs the Windward coast. Near the mountain’s base on Makiki Heights Drive, the Spalding House museum and galleries features local and international artists and boasts similar views from its trellised café.
Practical Info
Tantalus Drive is accessed via Makiki Street, two miles inland from Waikiki. The road becomes Round Top Drive halfway up amid a residential neighborhood. Numerous land-based Honolulu tours include the drive. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is open from 7am-6:45pm. If you visit in your own vehicle, it’s best not to leave valuables in your car.
Address: Makiki Street, Oahu, USA
From $ 120
Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars
Packed with fun photo opportunities, Niagara Falls’ Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars presents lifelike likenesses of screen and music world icons. Wax figures of celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley are displayed alongside Hollywood stars like Johnny Depp and famous movie characters including Harry Potter.
The Basics
Visits to the Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars are self-guided and include admission to the bonus House of Horrors exhibition, where scary displays are designed to send a shiver down your spine. After, exit into the Fun Factory gift shop, where you can have a wax replica made of your own hand.
If you plan on visiting other family-friendly attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario, you can save money by opting for a sightseeing Fun Pass, which grants access not only to the wax museum, but also to other Clifton Hill attractions including the Wild West Coaster and the Niagara SkyWheel.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars is a must for families, and music and film fans.
- Save money and time by purchasing a multi-attraction sightseeing pass that includes several Niagara Falls–area attractions.
- The wax museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars is situated on Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, just a short stroll from Niagara Parkway and Hornblower Landing. Parking is available in a dedicated lot with more than 700 spaces, just off Clifton Hill behind the Niagara SkyWheel. Alternatively, ride the WEGO green, blue, or red bus lines to the Clifton Hill/Hornblower Niagara Cruises stop.
When to Get There
Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars is open year-round, providing both cool, air-conditioned respite from the summer heat and a warm refuge from Canada’s cold winters. The museum is busiest between May and November; go early in the morning or late at night (the museum stays open past midnight during the busy summer months of June, July, and August) to avoid the crowds.
Other Non-Falls Attractions
While the falls themselves are the star attraction, the town of Niagara Falls, Ontario offers plenty of alternative attractions to enjoy after you have seen the natural wonder. Marvel at the colorful inhabitants of Bird Kingdom (one of the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviaries) and the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory; test your driving skills on the Niagara Speedway go-kart track; play mini-golf at Wizards’ Golf or Dinosaur Adventure Golf; or amp up the adrenaline on the Wild West Coaster, a 6-D motion ride that uses visual and other sensory effects to create a thrilling experience.
Address: 4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3N4, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 26
Mt Hood National Forest
The Mt. Hood National Forest covers more than one million acres, including lakes, wilderness areas, mountains, and of course – a vast forest.
First established in 1892 as the Bull Run Forest Reserve, the area was expanded and eventually the name was changed to its current Mt. Hood National Forest in 1924. The forest area extends into six different Oregon counties, is managed by four district offices, has eight designated wilderness areas, and includes 170 recreation sites. Visitors can go hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, mountain climbing, skiing, and horseback riding in the National Forest, among other things. Part of the Pacific Crest Trail crosses into the National Forest.
The towering peak of Mt. Hood – the tallest point in the state – sits in the northern part of the National Forest, and Timberline Lodge has year-round skiing. The forest area stretches from the Columbia River Gorge south about 60 miles through the Willamette Valley, making it a popular destination for people from Portland as well as other cities in Oregon.
Practical Info
Visitors to the Mt. Hood National Forest must have a recreation pass. Day passes are $5 per person and can be purchased as you enter the National Forest. Winter Sno*Park permits are $7 per day, or $10 for a three-day permit.
Address: Sandy, Oregon, USA
Admission: starts at $5
From $ 139
Mt Alyeska
Mt Alyeska means “the great land” in Aleut, and the name ‘Alaska’ is derived from it. Part of the Chugate Mountain Range, this mountain in particular is now home to one of the state’s most popular ski resorts and is known for the view from its mountaintop. On a clear day visitors can see miles in every direction, with views of the Turnagain Arm, the Girdwood Valley, and surrounding mountains and glaciers, and at 3,939 feet tall, Mt Alyeska towers over the area below.
If not skiing on the mountain, there are half-day and full-day scenic hikes as well. The Mt Alyeska Trail runs three miles point-to-point, and during the winter a number of different snow activities can be arranged from here. Visitors can go 2,300 feet up Mt Alyeska using the aerial tram, which is operated at half-speed during summer to prolong views.
Practical Info
Mt Alyseka is about 45 miles south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway.
Address: Anchorage, Alaska, USA
From $ 845