Things to Do in Usa

New York City is known for its arts and culture and Midtown Manhattan is recognized as the hub for theatergoers who want to catch live performances of some of Broadway’s biggest shows. With 1417 seats the Imperial Theatre has been welcoming theatergoers since 1923. Since its doors first opened, the Imperial has provided the stage for hit shows like Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on the Roof and the Broadway icon, Les Miserables. 

Although travelers will need tickets to a show to actually check out the theater’s interior, visitors can still step inside the lobby and admire this Broadway gem from outside during a tour of Times Square.

Though this stately two-story lava rock and stucco home in downtown Kailua-Kona is no castle, it did serve as a vacation home for royalty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Built by Hawaii’s second governor John Adams Kuakini in 1838, the six-room estate was handed down to Princess Ruth Keelikolani after his death, and she opened its doors to many visiting members of the Hawaiian royal family including King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiolani. The palace today is run as a museum of Hawaiian artifacts downstairs—including kapa (bark) cloth, King Kamehameha’s own giant spears, royal busts—and a showcase of royal life with original Victorian furniture and details—koa wood furniture, original bed frames and quilts—upstairs. Docent-led tours give a brief overview of Hawaiian and palace history including the rapid adoption of European tastes evident in the home’s décor.

Set on prime ocean-front real estate in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona off Alii Drive, the palace is close to other historic attractions including the islands' oldest Christian church (1820) across the street and the final residence of Island-uniting King Kamehameha I visible from the palace’s top floor lanai (porch). A small gift shop on the property outside the palace sells Hawaiian cultural books and souvenirs, and one Sunday a month, traditional music and hula performances take place on the palace lawn.

Visible by kayak from the Huleia River, or from a roadside overlook, the otherwise closed-to-the-public Huleia National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Kauai is a popular bird watching spot. The site is one of just two sanctuaries on the planet (both National Wildlife Refuges on Kauai) home to wild populations of five species of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds—the Hawaiian coot, stilt, duck, goose (the state bird) and the elusive moorhen. Twenty-six other species of bird also call the federally-managed wetlands home. The lush landscape of riverine pools and waterfalls that surround the refuge have served as a jungle backdrop in several movies including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and Lost World.

The refuge’s flat valley, formerly comprised of wetland taro and rice paddies, is shielded from the sea to the west by a long ridge of peaks. It abuts Alekoko, the Menehune Fishpond, a historic aquaculture system thought to be built 1,000 years ago by an early and mythical race of Hawaiian of people called the Menehune.

The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which spans 80 acres (73 hectares) of land, is a ruggedly beautiful park in the middle of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There’s something for everyone here: paved paths for bicyclists, several nature trails for hikers, and more than 200 plant species. A freshwater lagoon is a great place for canoeing or kayaking, and you can fish here, too. 

Start by swinging by the Terramar Visitor Center, where you’ll gain a basic understanding of the ecology and history of the park. From there, you can go swimming, canoeing, camping, bicycling, or picnicking among the plentiful wildlife, which includes turtles, butterflies, opossums, squirrels, and more than 200 species of birds. There are several guided walks and presentations each week.

The park is adjacent to Fort Lauderdale Beach on East Sunrise Boulevard, about three miles (4.8 kilometers) northeast of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Take US-1 North to Sunrise Boulevard. Paid parking is available on-site. The nearest bus stop is Sunrise and A1A, about a four-minute walk.

The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is open 8am to sunset year round and hosts regular events, from the annual South Florida Folk Festival to nature walks throughout the week, including guided themed tours on Fridays and Saturdays.  Check the calendar to see what’s happening during your visit, and remember that weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. 

One of the most interesting animals you might see here is the Gopher Tortoise, a threatened species and the only native tortoise species in the eastern United States. It’s also considered a keystone species because it shares its burrow with more than 350 other animal species.

Beautifully landscaped and cared for, Huntington Park is one of San Francisco’s most beloved neighborhood parks. It was formerly the site of a mansion destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. After the land was donated to the city by the widow of rail tycoon Collis P. Huntington, the park has become a favorite area of the Nob Hill area. 

With beautiful landscaping surrounding the historic Flood Fountain, there is also a playground area for children. The park sits in front of the landmark Grace Cathedral, and with its wide lawn and many benches is great for picnicking and relaxing outdoors. The Roman “Fountain of Tortoises” at the park’s center is its most famous structure, often beautifully lit at night. The bronze sculpture is a copy of a 400 year old original in Rome.

The Hualapai have been living in the Grand Canyon area for generations, and today the tribe offers some of the area’s best experiences at Hualapai Village. Enjoy cowboy shows, cookouts, and wagon rides; visit Indian Village to learn fascinating history; and brave the Skywalk, a platform extending 70 feet (21 meters) out over the canyon.

Since Hualapai Village is on tribal lands outside the bounds of Grand Canyon National Park, visitors are afforded experiences not available on the south and north rims of the canyon. Walk 4,000 feet above the canyon, float along the Colorado River, hike to the ruins of an old guano mine at Guano Point, or soar high above the canyon on a helicopter tour, with a landing on the canyon floor.

The West Rim location of Hualapai Village sits about 250 miles (400 kilometers) from the South Rim of Grand Canyon Park and about two hours from Las Vegas. Most visitors arrive at Hualapai Village as part of a guided tour.

March through May and September through November represent the best times to visit the Grand Canyon, including Hualapai Village. Expect peak season crowds from June to August, and be ready for short afternoon rainstorms in July.

Due to the considerable distance between Hualapai Village and the nearest commercial airport, some visitors choose to overnight in the area. The Hualapai tribe operates 26 cabins facing the canyon rim, as well as Western-style dining, horseback riding, and guest-only activities like lasso lessons or s’mores by the bonfire.

Fanning out from the Independence Visitor Center at the corner of Sixth & Market streets, Independence Mall is a three-block stretch of the Independence National Historical Park that includes several of Philadelphia's most visited historic attractions: the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, and the President's House. Only the National Constitution Center charges admission ($8–$14.50); all other mall attractions are free.

Independence Hall, however, one of the area's most popular sites, does require timed tickets during its busiest season, from March to December. Be aware that the only place to pick up these free tickets is at the next-door Visitors Center.

Insider's Tip: Free twilight tours of the park and its historical landmarks are offered from mid-June to early September by the nonprofit Friends of Independence. These tours meet at the Visitor Center and run from 6 to 7:15pm.

Hunter Mountain is the second-highest of the Catskill Mountains, and home to an extremely popular ski resort.

The peak of Hunter Mountain is at roughly 4,040 feet, not far behind the tallest Catskill (Slide Mountain). During the summer months, activities include hiking and horseback riding, though there are only four routes to the top of the mountain that get any amount of upkeep. The most popular is Spruceton Trail, the former road that leads to the fire tower that sits at the mountain's peak.

The ski resort on Hunter Mountain opened in 1959, and although it doesn't actually include the highest point of the mountain it does have a 1,600 foot vertical drop. It's popular for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. The ski resort also has summer activities, including zipline tours, golf, fly fishing, and 4x4 adventures.

This 550-acre parks is the second largest in New York City and home to a scenic walking, biking and running path where thousands of New Yorkers can run, ride and stroll without having to wait at crosswalks or navigate busy city streets. Epic stretches of greenway meet up with the scenic Hudson River, where travelers can picnic on uninterrupted strips of lush grass or quiet tables nestled onto well-developed piers. 

In addition to places designed to rest and relax, Hudson River Park boasts plenty of recreational sites as well. The Waterside Park near 11th Avenue and 24th Street houses a massive sports activity center with a playground for kids and basketball courts for adults. Famed Chelsea Piers, with its indoor ice skating rink, soccer fields and driving range is also located off of Hudson River Park. 

This celebration of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley’s roles in early American maritime trade was originally called the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, built around the extensive personal collection of J. Welles Henderson, a local lawyer and enthusiast of seafaring memorabilia who died in 2007. 

Renovated extensively in the mid-1990s and now set in a large, modern space on historic Penn’s Landing, the Independence Seaport Museum houses several exhibition spaces, a wide array of model ships, historical documents, navigation devices and shipbuilding tools, and a comprehensive maritime library. The museum is affiliated with two National Historic Landmark crafts, both docked nearby on the Delaware River: the Olympia, the late 19th-century flagship of U.S. Navy Admiral George Dewey, and a World War II submarine called Becuna.

When people think of what life is like for folks who actually live in Southern California, images similar to Huntington Beach typically come to mind. Appropriately nicknamed “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach’s 10 miles of coastline and warm temperatures make outdoor living possible year round.

Popular activities revolve around the wide, sandy beaches, from surfing to volleyball, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. When the sun sets, beach bonfires become the star attraction in the sand. Huntington Beach has more than over 500 fire rings, free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hot dogs and s’mores cook nicely under the stars.

The Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast, stretching 1,850 feet into the waves. It serves as the unofficial center of all of the action and is located on the Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. Visitors can fish, shop, eat or just wander.

Spanning 55 acres and bridging two neighborhoods—Old City and Society Hill—this national park is often called "America's most historic square mile" for encompassing many of Philadelphia’s famous historical landmarks. These include the UNESCO-listed Independence Hall; the Liberty Bell Center; Franklin Court; the First and Second Banks of the United States; and the National Constitution Center, among many others. Visitors should plan to spend one to two days in the park in order to visit several of these sites and explore the extensive grounds.

The Independence Visitor Center, set at the corner of Sixth and Market streets, is the nerve center of the park. Tourists can pick up area maps; get free, timed tickets to Independence Hall (required from March to December); and find bathrooms, WiFi, and snacks.

I-Drive 360 is a new entertainment complex on one of Orlando's main drags, International Drive, commonly known as I-Drive. Opened in May 2015, I-Drive 360 includes a variety of restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions – including an aquarium, a Madame Tussaud's, and the 400-foot observation wheel called the Orlando Eye. You'll find popular eateries like Shake Shack and Outback as well as hopping nightlife at Cowgirls Rockbar, with the only mechanical bull in the city.

The centerpiece is the massive observation wheel. It has 30 passenger compartments, each one air-conditioned, and each one can carry up to 15 people. Your ticket to the Orlando Eye includes a 4D movie experience and a ride around the wheel.

An inspiration for artists, a scenic escape for New York City dwellers, a vital artery for commerce, and a designated American Heritage River, the Hudson River plays a crucial role in many facets of New York State life. The river is a magnet for locals and visitors, attracting pleasure cruisers, campers, history buffs, and hikers alike. 

The Hudson River runs for 315 miles (507 kilometers) from its source in the Adirondack Mountains all the way to New York City before finally emptying into the Atlantic. Though easily accessible from other cities such as Albany and Kingston, most visitors encounter the Hudson during trips to New York City. You can see the river from many of west Manhattan’s top attractions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art; the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; and the High Line, an elevated park set along a disused railway track. 

Cruises on the Hudson depart from piers on Manhattan’s west side. Choose between dinner, sightseeing, or sunset city cruises, or opt for longer cruises that travel beyond the boundaries of the Big Apple to destinations in the Hudson Highlands, such as Bear Mountain. Most Hudson River cruises feature on-board commentary about the area’s history and architecture. 

For a unique perspective on the winding waterway, take a helicopter ride, enjoying bird’s-eye views of the river, the Manhattan skyline, and the George Washington Bridge. Seasonal fall foliage helicopter tours showcase the rust-red and golden leaves of the Hudson Valley’s woodlands. 

Within New York City, you can experience the Hudson River all along the 11-mile (18-kilometer) Hudson River Greenway, a traffic-free walking and cycling path beginning at Battery Park (ride the 4 or 5 subway to Bowling Green station) in Lower Manhattan. The route runs through Hudson River Park, Riverside Park, and Fort Washington Park. 

Departing from Grand Central Station, the Metro-North Hudson Line train brings passengers into the Hudson River Valley, running along the east bank of the river as far as Poughkeepsie. 

Hudson River sightseeing tours run year-round, with open-air sightseeing decks in summer and enclosed, heated interior decks in winter. The Hudson Greenway is best enjoyed in spring, summer, or fall. Go early in the day for the quietest experience. The Hudson Valley is at its prettiest during the fall apple-picking season. 

It was acclaimed writer Washington Irving who helped put the Hudson River Valley on the map, with the publication of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent, which was published serially throughout 1819 and 1820. The most well-known stories in the series were “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Fans of Irving’s work can visit the author’s old home, Sunnyside, near Tarrytown.

If you’ve ever wanted to skydive, you may have this image of jumping out of a plane with a parachute strapped to your back. iFLY takes the experience indoors, allowing for the adrenaline rush and sensation of flying in a controlled, safe environment. The indoor wind tunnel is controlled by professional operators, who create a current of 150 mph using fans at the top of the flight chamber. It is the only wind tunnel in Los Angeles, and no experience is necessary to jump in and enjoy the thrill.

Lasting just over a minute, it is a realistic simulation of the free fall feeling one gets while skydiving. Flyers are horizontal for the duration of the flight, and with additional training can learn to do turns and other maneuvers. Each person is outfitted with a flight suit and helmet and given professional instruction. It’s also fun just to watch as others float suspended in the air current.

Part of San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, the Hyde Street Pier introduces visitors to San Francisco’s maritime heritage as a busy Pacific port with its collection of ships from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Jutting out into San Francisco Bay, the pier also offers scenic views of the waterfront.

 

Hyde Street Pier is located on the western edge of the tourist-centered Fisherman’s Wharf. From the wooden pier you can tour historic ships. Check out the Balclutha, a 3-masted square-rigger that rounded the horn 17 times, or learn how Hercules, a steam tugboat, towed another ship from New Jersey around the tip of South America to San Francisco. Guided walks and Segway tours of the waterfront are available.

 

 

For a quintessentially San Francisco experience, take the Powell–Hyde cable car line, which runs north from Union Square to the cable car turnaround at Hyde and Beach streets. Alternatively, take the F line streetcar along the Embarcadero.

 

Go in the evening to enjoy the sunset light, which is perfect for photos, or go in the morning to beat the crowds that descend on Fisherman’s Wharf every day. Fleet Week (early October), and July 4 (when the city puts on a fireworks display) are great times to be on the waterfront.

 

Head just down Beach Street to Aquatic Park to visit the art-deco Maritime Museum and learn more about San Francisco’s maritime history. You’ll also see bold locals—members of the historic South End and Dolphin swimming and rowing clubs—swimming in the frigid bay waters. Just above the park is Ghirardelli Square, where you can treat yourself to some chocolate or an ice cream sundae.