Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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St Lawrence River
The historic and scenic St. Lawrence River flows 743 miles (1,196 kilometers) across a vast chunk of North America, from the Great Lakes all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The lifeblood for Ontario and Quebec, the mighty river has long sustained communities of both native tribes and European colonizers who settled along its banks. Its waters play host to a vast variety of wildlife, including a number of whale species such as sperm, minke, fin, blue, North Atlantic right, and endangered belugas.
The Basics
Because of its sheer size, the St. Lawrence River is hard to miss. For the same reason, however, most visitors to Canada get to see only a tiny portion of it. If you’re going to Quebec (be it Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, or Gaspe), southeastern Ontario (be it Kingston or Thousand Islands), or northeastern New York state in the US, odds are high you will encounter the waterway at some point during your trip. Take a cycling tour along the scenic riverbanks or get out on the water with paddleboat rentals; Jet Ski, kayak, and canoe tours; narrated river cruises; and whale-watching excursions. Helicopter tours over Ontario’s Thousand Islands region reveal the river’s immensity and the vast number of rugged islets that comprise the archipelago, while tours from Quebec City to Ile d’Orleans, an agricultural river island known for its fresh produce, often also stop at the scenic Montmorency Falls, which spill into the St. Lawrence River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear warm layers. It gets very cold here during winter and parts of the river regularly freeze. Even in summer, it can be cold out on the water.
- The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is among the best whale-watching spots in Canada.
How to Get There
Ride Montreal’s orange metro line to Square-Victoria-OACI or Champ-de-Mars stations; the Old Port, which runs parallel to the St. Lawrence River, is fewer than 10 minutes on foot from there. In Quebec City, the riverfront is accessible on foot from Old Quebec.
When to Get There
The warm summer months are prime time to explore the St. Lawrence River, as winter is bitterly cold, with temperatures often far below freezing. May to November make up the best period for whale watching.
Where to Find the Best Views of the St. Lawrence River
For river views in Quebec City, stroll the elevated Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk, which winds along a high cliff behind the famous Fairmont Chateau Frontenac hotel. The boardwalk leads to Battlefields Park and affords bird’s-eye views of the river and the cruise ships pulling into port. In Montreal, the best river vistas can be seen from the Old Port (Vieux Port).
Address: Quebec, Canada, Canada
From $ 6
St Paul Street (Rue St-Paul)
Saint Paul Street, located in Montreal’s Old Port, is an historic stretch of cafes, boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. Constructed in 1672, Saint Paul is the oldest street in the city and home to a few of its top landmarks, including Bonsecours Market and Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.
The Basics
As a main thoroughfare in Montreal’s historic district, Saint Paul Street is a highlight on most Old Port walking tours, which also often include Place Jacques-Cartier, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the St. Lawrence riverfront. Private tours offer a more flexible alternative, allowing visitors to add a stroll or bite to eat on Saint Paul Street a customized itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Saint Paul Street is a must for boutique shoppers and history buffs.
- Don’t forget comfortable, flat walking shoes, as the best way to explore the neighborhood—which is partially paved with cobblestones—is on foot.
- Street signs, including parking and traffic signs, are written in French.
- Visit popular restaurants after the lunch rush to avoid notoriously long lines.
How to Get There
Saint Paul Street is located in the Old Port neighborhood and is easily accessible using Montreal’s public transit system. The nearest Metro stations are Square-Victoria and Place-d’Armes, or take bus 61 to McGill and Saint Paul, bus 55 to Notre Dame and Saint Sulpice, or bus 68 to Nazareth and William. A BIXI bike share docks is located on the corner of McGill Street and d’Youville Place.
When to Get There
As one of the Old Port’s main attractions, Saint Paul Street is busiest on weekends. Go on a weekday morning for a quieter stroll. From late May to mid September, Saint Paul Street is pedestrian-only between St. Laurent Street and Bonsecours Market.
Place Jacques-Cartier
Nowhere is Montreal’s European atmosphere more evident than at Place Jacques-Cartier, a public square flanked to the south by Saint Paul Street. With its cobblestone streets, artists and buskers, and outdoor eateries, Place Jacques-Cartier is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. During the summer, the square is pedestrian-only.
Address: Rue St Paul, Montreal, Canada
From $ 19
St Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, located in Montreal’s Westmount neighborhood, is Canada’s largest church and a registered National Historic Site. Started as a small chapel in 1904, the Roman Catholic basilica has grown to contain a cryptic church, a museum, gardens, a 56-bell carillon, and one of the largest church domes in the world.
The Basics
As one of Montreal’s top landmarks, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus routes, which is a convenient way to explore without the hassle of navigating on their own. Since the oratory is off the beaten path, city tours that provide coach transportation typically include a stop or drive-by viewing. You can also opt for a private tour, which will allow you to tack on an oratory visit to a customized itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Saint Joseph’s Oratory is a must for planners and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare to climb 280 steps to reach the main basilica.
- The oratory is wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs are available for free at the votive chapel.
- Guided tours are available for $5 from June through September.
- Mass is typically held in French, though there’s also the occasional mass held in English.
How to Get There
Located just 2.4 miles (4 kilometers) from Downtown, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is easily accessible using Montreal’s public transit system. The nearest transit stops are the Côte-des-Neiges metro station on the blue 5 line, Oratoire Saint-Joseph on bus 166, and Victoria and No 4811 on bus 124. If traveling by car, drive north on Côte-des-Neiges Road and turn left on Queen Mary Road. Visitor parking is available for $5 per vehicle.
When to Get There
A place of Roman Catholic worship, the oratory is busiest on Sundays. Go on a weekday for a quieter visit. Mass is held in the cryptic church from Monday to Saturday, and in the basilica on Sunday. An annual celebration of Saint Brother André, patron saint of caregivers in Canada, is held throughout the month of August and includes outdoor concerts, recitals, Wednesday sunsets on the terrace, and exhibits on Brother André.
Music to Your Ears
Saint Joseph’s Oratory holds a variety of concerts throughout the year—a local secret often unknown to visitors passing through Montreal. In addition to the Sunday Concert Series that features world-renowned organists from around the globe, the oratory holds frequent carillon recitals, boys’ choir concerts, and sunset performances on the terrace throughout the summer. A full calendar of these events can be found on the oratory's website.
Address: 3800 Chemin Queen Mary, Montreal QC H3V 1H6, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 4
SS Jeremiah O'Brien
San Francisco has one of the only remaining historic World War II Liberty ships docked in its bay, and it is open to visitors. Named for American Revolutionary War ship captain, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien is one of only two currently operational World War II Liberty ships afloat of the 2,700 built during the war. The ship survived the storming of Normandy on D-Day in 1944, and is now a National Historic Landmark visitors can tour near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
The preserved Liberty ship is completely unaltered, allowing for an authentic and accurate historical experience of exploring the ship just as it was made. Walking through the hallways and on deck, one can truly experience a time and place of being on the ocean in wartime decades ago. Everything from the engine room to the flying bridge is accessible to visitors, allowing a rare glimpse into life at sea and at war at that time.
Practical Info
The ship is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm on Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. On weekends the main steam engine is operated so that visitors can see an engine in action.
Address: 11 Pier 45, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Open daily 9 am to 4 pm
Admission: Adults: $12
From $ 30
Squamish
Squamish isn't nicknamed the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada without reason. This former lumber mill town has transformed itself into an outdoor mecca with a rare combination of mountain and water sports made possible by its dramatic location amid the Coastal Mountains at the northern end of Howe Sound.
The Stawamus Chief, known locally as the Chief, is a massive granite dome with over 300 established climbing routes. Hikers can also tackle steep trails on the mountain’s backside to summit the three distinct peaks. More hiking options await in a series of nearby provincial parks, including Shannon Falls, Murrin and Garibaldi. With over 600 mountain biking trials, this activity can often overshadow the opportunities at the nearby Whistler Bike Park, both in terms of terrain variety and difficulty variation.
Warm, sunny weather also creates predictable wind, which helps make the Squamish Spit one of Canada’s top kiteboarding and wind surfing destinations. There is also plenty of nearby whitewater kayaking and, for the less adventurous, some of the best bald eagle viewing on the planet.
The town itself has undergone plenty of changes in recent years. Since both the pulp and saw mills closed, Squamish lost its main industry but soon became a trendy place to live for both Whistler and Vancouver residents looking to escape the high living costs of those respective communities. The population is now close to 20,000, but the town has all the amenities of a much larger community due to its role as the main service hub for smaller towns like Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet.
Practical Info
Squamish is located dab in the middle of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, halfway between Whistler and Vancouver.
Address: Squamish, BC, Canada
From $ 111
St Joseph Plantation
One of the last few remaining sugar plantations in the South, St. Joseph Plantation is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Southern experience. Built in 1830, the largely preserved house offers a fascinating look into plantation life in pre-Civil War America, when the sugar industry was booming.
The Basics
St. Joseph Plantation was built for the Scioneaux family using slave labor. Gabriel Valcour Aime, known as the Louis XIV of Louisiana, later bought it for his daughter when she married. After the Civil War, it was sold to the Waguespack family, who have retained ownership ever since.
Visitors can tour the house and its manicured grounds, see the cabins where the family’s slaves lived, and explore interesting exhibits detailing what life was like on the plantation both for the slaves who worked the sugar fields and the wealthy owners that lived here. Visitors often combine a trip here with a visit to the Museum of Slavery or visit as part of a plantations tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the plantation is via paid ticket.
- Discounted tickets are available for students, youths, seniors, and active military. Children under 5 go free.
- A visit to St. Joseph’s connected sister plantation, Felicity, is included in the ticket price.
- The renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson was born here in 1838.
- Throughout October, the plantation hosts daily “mourning tours” detailing the Creole customs and rituals that used to be observed after the death of a family member.
- Parts of the movie 12 Years a Slave were filmed at the Felicity plantation.
How to Get There
St. Joseph Plantation is located at 3535 Highway 18 in Vacherie, 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside New Orleans. Most people opt to visit as part of a tour with transport provided, or by car. There is free parking at the plantation. Access via public transport is difficult.
When to Get There
St. Joseph Plantation is open from Thursday to Tuesday. It is closed on Wednesdays and major holidays. Guided tours depart on the hour from 10am–3pm, with tours early in the day tending to be quieter.
Museum of Slavery
Gain insight into what life was like for the slaves who spent their days working in the fields and homes of plantation owners at the nearby Whitney Plantation’s Museum of Slavery. Through first-person narratives, the museum aims to present a true picture of the often terrible conditions in which the enslaved people lived and the many hardships they had to endure.
Address: 3535 Louisiana 18, Vacherie, Louisiana, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 65
St Benedict's Painted Church
An active Roman Catholic parish, St Benedict’s is a small but beautiful church set in South Kona overlooking Kealakekua Bay. The Painted Church is listed in the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places because of the paintings on the inside walls.
After erecting the church in 1899, Father John Velghe began painting the inside walls. A self-taught artist, his work was inspired by a gothic cathedral in Spain. Using ordinary house paint, Velghe painted biblical scenes until his health deteriorated and he returned to Belgium in 1904.
At the time of Velghe’s painting, few Hawaiians could read, so the murals helped teach parishioners in addition to beautifying the site. The church was never completed, but you can see the unfinished panels when you go inside.
Mass is celebrated every day except Monday at St Benedict's. Many services are early in the morning, so if you are interested in attending mass, you should plan ahead. Visitors are welcome.
Practical Info
The Painted Church is easy or hard to get to, depending on who you talk to. Take Highway 11 and head toward the water onto Route 160 near mile marker 104. After about a mile, take the first right opposite the King Kamehameha sign. You’ll travel about a quarter of a mile on a winding, narrow road before coming to the church up a driveway on the right. There is no admission fee, but donations are always welcome.
Address: 84-5140 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704, USA
Hours: Mass: Tues, Thurs, Fri 7am; Sat 4pm; Sun 7:15am
From $ 69
SplashDown Waterpark
In the midst of the summer heat, is there any better way to cool down than a visit to the waterpark? Northern Virginia’s SplashDown, just outside of the nation’s capital, has been keeping it cool during the summer months with water slides, fountains, pools, a lazy river, and even a beach area. There are varying levels of thrills for all ages, including the long lazy river for those who prefer to keep it relaxed. There is also an Olympic-sized lap pool for adults who want to swim, and a wading area for smaller children.
Facilities include an on-site snack bar to keep you satiated, a volleyball and tennis court, log walk, and the Kahuna Beach, which contains real sand. There’s also a park nearby if you prefer to have your own picnic. SplashDown offers an area for birthday parties, as well as swim lessons outside of its operating hours.
Practical Info
Located about 30 miles from Washington D.C., SplashDown Waterpark is open from late May to September. Hours vary, but the park is generally open 12 pm to 6 pm at a minimum. Admission is $15.75 for children and adults over 48 inches in height, and $11.75 for children under 48 inches. Daily locker rentals are available and lifeguards are on duty.
Address: 7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive, Manassas, Virginia 20109, USA
Hours: Late May to early September. Hours vary; check the website for exact times.
Admission: $15.75 for children and adults over 48 inches in height, and $11.75 for children under 48 inches.
From $ 40
Squamish Adventure Centre
The Squamish Adventure Centre is a one-stop shop for visitors looking to get out and explore the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada with the help of a local guide or experience. It was built collaboratively, giving the various activities equal exposure, whether its guided hikes, rock climbing lessons or mountain bike adventures.
Alongside the visitor information area are multiple businesses that help turn the Squamish Adventure Centre into a meeting place. Quality coffee and delicious baked goods are served up at Caffe Garibaldi, local artwork and Squamish-branded clothing are for sale at the aptly named Squamish Store and a 38-seat theater rotates mountain-themed films. There are also onsite, stand-up paddleboard and bike rentals, as well as a children’s play area.
Practical Info
The Squamish Adventure Centre is located on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, 40 minutes north of Vancouver and 30 minutes south of Whistler.
Address: 38551 Loggers Ln, Squamish, BC V8B 0H2, Canada
Hours: Daily 8am-6pm
From $ 177
St Paul's Church
St Paul’s Church is one of the most significant landmarks in Halifax; in fact, the evangelical Anglican Church is the oldest surviving Protestant church in Canada and the oldest building in the city. It was given the Bishop's seat upon completion, making it the first Anglican cathedral outside of Great Britain. Thanks to the presence of a royal pew, the church welcomed dozens of monarchs throughout the centuries, including Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward and King Edward VII. Its construction was based on the ground plan of St. Peter's Vere Street in London.
Now a National Historic Site of Canada, St Paul’s Church welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, especially because of its crypt. It contains the remains of 20 congregants, including Sir John Wentworth, Charles Lawrence, Michael Francklin, Lord Charles Montagu and John Parr, to name a few. The church is located right next to the historic Halifax Old Burying Ground, a famous tourist attraction which serves as eternal resting place to over 12,000 people.
Practical Info
St Paul’s Church is located in downtown Halifax at the south end of the Grand Parade on Argyle Street, just a stone throw’s from Halifax City Hall and Government House. Several bus routes offered by Metro Transit stop in the vicinity of St Paul’s Church, including routes 7, 9, 35 and 41. It is not advised to travel to St Paul’s Church by car as there is not parking available onsite. Guided visits are available Monday to Friday from 10:30am to 3pm during summer months. Services are scheduled every Sunday at 10am, with Eucharist on Wednesdays at 11am and morning prayer Fridays at 9am.
Address: 1749 Argyle Street, Halifax B3J 3K4, Canada
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-3pm
From $ 33
Spouting Horn
When the island of Kauai erupted from the sea between 4 and 5 million years ago, parts of the coastline were riddled with tubes where molten lava once flowed. One of those spots is the Spouting Horn on the island’s southern coast, where waves are channeled into the tube before violently erupting in a saltwater geyser over 50 feet in the air. Compared to other Hawaiian blowholes, what makes Kauai’s Spouting Horn unique is the guttural moan that precedes the powerful eruption. A second, smaller hole in the rocks funnels air as opposed to water, and the result is a sound that makes it seem like the rocks themselves are groaning. No wonder Hawaiians believed that a mo’o was stuck inside of the rocks—a mischievous lizard of Polynesian lore that can still be heard to this day. Once finished admiring the geyser and feeling the ocean’s fury, peruse the homemade souvenir stalls erected by local vendors. Even if you don’t find that perfect give to bring back from your Hawaiian vacation, the locals are always a good source of friendly conversation.
Practical Info
The Spouting Horn is located on Lawai Road about 8 minutes west of Poipu. There’s an area with a guardrail for protected viewing, and while walking near the blowhole is technically allowed, it can be very dangerous and multiple visitors have been injured or lost their lives. As an added bonus, the drive from Poipu parallels the ocean and is a great spot for watching whales during the winter from December-April.
Address: Kauai, Hawaii, USA
From $ 65
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
The melodious sounds from Spreckels Organ Pavilion float across San Diego’s Balboa Park, treating passersby to a spectacular sound symphony. The organ is one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, set in a beautifully ornate structure and gifted to the city by John and Adolph Spreckels way back in 1914. In addition to its rich heritage, the unique design of the organ thrills visitors with its 4,725 ornately decorated pipes — the largest is 32 feet long! Stop by the pavilion on Sunday afternoon and enjoy a free weekly concert in the park. Summer concerts are especially popular in sunny San Diego.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion is located in the heart of Balboa Park, minutes away from downtown San Diego in California. The pavilion is capable of hosting up to 2,500 guests in its outdoor seating. While parking is available, driving and parking may be difficult during peak times — the park is accessible by public transportation as well. Visiting the pavilion is free, although prices for activities may vary.
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
From $ 49
Spanish Village Art Center
San Diego’s largest artist community, the Spanish Village Art Center, is located inside bustling Balboa Park. Originally built in 1935 for an exposition to depict a real Spanish village, travelers can’t resist the center’s charm. Meander across the eclectic, multi-colored tiles of the village courtyard and watch the artists at work. Art collectors will love browsing pieces created by more than 200 different craftspeople. In addition to studio viewing, visitors can chat with the artists, sign up for art classes or attend special events like live art demonstrations.
Practical Info
Look for the Spanish Village Art Center at San Diego’s Balboa Park between the San Diego Zoo and Natural History Museum. Admission is free and the village studios run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Address: 1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA, USA 92101, USA
Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
From $ 49
St Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Travelers don’t have to worry about walking the plank at this popular attraction located in St Augustine. The Pirate and Treasure Museum is filled with galleries and exhibits that showcases the life and times of sea greats like Sir Francis Drake and Robert Searles. Visitors can learn about the role pirates played in early colonial America and gain a deeper understanding of life on the high seas.
Travelers will venture back some 300 years to Port Royal, Jamaica when they enter this unique museum that’s perfect for the whole family. Children will love the well-designed treasure hunt that leads the younger set on a real life adventure.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 12 South Castillo Drive in St Augustine. It is open daily from 10 am until 7 pm. Entrance is $13.99 for adults, $6.99 for children 5-12 and those under four can enter for free.
Address: 12 South Castillo Drive, St Augustine, Florida 32084, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10 am until 7 pm
Admission: $13.99 for adults, $6.99 for children 5-12 and those under four are free
From $ 15
Spiral Tunnels
An outstanding feat of engineering, the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park were the ingenious early–20th-century solution to climbing or descending the impossibly steep 4.5-percent grade to cross Kicking Horse Pass by rail. Watch long freight trains cross themselves as they travel the tunnels in different directions at the same time.
The Basics
It may take some patience, but you’ll be rewarded by the fascinating sight of freight trains (and the occasional passenger train) carving a figure eight through the mountains. It appears as though three trains are on the rails as parts of the train enter and exit the tunnels, giving the illusion they are moving separately.
See this fascinating example of brilliant railway engineering from either of two viewpoints—an upper and a lower—on a Banff National Park group day tour from Banff or Calgary, or as part of a self-driven tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Train enthusiasts and history buffs won’t want to miss seeing the Spiral Tunnels in action.
- Freight trains don’t follow a schedule, so be patient and be prepared to wait a bit to train-spot.
- The lower viewpoint has a commemorative monument, information plaques, and restrooms. The upper viewpoint has no amenities.
- Both viewpoints are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Lower Spiral Tunnel viewpoint is located on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1), 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) east of Field, British Columbia and 52 miles (84 kilometers) west of Banff, Alberta. There is also a pull-off viewpoint (of the Upper Spiral) on Yoho Valley Road, on the way to Takakkaw Falls from Field.
When to Get There
The lower tunnel viewpoint is open from mid-May until mid-October; the upper viewpoint (and access via Yoho Valley Road) is open from mid-June to mid-October. During the warmer months, trains run fairly frequently—up to every 15 minutes on some days—although they don’t follow a schedule.
CP Rail and the Big Hill
After the first rail attempt over Kicking Horse Pass ended in derailment and the tragic deaths of three railway workers in 1884, Canadian Pacific Railway devised the Big Hill solution. A series of switches allowed runaway trains a safe place to divert onto spur lines, not descending the grade until the train was under control. The introduction of the Spiral Tunnels in 1909 brought the grade to a much safer and more manageable 2 percent.
Address: Spiral Tunnels, Banff, Canada
From $ 141
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center
The Squamish and Lil’wat people invite you to learn about the cultures of BC First Nations at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, ‘where rivers, mountains and people meet’.
Celebrating nature’s bounty and beauty in this stunning part of the world, a visit to this fascinating cultural center reveals the history, stories and crafts of the region’s inhabitants.
Take a guided or self-guided tour of the exhibits on display in the museum, experience a song and dance session, hear stories from over the eons, and learn about the important cultural role of wool and cedar weaving.
Practical Info
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is just a short walk from Whistler Village.
Address: 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler BC V0N 1B4, Canada
Hours: Open daily, year-round, 9:30am - 5pm
Admission: CA$18
From $ 111
St Augustine Old Jail
Don't let the friendly pink stucco exterior fool you. Although this building might look like an old-fashioned luxury resort, it actually is home to one of the most feared places in all of St. Augustine- the St. John's County Jail. Known today simply as "Old Jail," the building now offers tours for you to see how some of Florida's toughest fugitives lived while locked away. Built in 1891, the jail housed prisoners until 1953, when it was opened to the public for tours.
Your tour will be led by the local deputy, a costumed actor who relays some of the jail's storied history. This is your opportunity to climb into a maximum security cell, see the sheriff's house next door, or look at old weapons used in the early 20th century. You can even see the gallows in the backyard where prisoners were executed. At the end of the tour, try and outwit the deputies and escape from Old Jail!
Old Jail is located in downtown St. Augustine.
Address: 167 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine 32084, USA
From $ 14
St Michael's Church
Towering above surrounding Charleston, the nearly 200-foot tall white steeple of St Michael’s signals the site of the city’s oldest church. Inside, visitors and parishioners are transported back to the colonial era: alcoves shine with Tiffany stained glass windows, the original 1768 organ still pipes tunes and creaky wooden pews have seated centuries of worshipers including notables George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The central chandelier once blazed with candles, but has since been retrofitted with bulbs. Otherwise little altered, the church has survived tornadoes, an earthquake and even civil war bombings. The pulpit still bears battle wounds suffered in the 1865 Siege of Charleston Harbor. A table in the main vestibule along the western wall details the building’s long and storied history.
Choral music still emanates from St Michael’s on Sundays, and, as a still-functioning Episcopal Church, it can be sometimes challenging to tour the inside. Still, the exterior is a highlight of many historic downtown tours. It's still possible to see the old colonial clock— though minute hands weren’t added until the mid-1800s—and tour the adjacent cemetery, the final resting place of, among several other notables, two signers of the US Constitution.
Practical Info
The church is located on the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets across from Washington Square in the heart of Charleston. The building is open Monday-Thursday from 9am-4pm, Fridays from 9am-3pm and Saturdays from 8:30am-noon unless otherwise noted. Midday prayer is held during the week shortly after noon and Sunday services are at 8, 9:30 and 10:30am as well as at 6pm.
Did You Know? In 1680, a small wooden building stood in where St. Michael’s now does – the current building was constructed between 1752 and 1761 to meet the needs of a growing community.
Address: 71 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, USA
Hours: Varies by day
From $ 25
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Both a zoo and a wilderness educational center, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is an open air exhibit featuring the wildlife of New Hampshire. Focused largely on teaching ecological concepts, the center operates in an expansive meadow, allowing for the nature of the area to serve as the classroom. Three hiking trails, a wide walking path suitable for families, and an outdoors playground for younger children make it fun and easy to explore. The outdoor exhibits allow for maximum interaction with the local wildlife.
The science center grants the opportunity to observe the animals up close and learn more about their habitats and natural adaptations. As many of the animals have been injured, most are unsuitable for life in the wild. Everything from deer and foxes to black bears, river otters, mountain lions, and bobcats can be seen. Looking out on Squam Lake (or taking the boat cruise there) is a way to experience even more sightings of native birds.
Practical Info
Located in Holderness, New Hampshire, the Squam Lakes Science Center is easily accessible from I-93, about one hour of driving time from nearby Manchester. The center’s live animal exhibit trail is open daily from May to October, from 9:30am-5pm. Admission is $19 for adults and $14 for children. Tours are self-guided, or given by docents (Thursdays only.) Two hours is a good window of time to allow for a full visit. Picnic facilities are located beside the center, allowing for a scenic lunch in combination with a visit.
Address: 23 Science Center Rd, Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Hours: 9:30AM–5PM
Admission: $19 for adults, $14 for children
From $ 139
St Helena
Napa Valley is chock full of charming towns worth a visit during your stay in wine country and St. Helena is one of them. There are countless wine tasting spots to choose from in St. Helena, so know when you visit that you’ll be back for more. Even if you only have a couple of hours in between wine tastings, it’s worth taking a stroll down St. Helena’s Main Street. Along with boutique style shopping you’ll find an assortment of great restaurants that offer both fine and casual dining. If a cooking class is on your wine country wish list, St. Helena is also home to a campus of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
On weekends it’s worth making the trek a few miles north of town to the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. Here visitors can see the tallest waterwheel west of the Mississippi in motion, milling corn and wheat into flour, cornmeal and polenta.
Practical Info
St Helena is only a 15-minute drive from Calistoga, famous for its therapeutic mineral hot springs and mud baths. Their proximity makes it easy to see both, even on a busy Napa Valley wine country itinerary.
Address: St Helena, USA
From $ 139