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Things to Do in North America

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

Puerto Morelos National Reef Park

Set equidistant between Playa del Carmen and glitzy, busy Cancun, Puerto Morelos is a laidback beach town on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. While some visitors come for the sunshine, sand, serenity, and cenotes, many come here to dive or snorkel the Puerto Morelos Reef Park. As part of the world’s second largest coral reef system, Puerto Morelos became protected in 1998, and today is tightly administered and monitored to ensure the health of the reef. Unlike other sections of the reef—which runs for 600 miles—the corals found off Puerto Morelos are relatively close to the shore. When scouring the 80° water for marine life, watch as schools of colorful fish all flit and swim in unison, and keep an eye out for barracuda, lobster, star fish, or conch shells. In total, over 500 different species of marine life inhabit this vast stretch of reef—a whole new world that’s waiting underwater just 500 yards from the shore.

Practical Info

Swimming from shore is not allowed inside the National Reef Park, and all visitors must wear eco-friendly sunscreen and life jackets while snorkeling are mandatory.

Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico

From $ 35

Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory

Set on the 50th floor of Boston’s Prudential Tower, the Skywalk Observatory offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding landscape. Here you can learn about notable landmarks, visit the onsite Dreams of Freedom Museum, or venture two floors up to enjoy a meal at the Top of the Hub Restaurant and Lounge.

The Basics

Audio tours are included with admission and allow you to learn about key Boston attractions such as Harvard University, Boylston Street, Fenway Park, and Boston Common while you take in views from the observatory. Peruse the onsite Dreams of Freedom Museum to gain insight into the city's multicultural population, and visit the multimedia movie theater to see a film about Boston’s history and culture. The Boston City Pass, GoBostonCard, and Boston Explorer Pass all offer free or discounted admission to the Skywalk.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Top of the Hub Restaurant and Lounge, located on the Prudential Tower’s 52nd floor, offers an expansive menu and panoramic views of the city.
Stop by the Prudential Center mall on the tower’s first floor to browse high-end shops such as Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Purchase tickets to the observatory at a kiosk in the Prudential Arcade, up to 30 minutes before closing.
Audio tours are available in English, Spanish, Dutch, French, Japanese, and Mandarin.

How to Get There

The Prudential Tower is easily accessible via the T (Boston’s subway system). Take the Green Line to the Prudential Center, Copley, or Hynes Convention center stops. Orange Line trains stop at Bay Bay station, which is just a few minutes away from the Prudential Tower. If you’re driving, there are several parking garages in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.

When to Get There

The Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory is open daily and has shorter hours in winter. Arrive late in the afternoon for the best sunset views, but be forewarned that late summer (July and August) afternoons can often be hazy in Boston. The observatory regularly closes for private events, so be sure to check the official calendar before planning your trip.

The Top of the Hub Restaurant

The Top of the Hub Restaurant is a worthy splurge for dinner, but the lunch menu is less expensive and still affords the same views. Be sure to make a reservation to avoid getting stuck at the crowded bar.

800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Varies

From $ 57

Queen Elizabeth Park

Perched 545 feet (167 meters) above sea level, this well-kept park affords wonderful views over downtown Vancouver. A sunken quarry garden, a 1,500-tree arboretum, a rose garden, floral displays, and public artworks make this 128-acre (52-hectare) recreational space one of the most pleasing outdoor hangouts in the city.

The Basics

You can visit Queen Elizabeth Park independently or as part of a guided tour. Many sightseeing tours make stops at the park’s highest point, which affords panoramic city views. Thanks to its immaculate floral displays, the park is often included on garden tours, which typically incorporate visits to the VanDusen Botanical Garden and Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden too. The park is also home to the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, which is full of tropical plants, trees, and free-flying birds.

Things to Know Before You Go

Queen Elizabeth Park is a must for families and flora enthusiasts.
Book tickets for the Bloedel Conservatory in advance to avoid waiting in line.
The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with paved pathways leading through the quarry garden and to the Bloedel Conservatory.

How to Get There

Queen Elizabeth Park is less than 15 minutes’ by car from downtown Vancouver. Take the SkyTrain (Canada Line) to King Edward or Oakridge-41st Avenue station, and walk from there.

When to Get There

The best time to visit the park is in spring and summer when many of the flowers are in full bloom and when Painters’ Corner, an open-air art gallery, is in full swing. This is also when the weather is usually warmest, so you’ll be able to wander around in comfort.

Highlights of the Park

While you’re roaming the park, be on the lookout for several noteworthy sights: the Dancing Waters, near the Bloedel Conservatory, a fountain with 70 jets that shoot water high into the air. In spring and summer, stroll by Painters’ Corner, an open-air space where artists display their works. The park also contains several sculptures of note, including Photo Session by J. Seward Johnson Junior, which depicts a man photographing three subjects, and Knife Edge-Two Piece by Henry Moore, an abstract bronze.

4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M4, Canada

Varies

From $ 5

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Built in 1847, Queen Emma Summer Palace is one of Oahu’s last remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture. The summer retreat of Queen Emma and the Hawaiian royal family from 1857 to 1885 is now a historic landmark and museum showcasing many of Queen Emma’s personal belongings, royal antiques, furnishings, and other objects.

The Basics

Queen Emma inherited the palace, located in the Ko’olau foothills, from her uncle in 1857. The secluded location and elevation made the home a royal retreat from the heat of Honolulu. After Emma’s death the palace slipped into disrepair, and the Daughters of Hawai’i took it over in 1915. After extensive renovations, the palace opened to the public as a museum. It also serves as a cultural institution, offering guided and self-led tours, educational programs, and community events.

Admission to the palace is included with a Go Oahu card.

Things to Know Before You Go

Queen Emma Summer Palace is ideal for those wanting to explore Hawaiian history.
The original palace architecture is not completely wheelchair accessible, but people needing assistance can contact the palace ahead of time for options.
Docent-led tours for groups of more than 10 people should be arranged in advance; check the website for details.

How to Get There

Queen Emma Summer Palace is located in Nu’uanu, right off the Pali Highway and about a 10-minute drive from downtown Honolulu. City buses run from Honolulu and Waikiki regularly and stop near the palace. There is also on-site parking.

When to Get There

Queen Emma Summer Palace is open daily year-round except for major holidays. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate with hotter days in the summer and a rainy season typically from November to March.

The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

Queen Emma Summer Palace is a 5-minute drive from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, one of Oahu’s most visited viewpoints and a historic site. In 1795 during the bloody Battle of Nu’uanu, hundreds of Hawaiian warriors were pushed off the cliffs to their deaths. Today visitors to the lookout are treated to panoramic views of Oahu’s windward side and the Ko’olau Mountains.

2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, USA

Varies

From $ 57

Puget Sound

Puget Sound is a complex of inlets, bays, and harbors that includes not only Seattle, but also Tacoma, Olympia, and plenty of charming little towns and unique islands. The region is home to sparkling blue waters, lush green forests, sandy beaches, and a relaxed, slow-paced way of life.

The Basics

Puget Sound stretches approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Deception Pass in the north to Olympia, Washington in the south. Distances between islands aren’t great, but you should still allow at least a day to explore a few of the islands and absorb the amazing views of the Olympic Mountains or the San Juan Islands.

Take a boat tour to Tillicum Village on Blake Island for a traditional Native Pacific Northwest dance performance, or sail to Bainbridge Island for an afternoon picnic. As you explore the sound, you’ll come across old fishing villages turned into yacht havens, and idyllic rural settings ripe for exploration. Wildlife aficionados will love tours focused on the Puget Sound’s endemic flora and fauna. Or spy it all from above on a thrilling seaplane tour. Many Seattle sightseeing tours combine Puget Sound boat tours with visits to city highlights such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and Pioneer Square, as do tours farther afield on the Olympic Peninsula.

Know Before You Go

The Puget Sound is ideal for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a little urban escape.
The sound is famous for wet, rainy weather, so be sure to dress appropriately, especially between November and May.
Some Puget Sound tours include stops in British Columbia; these require a valid passport.
Book boat and seaplane tours in advance in the summer, the area's busiest time.

How to Get There

Washington Ferries handle most of the traffic in Puget Sound, and you can get out on the water from the Seattle waterfront. Head to Pier 52 for Washington State Ferries, Pier 55 for harbor cruises and trips to Tillicum Village on Blake Island, or Pier 56 for boats to Chittenden (Ballard) Locks.

When to Get There

Although the Seattle area has a reputation for being rainy, most of that precipitation falls between November and May; the rest of the year can be beautiful. Consequently, summers can bring hordes of travelers and lots of waiting in line. Ideal months for a visit are September and October.

Seaplane Tours and Whale Watching

Puget Sound seaplane tours, which take off from locations such as Lake Union or Friday Harbor, are arguably the best and most unique way to see the sound and its surrounds. These planes, as their name suggests, have the ability to take off and land on water—a special experience for those not accustomed to this mode of transportation. Whale-watching tours, typically held May through November, are another Puget Sound specialty, offering the chance to spot humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas.

USA

Free

From $ 99

Puebla

The United States isn’t the only country with a “city of angels” (i.e. Los Angeles). Mexico is also home to a city that has that moniker: Puebla, officially called Puebla de los Angeles. Puebla is one of Mexico’s oldest cities and legend has it that its angelic name was first earned thanks to the bell tower on Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral since an 18,000-pound bell that no one could figure out how to get up to the tower mysteriously appeared there one morning; angels were subsequently credited for the bell being moved. It is also said that angels designed the layout of the city.

In addition to the cathedral and its famous bell tower, Puebla is also home to a variety of Baroque and Spanish Colonial style buildings and architecture that has caused it to be designated as a World Heritage City. Food is also a huge draw of Puebla. It’s called the capital of mole for a reason, and a visit to Puebla must include a bite (or several) of this beloved Mexican cuisine. Puebla is also known for its chalupas and chiles en nogada.

Practical Info

Puebla is the capital city of the Mexican state of the same name, Puebla. It is located less than 90 miles from Mexico City, making for an easy day trip from there.

Puebla, Mexico

From $ 70

Queen's Quay Terminal

Queen’s Quay Terminal is a residential, entertainment, and shopping center on the harborfront of Toronto, Ontario. Built as a warehouse facility in the 1920s, the terminal was revitalized in the 1980s as a multipurpose complex featuring upscale shops and restaurants. The lakeside setting offers views of the Toronto Islands.

The Basics

Toronto harbor boat tours and cruises typically pass by Queen’s Quay Terminal, offering views of its Art Deco exterior. Guides onboard provide facts and anecdotes about terminal’s history.

Walking tours of Downtown Toronto and the Harbourfront often include a stop at Queen’s Quay Terminal, with other stops typically ranging from the CN Tower to the Distillery District. Other visitors opt for private tours, which allow the flexibility to add Queen’s Quay to your customized itinerary.

Things to Know Before You Go

Queen’s Quay Terminal is a must for history buffs and shoppers.
A variety of food options are available, from takeaway pizza to sit-down dim sum.
The terminal is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Located on the Toronto Harbourfront, Queen’s Quay Terminal is easily accessible using public transit. Streetcars 510 and 509 stop directly in front of the terminal; or, take a 7-minute walk from Union Station on the metro’s 1 line. Toronto Island ferries dock at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, which is a 5-minute walk from Queen’s Quay Terminal.

When to Get There

Queen’s Quay Terminal is open year-round, but it’s busiest from May to September. Crowds swell when there’s something going on at the adjacent Harbourfront Centre, which hosts events throughout the summer, from a vegetarian food market to an African arts festival.

Waterfront Trail

Lake Ontario’s Waterfront Trail is a series of interconnected paths used for walking, running, and biking that extend from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Brockville. The trail passes directly in front of Queen’s Quay Terminal, where you can board ferries to the Toronto Islands. After your Queen’s Quay Terminal visit, take advantage of the Bike Share Toronto dock, across the street, and explore the trail, which offers panoramic waterfront views.

207 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A7, Canada

From $ 55

Quebec City Old Port (Vieux-Port)

During the 17th century, Quebec City’s charming Old Port (Vieux-Port) was bustling with European vessels and crews offloading supplies to New France. Now thronged with passengers from incoming cruise ships, the area is filled with historic buildings occupied by art galleries, boutiques, and inviting French-influenced restaurants.

The Basics

The Old Port area of Quebec City is among the city’s most atmospheric districts. Visitors arriving in the city by cruise will pass through here on their way from Lower Town to Upper Town, while those who arrive by other means may be drawn here to visit the Museum of Civilization (Musée de la Civilisation), the Old Port Market (Marché du Vieux-Port), or Place Royale and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, one of the oldest churches in Quebec. Many walking, cycling, and scooter tours of the city cover Old Port, as do hop-on hop-off bus tours, which also venture to UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Quebec.

Things to Know Before You Go

You can find plenty of outdoor seating along the Old Port waterfront.
Parts of the Old Port area, including the Museum of Civilization, are accessible to wheelchair users.
Wear sturdy walking shoes; some of the streets in this area are cobbled and uneven.

How to Get There

If you arrive in Quebec City by cruise ship, you’ll most likely disembark at Quebec City Old Port, which sits alongside the St. Lawrence River. Visitors coming by train will arrive at the Gare du Palais station, at the eastern border of the Old Port district. The number 11 bus connects Old Quebec to Old Port.

When to Get There

The Old Port area is busiest between May and October, when cruise ships dock here. Docking days vary according to schedules, but Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are typically busiest. For a quieter experience, go in winter when fewer tourists roam the atmospheric, snow-covered streets. Note that some stores and restaurants may be closed during the winter season.

The Old Port Quebec Market

Quebec City’s cuisine has a distinctive French influence, and—thanks to the fertile regions surrounding the city—an abundance of fresh, local produce. Take stock of Quebec’s food scene at the Old Port Market, where vendors sell farm-fresh produce trucked in from farms just outside the city. You can sample local cheese, charcuterie, maple syrup, and ice wine, and pick up locally grown produce at this year-round market.

100 rue St Andre, Quebec City G1K 3Y2, Canada

Free

From $ 24

Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park

A pleasant stop on the road to Hana, the Puaa Kaa Park offers the chance to take a scenic break from the long drive. Stretch your legs on its dirt path to nearby waterfalls and natural pools. The farther you're willing to walk, the taller the waterfalls become and many people bring a picnic to enjoy as a part of this diversion.

Totaling five acres the area here is lush with tropical plants which, with the sound of the waterfalls, create a distinct rain forest feel. Picnic tables are set against scenic backdrops, and fish and tadpoles are visible in the shallower pools. Watch for wild birds and mongoose. The walking paths here are not rigorous, but a refreshing dip in one of the pools is a highlight for many on a hot day.

Practical Info

Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park is just past mile marker 22 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana). It is open daily from 6am to 6pm, and there are parking and restroom facilities.

Haiku, Hawaii 96708, USA

Daily 6am-6pm

From $ 125

Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park

Because of the constant volcanic activity, sand comes in a variety of colors in Hawaii—along with white, you can also find green and black, the latter of which is found on the well-known Punaluu Black Sand Beach.

Located on the southeastern Kau coast, between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the town of Naalehu, this beach should be on your list of places to visit when on the Big Island of Hawaii. The coastline is framed by coconut palms, but what is often found at the edge of the sand tends to steal all of the attention. Large honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles, basking in the sun are a common sight here. Take as many pictures as you’d like, but be sure to stay a safe distance away.

Swimming isn’t ideal here due to waves and currents. There is an area for picnics, so plan ahead and come prepared to enjoy lunch with a view. Don’t take any black sand from the beach—legend says that a curse will also go home with you.

Practical Info

The sand may be coarser than you are used to, so be sure to have a pair of flip flops or beach shoes that can get messy and wet. Punaluu Black Sand Beach is located between Naalehu and Pahala, off Highway 11. Camping is allowed with a county permit.

96-876 Government Rd, Pahala, Hawaii 96777, USA

From $ 120

Quebec City Cruise Port

At the confluence of the St. Charles and St. Lawrence rivers, the bustling port of Quebec offers access to one of Canada’s most well-known tourist destinations: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec). Within the 400-year-old city’s walls are a host of historical attractions, such as Chateau Frontenac and Place Royale.

The Basics

Quebec City cruise port is the gateway to Old Quebec, with many walking tours of both Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (Basse-Ville) departing from the port. Some shore excursions focus on the French-influenced culinary scene of Quebec City and go beyond the old town to hip neighborhoods, such as Saint-Jean-Baptiste or Saint-Roch, where participants can sample Quebec-made cheese and wine.

Half- and full-day shore excursions often venture to sights outside the city limits, such as Montmorency Falls, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, and Orleans Island (lle d’Orléans), while short helicopter rides offer a bird’s-eye perspective on Quebec City’s historic fortifications and the mighty St. Lawrence River.

Things to Know Before You Go

Quebec City shore excursions range in length from short 15-minute helicopter rides to full-day tours incorporating out-of-town attractions.
Some shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the port.
Quebec City’s streets are cobbled with lots of steps, so comfortable footwear is advised.

How to Get to Quebec City from the Quebec City Cruise Port

Cruise ships visiting Quebec City dock at one of two locations: the Old Port (Vieux-Port) or Lower Town (Basse-Ville). Both are within walking distance of the historic core of the city. On busy days when several cruise ships are docking all at once, some vessels may dock a little further downriver. When this does happen, shuttle buses are usually available to drop passengers to the Old Port area.

Port Information

The cruise terminal has a tourist information kiosk, where visitors can find out more about Quebec City attractions and activities. Free Wi-Fi is also available at the port. While French is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist-friendly Old Quebec.

84, Dalhousie Street, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 8M5, Canada

From $ 15

Queens Museum

Queens is New York City’s most diverse borough and only one museum is dedicated to the people, history and stories of this iconic destination. Whether it’s artistic or educational, the Queens Museum offers up something for just about everyone and those is the know say it’s worth venturing beyond Manhattan.

Exhibitions cover a wide range of topics from Tiffany glass to the ins and outs of urban water systems. Travelers will find photo galleries showcasing images of the city skyline and even nods to pop culture with installations about the Ramones and punk rock. it may be off the traditional Manhattan tourist path, but the Queens Museum celebrates one of New York’s best boroughs.

Practical Info

The museum is located in the New York City Building in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It is accessible via the number 7 train to Mets-Willets Point.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York City Building, Meridian Rd, Queens, New York 11368, USA

From $ 50

Queen Victoria Park

Queen Victoria Park offers a quiet respite from the bustle of Niagara Falls. Take in stunning views of Horseshoe Falls and spend some time strolling among the plants and flowers that grow throughout the park. The colorful gardens and manicured lawns offer both relaxing picnic spots and great photo ops of the falls.

The Basics

Signs posted throughout Queen Victoria Park help visitors identify the flora growing, and benches and groomed pathways allow for an easy meander through the flowers. Many Niagara Falls tours, including those from the American side of Niagara Falls and full-day trips from Toronto, stop at Queen Victoria Park. A helicopter tour is a neat way to get a look at the park’s artistic landscape architecture from above.

Things to Know Before You Go

Nature lovers, gardeners, and those looking for a break from the tourist hustle will love a visit to Queen Victoria Park.
The open spaces are ideal for letting your kids run around.
The park is public and free to visit.
Queen Victoria Park has groomed trails and is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Queen Victoria Park is located off the Niagara Parkway on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, not far from the Skylon Tower and Table Rock Welcome Centre, which are also popular stops for tours of the area. Paid parking is available across the street from Table Rock.

When to Get There

Queen Victoria Park is open year-round; hours vary seasonally. Summer (particularly July and August) is the busiest and most popular time at Niagara Falls. To avoid crowds, early morning and after 5pm are the best times to visit. In spring and fall the gardens are beautiful and less crowded. Winter brings light displays and ice-covered tree branches, but make sure you dress for the cold.

A Four-Season Attraction

At Queen Victoria Park, each season offers something new and another reason to visit. In spring, 500,000 daffodils bloom and dazzle with their yellow petals. Summer is prime time with a mix of roses, peonies, and assorted perennials. Autumn showcases leafy kale and stately chrysanthemums, while winter offers a whole new experience of branches encased in ice from the mist from the falls.

Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0, Canada

From $ 110

Quetico Provincial Park

Quetico Provincial Park is famous for its rugged landscapes and exceptional canoeing opportunities. With over 20 miles (35 kilometers) of hiking trails and 1.1 million acres (460,000 hectares) of open space, the wilderness park appeals to both leisurely walkers and experienced hikers in addition to those interested in bird watching, cycling, fishing and swimming. There are also a range of winter sports available in the colder months. Travelers can utilize the camping facilities that range from backcountry options to car camping and roofed accommodation.

Practical Info

Quetico Provincial Park is located right at the border of Ontario and the United States in Atikokan. It can be reached by car from Thunder Bay via ON-130 and the Trans-Canada Highway 1. The main gate and information center is right next to Camp 111 Road. Daily entry fees for vehicles are $11.25.

108 Saturn Avenue, Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0, Canada

$11.25

From $ 37

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Up until 1819, ancient Hawaiians adhered to religious laws that were generally known as kapu. Everything in Hawaiian life—from which fish you could eat in which season to the clothes you were allowed to wear—was regulated by thousands of different kapu that carried stiff penalties if broken. Should your shadow ever have fallen on a chief, or if you failed to kneel while he was eating, it was a broken kapu punishable by death since you had disrespected the will of the gods.

Once a sacred kapu had been broken, the only way to redeem yourself was to find a puuhonua—a city of refuge where an elder or priest could cleanse you of the offending sin. Should you be found before your arrival, however, the punishment was often death.

As you can imagine, puuhonua were popular places during the days of ancient Hawaii, but a few are popular visitor attractions in this modern era of tourism. At the Puuhonua o Honaunau on the Big Island of Hawaii, the entire complex has been restored to reveal its original sacred grandeur. On a self-guided tour of the historic complex, walk around a lava rock wall that is 17 feet in width, and admire the massive wood-carved kii (tiki) that guard a sacred heiau (temple).

Once finished exploring the grounds and learning about ancient Hawaii, head next door to the black sand beach for some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii.

Practical Info

Located 45 minutes south of Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau is a National Historic Park. It opens at 7am and is open until just after sunset, while its visitor center is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, seven days a week. There is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee, and free ranger talks take place daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Hawaii, USA

7 a.m.-sunset

Vehicles: $5

From $ 69

Pyramid Arena

With seats for 20,000, The Pyramid is an arena that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis. Designed to resemble the Great Pyramids of Giza, it stands tall at 321 feet high and is one of the largest pyramid structures in the world. It is slightly taller than the Statue of Liberty and has become an icon of the Memphis skyline.

The arena was first constructed as the Great American Pyramid in 1991 with an exterior of stainless steel and was originally conceived by a local artist to replicate the Great Pyramid of Memphis in Egypt. A statue of Ramesses II stood at the Pyramid’s entrance until it was moved to the University of Memphis campus in 1991. The interior has nearly half a million square feet of space and was used primarily for sporting events up until 2004.

Practical Info

The Pyramid Arena is located at 1 Auction Avenue in Memphis.

1 Auction Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

From $ 30

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve

With its miles of untamed jungle and sizable population of free-roaming spider monkeys, the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is one of the best places to get up-close to the Yucatan’s varied wildlife. The 5,000-hectare reserve is home to more than 600 spider and howler monkeys, as well as pumas, crocodiles, coati, white-tailed deer and a large variety of tropical birds.

The impressive centerpiece of the reserve is a huge 90-hectare lake, where it’s possible to enjoy canoeing and kayaking, while other popular activities include hiking through the jungle, rappelling between the underground caves and zip-lining through the jungle canopy. The reserve is also home to a traditional Mayan village, where visitors can tour the thatched-roof homes, sample local cuisine and learn about the indigenous population.

Practical Info

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is located around 60 km northwest of Tulum.

Tulum, Mexico

From $ 135

Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port

Sail into the calm Bay of Banderas for a warm Mexican welcome at Puerto Vallarta. This lovely beach resort city is on the mid-west coast of Mexico, lapped by the Pacific Ocean. Make your way downtown from the Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal for an aquatic, eco-friendly or relaxing shore excursion.

How to Get to Puerto Vallarta
If your ship is mooring at Puerto Vallarta, you’ll dock at the Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal, 3 miles (5km) north of the city center. Alternatively, your ship might anchor just offshore, in which case a tender will float you ashore. Taxis line up to take you downtown; negotiate the fare (around US$5) before you head off.

One Day in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s number one attraction is the beach, and the full-facility resorts lining the sands. After soaking up the rays, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade to shop for silver jewelry and ceramics, sculptures and glassware. Soak up the colonial architecture and cobblestone streets on a Small Group City Tour, and if you’re docked for the evening take a sunset cruise across Banderas Bay and dine on the sands by candlelight.

Or spend the day getting up close and personal with dolphins or sea lions, or setting sail for snorkeling and swimming on a day trip to Marietas Islands. Other eco-escapades take you zipping across the rainforest canopy, or cutting trails through the coastal mountains on an ATV adventure.

Port Information
Puerto Vallarta is a popular cruise port, visited by cruise liners operated by Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Spanish is the local language, but English is widely spoken and understood in Puerto Vallarta. The local currency is Mexican pesos, and you’ll find it’s cheaper if you use pesos rather than US dollars. There are ATMs throughout Puerto Vallarta.

Atlatengo LB, Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

From $ 65

Queretaro

Looking for a quaint escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City? Queretaro is the place for you. With the full name of Santiago de Quertetaro, this town is the capital of the small but diverse Mexican state of Queretaro.

A step back into colonial times, Queretaro is known for its history, culture and pink stoned walls. See the Art Museum, the Regional Museum or the odd but pleasurable Mathematics Museum. The city center has some affordable street vendors selling local arts and crafts, and the colonial center of the city has two bullrings. Not too far from Mexico City, here you can find not just stimulating history and good shopping but also great traditional Mexican food as well. Memos, Che Che, and Los Compadres all serve up great traditional Mexican fare at a fair price all in the historic city center.

Practical Info

About 2.5 hours away from Mexico City by car, Queretaro is best reached by taking Mexican Highway 570 northwest.

Queretaro, Mexico

From $ 118

Queen Anne Hill

Built atop one of Seattle’s steepest hills, this neighborhood is named for its abundance of Queen Anne–style architecture—charming, well-maintained homes with manicured gardens. In this inviting area you’ll discover leafy staircases, viewpoints, and quaint parks, and at its very top perch restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.

The Basics

Queen Anne Hill contains several neighborhoods in one. At the base, Lower Queen Anne sits under the famous Space Needle and near several major Seattle attractions, including the Museum of Pop Culture and the Key Arena. West, East, and North Queen Anne are quiet residential areas with stately homes and tucked-away parks. At the neighborhood’s heart is a thriving dining and café scene.

On clear days, the view from Kerry Park is one of the best in the city. Photography enthusiasts gather here at sunset for a classic view of the Seattle skyline frequently seen on postcards, with the Space Needle prominently in the foreground. On cloud-free days, Mount Rainier’s glacier-capped summit looms eerily behind the city, turning pink as the sun sinks. Queen Anne Hill is a popular stop on city tours, including those specially designed for cruise ship passengers embarking in Seattle.

Things to Know Before You Go

Be prepared for a lot of walking, as the neighborhood’s many charms are best experienced on foot.
Queen Anne has many steep streets and sidewalks, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Photography buffs will find plenty to photograph, from viewpoints to landscaping to unique architecture.

How to Get There

Queen Anne Hill is north of Seattle Center and south of Fremont and encompasses four smaller neighborhoods: North, West, and East Queen Anne on the hill, as well as Lower Queen Anne, which is adjoining downtown. It’s serviced by city bus numbers 2, 13, and 29.

When to Get There

Queen Anne is lovely any time of year, in any weather. But if it’s views you’re after, come on a clear day. The neighborhood can be surrounded by bumper-to-bumper traffic on weekdays during evening rush hour, so that’s worth working around.

Where to Eat in Queen Anne

Queen Anne’s dining scene has several neighborhood gems. Find upscale Italian at How to Cook a Wolf, or skew toward clean eating and organic cuisine at Bounty Kitchen, where farm-fresh fare and juices make up the menu. Date night is best at Eden Hill, with its cozy dining room and multicourse menus.

Seattle, Washington, USA

From $ 65