Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Sesame Place is located about 27 mi (43 km) outside of Philadelphia, making it about a half hour drive away. For more information, call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO or visit www.sesameplace.com
Sequoia National Park
Known as the “land of giants,” Sequoia National Park is home to towering old-growth redwood trees known as sequoias—the world’s largest trees, some of which can reach heights of 275 feet (83 meters). The park’s dramatic landscape showcases thick forest, mountains, rugged foothills, canyons, and vast caverns.
The Basics
Located in Central California, Sequoia National Park (and the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park) is an ideal wilderness escape from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Wander through the giant sequoia groves on a day hike, backpack through the dense forest, explore the deep caverns of Crystal Cave, and climb the granite dome of Moro Rock. Rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing are also popular activities in the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sequoia National Park is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection, comfortable hiking shoes, and plenty of water.
- When camping, all food, trash, and scented items must be stored in bear canisters or designated food-storage boxes.
- Reservations are required to stay at designated campgrounds, and wilderness permits are required if you plan to camp outside of these areas.
- The rivers in Sequoia can be dangerous and require advanced skill to navigate via kayak.
How to Get There
Sequoia National Park is located roughly 4.5 hours from San Francisco and four hours from Los Angeles by road. The visitor center is accessible via highway 198. A free shuttle provides transportation within the park.
When to Get There
The park is busiest in summer, when the weather tends to be hot and sunny. During this time, opt for an early-morning or weekday visit to avoid crowds. With fewer crowds and mild temperatures, mid-September and October are the best times to visit. Portions of the park are closed during winter, but some areas are open for activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Must-See Trees in Sequoia National Park
It’s the giant sequoias that draw many visitors to Sequoia National Park. The General Sherman tree at the north end of Giant Forest is a definite highlight—it’s the largest living single-trunked tree on earth. The General Grant Tree is another notable giant, located in the Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park.
Address: California, USA
From $ 80
Seawall Promenade
One of the highlights on a visit to bucolic Stanley Park, as well as Vancouver itself, is a walk or bike ride along the famous Seawall Promenade. The 9km/5.5mi stone wall hugs the waterside edge, following the entire perimeter of Stanley Park and beyond, offering cyclists, pedestrians, joggers, and inline skaters scenic vistas of forest, sea, and sky.
Starting from Coal Harbour, it winds eastward toward Brockton Point, then curves northwest along the Burrard Inlet, with views of the North Shore mountains across the water. Spaced at regular intervals along the walk are information panels that go into various aspects of Vancouver’s past. It’s education, exercise and eye-candy at the same time. After you pass Lions Gate Bridge, snake down the west side of the park, a perfect spot to watch the sun sink into the Pacific.
After circling the park, the Seawall Promenade continues along Sunset Beach, on the southeast side of downtown, around False Creek, past the Burrard Street Bridge, through Vanier Park, and finishing off at Kitsilano Beach Park.
Practical Info
The Seawall Promenade is easily accessible from many points along its route. Keep in mind that cyclists and skaters, like vehicles, must travel counterclockwise around the park. Weekdays are the best if you want to avoid the crowds.
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 32
Seward Small Boat Harbor
As one of Alaska’s small boating centers Seward Harbor is considered to be one of the best destinations for sailing in the world. Situated at the entry to Kenai Fjords National Park, the surrounding waters are rich with a variety of marine wildlife. Bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, and other sea birds are also often passing above the sea.
Undeniably the most common vessel in the Seward Small Boat Harbor is the sailboat, yet it’s also an excellent launching point for kayaks and small fishing boats. Seasonally whale watching cruises depart from the harbor as well. With many vessels departing for the scenic Kenai Fjords from here, there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, and facilities along the water to suit visitors.
The harbor itself is calm and scenically surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Uniquely the water does not freeze at any point during the year (but if it’s ice you’re after, the massive Exit Glacier is nearby.)
Practical Info
Seward is located on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, about 125 miles south of Anchorage. It can be accessed via the Seward Highway between the two cities. Seward is also the last (or first) stop of the Alaska Railroad. The Seward Small Boat Harbor lies on the northern edge of Resurrection Bay. Get there by driving to milepost 1.6 on Seward Highway.
Address: 1300 4th Avenue, Seward, Alaska 99664, USA
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
From $ 80
Sesame Place
Sesame Street comes to life at Sesame Place through whirling rides, water slides, exciting shows, and endless giggles.
Dance and sing-a-long with everyone’s favorite furry friends in the amazing parade, Neighborhood Street Party. Learn about letters, numbers and friendship in 3 street-stopping performances that include 11 larger-than-life floats and a night parade that lights up the sky. And celebrate the seasons with our Spooktacular Halloween and A Very Furry Christmas parades!
Join the fun and celebrate being a kid - or being a kid again! Sesame Place is located just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes south of New York City.
Dance and sing-a-long with everyone’s favorite furry friends in the amazing parade, Neighborhood Street Party. Learn about letters, numbers and friendship in 3 street-stopping performances that include 11 larger-than-life floats and a night parade that lights up the sky. And celebrate the seasons with our Spooktacular Halloween and A Very Furry Christmas parades!
Join the fun and celebrate being a kid - or being a kid again! Sesame Place is located just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes south of New York City.
Practical Info
Sesame Place is located about 27 mi (43 km) outside of Philadelphia, making it about a half hour drive away. For more information, call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO or visit www.sesameplace.com
Address: 100 Sesame Place, Langhorne 19047-1868, USA
Hours: The park is open daily during the summer months, and on the weekends in the spring and fall
Admission: Single Day Ticket: $59.99
From $ 70
Seattle Art Museum
A world-class institution, the Seattle Art Museum is a must-see on a visit to Seattle. It’s mega amount of gallery space displays its eclectic collections in a unique, cohesive way rather than being, as it used to call itself, “a collection of collections.”
Upon entering the Seattle Art Museum, you’ll feel a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Above the ticket counter hangs Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang's Inopportune: Stage One, a series of white cars exploding with neon. (Yes, actual cars. It's a big room.) Deeper inside, one of the nation’s premier collections of Northwest Coast Indian at and artifacts unfolds. You could spend a few hours exploring this collection. Other highlights include its European and American art collections and its Northwestern contemporary art collection.
Between the two museum entrances (one in the old building and one in the new) is now the “art ladder,” a free space with various installations cascading down a wide stepped hallway.
Practical Info
The Seattle Art Museum is in downtown Seattle, just a few blocks up from Waterfront Park. The museum has both a restaurant and café that make for cool breaks during a visit. The SAM shop sells interesting jewelry, toys, arts, and gifts from Seattle designers as well as designers from around the world. The bus or streetcar will take you there.
Address: 1300 First Avenue, Seattle 98101, USA
Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
From $ 75
Selvatica
Long rated the top outdoor activity in Cancun, Selvatica adventure park gives visitors the chance to shake up their beach routine with ziplines, off-road tours, a cenote dive, and more. Selvatica provides the perfect action-packed day trip from Cancun, just an hour north, and offers customizable options for the whole family.
The Basics
Visitors to Selvatica will find a number of adventurous options for exploring the jungle of southern Mexico. Choose from à la carte adventures, or opt for combo tours that roll multiple activities into one action-packed day. Every tour includes the Extreme Canopy zipline circuit with standard cables and the Cenote Splash, a zipline cable that ends with a cenote swim inside a natural sinkhole. Up the adrenaline with add-ons like the Offroad Polaris tour, ATV rides, or the Gimmee All with access to the extreme Human Roller-Coaster and Flying Superman ziplines. As an extra perk, Selvatica offers complimentary round-trip transportation from most Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya hotels for the ultimate convenience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allow at least five hours door-to-door for your Selvatica experience.
- Ziplines have a weight limit of 330 pounds (150 kilograms).
- Bring swimming gear and a change of clothes.
- Lockers are available for an additional fee.
How to Get There
Selvatica offers complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from most major regional hotels as part of most tours. Those wishing to drive themselves, though, will find it is an easy 1-hour trip from Cancun.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round, and multiple tour departure times are available throughout the day. December through April offers the best weather; it can be rainy other times of year.
Address: Mar 16, 4, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 99
Seattle Cruise Port
A city with many identities – from coffee to technology to nature to seafood – Seattle is a great place to start or end a cruise. Shore excursions that go outside the city can fill all kinds of desires; take a wine-tasting tour, explore Bainbridge Island or visit Olympic National Park.
If you’re in a more urban mood, get to know the city itself at top attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, as well as one of its many walkable neighborhoods like Lower Queen Anne.
How to Get to Seattle
You’ll be docked at either the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 or the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. If you’re at Bell Street, you’re only a 10- to 20-minute walk from Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle. Pier 91, however, is 2.5 miles (4 km) north of the Bell Street terminal and requires a cab to get downtown.
One Day in Seattle
Start your day in port in Pioneer Square, a historic neighborhood on the southern edge of downtown where the city was settled in the 1850s. Browse the art galleries and bookstores, and then walk less than a mile north on 1st Avenue to Pike Place Market.
After snapping the requisite picture of the market’s iconic red sign, head inside to catch a glimpse of the fish-counter employees throwing salmon back and forth. Then go deeper into the market, getting lost in the maze of flower stands, food stalls and merchants selling jewelry, art and souvenirs.
Grab some lunch at the market before walking over to the Westlake Center on 5th Avenue to catch the monorail to Seattle Center. The park and entertainment center, built for the 1962 World’s Fair, is home to the Space Needle. Head up the 605-foot-tall (185-meter) tower for amazing views of the city, Puget Sound and Mt Rainier.
If you’re in a more urban mood, get to know the city itself at top attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, as well as one of its many walkable neighborhoods like Lower Queen Anne.
How to Get to Seattle
You’ll be docked at either the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 or the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. If you’re at Bell Street, you’re only a 10- to 20-minute walk from Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle. Pier 91, however, is 2.5 miles (4 km) north of the Bell Street terminal and requires a cab to get downtown.
One Day in Seattle
Start your day in port in Pioneer Square, a historic neighborhood on the southern edge of downtown where the city was settled in the 1850s. Browse the art galleries and bookstores, and then walk less than a mile north on 1st Avenue to Pike Place Market.
After snapping the requisite picture of the market’s iconic red sign, head inside to catch a glimpse of the fish-counter employees throwing salmon back and forth. Then go deeper into the market, getting lost in the maze of flower stands, food stalls and merchants selling jewelry, art and souvenirs.
Grab some lunch at the market before walking over to the Westlake Center on 5th Avenue to catch the monorail to Seattle Center. The park and entertainment center, built for the 1962 World’s Fair, is home to the Space Needle. Head up the 605-foot-tall (185-meter) tower for amazing views of the city, Puget Sound and Mt Rainier.
Port Information
The currency is the US dollar; major credit
cards are widely accepted, and there are ATMs throughout the city.
Luggage storage is available at the cruise terminal; store your bags if
your cruise ends in Seattle and you want to see the city before going to
the airport. Rental car services are also available.
Address: Pier 66, Seattle, WA, USA
From $ 50
Seattle Center
Spread across 74 acres (30 hectares) in the heart of the city, Seattle Center was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and today houses many of the city’s top attractions. This is where you’ll find the Space Needle, International Fountain, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pacific Science Center, Museum of Pop Culture, and Seattle Children’s Museum.
The Basics
So much is happening in Seattle Center that it would be almost impossible to miss on a trip to the city. Just about every Seattle sightseeing tour stops at the iconic Space Needle (once the tallest building west of the Mississippi), along with other notable attractions and features such as Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay, and Pioneer Square. Admission to many Seattle Center attractions—the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center among them—is included with the Seattle CityPass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Seattle Center is a must-visit for all first-time visitors.
- Pick out what you want to see before you go; there’s a ton to do here, and some attractions are far apart.
- Most facilities within Seattle Center are wheelchair accessible.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the center.
How to Get There
Located in Seattle’s Uptown neighborhood, just north of Belltown, the Seattle Center is easily accessible by public transportation: 15 different metro bus routes lead here, and the Seattle Center Monorail runs from downtown. For drivers, there are three nearby parking garages.
When to Get There
There’s not really a bad time to visit Seattle Center, though it’s a good idea to visit both during the day and after dark to get a comprehensive feel for this hub of activity. Over Labor Day weekend, the Seattle Center hosts the huge and internationally popular Bumbershoot festival, featuring thousands of performers and artists. There’s almost always something going on at Seattle Center, so check the event calendar before your trip.
Seattle Space Needle
The Space Needle easily ranks as Seattle’s most famous landmark and the most visited attraction within Seattle Center. While it’s visible from throughout the city, you haven’t really seen this landmark until you’ve visited the observation deck 520 feet (158 meters) above Emerald City. From the top, the 360-degree view takes in the Elliott Bay waterfront, the lights of downtown, and even majestic Mount Rainier in the background.
Address: 305 Harrison St., Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
From $ 15
Senoia
Senoia is a small suburb of Atlanta, GA with a population of about 3,300 people and was originally settled in the mid 1800s. This quiet town has gained more attention recently due to its role in the television and film industry. Senoia's significant number of historical buildings in the downtown area give it an interesting atmosphere in which to film. It has been home to several movies over the years including Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Home Alabama, and Drop Dead Diva.
More recently the town has become the setting for the AMC television series The Walking Dead. The town doubles for the town of Woodbury, the fictitious setting of the show. Visitors can walk through town and see some of the buildings that have been featured in the series. Tens of thousands of people visit Senoia each year to catch a glimpse of their favorite show, and stores, cafes, and tours have been created cater to them.
Practical Info
Senoia is located 40 miles south of Atlanta and can be reached using Interstate 85.
Address: Senoia, Georgia, USA
From $ 69
Seattle Waterfront
Definitely make the Seattle Waterfront your first stop on a visit to Seattle, for it is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The bustling waterfront not only holds gift shops, candy stores selling fudge and saltwater taffy, sidewalk T-shirt vendors, and restaurants of all kinds, it’s also is the spot for some of city’s top attractions and piers tied with boats waiting to take you out on Puget Sound.
On the Seattle Waterfront, you can touch starfish at the Seattle Aquarium, watch your kids take a virtual kayak ride on Puget Sound at the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center, or picnic in Waterfront Park, while taking in the breathtaking view across Elliott Bay to Olympic Mountains.
If you want to get out on the water from the Seattle Waterfront, head to Pier 52 for the Washington State Ferries, Pier 55 for harbor cruises and trips to Tillicum Village on Blake Island, or Pier 56 for a boat to Chittenden (Ballard) Locks. If you’re with the kids, head to Pier 57, which has a vintage carousel and a video arcade to keep the kids busy.
Practical Info
The Seattle Waterfront stretches along Alaskan Way from Yesler Way, in the south, to Bay Street, Myrtle Edwards Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park, in the north. You can access the park by car, bus, streetcar, and even monorail.
Address: Alaskan Way, Seattle 98101, USA
From $ 39
Seattle Aquarium
The cold, dark waters around Seattle hide an abundance of marine life, from orca whales to giant Pacific octopus to otters and salmon. The Seattle Aquarium helps visitors access this rich underwater world without getting wet. The experience involves touch tanks, daily dive shows, and plenty of exhibits showing off the area’s sea life.
The Basics
Visitors to the Seattle Aquarium can view exhibits showing off animals like jellyfish, sea otters, octopus, puffins, seals, and an array of fish. You might plan your visit around a daily-occurring activity, such as octopus feeding, diver shows, children’s story time, and talks on various ocean science topics.
Visitors must purchase a ticket to enter, with discounts available for children, seniors, active military, and disabled visitors. A CityPASS card—a 5-attraction ticket that includes the aquarium, plus skip-the-lines entry—is also available. Or, see the aquarium along with other highlights in a short city tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Seattle Aquarium appeals to many types of travelers, including families with kids and ocean science buffs.
- The Seattle Aquarium is wheelchair accessible, and there are ASL interpreters and sighted tour guides for deaf, blind, and visually impaired groups.
- Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your unforgettable memories here.
How to Get There
The Seattle Aquarium is located at 1483 Alaskan Way, on Pier 59, just below Pike Place Market. If you drive, there’s 4-hour metered parking along Alaskan Way, and numerous parking garages a short walk away. King County Metro bus 99 stops on Alaskan Way in front of the aquarium.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the Seattle Aquarium is weekdays and weekends after 2pm. Summers tend to be the busiest time to visit, with fewer visitors on winter weekdays.
Other Attractions Nearby
Nearby Pike Place Market’s historic collection of shops and restaurants can help fill a day in Downtown Seattle. The ferry terminals along the waterfront, a short walk from the Seattle Aquarium, whisk passengers to Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, and West Seattle.
Address: 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 89
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a celebration of the ocean, with dueling opportunities to peer at life beneath the waves and to get whipped around like plankton in a tidal surge on critter-themed thrill rides. The 200-acre (81-hectare) park educates and entertains, while also serving as a rehabilitation center for sick and injured animals.
The Basics
Once known as primarily an aquarium and zoological park, SeaWorld Orlando has established itself in recent years as one of the best theme parks for thrill-seekers in the area. Flamingo and pelican ponds, a lush tropical rain forest, a 17-acre (6.9-hectare) lagoon, and millions of gallons of saltwater tanks house killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, sharks, beluga whales, sea lions, turtles, birds, and aquatic reef life.
Park goers can choose a basic admission ticket to SeaWorld or a two- or three-park ticket that also includes entrance to nearby sister parks Aquatica Orlando and/or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. While admission allows for access to rides and shows, some animal interactions come at an extra cost.
Things to Know Before You Go
- SeaWorld Orlando is a must-visit for families with kids, thrill-seekers, and animal lovers.
- Choose a single park ticket or a multi-park pass with entrance to Aquatica Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to beat the Florida heat.
- Free Wi-Fi is available to all park guests.
- Lockers, wheelchairs, and strollers are available for rent near the park entrance.
How to Get There
SeaWorld Orlando is located off Interstate 4 about 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport. Choose general or preferred parking; parking passes can be purchased in advance.
When to Get There
SeaWorld is best visited on a sunny day, as the park shuts down during sustained thunderstorms. For the best seats at shows and the shortest lines at rides, visit when school is in session in early autumn or late spring. The park is quietest between January and April, but temperatures are a bit cooler, making the largely water-centric attractions a bit less appealing.
Catching Your Favorite Shows at SeaWorld
While SeaWorld has dozens of rides and roller coasters, entertainment here remains largely show-based, so it’s a good idea to check out the schedule to decide which shows you’d like to see before you head to the park. If you don’t fancy getting wet, avoid sitting in the marked splash zones.
Address: 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821, USA
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm. Open earlier or later on some days.
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Second Bank of the United States
Set within the Independence National Historical Park, this stately building was designed in 1818 by Philadelphia architect William Strickland, renowned for pioneering the Greek Revival movement in America. Based on the Parthenon in Greece, this was the original home of the country’s second national bank, which was discontinued with great vitriolic fanfare in 1836 by President Andrew Jackson, who feared the institution was gaining more economic power than the still-new United States itself.
The building now houses The Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank, where the cornerstone exhibit is “People of Independence,” a collection of 185 paintings of historically significant Colonial- and Federal-era individuals – a veritable Who’s Who of the 18th century in America. Several of these portraits are by local artist Charles Wilson Peale, whose life and work are celebrated in an adjunct gallery called Peale’s Museum. Also on display are a wood-carved sculpture and death mask of George Washington.
Address: Center City East, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-5pm
From $ 19
Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is a can’t-miss icon that speaks to the fun-loving nature of the city’s residents. One of the biggest Ferris wheels in the US, the Seattle Great Wheel features enclosed gondolas that afford spectacular coastal views. It stands above 175 feet (53 meters) and weighs in at more than a quarter of a million pounds.
The Basics
Located at 1301 Alaskan Way, at the end of Pier 57 on Seattle’s waterfront, the Seattle Great Wheel boasts 42 climate-controlled gondolas, each of which can carry up to eight passengers; a luxe VIP gondola with red leather seats and a glass floor seats four. During the summer, ride times are between 12 and 20 minutes due to the time needed to load and unload larger crowds; during winter, the ride usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
While the Ferris wheel offers wonderful views of Seattle, a Puget Sound sailing excursion provides unique views of the Great Wheel itself.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Children 2 years old and younger ride for free but still require a ticket.
- The ride is wheelchair-accessible; a lift and ramp allow wheelchairs to roll directly into the gondolas.
- The wheel will stop operating if winds reach sustained speeds of 55 mph (88.5 kph) or higher, or if there are lightning strikes within 1 mile (1.6 kilometers).
How to Get There
The Seattle Great Wheel is located at the end of Pier 57 on the waterfront, and within short walking distance from most of the city’s main attractions like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Aquarium, and more. From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it’s about 25 minutes’ drive. The nearest light-rail station, University Street Station-Bay A, is a few blocks away.
When to Get There
The Seattle Great Wheel operates year-round. Open hours are Monday through Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday 11am to 12am, Saturday 10am to 12am, and Sunday 10am to 10pm. In the fall, the wheel lights up on the evening of any University of Washington or Seattle Seahawks home football game; light shows also take place during other special occasions and holidays.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium, located on Pier 59 right next to the Seattle Great Wheel, features six major animal exhibits. Window on Washington Waters, for example, includes a 120,000-gallon tank that replicates the coastal waters of Washington state. The museum also has a gift shop and café.
Address: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 380
Seven Canyons
Sedona may be known for its stunning red rocks, desert life and spiritual slant, but those who like to live their life in the green still have their chance at the Seven Canyons Golf Course. Since 2002 this scenic outdoor destination has played host to thousands of golfer lovers seeking to experience the best of Arizona. With 20,000 square feet of teeing space, manicured fairways, world-class cuisine and a relaxing club house, visitors will feel at home in the comfort and luxury of this back nine destination. The challenging course is as ideal for long-time lovers of the sport as it is for newbies and breathtaking views of Sedona’s red rocks and national forests insure travelers get to experience the best of Arizona when they tee up.
Practical Info
The golf course located at 755 Golf Club Way in Sedona. It is open from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.
Address: 755 Golf Club Way, Sedona, Arizona, USA
Hours: Open from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily
Admission: Membership only, can play while a guest of Enchantment Resort
From $ 76
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is San Diego’s preeminent shopping and dining complex. A slice of independence in busy San Diego, the Seaport Village is beautiful and relaxing escape in an otherwise busy world. Come here to window shop the boutiques, sit on a park bench and stare into the ocean, grab a bite to eat, or to simply have a glass of wine and catch some outdoor entertainment. Just a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter and plenty of boutique and big name shopping, Seaport Village is a popular hang-out for tourists and locals alike.
Practical Info
Seaport Village is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and located at 849 W Harbor Drive, though the Pacific Highway runs directly into it. Non-validated parking is $8 per hour or part thereof. To validate, just spend $10 at one of the local shops.
Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA, USA
Hours: Open Daily 10am - 9pm
From $ 30
SeaWorld San Diego
Beluga whales, California sea otters, sharks, octopus, eels—these are just some of the many marine animals you’ll find at SeaWorld San Diego, an ocean theme park that sits just one mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Pacific Coast of the United States.
The Basics
Bypass the ticket lines by pre-purchasing admission tickets, and consider a package that includes transportation to avoid the hassle of navigating the city and parking. Park admission gives you access to the many rides, including high, medium, and low thrills across a variety of roller coasters, drops, swings, and water rides such as Shipwreck Rapids. Twenty- to 25-minute dolphin and sea lion shows presented by trained professionals are family favorites, and in between, you can check out the aquariums and habitats to see penguins, turtles, and more. Animal encounters or interactions are done under the supervision of trained professionals; these add-on activities require additional fees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All bags are subject to search when entering; lockers are available to rent.
- Wheelchair access is provided at all attractions and shows, and they can be rented at the park.
- Water bottles may be taken inside, but hard and soft coolers, glass, outside food, and flavored drinks are not allowed; restaurants and concession stands can be found throughout the park.
- Upgrades such as front-of-the-line passes are available for an extra fee at the park.
How to Get There
SeaWorld is in Mission Bay Park, located behind Mission Beach, a popular area with both visitors and locals. Drive to Mission Bay Park (it’s hard to miss SeaWorld, as it’s located on SeaWorld Drive), or hop on the 8, 9, or 10 bus. Paid parking is available at the park with different prices for general parking, up-close parking, and VIP parking. For the most worry-free option, book round-trip transportation (with or without admission) from San Diego or Anaheim accommodations.
When to Get There
SeaWorld is open daily; hours vary depending on the day of the week and holidays. For shows and presentations, it’s recommended that you arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to start time (or even earlier on busy days) to get a good seat.
Animal Rescue and Care At SeaWorld
Don’t just gawk at the animals on display at SeaWorld—learn about them, too, by checking out the park’s shows and tours dedicated to animal care and rescue. Head to the Mission Bay Theater for a screening of Sea Rescue, a TV series about SeaWorld’s rescue team and its experience rescuing more than 28,000 dolphins, whales, penguins, turtles, and birds. Or book the park’s behind-the-scenes tour (extra fee) to explore the park with a tour guide, visiting the Animal Care Center and Aquarium Lab.
Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, San Diego, California 92109, USA
Hours: Opens daily at 10am; closes between 5 and 9pm depending on season
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Seward Cruise Port
The gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and the starting point of the Iditarod Trail, the small town of Seward lies about 125 miles (200 km) south of Anchorage. The best way to experience this Alaskan jewel and its majestic landscape is by boat – take a whale-watching tour or glacier cruise to get the full effect of Resurrection Bay, its surrounding mountains and the Exit Glacier.
If your cruise is ending in Seward, a shore excursion that combines transportation to the Anchorage airport with a tour to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great way to make the most of your time and see some of Alaska’s famed wildlife.
How to get to Seward
Cruises dock a couple of miles north of the downtown area. A shuttle runs from the cruise dock to the tour boat area. If you’re staying in town, walk from the cruise dock or take one of the town’s few cabs. Once you’re downtown, it’s a very walkable area.
One Day in Seward
Don’t miss the Alaska SeaLife Center — it’s the top attraction in town. Just south of downtown, the SeaLife Center is an aquarium and research facility that’s home to fur seals, sea lions, puffins, octopus, otters and more. It’s the only marine wildlife rescue center in Alaska and will entertain and educate you with exhibits on rehabilitation and native marine habitats.
Next, have a seafood lunch at a restaurant on the waterfront, and then walk off your lunch with a stroll around town. There are several shops where you can pick up souvenirs like art, chocolate and outdoor gear. Walk through the waterfront park as you make your way back to your ship.
If your cruise is ending in Seward, a shore excursion that combines transportation to the Anchorage airport with a tour to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great way to make the most of your time and see some of Alaska’s famed wildlife.
How to get to Seward
Cruises dock a couple of miles north of the downtown area. A shuttle runs from the cruise dock to the tour boat area. If you’re staying in town, walk from the cruise dock or take one of the town’s few cabs. Once you’re downtown, it’s a very walkable area.
One Day in Seward
Don’t miss the Alaska SeaLife Center — it’s the top attraction in town. Just south of downtown, the SeaLife Center is an aquarium and research facility that’s home to fur seals, sea lions, puffins, octopus, otters and more. It’s the only marine wildlife rescue center in Alaska and will entertain and educate you with exhibits on rehabilitation and native marine habitats.
Next, have a seafood lunch at a restaurant on the waterfront, and then walk off your lunch with a stroll around town. There are several shops where you can pick up souvenirs like art, chocolate and outdoor gear. Walk through the waterfront park as you make your way back to your ship.
Port Information
The currency is the US dollar, and the language in Alaska is English. There are ATMs and banks in town.
Address: Port Avenue, Seward, Alaska, USA
From $ 123
Sebastopol
With all the charm of a small town, Sebastopol lies peacefully in Sonoma County some 50 miles north of San Francisco. It is known for its proximity to wine and apple country, with a charming downtown area and liberal culture. Check out the quirky local art on display along Florence Avenue downtown — many of the pieces are made using recycled materials — or take a tour of a local farm. Famous horticulturist Luther Burbank once maintained massive gardens on Sebastopol land.
Small restaurants and cafes all over town serve fresh local food and wine. Tasting rooms offer the best of the region’s wine and beer, and dozens of hiking, biking, and walking trails are set against rolling hills. Sebastopol is bordered on the east by the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve, providing access to the natural beauty of the area.
Practical Info
Sebastopol is best approached by car, which will allow access to neighboring Bodega Bay, Russian River, and Sonoma wine country regions as well. It is roughly an hour’s drive from San Francisco.
Address: Sebastopol, USA
From $ 130
Sea-to-Sky Highway
Although Highway 99 technically runs from the US border through Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler to the Highway 97 Junction just north of Cache Creek, it’s the 77 miles (124 km) from Vancouver to Whistler that is commonly referred to as the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
While it’s easy to whiz up the highway from Vancouver to Whistler in less than two hours, it’s also possible to spend days exploring all the see-it-to-believe-it landscapes along the route. Just after passing the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, the road begins to traverse a series of stunning landscapes: Porteau Cove and its beachfront campground on Howe Sound, the Britannia Mine Museum, the 1,100-foot (335-m) Shannon Falls, a towering granite dome known simply as the Chief, the outdoor-minded town of Squamish and a pinnacle of volcanic rock known as Black Tusk.
For many, the fun truly begins when the Sea-to-Sky Highway reaches Whistler Village. As the basecamp for Whistler Blackcomb, it is home to North America’s best-known ski and snowboard resort, possibly the world’s most famous mountain bike park and enough entertainment, shopping and nightlife to suit any traveler.
The highway does continue north to both Pemberton and Lillooet, two industry-led towns renowned for their nearby access to the Coastal and Chilcotin mountains, but after Pemberton the road is known as the Duffy Lakes Road rather than the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Practical Info
The Sea-to-Sky Highway stretches 77 miles (124 km) from Vancouver to Whistler. It was recently rebuilt for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, so the majority of the highway is now a divided four-lane road.
Address: Highway 99, BC, Canada
From $ 83