Things to Do in North America

Found within the current bounds of Vancouver's Stanley Park, Prospect Point is not only the highest point in the park and a great viewpoint of the harbor, but a place of significant history. In the late 1800s, boats traveling into Burrard Inlet were forced to pass extremely close to Prospect Point, as uninhibited water from the Capilano River plowed into the harbor, carrying with it silt and rock. The mineral-heavy flow further out caused the waters to be less buoyant, but crossing so close to the cliffs of Prospect Point wasn't without its risks either. In 1888, a ship called the S.S. Beaver ran aground on the rocks. It was then that the decision was made to put a warning light on the point to help guide ships through the passage. Some 25 years later, a signal station was built on the point to relay information to ships entering the inlet and, in 1948, the current Prospect Point Lighthouse was erected.

Since the arrival of the Cleveland Dam, the inlet has become safer for ship passage, and Prospect Point has shifted from a functional location to one of leisure. Today, people flock to Prospect Point for the famous café and some of the best views in the city.

The headlands, coves and lush vegetation of Point Lobos inspired landscape artist Francis McComas to declare the marine protected area "the greatest meeting of land and water in the world."

Five miles of trails, ranging from gentle to challenging, take you through verdant forest, past scenic lookout points and along a dramatically rocky coastline that offers excellent conditions for tide pools teeming with life.

Wildlife common to the area include sea lions, harbor seals and herons and from December through April you can see migrating gray whales. The quality of scuba diving in the rich underwater habitats of Whalers and Bluefish Coves is unmatched in California, or the country.

The area used to be the center of the whaling and abalone industry and a small cabin used by nineteenth century Chinese and Japanese fishermen remains at Whalers Cove where it now functions as a cultural history museum. Other highlights include the waves crashing against the rocks of Devil’s Cauldron and the perfect white sands of China Cove.

On the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula you’ll find Point Pleasant Park, a large municipal park where visitors of all sorts can find something – well -- pleasant.

 History lovers should check out the remarkably preserved 18th century Martello tower known as the Prince of Wales Tower, a 26-foot high heavily armed defense structure used from the early 1800s to protect the city.  Other defense batteries can also be found around the area, including the Cambridge Battery.

Several monuments pay tribute to Halifax’s heritage, the largest being the Halifax Monument (or Sailor’s Memorial). This memorial was originally erected in 1969 to pay tribute to the members of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Merchant Navy, and the Canadian Army who were lost at sea. Since then, the monument has been replaced twice.

In the summer, literary folks can enjoy plays performed by the Shakespeare by the Sea theatre company. There are also many trails for running or walking. You can pack a picnic, sit at a table near the sea, and enjoy the views. You can walk your dog, but park rules demand that he or she be leashed at all times.

In the early days of the nation, Philadelphia served as the capital of the United States, and the Philadelphia mansion at 6th and Market streets was the first President’s House. Here George Washington served his entire presidency, and John Adams served three years, until June of 1800 when he moved to the newly completed White House in the District of Columbia. Today, much of the original house is gone—only the side walls and foundation remain. Visitors can walk through the historic site, exploring the footprint of the building. There’s also a a commemorative exhibition called "The President's House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation" located on the grounds.

Located on the Yucatan peninsula where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, the Mexican port of Progreso is a jumping-off point for tours to the Mayan archaeological sites of Chichen Itza (100 miles/160 km away), Uxmal (70 miles/115 km) and Dzibilchaltun (18 miles/30 km). Book a shore excursion or make your own way to the site of your choice by taxi or rental car (both found at the port).

If you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan day in port, head to the city of Mérida, the capital of Yucatan both politically and culturally, where you can soak up the colonial atmosphere by walking along the square, admiring the European-style architecture or stumbling upon a free concert.

How to Get to Mérida

You’ll dock at the Progreso pier, which at 5 miles (8 km) in length is one of the world’s longest. A shuttle takes passengers from ships to the base of the pier, where you can rent a car or grab a cab to make the 20-mile (35-km) drive.

One Day in Mérida

Begin at Plaza Grande, Mérida’s main square, which puts you in the center of the old town. Work your way around the square, picking up a souvenir or two and checking out the historic sights on all sides.

Don’t miss the House of Montejo (Casa de Montejo) built in 1549 and once home to the family of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, and Mérida’s cathedral (the Catedral de San Ildefonso), which was constructed during the last half of the 16th century on the site of a Mayan temple.

Take a breather with a cup of coffee or some lunch in the plaza, and then head north from the square along Calle Ciudad toward the Paseo Montejo, a tree-lined boulevard where you’ll find the Palacio Canton, a former palace that houses the Museo Regional de Antropología (Anthropology Museum). Step inside and be wowed by the exhibits that track the region’s history back to ancient times.

For more of Yucatan’s cultural past, jump in a cab and head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Maya World), a recent addition (opened in 2012) to the city’s already-rich cultural offerings. Inside the modern exterior, explore the hundreds of pieces jewelry, ceramics and other Mayan artifacts.

Regardless of what type of traveler you are or what sort of experience you’re looking for, Polihale State Park on the far western edge of Kaua’i is a remote outpost that holds a different allure for all who venture to her shores.

Novelty-seekers can revel in the knowledge that Polihale State Park is the westernmost public beach in the entire state of Hawaii, while adventurers will love how the park is accessed by a rugged dirt road where 100-foot sand dunes line the empty shoreline. If you’re a photographer, Polihale State Park is one of the few places on Kauai where you can photograph the sunset disappearing into the water and somehow be the only person around.

Different from the popular tourist centers of Poipu, Kapa’a, and Hanalei, the main draw for visitors to Polihale is not its popularity, but how it somehow continues to be completely and totally wild. There are no facilities to be found anywhere at Polihale, and the only place which is safe for swimming is a protected area towards the south end of the beach which is known as the Queen’s Bath.

Camping is permitted along the length of Polihale, although campers will need to pack in all of their own supplies since the closest town is over 30 minutes away. A windswept wilderness of sculpted sand and powerful surf, a visit to Polihale State Park is a reminder of what it means to be free.

Located in the heart of New Orleans' famed French Quarter, Preservation Hall is home to the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band and hosts a variety of the Big Easy's best jazz performers. Crowds pack this old time venue to relive the glory days of jazz and watch seasoned 70 and 80-year-old jazz veterans alongside upcoming musicians play some of that signature New Orleans sound.

Despite the dust and sweaty audience packed into this legendary hall, Preservation Hall is still the premiere place in New Orleans for live music. While you'll be surprised by the multitude of talented musicians on the street, there's nothing like hearing the Preservation Hall Band perform a New Orleans anthem, "When the Saints Go Marching In" in an setting small enough to hear that pure jazz sound perfectly without any sound equipment.

From its source in West Virginia to where it empties out in Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River is rich in American history, so much so that it's often called "the Nation's River." George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born along the river, and all of Washington, DC, the nation's capital city, lies within the watershed.

Poipu Beach Park is Kauai’s most popular beach resort for families, with a natural ocean pool, golden sand and an endless array of watersports.

This beach is watched over by lifeguards, to ensure safe seaside fun for all the family. You’ll also find a playground, washing facilities, picnic tables, shady lawns and mini golf,.

The vacation activities are boundless at Poipu, from summertime surfing and year-round snorkeling to hiking, horseback riding and golf.

Other beaches nearby include protected Baby Beach for youngsters, body-surfing waves at Brennecke’s, snorkeling from Lawai and shoreline walking at Shipwreck’s Beach.

As this is a resort area, you’ll also find great shopping and dining at Poipu Beach, including popular oceanfront restaurants and seafood beach bars.