Things to Do in Usa

Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa

Royal Lahaina Luau

The Royal Lahaina luau is a family-friendly evening of oceanfront entertainment set inside of Ka’anapali’s Royal Lahaina resort. More economical than some of the larger shows in town, children will love getting on stage and trying their hand at the hula, and adults will love the buffet of Hawaiian food and open-bar of tropical drinks. Mai-tais and Blue Hawaiians are paired with luau classics such as kalua pig, lomi salmon, and bowls full of poi, and everyone can agree towards the end of the night that the fire dancers are the overall highlight. Oftentimes, the twirling staffs are a fitting end to a fiery sunset which has given way to darkness, the last rays having disappeared over the horizon which is visible from your oceanfront seat.

Since the Royal Lahaina luau is located in the Ka’anapali resort district, the luau grounds are only a short drive from neighboring hotels, or, if you’re staying in the immediate vicinity, you can reach the luau on your own two feet by taking a leisurely stroll down the beach. Once inside, learn about the history of Polynesia as it’s told through chanting and dance, and gradually lose yourself in the rhythm an oli (chant) as you sip your drink beneath a rustling palm.

Both entertaining and filling, the Royal Lahaina luau is a great evening for groups traveling with children, and the affordable ticket price and casual atmosphere make it a family evening that you’re sure to remember long after you’ve left the islands behind.

2780 Kekaa Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

$50 and up per person

From $ 112

Roaring Camp Railroads

See the California redwoods the way loggers did in the 1800s at Roaring Camp Railroads, which operates two train routes from its starting point in the forest just north of Santa Cruz. The authentic steam engines date back to 1890 and are some of the oldest and best preserved in the United States.

The Basics

There are two routes to choose from, depending on the time of year. The Redwood Forest Steam Train chugs through redwood groves from Roaring Camp to the summit of Bear Mountain; the round-trip journey takes more than an hour.

In spring, summer, and fall, the Santa Cruz Beach Train rolls through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; you can go on a round-trip ride, or go one way in either direction.

Things to Know Before You Go

Parking is available for a fee.
Wheelchairs are available to rent at the ticket office.
You can buy food at Roaring Camp or bring your own; picnic tables are available to rent.
The trains have both covered and open-air passenger cars; if you opt for open-air seating, bring a jacket and consider bringing sound-blocking headphones for babies and young children.

How to Get There

Roaring Camp is located in the small town of Felton, a short drive inland from Santa Cruz via Graham Hill Road. From San Jose, it’s a longer drive via State Route 17.

When to Get There

Depending on the season and day of the week, the Redwood Forest train departs once a day or up to four times a day at varying times. The beach train departs Roaring Camp twice a day and the boardwalk twice a day. While the beach train does not run during the winter, a Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train is offered on select days.

Themed Rides

Roaring Camp Railroads hosts a series of themed train rides and events during the year, such as a Moonlight Train Dinner Party and Great Train Robberies. If you’re traveling with kids, check out the Thomas the Tank Engine events in the summer and fall; these are limited-time train rides and are very popular, so make sure to buy those tickets early.

5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, California 95018, USA

Varies

From $ 26

Rockaway Beach

A neighborhood in the borough of Queens (that may just have the best name out there,) Rockaway Beach is a boardwalk, beach, and summer staple for New Yorkers of all ages. The beach runs along the Atlantic side of Long Island, extending out as a slim peninsula into the sea. Its clear and clean stretch of sand welcomes over a million visitors each year, particularly in the summer months.

As far as activities, there is something for everyone — from surfing to swimming and sunbathing. There are dozens of ways to enjoy the outdoors when the sun is shining, including volleyball, fishing, skating, baseball, and basketball. In fact it’s the only beach that allows for surfing in New York, with spots from 67th-69th and 87th-92nd Streets.

Rockaway Beach is also known for its food and concessions, with taco and burger stands alongside famous ice cream and cold drinks. A variety of facilities including showers, restrooms, barbecues, parks, and playgrounds, can be found throughout the area. Known as one of the best beaches in New York, it is the largest urban beach in the United States.

Practical Info

Rockaway Beach is a short day trip from the city. Travel time from Manhattan is just over an hour. The nearest Subway stops (on the A and S trains) are Beach and 90th St., Beach and 98th St., Beach and 105th St., and Rockaway Park-Beach and 116th St. There is also a QM16 Express bus to Manhattan. Street parking and paid parking are also both available nearby. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty, every Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you plan to lounge on the beach, it is recommended to bring your own chairs or blankets and umbrella.

90-14 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Far Rockaway, New York, USA

6am-10pm during summer months

From $ 88

Rogue River

Flowing west from the Cascade Mountain Range to the Pacific Ocean, Oregon’s Rogue River spans nearly 200 miles. The Rogue River Valley has its place in the history of the western expansion and early settlement of the United States. Once inhabited by Native Americans and then gold prospectors and pioneers, the river is central to Oregon’s past and present. It is known today for its recreational activities: whitewater rafting, salmon fishing, hiking trails, and forested scenery.

The Rogue River was one of the first designated National Wild and Scenic areas. Biodiversity in the forests is high, with wildlife such as black beers, deer, osprey, river otters, and bald eagles calling its tall trees and rocky riverbanks home. The river’s rushing waters are scenically surrounded by pristine greenery. It remains mostly untouched — the United States Postal Service runs one of the few rural mail boat services here still.

Its forested canyon is considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in the United States.

Practical Info

The Rogue River runs through southwestern Oregon, beginning near Crater Lake and flowing to the sea. The town of Rogue River is positioned on its riverbank.

Rogue River National Forest, Medford, Oregon, USA

From $ 80

Robertson Boulevard

Arguably located in both Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, this tony commercial street offers some of the most tourist-friendly shopping and dining in L.A. Street parking can be scarce, but there’s a public lot between West 3rd Street and Alden offering two free hours.

Most of the retail clothing shops are set between West 3rd and Beverly Boulevard, with outposts of European lines like Paul & Joe, Allsaints, Ted Baker and Moods of Norway rubbing elbows with home-grown boutiques like the trendsetting Kitson. One of Robertson’s mainstays, Les Habitudes, has custom-created wedding dresses and other finery for some of Hollywood’s biggest female stars; a wander through its racks is a true flight of fancy.

While paparazzi linger outside the flower-draped picket fence at The Ivy restaurant at every meal, waiting to snap photos of the rich and famous, celebrities can often be seen for a cheaper price at The Newsroom, a healthy eatery set just across the street.

Two blocks down and across Beverly Boulevard is Petrossian, a famous caviar café from Paris, while closer to Melrose Avenue is the modern glitz of Cecconi (where you can see Beverly Hills rich kids brunching in the wild) and Sur, the chandelier-draped Mediterranean creation of Beverly Hills Housewife Lisa Vanderpump.

Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA

From $ 55

Rosecliff

Set among the many mansions on Newport’s Bellevue Avenue, Rosecliff was often the setting of lavish parties, including an evening featuring famous magician Harry Houdini. But the property wasn’t always quite so grand. The story begins in the late 1880s when Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs spent a summer in Newport and met her husband Hermann Oelrichs at Rosecliff. A year after they were married, the couple bought the mansion and additional property along Bellevue Avenue.

In 1899, the couple hired an architect and commissioned a home modeled after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles. It took three years to complete at a cost of $2.5 million. Rosecliff’s last private owners, Mr. and Mrs. J. Edgar Monroe of New Orleans, later donated the furnished home to The Preservation Society of Newport County in 1971.

If you find the estate looks amazingly familiar on your first visit, don’t be alarmed. Scenes from many movies, including The Great Gatsby, True Lies, Amistad and 27 Dresses, were shot here.

Practical Info

An audio tour is included with admission to Rosecliff. Plan for an hour and a half to explore the estate. The operating schedule at Rosecliff varies according to the season, and free off-street parking is available. Children are welcome, but strollers are not permitted inside the mansion.

584 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Vary

Varie

From $ 28

Rockefeller Center

Radiating art deco glory, Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan is where you'll find Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, the Top of the Rock observation deck, and in winter, New York City’s famous ice rink and Christmas tree. Opened by John D. Rockefeller in 1933, it’s a classic NYC stop for its history as a cultural center and architectural icon.

The Basics

There’s a lot to see and do in the complex of 19 buildings and gardens. Daily Rockefeller Center tours highlight the rich assortment of art deco statues, sculptures, and murals, while benefiting from expert historians telling the story of the structure, gardens, and art. Entertainment fans can go behind the scenes on an NBC Studios tour, while New York City lovers can see it all from above at the Top of the Rock observation deck. Don’t miss the famous gilt statue of Prometheus in the Lower Plaza and Atlas on Fifth Avenue, or the underground shopping concourse with more than 100 stores and 40 restaurants. Rockfeller Center is included on most New York sightseeing tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

The center is wheelchair accessible and has free Wi-Fi available.
Many miss the Rockefeller Center Channel Gardens, but it’s worth visiting the strip of fountains and plants, which change with the seasons.
The NBC Studios tour is an interactive experience, as travelers can have their photo taken at the news desk or give an impromptu weather report.
Stunning views of the Manhattan skyline can be seen from three observation platforms at the Top of the Rock. (Book timed tickets in advance.)

How to Get There

Rockefeller Center is located between Fifth and Sixth avenues in Midtown Manhattan, stretching from W. 48th to W. 51st streets. Rockefeller Plaza leads from 48th Street through to Roosevelt Plaza on 51st Street. Top of the Rock is located in the Comcast Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, with its entrance set on 50th Street. The nearest subway is 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Station.

When to Get There

There is always something going on at Rockefeller Center, open 365 days a year. The holiday season, however, is the highlight.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

Winter brings Rockefeller Center’s ice skating rink to life, starting in early October. The 90-minute skating sessions are first come, first serve, with only 150 people skating at a time for an intimate experience. The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, an iconic and festive annual NYC tradition, is lit at the end of November and stays up through early January, while the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and its stellar Rockettes make for another worthy tradition.

1250 Sixth Avenue, New York City 10112, USA

Open daily. Hours vary for each tour

Free

From $ 15

Royal Street

Royal Street often plays second fiddle to its more-recognizable bigger brother Bourbon Street. And while Bourbon Street has its place and charms, there is a lot more going on along Royal Street for those with a more casual disposition and a more discerning eye.

Known for its art galleries, restaurants, and curio shops, Royal Street is just a block away from the hustle of Bourbon Street, but retains all of the French Quarter character and charm. A shopper paradise, the casual explorer of Royal Street will note the French and Spanish architecture, while those with a photographer’s eye will likely fall in love with the wrought ironwork, the fern-filled courtyards, and the cobblestone and brickwork.

Royal Street has something for everybody, which is why many prefer it to Bourbon-just one block over, but a whole world of difference. Take a stroll down Royal Street to see why those that come to the Vieux Carrie fall in love with Royal Street.

Practical Info

Royal Street is located in the French Quarter district of New Orleans, is one of the oldest streets in the city and runs the length of “the quarter.”

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

From $ 25

Rose Hill Mansion

The Grand Dame of Bluffton, Rose Hill Mansion, drips with period grandeur. The Gothic style Lowcountry plantation house was erected by cotton magnate and town founder, John Kirk, in 1858. It retains much of its original charm and architectural features from the columned porch and gabled peaks with cathedral-style windows to the Spanish moss-draped leafy grounds. Though the residence has a storied history—including a devastating 1987 fire, its role as a setting for several B-rated movies and a John Mellencamp music video, as well as rumors of hauntings that make it a popular Halloween season stop—its restored antebellum artifacts keep visitors streaming through this portal to the past.

Still operated as a private residence (and popular wedding venue with rentable carriage house for overnights), day visitors can take a one-hour guided tour of the first floor. On the tour docents will highlight original Kirk memorabilia—furniture, paintings and heirlooms—restored after the fire and visit the gentleman’s room and parlor with its 1870 Shaw grand piano. One of the highlights is the entrance hallway with its chandeliered curved staircase; its banister connects to the railings that ring an overlook from the second floor. Following the tour, visitors can enjoy locally made cakes and jams, peach tea and lemonade in the historic dining area.

Practical Info

The mansion is located at 199 Rose Hill Way in Bluffton, South Carolina, 25-miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia and ten miles inland from Hilton Head, South Carolina. Tours are offered daily Monday through Friday at 2pm and advance booking is essential. Tickets are $25 for adults at $5 for children ages 6-12. Because of the many fragile and historic artifacts on display, children under 6 are not permitted.

199 Rose Hill Way, Bluffton, USA

Tours are offered daily Monday through Friday at 2pm and advance booking is essential

Adults: $25, Children: $5 for children 6-12; under 6 not permitted

From $ 25

Rocky Statue

Philadelphia’s most famous fictional character is the boxer Rocky Balboa, and the site of the iconic scene from the movie, when Rocky runs up the steps of the Art Museum is also one of the city’s most popular attractions. At the foot of the steps to the museum’s east entrance, you’ll find the Rocky Statue—a larger-than-life mold of the Italian Stallion himself, cast in bronze, and posed victoriously with his arms outstretched over his head. After taking a photo with the immortalized Rocky, you can lace up your running shoes and make your own triumphant run up the stairs to recreate his pose yourself as you enjoy a great view of the city and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Practical Info

The Rocky Statue and Steps are found at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, southwest of downtown, along the Schuykill River. It’s free to visit both anytime, however, when the weather is nice, there is often a short line of people waiting to take photos with the statue.

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130, USA

From $ 32

Rowes Wharf

The city of Boston has long had close ties to the water, and one of the modern developments along the waterfront is Rowes Wharf, built on a historic battery.

Rowes Wharf was built in 1987, and the most visible parts of the development are the massive Boston Harbor Hotel and the arch-covered passageway through the hotel that feeds onto Boston Harbor. There are restaurants, bars and shops, and during the summer a floating stage just off the shore is set up for concerts and movies. The wharf is also a hub for water transport, including water taxis to and from Logan Airport.

The first construction in this area was in the 1660s when South Battery was built to protect the city. John Rowe bought the property a little more than 100 years later, building the first Rowes Wharf. By the 20th century, the wharf had become run down enough that it required a major overhaul.

Practical Info

Water taxis serve many points in the Boston area from Rowes Wharf. The wharf also has service from private yachts, small cruise boats and commuter boats. On the ninth floor of the Boston Harbor Hotel you'll find an observatory called Foster's Rotunda, which offers excellent city and water views. It's open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and access is free of charge.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

From $ 40

Road to Tara Museum

Immerse yourself in Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler's enigmatic romance at the Road To Tara Museum, which brings to life Tara, the mythical plantation where Gone With the Wind takes place. Margaret Mitchell, the novel's author, created Tara based on the sprawling Victorian homes she saw in Clayton County, Georgia ,so today, Clayton County and the city of Jonesboro have been officially designated by the Georgia State Legislature as the "home of Gone With the Wind." Fittingly, the Road to Tara Museum is housed in the 1867 Train Depot in downtown historic Jonesboro.

At the museum visitors can see original props, wardrobe items and keepsakes from the 1939 Atlanta premiere of the feature film. The centerpiece is a large original oil mural depicting Rhett and Scarlett from the film, while additional oil paintings flank this large one. The museum also has an exhibit on the Civil War, featuring the Battle of Jonesboro.

Practical Info

The Road to Tara Museum is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult tickets cost $7, and the site is located in Jonesboro, Georgia off of Interstate 75.

104 N. Main Street, Jonesboro, Georgia, USA

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adults: $7, Seniors & Children: $6

From $ 55

Rookery Building

A landmark of Chicago’s skyline and a masterpiece of architecture, The Rookery was one of the most expensive buildings in the city’s history when it was completed in 1888. It is considered one of the oldest historic high rises in Chicago. It was named not only for the many pigeons and crows that inhabited the exterior of the building, but also for the corrupt politicians that once worked within its walls.

Housing over 600 office spaces, it was constructed by John Wellborn Root and Daniel Burnham, with Frank Lloyd Wright’s remodel of the lobby “Light Court” added in 1905. Wright designed and installed the intricate stairways, rails, and light fixtures. After the Great Chicago Fire it served as an interim City Hall. It is a designated Chicago landmark, a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and was inducted into the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Practical Info

The Rookery can be found in Chicago’s financial district, at 209 South LaSalle Street. It is open from 8 am to 6 pm.

209 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

8 am to 6 pm

From $ 650

Rodeo Drive

One of the most famous shopping districts in the world, Rodeo Drive attracts a well-heeled crowd of label lovers who exercise their credit cards at designer shops like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany, and Gucci. Between the elegant storefronts, luxury cars, and swaying palm trees, it’s a Hollywood movie scene come to life.

The Basics

Many Los Angeles sightseeing tours include a Rodeo Drive stop or drive-by, particularly those that focus on Hollywood and movie stars, such as celebrity-homes tours. Opt for a Beverly Hills Segway tour for a closer look at the streets of this upscale enclave, or book a private tour that can be customized to your interests if you’d like to explore more of Rodeo Drive than a typical bus tour does.

Things to Know Before You Go

There are many restaurants around Rodeo, but know that the prices often match the shopping.
When you need a break from the crowds, cross Santa Monica Boulevard to Beverly Gardens Park to relax or snap a photo of the Beverly Hills sign.
Many parking areas provide two hours of free parking, so check the signs.
Beverly Hills operates a free trolley to Rodeo Drive on weekends; service is expanded to weekdays during the summer.

How to Get There

The shopping stretch of Rodeo Drive runs north from Wilshire Boulevard to Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Los Angeles is a city of drivers, so parking is available, or you can take a ride-share vehicle for ease.

When to Get There

If you want to shop, store hours are generally late morning to early evening Monday through Saturday. Sunday, when most stores have shorter hours or are closed, is a great time to stroll along Rodeo Drive if you’re not interested in the shops, as the atmosphere is quieter.

The Paley Center for Media

Just two blocks over on Beverly Drive, the Paley Center for Media is a modern museum dedicated to the history of television and radio. The center hosts panels and events that focus on the cultural significance and direction of media, from radio to podcasts.

Los Angeles, California, USA

From $ 30

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

For those who like to rock, Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame salutes you. A pilgrimage destination for music fans of all ages, the museum recognizes artists and musicians who have shaped music history since Cleveland DJ Alan Freed first coined the term “rock ‘n’ roll” in the early 1950s.

The Basics

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame holds the largest collection of rock music artifacts in the world, and is the only museum solely dedicated to rock ‘n’ roll. Housed inside a huge glass pyramid on the Ohio banks of Lake Erie, the museum is organized in seven floors and five theaters that showcase the stories behind the music that most visitors have listened to throughout their lives.

Explore the instruments, stage costumes, original lyrics—written by hand—of some of your favorite artists, and more. There are exhibits on rock legends such as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and the Who, plus the evolution of rap, music videos, and more. A new Hall of Fame displays each inductee and lets fans sound off on their choices for future nominations.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must for music lovers visiting Cleveland.
Note that some of the exhibits have mature themes and are not appropriate for young children.
An on-site cafe offers gourmet coffee, meals and snacks.
The facility is fully accessible to wheelchairs, with elevators, private restrooms, and reserved seating in the theaters.
Tickets are available for purchase in advance. Discounts are available for seniors, local residents, military and first responders, college students, and children.
A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available to rent for free at Visitor Services; motorized scooters are $10 per day. You can reserve one by calling in advance.

How to Get There

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, next to the Cleveland Browns Stadium. Take the RTA Waterfront Line light-rail or the free NineTwelve Trolley to get to the museum. If you’re driving, paid parking is available in several nearby lots and garages.

When to Get There

The museum is generally open daily from 10am to 5:30pm or 9pm, but it has seasonal hours plus occasional closures for special events, so check the website or call ahead. To turn up the volume on your visit, plan to attend one of the many live performances that occur throughout the year.

The Road to Induction

Getting inducting into the Rock Hall is a serious process that involves collecting votes from more than 900 historians, music industry professionals, and current inductees. Since 2012, music fans have been allowed to weigh in by casting their votes, and the top five nominees chosen by the public form a ballot, which is then weighed the same with the rest.

1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, Ohio, USA 44114, USA

Varies

From $ 26

Rock Creek Park

Stretching over nine miles long and one mile across through the center of the city, this 1,754-acre forest park is one of the most distinctive and beloved features of Washington, D.C. Encompassing a leisurely, winding, and sometimes creek-side drive and numerous paths for walking and biking, Rock Creek Park provides a series of relaxing opportunities to sidestep a purely urban experience of the Nation’s Capital.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rock Creek Park is home to a few of D.C.’s best-preserved historical buildings and smaller parks: the water-powered Pierce Mill, built in the 1820s; the elegant Meridian Hill Park in Columbia Heights, which features a 13-tier manmade waterfall; and Georgetown’s 18th-century Old Stone House, a small museum and the oldest building in the city.

To acquaint yourself with the flora and fauna of the park – especially if you’re traveling with children - visit the Rock Creek Park Nature Center (5200 Glover Road, NW), which includes a wall-mounted beehive under glass and a small planetarium. The Center is free to enter and open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; not accessible by Metrorail or bus, the Center offers a free parking lot.

Three Metrorail stations, all serving the Red Line, provide access to sections of Rock Creek Park: Pierce Mill can be accessed via Van Ness or Cleveland Park, and the park’s main walking and bicycle paths are just down the hill from Woodley Park-National Zoo.

Practical Info

Note that a section of Rock Creek – Beach Drive between Military and Broad Branch Roads -- is closed to cars from 7 a.m. on Saturday until 7 p.m. on Sunday. During this time, only biking, hiking, jogging and rollerblading are permitted.

Washington DC, USA

From $ 360

Rodin Museum

An extension of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum houses the largest collection of works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin outside of Paris. Inside you’ll find more than 140 sculptures, including bronze casts of The Gates of Hell and The Thinker. Many of Rodin’s sculptures are displayed outdoors in the surrounding gardens.

The Basics

The Rodin Museum was founded by art collector Jules Mastbaum, who died before it opened its doors in 1929. Located along Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum’s elegant beaux arts–style building and formal French gardens showcase the sculptor’s bronzes, marbles, and more, along with a collection of drawings, paintings, and studies.

Visit the museum independently or as part of a Philadelphia sightseeing tour. Entry is included with general admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a skip-the-line private museum tour is available.

Things to Know Before You Go

Admission to the Rodin Museum is pay what you wish and includes a self-guided audio tour.
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line at the ticket booth.
Access to the museum’s gardens, where The Thinker stands, is free to the public.
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs, and it offers restrooms and Wi-Fi.
Arrive early if you want to take advantage of the museum’s limited street parking. Parking is also available at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s parking garage.

How to Get There

There are several ways to reach the Rodin Museum, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Most visitors arrive as part of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour or by public transport—the Philly Phlash downtown loop stops right in front of the museum.

When to Get There

The museum is open every day except Tuesday, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit, though weekends are busier than weekdays. It’s closed on the 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Rodin’s Greatest Hits

Visitors to the Rodin Museum can see many of the French sculptor’s most famous works, like Eternal Springtime, The Three Shades, The Kiss, and The Thinker. Over 30 of the pieces in the museum’s collection focus on studies of The Gates of Hell, including the first bronze cast ever made of this monumental pair of doors originally designed for a museum in Paris.

2154 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130, USA

Varies

From $ 20

Rocky Mountain National Park

The astounding natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains is exemplified and amplified in Rocky Mountain National Park, a hub of Colorado outdoor adventure. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting, ziplining, and wildlife watching are just a few of the ways to experience the area’s magic. In the winter months, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and other snow-sport lovers frolic amongst white-washed peaks.

The Basics

With numerous ways to experience the natural landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park, tours and guides are available to assist with making the most of your time there. Photo enthusiasts can try a photography tour or photo safari, while group bus tours provide an overview of the area. Elk watching and other nature tours are available in summer. More than 350 miles (563 kilometers) of hiking trails wind through the 450-square-mile (1,166-square-kilometer) park. Visitors can keep an eye out for wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and the occasional bear. Cyclists follow Trail Ridge Road, while hikers can walk to lakes following the Bear Lake Trailhead, Fern Lake Trail, and easy walks to Calypso Cascades and Gem Lake. Guided adventures are available for all outdoor activities, and often include equipment rental and transportation.

Things to Know Before You Go

Even summer’s mild temperatures drop in the evenings, so sweaters are worn year-round.
Wheelchair-accessible areas can be found throughout the park.
Inside the park there are two visitor centers: Fall River and Alpine. Outside the park, visitor centers are at Beaver Meadows, Kawuneeche, and Lily Lake.

How to Get There

Rocky Mountain National Park is about 70 miles north of Denver. Trail Ridge Road runs through the park (open May to October), and free shuttles run to trailheads and to downtown Estes Park. Grand Lake is the town closest to the park entrance (best accessed by car).

When to Get There

Alpine wildflowers fill the valleys in spring, and cross-country skiers hit the slopes here in winter. Summer is the most popular time to visit—and thus the most crowded—but all seasons offer outdoor activities and access to unbridled nature.

Trail Ridge Road, Grand Lake 80446, USA

Open daily

US$20 for automobiles, US$10 for individuals

From $ 105

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Renamed in 1998 in honor of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan, this urban airport opened its doors in 1926 and is the hub for US Airways. The airport provides travelers with easy domestic escape from the nation’s capital.

Terminal A, which opened in 1941, is newly renovated, while the brightly lit and gilded halls of Terminals B and C are home to 35 gates that lead travelers to planes departing for dozens of cities across the country. Travelers on extended layovers can enjoy the artistic touches of the ever-changing Gallery Walk exhibits in Terminal A, and updated food options mean there are more places than ever for those on the go to grab a bite.

Practical Info

Reagan is located in Arlington, just 3.4 miles from downtown D.C.—travelers can even see it from the Capitol building! But visitors looking to go long distances will find fewer flight options out of this smaller airport, which is a stone’s through from the heart of the capital.

Arlington, Virginia 22202, USA

Daily

From $ 17

Road to Hana

With 64 miles of black sand beaches, waterfalls, and bamboo jungles, the Road to Hana is a must-see for any Maui visitor. The two-lane route, also known as Hāna Highway, connects Kahului with the tiny town of Hana in east Maui, offering scenic views, plenty of excursions, and some of Hawaii’s most beautiful scenery along the way. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your trip on this beautiful island.

The Basics

Most Hana tour options tend to be long, full-day trips, as the drive is slow-going with many twists and turns, taking at least three hours to drive the winding route. Don't be surprised when the path gets narrow—you'll pass over 59 bridges, 46 of which are only a single lane wide.

Small group trips offer a comfortable, air-conditioned ride via van or mini-coach with an expert tour guide who'll give you the inside scoop on the history and legends of the Valley Isle, while a private tour will include a driver who will stop wherever you’d like. Despite the narrow road’s name, most tours continue further south past Hana Town before turning around and returning to Kahului.

Road to Hana Popular Attractions

Some of the sights you can visit on your Hana adventure are the famous Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo, the Twin Falls waterfalls, the Ho'okipa Lookout, Honomanu Bay, the two arboretums, the Hana Lava Tube, and Wai'anapanapa State Park. For a piece of history, make a stop at Palapala Ho’omau Church, set on the coast in Kipahulu, where famous aviator Charles Lindbergh is buried. The town of Hana itself is tiny but lovely, and has many nice beaches.

Things to Do While Touring Hana

Stop at the Oheo Gulch to take a dip in the Seven Sacred Pools, or enjoy a range of short hikes through tropical rain forest, such as the four-mile Pipiwai Trail, a part of Haleakala National Park. If weather permits, take in the views at Keanae Lookout; rappel or zipline alongside one of the beautiful waterfalls; grab lunch in Paia Town; and check out ancient lava formations in the Ka’eleku Cavern. You can also take to the skies to see the Hana Highway on a helicopter tour or a day trip from Oahu, flight costs included.

Some travelers opt to take their own road trip along the famous Road to Hana, spending the night in Hana before heading back to the west side of the island. If you're interested in cycling, you can either rent a bike and go on your own, or book a cycling tour.

Amenities and Accessibility

Here are a few things to know before you go.

Those considering the self-guided option should note that select rental car companies don’t allow their vehicles on the Hana road due to gravel and rocky paths.
Some rock climbing may be required at the Seven Sacred Pools; however, Wai'anapanapa State Park has worked to improve its pathways for safer and more comfortable travel throughout the area.
Not all day trips include meals, so consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy at a scenic stop en route. Some options do include a continental breakfast for your early start.

State Highway 360, Hana, Hawaii 96713, USA

Free

From $ 125