Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
ShowingFilter 1961-1980 of 2596 listings.
Storyville District
Storyville was established in 1897 when the New Orleans City Council, under orders from councilman, Alderman Sidney Story, set out to regulate prostitution with the aim to restrict the red light district to a controlled area. The district was soon nicknamed Storyville after the councillor, and for the next 20 years the streets of North Basin, North Robertson, Iberville, and St. Louis on the edge of the French Quarter were filled with brothels, saloons, and other businesses. It is said that jazz and swing music originated within the saloons and dance halls of Storyville during this time, with musicians such as Tony Jackson and Jelly Roll Morton performing in the area.
Storyville was easily accessible via a nearby train station and immensely popular, from its 50-cent brothels right through to the higher end of the market. In 1917, when the US entered World War I, the federal government closed down Storyville and legal protests by local businesses failed to ever revoke the decision. Today, not much of the old era remains and the neighborhood is currently the site for a number of housing projects.
Practical Info
The area known as Storyville lies in the neighborhood of Faubourg Treme in New Orleans.
Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
From $ 20
Sugar Beach
A small recreation area in Toronto on the shore of Lake Ontario, Sugar Beach is not the place for a dip as swimming is prohibited. Its sandy shores are just fine for relaxing on a sunny day under the shade of a pink patio umbrella. Visitors have views of cargo ships and the Redpath Sugar Refinery, which inspired the name.
The Basics
Muskoka (Adirondack) chairs and umbrellas available for public use are scattered across the white sand of Sugar Beach. Though you can’t swim in the water, the beach is a nice place to relax on a sunny day. There is also a splash pad with fountains that allow children and adults to cool off in the spray. The beach, created by the city of Toronto in 2010, is a popular spot for sunbathers and families.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a fun family destination and a great spot for enjoying down time during a busy activity-filled Toronto itinerary.
- Swimming is not allowed at Sugar Beach.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen and a towel to lay on.
- The Sugar Beach promenade and plaza are both wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Sugar Beach is located on Queens Quay, just south of Lower Jarvis Street on the eastern edge of Jarvis Slip. You can drive there from Gardiner Expressway. Take the Lower Jarvis Street exit to Queens Quay. Parking is available at the beach. You can take the bus to the Dockside Drive at Queens Quay East stop.
When to Get There
Toronto enjoys the most beautiful sunny days in the summer months of June, July, and August. However, on summer weekends at Sugar Beach, you may face crowds jockeying for a chair or a spot underneath one of the umbrellas. If you can go on a weekday, your chance of finding a good spot is better.
This Beach Rocks
One of the key features of Sugar Beach is the oversized granite rocks lining the perimeter of the beach and in the plaza next to Corus Quay. The rocks were brought from a quarry in northern Quebec and were painted with candy stripes to give the park a playful, whimsical feel, complementing the bright pink umbrellas and white beach chairs.
Address: Sugar Beach, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
From $ 22
Sunset Beach Park
White sand, blue sea, great waves and shady palms. If it sounds too good to be true, it must be Sunset Beach!
This 2-mile (3 km) stretch of sand is targeted by swimmers and snorkelers in the calm of summer, and by the world’s best surfers during December and January, when the wintertime waves are at their lethal best for pro surfer tournaments.
Pack a picnic to enjoy under the palms, go swimming in summer under the watchful eye of the beach lifeguards, and collect shells in tidal pools when the tide’s out.
This 2-mile (3 km) stretch of sand is targeted by swimmers and snorkelers in the calm of summer, and by the world’s best surfers during December and January, when the wintertime waves are at their lethal best for pro surfer tournaments.
Pack a picnic to enjoy under the palms, go swimming in summer under the watchful eye of the beach lifeguards, and collect shells in tidal pools when the tide’s out.
Sunset Beach is on Oahu’s North Shore. To get here by public transport, reserve a few hours and pick up the Circle Island via North Shore public bus service from Waikiki. You’ll need to have at least five hours spare.
Address: 59–104 Kamehameha Highway, Sunset Beach, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 79
Stone Island
This offshore island is a popular excursion stop for cruise ship passengers docking in Mazatlan, but most of the visitors are locals on weekends and it’s not very crowded on non-cruise weekdays. The main reason to visit is to lie on the beach, swim, and eat grilled seafood at a thatched-roof restaurant, but you can also explore the island by horseback or on walking trails. The beach here is a good spot for seashell collecting.
There are two ways to get to Isla de Piedra as it’s known locally. The independent route is to take a pulmonia to the cruise ship port and take the public launch, running every 15 to 30 minutes. Another option is to sign up for a tour that includes some time at Stone Island. Most of them also visit mangrove swamps in a jungle area to spot birds.
There are two ways to get to Isla de Piedra as it’s known locally. The independent route is to take a pulmonia to the cruise ship port and take the public launch, running every 15 to 30 minutes. Another option is to sign up for a tour that includes some time at Stone Island. Most of them also visit mangrove swamps in a jungle area to spot birds.
Address: Mexico
From $ 55
Stone Street Historic District
The borough of Manhattan is filled with iconic buildings, famous landmarks and world-class restaurants. It’s also home to plenty of places that serve to unlock stories of the city’s colorful past. Stone Street Historic District, where one of the oldest streets in Manhattan still exists, is one such location.
The small two-block Mecca of bars and restaurants is located in the heart of the city’s Financial District. The surrounding streets are typically swarming with suits, but during summer months, café tables filled with tourists and local businessmen dot the area. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite or a drink on the way to Battery Park or after spending a morning wandering Wall Street and Lower Manhattan.
Practical Info
Stone Street Historic District includes Stone Street, South William Street and Pearl Street, as well as Coenties Alley.
Address: New York, New York, USA, USA
From $ 35
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
About 1,000 years ago, outside what is now Flagstaff, a cinder cone in the San Francisco Volcanic Field blew its top, showering the surrounding area with lava and ash. Since then, the minerals in the soil around the rim of the crater rusted, creating a striking red ring that lends the name Sunset Crater. A national monument was created here in 1930 when locals protested the plan of filmmakers to detonate explosives on the side of the slope. The main attractions at the small park are the visitor center, with its interactive volcano exhibits, and the short Lava Flow Trail that loops around the base of the volcano. Visitors can’t climb to the edge of Sunset Crater, but for those interested in scaling a volcano, the Lennox Crater Trail is open to hikers.
Practical Info
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is about 20 miles to the northeast of Flagstaff and about 70 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The park is open every day except Christmas. Admission costs $20 per vehicle, and that includes entry to both and Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National monuments.
Address: 6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA 86004, USA
Hours: Open daily Nov-May: 9am-5pm and May-October: 8am-5pm; closed Dec 25
Admission: $20 per vehicle
From $ 164
Steel Bridge
Portland is a city of bridges, and each bridge has its own story. The Steel Bridge has the distinction of being the only double-decker bridge in the world with independent lifts and was opened in 1912, spanning the Willamette River connecting Northwest and Northeast Portland. It carries not only car traffic but also pedestrians, bicycles, light rail, and trains. It was originally built to replace an 1888 bridge which had the same name.
Both of the decks of the bridge can rise independently of one another, although at times both must rise to allow larger boats to pass underneath the bridge. With the railroad on the lower deck, however, it's possible to lift the lower deck for smaller boats without disturbing the car traffic on the upper deck.
Practical Info
The Steel Bridge is near Union Station in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. It's at the northern end of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, making it a popular crossing point for walkers and cyclists who are making a circuit of the walkways on both sides of the river.
Address: N Steel Bridge., Portland, Oregon 97212, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 49
Strong National Museum of Play
While we might not regularly think of it as such, simply sitting down to play for a while is a science unto itself. What is it that captures the imagination or piques a particular interest, and what form of playing is educational—rather than just passing time? These are some the questions explored at the National Museum of Play—formerly the Strong National Museum of Play in the city of Rochester, New York. There are interactive and hands on exhibits on everything from video games to action figures, and the center has a way of bringing out the kid in even the most serious of adults. There’s a video arcade full of classic games and enormous exhibits on Sesame Street, and even an indoor butterfly garden that is filled with 1,000 butterflies. While the center is heavily geared towards kids, it ends up being a family outing that everyone in the party can enjoy, since it’s hard to go wrong when visiting a building full of 400,000 toys.
Practical Info
There is a small restaurant on site if you end up wanting to visit for the entire day, which ends up happening fairly frequently for families swept up in the fun. The museum is located towards the center of Rochester, only a couple blocks back from the Genessee River on the western side of town. It costs $14 per person ages 2 and up, and an additional $4 for a 20-minute experience inside of the butterfly garden.
Address: 1 Manhattan Square Drive, Rochester, New York 14607, USA
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, and Sun 12pm-5pm
Admission: $14
From $ 16
Strait of Juan de Fuca
The stunning, 95-mile long Strait of Juan de Fuca is divided distinctly in half; the international border between Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada, and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, USA, is drawn down its center.
In 2008, Chemainus First Nation in Canada proposed the name be changed to Salish Sea. Initially met with a positive public response, the request went through a lengthy bureaucratic process that involved different government departments in both the USA and Canada. Eventually, it was decided the Strait of Juan de Fuca would keep its name; however, the Salish Sea would be used to describe the entire area, which stretches from Desolation Sound south through the Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound to Hammersley Inlet.
Practical Info
On the Canadian side, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail stretches 47 kilometers between China and Botanical Beaches. Aside from stunning coastal scenery, this entire hike is lined with plenty of beaches that offer outstanding – albeit, absolutely freezing – surf breaks. Pods of resident Orcas call the strait home, so whale-watching is popular from April to October. Along with killer whales, it’s common to see humpback, minke, and grey whales, seals, sea lions and porpoises, depending on the season.
Address: Victoria, Canada
From $ 88
Stearns Wharf
Embodying beauty, rustic charm, tourism, and a feel of the ocean, Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara’s number one tourist attraction. Built by lumberman John P. Stearns in 1872, Stearns Wharf has a long and decorated history including naval appropriation and one great conflagration which all but destroyed it. Nowadays the pier is a bustling center for shops, restaurants, and fishermen.
Santa Barbara’s historic three-dolphin statue marks the pier’s entrance at the bottom of State Street, where cars and pedestrians alike head out over the deep blue water to do a bit of wine tasting, souvenir shopping, pay a visit to the Ty Warner Sea Center, or just to get a great view of Santa Barbara from a different angle. Bring a camera and the kids – enjoying the beauty of Stearns Wharf is one of Santa Barbara’s highlights.
Santa Barbara’s historic three-dolphin statue marks the pier’s entrance at the bottom of State Street, where cars and pedestrians alike head out over the deep blue water to do a bit of wine tasting, souvenir shopping, pay a visit to the Ty Warner Sea Center, or just to get a great view of Santa Barbara from a different angle. Bring a camera and the kids – enjoying the beauty of Stearns Wharf is one of Santa Barbara’s highlights.
Practical Info
Stearns Wharf is located at 219 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California. It is most easily recognizable by it protrusion into the ocean from the bottom of Santa Barbara’s main tourist thoroughfare, State Street. Parking is available on the wharf and is free for 90 minutes with merchant validation, but is otherwise $2.50 every hour or part thereof.
Address: 219 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, USA
From $ 60
Sulphur Mountain
Named in 1916 after the hot springs bursting from the earth at its base, 8,041-foot Sulphur Mountain is famous for its views across the mountains and valleys of Canada’s Banff National Park.
The Banff Gondola is a popular way to get to the top of Sulphur Mountain, as the ride takes just eight minutes instead of a two- or three-hour hike to the top. At the upper summit are two restaurants, as well as a gift shop and plenty of viewing decks. Once the gondola drops you off at the summit, it’s worth taking the 0.6-mile trail along the Banff Skywalk to the top of 7,448-foot Sanson's Peak, where a century-old meteorological observatory still stands. Take a peek through the observatory windows for a glance back in time.
From the mountain top, there are many animals and birds to keep an eye out for, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, hoary marmots and ground squirrels. But the main draw to Sulphur is the view of the surrounding mountains and Bow Valley down below.
The South East Ridge trail is the main hiking route to the top of the mountain. It starts and ends at the parking lot for Banff Upper Hot Springs, meaning once you’ve trampled up and down the mountain, there’s a steaming hot pool of water waiting to soak your tired muscles in at the end.
Practical Info
Banff Gondola is open year-round and costs $35.95 for adults. Banff Upper Hot Springs costs $7.30 per adult. The base of Sulphur Mountain is just a five-minute drive from downtown Banff, and there are also regular Roam public buses that take visitors to the gondola for $2 each way.
Address: Sulphur Mountain, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 52
Sumidero Canyon National Park
Formed by a geological fault some 40 million years ago, the immense Sumidero canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Chiapas, with the canyon walls reaching heights of up to 1,000 meters and the Grijalva River dotted with waterfalls and caves.
While a number of lookout points offer a view of the canyon from above, the most popular way to explore the Sumidero Canyon National Park is by boat, cruising downstream from Chiapa de Corzo and winding through the gorge towards the Chicoasén Dam and lake. Hemmed in by towering cliffs and dense jungle, this is one of Mexico’s most dramatic cruises and there are a number of key attractions to look out for en route, most notably the aptly nicknamed Cueva de Colores or Cave of Colors and the Árbol de Navidad or ‘Christmas Tree’ waterfall, where the series of algae covered rocks really do resemble a Christmas tree.
Practical Info
Sumidero Canyon National Park is located between Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Chiapa de Corzo and is typically visited by boat from Chiapa de Corzo for about 160 pesos per person.
Address: Sumidero Canyon National Park, Chiapas, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From $ 23
Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial
Located in Central Park, Strawberry Fields encompasses 2.5 acres dedicated to Beatles band member John Lennon. Opened in 1985, five years after Lennon was murdered outside his home at The Dakota apartments, the memorial is named after The Beatles’ hit “Strawberry Fields Forever.” The focus of the memorial is a stone mosaic with inlaid tiles spelling out the word “Imagine,” named after another famous Beatles’ song. This is where you’ll catch impromptu jam sessions by fans, especially on the anniversary dates of John Lennon’s birthday on October 9 and death on December 8. It’s also a place for vigils, such as after the September 11th attacks, as well as memorials for other beloved musicians. While the entire memorial is a place of peace, the Garden of Peace is particularly special, filled with plant life and rocks donated by 150 different countries for contemplative meditation.
To get to the memorial, visitors should enter at Central Park West at West 72nd Street. To get there using the subway, take the A,B,C,1,2,3 to 72nd Street.
To get to the memorial, visitors should enter at Central Park West at West 72nd Street. To get there using the subway, take the A,B,C,1,2,3 to 72nd Street.
Address: USA
From $ 8
Stockyards National Historic District
Fort Worth, once known as Cowtown, is a city that never forgot its roots. You can see those roots still honored at the Stockyards National Historic District, where a Texas longhorn cattle herd takes to the streets daily. This festive ritual is exemplary of how the city continues to embrace its Cowboys and Culture brand.
The Basics
A main draw to the Stockyards, the cattle drives take place at 11:30am and 4pm every day. Learn more about Fort Worth’s cowboy culture at the Stockyards Museum, and enjoy the district’s shops, saloons, and restaurants. If you’d like to see even more, book a tour that includes other area attractions such as the Cowtown Coliseum and Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards is a great activity for families with kids and a must for first-time visitors.
- There are several shops and restaurants located in this district.
- You can pay to get a photo with one of the longhorns, and there’s also a petting zoo open on weekends at the Stockyards with other farm animals.
- Most of the Stockyards establishments are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is on Exchange Avenue at Main Street, north of downtown Fort Worth and about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Street parking is free on Exchange Avenue. Molly the Trolley is free and runs from downtown to the Stockyards.
When to Get There
Be sure to visit the Stockyards for one of the two daily cattle drives. Weekends generally offer more in terms of activities, including a petting zoo for kids. Weather is generally very comfortable in the spring (March through May) and fall (October and November), and even into winter; summer tends toward uncomfortably hot temperatures.
Hell’s Half Acre
Several Texas towns had seedy areas known as Hell’s Half Acre, renowned for gambling, drinking, prostitution, and general debauchery—but no town was more infamous than Fort Worth. You’d be hard-pressed to find any semblance of this former red-light district nowadays, but you can always pay a visit to a local saloon and toast the memory of Fort Worth’s outlaws.
Address: Stockyards Boulevard, Fort Worth TX 76164, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 75
Steamboat Natchez
When in New Orleans, there's no better, more classic way to experience the mighty Mississippi than on a river tour aboard the Steamboat Natchez. The historic stern-wheeled steamboat makes its home on the riverfront next to the French Quarter, and slowly and gracefully plies the river for brunch, lunch, or dinner cruises with live traditional jazz on board.
The Basics
The Natchez—New Orleans’ only steamboat—heads out for daytime and evening cruises year-round, all with traditional jazz music and optional meals. Enjoy an indulgent Sunday brunch cruise with local specialties, including Creole and Cajun dishes; have a more casual buffet lunch replete with a calliope concert; or opt for a romantic dinner cruise. You can upgrade your experience to include a private tour of the historic steam-engine room.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cruises are two hours long.
- Be at the dock at least 30 minutes before departure time.
- The recommended attire for daytime cruises is casual, though the Natchez suggests “dressy casual” for the dinner cruises.
- Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
How to Get There
The Steamboat Natchez is docked at the Toulouse Street Wharf on the Mississippi River, adjacent to the French Quarter near Jackson Square. Tour buses stop near the dock and there are some streetcar stops nearby, but it's also easy to reach on foot.
When to Get There
The Steamboat Natchez operates year-round. The boat undergoes maintenance work every January or February and these dates vary, so check the cruising schedule in advance. Cruises are canceled only when the Coast Guard raises an alert about particularly bad weather. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, so diners stay warm and dry even in inclement conditions.
Cruise Music: Live Jazz and Steam Calliope
True to New Orleans' love of music, live jazz accompanies every Steamboat Natchez cruise. Dinner cruise guests, for instance, often enjoy the Dukes of Dixieland, a Grammy-nominated jazz band playing old favorites. But music lovers don't even need to board the boat to hear its famous steam calliope: The historic steam-pipe organ is played when the boat is docked, once or twice every day. Walk over to the dock to see the columns of steam that the calliope produces as it's played. Daytime harbor cruises include a calliope concert as well.
Address: Toulouse Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, USA
Hours: Cruises at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:00 pm
Admission: Adults: $25–65
From $ 34
Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a four-acre botanical garden located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida. At more than 100 years old, it’s recognized as St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum and is home to over 50,000 tropical plants, representing more than 500 species, along with flamingos and other exotic birds.
Look for various areas like a Japanese garden, cactus garden, butterfly garden, and the Chilean flamingo garden. Stop at scenic points like the Wishing Well, Photo Ring, waterfall, and the Wedding Lawn. Don’t miss the Growing Stone, a fossilized limestone rock has a sign that says: “Legend has it that ‘he who sits upon the ancient stone shall be granted tranquility, inner harmony and the talent to make things grow.’”
Sadly, the flamingo population at Sunken Gardens has dwindled. There is a non-profit fundraising campaign currently underway to raise money in order to bring 20 more flamingos to Sunken Gardens. Flamingos thrive (and breed) in flocks; therefore breeders typically only sell them in lots of 20 or more. The city has already agreed to design and finance new housing for the flamingos as well.
Practical Info
Sunken Gardens is open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 4:30pm, and on Sunday from noon to 4:30pm. The garden is located at 1825 4th Street North in St. Petersburg. Note: gardens may be closed unexpectedly due to inclement weather.
Address: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg 33704, USA
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm
Sunday 12pm-4:30pm
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors $6, Children $4
From $ 70
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Located between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, the 842-square-mile Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is Boston’s premier whale watching spot, as summertime brings hungry migratory humpback whales to the area.
Stellwagen Bank is an underwater plateau rich in nutrients, which feed the local ecosystem. The plateau was created by glacially deposited sand and gravel from the Laurentide Ice Sheet. There are well over 100 species of animals that call the Stellwagen area home, whether it’s migratory or full-time. Fish like Atlantic cod, blue fin tuna and striped bass are found in the region.
Reptiles, primarily the leatherback sea turtle, and scores of marine birds are also found in Stellwagen. Perhaps the most feared resident in the region is the shark. The great white shark, along with a number of other shark varieties, has been documented in Stellwagen Bank.
The mammals frequenting Stellwagen Bank are the most famous, including five different types of seals and numerous whales. The seal varieties are harp seal, harbor seal, hooded seal, gray seal and ringed seal. The real stars of the show at Stellwagen Bank are the various whale species that pass through. Whale watchers are most likely to spot humpback whales, Minke whales, fin whales, and the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales, while beluga, orca, pilot and sperm whales are among the others found here.
One of the best ways to see the whales in Stellwagen is to take a whale watching tour. These tours include naturalist guides who know the history of the region and are recognized experts on whales. You can also explore Stellwagen by scuba diving expeditions and/or fishing charters. There are also several dive sites, including the Josephine Marie shipwreck.
Practical Info
Whale watching season is typically between May and October. Most tours go up to 20 miles offshore, so bringing motion sickness medicine may be wise. Remember to layer clothing as weather can change, and bring necessities like bottled water, sunblock and binoculars. If you plan to scuba dive or go fishing in Stellwagen Bank, pay attention to its rules and guidelines, as the area is closely monitored and protected.
Address: Massachusetts Bay, Massachusetts, USA
From $ 56
Stratosphere Tower
Standing 1,149 feet (350 meters) above the Las Vegas Strip, Stratosphere Tower is the tallest observation tower in the United States. From the top, visitors enjoy 360-degree views of Las Vegas from an observation deck, aboard thrill rides, or over a drink or meal at one of several bars and restaurants.
The Basics
Visible from just about everywhere on Las Vegas Boulevard, Stratosphere Tower is often included as a stop on city sightseeing tours. Experiences within the tower include indoor and outdoor observation decks for some of the best views of the city, as well as thrill rides like Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream, and SkyJump, the world record highest commercial decelerator descent. Visitors choose among single attraction tickets or a multi-attraction option, such as the Las Vegas Thrill Pass, which also includes attractions like the Eiffel Tower Experience, the roller coaster at New York New York, and the VooDoo Zip Line.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The tower is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.
- Tower rides have height and age restrictions.
- Professional camera equipment, including tripods and long lenses, are not permitted inside the Stratosphere Tower.
How to Get There
Stratosphere Tower is located in front of Stratosphere Hotel on the northern end of the Strip. The tower entrance is accessible via escalators across from C Bar or Roxy’s Diner. The Deuce Bus stops directly in front of Stratosphere.
When to Get There
One of the best times to visit Stratosphere Tower is in the evening, when it’s possible to watch the sunset over the Nevada desert, followed by the illuminated city skyline after dark.
Dine High in the Sky
Top of the World restaurant sets the stage for a romantic dinner as it makes its 360-degree rotation over the course of an hour—a popular option for couples in Sin City. The 107 SkyLounge on the 107th floor serves signature cocktails with 360-degree panoramic views, while AirBar on the 108th floor affords views of brave travelers making the SkyJump leap just a few feet away. The Tower Creamery serves adult milkshakes, ice cream, coffee, and other sweet treats.
Address: 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas 89104, USA
Hours: Varies
Admission: Varies
From $ 24
Stranahan House
The Stranahan House is the oldest surviving structure in Fort Lauderdale. It was built in 1902 as a trading post by Frank Stranahan, the founder of the city, and used by Stranahan’s wife, Ivy, as a school house. Over the decades it has also served as a post office, community center, and town hall. Today it’s a historic attraction that’s open daily for guided tours.
The Basics
The Stranahan House is a wood-frame, two-story green-and-white house, now modest and unassuming at its location on Fort Lauderdale’s bustling Las Olas Avenue. The house has been restored to show visitors what it looked like in 1915, when it first fitted with electricity and indoor plumbing. On your guided tour, you can learn about the Stranahans’ life and see Ivy’s original china and quilt, which is draped across her bed upstairs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a must for history buffs, as it tells the story of the evolution of present-day Fort Lauderdale and Florida.
- There is an on-site gift shop stocked with unique souvenirs.
- The Stranahan House is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
This house is located between the Riverside Hotel and the Icon just off Las Olas Boulevard on the New River, over the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel. From I-95, take the Broward Boulevard exit, and then turn right on 6th Street. Public parking is located on Las Olas Boulevard and in nearby lots.
When to Get There
Guided tours of the house take place at 1, 2, and 3pm each day, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. One of the best times to visit is during the holidays, when the Historic Stranahan House Museum is decorated in a Victorian Christmas theme. Holiday River Tours, which float down the New River, include costumed docents and festive live music.
Ivy and Frank
Ivy Stranahan, a former teacher in Miami, worked with the Seminole tribe and offered informal lessons to Seminole children. Though her husband is credited as the ounder of modern day Fort Lauderdale, he became severely depressed after the collapse of Florida’s land boom and two devastating hurricanes. After he drowned himself in the river in front of his home, in May 1929, Ivy continued to live there, renting out the rooms and leasing out the lower floor to restaurants, until her death in 1971.
Address: 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33301, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 55
Sun Studio
A veritable icon of music and a Memphis landmark, Sun Studio is known as the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In fact, the very first rock single, “Rocket 88,” was recorded here in 1951, when it was called the Memphis Recording Service. The former recording studio’s musical heritage—made famous thanks to the superstardom of artists such as Elvis and Johnny Cash—and collection of one-of-a-kind memorabilia makes for an unforgettable stop in Memphis.
The Basics
Die-hard music lover or not, it’s fascinating to take a guided tour of the famous recording studio’s headquarters and see where legendary performers like B.B. King and Roy Orbison laid down their first hit singles. Sun Studios is especially famous for the “Million-Dollar Quartet” recording of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins performing together. You can tour the studios with an advance-purchase ticket, with guided transportation, or in conjunction with other Memphis music-themed sights on a city sightseeing tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Music fans and those interested in Memphis music history will enjoy this spot most.
- Plan on spending one to two hours here for a tour and visit to the exhibition.
- Check out the 1950s-style Sun Studio Soda Shop and Record Store for additional nostalgia or a souvenir to take home.
- Kids ages 5 to 11 years old can visit (with accompanying adult) free of charge. Kids under 5 are not allowed.
- Entrance for guests with limited mobility is free given that half of the tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
- The site’s first-floor cafe and record stare are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Located right in downtown Memphis, Sun Studio is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. There is a free shuttle that runs between Sun Studio and Graceland, as well as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, allowing you to visit some of Memphis’s key music-themed sights with ease. Parking is free.
When to Get There
Sun Studio is open daily from 10am to 6pm with guided tours offered every hour on the half hour. Crowds are lightest first thing in the morning.
Music Sites of Memphis
Sun Studio has been called one of the most significant musical history sites in the country, along with nearby Graceland—the former home of Elvis Presley. The Elvis-themed tours of the city are a must for hard-core fans, but for those seeking a more general tour of Memphis music, don’t miss Beale Street, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Address: 706 Union Avenue, Memphis 38103-3218, USA
Hours: Tours daily from 10am - 6pm
Admission: Adults: US$14, Children (5-11yrs): Free. Kids under 5 years old prohibited
From $ 24