Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
ShowingFilter 301-320 of 2014 listings.
To get here by car, follow the Kamehameha Highwy, 45 minutes from Honolulu.
Civic Center
In a select few blocks of San Francisco’s bustling downtown lies the beautiful Civic Center. Known for housing some of the city’s main governmental and cultural institutions, the Civic Center is a hub of activity and not just for municipal officials – there’s really a lot to do and see. Take a look and you’ll find the impressive City Hall and War Memorial Opera House built in the beautiful Beaux Arts style. The San Francisco Public Library houses millions(!) of books, and on Sunday mornings the UN Plaza Farmers’ Market has more fine nibbling you could hope to wish for. After touring the buildings, consider the adjacent Hayes Valley for wandering the antique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and book stores.
Practical Info
The San Francisco Civic Center is a few blocks long, but its main thoroughfare is Van Ness Ave. and is bounded by Market Street on the south, Franklin Street on the west, Turk Street on the north, and Leavenworth and Seventh on the east.
Address: San Francisco, CA, USA
From ¥ 203
Circular Congregational Church of Charleston
The Circular Congregational Church of Charleston is one of the oldest continuously worshipping churches in the United States of America. English Congregationalists, Scots Presbyterians, and French Huguenots came together in a spirit of diversity and liberality to erect this impressive architectural structure, built round to represent and hold an open meeting place with a free-flowing exchange of ideas. This meeting house helped to define the young “Charles Towne” and early on this street was known as Meeting House Street, later shortened to simply “Meeting Street,” where the church, to this day, still stands.
Founded in 1681 along with city of Charleston, the Circular Church, in this way, acts as a partner with the Charleston Museum to house some of greatest wealth of Colonial America’s history. With its own ripe history including its efforts to promote tolerance and understanding, its years in exile, and the extensive and ancient graveyard art, to this day, the Circular Congregational Church of Charleston acts as a gathering place for Congregationalists and history lovers alike.
The Circular Congregational Church of Charleston is located at 150 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina. It is open every day, and holds Sunday morning worship at 11 a.m.
Address: 150 Meeting Street, Charleston 29401, USA
Hours: Daily; Sunday morning worship at 11 a.m.
From ¥ 176
Chinatown-International District
Often simply referred to as the ID, the Chinatown-International District is the multiethnic center of Seattle’s Asian community. The neighborhood is also one of the city’s oldest, its rich history highlighted by museums, festivals, and cultural centers. Many visitors come for the food—dim sum, banh mi, sushi, and more.
The Basics
History and culture are major draws in the Chinatown-International District. Some highlights include Kobe Terrace, a small terraced park showcasing an urban community garden and Mt. Fuji cherry trees; the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience; and annual cultural festivals such as the Lunar New Year celebration and Bon Odori, a Japanese Buddhist festival.
Plan to get lost here, exploring the streets on foot and taking in the sights and sounds. Maybe you’ll stumble across a dim sum parlor you just have to try, find a boutique worth browsing, or wander the aisles at the Uwajimaya superstore shopping for noodles and tea. The Chinatown-International District is also a popular swing-by on city tours. Chinatown Discovery Tours and the Wing Luke Museum offer tours centered around food and history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- History buffs, foodies, and families enjoy trips to this neighborhood.
- Be prepared for a lot of walking, as the neighborhood’s many charms are best experienced on foot.
- Plan your visit around a festival or summertime night market for an even richer experience.
How to Get There
The Chinatown-International District is east of 4th Avenue South, with the main thoroughfares being South Jackson Street, South King Street, and 12th Avenue South. The area can be reached with a variety of public transportation options, including numerous buses, the Link Light Rail, and the Seattle Streetcar.
When to Get There
There’s no bad time to visit the Chinatown-International District. It’s an active neighborhood of residents and workers, so its almost always bustling and busy, with plenty to see and do. The neighborhood is particularly lively around annual festival times: the Lunar New Year, in January or February, and Bon Odori, which takes place in July.
Chinatown-International District Restaurants
A slew of exciting dining options await visitors who want to experience the district with their taste buds. Fill up on dim sum—including the beloved soup dumplings, or xiao long bao—at local favorite Dough Zone Dumpling House. Or, dine at century-old sushi house Maneki, which reopened after Japanese internment closed many restaurants for good during World War II. Save room for dessert at Bambu, which serves massive mounds of ice cream topped with fruit and sauces.
Address: Seattle, Washington, USA
From ¥ 284
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Bald eagles have a safe home at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Created in 1982, the huge park protects the world’s largest collection of bald eagles and their habitat.
Natural salmon runs are also protected in the preserve, where the Chilkat, Kleheni, and Tsirku Rivers meet.
For the best views of the eagles, head to the Haines Highway by the river flats surrounding the Chilkat River. To ensure the eagles aren’t spooked by your presence, stay off the river flats themselves and keep to the area near the highway.
From October to February, the eagles are attracted to the wetlands by the spawning salmon. During these months around 3,000 bald eagles have been known to stay at the preserve; the number of year-round inhabitants is between 200 and 400.
As well as eagle viewing, a visit to the preserve might take you river rafting on the Chilkat River to spot beavers, brown bears, moose and waterbirds.
Natural salmon runs are also protected in the preserve, where the Chilkat, Kleheni, and Tsirku Rivers meet.
For the best views of the eagles, head to the Haines Highway by the river flats surrounding the Chilkat River. To ensure the eagles aren’t spooked by your presence, stay off the river flats themselves and keep to the area near the highway.
From October to February, the eagles are attracted to the wetlands by the spawning salmon. During these months around 3,000 bald eagles have been known to stay at the preserve; the number of year-round inhabitants is between 200 and 400.
As well as eagle viewing, a visit to the preserve might take you river rafting on the Chilkat River to spot beavers, brown bears, moose and waterbirds.
Practical Info
The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is north of Haines on the Chilkat River. The park extends over 48,000 acres (19,200 hectares) of river flats.
Address: USA
Hours: Open daily
From ¥ 926
Clay Cooper Theatre
The city of Branson, Missouri is famous for its many theaters and entertainment venues, and one of the acts visitors have been enjoying for more than 25 years is at the Clay Cooper Theatre. Clay first performed in Branson at the age of 16 in a band with other kids, and he loved the atmosphere so much he ended up staying. At the Clay Cooper Theatre, he's been performing with his Country Music Express – a country music variety show – for more than 25 years.
Entertainers in the Clay Cooper Music Express include a cowboy trick roper, a comedian, dancers, and a talented band. There are other regular acts at the theatre, and some special acts that appear for short engagements.
Practical Info
The Clay Cooper Theatre is located on Highway 76 in Branson, where many of the city's theaters are. It's across from the Titanic Museum. The show runs nearly year-round (there's a break in January and most of February), and tickets start at $30 for adults, $18 for teens, and $16 for kids age 4-12.
Address: 3216 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, Missouri, USA
Hours: Nearly year-round
Admission: Adults: $30; Teens: $18; Children (4-12): $16
From ¥ 230
Chilkoot Trail
Following the Chilkoot Trail is to take a journey into the past, to the time before the gold-rush era of prospectors when the Tlingit people used the route to trade coastal products for pelts and plants with the people of the interior. The trail is a significant historic site, and has been described as ‘the world’s longest outdoor museum.’
The 33-mile (53km) trail is for walkers only, who take three to five days to follow the often difficult route that in gold-rush days was the most direct path from the port at Skagway to the gold fields of the Yukon. The route was shorter than White Pass but more deadly.
Prospectors taking the Chilkoot route were advised to carry a ton of gear and rations, enough to ensure self-sufficiency for one year. Alternative transportation systems devised to help carry their infamous ton of gear included aerial tramways, pack animals and Tlingit porters.
Hiking the Chilkoot Trail is such a popular recreational activity that permit numbers are limited during the peak season months of June to early September.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
The 33-mile (53km) trail is for walkers only, who take three to five days to follow the often difficult route that in gold-rush days was the most direct path from the port at Skagway to the gold fields of the Yukon. The route was shorter than White Pass but more deadly.
Prospectors taking the Chilkoot route were advised to carry a ton of gear and rations, enough to ensure self-sufficiency for one year. Alternative transportation systems devised to help carry their infamous ton of gear included aerial tramways, pack animals and Tlingit porters.
Hiking the Chilkoot Trail is such a popular recreational activity that permit numbers are limited during the peak season months of June to early September.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Practical Info
In Alaska, the Chilkoot Trail is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. Beginning at the bridge over the River Taiya near the town of Dyea (15 miles/24km from Skagway, the trail goes over the Coast Mountains and Chilkoot Pass to Lake Bennett in British Columbia.
There are nine official campgrounds dotted along the trail. To protect against attracting the unwanted attentions of bears along the route, food must be safely stowed and bear spray repellent carried.
There are nine official campgrounds dotted along the trail. To protect against attracting the unwanted attentions of bears along the route, food must be safely stowed and bear spray repellent carried.
Address: USA
From ¥ 534
Chippewa Square
Though Savannah once served as the southern border of the original American colonies, Chippewa Square is named for an event on the northern border with Canada. In the Battle of Chippewa, in 1814, American forces emerged victorious over the British near Niagara Falls, and when Chippewa Square was built in 1815, it was named for the momentous American victory that took place on the northern border. Today, when visiting the historic Savannah square, you’ll find a statue of James Oglethorpe, the famous founder of Georgia, that faces south with sword drawn in the direction of Spanish Florida. You’ll also find legions of Forrest Gump fans who have come in search of the “the bench,” and while Chippewa Square was the site of filming for the popular 1994 movie, the bench itself was only a prop that has since been moved to a museum. Nevertheless, to admire the backdrop, the bench was placed on the north side of the square, facing out towards Bull Street, and it’s amazingly become the most famous aspect of this 200-year old square. On the streets surrounding Chippewa Square, you’ll also find the Philbrick Eastman House—one of Savannah’s most well known homes—as well as historic Savannah Theater that’s the oldest theater in America.
Practical Info
Given its popularity and central location, Chippewa Square is one of Savannah’s busiest public squares.
Address: Savannah, Georgia, USA 31401, USA
From ¥ 183
Chinaman's Hat
The islet of Mokolii, or Chinaman’s Hat, is a rugged little outpost that’s home to wedge-tailed shearwaters and occasionally explored by adventurous visitors.
Its unusual shape makes it a popular landmark to spot from panoramic viewpoints such as Kualoa Point. The fish-filled coral reefs surrounding the island are home to sharks, adding to the island’s mystery and James Bond quality.
When the tide is out you could even walk here, but it’s best to visit by kayak or boat. When you get here, you can explore sea caves or have two golden beaches all to yourself.
A 20-minute climb winds to the top of the island for great views looking back to Oahu’s Windward coast.
Its unusual shape makes it a popular landmark to spot from panoramic viewpoints such as Kualoa Point. The fish-filled coral reefs surrounding the island are home to sharks, adding to the island’s mystery and James Bond quality.
When the tide is out you could even walk here, but it’s best to visit by kayak or boat. When you get here, you can explore sea caves or have two golden beaches all to yourself.
A 20-minute climb winds to the top of the island for great views looking back to Oahu’s Windward coast.
The conical island lies less than half a mile off the east coast of Oahu, within swimming distance of Kualoa Park on Kaneohe Bay.
To get here by car, follow the Kamehameha Highwy, 45 minutes from Honolulu.
Address: Mokolii, Kaneohe 96755, USA
Admission: Free
From ¥ 325
Christian Heurich House Museum
This distinctive 1892 Victorian home in Dupont Circle, the first fireproof building in the city, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Often referred to as the Brewmaster’s Castle, this ornate concrete and steel fortress was built and owned by the head of the Christian Heurich Brewing Company; this company ran from 1872-1956 and was once the largest employer in D.C.
Christian Heurich, a German immigrant, rose to prominence in D.C. society as a result of his company’s success, and this 31-room mansion was the major showplace of his wealth. State-of-the-art in its day, it features indoor plumbing, heated hot water, and an elevator. Its well-preserved interior is a microcosm of life in a late 19th-century Dupont Circle mansion, which at that time was the “it” address for the city’s rich and famous.
Christian Heurich, a German immigrant, rose to prominence in D.C. society as a result of his company’s success, and this 31-room mansion was the major showplace of his wealth. State-of-the-art in its day, it features indoor plumbing, heated hot water, and an elevator. Its well-preserved interior is a microcosm of life in a late 19th-century Dupont Circle mansion, which at that time was the “it” address for the city’s rich and famous.
Practical Information
The house is only open to visitors via guided tour, arranged in
advance. Only limited street parking is available near the house, but
the Metrorail’s Dupont Circle station, serving the Red Line, is just a
few blocks away.
Address: 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC 20036, USA
Hours: Guided Tours Thu-Friday 11:30am - 1:00pm, Sat 11:30am - 1:00pm & 2:30pm. No children under 10 permitted.
Admission: $5.00
From ¥ 68
Chrysler Building
One of New York City’s most recognizable and distinct skyscrapers, the Chrysler Building is considered a masterpiece of art deco architecture. The tallest building in the world when it debuted in 1930, it was soon surpassed by the Empire State Building. Today, however, the Chrysler Building remains the world's loftiest brick building.
The Basics
The Chrysler Building is visible from all over town, but there are a number ways to get a firsthand look at the landmark. Visit as part of an architecture- or photography-themed walking tour, or zip by on a coach or driving tour of Manhattan’s highlights.
The skyscraper can also be spotted from the air on a helicopter tour, or from the water’s edge on a boat tour. While the Chrysler Building does not have an observation deck, visitors can freely tour its lobby, where an elaborate mural by artist Edward Trumbull decorates the ceiling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While the Chrysler Building’s lobby is open to visitors, the rest of the building is off-limits to tourists.
- A helicopter tour or the Empire State Building’s observation deck provides the best perspectives of the Chrysler Building.
- Renowned as an icon of art deco design, the Chrysler Building is a must for architecture buffs.
How to Get There
Conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Chrysler Building is very accessible. The landmark is a short walk from Grand Central Terminal and Times Square; both transit hubs offer connections with numerous subway and bus lines, plus the Metro-North Railroad. Traveling by taxi is another simple way to explore.
When to Get There
The Chrysler Building is an iconic, year-round landmark that can be visited and enjoyed in every season. The lobby is open from 10am–6pm, Monday–Friday, excluding public holidays.
Chrysler Building’s Exterior
True to name, the Chrysler Building was the headquarters for Chrysler for several decades. If you look closely, you’ll discover hubcaps, fenders, and other automotive flourishes incorporated into its façade. Then, there are its famous, eagle-shaped gargoyles, inspired by the brand’s hood ornaments.
Address: 405 Lexington Avenue, 10174, USA
Admission: Free
From ¥ 128
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino
Circus Circus is a hotel and casino that combines a live circus show with the fun and flavor of Sin City. Featuring an indoor amusement park and all the usual Vegas casino games, Circus Circus treads a fine line between 'family' entertainment and straight-up adult gaming entertainment.
In the casino rooms, live circus acts are performed overhead, complete with trapeze artists, and acrobats, giving a new meaning to clowning around.
Then there’s the Adventuredome, an indoor amusement park featuring laser tag, roller coasters, and 3-D rides. These thrill rides are a popular destination for families and couples alike, so get ready to scream in delight.
Practical Info
Circus Circus is located in the northern part of the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel itself is a little down-at-the-heels; this ain't the Wynn, so don't expect anything too fancy.
Address: 2880 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas 89109, USA
Hours: Open daily 24 hours
From ¥ 365
CityCenter
The dazzling CityCenter development is home to ARIA Resort and Casino, the Crystals Mall, multiple condominium complexes, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and the Vdara Hotel and Spa. Connected by a people mover to the Monte Carlo and Bellagio hotels, it's one of the Strip's most impressive complex developments.
Everything about CityCenter embraces Vegas' over-the-top excess. The 4,004-room ARIA Resort and Casino is the largest hotel in the world and features stunning water designs, with Maya Lin’s sculpture of the Colorado River and the arched porte-cochère, created by the same designers of the Bellagio fountains.
Then there is the outstanding cuisine, featuring chefs like Jean Philippe, Masayoshi Takayama, and chef Michael Mina. The Haze and Gold Lounge are two of the hottest bars and clubs on the strip, and attached to the Aria is Crystals, a refined retail district offering first-class boutiques.
CityCenter has one of the largest public art collections in the country (with a value of more than $40 million) and is home to the Zarkana Cirque du Soleil show.
Practical Info
CityCenter is located in the center of the Vegas Strip and is home to the Mandarin Hotel, Vdara Hotel and Spa, and ARIA Resort and Casino.
Address: Las Vegas 89109, USA
Hours: Open daily 24hrs
From ¥ 872
Christ Church
Known as “America’s Church,” this 1744 city landmark was the first Protestant Episcopal congregation, the post-Revolution version of a Royalist, Anglican church founded in 1695. Early parishioners included George Washington and Betsy Ross, and its cemetery hosts the remains of several signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin.
One of the most-visited sites in Philadelphia, the church is chock full of historic objects, including communion silver commissioned by England’s Queen Anne and mahogany cabinetry by some of the city’s most renowned woodworkers. Topped by a 200-foot-tall steeple, it was once the tallest building in America.
Practical Info
Located at Arch Street between 4th and 5th Streets, the burial ground is
closed in January and February, but guided tours are available (weather
permitting) in December from 12-4 p.m. by advanced reservation
(215-922-1695; $3 for adults, $1 for children). Hours are
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Address: 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 1-5pm
From ¥ 128
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
U.S. cities around the country have their own zoos, yet Cincinnati’s is not only the second oldest in the country but a National Historic Landmark and one of the most highly rated zoos in the nation. Its 75 acres of land are home to nearly 600 species of unique animals, as well as 3,000 types of plants. It is one of the largest collections of plants and animals you can find in the U.S. Conversation and environmental research are cornerstones of the zoo, which continues to support and grow endangered species from around the world. Its reptile house is the oldest zoo building in the United States.
Some of its incredible species include rhinoceros, tigers, cheetahs, gorillas, and Masai giraffes. There’s also an elephant habitat and a monkey island. Outside of animal encounters, the Cincinnati Zoo has an incredible exhibit dedicated to Africa, as well as a fun carousel, picnic grounds, and an immersive 4-D theater.
Practical Info
The Cincinnati Zoo is located in the middle of the city on Vine Street, not far from the university and the hospital. Parking in the zoo lot costs $10. It is open year-round from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission costs $16 for adults, $12 for children and seniors.
Address: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinatti, Ohio 45220, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10 am - 5 pm
Admission: $16 for adults, $12 for children and seniors
From ¥ 122
Clark County Museum
Travelers who want to travel back in time and learn a little something about Nevada’s rich and dynamic past can do just that during a visit to the Clark County Museum. This memorable stop, which includes eight historic buildings from around the county, highlights the best of the stat’s southernmost county.
Visitors who wander the vast grounds, tour the museum galleries and explore the museum’s top highlights will find plenty of information about the Native American tribes who lived in the county, railroad development and the famous Anna Roberts Parks. There’s even a reconstructed ghost town that offers up spooky fun for the entire family, making this desert landmark a top attraction for the younger set, too.
Practical Info
The Clark County Museum is located in Henderson, Nevada at 1830 South Boulder Highway. It is open daily from 9 am until 4:30 pm.
Address: 1830 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, Nevada 89002, USA
Hours: 9 am until 4:30 pm daily
Admission: Adults $2.00, seniors and children $1.00
From ¥ 744
Clearwater Beach
With expansive white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is a waterfront Florida community known for its aquatic activities and warm, turquoise waters. Clearwater Beach is an ideal launching pad for kayaking, parasailing, boating, and biking. It’s known as being more low-key than its southern neighbor, the bustling St. Pete Beach, and many consider Clearwater Beach to be among the best beaches in America.
The Basics
There’s an activity for every age and interest at Clearwater Beach, from relaxing on the sand with beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas to jet-skiing, speed boating, and fishing. Families with kids enjoy the gentle surf, prime for swimming and water sports. Visitors often steal away from nearby theme parks to spend time on the water, sometimes on day trips from Orlando and St. Petersburg.
Things to Know Before You Go
- At three miles long, Clearwater Beach is easy to navigate by car, bike, or foot.
- Mandalay Avenue, which runs parallel to the beach, is a mile-long stretch of restaurants, shops, and hotels.
- To get an overview of the area, jump on the Jolley Trolley (fees apply), which travels around Clearwater Beach and up to Sand Key.
- Be sure to bring sun-protection gear and beachwear. Restroom and shower facilities are offered at most area beaches.
- Beach wheelchairs are available at the Main Beach Lifeguard Station, south of Pier 60.
How to Get There
Clearwater Beach is about 22 miles north of St. Pete Beach and two miles west of downtown Clearwater. The road south is South Gulfview Boulevard, and north is Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach’s main drag. The nearest airports are in Tampa, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) away, and St. Petersburg-Clearwater, 12 miles (19 kilometers). The beach is about a two-hour drive from Orlando.
When to Get There
Clearwater Beach is warm year-round, with peak temperatures from April to October. Summer temperatures often hit upwards of 90°F (32°C), when the humid, subtropical climate often also sees short thunderstorms. The mild winters attract the largest crowds.
More Than Just a Beach
Visitors to Clearwater Beach can do more than just lounge by the famously clear water. Plan ahead and book a deep-sea fishing tour or a dolphin boat tour, or check out the “Sea Screamer,” a speedboat that zooms along the coast. Don’t miss the 1,080-foot (329-meter) Pier 60, with its bait shop, playground, and evening sunset festival, or beautiful Sand Key Park, which sees smaller crowds.
Address: Clearwater Beach 33760, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From ¥ 440
Chugach State Park
Just beyond the edge of Anchorage and nestled in the foothills of the Alaskan Rockies lies the third largest state park in America. Chugach State Park boasts half a million acres (202,400 hectares) of hiking, skiing, camping, snowmobiling, rafting, climbing and wildlife viewing right at Anchorage’s doorstep, and which the locals enjoy year-round.
Home to alpine wildflowers, moose calves, pristine streams, howling wolves and glacial-fed rivers, the Chugach State Park is a favorite reminder to all living in Anchorage that wilderness via front-country trails or backcountry bushwhacking is ready and waiting, should you choose to explore it.
Home to alpine wildflowers, moose calves, pristine streams, howling wolves and glacial-fed rivers, the Chugach State Park is a favorite reminder to all living in Anchorage that wilderness via front-country trails or backcountry bushwhacking is ready and waiting, should you choose to explore it.
Practical Info
Chugach State Park (18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK) is accessible through a number of entry stations along Highway 1 and from Hillside Dr in eastern Anchorage.
Phone: (907) 345-5014
Phone: (907) 345-5014
Address: 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK, Anchorage 99577, USA
From ¥ 331
Christian Arts Museum of Fort Worth
Home to some of the world's most unique modern art depicting Christianity, the Christian Arts Museum of Forth Worth has both excellent permanent and visiting collections. The pillar of its permanent collection is a life-size depiction of Da Vinci's famous painting The Last Supper, created in wax by sculptor Katherine Stubergh. The wax display has been in Fort Worth since the 1960s, though it was restored before being placed in the museum. Similarly to those in wax museums around the world, the figures are noted for their lifelike appearance. There is also a superb collection of paintings and handmade bronze crosses.
The exterior of the museum is grounded by two columns and an arched entryway that leads to its foyer and galleries. During the holiday season, the museum features rotating exhibits such as the Ark of the Covenant and nativity scenes from around the world.
Practical Info
The Christian Arts Museum can be found at the corner of Hamilton and Bailey avenues, on the north edge of San Antonio. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Admission is free.
Address: 3221 Hamilton Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–3pm
From ¥ 54
Children's Pool Beach
You don’t have to be a kid to love Children’s Pool Beach. This small beach is partially protected by a seawall, and in fact, the beach isn’t just popular with people. During much of the year seals and sea lions can be found on or near the beach, as the Seal Rock reserve is just offshore. Take a walk along the seawall and enjoy views of La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean.
Swimming and scuba diving is allowed at Children’s Pool Beach. Divers like the beach because of reefs just offshore, but those same reefs can intensify already strong currents. Swimmers need to be careful. Lifeguards are on duty year-round from 9am to dusk.
Practical Info
Limited free parking is available along Coast Boulevard, but there are paid lots nearby. Children's Pool Beach has bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on the beach in the morning before 9am and after 4pm in the winter and after 6pm the rest of the year.
Address: Children's Pool Beach, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
Hours: Daily
From ¥ 304
Chittenden Locks & Fish Ladder
Learn about the annual phenomenon of salmon spawning at Seattle’s Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known locally as the Ballard Locks, where three types of Pacific salmon pass through the fish ladder during the summer months on the way upriver to their spawning grounds.
The Basics
The Ballard Locks are one of the most-visited attractions in Seattle, and there are several opportunities to visit on a city tour or even a boat cruise. If you go on your own, free walking tours are available on-site and last about an hour.
During spawning season, sockeye, chinook, and coho salmon climb the Lake Washington Ship Canal Fish Ladder. You can watch this impressive feat either from underwater tanks or from above, where nets keep the fish from jumping too high and stranding themselves on the pavement.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Even during peak spawning season, there is no guarantee you’ll see salmon in the fish ladder due to low tides or low salmon numbers.
- Water can be purchased at the visitor center; food is not usually available but picnics are allowed if you’ve purchased food from one of the nearby eateries.
- Free parking can be found in the neighborhoods on the north and south sides of the locks, and metered parking is available at the north main entrance gate.
How to Get There
The locks are located about 15 minutes north of downtown Seattle, across the Ballard Bridge in the neighborhood of Ballard. Via public transport, take bus 29 or 44.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is during the salmon spawning season, from mid-June to September. The grounds are open every day; the visitor center is open daily from May to September and Thursday through Monday from October to April. For maintenance, the small locks are closed for two weeks in March, the large locks are closed for two weeks in November, and the fish ladder is closed for about two weeks in May.
Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden
Located outside the locks’ northern entrance, the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden hosts free concerts on summer weekends and features walking trails that wind through trees and flower gardens. A small museum and visitor center document the history of the locks.
Address: 3015 NW 54th Street, Seattle, USA
From ¥ 316