Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
ShowingFilter 1761-1780 of 2596 listings.
San Antonio Museum of Art
Just off the city’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is a must for anyone with an appreciation for art. It houses the largest collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Asian art in the southern US, with more than 30,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years in its collection.
The Basics
SAMA is located in an old Lone Star Brewery building, just a 30-minute walk from downtown San Antonio on the Museum Reach of the River Walk. Visitors are often surprised by the museum’s collection. Its 6,000 square feet of gallery space devoted to Asian art is the largest of its kind in Texas, including the largest collection of Liao dynasty Chinese ceramics in the world. A large hall featuring Roman antiquities is sure to impress, as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Save money by purchasing a combination pass that gives you access to SAMA and other San Antonio area attractions.
- There’s an on-site restaurant, Tre Trattoria at the San Antonio Museum of Art, serving lunch, dinner, and brunch.
- The museum is fully accessible, with a limited number of wheelchairs and lightweight folding stools available for guest use.
How to Get There
SAMA is located at 200 W. Jones Avenue in San Antonio, about a 10-minute walk from the Pearl District and a 30-minute walk from downtown. You can access it from the River Walk on foot or by water taxi to the Museum Reach. The VIVA Culture bus and hop-on-hop-off buses stop in front of the museum, or you can rent a bike from one of the city’s many bike-share stations to get here.
When to Get There
Museum hours are 10am to 9pm Tuesday and Friday, 10am to 5pm Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. SAMA offers free admission Tuesdays from 4pm to 9pm and Sundays from 10am to noon, and the museum is generally busier during those times.
When Art, History, and Science Converge
In 2011, a San Antonio chemistry professor reached out to SAMA about exploring the use of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on some of the museum’s Roman marble busts, as well as 18th-century frescoes from the Alamo. This tool allowed scientists to detect chemical elements on the surface of the artwork that were no longer visible. They found that a sculpted portrait of Antinous, lover of Roman Emperor Hadrian, was formerly decorated with gold.
Address: 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX, USA 78215, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 43
Salt River
Playing in or on Arizona’s Salt River is a great way to stay wet and cool any time of year. Just how you make a splash is entirely up to you.
Depending on conditions, whitewater rafting season typically runs winter through spring on the Upper Salt River. Its rafting rapids are rated class III and IV. Guided trips can run from just one days to five days in length.
Near Mesa, folks love to rent inner tubes and float down the lower Salt River. Not far from Scottsdale, you can paddle, or simply just float in the calm water. Be sure to be on watch for bald eagles and wild horses. A class 1 river, it’s also a great place for a stand up paddle board tour.
Practical Info
The Salt River is easily accessible from many of Arizona’s popular destinations including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Tucson.
Address: Arizona, USA, USA
From $ 124
San Andreas Fault
Running down the state of California, from Cape Mendocino to the Mexican border, the San Andreas Fault forms a continuous, narrow break in the Earth's crust between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. Seismologists predict that the fault will eventually cause the "big one": a 7.0+ magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale.
The Basics
At just over 28,000 years old, the San Andreas Fault is still growing at a rate of 2.5 inches (64 millimeters) per year, constantly reshaping California. The fault is divided into three distinct zones, each of which can be visited: the northern part via the Pinnacles National Park, the central part at the San Andreas Fault Observatory in Parkfield, and the southern part from the San Bernardino Mountains to the San Gabriel Mountains.
Open-air Jeep tours head out to the Palm Desert to explore the fault, as well as the oasis and hot springs it created.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Desert temperatures can fluctuate drastically, so dress in layers if you’re heading to Palm Desert on a tour.
- Wear sneakers or hiking boots to climb around the fault area.
- Be sure to apply sunblock, wear a hat, and bring water.
- Almost all traces of a crack in the earth along the fault line were erased by the 1906 earthquake that leveled San Francisco; what remain now are geological rock formations.
How to Get There
The southern part of the fault begins near the San Bernardino Mountains, just outside of Los Angeles, and runs east to the San Gabriel Mountains, with Palm Springs being the best place to explore the fault. Palm Springs is located about an hour and 45 minutes southeast of LA. Tours typically begin at a location in Palm Desert, not Palm Springs.
When to Get There
If you’re planning to head out to Palm Desert to tour the fault area, book your trip between January and April, when the weather is the most pleasant. During the summer, temperatures regularly rise above 100 degrees. If you want to explore the northern section at Pinnacles National Park, which is near Big Sur, aim for some time between September and November for optimum weather conditions.
Joshua Tree
Named for the Joshua trees that are native to the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is located near San Bernardino and Palm Springs. The protected area boasts plenty of outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, rock climbing, and birding, and many tour companies offer rides in 4WD vehicles, to explore the park and its wildlife.
Address: USA
From $ 139
San Angel
A much loved neighborhood in the southwestern corner of Mexico City, San Angel is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, its small town feel, and its authentic Mexican food, crafts, and culture. People come to San Angel to experience the Mexico City that existed in colonial times. Café culture is popular here, and many choose to spend the day sipping on a café con leche and watching the craftsmen peddle their wares in the public market or during the popular Saturday Bazaar. Colonial architecture marks the town, small taquerias line the zocalo (town square), and the boutique shops that dot the cobblestoned streets are perfect for exploring.
Head to the park for a pleasant stroll under the shade of the gum trees, and enjoy life’s passing parade as the locals here do (typically with an agua fresca). San Angel is known as one of Mexico City’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and any of the city’s wealthy elite struck up residence here decades ago, making the architecture of the town one of its many subtle draws —the slow pace of life being another.
Practical Info
San Angel is located in the southwestern corner of Mexico City in the Alvaro Obregon borough. It is most easily accessible via car or bus. For the latter, take the metro bus to La Bombilla, depart, and then head north up La Paz. This will take you directly into town and on Saturdays you’ll see the famous bazaar, which is bustling with activity.
Address: Mexico City, Mexico
From $ 29
San Angel Market
Home to monuments, historic residences, and a cultural center, the San Angel neighborhood is a charming respite from busy Mexico City. But, one day a week, the Saturday Bazaar (Bazar del Sábado) bustles with activity, with vendors selling art and crafts, original paintings and sculptures, and cheap eats.
The Basics
Surrounded by tree-lined cobblestoned streets and the former mansions of wealthy aristocratic residents, the San Angel Market is considered the go-to shopping spot for arts and handicrafts in Mexico. You’ll be able to find a range of souvenirs, from inexpensive hammered-tin milagros to pricy original paintings and sculptures, paper flowers, and embroidered wares.
Plus, the usual assortment of fresh produce and local fare is sold. Walking food tours of the market are available and offer an introduction to Mexican cuisine, including tacos, quesadillas, and pozole.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As the name implies, the Saturday Bazaar is only open on Saturdays, 10am–5pm; some vendors may open later.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the market and bring a tote for collecting any souvenir buys.
- The restaurant inside the market specializes in quesadillas and features live music, but there are other food stalls nearby that offer cheaper eats.
How to Get There
The San Angel neighborhood is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of central Mexico City. There is no direct metro stop at the market, but Metro Line 3's Miguel Ángel de Quevedo station is a little more than 1 mile (2 kilometers) away and the Line 7’s Metro Barranca de Muerto station, along Avenida Revolución, is also close. Buses connect both stops to Plaza San Jacinto. Some tours also provide round-trip transportation from Mexico City.
When to Get There
Of course, the best time to visit the San Angel Market is on Saturdays, but the surrounding historic neighborhood also features popular sights, such as the historic Plaza San Jacinto, cafes, and shops. Several small museums, including the Museo Casa Estudio (the former art studio and home of Mexican artist Diego Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo) and the Parroquia de San Jacinto, a 16th-century church, are also there.
Museo Casa Estudio
Built in 1931, this complex consists of three buildings: two studio-houses (one for Rivera and another for his wife Frida Kahlo) and a photo lab. A must-visit for art lovers, the Museo Casa Estudio now features many works by the two artists, including a collection of Rivera’s papier-mâché or cartoneria figures of humans, skeletons, and animals. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10am–5:30pm.
Address: Plaza San Jacinto, Avenida Revolución, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 69
San Antonio Arrazola
Massive Indian Laurel trees line the winding roads that lead to this picturesque town at the foothills of Monte Alban. Known for its famous painted wooden animals called alebrijes, some 80 families craft these popular souvenirs by hand using local copal, Sierra Sur and Mixteca trees. Travelers can explore the markets, museum and galleries of San Antonio Arrazola, where these one-of-a-kind pieces are on display and learn more about the age-old tradition passed down through generations. Those in the know say it’s best to have artisans pack up figures to keep them safe to travel and that once visitors arrive home the alebrijes should be popped in the freezer temporarily to kill off any termites.
Practical Info
San Antonio Arrazola is located about 8 kilometers from the city of Oaxaca. Travelers can take the second-class bus or group taxi from the central de Abastos. It’s best to travel to San Antonio Arrazola in the early afternoon, as most shops open during the later hours of the morning.
Address: San Antonio Arrazola, Mexico
From $ 30
San Diego Cruise Port
San Diego, where the locals brag about their 70-degree-and-sunny weather nearly year-round, can fill almost any desire you have for a day in port. Historical or naval-related? Check out Old Town or the USS Midway Museum. Culture, nature and animals? Head to Balboa Park and the famous San Diego Zoo. Beach and water activities? Make your way to Coronado Island or take a speedboat tour.
If you feel like simply exploring, go on a walking tour around districts like Little Italy or Seaport Village.
How to Get to San Diego
Cruise ships dock at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal downtown. Just walk north or south along the water to get to attractions like the Maritime Museum, or grab a taxi or a bike cab outside the port to go beyond downtown. You can also catch the trolley to Old Town or the Gaslamp Quarter, among many other city stops.
One Day in San Diego
It’s going to be a busy day, so hopefully you had a good breakfast on your ship. Start with a cab ride to Balboa Park to spend a couple of hours at the San Diego Zoo (don’t miss the panda bears) or one of the park’s several museums, including the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Art, Model Railroad Museum and Natural History Museum.
When you’re ready for lunch, take a quick cab ride to the Hillcrest neighborhood (or walk the 0.7 miles (1 km) from the northwest corner of the park) for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants off the typical tourist trail. Then hail one more cab for the ride back to the port, where you’ll catch the ferry to Coronado Island.
Relax on Coronado’s wide beach, just up from the Navy base, and then head to the sprawling and historic Hotel del Coronado (or the Del, as it’s known locally) for a drink, following in the footsteps of Old Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Mae West.
If you’ve got time after the ferry ride back to port, visit the USS Midway Museum.
If you feel like simply exploring, go on a walking tour around districts like Little Italy or Seaport Village.
How to Get to San Diego
Cruise ships dock at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal downtown. Just walk north or south along the water to get to attractions like the Maritime Museum, or grab a taxi or a bike cab outside the port to go beyond downtown. You can also catch the trolley to Old Town or the Gaslamp Quarter, among many other city stops.
One Day in San Diego
It’s going to be a busy day, so hopefully you had a good breakfast on your ship. Start with a cab ride to Balboa Park to spend a couple of hours at the San Diego Zoo (don’t miss the panda bears) or one of the park’s several museums, including the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Art, Model Railroad Museum and Natural History Museum.
When you’re ready for lunch, take a quick cab ride to the Hillcrest neighborhood (or walk the 0.7 miles (1 km) from the northwest corner of the park) for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants off the typical tourist trail. Then hail one more cab for the ride back to the port, where you’ll catch the ferry to Coronado Island.
Relax on Coronado’s wide beach, just up from the Navy base, and then head to the sprawling and historic Hotel del Coronado (or the Del, as it’s known locally) for a drink, following in the footsteps of Old Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Mae West.
If you’ve got time after the ferry ride back to port, visit the USS Midway Museum.
Port Information
The currency is the US dollar, and ATMs are available throughout the city.
Address: B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
From $ 18
San Antonio River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)
The River Walk winds through the heart of downtown San Antonio, past several parks, historic missions, and other major attractions. Lined with shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, this pedestrian- and bike-friendly waterway—home to the largest urban ecosystem restoration in the United States—is popular with tourists and locals alike, and is a must-see for any San Antonio visitor.
The Basics
The River Walk has a lively vibe throughout the day and draws large crowds in the evenings; dinner reservations are recommended or you may find yourself waiting a while. A great way to experience the River Walk—other than on foot—is by taking a 35-minute boat tour, featuring entertaining stories about the San Antonio River’s rich history. You can combine the boat ride with a hop-on, hop-off bus or trolley tour, and consider adding a stop at the Tower of the Americas or the Battle for Texas Show as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The River Walk includes 15 miles (24 kilometers) of hiking and bike paths along the San Antonio River. The original River Walk extended just 21 blocks, from Nueva to Lexington in downtown San Antonio.
- To learn more about San Antonio’s rich history, look for historic markers and plaques along the River Walk.
- Shopping enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Rivercenter, a four-story mall complex with more than 100 stores.
- Most of the River Walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible; check the City of San Antonio’s website for maps showing the locations of ramps and elevators.
How to Get There
The River Walk is easily accessible on foot from all over downtown San Antonio. More than a dozen hotels are set along the river. A river taxi is a great way to get around the Walk quickly.
When to Get There
The San Antonio River Walk is open 365 days a year. While most of the River Walk is open 24 hours, some park sections are open only from dawn to dusk. In downtown San Antonio, visit in the early morning to avoid the crowds, or head to the River Walk when the sun goes down for some of the best nightlife in Texas.
Along the River Walk
Learn more about the famous Alamo with a stop at the IMAX Theater to see “Alamo: The Price of Freedom.” Visit the Esquire Tavern, San Antonio’s oldest bar (dating to 1933), or head to the Pearl Brewery complex for a cooking class or dinner at one of its many eclectic restaurants. Check out the Aztec Theatre, once a lavish motion-picture theater and one of Texas’s most popular attractions—second only to the Alamo.
Address: River Walk, San Antonio TX 78205, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Salk Institute
The Salk Institute is a leading medical research facility known as much for its scientific breakthroughs as its unique structure and design. Named for Dr. Jonas Salk, the creator of the polio vaccine, the building was commissioned by Salk in 1959 and designed to have a monumental feel and spiritual impact. Standing at the edge of the series of uniform buildings, one can really feel the expanse of possibility and the inspiration of the design.
The architect researched monasteries worldwide to build what he referred to as an “intellectual retreat,” which it certainly seems to be today. Standing mostly in concrete and glass, its symmetry and simplicity seems the perfect blank canvas for original thought.
The research undertaken here seeks to find a deeper understanding of biological processes, so that we might discover new cures to existing diseases. Through a spark in imagination and with three Nobel laureates on staff, the institute is breaking ground in immunology, genetics, and neuroscience. The structure itself and the institute both make for an inspiring visit.
Practical Info
The Salk Institute is situated on the bluffs of La Jolla on North Torrey Pines Road, overlooking the coast. It is available to tour Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Guided tours of the exterior are given by docents daily at noon for $15 per person. Free parking is available.
Address: 10010 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, USA
Hours: Mon - Fri from 9 am - 5 pm
Admission: Free; tours are $15.
From $ 90
San Diego Convention Center
The well-known San Diego Convention Center is a staple structure in the city. The impressively equipped location hosts many of San Diego’s famous events and happenings — most notably, the entertainment bonanza that is Comic-Con International. Enjoy the sunny, bayside views and free WiFi while attending one of the events held here before taking a quick walk to the numerous restaurants and shops nearby in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Check out what’s going on at the convention center during your next visit for some entertainment.
Practical Info
The San Diego Convention Center is located in downtown San Diego near the Marina and the Gaslamp Quarter. While admission is free, prices for tours and activities the center hosts may vary. Parking is available at the convention center for $15 and costs $25 during special events in downtown San Diego. Opening hours depend upon scheduled events.
Address: 111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, California 92101, USA
Hours: Vary
From $ 69
San Agustin Bay
Home to fewer than 100 people—mostly fishermen—San Agustin Bay has no electricity or running water. The bay itself is known for its prime snorkeling opportunities. Visitors head into the ocean straight from the shore and are immediately surrounded by schools of tropical fish, coral plates, crabs, snails, bivalves, and sea urchins.
The Basics
Located in the far west Bay of Huatulco, the quaint village of San Agustin Bay is so far off the beaten path that many travelers miss it completely. With shaded palm palapas (shelters) and rustic beachside restaurants, the village attracts determined scuba divers, snorkelers, and beach enthusiasts. All-terrain vehicle adventure rides around Huatulco usually stop in San Agustin Bay for a swim and seafood lunch. Remember to ask for the catch of the day.
Travelers can also take a short hike to the nearby hillside where a shrine honors the town’s namesake, St. Augustine. Hikers are also rewarded with expansive views of rolling hills, thick forests, and crashing waves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- San Agustin Bay is one of the Huatulco Bays (Las Bahias de Huatulco), which comprise nine bays and 36 beaches.
- When snorkeling, be careful not to touch or disturb the coral, and remember it is illegal to remove coral from the sea.
- Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera to snap photos underwater.
How to Get There
San Agustin Bay is accessible by road or boat. Travelers can rent a private boat or purchase a ticket on one of the local catamarans. Micro buses and taxis also travel the banana tree-lined road to San Augustin. If you decide to drive, keep in mind that you’ll need to travel down about 10 miles of rocky dirt road; the bay is about 25 minutes from the Santa Maria intersection.
When to Get There
Mornings at San Agustin Bay can be busy because that’s when tourists arrive via catamaran or other boats to snorkel. Plan to visit in the late morning, if you can, to avoid the crowds. Like most tourist destinations, the area draws more visitors during the high seasons around Christmas and Easter, and more locals on weekends.
Maguey Bay
Another of the Huatulco Bays, Maguey Bay also boasts a white sandy beach and calm waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, because the area is protected by rock formations. As in San Agustin Bay, there are also plenty of seafood restaurants, and it’s more accessible than San Agustin.
Address: San Agustin Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 78
Samuel Adams Brewery
For more than 30 years, no beer has been as synonymous with the city of Boston as Sam Adams, named after the well-known patriot who played a critical role in the Boston Tea Party and American Revolution.
For a real taste–literally and figuratively–of Boston, a visit to the Sam Adams Brewery is a must. The brewery is among the city's most popular attractions for both beer-loving tourists and locals. Learn about the general history of beer-making and the brewing process, as well as what makes Sam Adams unique. Visitors can sample raw ingredients along the way and gain an appreciation for the materials involved.
Practical Info
Admission is free, and the brewery is open year-round, except for most major holidays. Hours are Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday until 5:30 p.m. Due to limited onsite parking, the brewery recommends using public transportation.
Address: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130, USA
Hours: Year-round Mon thru Thur and Sat 10am - 3pm, Fri 10am - 5:30pm
From $ 57
San Bartolo Coyotepec
Visitors looking for the perfect Oaxaca souvenir can find a unique reminder in the municipality of San Bartolo Coyotepec, located about 15 kilometers south of Oaxaca. Known for its black clay pottery, its quiet streets are lined with shops, galleries and studios selling this regional pottery that has been a part of Oaxacan tradition for hundreds of years.
Visitors can check out the work of local artisans, which ranges from old school matte finish pottery to shiny and black, then head to Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca, where a large collection of this state treasure is on display. Afterwards, stop by the newly opened Baseball Academy, where a massive mural of barro negro (black pottery) is painted.
Practical Info
Travelers can find the widest variety of handmade pottery at the Mercado Artesanal. The most traditional pots are large jar meant for holding liquid and a container in the shape of a monkey used to hold the strong local liquor known as mazcal.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 51
San Antonio Zoo
With more than 3,500 animals from over 750 species, the San Antonio Zoo is home to some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Throughout the day visitors can experience close encounters with giraffes, lions, elephants, tigers, pelicans, hippos, crocodiles, and more. The animal habitats are set up to be both educational and recreational, so that you learn about the animals while enjoying your time at the park.
The zoo offers one of the largest bird collections in the country, as well as recognized breeding programs for endangered and threatened species. In fact, it was the first zoo to successfully reproduce the rare white rhinoceros in North America. The zoo emphasizes conservation and high standards of plant and animal care, and was one of the first in the United States to have cage-less habitats. Aside from the exhibits, there is a zoo train that takes visitors around the premises, a butterfly garden, open rainforest, and carousel.
Practical Info
The San Antonio Zoo is located in the Brackenridge Park area of the city. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, admission costs $14.50 for adults with reduced rates of $11.50 for seniors and children. The zoo train (additional $3.50 for a ticket) is a fun and easy way to get around the park. Food and drink are not allowed inside. Parking is plentiful and free.
Address: 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, Texas 78212, USA
Hours: Daily from 9 am - 5 pm
Admission: $14.50 for adults, $11.50 for seniors and children
From $ 15
Salem Wax Museum
Salem Wax Museum is a chance to walk through the history of Salem. The museum features 50 lifelike wax figures made in London, depicting pivotal figures and scenes from the history of Salem.
The Salem Wax Museum includes exhibits surrounding the founding of Salem in 1626, the Salem Witch Hunt and Salem Witch Trials of 1692, as well as the maritime merchant trade and New England piracy of the 18th century. Visitors will get to see such notable figures as the author Nathanial Hawthorne, Tituba, the accused “witch” who sparked the 1692 hysteria, and Colonel John Hawthorne, who presided over the trials.
Aside from the wax galleries, there is an interactive area where you can learn nautical knot tying, do a grave rubbing on a headstone recreated from Salem’s Charter Street Burying Point, and experience what the accused witches went through during their detention during the Witch Hysteria by being locked in a life-size recreated cell.
During October, the Salem Wax Museum is the centerpiece of the Haunted Neighborhood, which also includes the Salem Witch Village and other attractions.
Practical Info
Salem can be reached from Boston via the Salem High-Speed Ferry. You can buy a combined ticket that includes the Salem Wax Museum as well as a tour of the Salem Witch Village. During October, the attractions are especially busy, so it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance.
Address: 288 Derby St, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
San Diego Little Italy
Once home to generations of Italian families who who made their living in San Diego’s flourishing fishing industry, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood packed with restaurants, patio cafés, craft brewpubs, urban wineries, and little plazas with fountains and views of the bay. The trendy, walkable neighborhood—in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter—also has upscale boutiques, art galleries, chic shops, boutique hotels, and live music venues, so there is far more to experience here than just the delicious food.
The Basics
At 48 square blocks, San Diego’s Little Italy is the largest in the United States and is best seen on foot. The eclectic neighborhood’s charming sidewalk cafés and one-of-a-kind specialty stores are reasons enough to head to this district, with locals and visitors alike strolling the streets to get a feel for the mom-and-pop restaurants, art galleries, and retail shops that make the northwest end of downtown San Diego so famous. On Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm, the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market draws crowds to its stalls offering fresh, California-grown produce, trendy foods, and crafts. Many visitors choose to eat and drink their way through this Old World slice of San Diego—a Little Italy food tour is a great way to explore the area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Travelers into food and fun will enjoy Little Italy’s culinary and entertainment options.
- The heart of Little Italy is the one-way India Street, with cars able to travel only south-to-north. Most people enter Little Italy from the corner of Ash and India streets.
- Look for the landmark Little Italy sign arched over India Street at the corner of India and Cedar streets in the heart of Little Italy.
- Little Italy is a pedestrian-friendly area prime for walking tours.
How to Get There
Little Italy is located on a hill in the northwest end of downtown San Diego, a few blocks away from the Embarcadero. The district’s geographic boundaries are Union Street on the east, Harbor Drive on the west, Ash Street on the south, and Laurel Street on the north. The San Diego Trolley stops two blocks from the heart of Little Italy.
When to Get There
Little Italy is a city neighborhood, with varied opening times for the different businesses contained within it.
Festivals in San Diego’s Little Italy
Little Italy in San Diego is known for several fun festivals, including Little Italy Festa! in the fall and the Mission Federal ArtWalk every spring. Halloween time brings out the trick-or-treaters, and during the holiday season there’s a tree lighting and a Christmas village.
Address: Little Italy, San Diego, CA, USA
From $ 15
Salem Witch Village
A visit to the Salem Witch Village includes a 15-minute guided tour by a practicing witch, who will bring you through an indoor maze in which you can trace the history of witchcraft and the stereotypes surrounding it. If you are wondering why witchcraft is associated with flying broomsticks, black cats, and devil worship, you’ll find out the history in the Salem Witch Village.
The Salem Witch Village tour includes a timeline of the different persecution periods in the history of witches, included the Salem Witch Trials and Burning Times in Europe. You’ll also find out what it means to be a witch today.
After a guided tour, visitors can stop in the Salem Witch Village’s gift shop, complete with authentic Pagan and Wiccan supplies, New England handicrafts, and other souvenirs.
Practical Info
Salem can be reached from Boston via the Salem High-Speed Ferry. You can buy a combined ticket that includes a tour of the Salem Witch Village as well as the Salem Wax Museum. During October, the attractions are especially busy, so it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance.
Address: 282 Rear Derby Street, Salem, Massachusetts 0197, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
San Antonio Market Square
San Antonio’s historic Market Square is filled with the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes you might typically associate with life south of the border. Stroll the indoor/outdoor malls filled with more than 100 vendors selling handcrafted pottery, leather goods, clothing, toys, and jewelry in the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico.
The Basics
In Market Square (El Mercado), which occupies three city blocks, take your time shopping for the perfect souvenir—there are unique products here, such as authentic Mexican vanilla or colorful woven sarape blankets, that you won’t find in typical tourist destinations. Then indulge your taste buds at one of the many food stalls or authentic Tex-Mex restaurants that line the square, offering everything from fresh baked goods to handmade tortillas.
Many tours of San Antonio combine Market Square with other points of interest, such as the Alamo, the San Antonio missions, and the River Walk. While these sights are all doable independently, it’s helpful to explore the city up close with a guide who provides history and context about the city and its people. Market Square is also a stop on San Antonio hop-on hop-off bus and trolley tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Market Square is a must for lovers of shopping, Mexican culture, and authentic cuisine.
- It’s free to visit Market Square.
- The market is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Market Square is located on Commerce Street, about six blocks west of the River Walk. Paid parking is available on the street and in nearby garages. Local buses and trolleys all have stops nearby, and you can also rent a bicycle at one of the many B-cycle (bike-share) stations.
When to Get There
Market Square is open daily from 10am to 6pm and is generally busiest on weekends. Any day of the week, its air-conditioned stalls are a lovely refuge from the midday Texas heat. San Antonio has several major festivals throughout the year, including Fiesta in April, which brings larger than usual crowds to El Mercado.
Mi Tierra
Mi Tierra Café and Bakery is a landmark Tex-Mex restaurant and one of San Antonio’s oldest businesses, operating for more than 75 years. Open 24 hours a day, it’s a worthwhile stop for a pan dulce, breakfast taco, or a cup of Mexican hot chocolate. One of the best parts is the over-the-top vibrant decor, including a shrine dedicated to the late musician Selena, the Queen of Tejano Music, who considered San Antonio her second home.
Address: 514 West Commerce Street, San Antonio TX 78207, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 38
Salem Witch Museum
The 1692 Salem Witch Trials are an important part of the early history of America. Twenty people were found guilty and executed as part of the infamous Salem Witch Hunt. Today, travelers can visit the Salem Witch Museum to learn more about the historic event. The museum is located across from Salem Common, not far from the Derby Wharf.
The Salem Witch Museum guides visitors through exhibits based on actual trial documents. You’ll have to the opportunity to see and hear how neighbor turned against neighbor during this turbulent time in American history.
There is a second exhibit at the museum, which looks more into the perception of witches today. You can see how the real-life witches exist versus the stereotypes we may be used to seeing, and how witch hunting is still around today. There is also an on-site store where you can purchase items related to the Salem Witch Trials, as well as local handcrafts.
Practical Info
Salem can be reached from Boston via the Salem High-Speed Ferry, or consider visiting as part of a bus tour day-trip. The Salem Witch Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Closing time is 7 PM in July and August, and there are extended hours in October as Halloween approaches.
Address: Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Closing time is 7 PM in July and August, and there are extended hours in October as Halloween approaches.
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial preserves a moment in history, when 17th-century residents of colonial Massachusetts tried and executed women and men accused of witchcraft. The site, a small grassy area surrounded by stone walls and locust trees, is just one of the many witchcraft hysteria attractions in the historical town of Salem.
The Basics
Enter the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a small park, through the stone threshold where the accuseds’ statements of innocence are inscribed. Then feel the palatable history as you rest on one of the 20 granite benches, each inscribed with the victim’s name and date of execution. Designed by Maggie Smith and James Cutler, the memorial is based on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC.
Salem is chockablock with witchery reminders, and guided tours often combine the Salem Witch Trial Memorial with visits to the 1637 Burial Point, downtown Salem, and the Salem Witch Village. Many visitors come as a day trip from Boston, only 30 minutes away, and spend time exploring the town of Salem, which is compact and very walkable.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a must for anyone into witchy, spooky history.
- The memorial does not offer any services but is close to facilities at the Salem Witch Village and the Salem Wax Museum.
- The Salem Village Witchcraft Victims Memorial, distinct from the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away in Danvers, Massachusetts.
- The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is on Liberty Street between Charter and Derby streets. Many of the town’s historic sites, hotels, and restaurants are within a few blocks. Parking is available for a fee on public streets and in the town’s many parking lots. Direct train service from Boston to Salem is available daily on the Newburyport/Rockport line from North Station.
When to Get There
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is open year-round, and is outside so best to visit when the weather is pleasant. Many nearby attractions have limited (if any) hours in winter, which means fewer lines but cold toes. The town hosts events all year, including events for the new and full moons. October, the season of the witch, brings Halloween, the Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, and many other events in tune with the season.
The Witch Trials, Then and Now
The Salem Witch Trials, held in 1692, began with the hanging of Bridget Bishop at Proctor’s Ledge near Gallows Hill, also in Salem. John Hathorne, the judge of the Salem Witch Trials, died in 1717 and is buried at the Old Burying Point Cemetery next door to the memorial. The witch trials’ tercentenary, celebrated in 1992, featured a dedication speech by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel.
Address: Liberty Street, Salem, Massachusetts, USA
From $ 14