Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
ShowingFilter 1001-1020 of 2014 listings.
Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles is full of shopping and entertainment diversions, but one of the most famous areas is Melrose Avenue. Even before the popular 1990s show Melrose Place was set in the area, at least part of the avenue was already a shopping and hangout destination for the burgeoning new wave crowd. The neighborhood remains an excellent spot for shopping, with more than 300 boutiques lining the street, as well as trendy restaurants and bars.
Unlike in the TV show, the actual Melrose Place doesn't have apartment buildings – it has yet more shops. In addition to the places to shop and eat, Melrose Avenue is also home to some of LA's best-known street art. Artists whose work you can see along the corridor include Annie Preece, Sebastien Walker, Ivan Preciado, and Jules Muck.
Practical Info
Melrose Avenue stretches 22 blocks from Santa Monica Boulevard to Lucille Avenue, and it's not far from the tourist attractions of West Hollywood.
Address: Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA
From $ 55
Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory
Visiting the Mauna Kea Summit and Observatories gives you the feeling of being on top of the world for good reason: You’re actually pretty close. Standing at 13,796 feet (4,138 meters), the mountain is Hawaii’s tallest and the highlight of many visitors’ trips to the Big Island of Hawaii. The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) feature some of the world's largest telescopes, including equipment from Canada, France, and the University of Hawaii, due to its designation as an unparalleled destination for stargazing.
The Basics
Mauna Kea tours depart from Hilo, Kona, and Waikoloa Village, and usually last upwards of eight hours. Whether you choose to visit for sunrise, sunset, a midday summit tour, or after-dark stargazing, the mountain makes for a popular day trip on the Big Island.
The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station sits at 9,300 feet (2,790 m) and features interactive displays and videos, with telescopes, talks, and tours. It’s important to stop here even if you’re headed to the summit to acclimate to the altitude. In addition to checking out the magnificent night sky, you can learn about Mauna Kea’s formation and why the mountain is considered sacred to native Hawaiians.
Insider Tip
Sunrise and sunset are great times to visit Mauna Kea. Enjoy stargazing (offered nightly from 6 to 10pm) and hot chocolate (available for purchase) at the Visitor Information Station, or rise bright and early to drive up to the summit in time to watch the sunrise.
Best Ways to Summit Mauna Kea
You can make an ambitious go of the summit on your own (on foot or in a vehicle), or join an organized summit adventure tour during visiting hours (from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset). From the Visitor Information Station, a roughly 10-hour, roundtrip hike on a rugged trail takes you to the top and back. Be prepared for a workout, and be sure to wear layers and sturdy closed-toe walking shoes; you’ll encounter all kinds of weather as you ascend above the Big Island’s layer of cloud cover. You must bring your own water and pack out your waste; there are no amenities on the trail.
If you’d rather drive to the top, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, plenty of water and sunscreen, and a keen eye for hazards. Depending on conditions, summit attempts can be particularly dangerous in winter. Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet in a few hours.
Practical Info
How to Get There
What Makes Mauna Kea Ideal for Astronomical Sightseeing?
The Subaru Telescope, the W.M. Keck Observatory, and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility take advantage of Mauna Kea’s ideal location near the equator and above most of the atmosphere’s water vapor, which means a clear view of stars in both of the earth’s hemispheres.
Address: Saddle Road, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 145
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
No trip to Memphis would be complete without learning about its music history, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is just the place to do this. Originally a Smithsonian Institute research project, it became their first permanent exhibition outside of New York and Washington DC. Inside, you’ll find seven expansive galleries showcasing instruments, costumes, photographs, artifacts and exhibits like “Rural Music,” “Coming to Memphis,” “Sun Records & Youth Culture,” “Soul Music” and “Social Changes” that take you through a timeline and tell the story of Memphis and its music history.
The doesn’t just focus on the music itself or the artists, but the actual socio-economic and racial struggles as well as the successes of the people who overcame prejudice and put Memphis on the map as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” By the time you leave the museum, you’ll have a better understanding of the civil rights movement, historic Beale Street and how the sounds of Memphis inspired its people.
One way to enhance your Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum experience is opting for the audio guide, which features 300 minutes of information including 100 songs. This combined with the exhibits will undoubtedly have you dancing during your visit and on your way out (and probably for the rest of the afternoon!).
Allow a minimum of two hours to explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, although you’ll probably want more.
The doesn’t just focus on the music itself or the artists, but the actual socio-economic and racial struggles as well as the successes of the people who overcame prejudice and put Memphis on the map as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” By the time you leave the museum, you’ll have a better understanding of the civil rights movement, historic Beale Street and how the sounds of Memphis inspired its people.
One way to enhance your Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum experience is opting for the audio guide, which features 300 minutes of information including 100 songs. This combined with the exhibits will undoubtedly have you dancing during your visit and on your way out (and probably for the rest of the afternoon!).
Allow a minimum of two hours to explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, although you’ll probably want more.
Practical Info
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with the last tour offered at 6:15pm. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for children aged 5-17.
Address: 191 Beale St, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Admission: Adults: $11; Children: $8
From $ 8
Mayflower II
The story of America’s first settlers comes to life on a visit to the iconic Mayflower II. Travelers can venture aboard a life-size replica of the famous ship and interact with costumed characters who describe what life was like on the high seas.
Visitors can learn about early navigation techniques and explore exhibits that highlight the lives of the ship’s first passengers. Experts will share stories about ancestors and crew while still leaving plenty of time to comb through artifacts and photos, too. And perhaps most impressive of all, the Mayflower II provides travelers with the chance to see just what it was like aboard what is arguably the world’s most famous ship.
This iconic boat is the perfect way to bring history to life and an ideal stop for families with children on a journey through New England. Whether it’s visiting the ship on its own, or combining a tour with the Plimoth Plantation and the Living Museum, a stop at the Mayflower II is bound to be a memorable part of any American history-themed vacation.
Practical Info
The boat is berthed at the State Pier in the Plymouth Waterfront. Tours are led by costumed guides. The ship is currently under restoration until 2019 at Mystic Seaport.
Address: Plymouth, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
From $ 28
Mauna Loa
The world’s most massive volcano doesn’t tower over Hawaii Island like you might expect. Instead, its giant three-pronged fingers take up most of the southern half of the island, reaching the sea in spots both north and south of Kailua Kona, across the Saddle Road interior and sloping down behind Hilo. It’s possible to be on the slopes of Mauna Loa and not even realize it.
To get a true sense of the volcano, most visitors opt to drive along the central Saddle Road, etched into the barren lava rock foothills where Mauna Loa meets Mauna Kea. Those who turn in near the 28 Mile Marker on Mauna Loa Observatory Road are rewarded with a 17-mile (one-way) scenic drive up its slopes from about 6,500 feet above sea level to 11,150 feet, ending near the entrance to mountain's observatories.
Unlike the astronomical observatories atop neighboring Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa’s observatories mostly monitor weather. They are possible to visit, but prior arrangement is required. Additionally, a number of hikes around the island explore Mauna Loa’s flanks and two challenging routes—a 13-mile day trip and a 30+ mile, three- to five-day trip—will get your feet shuffling toward the summit. Travelers should note that hiking the longer Mauna Kea Summit Trail requires advance permits obtained through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Along-the-route cabins restrict the trail to a maximum of 16 hikers at any given time, so it’s best to reserve permits in advance.
Practical Info
Though currently not erupting (the last was in 1984), the volcano is still considered active. Mauna Loa is not prone to violent eruptions—instead it oozes lava toward the sea—but visitors should still be aware of the possibility of eruption and take appropriate precautions when visiting. If you plan to go up Mauna Loa, or even just drive along the Saddle Road, note that elevation gain is significant and that this should not be done following scuba diving. If you have any signs of altitude sickness—weakness, trouble breathing, higher pulse—turn back to a lower elevation. It can be chilly at the top (it even sometimes snows!) so be sure to wear cold-weather clothing if you plan to leave your vehicle. Tours of the summit observatories are currently only offered on select Thursdays at 12:30pm (though this could change).
Address: Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 120
Menehune Fish Pond
The Menehune Fishpond is scenic—set amid lush jungle where craggy mountains are close enough to frame the edges of a killer sunset photo shot. But this giant pool of green-brown water has been attributed mythical qualities that are evident even in its name. Menehune is a mysterious race of little people—some say they’re like Hawaiian leprechauns—that have been credited with building sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands swiftly and stealthily. Legend has it they built this particular 39-acre loko wai (freshwater pond) by passing stones to each other from the village of Makaweli more than two dozen miles away, damming up the Hule’ia River with walls 900 feet long and five feet tall. In a single night. To get up close and personal with the work of the Menehune, join a kayak tour of the Hule’ia—it’s the only way to gain access into the otherwise off-limits Hule’ia National Wildlife Refuge that surrounds the pond. Fishponds like this one are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and were used to store and easily retrieve fish for the alii or ruling class. And, the Menehune Fishpond is one of the best preserved examples of a Hawaiian freshwater fishpond still in existence today.
Practical Info
The best place to see the Fishpond quickly is from the Alekoko Scenic Overlook off Halemalu Road, about ½ mile from the Nawiliwili small boat harbor and just outside of Lihue. Kayak tours that visit the fishpond also often include a short hike to Hidden Valley Falls.
Address: Lihue, Hawaii, USA 96766, USA
From $ 135
Medieval Times Buena Park
One of America's favorite dinner attractions, Medieval Times Buena Park presents an exciting evening of family entertainment based upon the glory of Medieval Spain. Experience spectacular pageantry, dramatic horsemanship, breathtaking swordplay and romance while feasting on a four-course banquet served in true medieval, pre-silverware fashion.
The Medieval Times dinner and show are held in a mock 11th-century, fortress-like Spanish palace, complete with red tile roofs, palm trees and blazing southern Californian sun. Guests feast on oven-roasted chicken, spare ribs, potatoes and pastry, while the experience culminates in an authentic jousting tournament between six brave knights of the realm. The castle also features a bar, gift shop and the Hall of Arms, which displays myriad medieval artifacts and a medieval torture museum. From the famous Andalusian Stallions to authentic weapons and historic jousting tournament, this recreation will surely transport visitors back to a colorful period of European history.
Practical Info
Medieval Times is located 15 minutes northwest of Disneyland on Interstate 5, near the Santa Ana and Artesia freeways, in Buena Park. The show lasts about two hours, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Free parking is available.
Address: 7662 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park 90620, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 53
Medieval Times Baltimore
Serfs, wenches, knights, horses, lances, swords, and falcons - they’re all a part of an action packed outing to Medieval Times in Baltimore. Leave the modern city behind as you travel to the 11th century, enjoying the show as a guest of the King inside of his lavish castle. Prior to sitting down for the feast, wander the gruesome Torture Museum and learn about hunting with falcons, before settling in for a four course meal that you literally eat with your hands. When it’s time for the evening’s main show to begin, choose a knight you think will win the series of jousts and combat, where swordsmanship and horsemanship are impressively put on display. Join the crowd in raucously cheering - or booing - depending on the knight, and experience the thrill of a night on the town in the spirit of Medieval Spain.
Practical Info
Medieval Times Baltimore is in the town of Hanover insider the Arundel Hills Mall. There’s a full service bar for adult guests, and vegetarian or vegan meals are available upon request. Since seating around the arena is first-come, first-serve, arrive early about an hour prior to the scheduled start time of the show.
Address: 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, Baltimore 21076, USA
Hours: Most easily accessed by car and there is free parking in the mall. Opening hours: Show times are at 11am, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, and 7:30pm, depending on the day of the week.
Admission: $60 for adults and $37 for children
From $ 60
Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park and Preserve, a historic site left to the city for use as a park in 1971, is part of the Mayfield-Gutsch Estate. The grounds include historic cottage and two acres of gardens, while the preserve is the 21-acre natural area that surrounds the park and contains walking trails and wildlife.
Peafowl are a common sight here; two types and approximately two dozen total call the area home. Most of the peafowl seen today are descendants from the original pair given to the Gutschs as a Christmas gift in 1935. If you are hoping to catch a peafowl with its tail fanned, consider visiting in late winter or spring, beginning around February, when they start courting the females.
Don’t miss Mayfield Park’s ponds, especially the cast iron pond near the cottage. There are six large lily ponds that are arranged in the general shape of a flower -- the center circular pond is surrounded by four oval shaped ponds (the petals) and an hourglass pond with small waterfall that represents the stem.
Practical Info
Mayfield Park is located at 3801 W 35th Street in Austin and is open from 5am until 10pm. The Mayfield-Gutsch Estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Mayfield Park does host private events like weddings and business workshops. When a private event is reserved, the general public is not allowed in the garden area.
Address: 3801 W 35th Street, Austin 78703, USA
Hours: Daily 5am-10pm
From $ 25
Maunalua Bay
Maunalua Bay is a popular bay for water sports activities on Oahu’s south shore. Home to many stand up paddlers and kayakers, snorkelers and divers also come to explore the nearby reef. Hawaiian for “two mountains,” Maunalua Bay is framed by the Ko’olau range and sits by the peaks of Koko Crater and Koko Head.
Famous for its sunsets, the adventure beach is especially popular among Honolulu’s boaters and jet skiers who come to make the most of Maunalua Bay’s launch site. Look out for parasailers while you’re here too, and if you’re coming to Maunalua Bay to snorkel or scuba dive the reef is a mile out to shore, its crystal-clear waters full of colorful reef fish and bright green sea turtles. If you’d rather relax, there are also park benches available on the shore where it’s popular to enjoy a picnic under the setting sun.
Practical Info
Six miles from Honolulu’s beachside Waikiki neighborhood, to get to Maunalua Bay just head to the beach park off Kalanianaole Highway, which is just across from Hawaii Kai Drive. As the ocean bottom is shallow and rocky at Maunalua Bay, this isn’t really a swimmer’s beach.
Address: Manualua Bay, Oahu, USA
From $ 89
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
When it comes to the macadamia nut, never has a nut been so difficult to crack but so tremendously easy to eat. Whether eaten whole, covered in chocolate, or crushed into a succulent brittle, the macadamia is a culinary staple of Hawaiian treats and desserts.
Luckily for travelers visiting Hilo, there is an entire factory and sprawling orchard devoted solely to the wonders of this nut. At the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, a self-guided tour explains the process of harvesting these off-white nuts, from the lengthy and protracted growing process right up through roasting and canning. More than just a look at the production process, there are also recipes on the dozens of ways to consume a macadamia. From standard methods of baking them in cookies to wasabi or onion flavoring, even the most accomplished gourmands and foodies will likely pick up some tips. Best of all, free samples are often distributed in the visitor center gift shop, and from the moment you turn on Macadamia Road and make the three-mile drive through the orchard, everything about this farm experience seems tasty, engaging, and fresh.
Practical Info
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory is located five miles south of Hilo off of Highway 11. Visitor center hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and the factory is an easy, convenient detour on the drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Address: 16-701 Macadamia Nut Rd, Keaau, HI 96749, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm
From $ 99
Medieval Times Chicago
Experience entertainment fit for a king at Medieval Times in Chicago. The huge stone towers of the Schaumberg Castle house a rousing dinner and action-packed show that attracts travelers to the Windy City for a ringside seat at the tournament. Guests enjoy a full medieval-style feast (vegetarian options available) — no utensils allowed! While devouring the four-course meal, visitors can cheer and leer for their favorite armored knights throughout the show and its jousting tournament, horsemanship and falconry. Adult beverages are available for purchase from the full bar before, during or after the show, and travelers can also pop by the castle for a night of chivalry, sustenance and libations.
Practical Info
The theater is accessible by car or public transportation. Multiple shows run daily. Times and ticket prices vary.
Address: 2001 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL, USA, USA
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 57
Meatpacking District
New York City’s famous Meatpacking District is a 24-hour destination known for its fashion, culture, design and food. This neighborhood, located on the west side of Manhattan, spans approximately 20 square blocks and is popular for its nightlife and even its historical side.
The market-filled industrial center was once solely home to meatpacking plants, lumber yards and scores of open-air meat markets, and after an unseemly period during the 1980s when the area was a hotbed for scandal, a new transformation began. In the late 1990s, high-end boutiques and restaurants began opening, and the completion of the High Line Park in 2009 really set the Meatpacking District apart. And in May 2015, one of New York’s most well-respected art institutes, the Whitney Museum, opens its doors in the neighborhood.
Although the Meatpacking District has changed significantly over time, its historical past is still evident today. You can wander the cobblestone streets and find facades from former meat lockers, and there are even a few meatpackers still operating in the area. On the modern end of the spectrum, the swanky Gansevoort Hotel is a Meatpacking icon with its beautifully landscaped rooftop garden and expansive loft. Late-night restaurants and clubs also dominate, and spots like Cielo, with its reputation as one of the toughest clubs to enter in New York City, keep the hype alive.
Practical Info
The Meatpacking District runs roughly from West 14th Street south to Gansevoort Street and from the Hudson River east to Hudson Street. Some suggest it extends north to West 16th Street and further east than Hudson Street.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
From $ 30
Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
Built around the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum immediately emits its cultural and historical significance to all who visit. Exhibits chronicle some of the most important episodes of the Civil Rights Movement, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the Little Rock Nine, Montgomery Bus Boycotts, and the famous sit-ins of the 1960s.
The Basics
Both the historical importance of the place and the material displayed within make the National Civil Rights Museum a must for better understanding this tumultuous part of American history. As one of the most meaningful attractions in Memphis, the museum can be visited a number of ways. Many sightseeing tours, particularly American Civil Rights and history tours, include a stop here, while other tours combine the museum with visits to sites such as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Travelers who'd rather move at their own pace can visit independently or on a self-guided tour of the city’s many African American heritage sites.
- This site is a must-see for history buffs.
- Give yourself a minimum of two hours to experience the museum exhibits.
- Flash-free photography is permitted.
- Much of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to the Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
The museum is situated in the South Main District in downtown Memphis, a short drive from most of the city’s other attractions. Free parking is available in a guest lot off Mulberry Street. It’s also a short walk from the Main Street Trolley line.
When to Get There
The National Civil Rights Museum is closed on Tuesdays and most major U.S. holidays. During the summer season between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, opening hours are extended in the evenings. On weekdays, school groups tend to arrive in the morning, so planning a visit for later in the afternoon can mean shorter lines and fewer crowds.
What to See Beyond the Lorraine
Many visitors tour the portion of the museum housed within the Lorraine Motel and leave, but they’re missing out. Across Mulberry Street from the motel, the Young & Morrow and Boarding House buildings from (where the assassin’s shot was allegedly fired) house the Legacy exhibits, which cover a timeline of the American Civil Rights movement and a look at the movement’s effect on global human rights.
Address: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103-4214, USA
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sat: 9am–5pm (opens at 1pm on Sun)
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Medieval Times Dallas
Transport to a time of knights, kings, and queens at Medieval Times in Dallas, a unique dining and live-action experience that’s entertaining for the whole family. Enjoy a four-course feast included with your ticket while you watch sword fights, jousting from horseback, and even falcons in flight.
The Basics
Part of the nationally acclaimed dinner-theater company, the Dallas-based production of Medieval Times hosts guests inside a historical-looking castle. Dinner portions are large and include items such as roast chicken, tomato soup, garlic bread, baked potato, and dessert. Then prepare for some fun and audience participation as you cheer for your “home team,” which includes six knights on their two-hour epic battle quest and a supporting cast of live horses, serfs, and royalty.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Save money on your Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament ticket by purchasing ahead of time.
- Arrive early to get the best seats to view the action.
- Meal selections are fixed, and there are no utensils. Vegetarian options are available.
- This show is appropriate for all ages, including younger children.
How to Get There
Medieval Times Dallas is located at 2021 North Stemmons Freeway, in the Design District of Dallas, Texas. From DFW Airport, it’s an 18-minute drive southeast. Follow I-35E south to North Stemmons Freeway and free on-site parking. The nearest DART bus stop is I-35 at Oak Lawn.
When to Get There
Reserve your Medieval Times Dallas ticket in advance to ensure the time and date of your choice. The castle opens 75 minutes prior to the scheduled showtime, and it’s recommended that you arrive early so you have plenty of time to get a good seat and check out the additional features of the castle, as well as purchase souvenirs if you wish.
Torture Chamber
One of the additional “attractions” at Medieval Times Dallas that guests frequently talk about is the creepy medieval torture museum, available to tour for an additional fee. Here you can see some of the devices used for punishment during the 11th century. This may not be suitable for children.
Address: 2021 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 58
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
No coastal city would be complete without its own shipwreck legends, and Key West is no exception. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum allows you to explore artifacts from some of the most famous ships that went down in the Florida Keys.
The shipwrecks are mostly from merchant and slave ships in the 17th and 18th centuries. The artifacts on board serve as a window to the past, revealing a great deal about trade, colonization, slavery, and even daily life from the time period. One of the most famous ships to run aground in the Keys, the Henrietta Marie, is believed to be the world’s largest source of tangible objects from the early years of the slave trade. A visit to the museum lets you view historical artifacts in an new way, as the shipwreck legacy casts an eerie and exciting feeling over the objects.
Practical Info
Located on the northwest coast of the island, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a short distance from almost all locations in Key West.
Address: 200 Greene Street, Key West 33040-6516, USA
Hours: Open daily
From $ 15
Memorial Presbyterian Church
This stunning contemporary church is widely considered one of the eight religious wonders of the world. Perhaps that’s because its stunning façade with towering spires, royal arch and smooth white stone are truly a sight to behold.
Visitors who appreciate breathtaking architecture and attention to stonework detail with find a stop at Memorial Presbyterian Church worth the trip. Trained docents can unlock the art and history of the interior during a free tour, and religious travelers can participate in a Sunday morning worship where all are welcome.
Practical Info
The church is located at 32 Sevilla Street in St Augustine near the corner of Valencia Street near Flagler College. Worship takes place Sundays at 10 am. It is open for visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 3:30 pm.
Address: 32 Sevilla Street, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 3:30 pm.
From $ 28
Medieval Times Myrtle Beach
Medieval Times Myrtle Beach offers families a dining and entertainment experience that’s unlike any other. The jaw-dropping night of live performances transports guests back in time to an era when knights battled for the affection of the princess and kings and queens ruled the land.
Admission to the show includes a hearty meal that’s fit for a king and a top-notch seat right up close to the action. A thrilling dinner theater performance takes place live on stage, complete with sword fights between armored knights, jousting on horseback and falcons taking flight. It’s an experience that’s perfect for the entire family and is guaranteed to be a dinner to remember!
A variety of ticket packages are available for families, with options to include VIP first row seating and framed photos, priority castle access and even VIP birthday seating.
Practical Info
Medieval Times Myrtle Beach is located at 2904 Fantasy Way. Shows last approximately two hours and the cost of admission includes dinner.
Address: 2904 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Hours: Daily 11am-12am
Admission: Adults $53.95, Children under 12 $26.95
From $ 50
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Arguably America’s musical heart, a cultural melting pot that created the rhythm and blues sound, Memphis has a number of tourist attractions dedicated to the craft. Local favorites—some well-known, some more obscure—are celebrated in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, a small upstairs Smithsonian-branded museum, which shares a building with the Hard Rock Café Memphis and a retail outlet of Memphis clothier Lansky Bros. The museum is the headquarters for an off-site annual induction ceremony that adds new note-worthy blues, soul, and rock musicians from the city to its ranks—among its honored acts Al Green, Justin Timberlake, Johnny Cash, David Porter, Elvis Presley, and B.B. King.
Visitors can read about the perfect storm that led to a burgeoning music scene in Memphis, and browse interactive displays offering information about inductees’ and their discographies. There’s also videos and large glass cases housing prized possessions including a playbill and guitar used by Johnny Cash; Isaac Hayes’ white, electric organ; Elvis Presley’s briefcase telephone; and one of Al Green’s green suits. There’s also a bevvy of outlandish, shiny and ostentatious costumes worn by inductees (including one ornamented with a stuffed snake), an Oscar from the movie Hustle and Flow, and ½ of Jerry Lee Lewis’ baby blue Cadillac protruding from a wall.
Practical Info
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is located at 126 Beale Street in downtown Memphis, four blocks from the Mississippi River, and two blocks northwest of the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Several bus routes connect the museum to Central Station.
Exhibits are open daily from 10am to 7pm, and admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children. It’s possible to see the small museum in an hour. Bundled tickets with the similar and nearby Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are also available. The museum has a small gift shop selling branded mugs, magnets, t-shirts and more, near its entrance.
Address: 126 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10am-7pm
Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for children
From $ 8
Mendenhall Glacier
No visit to Juneau is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier — one of Alaska’s most popular attractions. The 13-mile-long (19 km) glacier ends at Mendenhall Lake and is easily viewed from the historic Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. On a sunny day the glacier is beautiful, with blue skies and snow-capped mountains in the background. On a cloudy and drizzly afternoon, the glacier is even more impressive, as the ice turns shades of deep blue.
The Basics
Near the face of the glacier is the visitor center, which houses various exhibits including a large map of the Juneau Ice Field, an observatory with telescopes, and a theater that shows a film about the glacier every 20 minutes.
- If you plan on walking, dress accordingly and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Those visiting by cruise ship can take a tour of Mendenhall Glacier as a shore excursion.
- No food or drink other than water is allowed from May through September, due to bear activity.
- Look for Nugget Falls, a salmon-viewing platform overlooking Steep Creek, and for six hiking trails of varying difficulty.
How to Get to Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is located about 12 miles (19 km) outside of downtown Juneau, at the head of Glacier Spur Road. You can reach the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center by taxi, car, or bus.
Note that the city bus drops visitors a mile and a half from the visitor center so plan accordingly.
When to Get There
From May through September, the visitor center is open daily between 8am and 7:30pm. October through April, it’s open Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The trails and outdoor areas are open all year.
Mendenhall for Adventurers
If you’re visiting Alaska, chances are high you’ve already got a bit of the adventurous spirit. There are many glacier tours catering to adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. Opt for a combo that includes a whale watching tour, a hike along the glacier, and a salmon bake; paddle down the river to the glacier from Juneau by raft, kayak, or canoe; or embark on a guided adventure tour that includes hiking or ice exploration.
Address: Ketchikan 99901, USA
Admission: Adults: US$3 from May - Sept
From $ 89