Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Pacific Design Center
Standing tall in three brightly-colored blue, red, and green modern structures, the Pacific Design Center is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Los Angeles. As an integral part of the design community, it houses premier furniture and decor marketplaces along with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA.) The latest innovative designs are all on display. At more than one million square feet in size, opportunities for inspiration and collaboration. The space is an interior decorator’s dream.
The main structure, designed by Argentinean architect Cesar Pelli, has been nicknamed both ‘Center Blue’ and ‘The Blue Whale’ for its massive size and impressively detailed, blue glass surface. Often large-scale events, screenings, and conferences are held inside as well. There are more than 120 showrooms filled with leading fabrics, furnishings, and architectural styles. Combined with the other two buildings that comprise the center, it is one of the largest gallery districts in Los Angeles.
Practical Info
The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and there is no cost to enter. It’s located in West Hollywood and parking is abundant. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) at PDC is open Friday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Address: 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, California 90069, USA
Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
From $ 55
Paradise Reef
One of Cozumel’s most popular dive sites, Paradise Reef is famous for its clear water, diverse coral structures, and teeming schools of colorful fish. Here you can spot large sea species such as eels, rays, and nurse sharks in addition to smaller creatures such as seahorses, boxfish, and delicate pipefish.
The Basics
Paradise Reef is an ideal spot for snorkelers and novice scuba divers, as well as advanced divers who want to experience the reef’s colorful atmosphere. Most cozumel snorkeling and diving tours include a visit to Paradise Reef along with Palancar Reef and El Cielo Marine Park. Some Cozumel-based tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, while other excursions include round-trip transportation from Cancun and Riviera Maya-area hotels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Paradise Reef is a must-see attraction for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water. It’s also a good idea to wear a wetsuit or rash guard to protect your skin from rough coral and jellyfish.
- Evidence of scuba diving certification is required for certified dives.
- Be careful not to touch or disturb the wildlife.
How to Get There
Paradise Reef is located off the island of Cozumel near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It lies south of the Puerta Maya Cruise Ship Pier and is one of the first dive sites in the Cozumel Marine Park. Experienced swimmers can do the dive from shore, but most choose not to fight the current and instead dive from a boat. You can opt for a private charter boat or a guided tour.
When to Get There
You can visit Paradise Reef year-round, but it’s 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.
Cozumel’s Coral Reefs
Cozumel is best known for its expansive coral reefs, some of the largest in the world. Paradise Reef and the Palancar Gardens 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. The Palancar Caves are probably the most famous dive site, with huge brain corals and swim-through tunnels. Palancar Horseshoe is another massive formation of corals.
Address: Cozumel, Mexico
From $ 189
Pacific Heights
Idyllic Pacific Heights, San Francisco’s most desirable address is famous for its historic homes—including Painted Lady Victorians—high-end shopping and dining on Fillmore Street, two hilltop parks, and billionaire residents. Everything in this neighborhood comes with postcard-worthy views across San Francisco Bay.
The Basics
Visitors head to Pacific Heights in San Francisco to take in its bay views and to admire the architecture of its historic homes, but big bus tours don’t usually drive through the neighborhood. Instead opt for a smaller-group activity, such as an open-air trolley tour, vintage VW bus tour, or architecture walking tour to get the inside scoop on the historic neighborhood. Or catch a glimpse of its mansions from air on a helicopter tour.
Highlights of the neighborhood include Lafayette Park at Washington and Octavia streets, where you can view Spreckels Mansion, owned by Danielle Steel, and a second park, Alta Plaza. Many historic homes line Broadway, and the Haas-Lilienthal House, built in 1886 in the Queen Anne style, is open for tours on select days.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pacific Heights is mainly residential, with Fillmore Street its main commercial strip.
- The neighborhood is a draw for history and architecture buffs.
- There is street parking in Pacific Heights, but pay attention to parking restrictions.
How to Get There
Pacific Heights is easily reached by cab or shared-ride vehicle, or take Muni buses 1, 3, 10, or 22. Alternatively you can drive your own vehicle or go as part of a tour.
When to Get There
The neighborhood is a pleasant place for a walk at almost any time of day—go in the early morning or evening to get the best light for photos of the bay, or head to one of the parks in the afternoon to see dog-walkers in action. July and August are usually the foggiest months while September and October bring the most sunshine.
Japantown
Just south of Pacific Heights sits Japantown, where you can get a different San Francisco experience. This tiny neighborhood is packed with Japanese restaurants, shops, and cultural sights. It especially comes alive during events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival. From Pacific Heights, walk south on Fillmore to Post Street.
Address: San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 25
Papantla
The town of Papantla is located deep in the heart of the Totonacapan region about three hours north of Veracruz City. This quiet haven is famous for its impressive views of the majestic Sierra Papanteca range, sweet indigenous vanilla, Totonac people and the popular El Tajin ruins.
Enjoy breakfast at one of the local cafes before taking to the streets in search of the eleven murals painted by Mexican masters like Teodoro Cano Garcia—a student of Diego Rivera. One of the most famous of these is located in the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. The city is also known for its numerous museums, but travelers agree the unique Museo de las Mascaras, which contains more than 300 masks from around the country, is definitely worth a visit.
Practical Info
Papantla is alive with energy any time of year, but it’s especially nice to visit during one of the city’s major festivals. Travelers can enjoy sweet treats during the Vanilla Expo each in December or see traditional dance, sample local food and hear plenty of local music during the Corpus Christi Festival in June.
Address: Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 128
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway—also known as PCH or, more commonly, Highway 1—runs north-south along most of the United States’ West Coast. The incredibly scenic California stretch is known for its oceanfront locales, rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and numerous beaches, making it one of the nation’s most popular road-trip routes. From San Francisco to San Diego and the many charming stops in between, it’s truly one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet to take a drive.
The Basics
Using major cities such as San Francisco or Los Angeles as a base, a trip up or down the PCH makes for excellent day trips. From beachside towns to national parks, there is plenty to do and see. If you’re going to drive the whole route, keep in mind that the Pacific Coast Highway is best suited for unhurried, leisurely driving. Leave enough time to make plenty of stops and to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Though many stops along the PCH are best visited spontaneously, there are a few notable places or tours—including Hearst Castle—that do best with advance reservations.
- Nature lovers and beachgoers will enjoy Highway 1. Be prepared for amazing coastal vistas alongside empty beaches, dense forests, and foggy mountains.
- Views are often regarded as best driving from north to south.
How to Get There
The Pacific Coast Highway runs from the California-Oregon border to Orange County, though most travelers begin in San Francisco and end in Los Angeles or San Diego. Speed limits and road types vary along the highway. In some locations it can be a twisting, slow-moving two-lane road, while in other spots, the PCH is and moves like a freeway.
When to Get There
The weather in California is famously sunny year-round, though it can get chilly once the sun has gone down, especially up north. If you’re planning your trip around any particular stops, be sure to plan your time and visit accordingly.
Highway 1 Beach Towns
Besides the stellar ocean views, one of the great joys of driving the PCH is the number of beachside towns worth stopping in. From San Francisco, the towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey—home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, and Cannery Row—are must-stops. Be sure to include a drive over the Bixby Bridge, a scenic spot just outside Big Sur. Santa Cruz (and its beach boardwalk amusement park), San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Pismo Beach, and Santa Barbara are more Central Coast highlights.
Hearst Castle, another favorite stop, stands in San Simeon, on the coast between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. Tours are required to visit the castle and can be purchased up to 56 days in advance—it is strongly recommended to do so. The state beaches in Oxnard and Ventura offer some of the best surfing in the US. And, of course, Malibu and Santa Monica are the jewels in the crown of classic California beach culture.
Address: California, USA
From $ 45
Palace of Fine Arts
Like a fossilized party favor, this romantic, Greco-Roman ruin is the memento San Francisco decided to keep from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Indeed, the Palace is a favorite wedding photo location for many couples in the San Francisco Bay area. But many come just to simply gaze up at the rotunda relief and glimpse "Art Under Attack by Materialists, with Idealists Leaping to her Rescue".
The exhibition hall, which originally housed Impressionist paintings during the exposition, was once home to the Exploratorium, a state of the art interactive science museum that moved in Spring 2013 to Pier 15 on the Embarcadero. Now the venue hosts occasional concerts and events but is not generally open to the public. The inside is not the main attraction after all.
The nearby lagoon, fringed with Australian eucalyptus trees, was intended to echo those found in classical settings in Europe, where water serves as a mirror to reflect the grand buildings. The tranquil lagoon is also home to ducks, swans, sea gulls, and geese, who put on graceful displays for passersby.
Practical Info
In the Marina District, The Palace of Fine Arts stands alongside Palace Drive. It’s easily accessible by car and public transportation, and close to the Presido and the Golden Gate Bridge. With views of San Francisco Bay, the park is a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic.
Address: 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco 94123, USA
Hours: Open year-round
From $ 15
Paramount Studios
An iconic symbol of the golden age of movies open for business since 1926, Paramount Studios is the only major film studio still operating in Hollywood's commercial district. Popular for its studio tours, the sprawling 65-acre lot features huge iron-scrollwork gates and Spanish-style architecture, as well as realistic replicas of vintage city streets.
The Basics
A majority of visitors to Paramount Studios opt for a behind-the-scenes tour for a closer look at the movie-making process. Choose from three different options, each including a step back in Hollywood history at the Tour Center and Prop Warehouse; visits to filming locations like the New York backlot, Bronson Gate, and various soundstages; and a chance to spot celebrities, producers, and crew at work. VIP tours unlock the Paramount backlot, archives, and special-effects studios, while after-dark tours give insight into Hollywood’s often scandalous history. The studio is a stop on the red route of the Los Angeles hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Paramount Studios is a must-visit for TV and movie buffs.
- Photo IDs are required for all visitors over the age of 18.
- A Paramount Studio tour can last anywhere from two to 4.5 hours, depending on the option chosen.
- While Paramount Studios does take walk-ups, advanced booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially for after-dark tours.
How to Get There
The most hassle-free way to get to the home of Paramount Pictures (and avoid driving in LA traffic) is to book a guided tour or ride the hop-on hop-off bus. Those who wish to visit independently can take the Melrose Avenue exit from the 101 Freeway or the La Brea Avenue exit from the 10 Freeway and park at a lot on the corner of Melrose and Windsor.
When to Get There
Paramount Studios offers basic tours every half hour throughout the day. VIP tours occur twice daily on weekdays, while after-dark tours take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled tour.
What’s Filming at Paramount Studios
As a major studio in Hollywood, there’s almost always something being filmed at Paramount Studios. During a Paramount Pictures studio tour, you might get lucky and spot talent from TV shows like The Blacklist, Dr. Phil, or This Is Us, as well as any number of movies in production. Past hits have included Titanic, Forrest Gump, Star Trek, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Address: 5555 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, CA 90038, USA
From $ 49
Pacific Science Center
Situated under the iconic Space Needle, Seattle’s Pacific Science Center is a museum of delight, wonder, and mystery. Visitors can explore the diversity of life in a tropical butterfly house, gaze at the stars in the planetarium, test their puzzle-solving skills in the Puzzle Palooza, and explore hundreds of hands-on exhibits.
The Basics
The Pacific Science Center’s mission is to inspire a lifelong interest in math, science, and technology. Occupying approximately seven acres of the north side of Seattle’s famed Seattle Center, the museum was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the architect behind the World Trade Center in New York City. Be sure to catch a movie at IMAX or one of the largest laser shows in the country at the Laser Dome.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While not aimed only at children, the Pacific Science Center is a great fit for families.
- Pair a trip with a ride to the top of the Space Needle, which stands nearby.
- Buy your tickets online and skip the line.
- The museum is wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
The Pacific Science Center is located at 200 2nd Avenue North. Claypool Garage, the center’s parking lot, is at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and Denny Way. Public transportation options include the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Center and Seattle Metro buses 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 13, 24, and D Line.
When to Get There
Weekdays are typically quieter than weekdays at the Pacific Science Center, though it sees a fair number of school groups visiting during the week. Mornings are the best time to beat the crowds.
Other Seattle Center Attractions
The Pacific Science Center stands on the sprawling Seattle Center Campus. The area has many other attractions to explore, including the Space Needle, Museum of Popular Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Seattle Repertory Theater.
Address: 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 24
Paia
Once a little sugarcane town, tiny Paia was brought to world notice by the windsurfers who discovered its first-class waves. It’s now known as the windsurfing capital of the world.
The town’s old plantation-style wooden buildings are now home to funky bars and restaurants, craft shops, surf stores and art galleries.
The town’s windsurfing hub is nearby Ho'okipa Beach. Pull up a towel and watch the surfers in action, or head to calmer Baldwin Beach for a paddle.
The town’s old plantation-style wooden buildings are now home to funky bars and restaurants, craft shops, surf stores and art galleries.
The town’s windsurfing hub is nearby Ho'okipa Beach. Pull up a towel and watch the surfers in action, or head to calmer Baldwin Beach for a paddle.
Practical Info
The town of Paia is on the mid-north coast of Maui, just a little inland from the beach between the towns of Kahului and Haiku. It’s a delightful stop on the scenic Road to Hana.
Address: Baldwin Avenue, Paia 96779, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 125
Pack Creek
Admiralty Island, known by the native Tlingit people as the Fortress of the Bears, is home to an estimated 1,500 brown bears. Pack Creek flats, where the creek emerges to the sea, ranks among the best places on the island to see them. Visiting wildlife watchers can also spot bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, and otters.
The Basics
A typical day trip from Juneau begins with a floatplane flight from Juneau over Tongass National Forest and the Inside Passage to a landing site on Windfall Island. From there, visitors board kayaks for a paddle through Windfall Harbor to the mouth of Pack Creek. With the highest concentration of brown bears in the world, sightings are common at Pack Creek, making it a popular area for wildlife watching. Lookout towers on Admiralty Island offer a safe place to observe bears as they hunt salmon in the creek or play in the surrounding meadows.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pack Creek is a must-visit for animal lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure travelers.
- Bear-viewing tours typically include pickup and drop-off in Juneau.
- Don’t forget to bring rubber boots, rain gear, and layers of warm clothing.
- A permit is required to visit the Pack Creek Wildlife Viewing Site between June 1 and September 10.
- Book your tour well in advance, as permits are limited and sell out quickly.
- The area is rather remote; there are no bathrooms and no cellphone service.
How to Get There
Pack Creek sits 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Juneau. The area is inaccessible by land vehicle and only accessible by floatplane or boat. The most convenient way to visit is by booking a guided bear-watching tour.
When to Get There
Peak season for bear viewing at Pack Creek is early July when pink and chum salmon are returning. The area is open throughout the year, but visitors are required to have a permit during the summer season (June to mid-September).
Tide Pooling at Pack Creek
While the bears are the undeniable stars of the show at Pack Creek, there are entire ecosystems to be observed, sometimes right beneath your feet. On the mud and gravel beach, where the creek meets the ocean, you’ll find tide pools with clams, shellfish, and other intertidal critters that serve as a critical food source for many larger predators, including bears.
Address: Admiralty Island, Alaska, USA
From $ 799
Page
Page, Arizona, is a town in the northern part of the state. It sits on top of Manson Mesa overlooking Lake Powell, and it is the gateway to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Navajo Nation. The town was established in 1957 as a work camp for the builders of Glen Canyon Dam. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers more than 1.2 million acres and stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah. It includes Lake Powell, which is the second largest man-made lake in the United States and extends more than 180 miles up the Colorado River. It is a popular lake that offers visitors opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating and other water activities.
A few miles south of Page, within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is Horseshoe Bend, which is a horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. The 1,000-foot drop created by the river can be viewed from the steep cliffs. Another popular attraction not far from Page is Antelope Canyon. This slot canyon, located on Navajo land, was formed by water millions of years ago. Page is a great town for water activities such as rafting down the Colorado River and for exploring Navajo parks, nearby canyons and national parks.
Practical Info
Page, Arizona, is just a few miles south of the Utah border, and it can be reached from US Highway 89.
Address: Page 86036, USA
From $ 80
Paramount Theatre
Located in downtown Austin, the Paramount Theatre is an important and historic live and movie theater venue. John Eberson, one of the most renowned theater designers in US history, designed the original classic revival-style building. He built approximately 1,200 theaters, but less than 25 are still in existence today.
The Paramount opened its doors in 1915, originally called the Majestic Theatre. It featured vaudeville shows, a popular style of entertainment during that era. Performers like Harry Houdini even graced the stage at the Majestic Theatre. As vaudeville began to disappear, silent and later talking films began to develop. The theatre was revamped in 1930 to include wall-to-wall carpeting, upholstered seats, and a state of the art sound system. After the art deco renovations were complete, the theater was then renamed the Paramount Theatre. It was during this time that the Paramount Theatre began showcasing live performances like ballet.
After World War II, with the subsequent invention of the home television and the rise of suburban movie houses, the Paramount Theatre went into a period of decline before rising again in 1973 and hosting live shows again.
By the 1980s, the theater was a cultural icon, attracting major events and shows like A Chorus Line and My Fair Lady. Celebrities like Rodney Dangerfield, Lily Tomlin, and George Carlin have performed here. The Paramount was chosen as one of the official theaters to rerun Casablanca on its 50-year anniversary in 1992.
Today, the Paramount Theatre hosts a number of events and theater screenings, and has even produced its own blockbuster comedy shows like Greater Tuna. Look for non-performing art speaking engagements as well, such as Rick Steves, a travel writer and published guidebook author.
Practical Info
Paramount Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is located at 713 Congress Avenue in Austin.
Address: 713 Congress Ave, Austin 78701, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Painted Ladies
Made famous by the opening credits of the late-’80s TV show Full House, San Francisco’s Painted Ladies are a prime example of the city’s candy-colored Victorian architecture. Also known as Postcard Row, the houses stretch uphill, boasting a view of the downtown skyline beyond.
The Basics
The Painted Ladies sit directly across from Alamo Square, a centrally located park 11 blocks east of Golden Gate Park, making it easy to stop by on your way to Golden Gate Park if you’re coming from Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf. Because of certain bus restrictions, you’ll need to book a small-group tour by minivan or an alternative activity like a bike or walking tour if you wish to visit the Painted Ladies with a guide. Otherwise, put on your comfiest shoes and walk there from other popular neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, or Pacific Heights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Painted Ladies are private homes where San Francisco residents live, so be respectful of their property by not posing for photos on the front steps or near the front doors.
- Street parking can be hard to find in this residential neighborhood, so give yourself time to circle the block if you’re driving; there are time limits, so check all signs carefully.
- Bring a jacket for the potential wind or fog that can roll across the city at any minute.
- Coaches and other large tour buses are not allowed to stop on the streets closest to the Painted Ladies, so be ready to do a little walking if you’re taking a big-bus tour.
How to Get There
The Painted Ladies are on Steiner Street between Grove and Hayes streets. City buses 5 (Pierce and McAllister stop), 21 (Hayes and Steiner stop), 22 (Hayes and Fillmore stop), and 24 (Divisadero and Hayes stop) will get you the closest, or take the N light rail line to Duboce Park, about a 7-block walk from Alamo Square.
When to Get There
The houses face west, so go just before sunset for a glowing photo op in the best light. Evening and early morning provide better chances for less crowds. If you want to do as the locals do, head to Alamo Square on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with a blanket, food, drinks, and a Bluetooth speaker for a relaxation session on the grass.
Exploring Alamo Square
After a multimillion dollar renovation that ended in 2017, Alamo Square features new paths, trees, landscaping, and an accessible restroom. The 12-acre park is home to a tennis court, playground, picnic tables, and plenty of green space. Dogs are allowed, making this a favorite place for locals to gather—the Tanner family included.
Address: Alamo Square - Steiner and Hayes Streets, San Francisco 94117, USA
From $ 25
Pali Lookout
On Oahu’s Windward (or east) Coast, Nuuanu Pali Lookout stands sentinel over the 1,200-foot (360 m) cliffs of the Koolau mountains.
One of the best viewpoints on Oahu, the lookout provides panoramic vistas across the island. You can also see Chinaman’s Hat and Kaneohe Bay.
In 1795 the lookout was the site of a massacre, when King Kamehameha defeated the island’s warriors by forcing them off the treacherous cliff top to their deaths.
Hold on to your hat, as it can get extremely windy up here, and bring a warm coat and your camera.
Practical Info
The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is on Oahu’s east coast. It’s on Highway 61, four miles (6.5 km) north-east of Honolulu. The Circle Island bus from Waikiki runs through the Pali tunnels, it’s a very scenic drive.
Address: Huuanu Pali State Park, Highway 61, Nuuanali 96817, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 50
Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)
Overview
As Mexico City’s major cultural center, the Palace of Fine Arts hosts art exhibitions and a range of live events, including music, dance, theater, and opera. The building is a mix of art nouveau, art deco, and baroque architectural styles referred to as Porfiriano, after Mexican President Porfirio Diaz who commissioned the project.
The Basics
Located on the western side of the city’s historical center, next to Alameda Central park, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is surrounded by manicured gardens that offer contrast to the opulent columns and domes of the impressive structure. In addition to hosting live performances, it also houses a permanent art collection with statues and murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and José Clemente Orozco.
One of the highlights is Rivera's Man at the Crossroads mural, which was originally commissioned for New York's Rockefeller Center but was destroyed and painted over by the Rockefellers because of its anti-capitalist imagery. Rivera recreated the work for the palace in 1934. Many tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the venue, including its theater curtain that’s made of almost a million pieces of colored glass from Tiffany's.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Umbrellas, bags, backpacks, and large packages are not allowed.
- The museum is equipped with elevators, and standard and electric ramps for those with disabilities.
- Entry to the building is free, but you must pay a fee to be admitted to the museum.
How to Get There
The Palace of Fine Arts doesn’t offer a parking lot, but there are private parking lots located nearby. Since the museum is situated by the historical center, it is easily accessible by the Metro Lines 2 and 8; hop off at the convenient Bellas Artes stop, which is right next to the palace.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, with Sundays attracting a bigger crowd. In addition to the museum, you can also attend a performance at the theater, including regular shows by Mexico City's Ballet Folklórico de México. Tickets to the performances are typically available on the day.
National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Diego Rivera fans will also want to visit the National Palace to take in the artist’s The History of Mexico mural, painted between 1929 and 1951, which depicts Mexico's history from ancient times to the present.
Address: Paseo de la Reforma y Campo Marte S/N, Mexico City, Central Mexico, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Pantaleón Panduro Museum (Museo Pantaleón Panduro)
Every year Mexico holds a prestigious nationwide ceramics competition. The tradition was started in 1977, and the contest has nine categories and a coveted President’s Award. If you are at all acquainted with Mexico’s fine folk art traditions, it should come as no surprise that the winning entries exhibit great innovation and a mind-blowing level of detail.
The Museo Pantaleon Panduro in Tlaquepaque houses over three decades of winning entries, and the collection is a true testament to Mexican ingenuity. Centered around a courtyard, vaulted hallways branch out into 27 galleries, where visitors can view everything from avant-garde crucifixes to the finest examples of traditional pots and dishes. Highlights include elaborate nativity scenes, skeleton figurines wearing hand-tailored clothing, delicate lattice work pots, a selection of miniature churches, and amazingly detailed candelabra, including one covered in ceramic figurines that depict scenes from Moby Dick, Romeo and Juliet, Le Miserable and other classics of literature.
The museum is named after Pantaleon Panduro, a 19th century artist who created playful clay busts and figurines that cemented Tlaquepaque’s reputation for true artistry.
The Museo Pantaleon Panduro in Tlaquepaque houses over three decades of winning entries, and the collection is a true testament to Mexican ingenuity. Centered around a courtyard, vaulted hallways branch out into 27 galleries, where visitors can view everything from avant-garde crucifixes to the finest examples of traditional pots and dishes. Highlights include elaborate nativity scenes, skeleton figurines wearing hand-tailored clothing, delicate lattice work pots, a selection of miniature churches, and amazingly detailed candelabra, including one covered in ceramic figurines that depict scenes from Moby Dick, Romeo and Juliet, Le Miserable and other classics of literature.
The museum is named after Pantaleon Panduro, a 19th century artist who created playful clay busts and figurines that cemented Tlaquepaque’s reputation for true artistry.
Practical Info
Tlaquepaque is 5 km southeast of Guadalajara’s center. If you’re coming from downtown it’s a relatively inexpensive cab ride, or bus 275 runs south to Tlaquepaque from Av 16 de Septiembre and Madero. Admission is free.
Address: Prisciliano Sánchez 191, Centro, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco 45500, Mexico
Hours: Tue-Sat 9am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 3pm. Monday Closed.
From $ 40
Palmilla Beach (Playa Palmilla)
For the best paddling and swimming beach north of Medano, head to Los Cabo San José and Playa Palmilla.
Known for its family-friendly, calm swimming waters, Palmilla Beach - or Playa Palmilla - stretches in front of the exclusive One & Only resort.
Thatched huts provide shade, and the long stretch of sand is ideal for strolling and beachcombing. Dive into the water to snorkel offshore, or find a secluded stretch of sand to call your own.
Practical Info
Palmilla Beach is 5 miles (8 km) south of Los Cabo San José, 15 miles (24 km) from Cabo San Lucas along Highway 1.
Address: Highway 1, San José del Cabo 23410, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 85
Paley Center for Media
In Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment world, the Paley Center for Media houses a collection of more than 160,000 television and radio programs. The center works to preserve the artistic and cultural contributions of these programs, operating as a sort of database and forum for continued discussion. Radio programs date back to the 1920s, while television shows go back to 1939.
The archives function almost like a library of media. Most are available to watch or listen to in screening rooms or on individual consoles. In addition to original materials, there are also recorded seminars from prominent television and radio figures ranging from hosts and creators to actors.
The archives serve both as a resource for media professionals and as a catalog for the public to engage with. The center is expanding into emerging media, including Internet video and mobile content. There’s also a branch of the center located in New York City.
Practical Info
The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles is located on North Beverly Drive on Beverly Hills. Get there via the Santa Monica Boulevard exit, or take Metro Bus route 704 or 4. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 to 5 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday.) Admission to the center is free, as are the guided tours for the general public.
Address: 465 N Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210, USA
Hours: Weds-Sun from 12-5pm
From $ 49
Palancar Reef
The star attraction of Cozumel Reefs National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel), Palancar Reef is a rich underwater landscape ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Aquatic species thrive amidst these colorful corals, including sea turtles, rays, nurse sharks, barracudas, moray eels, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.
The Basics
A snorkeling or scuba diving excursion is one of the best way to experience Palancar Reef, allowing you to see the area’s robust wildlife and varied coral structures. Some diving and snorkeling tours visit Palancar along with nearby Columbia Reef and El Cielo marine park—a sandy, starfish-filled expanse of blue Caribbean ocean. Other excursions combine snorkeling with a sailing trip or island beach party. Most tours leave from the marina in downtown Cozumel, Palancar Beach (Playa Palancar), or from your hotel pier, while some excursions include round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Palancar Reef is a must-see attraction for wildlife lovers, families with kids, snorkelers, and scuba divers.
- Remember to bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and plenty of water.
- It’s a good idea to wear a wetsuit or rash guard while diving or snorkeling to protect against the sun, jellyfish, and rough coral surfaces.
- Be careful not to touch or disturb the wildlife.
- Evidence of dive certification is required to participate in certified dives.
How to Get There
Palancar Reef is located off the island of Cozumel near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The closest access to the reef is Palancar Beach, a laid-back public beach close to the intersection of Avenida Melgar and the Costera Sur. Taxis, car rentals, and motor scooters are the most popular ways to travel on the small island of Cozumel.
When to Get There
You can visit Palancar Reef year-round, but it’s 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.
Must-See Dive Sites at Palancar Reef
While snorkelers typically visit the shallowest parts of Palancar’s coral reefs, scuba divers have several world-famous spots to explore. The Palancar Caves are probably the most famous dive site, with huge brain corals and swim-through tunnels. Palancar Horseshoe is another massive formation of huge corals. Less experienced divers can visit Palancar Gardens, a shallower spot with mellow currents.
Address: Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 51
Palisades Park
Stretching along Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue from Colorado Avenue to San Vicente Boulevard, this outdoor, cliff-edge promenade overlooking the Pacific Ocean is one of Santa Monica’s star attractions. A meander of paved paths, rose gardens, fenced overlooks and grassy expanses, this is a great spot for Westside people watching.
Home to a senior center, you’ll find lots of adorable elderly folk playing shuffleboard and walking tiny dogs, but this is also Ground Zero for outdoor yoga classes, vigorous trainer sessions and well-heeled trophy wives taking in the sea air. You’re bound to see artists behind their canvasses, capturing scenes of the nearby Santa Monica Pier and yawning ocean views.
Just a short lawn away from the bridge to the Santa Monica Pier, be sure to stop into the Visitors Center, which houses Santa Monica’s only Camera Obscura. There are picnic tables here, but as they tend to be magnets for (non-threatening) homeless people and runaway teenagers, you might be better off taking your lunch down to the beach itself.
Home to a senior center, you’ll find lots of adorable elderly folk playing shuffleboard and walking tiny dogs, but this is also Ground Zero for outdoor yoga classes, vigorous trainer sessions and well-heeled trophy wives taking in the sea air. You’re bound to see artists behind their canvasses, capturing scenes of the nearby Santa Monica Pier and yawning ocean views.
Just a short lawn away from the bridge to the Santa Monica Pier, be sure to stop into the Visitors Center, which houses Santa Monica’s only Camera Obscura. There are picnic tables here, but as they tend to be magnets for (non-threatening) homeless people and runaway teenagers, you might be better off taking your lunch down to the beach itself.
Address: Palisades Park, Santa Monica, CA, USA
From $ 485