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Upper Falls
Of all Yellowstone National Park’s waterfalls, the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River are possibly the most underrated. At a thundering height of 109 feet (33 meters), the Upper Falls are an impressive sight that’s certainly worthy of a stop—and would more than likely be the highlight of virtually any other park.
The Basics
The Upper Falls are often overshadowed by the nearby Lower Falls, which tumble 308 feet (94 meters) through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone—the highest waterfall in the park. The most accessible views of the Upper Falls are from the Uncle Tom’s parking area, located just south of Canyon Village and five minutes from the Lower Falls. By following the Southern Rim Trail, it’s easy to experience both the Lower and Upper Falls via a short, half‐mile hike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Upper Falls are a must-see for those looking to get off the beaten track in Yellowstone.
- Don’t forget your camera; the views of the falls and surrounding Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are spectacular.
- The short paved trail at the top of Brink of the Lower Falls offers wheelchair-accessible views of Upper Falls.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the falls, located near Canyon Village, is by car. Take North Rim Drive to see the Upper Falls from the Brink of Lower Falls parking area, or opt for South Rim Drive to see the falls from the parking area for Uncle Tom’s Point.
When to Get There
The best time to see the Upper Falls is in late spring and early summer, when snowmelt swells the Yellowstone River and the falls’ water volume is at its most impressive. Come during the winter to avoid crowds and see the falls in all their frozen beauty.
Waterfalls of Yellowstone National Park
The Upper and Lower Falls are only two of the hundreds of waterfalls that dot the landscape within the nation’s oldest national park. Crystal Falls, also located in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, is visible from South Rim Trail. Other easily accessible falls include Firehole Falls, located just off Firehole Canyon Scenic Drive; Tower Fall, near Canyon Village; Gibbon Falls, between Madison and Norris Junctions; and the Kepler Cascades, situated just south of Old Faithful.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
From $ 229
Upper West Side
Located between Central Park and the Hudson River and West 59th Street and West 110th Street, the Upper West Side is known for being one of Manhattan’s more upscale residential neighborhoods, with beautiful brownstones and a generally safe atmosphere. For those looking to experience some of New York’s best cultural sites, the Upper West Side has plenty. For example, Lincoln Center is an important cultural institution in the neighborhood, as the center puts on an array of topnotch music, dance and theater performances. In fact, it is home to some of the world’s most elite performing arts groups like The Juilliard School, The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic.
There is also the American Museum of Natural History, American Folk Art Museum, The Cloisters Museum and Gardens, The Children’s Museum, Museum of Arts & Design, Nicholas Roerich Museum and New York’s oldest museum founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society. Outdoor beauty also abounds in the Upper West Side between two parks, the iconic Central Park as well as the tranquil Riverside Park which runs along the Hudson River from 58th to 156th streets.
To get to the Upper West Side by subway, you can take the 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln Center; 1, 2, 3, B, C to 72nd Street or 96th Street; 1 to 79th Street; B, C to 81st Street; 1, B, C to 86th Street; 1, B, C to 103rd Street or 110th Street.
There is also the American Museum of Natural History, American Folk Art Museum, The Cloisters Museum and Gardens, The Children’s Museum, Museum of Arts & Design, Nicholas Roerich Museum and New York’s oldest museum founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society. Outdoor beauty also abounds in the Upper West Side between two parks, the iconic Central Park as well as the tranquil Riverside Park which runs along the Hudson River from 58th to 156th streets.
To get to the Upper West Side by subway, you can take the 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln Center; 1, 2, 3, B, C to 72nd Street or 96th Street; 1 to 79th Street; B, C to 81st Street; 1, B, C to 86th Street; 1, B, C to 103rd Street or 110th Street.
Address: USA
From $ 39
USS Constitution
The USS Constitution is a fascinating example of United States and military history. The 44-gun, Boston-built vessel hearkens back to 1797 when President George Washington ordered that six frigates be constructed at naval yards along the east coast.
“Old Ironsides," as it’s known today, is officially “America’s Ship of State” and one of the most popular and well respected military attractions in the country. Before entering, visit the onsite museum, which provides insight into US military history, including the War of 1812 and the general timeline of the USS Constitution.
Once aboard the ship, free guided tours are offered year-round by knowledgeable navy personnel. Visitors are also invited to explore and photograph a large portion of the ship, including the main deck and the level below deck. Select summer visitors are invited to join in a special Constitution Experience. Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m., the crew undertakes a Morning Colors ceremony that includes a rare firing of the ship's saluting battery. Visitors can then board for an extended tour through the ship’s innerworkings before visiting the official museum.
Practical Info
The museum is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday. In summer, it is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in October until 4 p.m. From November 1 to March 31, it is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to its location, immediate, immediate access is restricted. However, paid parking is available nearby. A variety of public transportation options are also available.
Address: Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
Hours: Year-round
From $ 25
University of Southern California
Situated in downtown Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (or USC) is one of the nation’s top universities. With more than 40,000 students and specialty graduate programs, the private school is known for both its academic and athletic excellence. Due to its location in the midst of the film industry, USC has close ties to the film and television industry. Hundreds of accolades have been given to alumni of its film school. Many Hollywood productions have been filmed on campus.
USC also has the largest international student population of any university in the United States, adding to its global appeal. Its football team is particularly well-known for its many championships, and the school has sent more athletes to the Olympics than any other in the world.
The campus is well-maintained in a traditional style, with landscaped gardens and brick-lined buildings. Its many halls, libraries, and squares are beautifully maintained. Visitors will also want to check out the statue of Tommy Trojan, the major symbol of the university.
Practical Info
The University of California is located in the University Park area of downtown Los Angeles. It is within walking distance to the nearby Los Angeles Coliseum and Shrine Auditorium. Guided and self-guided tours of the campus are given daily.
Address: 699 USC McCarthy Way, Los Angeles, California 90007, USA
From $ 125
USS Oklahoma Memorial
The only land-based memorial at Pearl Harbor, the USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the more than 400 servicemen who lost their lives aboard the ship during the flurry of attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Second only in casualties to the USS Arizona on that fateful day, the Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island commemorates each life lost with a tall white marble column, symbolizing a crisp white Navy uniform. Taken together, the low black granite walls etched with stories and towering clean rows of columns symbolize the ship and the crew within standing tall forever.
The memorial’s location, on the still-active military base at Ford Island, is also significant. The USS Oklahoma’s berth was here, just offshore. When the ship was torpedoed, several crew were able to escape by swimming and crawling on the stretch of land the memorial now occupies.
A relatively new Pearl Harbor attraction, the USS Oklahoma Memorial was designated on Dec. 7, 2007.
Practical Info
The Memorial is run by the National Park Service as part of the Valor in the Pacific National Monument. However, it is located across a channel from the park’s popular USS Arizona Memorial and fronting the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island. Because of its location, and the need to board designated vehicles with access to the base, visits to the free USS Oklahoma Memorial are often combined with the separately ticketed Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum (ticket packages available). A park shuttle departs the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center every 15 minutes from 8 a.m til 5 p.m.
Insider Tip: Only one camera and water bottle per visitor are allowed on the military base. It’s best to leave purses and backpacks at home, but if you must bring them a the USS Bowfin Submarine (one of the shuttle stops before the Ford Island entrance) has storage facilities charging $3 per bag.
Insider Tip: Only one camera and water bottle per visitor are allowed on the military base. It’s best to leave purses and backpacks at home, but if you must bring them a the USS Bowfin Submarine (one of the shuttle stops before the Ford Island entrance) has storage facilities charging $3 per bag.
Address: Langley Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, USA
From $ 125
USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial floats above the watery site where the eponymous battleship was bombed and sunk, taking 1,177 lives with it, in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The solemn, all-white memorial features a marble wall of names of those who served onboard and spans the Arizona’s width, with openings to look down on the sunken hull.
The Basics
The USS Arizona Memorial is free and open to the public. For civilians, the only way to access the memorial is via Park Service shuttle boats that run according to timed tickets. Visit several Pearl Harbor attractions on a guided tour that includes boat tickets and round-trip transportation between Honolulu and Waikiki. Because USS Arizona tickets are limited each day and often involve long waits to procure, booking a tour in advance is a convenient way to ensure you’ll see the memorial. Note that boat tours not run by the Park Service are not allowed to disembark at the USS Arizona Memorial and sometimes skip it; boat tours with Park Service tickets allow you to disembark and take the Park Service’s tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Park Service’s memorial tour includes the viewing of a 23-minute documentary, round-trip boat ride, and time at the memorial. Plan to spend about 90 minutes there.
- Check the weather before you go. Because the memorial must be accessed by boat, high winds and seas may be cause for cancellation.
- There are no restrooms at the memorial, but facilities can be found at the visitor center.
- The USS Arizona Memorial, visitor center, and related facilities are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Because the timed tickets are limited to the number of seats on the boat, crowding is not an issue.
How to Get There
The memorial is located within the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, in Pearl Harbor on Oahu. To reach the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center from Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, take Nimitz Highway to H-1 West and take exit 15-A to HI-99, then turn left at the fourth traffic light.
When to Get There
The USS Arizona Memorial is open daily year-round except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. If you want to visit spontaneously, the site gives away 1,300 tickets each day starting at 7am—arrive early, as they’re given on a first-come, first-served basis. Many visitors opt to start their Pearl Harbor experience with the USS Arizona, making morning tickets the hardest to come by. Other challenging times to get tickets are the weekends on either side of the anniversary of Pearl Harbor (December 7), as well as over busy summer and winter school holidays.
Other Pearl Harbor Attractions
There are four other main sites at Pearl Harbor besides the USS Arizona Memorial: the land-based USS Oklahoma Memorial run by the National Park Service; the floating Battleship Missouri Memorial, aboard which the WWII peace treaty was signed; the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, where visitors can board and see the interior of the sub that avenged the attacks by sinking enemy ships; and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, home to huge hangars of period aircraft.
Address: Arizona Memorial Place, Pearl Harbor 96818, USA
Hours: Daily 7am–5pm
Admission: Free
From $ 4
University of Pennsylvania
Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania was the first American school to focus on education for students outside the clergy. Originally established between 1740 and 1750, this Ivy League school was one of the original Colonial Colleges and the first formal university -- offering courses of study at both the undergraduate and graduate level -- established in the United States.
Penn, as it’s colloquially known, is famous for a series of educational firsts: creation of the country’s first medical school (1765); the first university teaching hospital (1874); the Wharton School, the world’s first school dedicated to the study of business (1881); and Houston Hall, America’s first student-union building (1896); and the conception and design of ENIAC, the world’s first digital computer (1946).
Its graceful 279-acre campus, where the university moved in the 1870s, is the country’s first example of the Collegiate Gothic style, based on a design blend of the university campuses at Oxford and Cambridge. Landmarks here include the beautifully landscaped, 24-acre Penn Park, completed in 2011; the ornate Victorian-era Fisher Fine Arts Library, designed by architect Frank Furness in 1888; and the 1887 University Museum, which focuses on rare antiquities from around the world and is surrounded by the elegant Warden Garden.
The University of Pennsylvania today is home to 165 different research centers and institutes, and has an enrollment count of almost 25,000 students.
Address: 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
From $ 45
US Marine Corps Sunset Parade
Overlooking the Potomac River at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, at the site of the U.S. Marine War Corps Memorial, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps presents the free Marine Sunset Review Parade (aka The Sunset Parade) on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., generally the first Tuesday in June through mid-August. Wearing red-and-white dress uniforms, the corps – who have been conducting these evening tributes since 1956 -- performs a variety of military standards and vintage tunes from wartime eras.
Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics and spread out on the surrounding lawns to enjoy the Parade. No on-site seating is provided.
Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics and spread out on the surrounding lawns to enjoy the Parade. No on-site seating is provided.
Practical Information
Public off-site parking is available just outside Arlington National
Cemetery, and free shuttle service is provided. Or, the Memorial is
about a 10-minute walk from the Metrorail’s stations for Rosslyn
(serving the Orange and Blue Lines) and Arlington National Cemetery
(serving the Blue Line). On parade evenings, only limited street parking
is available, and taking the subway is highly recommended.
Address: US Marine Corps War Memorial, Washington DC 22209, USA
From $ 240
US Navy Memorial
The outdoor US Navy Memorial is a circular plaza with a "Granite Sea" map of the world. Two tall, arced buildings encompass the map in the center, the focal point of the Memorial. Fountains with pools, sculpted panels, and long columns embellish the stately Memorial. The eye-catching statue of the Lone Soldier represents every man and woman who has served in the Navy or other sea services.
Adjacent to the US Navy Memorial is the Naval Heritage Center. A pseudo-museum, it was built to educate the public on the mission and history of the Navy, as well as a look into the life of those who serve in it. In the Center, visitors will find interactive exhibits and a movie theater that screens films about Navy service. There is a Media Resource Center on site, which houses historical text and documents on the Navy, as well as a souvenir shop.
Practical Info
The US Navy Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is conveniently located beside the Archives/Navy Memorial metro station. The Navy Heritage Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closes on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The US Navy Band gives a free concert every Thursday at 8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Address: Washington DC 20004, USA
From $ 14
University of Virginia
Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819 to promote discussion, collaboration, and enlightenment through higher education. Today the UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be a “public Ivy,” on par with the Ivy League institutions, making it one of the top schools in the nation serving roughly 25,000 students.
The Basics
Thomas Jefferson established the Academical Village—which includes the Rotunda, the Lawn, the Pavilions, and the Gardens—where students and faculty could cohabitate to foster better academic exchanges. Free guided tours of the Lawn and the Rotunda are offered throughout the year to get a feel for what life was like for students and faculty in the early days. Most tours discuss the history of Charlottesville, from its plantation days to the Civil War that ripped through the southern state to the present day. Some private Civil War tours of central Virginia stop by the university, the former headquarters of the Confederate General Hospital.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The University of Virginia is a must-visit for American history buffs and academics.
- Be prepared for a lot of walking on your visit to the UVA campus and downtown Charlottesville.
- Most of the university, including the Lawn and the Rotunda, is wheelchair accessible, as are the restrooms around campus.
How to Get There
The University of Virginia is located in the heart of Charlottesville, about two hours southwest of Washington DC. To reach campus, drive along Route 29 from DC or I-64 from Richmond.
When to Get There
The university and its grounds are open throughout the year for tours and visits. It is best to avoid the school during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break, when there are more closures and fewer students milling around the grounds.
The Academical Village
Jefferson’s vision for the University of Virginia can still be seen today on tours of the original grounds. Though the Rotunda is no longer used as a library, it is still the heart of the university and is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The structures that flank the Lawn are pavilions and student houses occupied by the most accomplished fourth-year students and honored faculty. The Gardens, once used for growing food, are now ideal for relaxing strolls.
Address: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
From $ 105
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
There are only 15 American submarines that remain from World War II, and the most-heralded of them—the USS Bowfin—now sits in Pearl Harbor, where the war American’s war first started. Known as the “Avenger of Pearl Harbor,” the USS Bowfin was built in Maine and sailed the South Pacific. It set off on its mission exactly one year after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, and 44 different enemy ships would eventually succumb to her guns.
Today, visitors to Pearl Harbor can walk inside the submarine to see the cramped metal quarters, and get an authentic feel for the daily hardships of the boys in the “Silent Service.” In nine tours of duty only one crewmember died from injuries in battle, and when visiting today, you can stand in the chambers where these brave sailors celebrated a successful strike. Once finished with the tour of the ship, learn the fascinating history of submarines in the accompanying Bowfin museum, where exhibits range from a ballistic missile that was once housed on the ship, to a 54-foot, human-guided torpedo known as a Japanese Kaiten.
Practical Info
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is open from 7am-5pm daily, with the exception of Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children—and only $5 and $4, respectively, to visit the museum.
Address: 11 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, USA
Hours: Daily 7am-5pm, Closed Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day
Admission: Adults $12, Children $5
From $ 15
US Capitol
The US Capitol dome towers above the Roman columns and manicured gardens of this iconic heart of American government. Topped by the bronze Statue of Freedom, the Capitol is the political and geographic center of Washington D.C. The building houses the legislative branch of Congress, with the Senate meeting in the north wing and the House of Representatives in the south wing. When Congress is in session, visitors can watch politicians debate all flavors of legislative issues, as they’ve done here since 1800.
The Basics
Areas beyond the visitor center are only accessible by guided tour. Options include group or private tours of Washington D.C. that take in the Capitol Building and include reserved tickets. The Capitol also offers official tours; booking far in advance is highly recommended—passes are available 120 days in advance—though a limited number of same-day, guided-tour passes are offered at the visitor center. You can also book reserved entry via a VIP experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Areas beyond the visitor center are only accessible by guided tour.
- Separate passes are required to view a session of Congress or a Congressional committee hearing. US citizens can obtain one from their state senator or representative; foreign visitors can try at the Capitol’s House and Senate appointment desks.
- When Congress is in session, a flag is raised above the appropriate wing (either the Senate or House). The spectacle is especially impressive when both are in session simultaneously.
- Capitol tours are family-friendly.
- No food, drink, or bags larger than 18 inches (46 centimeters) are permitted.
- A wide range of accessibility services are available to visitors. There is an on-demand shuttle service for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
The US Capitol is at the far eastern end of the National Mall in Washington D.C. Enter via the visitor center on East Capitol Street at First Street NW. You can easily get to the Capitol by foot, bike, car (though there is virtually no parking nearby), bus, or Metro. The nearest Metro stations are Union Station, Capitol South, and Federal Center SW.
When to Get There
The Capitol Visitor Center is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Saturday except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day. Visit in spring to see cherry blossom blooms or in winter to avoid the crowds. DC can be especially humid in summer.
Must-See Sights Near the Capitol Building
Aside from the Capitol Building’s opulent chambers and impressive rotunda, the site overlooks the National Mall and is in close proximity to many other sights of great historic and cultural significance. Many Washington D.C. tours combine a Capitol Building visit with stops at other major landmarks such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the US Supreme Court Building, and the Library of Congress.
Address: 100 Constitution Avenue NE, at 1st Street NW, Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. 20002, USA
Hours: Mon - Sat 8:30am - 4:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 14
University of Alaska Museum of the North
This top-rated visitor attraction at the University of Alaska Fairbanks boasts being the only research and teaching museum in Alaska. With a goal of acquiring, interpreting and showcasing collections relating to Alaska’s natural, cultural and artistic heritage, the University of Alaska Museum of the North currently houses 1.4 million artifacts and specimens. Visitors can peruse the collections and exhibits to gain a true understanding of the development and culture of Native Alaskans. These are separated into 10 different categories: Archaeology, birds, documentary film, earth sciences, ethnology/history, fine arts, fishes/marine invertebrates, insects, mammals, and plants.
Visitors can also see ancient artwork spanning from 2,000 years ago to present, like ancient ivory carvings; contemporary sculptures; Alaska’s most comprehensive public display of gold and Blue Babe; a light installation that changes with the position of the moon and sun; Native tools and toys; and much more. Other things to do include seeing a 36,000-year-old preserved steppe bison; learning about Alaska’s mining history, seeing a film on the Aurora Borealis; viewing the world’s largest collection of polar dinosaurs; taking in beadwork handicrafts from the mid-1800s and other experiences you just can't have anywhere else. Don’t leave without perusing the Museum Store, which sells authentic Native Alaskan artwork.
Visitors can also see ancient artwork spanning from 2,000 years ago to present, like ancient ivory carvings; contemporary sculptures; Alaska’s most comprehensive public display of gold and Blue Babe; a light installation that changes with the position of the moon and sun; Native tools and toys; and much more. Other things to do include seeing a 36,000-year-old preserved steppe bison; learning about Alaska’s mining history, seeing a film on the Aurora Borealis; viewing the world’s largest collection of polar dinosaurs; taking in beadwork handicrafts from the mid-1800s and other experiences you just can't have anywhere else. Don’t leave without perusing the Museum Store, which sells authentic Native Alaskan artwork.
Practical Info
University of Alaska Museum of the North is located at 907 Yukon Drive in Fairbanks. Hours vary by season, so check the website for the most current times. Admission is $12 general admission, $7 for youth 14 and younger, $8 for Alaska residents 15 and older, $5 for Alaska youth, $4 for UA faculty and staff, and free for museum members, UA students and children under 1.
Address: 907 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Hours: Summer Hours: May 15 - Sep 15, 2013 Daily 9am - 7pm. Winter Hours: Sep 16, 2013 - May 14, 2014 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat-Sun: 10am - 5pm. Closed major holidays.
Admission: Adult: $12; Child: $7. Price reduced for Alaskan Resident
From $ 105
University of Washington
Situated on the shores of Seattle’s Union and Portage Bays, the University of Washington is one of the west coast’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It is particularly well known for its medical school, one of the top in the nation. The public university has more than 50,000 active students each year.
The campus itself is beautiful and well-maintained, surrounded by peaks of the Cascade Range. Cherry blossom trees bloom brightly in the spring, making it a favorite time to visit the campus. Visitors and prospective students can take a guided tour of the campus, or see some of the the highlights including Drumheller Fountain, the Suzzallo Library, Denny Hall, and Mary Gates Hall. The classic architecture of most of the campus buildings is scenic, and the Burke Gilman trail allows for joggers and pedestrians to pass through its many open green spaces. On a clear day it is even possible to see Mount Rainer in the distance.
Practical Info
The University of Washington Seattle campus is located about 20 minutes from Sea-Tac International Airport. The university is nearby to the Gas Works Park, which offers incredible views of the city and the water.
Address: 4014 University Way Northeast, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
From $ 42
USS Wisconsin
Take a fascinating tour of a seasoned, battle-tested U.S. Navy warship at the Nauticus maritime museum on the docks of Norfolk. The USS Wisconsin is an Iowa-class battleship, one of the largest ever built, that started her career in the Pacific during WWII, and served in both the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. Eventually donated to Nauticus to become part of the museum, today visitor can do tours on the decks to see the massive 50-cal gun turrets, and below decks to explore the sailors’ bunks, mess deck, offices and more. Nauticus also has exhibits about the ship’s history, technology and daily lives on the sailors on board.
Practical Info
The USS Wisconsin is located along the Elizabeth River waterfront in downtown Norfolk, that same port she based in during many years of her service. Visitors can take a self guided tour of the ship as part of the admission price to Nauticus, but guided tours cost an additional fee.
Address: 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, USA
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day: Open every day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The rest of the year: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Admission: Admisson to Nauticus starts at $15.95 for adults
From $ 52
USS Missouri
Step aboard the USS Missouri, a hulking, gray battleship also known as the “Mighty Mo," docked at Ford Island in Oahu's Pearl Harbor. More than 70 years ago, it played an important role in history while anchored in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrender documents that ended World War II were signed on her decks. Permanently docked off the active military base and within sight of many memorials that mark the United States' tragic entry into World War II, the USS Missouri (now known as the Battleship Missouri Memorial) is a reminder of the war's conclusion.
The USS Missouri went on to participate in two more wars, and today the 900-foot decommissioned ship serves as a showcase of what life aboard was like. Visitors can wander the crew's quarters and mess halls, look out from the bridge and touch the 50-caliber deck guns. Exhibits inside the ship's various compartments—restored to look as it did during service—share information and crew artifacts from its various tours of duty. Three regularly running guided tours are included in admission and offer different insights: The main deck tour explores the guns and site of the historic surrender; the below deck tour covers the cabins, berths and mess hall; and the above deck tour offers bird's-eye views from the command and control center, bridge and captain's quarters.
Practical Info
Because the USS Missouri Memorial is located on Ford Island, visitors must take either the designated shuttle (departs Pearl Harbor Visitors Center and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park every 15 minutes during operating hours) or arrive via organized tour. The memorial is open daily from 8am to 4pm, except in June, July and August when it remains open until 5pm. General admission costs $27 for adults and $13 for children ages 4–12. The ticket gives access to three tour options: self-guided, an informational audio tour with 100 stops, or one of the three guided routes mentioned above (35 minutes).
Did You Know? The Mighty Mo was the last battleship ever built, but there were three other USS Missouris prior to this its commissioning in 1944. The fourth, a submarine, is still an active military vessel.
Address: 63 Cowpens Street, Ford Island, Oahu, Hawaii 96818, USA
Hours: Daily 8am–4pm (June–Aug until 5pm)
Admission: $27
From $ 69
USS Pampanito
This World War II war ship has officially retired to the San Francisco Bay, where it is docked for visitors to enjoy. Commissioned in 1943, the Balao class Fleet submarine has a storied history that includes the sinking of six Japanese ships while patrolling the Pacific. It now operates as if a floating museum, with its original sleeping quarters, kitchen, dining room, and office open to the public. Walking through the living areas it’s possible to get a true sense of the camped quarters soldiers endured at sea for months at a time.
The ship’s museum (as a part of the larger San Francisco Maritime National Park Association) gives a glimpse into a unique time in naval history. Much of the submarine has been restored to its original working condition, including its torpedo tube, engine room, and periscope. The National Historic Landmark is one of the most visited historic vessels in the United States.
Practical Info
The USS Pampanito is docked at Pier 45 in San Francisco. Located along the Embarcadero at Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s open daily from 9 am to 8 pm for visits. Admission is $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $9 for children or active military. The Powell/Hyde cable car line stops here, and the SS Jeremiah O’Brien is docked right beside it. Audio and docent led tours are available.
Address: Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Daily from 9 am - 8 pm
Admission: $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for children or active military
From $ 20
USS Midway Museum
Formerly the US Navy’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century (1945 to 1991), the USS Midway Museum comprises an entire floating city. Aboard the hulking vessel docked in San Diego, California, visitors can now explore more than 60 exhibits as well as peek inside the museum’s impressive aircraft collection.
The Basics
Exhibits in the USS Midway Museum include the engine room, the ship’s brig, machine shops, and the crew’s sleeping quarters. Walk along the narrow confines of the upper decks to the bridge, admiral’s war room, and the control tower. The ship’s flight deck is home to multiple aircraft, including an F-14 Tomcat, F-4 Phantom jet fighter, and an A-7 Corsair. Three flight simulators, music videos, films, interactive exhibits, and the Ejection Seat Theater make a visit to this important part of military history a memorable and kid-friendly experience.
Admission to the museum includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors, available in multiple languages. Guided tours of downtown San Diego frequently include the USS Midway Museum as a stop, along with other area highlights such as Sea World, La Jolla, Balboa Park, or a San Diego Bay cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear proper footwear, as a tour of the ship’s interior includes many stairs and narrow passageways.
- Skip-the-line tours are recommended on weekends and during busy holiday times.
- Several elevators and wheelchair access routes have been added to make the ship about 60 percent accessible.
- Children ages 5 years old and younger, active duty military (including reservists, law enforcement, and firefighters) receive free admission.
How to Get There
The USS Midway Museum is located at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, on Harbor Drive. The Santa Fe Train Depot and MTS trolley station are each a 5-minute walk away. Limited paid parking is available in the Port of San Diego lot, and there is metered parking on neighboring streets.
When to Get There
Allow at least 90 minutes for a visit here. The USS Midway Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last admission at 4pm. It is closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
Special Events and Festivals at the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum holds several festivals throughout the year to honor America’s servicemen and woman, and to celebrate the country’s military history. The Fourth of July Festival enables you to watch the San Diego Bay’s fireworks display from the flight deck, and there is a family Veteran’s Day celebration held every year.
Address: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego 92101, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: US$23
From $ 18
University of Chicago
Since the late 1800s the University of Chicago has been attracting some of the nation’s (and the world’s) most brilliant minds, and with a newly expanded campus that includes the Booth School of Business, the University of Chicago Medical Center and the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, it’s clear this private school offers a broad range of programing for all types of ambitious learners.
The university’s prime location, just seven miles south of downtown Chicago, is a major draw. It also makes planning a visit—or just wandering the 211-acre grounds easy. The campus’s unique architectural blend—which includes the Gothic Rockefeller Chapel, as well as the more modern Gerald Ratner Athletic Center and the towering Henry Hinds Laboratory for Geophysical Sciences is apparent. And while the lush quad and top-tier ranking attract students of all kinds, the University of Chicago’s stunning, well groomed campus also attracts travelers who want to see one of the Midwest’s (and America’s) top schools.
Practical Info
The University of Chicago is located at 5801 South Ellis Avenue. The campus extends between East 61st Street and East 55th Street.
Address: 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
From $ 32
Upper East Side
If there’s one area of Manhattan that is classic, traditional New York, it’s the Upper East Side. Home to upscale shops and some of the city’s best museums, the neighborhood exudes elegance. With streets lined with luxurious brownstones, the affluent residential area is home to the highest real estate price per square foot in the United States. Iconic street names like Madison Avenue, Park Avenue, and Fifth Avenue are all located here.
The Upper East Side has long been the center of high fashion, old wealth, and socialites. The stretch of mansions lining Fifth Avenue tell the story of the Upper East Side’s deep-rooted history as such. While you’re there, be sure to check out Museum Mile, on Fifth Avenue between East 82nd and East 105th Streets. There you’ll find the world-class Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Guggenheim Museum, among others.
Practical Info
The Upper East Side is bordered from 59th Street to 96th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the East River. Get there by taking the 4, 5, and 6 Subway lines to 86th Street. Much of the area is beside Central Park.
Address: Upper East Side, New York City, New York, USA, USA
From $ 35