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Oak Alley Plantation

Famed for the 300-year-old allée of live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss that flank its main entrance, Oak Alley Plantation has more to offer visitors than a quintessential view of a Southern plantation. Oak Alley also boasts numerous exhibitions exploring the complexities of Southern and Louisiana history, 1,300 acres (526 hectares) of grounds, and the historic house itself—all within easy driving distance of New Orleans.

The Basics

No trip to New Orleans is complete without seeing one of the numerous plantations surrounding the city. Oak Alley Plantation is one of the more popular options, both for its exceptional exhibitions regarding slavery and the Civil War, its performances at the Sugarcane Theater, and its exceptional Greek Revival architecture. See the Big House and the well-curated grounds on the banks of the Mississippi River on a guided tour, many of which include round-trip transportation from New Orleans’ French Quarter. For a full-day trip from the Big Easy, combine a tour of Oak Alley with a Cajun swamp tour or a trip to some of the other surrounding plantations off the Great Mississippi River Road, including Laura Plantation and San Francisco Plantation.

Things to Know Before You Go

Oak Alley Plantation is located in the town of Vacherie, about 54 miles (87 kilometers) west of New Orleans.
Summertime visitors should dress in light clothing with plenty of sun protection for the strong heat.
Tours can run anywhere from four to nine hours long, depending on whether you combine Oak Alley with other nearby attractions in Cajun Country.

How to Get There

Because there is no public transportation to Oak Alley Plantation, the best way to get there is by car. Those with their own vehicles or rental cars will find the hour-long drive smooth and easy. Otherwise, the best way to visit is on a guided tour that includes transportation. You can also book a private transportation service in advance.

When to Get There

New Orleans and Cajun Country are famously hot and humid in the summertime; visit during the fall or spring for the best weather for walking around outdoors. Morning tours will have the coolest weather; tours after 3pm can expect the most intense heat.

Filming at Oak Alley Plantation

In addition to boasting the status as one of the most photographed plantations in the South, Oak Alley gained fame as a filming location for Interview with a Vampire, Primary Colors, and 1978’s Nightrider.

3645 Louisiana 18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA

Nov-Feb: Mon-Fri 9am - 4:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am - 5pm. Mar-Oct: Daily 9am - 5pm.

Adult $22, Youth $8.00, Child $5.00

From $ 60

Northerly Island

Northerly Island is located in the heart of Chicago’s Museum Campus, near Soldier Field and just south of the Adler Planetarium. The island was designed by Daniel H. Burnham, the architect of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Burnham envisioned a park with harbors, beaches, lagoons, large open green spaces, and striking views of the lake and skyline. The 91-acre Northerly Island was selected as one of the sites of the 1933-34 World’s Fair in Chicago, “A Century of Progress.” The park increased to its current size of today and by the 1940’s, Northerly Island had a beach, a few paths and walkways, and a small airport known as Meigs Field.

In September 2015, a new 43-acre nature area opened on Northerly Island, creating a green oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The nature area features a mile-long interior park trail, overlooks, and a five-acre lagoon that connects to Lake Michigan. This allows for fish to enter the lagoon, providing excellent fishing opportunities. The Northerly Island visitors see today is what Burnham originally envisioned.

Practical Info

Park hours are 6AM to 11PM. The Northerly Island Fieldhouse is open daily from 9AM to 5PM except from November to April, when it is open on weekends between 10AM and 4PM.

Chicago, Illinois, USA

The park is open 6AM to 11PM, daily.

From $ 650

Oahu Cruise Port

Hawaii’s most populous island is home to big-name attractions like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Pineapple Plantation and Diamond Head. Check out these sites on a shore excursion, or get out on the water with a submarine tour or surfing lesson.

If you want to explore Honolulu and the surrounding area on your own, rent a scooter to travel around in style.

How to get to Oahu

Ships dock in Honolulu, the state capital. You’ll pull in the harbor by the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you can find cabs, rental car shuttles and the Waikiki Trolley Red Line.

One Day on Oahu

Before it gets too crowded, visit the sites of the Pearl Harbor complex, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Memorial and the USS Bowfin submarine memorial. The Japanese attack, which killed more than 2,000 people on December 7, 1941, is remembered through film, museum exhibits, artifacts, aircraft and personal stories.

Pearl Harbor will take up most of the morning, so head to Waikiki next to relax. Honolulu’s famous stretch of sand is home to high-rise hotels, Diamond Head crater and landmarks like the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, father of surfing. Visit Diamond Head’s observation deck for views of the coast, and then find the perfect spot on one of the several beaches to people watch and work on your tan – try Fort DeRussy Beach for snorkeling or Kuhio Beach for a calm swimming spot.

Port Information

The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. English is the official language, as is Hawaiian, which many locals speak, as well.

Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu, HI, USA

From $ 36

Notre-Dame Street (Rue Notre-Dame)

Running almost the length of the island, Notre-Dame Street (Rue Notre-Dame) is one of Montreal’s most prominent thoroughfares. The most interesting stretches are in Old Montreal (Vieux Montréal), where it’s lined by historic buildings, and in Griffintown, Little Burgundy, and St. Henri, where antique stores, cafés, and restaurants abound.

The Basics

Travelers exploring Old Montreal as part of walking tours will most likely find themselves strolling down Notre-Dame Street at some point. As you amble along, look for well-known historic landmarks, including Notre-Dame Basilica and Montreal City Hall.

Follow Notre-Dame Street into Griffintown, Little Burgundy, and St. Henri. Here, the atmosphere is more neighborhoodlike, and lots of excellent restaurants, cafés, vintage stores, and antique shops can be found.

Things to Know Before You Go

Notre-Dame Street is a must for first-time visitors, foodies, and antique hunters.
Wear comfortable shoes as Notre-Dame Street is best explored on foot.
Tours of Old Montreal often pass along Notre-Dame Street.

How to Get There

If you want to explore Notre-Dame Street in Old Montreal, ride the metro (Orange Line) to Place-d’Armes. Notre-Dame is less than five minutes from the station on foot. For Little Burgundy, ride the metro (Green or Orange line) to Lionel-Groulx and walk down Atwater Avenue until you reach Notre-Dame. Turning left will take you through Little Burgundy and Griffintown, while a right turn will take you to St. Henri.

When to Get There

The street is best explored in summer when you can wander comfortably and stop for snacks and refreshments at outdoor terraces. If you do visit in winter, you’ll find plenty of heated stores, cafés, restaurants, and bars to duck into for warmth.

Historic Landmarks on Notre-Dame Street

Dating to 1672, Notre-Dame is one of Montreal’s oldest streets, and in the city’s historic core it is bordered by notable centuries-old structures. The Château Ramezay, an early 18th-century residence built for the French governors and now a museum, is situated on Notre-Dame, as is the Saint-Sulpice Seminary, which—having been completed in 1687—is Montreal’s oldest building.

Rue Notre-Dame, Montreal, Canada

From $ 19

Notre Dame Basilica

Notre-Dame Basilica is Montreal’s oldest Catholic church and the venue of Quebec hero Celine Dion’s wedding. The Gothic Revival-style church is one of Canada’s most lavish cathedrals, with stained-glass windows, intricate wood carvings, frescoes, sculptures, and a 7,000-pipe organ all vying for attention beneath a blue ceiling studded with gold stars.

The Basics

Notre-Dame Basilica is a major city attraction featured on hop-on hop-off bus tours and walking tours of Montreal. French and English guided tours are offered daily and are included in the admission price. Tours last 20 or 60 minutes, with the longer guided tour granting access to otherwise out-of-bounds areas in the intricately designed interior, such as the second balcony and part of the crypt. Some tours even allow you to get close to the famous Casavant organ.

Sightseers can also visit independently. After paying admission at the door, take one of the informational leaflets to guide you around the beautiful church.

Things to Know Before You Go

The basilica is a must-see for architecture fans.
Dress conservatively to ensure access to the religious site.
Notre-Dame Basilica is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Notre-Dame Basilica is located on Notre-Dame Street West, overlooking the Place d’Armes plaza in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal). To get there, ride Montreal’s orange metro line to Place d’Armes.

When to Get There

The basilica is open year-round, but occasionally closes for special events such as weddings or funerals. Check ahead of time to make sure it’s open during your visit. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur frequently closes during midday mass and on Saturdays for weddings. For your best chance of viewing it, try visiting in the early morning or late afternoon on a weekday instead.

Seeing Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur)

Located behind the main altar, the Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur is one of the most eye-catching parts of the church. Rebuilt using traditional methods after the old chapel was destroyed by fire in 1978, it is dominated by a huge 32-panel bronze altarpiece by Quebec sculptor Charles Daudelin.

110 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Vieux-Montréal, Montreal H2Y 1T2, Canada

Open daily: Mon - Fri 9am - 4:30pm, Sat 8am - 4pm, Sun 12:30pm - 4pm

Adults: C$6, Children (7-17yrs): C$4

From $ 6

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church

Built in 1687, in the historic Lower Town of Quebec City, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is one of the oldest churches in North America. Lying atop the ruins of the city’s first outpost, which was built by the Father of New France, Samuel de Champlain, in 1608, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires dominates Place Royale square. Over the centuries, this Roman Catholic church has seen its fair share of battles between the French and British. And after the Battle of Quebec in 1690, the church was given its Notre Dame moniker in recognition of the Virgin Mary protecting the city from danger. However, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church was almost completely destroyed by a later British bombardment during the 1759 Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

Restored in 1816, the church was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988 because of its beauty and history. A working church with regular Sunday services, a particularly special time to visit is on January 3. On this feast day of patron St. Genevieve, who is said to protect against famine, the church hands out little buns as blessings.

Practical Info

In Place Royale in Quebec City’s Lower Town, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church is open daily to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

32 Rue Sous le Fort, Quebec, Canada

Daily 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

From $ 15

Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest

A natural escape just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Honolulu, Nuuanu Valley is a lush jungle tucked into the folds of the Koolau Mountains. Beyond a series of houses on Nuuanu Pali Drive, the jungle seems to close in on the road with tall flowering vine-drenched trees towering overhead. Near the stream and water reservoir about a mile in, a series of trails tempt visitors off the road and into the jungle. On one, a bamboo thicket winds to a clearing housing the jumbled lava rock ruins of a mid-19th century Hawaiian summer palace. Others lead down muddy slopes, past wild ginger and forest fruit trees to tucked away waterfalls that spill into swimmable pools.

Nuuanu Pali Drive reconnects with the Pali Highway after a little less than two miles, but don’t miss the historic Nuuanu Pali Lookout a few miles further at the windy crest 1,000 feet atop the valley. Here a bloody battle in 1795 united Oahu under a single ruler, and panoramic views stretch beyond the Windward towns of Kailua and Kaneohe all the way to the offshore Island called Mokolii —also known as Chinaman’s hat—jutting above the tropical sea.

Practical Info

To reach the rain forest from Honolulu, you’ll need a car. A tour guide is recommended if you are not familiar with the hikes in this area, as some trailheads are locally-guarded secrets. Head north on the Pali (Hwy 61) and turn off at Nuuanu Pali Drive. Follow it through a residential neighborhood in the Nuuanu/Punchbowl area to a tree-lined section of road. Pull off the road to park near the trailhead of your choice. Mosquito repellent and lightweight rain gear are recommended for jungle hikes.

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

From $ 205

Octagon House

One of the first homes ever built in the nation’s capital, the historic Federal-style Octagon House was designed in 1799 by William Thornton for wealthy Virginia landowner Colonel John Tayloe III. During the War of 1812, Tayloe volunteered the house as a French embassy in order to save it from destruction, and two years later, when the White House was set ablaze by the British, he offered it to President James Madison as a temporary executive mansion. Madison used a second-floor room of the house as his study, and it was here that he signed the 1815 peace treaty that ended the war with England.

Madison and his wife, Dolley, moved back into the White House in 1817, and Tayloe and his family lived on at Octagon House until 1855. Later used as a Union hospital in the Civil War, the building had fallen into decay by 1899, when the American Institute of Architects purchased it for use as its headquarters. Established as a museum in 1970 and featuring historical photos of, memorabilia from, and plans for famous American buildings, it’s now open just two days a week for self-guided tours.

Practical Information

There is limited, two-hour street parking around the Octagon, but the museum is near two Metrorail stations: Foggy Bottom-GWU (serving the Orange and Blue Lines) and Farragut North (serving the Red Line).

1799 New York Ave NW, Washington DC 20006, USA

Self-guided tours Thurs–Fri 1–4pm

From $ 20

Nuevo Vallarta

A luxurious and spacious hotel and resort zone, Nuevo Vallarta lies at the center of beautiful Banderas Bay—a long, sandy stretch of beach and cool Pacific water known for its small fishing villages. Born from the tourist boom that was Puerto Vallarta in the 1970s, Nuevo Vallarta was built to offer all that the traveler could want: luxury hotels, fine dining, boutique shopping and some fabulous water sport attractions. The Marieta Islands preserve lies just a few miles offshore, and the water here is home to countless species of fish and larger marine life including the elusive sea turtles. Whale-watching is another seasonal event and one that shouldn’t be missed, much like a visit to this pristine part of Puerto Vallarta.

Practical Info

Nuevo Vallarta is located about 15 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. The American dollar and Mexican peso are widely accepted.

Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

From $ 35

Ocean Drive

The breathtaking Rhode Island shoreline unfolds along Ocean Drive, a 10-mile (16-kilometer) scenic road along Newport’s southern coast. Points of interest include the New York Yacht Club, Fort Adams State Park, Hammersmith Farm (where President Kennedy had his wedding reception in 1953), Brenton Point State Park, and Gooseberry Beach.

The Basics

A drive along this stretch of road, also known as Ten Mile Drive, is a must for anyone visiting Newport. While most travelers explore the area by car, hopping in and out at the various points of interest along the way, it’s also possible to ride along the road aboard an open-sided trolley. Many of these tours also drive down Bellevue Avenue, giving passengers the chance to see Newport’s famous mansions as well. Visitors based in Boston can see the highlights of Newport, including Ocean Drive, on a day trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ocean Drive is a must-see for first-time visitors, photographers, and nature lovers.
The drive itself takes less than 30 minutes, but give yourself several hours to stop and explore points of interest along the way.
Combine your trip along Ocean Drive with a visit to one of the Newport mansions, such as The Breakers, The Elms, or Marble House.

How to Get There

The easiest place to start an exploration of Ten Mile Drive is from the southern terminus of Bellevue Avenue at the intersection of Ocean and Coggeshall avenues. The best way to explore the scenic road is by car.

When to Get There

Ocean Drive is spectacular no matter the season, though you’ll share the road with far fewer cars if you plan to visit between September and May. You can swim at some of the quiet beaches along the drive in August and September.

Brenton Point State Park

Set at the midpoint of Ocean Drive, this state park offers one of the best views on the East Coast. It’s a popular pullover spot for picnicking, hiking, and kite flying while soaking up the Atlantic Ocean views.

Ocean Ave and Coggleshall Ave, Newport, RI, USA

From $ 25

Ocean Beach Pier

Between the South Mission Jetty and Pacific Beach Point stretch 3 miles (5 kilometers) of pure, unadulterated sun-kissed southern California beach scene. The center of this scene is Ocean Beach Pier, the largest concrete pier on the West Coast, perfect for strolling, fishing, and just watching the waves.

Amid the swimsuit-clad crowd and the anglers, Ocean Beach Pier invites people-watching. Along the pier, you’ll find a café, benches, and bait and tackle shops should you want to try your luck with the fish. Under the pier, skillful surfers slalom the pilings.

Ocean Beach Pier is part of Ocean Beach, San Diego’s most bohemian seaside community. You can get tattooed, shop for antiques, and walk into a restaurant barefoot. Ocean Front Walk bristles with joggers, in-line skaters and cyclists. Back from the beach, Mission Boulevard consists of block after block of surf shops, burger joints, and beer busts.

Practical Info

Ocean Beach Pier lies southwest of downtown San Diego, just across the San Diego River from SeaWorld. The area is best accessed by car. After you visit Ocean Beach Pier, spend some time strolling Ocean Beach.

If you’re here on a Wednesday afternoon, stop by the Ocean Beach farmers market.

1950 Abbott Street, San Diego, USA

Open daily

Free

From $ 79

Okanagan Valley

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is a popular Canadian holiday destination, famous for its warm dry summers, lakeside beaches, vineyards and mountains.

Nicknamed the “Napa Valley of the North,” millions of juicy grapes ripen among the rolling hills around Okanagan Lake, and summertime temperatures are generally hotter than they are in Napa itself. Okanagan’s wine scene is dominated by sweet whites, and the local ice dessert wine is a must-try; it is made using grapes that have frozen on the vine during Canada’s chilly winter nights.

Orchards bursting with juicy peaches, apricots and cherries are also in abundance in Okanagan Valley, as well as plenty of outdoor activities. Popular among watersport aficionados, golfers, mountain bikers and hikers, the valley hosts more than 300,000 people, with the liveliest and largest city being Kelowna. Other popular cities to stay in around the lake are Vernon and Penticton. The backcountry teems with old mining settlements toward the valley’s U.S. border, while the north is dominated by those famous orchards and vineyards. In winter, Okanagan Valley is a popular skiing destination.

Practical Info

Kelowna is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada and has its own airport with regular flights coming in from Vancouver International Airport. Otherwise, Okanagan Valley is a scenic five-hour drive east of Vancouver.

Okanagan Valley, Kelowna, Banff, Canada

Daily

From $ 95

Oahu Chinatown

Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States. Home to an eclectic assortment of storefronts, spend some time wandering and you’ll find herbalists, temples, antique shops and lei makers.

Folks in Chinatown also know how to eat well. When hunger strikes you’ll have your pick of dishes. Chefs serve everything from Chinese dim sum to Cuban and French Fare. Night owls will be happy to know Chinatown offers a variety of nightlife options from jazz clubs to wine bars and nightclubs.

Practical Info

Chinatown is located on the western edge of Honolulu’s financial district. If you’re in town the “First Friday” of the month, Chinatown is a fun place to be. Artists come together to showcase their work in a fun, festive setting that attracts locals and visitors. The main events occur between 5 and 9 pm, with celebrations afterward in popular bars and night spots.

Chinatown, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96817, USA

From $ 25

Oaxaca Culture Museum

This beautifully restored monastery is connected to the Templo de Santo Domingo and houses one of the nation’s most impressive museums. Well-curated exhibits transport travelers through the history of Oaxaca, from ancient times to modern day. Visitors will learn not only about New World influences, but about pre-Hispanic traditions through halls lined with handmade crafts, herbal medicines and local costumes.

Perhaps the most impressive item in the Oaxaca Culture Museum is the Mixtec hoard from Tomb 7, which dates back to the 14th century. A rare collection of silver, jade and gold, which was discovered by Alfonso Caso in the early 1930s, showcases the ancient tradition of burying royalty among riches.

Practical Info

The museum is located in Alcala, southwest of El Llano Park. It is open from 10 a.m. until 6:15 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. All placards are in Spanish only, but travelers can rent an English audio guide for M$50.

Calle Macedonio Alcalá S/N Centro, Oaxaca, Mexico

Open Tuesday trough Saturday 10 am - 6:15 pm

M$51

From $ 6

Oak Creek Vista

Visitors to Oak Creek Canyon would be wise to stop at this scenic viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of the rolling Arizona landscape. A well-kept lookout lined with Native American artisans selling handmade jewelry proves a popular destination for tourists and photographers alike. Though visitors warn Oak Creek Vista can get crowded, most agree its epic views are worth the trip.

Practical Info

Oak Creek Vista is located 13 miles north of Sedona. It is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. April through November.

Sedona, Arizona, USA

From $ 70

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

One of three main airports in the San Francisco Bay Area (the others being San Francisco International Airport and San Jose International Airport), Oakland International Airport, or OAK, welcomes visitors on most major airlines in the U.S., as well as a few international airlines.

The Basics

Oakland International Airport is used as a hub for travelers arriving in Northern California, whether they're staying in the East Bay, traveling to San Francisco, or heading further north ot Napa and beyond. To skip the stress of navigating Bay Area traffic yourself, book a shared or private transfer and let a dedicated driver traverse the roadways.

Things to Know Before You Go

OAK is home to just two terminals.
Most airlines fly from Terminal 1, including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, British Airways, and American Airlines, while Terminal 2 houses just Southwest Airlines.
The rental car center can be accessed via the rental car shuttle, which operates every 10 minutes except from 1:30am to 4:30am, when it's on-demand.

How to Get There

OAK is located 18 miles (29 kilometers) from downtown San Francisco—across the San Francisco Bay Bridge—and 8 miles (14 kilometers) from downtown Oakland. The airport can be reached via private or shuttle airport transfers. Alternatively, the Oakland airport is on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) network, so you can travel between the airport and San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and other East Bay towns on this train line. Ride-sharing vehicles are also allowed to operate at the airport at specific locations.

1 Airport Drive, Oakland, California 94621, USA

From $ 45

Oak Creek Canyon

The road that winds 16 miles (26 kilometers) through leafy Oak Creek Canyon is the most scenic route between Sedona and Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon. With dramatic red rock formations to either side, the gorge is an outdoor playground for camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.

The Basics

A scenic drive through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon is well worth the effort whether or not you actually need to travel north from Sedona. Grand Canyon day trips from Sedona pass through the gorge, as do small-group tours of the Sedona area (along with visits to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa) and multi-day itineraries through Arizona.

Things to Know Before You Go

Oak Creek Canyon is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and photographers.
Plan ahead: The drive is lovely but there aren’t many places to pull off and enjoy the scenery.
Be sure to bring along sun protection and plenty of drinking water, as it’s easy to get dehydrated in the arid climate.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces if you plan to get out of the car and explore.

How to Get There

Arizona State Route 89A runs through Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona to just outside Flagstaff. Driving allows for the chance to stop at your leisure to take in the natural beauty, while a guided day tour around Sedona or to the Grand Canyon eliminates the hassle of having to rent a car.

When to Get There

Oak Creek Canyon is stunning year-round, so deciding when to visit is largely a matter of preference. Hikers come to enjoy the desert wildflowers from March to May, while summer brings temperatures warm enough for swimming at Slide Rock State Park or Grasshopper Point. The canyon is particularly impressive in autumn when the oaks amid the evergreen forest display their fall foliage.

Hiking in Oak Creek Canyon

This area of Sedona has hiking trails for just about every ability level. The most popular route is the 6-mile (10-kilometer) round trip along the West Fork of Oak Creek, where the canyon walls rise up more than 200 feet on either side at points.

Oak Creek Canyon, AZ, USA

From $ 48

Old Burying Point Cemetery

Also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, the Old Burying Point of Salem is the second oldest burying ground in the United States. It is estimated to date back to 1637. Victims of the infamous Salem With Trials were convicted nearby to the site. Jonathan Corwin and Jonathan Hawthorne, who were both Salem witch trial judges, are also buried here.

As Salem was once a major shipping port for “the New World,” this cemetery is particularly historic. A Mayflower pilgrim, one of the first to enter the United States, was claimed to be put to rest here. The grave of former governor Samuel Bradstreet can also be found. The old tombstones remain in tact and uniquely carved from the 1600s, presenting a bit of history that has been preserved since that time. A visit is an opportunity to learn about colonial era history, including burial practices and the lives of some of the important figures laid to rest here.

Practical Info

The Old Burying Point cemetery is located on Charter Street in central Salem. It open from dawn to dusk and is free to visit. Visitors are asked to act respectfully.

Charter Street, Salem, Massachusetts, USA

Dawn to dusk

From $ 12

Oakland Cemetery

More than just Atlanta’s oldest cemetery, dating back to 1850, Oakland Cemetery’s large grounds serve as a tranquil sanctuary from the urban bustle. Take a quiet moment to meander past stunning mausoleums, grand oaks, and notable graves including those of Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, and Maynard Jackson.

The Basics

An astounding 70,000 people are buried in the 43-acre (17-hectare) Oakland Cemetery. Though the last plots were sold in 1884, burials still continue through the use of family-owned plots and city exceptions for notable figures. Today the site also functions as a beautiful park with winding stone paths, shade-producing trees, and blossoming flowers. You can explore the cemetery on your own at any time without paying an entry fee, or upgrade for a self-guided tour map with information about notable graves or a guided tour with the Historic Oakland Foundation on the weekends (no reservation required). When you first get to the cemetery, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center for maps and information.

To get the most out of your visit to the Oakland Cemetery, go as part of an Atlanta guided tour via Segway or a Gone with the Wind tour, which shows you the cemetery through the eyes of the famous book-turned-film.

Things to Know Before You Go

Oakland Cemetery is lovely for anyone looking for a little serenity.
Discounts on tours are available for students and seniors.
Private tours and tours by golf cart are available at any time.
The cemetery offers limited wheelchair access.

How to Get There

Oakland Cemetery is located just north of Grant Park, roughly a 10-minute drive from downtown Atlanta. There is free on-site parking. If traveling by MARTA, the closest stop is King Memorial Station.

When to Get There

The cemetery is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year; the Visitors Center is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday with seasonal weekend hours. Throughout the year, Oakland Cemetery hosts events such as the very popular annual Victorian Street Festival, during which some patrons come dressed in period clothing. Music festivals, special topic tours, and various events also fill up the cemetery’s calendar.

Nearby Attractions

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, just a 5-minute drive away from Oakland Cemetery. It’s also only a 10-minute drive from other must-see downtown Atlanta attractions such the CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola.

248 Oakland Ave, SE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

From $ 55

Ocean Beach San Francisco

Running for 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) along San Francisco’s Pacific coast, Ocean Beach marks the western edge of the city. The wide shoreline attracts both locals and visitors for picnics, walks, beach bonfires, and beautiful sunsets. Though swimming isn’t common here (the water is cold), surfing is popular.

The Basics

Because it is located across the city from the main tourist areas, Ocean Beach may not be on every tourist’s itinerary. However, it’s easy to squeeze into your sightseeing schedule with activities like a Golden Gate Park bike tour, GoCar tour, or coastal walking tour. Also, Ocean Beach is convenient to a selection of attractions in this part of the city, including the Legion of Honor museum, Lands End, Sutro Baths, and San Francisco Zoo.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bring layers, as the wind and fog can appear suddenly on the coast, even if it’s warm and sunny when you arrive.
Beach fires are permitted only in the fire rings and only from March through October.
Glass and alcohol are not allowed on the beach.
Surfing at Ocean Beach is not for beginners, as the waves are large and the current is very strong.

How to Get There

Starting at the Cliff House in the Outer Richmond neighborhood, Ocean Beach stretches south for 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers). By car, drive all the way west on Fulton Street or Lincoln Way until you reach the coast. Free parking lots are available; if they are full, there is street parking in the adjacent neighborhoods. By light rail, the N-Judah line ends just across Great Highway from the beach.

When to Get There

Sunset offers a tranquil atmosphere and the best photo opportunities as you watch the sun sink into the Pacific. The sunniest months with warmest temperatures are typically September and October. In July and August, the beach is usually blanketed in fog. The beach parking lots close at night.

Golden Gate Park

San Francisco’s biggest city park is adjacent to Ocean Beach and just a few blocks from the Cliff House. It’s convenient to visit all of these sights on the same day, though there’s a lot of ground to cover. Stretching nearly half the width of the city, Golden Gate Park features world-class museums, a golf course, lakes, bike trails, gardens and playgrounds, sports fields, two windmills, and even a bison paddock.

Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA, USA

From $ 32