Things to Do in Usa

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Majestic Yosemite Hotel (Ahwahnee Hotel)

Of all Yosemite’s lodging options, the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly the Ahwahnee Hotel) stands out not only for its location—you can see Yosemite Falls from the legendary dining room—but also for its interior, redolent of Yosemite’s early years. And you don’t need to book a room to enjoy this National Historic Landmark.

The Basics

Visitors to Yosemite National Park who forego a room at this luxury hotel still have plenty of options for experiencing its grandeur. Perhaps the most popular is a meal in the spectacular dining room, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Some guided tours of the national park include a dining room meal or fireside storytelling in the hotel. Free historic tours take visitors through the rooms, halls, and grounds to learn more about its storied past.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to the park.
Tour and dining room reservations fill up early, so be sure to book well in advance.
Bring your camera, as the interior and exterior views are shot-worthy.
The hotel is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

If you’re not part of a guided tour, the easiest way to reach the hotel is to drive or ride your bike. It’s also a stop on the free year-round Yosemite Valley Shuttle System, departing from the Yosemite Village parking area and other spots around the park.

When to Get There

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel and dining room are open throughout the year. One of the best times for a meal is during the popular Sunday brunch, though it’s a good idea to book in the offseason to avoid the summer crowds.

Architecture of the Majestic Yosemite Hotel

In an effort to attract more affluent visitors to the park, this historic hotel was commissioned in the 1920s. Some 5,000 tons (4,536 metric tons) of stone, 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) of lumber, and 1,000 tons (907 metric tons) of steel were brought in for construction. The design takes inspiration from art deco, Native American, and Middle Eastern cultures, with details like stained glass windows, hand-woven tapestries, and hand-stenciled ceiling beams.

1 Ahwahnee Dr, Yosemite Natl Pk, CA 95389, USA

From $ 169

Makena

As the population center for South Maui's original inhabitants, Makena is heavily steeped in ancient history and culture. And although much of modern Makena has been developed with waterfront resorts and homes, this history is still evident at places such as Keawala’i Church—a Congregational church established in 1832—where sermons are still held in the Hawaiian language. Similarly, at the end of the paved road in Keone’o’io Bay (La Perouse Bay), the trailhead begins for the ancient King’s Highway, a rocky path that once wrapped around the entire island.

Makena is home to some of Maui's best beaches, including Big Beach—one of the only stretches of Maui's shoreline that has been entirely protected from development—and nearby Little Beach, which is known as the island's clothing-optional outpost and hosts drum circles led by sun worshippers. Snorkeling is also especially popular in Makena, and pods of spinner dolphins have been known to frequent the waters of Keone’o’io.

Although Makena is only a 10-minute drive from the mega-resorts of nearby Wailea, it manages to retain a rural charm that draws everyone from hikers to hippies and surfers to sightseers. It’s a dry, volcanic stretch of rocky shore where travelers can still catch glimpses of the island’s past along the southern coast.

Practical Info

USA

From $ 75

Mardi Gras World

Step inside the colorful life of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World. The annual Mardi Gras festival is as much a part of the fabric of the city as jazz music and the Mississippi River. This fun and informative museum brings together a dazzling collection of floats and costumes from the event.

The Basics

The museum’s founder, Blaine Kern, built his first parade float with his father way back in 1932. After a long career building lavish, intricate floats, “Mr. Mardi Gras” as Kern is known, decided to open his collection to the public and launched the museum in 1989.

Visitors can tour the artists’ workshops, where huge sculptures are crafted in Styrofoam and see some of the most famous floats and costumes from previous years. Behind-the-scenes tours run throughout the day. You can pair a visit to the museum with a jazz-themed brunch river cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

Book your tour in advance and enjoy free shuttle service to and from the museum.
Discounted tickets are available for seniors, students, and children.
Make sure you try a slice of “king cake,” a delicious brioche-style dough topped with colorful icing.

How to Get There

The museum is located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, at the bottom of Henderson Street in the Central Business District. There is paid parking available opposite the museum, or you can take the free shuttle bus as part of a prebooked tour. Alternatively, you can ride the streetcar. The nearest stop is Hilton Riverside Hotel, a short walk away.

When to Get There

Mardi Gras World is open seven days a week year-round, from 9am–5:30pm. The museum is closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Mardi Gras.

Experience the Magic of Mardi Gras

For an unforgettable experience, visit New Orleans in February or early March (the exact dates change each year) for the annual Mardi Gras festival. For two weeks, city streets come alive with music, dancing, and parades of gigantic Mardi Gras floats. Revelers wear elaborate costumes, and the fun culminates in a huge party on Mardi Gras day, also known as Fat Tuesday.

1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70160, USA

Varies

From $ 22

Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is a beautiful, moderate, 1-hour hike close to downtown Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Thanks to a paid parking lot and gravel path, it is one of the island’s most accessible hikes—and with a 150-foot (46-meter) rushing waterfall at the end, it is well worth the effort.

The Basics

The 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) round-trip Manoa Falls trail is well marked, and while visitors some go at it alone, a number of tour operators offer guided hikes. Parts of the path are paved or lined with gravel, but because of the heavy foot traffic and rainy weather, the trail can be very wet and muddy. As a result the relatively easy hike can be slippery; the last few minutes before the falls are the most challenging. The pool at the bottom of the falls is no longer open for swimming due to falling rocks.

Things to Know Before You Go

Plan on getting dirty, and wear sturdy walking shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
Bring insect repellent, as mosquitos are out in full force on the trail.
There is a small snack shop near the trail entrance.
The force of the waterfall depends on rainfall; expect less water in summer months.

How to Get There

Manoa Falls is located at the end of Manoa Valley, northeast of downtown Honolulu. If driving from Waikiki, take the H1 toward the airport, exit at Punahou Road, and continue on to Manoa Road. There is paid parking near the entrance to the hike.

When to Get There

The Manoa Falls trail is open year-round. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate, with hotter days in summer and a rainy season typically from November to March. On rainy days the waterfall is at its most impressive and the trail is less crowded—yet also very muddy.

Tropical Vegetation

Manoa Falls is full of colorful, tropical plants, and a naturalist guide or book can help you identify what you see along the way. Parts of the trail are lined with guava, eucalyptus, and banyan trees as well as awapuhi, or bitter ginger flowers. It is common to spot tropical birds and insects as well.

Manoa Falls, Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA

From $ 40

Mapparium

The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library is a stunning, three-story, stained-glass globe that reflects a 3D representation of how the world was laid out in 1935.

Visitors pass through the globe on a 30-foot glass bridge, surrounded by a seven-minute audio-visual show of words, music, and LED lights to show how the world and ideas have changed over time.

The Mapparium was originally built as part of the Christian Science Publishing Society building, and opened on June 1, 1935.

Due to the size, concave, spherical walls, and hard surface, the Mapparium has unique acoustics that turn the room into a whispering gallery, where you can hear others across the room no matter which direction you are talking.

Practical Info

You can only visit the Mapparium as part of a guided tour. Tours run every 20 minutes and last 15-20 minutes. The Mapparium is only available when the library is open, Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. You get free access to the Mapparium with the Go Boston Card.

200 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The Mapparium is only available when the library is open, Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM.

From $ 57

Majestic Theatre

New York City is known for its arts and culture and Midtown Manhattan is recognized as the hub for theatergoers who want to watch live performances of some of Broadway’s biggest shows. With 1645 seats the Majestic Theatre has served as the stage for some of the neighborhood’s most iconic shows including 42nd Street, as well as The Phantom of the Opera—the longest-running production in Broadway history.

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.

Practical Info

The Majestic Theatre is located at 245 West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan. It is accessible using the ACE subway lines to 42nd Street/Times Square. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.

245 W 44th St, New York City, New York, USA 10036, USA

Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm

From $ 35

Marble House

The 50-room Marble House, one of the first Beaux-Arts structures in the US, was built between 1888 and 1892 as the Gilded Age summer cottage for William and Alva Vanderbilt. Inspired by the Petit Trianon in Versailles, the $11 million mansion made mostly of marble became a National Historic Landmark in 2006.

The Basics

The Preservation Society of Newport County operates 11 Newport Mansions properties, including Marble House. A single house admission ticket to Marble House includes an audio tour, but you can also opt for a 2- or 5-house ticket, if you plan to visit other properties, including The Breakers, The Elms, or Rosecliff. Many guided Newport Mansions tours, including day trips from Boston, package entrance to both Marble House and The Breakers.

Things to Know Before You Go

Marble House is a must-visit for history buffs and first-time Newport visitors.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb stairs.
Give yourself about an hour to 90 minutes to tour the house.
Marble House is partially wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

While most visitors drive to Marble House and other Newport Mansions—there’s free off-street parking at all but Hunter House—it’s also possible to ride the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority trolley from the Newport Visitors Center. Most of the houses are within walking distance of each other.

When to Get There

Marble House is open daily throughout the year, though hours change depending on the season. Since Marble House kicked off the trend of building lavish mansions in Newport, it’s a good one to see first, if you’re planning to tour more than one historic property.

An Extravagant Birthday Present

William Vanderbilt, grandson of steamship and railroad tycoon Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, gave Marble House to his wife Alva as a gift for her 39th birthday. By 1895, the couple had divorced, and Alva moved down the street to Belcourt. Upon William’s death, she returned to Marble House before eventually selling it to Frederick H. Prince in 1932. In 1963, the house became the property of the Preservation Society.

596 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Varies

From $ 38

Makapuu Lighthouse

Within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on Oahu’s Windward Coast, the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a popular hike ending at the historical red-roofed Makapu’u Lighthouse, built in 1909. Though the lighthouse is not open to the public, the moderately challenging hike attracts travelers and locals alike for its stunning coastal views.

The Basics

The scenic Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is entirely paved and stretches for 1.2 miles (2 kilometers). The hike affords views of Makapu’u Beach, Koko Head, and, on clear days, the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai. Lucky hikers will also see humpback whales breaching in winter months. There are also several delights along the trail, including military pillboxes and teeming tide pools.

Most travelers hike the trail independently, while many group and private tours of East Oahu and the entire island include stops at the Makapu’u Point Lookout.

Things to Know Before You Go

Makapu’u Point is ideal for lighthouse enthusiasts and anyone looking for a lovely, low-impact outdoor experience.
There is no access to the lighthouse.
Good walking shoes are recommended, as are a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. On cloudy days, tote a rain jacket.
The trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though it does have a moderate grade to the lighthouse. The side trail to the tide pools is not accessible.

How to Get There

The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is located on Oahu’s southeastern point, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. If driving, park on the street or in the free Makapu’u Point Lookout parking lot (opens at 7am) at the base of the hike.

When to Get There

The trail is open year-round. Oahu has mild tropical weather but can be wet in winter and quite hot in summer. No matter the time of year, arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.

Makapu’u Tide Pools

Once you reach the third rest stop along the lighthouse trail, you can climb down a challenging, rocky trail to the Makapu’u tide pools. Made of black volcanic rock, the pools host sea stars, crabs, fish, and intermittent blowholes. Be advised that this portion of the hike is unpaved and best suited to experienced hikers. There have been serious injuries and deaths at the tide pools—visitors are advised to stay far from the area during high tide.

Hawaii, USA

From $ 25

Manayunk

For visitors looking beyond the historical attractions of downtown Philadelphia, the hip and vibrant Manayunk neighborhood is a must-visit. Situated along the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, this formerly industrial area is now a trendy neighborhood packed with waterfront bars, cafés and art galleries. One of the biggest draws to Manayunk is the Philly Cycling Classic, an internationally renowned bike race that winds through the neighborhoods notoriously hilly streets, including the Manayunk Wall, a stretch of Levering Street with a challenging incline. As you explore the area, you can stop in at Orbit Gallery, which features local artists, or join a kayaking trip.

Practical Info

Manayunk is located in the northwest of the city, about 22 minutes’ drive from downtown Philadelphia. To get there by car, take either I-76 West or Kelly Drive. Most of the shops and restaurants can be found along Main Street, which fronts the Manayunk Canal.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

From $ 29

Manhattan Skyline

Perhaps the most common backdrop for opening scenes of movies for the past several decades, the Manhattan skyline is New York City's shining beacon, designed to impress and inspire. From historical fixtures like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building to One World Trade Center, the man-made masterpiece dazzles at any time of day and from any vantage point in the NYC area.

The Basics

From land, water, and air, there are plenty of ways to admire the Manhattan skyline. Take a cruise on the Hudson River, East River, or New York Harbor for views of the city skyline and other landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge, an activity that provides the chance to see the skyline at your own pace. For aerial views, head to the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, or One World Observatory, or opt for a helicopter tour for a VIP-style experience in the Big Apple.

Things to Know Before You Go

The skyline is broken into two notable sections—Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.
The walk from One World Trade Center to the Empire State Building is about three miles (five kilometers).
If you want to visit a skyscraper observatory such as that at the Empire State Building, consider a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the typically long wait.
For water views without booking a cruise, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry.

When to Get There

Consider the time of day for your viewing based on what you're looking for. If you want great photos, avoid the middle of the day, when the sun is high; for a romantic atmosphere, opt for a dinner cruise or nighttime stroll. Go during the holidays for the chance to admire the skyline in the snow and see the landmark buildings decked out in seasonal decorations.

Famous Buildings in the Manhattan Skyline

The 102-story Empire State Building is possibly the most iconic piece of architecture on the planet, built in 1931 in Art Deco style. The Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center offer more Art Deco examples, while the Time Warner Center, 4 Times Square, and One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) feature modern architecture.

New York City, New York, USA

From $ 18

Mango's Tropical Cafe

One of Miami’s most delicious and vibrant attractions is Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Offering a quintessential dose of Miami flavor, this two-story nightclub boasts some of the city’s best live entertainment, especially as their shows display Miami’s melting pot culture. The decor has an outdoor beach vibe, with palm trees and tropical artwork, while the menu consists of simple yet tasty dishes like steak, burgers, and mahi mahi. The real draw to Mango’s, however, is the loud and lively entertainment, showcasing talented men and women in vibrant costumes dancing tango, salsa, reggae, congo, mariachi and even pulling out some Michael Jackson moves. Pair the experience with a mojito, caipirinha or Caribbean rum cocktail to really get to know the culture of the dances.

Conveniently, Mango’s Tropical Cafe is located across from Miami Beach. Just like at Miami Beach, you can expect beautiful people at the nightclub and restaurant and a party that seems to never end.

Practical Info

A great way to experience Mango’s Tropical Cafe is through a tour like Mango’s Cabaret-Style Dinner and Show in Miami Beach. The show begins at 8pm, and mixes Latin American, Middle Eastern and American song, dance and cultures. During the show, you’ll enjoy a delicious two-course meal with a shared appetizer and personal entree. Not tired yet? Mango’s Tropical Cafe has two upstairs nightclubs open until 5am.

900 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL, USA

Daily: 11am to 5am

Starting at 8pm: $5 to $20

From $ 59

Makua Beach (Tunnels Beach)

In the shadow of verdant mountains, and shaded by palm and ironwood trees, Makua Beach has golden sand and baby blue waters. The post-card-perfect setting was featured in the 1958 movie South Pacific, but it’s the labyrinthine underwater reef, snaked with caves, that lends the beach its nickname and draws visitors today: Tunnels Beach is one of Kauai’s best snorkeling spots. Best of all, it’s frequently uncrowded.

Protected within a small cupped North Shore bay, two layers of reef offer different experiences. The smaller inshore reef boasts calmer waters and frequent sea turtle sightings, while the expansive offshore reef is a well-utilized scuba dive site with more varied terrain—some sections drop to 70 feet. The ocean-facing edge of the outer reef is popular with expert surfers. Both reefs are home to colorful wrasse, moray eels, butterfly fish and Hawaii’s state fish, the hard-to-pronounce Humuhumunukunukuapua`a. If you’re lucky, you may even see an endangered Hawaiian monk seal hauled out on the shore.

Practical Info

Makua (Tunnels) Beach is 5.5 miles west of Hanalei on a narrow section Highway 560. Several private Kauai tours take visitors to Makua, but it is not a common stop on package tours. If you’re driving yourself, parking is easiest in Ha’ena State Park, which has restrooms, showers, lifeguards and occasionally food trucks. It occupies the western shores of the same bay, a little over a half-mile away.

Tunnels is one of the few beaches where snorkeling may be possible during choppy winter months, but check conditions with Ha’ena lifeguards that day.

Highway 560, Kauai, USA

From $ 135

Mallory Square

Few things are as beautiful as a Florida sunset, so while you are in Key West, be sure to celebrate the sunset in true Key West style - at Mallory Square. Every night, starting two hours before the sunset, the square hosts its "Sunset Celebration." Arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers and food carts descend on the square providing you with fun entertainment to enjoy in the last daylight hours.

During the daytime, Mallory Square offers numerous attractions at its many restaurants and shops. While you are there, you should also check out the famous Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden. Open since 1997, the garden contains 36 bronze busts of the men and women who have had the greatest impact on Key West. The most famous of these are renowned writer Ernest Hemingway and President Harry S. Truman.

Mallory Square is located on the northwest end of the island and is easily accessible from most locations.

1 Whitehead Street, Key West 33040-6634, USA

From $ 15

Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino

Though once outfitted with a tropical theme, Mandalay Bay is currently undergoing a makeover that will include an update to shows, dining options and nightlife opportunities. There have also been room renovations and a rebranding of the property’s boutique hotel, soon to be Delano Las Vegas.

Mandalay Bay’s casino, which has 135,000 square feet of gaming space, will be getting new carpet, chairs and music, but the gaming opportunities will remain similar to what has been offered in the past. The property has more than 1,700 slot machines ranging from 1¢ to $100 per play. Table game favorites such as baccarat, blackjack, craps and roulette can be found throughout the casino. A variety of poker games are available as well, and free lessons are available for beginners Monday through Thursday at 2:00 p.m.

Mandalay Bay’s race and sports book is a popular place to catch all major sports and horse racing events including boxing, football, auto racing, UFC, hockey, basketball and baseball. It has 17 large-screen televisions and several race seats with individual monitors. An enclosed VIP luxury box is available for groups up to eight people.

The resort’s Lotus Room combines Western gaming with Eastern table-side dining and hospitality. A handful of table games are available in the Lotus Room.

3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

From $ 20

Maid of the Mist Steamboat

You cannot get any closer to the thundering cascades of Niagara Falls than on a Maid of the Mist boat tour. The little steamboats have been chugging away into the falls' misty sprays since 1846, making this one of the area’s oldest tourist attractions. Be prepared to get up close and personal with the highest-flow-rate waterfall in the world—and to get wet, which is all part of the unforgettable Maid of the Mist experience.

The Basics

The Maid of the Mist tour departs from a calm part of the Niagara River in New York, on the American side near the international Rainbow Bridge. After cruising past the impressive American and Bridal Veil Falls, the boat plies into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of Horseshoe Falls (sometimes known as the Canadian Falls). Be sure to avail yourself of a complimentary blue rain poncho—everyone will get wet from the winds and the spray! Note that some tours departing from Canada also visit the American side and include a Maid of the Mist tour; visitors should have appropriate documentation to enter the United States and Canada.

Things to Know Before You Go

It’s best to stay on deck for the whole trip; if you go below deck, you’ll miss the action.
Boats depart every 15 minutes, weather permitting.
The entire trip along the river and to the falls takes about 20 minutes.
All boats are wheelchair accessible and feature free Wi-Fi.
The Maid of the Mist operates exclusively from Niagara Falls, New York. If you are coming from the Canadian side of the falls, be sure to have proper documentation to enter the US.

How to Get There

The Maid of the Mist boat landing is located on Prospect Street in Niagara Falls, New York. Onsite parking is available near the Visitor Center. Nearby attractions include Clifton Hill sites, Journey Behind the Falls, and Bird Kingdom. All Maid of the Mist boat tours depart from New York, though some tours from the Canadian side include transportation to the boat’s departure point.

When to Get There

The boat tours run from April to October. The summer months are the busiest, so it’s best to schedule your Maid of the Mist ride in advance, and choose an early-morning cruise if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.

Best Views from the Maid of the Mist

When you board your Maid of the Mist boat, you’ll want to get into position for the best views—so head to the starboard side (the right side when facing the front of the boat), which comes closest to the falls. Once the boat departs the dock, it slowly approaches Horseshoe Falls, then it veers left and heads back to the dock. On its return journey, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the American Falls—and a veritable shower of mist from the powerful cascade. Most travelers head for the upper deck during the boat ride, but stellar views can also be seen from either end of the lower deck.

5920 River Road, Niagara Falls L2E 6V6, USA

Open daily

Adults: CA$19.25

From $ 25

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

As the last large-scale Romantic garden left in the United States, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens seek to provide an escape from the struggles and stresses of everyday life. Unlike a formal garden that seeks to “control” nature, a Romantic garden cooperates with nature to create a peaceful landscape where people and nature exist in harmony. Magnolia’s are also the oldest unrestored gardens in the United States, and the historic house is one of the oldest in the South.

The Basics

A trip to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is full of beauty and history. In fact, it is the only plantation on the Ashley River that survived both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Many sections of the gardens are more than 325 years old. A petting zoo with local animals is one of the family-friendly aspects, as is the Peacock Cafe. There is a nature train and tram tour around the grounds that takes visitors past major sights and around the natural wildlife. There are also swamp tours and nature boat tours available.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Magnolia Plantation is a must-see for history buffs and plant and flower fans.
Plan to spend a few hours here, with around 45 minutes dedicated to touring the historic gardens.
While much of the grounds are wheelchair-accessible, the home tour is not.
Tours often include air-conditioned round-trip transportation from Charleston.
One ticket allows for access to most of the sights. Tours are available at additional cost.

How to Get There

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are located about 14 miles from Charleston. You can drive there in just under thirty minutes (ample parking is available) or take a tour that includes transportation from the city.

When to Get There

Magnolia Plantation is open every day of the year, including holidays. Time your visit depending on the individual tours you wish you take.

History at Magnolia

The house at Magnolia Plantation has remained the Drayton family home for generations. It has seen centuries of history since it was established in 1676. Visitors interested in learning more about the house can take the plantation house tour. A tour and free shuttle to the historic slave cabins is another important part of the region’s history that is not to be overlooked.

3550 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, South Carolina 29414, USA

Varies seasonally, though always open between 8:30 a.m–4:30 p.m.

Adults, $20; Children ages 6–12, $10

From $ 57

Manhattan Beach

A 10-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), this trendy, hill-sloping beach town spanning two miles worth of Pacific Ocean shoreline bears no resemblance to the Borough of Manhattan; back in 1902, it was named at the flip of a coin for the New York City home of its original real estate developer, Stewart Merrill. What Manhattan Beach does have is a wide ribbon of soft, white sand, tasty waves that attract local surfers, and a trendy commercial village of boutiques and restaurants.

The northernmost of L.A.’s three Beach Cities (along with Hermosa and Redondo), Manhattan was once merely a laid-back residential community, but is now home to some of L.A. County’s priciest real estate. To see some of the town’s loveliest/quirkiest homes, take a stroll along the ocean-side Strand, a pedestrian-friendly bike path that actually stretches 26 miles from Santa Monica to the far end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Manhattan Beach attracts almost 4 million visitors each year. Besides the Strand, it’s most popular for its shoreline, the historic Municipal Pier (which hosts a small aquarium with free admission), and two events held here every August, the Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament and the International Surf Festival.

Practical Info:

The best route to take by transit: Bus 126.

Manhattan Beach, CA, USA

From $ 50

Manoa Valley

Manoa is both a valley and a neighborhood that's part of Honolulu. It's about three miles from downtown, and less than a mile from Waikiki Beach.

The Manoa Valley neighborhood is largely residential, though there is also a university campus here, and is surrounded by the tall, green mountains of the Ko'olau Range. In the 19th century, Manoa was the setting for Hawaii's first sugarcane and coffee plantations.

Because of the geography and position of the Manoa Valley, it rains at least a little bit almost every day – rainbows occur frequently – and it is always incredibly lush. One of the main attractions is the 150-foot Manoa Falls.

Practical Info

Manoa Falls is only reachable after a hike of roughly 0.8 miles. It's a moderate trail, and most people can make the trip there and back in about an hour.

Manoa Valley, Oahu, Hawaii, USA, USA

From $ 40

Manhattan Municipal Building

Manhattan has no shortage of towering buildings, but only a handful have architectural flourishes that set them apart and make their exteriors attractions in their own right. The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, right in the heart of lower Manhattan, is a skyline mainstay half a city block wide, 40 stories tall, and topped by the sparkling copper “Civic Fame” statue by Adolph A. Weinman. The building, covered in tan limestone, was completed in the mid 1910s and was the winning building design in an architectural contest hoping to unite many city employees under a single roof. Now more than a century later, the civic building remains one of the largest government office buildings in the world.

Ripe with symbolism, its center features four pinnacle turrets surrounding a massive central spire, which represent Manhattan and the surrounding four Burroughs of New York City. At it’s very top, the Civic Fame statue depicts a barefoot woman in a flowing dress holding a crown with five points for the five boroughs in her left hand.

After arriving at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall Metro stop (the building was the first in the city to incorporate a stop at its base), visitors stream through the arcaded plaza on the building’s south end. Be sure to look up for the sculpture and relief details adorning the building’s exterior before walking through the huge triumphal arch—inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome—which once supported a steady stream of car traffic before road patterns were altered. Inside, admire the embellished elevator banks and historical photos on the lobby level or purchase books and souvenirs in the official store of the City of New York.

Practical Info

The Manhattan Municipal Building is located at 1 Centre Street and above the Brooklyn-Bridge City Hall Metro Stop servicing lines 4, 5, and 6. The building is a few blocks southwest of Manhattan’s Chinatown and under a mile northeast of the World Trade Center Memorial Park. The inside has free WiFi and workstations for visitors conducting business in the building.

1 Centre St., New York 10007, USA

From $ 35

Manhattan Bridge

Connecting western Brooklyn with southeastern Manhattan, the Manhattan Bridge spans an impressive 6,855 feet across the East River. The suspension bridge allows for passage by vehicle, train, pedestrian, and bike. Construction on the historic bridge began at the turn of the century in 1901. Now it carries more than 450,00 people back and forth each day (the majority on public transport). It remains an icon of New York City, shown in numerous depictions of the city on film and television.

Its design was revolutionary at the time and served as a model for many of the long-span suspension bridges built after it. In 2009 the American Society of Civil Engineers named it a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. An arch and colonnade built to mark the bridge's entrance from Manhattan still stands as a city landmark. With its four-columned towers and long cables, it is particularly beautiful to behold as the sun is setting. A walk across it offers spectacular views of the city skyline.

Practical Info

The Manhattan Bridge runs between Flatbush Avenue Extension in Downtown Brooklyn and Canal Street in Chinatown, Manhattan. It is one of three toll-free bridges connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan. From Brooklyn you can enter at the intersection of Sands and Jay Street, and from Manhattan, at Forsyth and Canal Streets.

South Street and FDR Drive, New York City, New York, USA, USA

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From $ 8