Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Statue of Duke Kahanamoku
A landmark stop on almost every organized Honolulu tour is the nine-foot-tall bronze statue immortalizing Hawaii’s original ambassador of aloha, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. One of those guys who was seemingly good at everything, Kahanamoku wore many hats. He was a Hollywood actor, a full-blooded Hawaiian descended from alii (the royal class), an Olympic swimmer who won gold in both the 1912 and 1920 games, an Olympic water polo player, a 13-term sheriff of Honolulu and one of Waikiki’s first surf and canoe instructors. Kahanamoku used his charm and personable nature to popularize surfing and was later the first person to be inducted into both the Surfing and Swimming Halls of Fame.
Poised in front of a longboard and welcoming visitors with open arms, the Duke statue has enjoyed a prime seaside spot across from popular Waikiki breaks since it was installed on what would have been Duke’s 100th birthday in 1990. Many visitors honor Duke’s memory by draping floral and kukui nut lei around his neck and from his arms, or just pause long enough to take a shaka selfie. Making this stop even more popular is the fact that one of Honolulu’s live city cameras is constantly trained on the statue and the palm-lined sands of Waikiki behind it — a great tool for making family back home jealous in real time.
Each summer, Duke’s OceanFest honors the waterman’s memory with ceremonies at the statue and a series of ocean sporting events including longboard surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, surf polo and beach volleyball.
Practical Info
The Statue of Duke Kahanamoku fronts Kuhio Beach between Kaiulani and Uluniu avenues off Kalakaua Street, Waikiki’s main drag. The Duke Kahanamoku statue live cam can be viewed online from anywhere in the world.
Address: Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
From $ 25
Stanley Glacier
Fire and ice bring plenty of contrast to the Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay National Park. A major forest fire struck the area in 2003, creating quite the renewed ecosystem. The recovering lodge pole pine forest is littered with colorful wildflowers, which grow abundantly because of the newly fertilized soils caused by the fire. Further up the trail, the forest diminishes as hikers enter the Stanley Basin. Views of the glacier are spectacular from here; however, hikers must scramble uphill, over large boulders, for another kilometer to see the toe of the glacier.
The hike also traverses a thin portion of the Burgess Shale, which is a 505-million-year-old sea bed preserved on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Joining a seven-hour, 12-kilometer Parks Canada interpretive hike is the best way to take in close-up views of the Stanley Glacier, while also discovering trilobites, hyolithids, brachiopods, sponges and algaes fossils that go missed by the unobservant hiker. These hikes are popular and reservations must be made in advance.
Practical Info
The Stanley Glacier trailhead is located on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park, just 15 kilometers south of Castle Junction and 45 kilometers from Banff, Alberta. It is located 95 kilometers north of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia.
Address: Highway 93, Kootenay National Park, Banff, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 84
St. Patrick's Cathedral
The largest neo-Gothic, Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, St. Patrick’s Cathedral occupies an entire city block, and welcomes millions of visitors annually. First built in 1879, the New York City landmark is renowned for its soaring spires, colossal organ, and exemplary rose window, and is the seat of the Archbishop of New York.
The Basics
St. Patrick’s is a New York icon and rich in the city’s lore: F. Scott Fitzgerald wed Zelda Sayre at the cathedral, and Babe Ruth’s funeral was held here. Today, St. Patrick’s awes visitors with its white marble edifice, enormous bronze doors, and numerous altars. A recent restoration, which involved cleaning and repairing the cathedral’s interior and exterior, means St. Patrick’s looks more impressive than ever.
Thanks to its accessible location in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a popular stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours, private driving and walking tours, self-guided audio tours, bicycle tours, and more. During the festive season, the cathedral is additionally included in a number of Christmas-themed itineraries. St. Patrick’s also offers guided group tours that you can book in advance, plus open public tours held at 10am on select days.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Patrick’s is a don’t-miss for fans of religious architecture, history buffs, and the faithful.
- A self-guided audio tour of St. Patrick’s is available via smartphone app, as well as handheld devices provided by the cathedral.
- The cathedral hosts Mass at different times throughout the day; during Mass, no talking or photography is permitted.
- The cathedral is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Located in bustling Midtown Manhattan, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is easy to access. The 1, 2, 4, 6, D, and E subway lines all stop within a few blocks of the landmark, while Grand Central Terminal, which includes access to Metro-North trains and additional subway lines, is roughly a 10-block walk away. You can also reach St. Patrick’s on foot or by taxi or bus.
When to Get There
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is open daily from 6:30am to 8pm, with varying hours during the holidays. Visit on Sunday afternoons for the cathedral’s organ recital series, or attend period guest choir concerts; both are free and open to the public. Christmas and Easter are particularly festive times to visit St. Patrick’s, as it hosts a special schedule of Masses.
Celebrating Christmas at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is given by the Archbishop of New York, is one of New York’s most popular Christmas traditions. Tickets are available on a lottery basis; register in advance. If you are unable to attend, the cathedral also hosts a Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 5:30pm, and Christmas Day Mass at 8am and 12pm.
Address: 460 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
From $ 10
State Street
Whether it be shopping, dining, art viewing, people viewing, or a night out on town – if you’re in Santa Barbara, State Street has got what you’re looking for. With so many restaurants, art galleries, boutique outlets, coffee shops and bars, Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare attracts visitors year-round.
A lively downtown ambiance, these brick-lined sidewalks are the pride of the city and boast public artworks, lit palm-trees and lively street performers. See a show at the newly refurbished and grand Granada Theater, have a mojito in the open air at Carlitos, or catch the lovely farmers’ market Tuesday afternoons – it’s all glitz on Santa Barbara’s State Street.
A lively downtown ambiance, these brick-lined sidewalks are the pride of the city and boast public artworks, lit palm-trees and lively street performers. See a show at the newly refurbished and grand Granada Theater, have a mojito in the open air at Carlitos, or catch the lovely farmers’ market Tuesday afternoons – it’s all glitz on Santa Barbara’s State Street.
Practical Info
State Street is the heart of downtown Santa Barbara and you’ll find that most people relate directions from this main street which runs from the beach to the 101 freeway. The majority of shops and attractions are located on what is known as “lower State,” which is essentially the area south of the Victoria and State Street intersection.
Address: USA
From $ 37
Staples Center
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Dennis Rodman and Shaquille O’Neal are just five of the celebrated basketball players who have worn the purple and gold of a Los Angeles Lakers jersey. Today’s lauded star, Kobe Bryant, led the Lakers to three national championships in a row from 2000 to 2002, and again in 2009 and 2010.
Needless to say, the NBA team is one of the country’s most worshipped, and catching a game at the Staples Center is an LA must-do. If you’re not a sports fan, keep your eyes open for the A-list stars who frequent the floor seats – particularly Jack Nicholson, who has had season tickets since the 1970s. You may also see Tom Cruise, Snoop Dog, Jack Black, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz.
Needless to say, the NBA team is one of the country’s most worshipped, and catching a game at the Staples Center is an LA must-do. If you’re not a sports fan, keep your eyes open for the A-list stars who frequent the floor seats – particularly Jack Nicholson, who has had season tickets since the 1970s. You may also see Tom Cruise, Snoop Dog, Jack Black, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz.
Address: 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, USA
From $ 49
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
The St. Louis Cemetery consists of three cemeteries, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is New Orleans’ oldest and most famous resting place. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Roman Catholic cemetery was established in 1789, and most of the graves and vaults are above ground.
The Basics
The final resting place of thousands, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 occupies one square block just outside the French Quarter. Many notable New Orleans residents are interred here, including Homer Plessy and Etienne de Boré. Famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau is also rumored to be entombed here.
Most tours of the cemeteries are offered as a part of city sightseeing excursions via bike or bus. A guided walking tour through the burial ground is a true trip through Louisiana history and the only way to enter St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Roman Catholic Archdiocese has closed St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to the public due to a rise in vandalism. Visitors must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.
- These cemeteries still host several funerals per year. Be respectful during an active burial.
- No pets are allowed on tours, with the exception of service animals.
How to Get There
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is located within walking distance of Treme and the French Quarter. The cemetery is accessible via the city's streetcars, buses, or by car, but since you are required to visit with a licensed guide, you may meet your party elsewhere and arrive at the site together.
When to Get There
New Orleans cemeteries are open daily but close weekdays around 3pm and even earlier on weekends. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is only accessible to those on guided tours with licensed tour companies.
Society Tombs
New Orleans cemeteries feature society tombs and wall vaults containing the remains of people who chose to be buried with their social organizations rather than their families. Examples include the French Mutual Benevolent Society, the New Orleans Musicians Tomb, and the Orleans Battalion of Artillery Tomb.
Address: 1300 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
From $ 40
Stanley Park
Vancouver’s Stanley Park enjoys a stellar natural setting, surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and laid out against the backdrop of the snow-capped North Shore Mountains. At nearly 1,000 acres (405 hectares) in size, it’s a mix of coastal red-cedar forest, lakes and lagoons, and scenic meadows. A walk along the public park’s seawall is an essential part of experiencing Vancouver.
The Basics
Visitors can see Stanley Park as a part of a Vancouver sightseeing tour, or dive in deeper with a guided tour along its wooded trails. Those interested in history will want to check out the First Nations Interpretive Walking Tour, which explains the local indigenous history and culture. Guided photography tours take a closer look at the beauty of the area’s temperate rain forest, while fans of the outdoors will enjoy the park’s natural beauty—and a verdant escape from the city—along its winding cycling and hiking paths. Families with kids can stop at the Vancouver Aquarium (Canada’s largest) and the Stanley Park Miniature Train, a replica of the Canadian Pacific Railway engine made famous for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A free shuttle bus travels around the park, though many bike or walk to get around.
- Old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages offer one-hour tours and are a great—and romantic—way to get an overview of the area.
- Restaurants and cafés are scattered throughout the park.
How to Get There
Stanley Park is located at the west end of downtown Vancouver. The park’s information booth is near the Georgia Street entrance, along the seawall. Walking and cycling paths lead from downtown to the peninsula where the park is located. The TransLink #19 bus and Skytrain are public transport options, or you can park your car easily using a daily parking pass.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round; March to November bring the mildest weather, and it can get quite cold in the winter. To have the park (relatively) to yourself, the best times to visit are typically early morning and mid- to late afternoon.
Where to Find Stanley Park’s Best Views
Certainly one of the best views in Stanley Park is from the seawall looking back at the Vancouver skyline and Coal Harbour. For natural beauty, it’s tough to beat the views of the surrounding mountains, but the rose garden and beaches come close. There’s also the wildlife, including bald eagles, beavers, and birds. Culturally, the First Nations art and totem poles are a must. Other scenic spots worth seeing include the Lost Lagoon, Hollow Tree, and Beaver Lake.
Address: Georgia Street West, Vancouver, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 27
St. Michael's Cathedral
The story of St. Michael’s Cathedral is really the story of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. Since the Russians settled in North America starting in 1741, sporadic attempts were made to Christianize the Natives, and in 1848 the capital of the Russian Orthodox Church moved to Sitka and St. Michael’s Cathedral was erected. Though partially destroyed in a fire in January of 1966, the rebuilt Cathedral stands as an outstanding example of Russian Orthodox architecture and was the major religious office in the area until Russia ceded Alaska to the United States in 1867. Today, St. Michael’s Cathedral houses an impressive collection of Russian Orthodox art and various church relics. Set against a sub-arctic skyline, it is a memorable sight for any photographer.
Practical Info
St. Michael’s Cathedral is located at 240 Lincoln Street in Sitka. In summer, the site is open from 9am-4pm.
Address: 240 Lincoln Street, Sitka 99835, USA
Hours: Summer hours: 9am-4pm.
From $ 69
Staten Island Ferry
The distinctive orange Staten Island Ferry passing through New York Harbor has been a familiar sight to New Yorkers since 1905, when the fleet first began carrying commuters between Staten Island and Manhattan. In recent years the free ferry has gained traction with tourists, who crowd the decks to admire front-row views of New York City’s dazzling skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
The Basics
The Staten Island Ferry is first and foremost a commuter vessel, and there is no on-board commentary. For extra insight, context, and information about the surrounding sights, join a guided tour of NYC or Lower Manhattan that includes a round-trip on the ferry. To maximize your experience, take the trip out to Staten Island during the day and return after dark to see the NYC skyline all lit up. The voyage to Staten Island takes around 25 minutes each way. Boats depart at least every 30 minutes, with more frequent departures during commuter rush hours. No ticket is required.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For the best views of Lady Liberty, sit on the right side of a Staten Island–bound ferry.
- Some, though not all, ferries in the fleet have large outdoor side decks, which afford the best views.
- The ferry is accessible to wheelchair users.
- Refreshments, including beer and hot dogs, are available on board.
- All passengers must disembark at St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.
How to Get There
The Staten Island Ferry runs between Whitehall, near Battery Park in Manhattan, and St. George on Staten Island. To get to the Whitehall Terminal, take the subway (1 train) to South Ferry. Other nearby subway stations include Bowling Green (4 and 5), Broad Street (J and Z), and Whitehall Street (1, R, and W).
When to Get There
The best time of year to ride the ferry is during summer, or on warm spring or fall days when you can comfortably soak up the view from the open-air decks. If you don’t like crowds, avoid rush hours (6–9am for boats departing from Staten Island, and 4–7pm for boats departing from Manhattan).
Exploring One of New York’s Lesser-Known Boroughs
Most visitors to NYC never venture outside Manhattan and Brooklyn, though Staten Island—New York’s least-populated borough—has several fascinating sites. Within easy reach of St. George Terminal is the Lighthouse Museum, St George’s Historical District, and the waterfront Richmond County Bank Ballpark, where the minor league Staten Island Yankees (not to be confused with the major league New York Yankees) play. Also of note is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, home to the Noble Maritime Collection and Staten Island Children's Museum.
Address: Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4 South Street, New York City 10004, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Admission: Free
From $ 35
St. John's Church
This historic Episcopal church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the British-born architect of the U.S. Capitol Building. Called the “Church of the Presidents” for having hosted every president since James Madison in its pews, this Neoclassical place of worship was the second structure built on Lafayette Square – after the White House.
Completed in 1816, St. John’s features dozens of intricate stained-glass windows, as well as a wooden steeple with an almost-1,000-pound bell cast by Paul Revere's son, Joseph, at his Boston foundry in 1822; reminiscent of Revere’s bell during the American Revolution, St. John’s bell once served as an alarm for the surrounding neighborhoods.
Completed in 1816, St. John’s features dozens of intricate stained-glass windows, as well as a wooden steeple with an almost-1,000-pound bell cast by Paul Revere's son, Joseph, at his Boston foundry in 1822; reminiscent of Revere’s bell during the American Revolution, St. John’s bell once served as an alarm for the surrounding neighborhoods.
Practical Information
Street parking is available around the Lafayette Square area, and the
Metrorail’s McPherson Square station (serving the Orange and Blue Lines)
is nearby.
Address: 1525 H St NW, Washington DC 20005, USA
From $ 49
Starlite Theater
Amongst a row of theaters in Pigeon Forge, Starlite Theater is one of the smaller musical venues in the area. As such it offers plenty of seating close to the stage. Scenically surrounded by the Great Smokey Mountains, the theater is known by aficionados as one of the “hidden gems” for shows in Tennessee.
The theater features up to four performances and shows, and often several per day. Tributes to musicians with a wide repertoire are common. Classics that taken to the stage include The Ultimate Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, A Tribute to Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton, and Magic Spectacular, which features two of the nation’s top magicians. The shows here feature energetic performers and a lively audience, which always makes for a fun night out on the town.
Practical Info
The Starlite Theater is located on Showplace Boulevard in Pigeon Forge, beside the Country Tonite theater. (Pigeon Forge is known as the home of Dollywood, the theme park of singer Dolly Parton.) Advance ticket purchases are recommended.
Address: 140 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863, USA
Hours: Hours vary depending on show
Admission: Varies with ticket price
From $ 32
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Travelers to picturesque Dutchess County will find what is easily recognized as one of the best examples of Gilded Age architecture in the area. Built in 1832, the 25-room mansion was originally the home of Morgan Lewis, a governor of New York, and later was passed down to his great-granddaughter. The home was mostly used for parties and entertaining, since the family more frequently stayed in their Paris, Rhode Island, New York of California homes.
Visitors to this iconic estate will find a massive portico outside the imposing building, complete with regal columns and an impressive façade. The interior is decorated in typical French style, with towering 18-foot ceilings in some areas. Its restored turn-of-the-century charm continues to attract travelers interested in seeing how the Mid-Atlantic’s elite once lived.
Guided tours of the home and grounds are available for those who want to learn more about the architecture, history and lifestyle of the Staatsburgh State Historic Site’s former residents.
Practical Info
The historic site is located at 75 Mills Mansion 6 Road in Staatsburg, New York. It is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday from 11am-5pm.
Address: 75 Mills Mansion 6 Road, Staatsburg, USA
Hours: Open Thursday-Sunday from 11am-5pm
From $ 73
St. Louis Cathedral
A prominent landmark on Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral (officially the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France) stands tall and proud, beckoning French Quarter visitors to take a little time out from drinking and dancing to admire the oldest continuously used cathedral in the United States. The seat of the city's Roman Catholic Archdiocese, the cathedral was built in 1789 and rebuilt in 1850, and today, its all-white, Spanish Colonial façade with three black spires is one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in the South. The inside is just as beautiful.
The Basics
As one of New Orleans' most famous landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral deserves a spot on every visitor's itinerary. Nearly all sightseeing tours in the city include a stop here, whether a basic walking tour or a quirkier supernatural, romantic, or "drunk history" themed tour. Thanks to the cathedral's central location, it's also easy to visit on your own when mass isn't in session; volunteer docents sometimes lead tours, and brochures for self-guided tours are available at the entrance for a small donation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Louis Cathedral is a perfect spontaneous stop on a stroll through the French Quarter.
- Mass takes place daily at 12:05pm.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
- Expect a full house for mass on Catholic holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
How to Get to St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral is located just across Chartres Street from Jackson Square, so it's easy to get to on foot from just about anywhere in the French Quarter. Parking in the area can be difficult to find, so travelers coming from further afield should consider taking a tour that includes hotel pickup and dropoff, catching a taxi or rideshare, or riding a streetcar to Jackson Square on the Riverfront Line.
When to Get There
While the cathedral is open daily, it closes in mid-afternoon, so it’s best to plan your visit for earlier in the day, either before or after midday mass. Those planning to attend mass on a significant holiday, such as Easter or Christmas, should try to arrive well before the service starts, as seats often fill up quickly.
Visiting the Old Ursuline Convent
Travelers planning a visit to St. Louis Cathedral should also set aside some time for a stop at the nearby Old Ursuline Convent, also located on Chartres Street in the French Quarter. The oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, the convent was built in the 1750s and today houses a museum within its French Colonial facade.
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, USA
From $ 19
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum is an active lighthouse and educational museum offering spectacular views and centuries of local history. The current lighthouse was built in 1874 and is situated at the north end of Anastasia Island, where the views stretch out across Matanzas Bay along with much of northeast Florida.
As well as the spectacular views and scenic grounds, visitors to the St Augustine Lighthouse can learn about the nation’s oldest port and other maritime history at the Keeper’s House Museum. There are also a number of guided tours to choose from, including the Dark of the Moon paranormal tour, plus the Behind the Scenes and Lost Ships archaeology tours.
There’s a gift shop on-site where visitors can purchase unique lighthouse souvenirs to take home.
Practical Info
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum is open from 9am until 7pm during the summer. Free parking is available at the museum.
Address: 100 Red Cox Drive, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Statue of Liberty
Guarding the entrance to New York Harbor on Liberty Island, the 305-foot (93-meter) Statue of Liberty came to the United States as a gift from France to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Lady Liberty has been a symbol of democracy and hope for NYC and the US since 1886. Together with neighboring Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty National Monument is administered by the National Park Service.
The Basics
Statue of Liberty tours start with a scenic ferry ride to the island, where you can explore the grounds or head to the famed, 10-story-high observation pedestal to see the original torch and gain great views and photo ops of the New York City skyline and neighboring New Jersey. It's also possible to secure tickets to the crown for an up-close at Lady Liberty, but be prepared to climb 354 steeply winding steps to the top.
When to Get There
Combine Your Statue of Liberty Visit with a Stop at Ellis Island
The Basics
Statue of Liberty tours start with a scenic ferry ride to the island, where you can explore the grounds or head to the famed, 10-story-high observation pedestal to see the original torch and gain great views and photo ops of the New York City skyline and neighboring New Jersey. It's also possible to secure tickets to the crown for an up-close at Lady Liberty, but be prepared to climb 354 steeply winding steps to the top.
Guided tours feature live narration and historical insight while offering personal attention, and informative audio tours explore the construction and restoration of the monument. The monument is also a highlight on New York Harbor cruises, city helicopter tours, and waterfront walking tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Liberty Island is southwest of the tip of Manhattan in Upper New York Bay. To visit, catch a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan; the ferry continues to Ellis Island if you'd like to also visit there. The closest subway stations for Battery Park are South Ferry and Bowling Green.
- Choose between three levels of access: grounds only, pedestal access, or crown access. Pedestal and crown tickets should be booked well in advance.
- Opt for an exclusive early-access tour to beat the crowds.
- Access to the Statue of Liberty museum is included with pedestal tickets.
- While the observation deck is not wheelchair accessible, the information center, gift pavilion, bookstore, and exterior grounds are.
- All visitors to the monument are subject to security screening.
Liberty Island is southwest of the tip of Manhattan in Upper New York Bay. To visit, catch a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan; the ferry continues to Ellis Island if you'd like to also visit there. The closest subway stations for Battery Park are South Ferry and Bowling Green.
When to Get There
Summertime crowds can get intense, so the earlier you arrive at Battery Park for the first few departing ferries, the better. Booking priority-access tickets in advance is a helpful way to maximize your time. The first ferry to Liberty Island departs at 9:30am and the last departs at 3:30pm, with extended hours in summer and around holidays.
Combine Your Statue of Liberty Visit with a Stop at Ellis Island
Many visitors choose to combine a Statue of Liberty tour with a visit to nearby Ellis Island; your ferry ticket includes access to both stops, and many guided tours offer a combination experience. Visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about the history of immigration in the United States.
Address: Liberty Island, New York City, New York 10004, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am - 6pm
Admission: US$17
From $ 18
St Philips Church
This historical church is home to the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina. The first St. Philips Church was a small wooden structure built in 1681, where St. Michael's Episcopal Church stands today. The church withstood hurricane damage in 1710, was reconstructed, burned to the ground in 1835, and finally rebuilt to the present day church in 1836. Before it burned completely, it was saved from one fire by a slave who was granted his freedom for the act. Notable South Carolinians such as John C. Calhoun are buried in the old cemetery on the grounds.
Architect Joseph Hyde incorporated some design elements from the previous structures as well as adding in new features to the stuccoed brick exterior, such as the three Tuscan porticoes and Corinthian columns. The church’s impressive steeple that towers over Church Street was added over a decade later. Today it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Practical Info
St. Philips Church is located at 146 Church Street between Cumberland and Queen Streets in Charleston’s French Quarter. The Churchyard is open from 9 am to 4 pm daily with no cost for admission.
Address: 146 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Hours: Open from 9 am to 4 pm daily
From $ 24
Starr Hill Brewery
One of the most awarded breweries on the East Coast, Virginia’s Starr Hill is the largest independent craft brewer in the state. The regional brewery distributes mostly in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and stays close to its historic roots. Founded in Charlottesville's Starr Hill Music Hall in 1999, live music plays a big role in the brewery's story.
Though the facilities have since moved to a larger industrial property, Starr Hill Brewery still has a stage for performers and now hosts food trucks every weekend on its patio area. The brewery has been recognized as a leader in the growing craft beer scene, with 16 different beers on tap—and many of them award-winning.
Tour this brewery and many more on a private or hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Crozet's breweries and wineries, which include beer tastings and round trip transportation from Charlottesville.
Practical Info
Starr Hill Brewery is located in Crozet, Virginia, just a few miles west of Charlottesville at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Together with other local breweries it forms part of the Brew Ridge Trail.
The taproom is open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 9pm; Saturday from 11am to 9pm; and Sunday from noon to 6pm. It is open Monday from 9am to 5pm, but only for purchasing beer to-go. Free tours take place on the hour between 1pm and 4pm on weekends.
The taproom features food items from local restaurants, and there are food trucks available in the patio area on weekends.
If in need of a designated driver, private tours offer round trip transportation to the brewery from Charlottesville, with included hotel pickup and drop-off.
Address: 5391 Three Notched Road, Crozet, Virginia, USA
Hours: Tues–Fri: 12pm–9pm; Sat: 11am–9pm; Sun:12pm–6pm
From $ 59
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Located in Memphis’ Soulsville area in the former Stax Records -- which had also been the old Capitol Theater and closed due to bankruptcy in 1976 -- the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a recreation of what once was. After the original studio was torn down in 1989, there was a revitalization effort for the area and the institution was rebuilt to its former glory. Today visitors can peruse over 2,000 photos, films, music clips, costumes, original instruments, artifacts, trivia games and exhibits that tell the story of Stax Records and Memphis music history. You’ll learn about Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Ike & Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and other soul legends.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is one of only a very few soul-focused museums in existence anywhere in the world. Some collection highlights include the dance floor from Soul Train, Isaac Hayes’ flashy gold and blue Cadillac El Dorado, a historical film on Stax Records you watch at the beginning of your visit, Studio A, Tina Turner’s gold sequined dress, a brown suede jacket owned by Otis Redding, the Hall of Records with its showcase of 912 singles and 292 full length albums, and a recreation of the Stax Records Control Room.
Don’t leave without perusing their gift shop for soul music inspired t-shirts, DVDs, CDs and memorabilia. Best of all, each purchase helps benefit the museum as well as the next door Stax Music Academy, which provides music education and arts opportunities to at-risk youth.
Allow about two to three hours to explore the museum.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is one of only a very few soul-focused museums in existence anywhere in the world. Some collection highlights include the dance floor from Soul Train, Isaac Hayes’ flashy gold and blue Cadillac El Dorado, a historical film on Stax Records you watch at the beginning of your visit, Studio A, Tina Turner’s gold sequined dress, a brown suede jacket owned by Otis Redding, the Hall of Records with its showcase of 912 singles and 292 full length albums, and a recreation of the Stax Records Control Room.
Don’t leave without perusing their gift shop for soul music inspired t-shirts, DVDs, CDs and memorabilia. Best of all, each purchase helps benefit the museum as well as the next door Stax Music Academy, which provides music education and arts opportunities to at-risk youth.
Allow about two to three hours to explore the museum.
Practical Info
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is $12 for adults; $11 for seniors 62 +, active military and students; $9 for children 9-12; and free for members and children under eight.
Address: 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38126, USA
Admission: Adults: $12; Children: $9
From $ 13
St. Paul's Chapel
Located at 209 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, St. Paul’s Chapel is Manhattan’s oldest public building in continuous use. Moreover, it is the only surviving church from the Revolutionary Era, and holds much history from this period. Opened in 1766, it is part of the Episcopal Parish of Trinity Church and has been a place of worship and refuge for many over the years, including George Washington and Revolutionary War British Generals Cornwallis and Howe, who would go there to pray and 9/11 recovery workers who were cared for inside the chapel. If you’re interested in seeing where George Washington himself sat inside the church, there is an oil painting of the Great Seal of the United State over his pew. The interior of the church is less grand and more cozy yet elegant with glass chandeliers and an ornamental design above the alter created by a French veteran of the revolution, Pierre L’Enfant. For those who want to do more than just wander around the site, St. Paul’s is extremely active and holds regular mass, concerts and lectures.
Hours for St. Paul’s Chapel are 10am - 6pm Monday through Saturday and 7am to 6pm on Sundays. To get to the chapel by subway you can take the 4, 5, 2, 3, A, C to Broadway-Nassau Street; E to Chambers Street; 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.
Hours for St. Paul’s Chapel are 10am - 6pm Monday through Saturday and 7am to 6pm on Sundays. To get to the chapel by subway you can take the 4, 5, 2, 3, A, C to Broadway-Nassau Street; E to Chambers Street; 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.
Address: 209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA
From $ 19
St. Lawrence Market
A foodie paradise, this long-running farmers market occupies the historic South Market House building, which previously served as Toronto’s city hall and jail. Since 1803, residents and visitors have come here to meet, eat, and shop for food items ranging from Prince Edward Island oysters to peameal bacon to Montreal-style bagels.
The Basics
St. Lawrence Market is heaven for hungry travelers, with many visitors stopping by during food tours of Toronto. It’s also a common stop on beer tours and walking tours around Old Town Toronto, as well as on haunted tours, thanks to reports of ghost sightings in and around the market area.
In addition to the 50 or so food vendors on the lower level, the market also features the Market Gallery on the second floor. Set within the former council chamber, the gallery displays temporary exhibits covering local history and culture. The nearby North Market hosts a farmers market on Saturdays, beginning at 5am, and an antiques market on Sundays.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit for foodies.
- Bring cash as some vendors don’t accept debit or credit cards.
- The market is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The nearest subway stop to the St. Lawrence Market is Union Station, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take the King streetcar. Get off at Jarvis and walk one block to the south.
When to Get There
St. Lawrence Market is open Tuesday to Saturday. On Saturdays, particularly during the summer, the market is usually thronged, especially at lunchtime and during the afternoon. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds. During the lead-up to Christmas, the market offers an assortment of festive specialties.
What to Eat at St. Lawrence Market
While there is no shortage of good food at St. Lawrence Market, there are some only-in-Canada specialties that locals and visitors rave about. The Carousel Bakery, for example, sells the popular peameal bacon sandwich, which consists simply of a kaiser roll, topped with peameal bacon and mustard. St. Urbain Bagels, meanwhile, are credited with introducing Montreal-style bagels to Toronto. The bagels here are dipped in honey water before being cooked over a wood fire.
Address: 92 Front Street East, Old York, Toronto M5E 1C4, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 19