Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
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Lincoln's Cottage
During his time as president, Abraham Lincoln spent a significant amount of time at the Soldiers' Home, now known as Lincoln's Cottage. On his commute to and from the White House and the Soldiers' Home, Lincoln witnessed the devastating effects of the Civil War and formulated many of the opinions that would become his policy and speeches. Most notably, while at the Cottage, Lincoln composed much of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Lincoln's Cottage opened to the public in 2008, and before that in 2000 it was designated the President Lincoln and Soldiers' Home National Monument. The cottage sits on a hill overlooking the city, providing a unique perspective into how Lincoln saw the city below him in his time. A tour here walks visitors through Lincoln's formation for the Emancipation Proclamation, shows the house where he and his family resided and tells the history of the site.
Practical Info
The Lincoln Cottage Visitor Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday year-round. Sunday hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours are offered daily starting at 10 a.m., with the last tour leaving at 3 p.m. Only guided tours are offered, and each tour requires a ticket. Adult tickets cost $15, and tickets for children ages 6 through 12 are $5. Children under 6 years old are not admitted (due to content). Tours begin in the Visitor Education Center and last about one hour.
Address: 140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington DC 20011, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Adult $15; Child 12 - 6 $5
From $ 240
Lincoln Memorial
A 19-foot-tall (5.7-meter-tall) marble statue of President Abraham Lincoln dominates the Lincoln Memorial, situated at the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington DC. The most visited National Park Service site in the city is an homage to the 16th president of the United States, who helped to preserve the Union during the Civil War and delivered the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Basics
Few travelers to DC leave without seeing the Lincoln Memorial. Whether you’d like an up-close encounter or want to see it from afar, the site can be visited as part of most Washington DC tours, including a bike tour of the mall, a morning monuments tour, a DC night tour, and a bus tour combined with a cruise on the Potomac River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free audio guided tours are available by mobile phone or through the National Mall visitor’s app.
- National Park Service rangers are available from 9:30am to 10pm every day to answer questions.
- The Lincoln Memorial is wheelchair accessible. On the southeast corner, ramps lead from street level to the basement, where an elevator goes up to the statue chamber.
How to Get to the Lincoln Memorial
Anchoring the west end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is easily accessible by foot or bike from many downtown Washington DC hotels and by public transportation. The nearest Metro stations are Foggy Bottom and Smithsonian.
When to Get There
The Lincoln Memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the year. To have the Lincoln Memorial mostly to yourself, visit early in the morning, especially during winter. The best views of the National Mall and the reflecting pool from the memorial can be seen in spring and fall, when the surrounding foliage is at its most atmospheric. Visiting at night will allow you to see the monument lit up.
What to Look for at the Lincoln Memorial
While the statue of Abraham Lincoln is the focal point of the Lincoln Memorial, there are several other features to see during your visit. Above the 36 Corinthian columns are two rows of state names. The lower row lists the 36 states within the US at the time of Lincoln’s death, while the upper row lists the 48 states within the US when the memorial was dedicated in 1922. A bronze plaque on the plaza level recognizes Alaska and Hawaii. In the center of the last landing, before the statue chamber, is an engraving marking the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Inside the statue chamber, to Lincoln’s right, is the text of the Gettysburg Address and, above it, a painting entitled “Emancipation.”
Address: Independence Avenue SW, at 23rd Street NW, National Mall, Washington D.C. 20024, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Liliuokalani Gardens
Stone bridges stretch across shallow brackish moats that flow through well manicured gardens with red pagodas and rock gardens by the sea. The 30-acre Liluokalani Gardens, connected by a series of trails to Coconut Island in coastal Hilo, is a serene setting as popular with local walkers and joggers as it is with visitors staying the nearby hotels along Banyan Drive. Named for Queen Liliuokalani, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii prior to U.S annexation, and designed in the Japanese Edo style in 1917 to honor the many area Japanese sugar plantation workers, the gardens are a perfect blend of Hawaii and Japan. Look beyond the palm trees and across the bay and you’ll see the slopes of Mauna Kea along the Hamakua Coast, but look around you and you’ll see a traditional Japanese tea house—still used by the Urasenke Hilo Association to share the tradition of Japanese tea ceremonies—koi ponds and Eastern statues. One popular stone bridge and pagoda appears to rise out of the water—the determined will have to walk through shallow water to reach it, except during some low tides.
Practical Info
You can access the park by turning off Hilo’s main drag, Kamehameha Ave., and toward the ocean at Lihiwai Street just before the airport. There is limited parking along Lihiwai Street fronting the park, and a larger lot just after the turnoff for Kelipio Place before the bridge to Coconut Island. There are no posted hours, but the best time to go is early morning, when you can catch the sunrise over the ocean.
Address: 123 N Kuakini St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96817, USA
From $ 99
Long Island
While typically thought of as a weekend summer getaway for Manhattanites, Long Island has enough to offer to make it a destination in itself. Start by spending a day on the North Fork, littered with farm stands, antique shops and cellar doors offering guided wine tastings and farm- to-table bites. Summer and fall are especially great times to go, as country and harvest festivals abound every weekend.
If you enjoy the beach and water activities Long Island is full of them, with some top stretches of sand being Jones Beach, which puts on numerous events; Gilgo Beach, known for its many water sports and Cupsogue Beach, home to wild seals. Head farther east to Montauk State Park to go on a guided seal walk and learn more about these adorable creatures, or take off from this point on a whale-watching cruise. There’s also a popular scuba spot known as Wreck Alley, home to hundreds of sunken ships.
If you're into craft beer, Long Island houses over 15 breweries, many of which offer the chance to tour the facilities and learn more about the brewing process. While Brickhouse Brewery pairs craft beer with live music, Southampton Publick House is historic, having brewed beer on site since the 1800s.
For those wanting to get active in the outdoors, a number of parks and preserves offer trails and wildlife, like the Bayard Cutting Arboretum with its historic manor house and themed paths like the Holly Walk, Paradise Island Walk and River Walk. Heckscher State Park is also great for picnicking, deer spotting and bird-watching with over 280 bird species to see. From here, those with lots of energy can embark on the 31-mile (50-kilometer) flat and scenic Greenbelt Trail.
With the option to stay out east in the country or to explore the mini cities of this giant island with their walkable streets and great restaurants, bars and shops, Long Island is sure to provide a diverse array of activities.
Practical Info
From New York City, you can head to Penn Station in Manhattan or Jamaica Station in Queens to access the Long Island Railroad, which has lines running all over the island. Depending on how much of Long Island you want to explore, it's a good idea to either rent a car or book a tour, as taxis are very expensive. If exploring the wineries, it can be fun to bring a picnic basket for a meal among the vines.
Address: Long Island, New York, USA
From $ 169
Library of Congress
One of the most iconic and impressive structures in Washington D.C., the Library of Congress contains a staggering 120 million items, including 22 million books plus manuscripts, maps, photographs, films and prints. But don't expect to see many books: Most are shelved on more than 500 miles of closed library stacks housed in the three different buildings. The Library - the world’s largest - is still nonetheless fascinating.
The centerpiece of the LOC experience is the historic 1897 Jefferson Building, where you can wander around the spectacular Great Hall, ornate with stained glass and marble. The artwork of the Great Hall reflects the beauty that emerges from such amassed wisdom, such as the goddesses and cherubs who represent different fields of knowledge. Multimedia kiosk provide the minutest details of the library’s awe-inspiring collection.
Anyone over the age of 18 carrying photo ID can use the library, and more than a million people do so each year. The Main Reading Room is in the Jefferson building, but it is just one of 22 reading rooms. The Library of Congress is a research library, meaning you can't check the books out, but you can read away inside its confines.
Practical Info
The Library of Congress is located on the east side of the Capitol. The visitors center, in the Jefferson Building, shows a brief film. The Madison Building also hosts concerts and screens classic films in the Mary Pickford Theater.
The National Digital Library is an online service that allows you to access papers, maps and musical scores in machine-readable format (the desks in the Main Reading Room are wired for laptops). Other tasty morsels available online include major exhibitions, prints, photographs, political speeches and films.
Address: 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington D.C. 20540, USA
Hours: Open Mon - Sat 8:30am - 4:30pm. Closed Sun
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Logan Circle
This popular Philadelphia neighborhood known as Logan Circle, ironically also goes by the name Logan Square. One of the five key “squares” identified by William Penn in his original city design, it was named after one of the City of Brotherly Love’s most famous mayors.
Travelers to this destination will find plenty of history, architecture and Americana on the bustling streets, in addition to a large portion of the city’s central business district. Enjoy a self-led walking tour that includes the Arch Street Presbyterian Church, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Wesley Building and the Francis McIlvain House, in addition to numerous other iconic structures and the central Swann Memorial Fountain.
Practical Info
The Philadelphia neighborhood is market by Market Street to the south, Spring Garden Street on the north, Schuylkill River to the west and Broad Street to the east. It is north of Center City.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 32
Lion Habitat Ranch
You don’t have to travel to Africa to get up close and personal with the King of the Jungle. Lion Habitat Ranch, located just outside Sin City, offers up the unique opportunity for travelers to experience the wonder of one of the world’s biggest cats.
Take a behind the scenes tour of this family-oriented, outdoor destination to learn more about conservation efforts to protect these and other wild animals. For an additional fee, hand-feed giraffes or lions a pound of their favorite foods, or enjoy a picnic lunch in a protected enclosure while these giant cats wander around you. While lions are the big draw of this popular attraction, travelers will also find emus, ostriches, parrots, giraffes and other animals in this protected habitat.
Practical Info
The ranch is located at 382 Burner Avenue in Henderson, Nevada, about 16 miles southeast of Las Vegas. It is open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and closed Tuesday through Thursday. Because the space is outdoors, Lion Habitat Ranch closes during inclement weather. Call after heavy rains to insure the park is open. Entrance is $25 for adults, which also includes entry of one child.
Address: 382 Burner Avenue, Henderson, Nevada, USA
Hours: Open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Admission: Adults: $25
From $ 25
Lombard Street
Lombard Street runs more than 20 blocks across northern San Francisco, but only one block—between Hyde and Leavenworth streets—gives the thoroughfare its nickname, “the crookedest street in the world.” Lined with well-manicured flowers and trees and tidy million-dollar homes, the red-brick-paved road zigzags its way down Russian Hill.
The Basics
Some San Francisco tours include a Lombard Street stop or drive-by, but most tour vehicles are prohibited. Opt for a more niche experience like an urban hiking tour or a Segway tour if you want to visit Lombard Street with a guide. From the top of the street, look toward North Beach for a view of Coit Tower and San Francisco Bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lombard Street is a must-see for first-time visitors and families.
- This is a residential area, so be respectful of the private homes on both sides of the street.
- Wear shoes appropriate for walking down a steep grade.
- Hyde and Leavenworth streets at either end of Lombard’s switchbacks are busy San Francisco roads; blocking traffic while trying to take pictures is not recommended.
How to Get There
For the most quintessentially San Francisco experience, take the Powell–Hyde cable car line, which runs north from Union Square, to the top of Lombard Street. Alternatively, Muni bus 45 stops at Leavenworth and Union streets, a few blocks away. If you want to drive down the one-way street in your own car, you must go west to east from Hyde to Leavenworth; take the switchbacks slowly.
When to Get There
Lombard is a public street and has no opening or closing hours. If you want to avoid catching too many other visitors in your photos, go as early in the day as you can. On busy summer days and weekends, the line of cars waiting to drive down can stretch for blocks, so try to be flexible if you’re visiting during this time.
Fisherman’s Wharf
The crooked portion of Lombard Street is about eight blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf, so it’s easy to explore both in the same day. If you visit Lombard Street first, it’s a downhill walk to the wharf. Enjoy views of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island along the way.
Address: 1000 block of Lombard Street, between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, San Francisco 94109, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Library Hall (American Philosophical Society Museum)
Up until the early 18th century, books were almost exclusively owned by and available to clergy, universities, or wealthy people with private collections. In 1731, a group of some of Philadelphia’s most intellectually focused citizens, including Benjamin Franklin, decided to pool their resources and begin obtaining a large collection of books and other research materials that they all could use. Naming themselves the Library Company, this group would eventually house their collection in the original incarnation of Library Hall -- the first public library in America, and the predecessor of the Library of Congress.
Between the 1790s and the mid-19th century, the location of Library Hall would change several times due to the growth of the collections and financial troubles during the Great Depression. Its current home, a reproduction of its original Georgian-style building, was completed in 1966.
Now known formally as the American Philosophical Society Museum, Library Hall contains many historically significant volumes and documents, including the original journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition; a copy of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson; and a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. The Hall also contains some of the world’s most sought-after collections of research materials on genetics, cultural anthropology and more.
Address: 105 S 5th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: April-Oct: Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm; Nov-Dec: Fri-Sun 10am-4pm
From $ 19
Lincoln Park & Zoo
Chicago’s largest park and a leisure destination for locals and visitors alike, Lincoln Park abuts its namesake neighborhood. This massive green space serves as a welcome escape from the urban hustle and bustle, whether it be for a short picnic lunch break or a day spent lounging and exploring.
The Basics
Lincoln Park’s 1,200 acres (485 hectares) stretch for six miles (10 kilometers), from North Avenue north to Diversey Parkway, where it narrows along Lake Michigan and continues until the end of Lake Shore Drive. Most of the park’s pleasures are natural, though one of its highlights is sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Standing Lincoln, which shows the 16th president deep in contemplation, located in a garden east of the Chicago History Museum. From a little dock in front of pretty Café Brauer, a 1908 Prairie School architectural creation, you can rent two-person paddleboats and cruise the South Pond. Other notable attractions include the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, and North Avenue Beach. Guided tours take place mostly on foot or bike—both natural ways to explore the park’s trails and paths while listening to in-depth history and interesting facts from a guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the park is free; admission to each attraction within the park varies.
- Although dining options in the park itself are limited, simply wander into the Lincoln Park neighborhood to find restaurants and bars galore.
- Most of Lincoln Park and the zoo are accessible to wheelchair users. There are accessible parking places along Cannon Drive.
How to Get There
Lincoln Park is easily accessible by buses and El trains. Parking is limited on the residential streets of the populous Lincoln Park neighborhood, so public transportation is your best option.
When to Get There
The Windy City’s various seasons bring out different activities in the park. Stroll down the miles of walking paths to see the leaves turning in the fall; bundle up to watch local kids sledding on winter snow days; rent a bike to pedal through the blooming gardens in the spring; or bring a blanket and some sunscreen to sunbathe in the summer.
Lincoln Park Zoo
One of the park’s main highlights is the free Lincoln Park Zoo, which is open every day (though hours vary; check the website). Exhibits include the Regenstein African Journey, where you can get surprisingly close to animals who swim, hop, and crawl in natural environments. Enter via the Gateway Pavilion and snag a map, which shows times and locations for animal feedings, training demonstrations, and free zookeeper talks about various animals.
Address: 2200 N Cannon Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 28
Locust Grove Estate
Built in 1850 by architect Alexander Jackson Davis, this iconic home in upstate New York was once the residence for artist Samuel F.B. Morse, and alter served as the primary home of William and Martha Young. Today, the home, the grounds and the entire estate are preserved as a museum that showcases the life of the Mid-Atlantic’s wealthy elite. In 1979, Locust Grove opened to the public and today, travelers can explore the well-preserved rooms filled with historic artifacts and family heirlooms.
Visitors can step back in time on a guided tour of the home and grounds—which is the only way to access the inside of the mansion—for a look at life nearly a hundred years ago. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary American artists are also on display at Locust Grove. And visitors will find that while there’s much to explore inside the mansion’s halls, the 180-acre grounds surrounding the home are equally worth checking out.
Practical Info
Locust Grove is located at 2683 South Road in Poughkeepsie, New York and is open from 10 to 5 pm daily. Guided tours change with the season and the cost of entry is $11 for adults and $6 for children between the ages of 6 and 18. The grounds are accessible using public transportation from New York City on the Hudson Valley Metro North Line. Locust Grove is a two-mile taxi ride from the train station.
Address: 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie, USA
Hours: Open from 10-5pm daily
Admission: 11 for adults and $6 for children between the ages of 6 and 18
From $ 73
Little Havana
Vibrant Cuban culture permeates every aspect of the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, Florida—you’ll find it in the colorful murals, the monuments to heroes past and present, the residents facing off in the domino park as they discuss politics, and in the cigar rollers at work amidst the ever-present aroma of Cuban coffee.
The Basics
The neighborhood’s colorful spirit unfolds on Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s bustling main street, reminiscent of Cuba. On this block between SW 15th and 17th avenues, the Miami Arts District contains a string of studios and galleries that showcase some of the best Latin American art in the country. Nearby, travelers will find the Bay of Pigs Museum & Library, which enshrines the crew of the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion, and on the two blocks at SW 13th Street, south of Calle Ocho, are monuments of Cuban patriots and freedom fighters. Many tour options combine a visit to Little Havana with tours of other popular spots in Miami and the surrounding area: South Beach and its art deco architecture, Miami Beach, the Everglades, Coconut Grove, or the art galleries in nearby Wynwood.
How To Get to Little Havana
The Miami River separates Little Havana from downtown Miami on the northeast border. Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is the neighborhood’s epicenter, running between NW 22nd Avenue and SW 10th Avenue. You can get to Little Havana via the Metromover train or by bus. If you’re coming by car, take I-95 to NW 7th Street.
When to Get There
Daily life is always pulsating to the beat of Cuban music in Little Havana. A daytime visit lets travelers see the neighborhood’s charming, banal side; the nightlife that erupts after dark is worth a visit in itself.
What to Eat in Little Havana
One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food, and Cuban culture in Miami’s Little Havana is no exception. On a Little Havana food tour, you can taste Cuban specialties such as guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, and flan ice cream while learning about Cuban traditions, history, and culinary practices from a local tour guide.
The Basics
The neighborhood’s colorful spirit unfolds on Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s bustling main street, reminiscent of Cuba. On this block between SW 15th and 17th avenues, the Miami Arts District contains a string of studios and galleries that showcase some of the best Latin American art in the country. Nearby, travelers will find the Bay of Pigs Museum & Library, which enshrines the crew of the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion, and on the two blocks at SW 13th Street, south of Calle Ocho, are monuments of Cuban patriots and freedom fighters. Many tour options combine a visit to Little Havana with tours of other popular spots in Miami and the surrounding area: South Beach and its art deco architecture, Miami Beach, the Everglades, Coconut Grove, or the art galleries in nearby Wynwood.
- If you’re not prepared to sweat through the Miami summer heat, book a bus tour or a private tour with air-conditioned transportation included.
- Walking tours and bike tours are the easiest ways to see the area.
- Half-day Little Havana tours take in the neighborhood’s sights, while full-day options also visit other Miami highlights.
How To Get to Little Havana
The Miami River separates Little Havana from downtown Miami on the northeast border. Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is the neighborhood’s epicenter, running between NW 22nd Avenue and SW 10th Avenue. You can get to Little Havana via the Metromover train or by bus. If you’re coming by car, take I-95 to NW 7th Street.
When to Get There
Daily life is always pulsating to the beat of Cuban music in Little Havana. A daytime visit lets travelers see the neighborhood’s charming, banal side; the nightlife that erupts after dark is worth a visit in itself.
What to Eat in Little Havana
One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food, and Cuban culture in Miami’s Little Havana is no exception. On a Little Havana food tour, you can taste Cuban specialties such as guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, and flan ice cream while learning about Cuban traditions, history, and culinary practices from a local tour guide.
Address: SW 8th Street, between Cuban Memorial Boulevard and SW 18 Avenue, Miami, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Little Beach
Little Beach is smaller and more sheltered than many of the beaches on Maui. It is accessed by walking from the neighboring Big Beach, though the two are separated by a large lava rock wall and a five-minute hike. Its fine, white stretch of sand is only slightly more difficult to access than the average beach, but crowds are reduced here. Conditions are often good for both surfing and boogie boarding, and lava rock trails around the beach area lead to some smaller coves and viewpoints of the beaches of Makena State Park.
Also known as "Puʻu Olai,” the beach attracts a free-spirited crowd, with drum circles and fire dancing every Sunday evening. Aside from the blue waters and fine sands, it is a great spot to do some snorkeling (pending current conditions) and watch a famous Hawaiian sunset away from the crowds.
Practical Info
Little Beach is located just north of Makena Beach (Big Beach) in South Maui. You can find it by walking on the sand after turning right from Big Beach. You will come upon a small, rocky cliff with a path leading over it that leads to Little Beach. Be aware that Little Beach has been known for its nude sunbathers, and if you’re going for sunset, be sure to bring a flashlight for the return walk.
Address: Kihei, Hawaii, USA
From $ 75
Longfellow House (Washington's Headquarters)
Literary lovers and history buffs can travel back in time on a visit to Longfellow House, the former home of famed poet Henry W. Longfellow and one-time headquarters to General George Washington.
Visitors can wander the decorated halls of this iconic home and get up close to pictures and stories about the dynamic Longfellow family. From forward-thinking wife, Fanny, to their children—Charley and Alice—travelers can learn about the Longfellow’s impact on women’s education and their early championing for the preservation of New England historical landmarks. Travelers will also find a large collection of fine art, textiles and old-world clothing, as well as documents, letters and sheet music once owned by the family.
Practical Info
The house is located at 105 Brattle Street and the grounds and gardens are open daily from dusk until dawn, year round. Drop-in tours of the house are available Wednesday through Sunday from June through October.
Address: 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
From $ 150
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Palm Springs' Living Desert Zoo & Gardens presents animals and botanical gardens in the Sonoran Desert. Focusing on flora and fauna from desert landscapes around the world, the living desert includes replicated gardens from Africa and North America, while the Mojave Garden replicates the high desert. Bighorn sheep, lizards, mountain lions, bobcats, and amphibians are joined by exotic giraffes and meerkats in the Africa section.
Take a wander through cactus and agave gardens, wildflower and palm gardens, yucca and salvia gardens . You're bound to be inspired by the drought-tolerant planting schemes.
Take a wander through cactus and agave gardens, wildflower and palm gardens, yucca and salvia gardens . You're bound to be inspired by the drought-tolerant planting schemes.
Practical Info
Visiting early in the day is the best time to see animals up and about, or stay on till sunset when the nocturnal animals come out to play. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens are in the Sonoran Desert south-east of Palm Springs, in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Address: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert CA 92260, USA
Hours: October 1 to May 31 9am - 5pm, closed December 25. Summer Hours: June 1 - September 30 8am - 1:30pm
Admission: Adults: US$12.50
From $ 20
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Nestled in Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is made up of four display houses; the Palm House, the Fern Room, the Orchid House, and the Show House. Built in the late 1800s, the houses grow over 1,000 different types of plants that are used in Chicago Parks. Visitors can explore their interiors, and wander through the scenic botanical gardens that surround them.
The Basics
Located close to the lake and near Lake Shore Drive, the conservatory is easily accessible from other popular nearby attractions like the Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo. A few select city tours include a stop at the conservatory, but it can easily be visited on your own. Entry is free, and you can explore at your own pace, or opt for a tour of the facilities that’s available with a donation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With hundreds of plants to wander through, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.
- You can explore on your own or take a tour for a more in-depth visit.
- Entry into the conservatory is free, although a tour requires a donation.
How to Get There
The Lincoln Park Conservatory is located in Lincoln Park. Paid public parking is available in the lot behind the conservatory located on North Stockton Drive. The 151, 156, 134, and 143 CTA bus services stop nearby. Divvy bike sharing stations are located nearby and are a great public transportation option during the warmer months.
When to Get There
The conservatory is open everyday from 9am to 5pm. Since the exhibits in the four houses are indoors, the plants are always green and lush no matter the time of year. The outdoor gardens are full and thriving during July and August, and the display ends around mid-October. To see the most during your time, visit in the warmer months so you can explore the outdoor attractions.
Visit the Nearby Lincoln Park Zoo
Spanning over 36 acres, the Lincoln Park Zoo dates back to the late 1800s and is a popular nearby landmark that shouldn’t be missed. Home to about 1,100 animals including polar bears, big cats, gorillas, penguins, and reptiles, this family-friendly experience is fun for all ages. With free admission 365 days a year, the zoo is an easy stop even on a short timetable.
Address: 2391 North Stockton Drive, Chicago 60614, USA
From $ 42
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Step back in time for a taste of New Orleans history at Longue Vue House and Gardens. One of the last Country Place Era homes to be built in the United States, Longue Vue represents a bygone era of Deep South luxury, with priceless antiques and 8 acres (3 hectares) of gardens.
The Basics
Longue Vue was completed in 1942 for Edgar and Edith Stern, pillars of the New Orleans community. The Sterns often hosted dignitaries from the 1940s and 1950s here, including John F. Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt. The house was designed in classical revival style and is still furnished with its original collection of American and English antiques and artwork by the likes of Wassily Kandinsky.
Ellen Biddle Shipman designed the gardens, which are inspired by the grounds of the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Longue Vue’s Spanish Court, with an array of fountains and pools, is one of the best-loved landscapes in New Orleans. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the house and gardens, or combine a visit to Longue Vue with stops at some of New Orleans’ most notable historic sites on a small-group sightseeing tour. The New Orleans Power Pass includes free admission to the Longue Vue House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Discounted tickets are available for seniors, students, and children.
- Select areas of the house and gardens are wheelchair accessible.
- Children will love the interactive discovery garden.
How to Get There
Long Vue is located at 9 Bamboo Road, in New Orleans’ Lakewood district. The house is accessible by car or guided tour with round-trip transport. Alternatively, visitors can walk from the Canal and Cemeteries stop of the Canal St. streetcar, a journey of around 25 minutes.
When to Get There
The house and gardens are open from 10am–5pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm–5pm on Sunday. They are closed on most major holidays, so check in advance if your planned visit falls on a holiday. The site is busiest in the middle of the day, so plan to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Gardening Events for Little Ones
Turn your little ones into little gardeners with a morning attending one of Longue Vue’s special kids events. The Sprouts program, every last Saturday of the month, aims to inspire toddlers to explore the natural world, while the Seedlings program, every first Saturday of the month, encourages kids to plant seeds, make art, and investigate the different insects living in the garden.
Address: 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 60
Lightner Museum
Housed in a gorgeous former hotel built in 1887 in the Spanish Renaissance style, the exterior of the Lightner Museum is reason enough to visit. The real treats though are the various antiquities located on the inside of this three story museum.
The first floor houses a Victorian village, with shop fronts offering Victorian era wares. Take a look at the Victorian Science and Industry Room and its eclectic array of artifacts including model steam engines, stuffed birds, a small Egyptian mummy, and a shrunken head. The second floor contains samples of cut glass, Victorian art glass and stained glass work. The third floor, housed in the ball room's upper balcony, exhibits paintings, sculpture, and furniture from the time period. Overall, the museum's careful attention to details and rustic recreation of the time period make it a fun place to visit.
The museum is located in downtown St. Augustine.
Address: 75 King Street, St. Augustine 32084-4386, USA
Hours: Open daily from 9am-5pm
From $ 28
Lincoln Monument
Chicago’s storied Lincoln Park named for the country’s 16th president also boasts a significant statue of the man. Unlike the seated memorial figure located in Washington D.C. and found on the back of a penny, this 12-foot bronze constructed by Irish-immigrant sculpturist Augustus Saint-Gaudens stands tall. Constructed in 1887, 22 years after the Civil War leader’s death, it also predates the completion of D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial by 35 years. The work, titled ‘Abraham Lincoln: The Man,’ was heralded by the New York Evening Post as “the most important achievement American sculpture has yet produced,” after its unveiling.
The statue is located in the south side of the 1,208-acre park, behind the Chicago History Museum. The statue can easily be visited on a walking or biking tour of the park that includes other popular park stops such as the North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
In addition to identifying a similarly-built 6-foot, 4-inch tall man to serve as a model, molds of Lincoln’s own face and hands, taken while he was alive, were used to recreate the lifelike figure. Lincoln stands fronting an eagle-emblazoned chair with a pensive gaze cast downward from his perch atop a granite pedestal. The statue is surrounded by a stepped, half-moon exedra – built by noteworthy architect Stanford White and his team – with several of his more famous quotes etched into its walls. Replicas of this statue can be found in London’s Parliament Square and in Mexico City.
Practical Info
The fastest park entries to access the statue are from North Clark Street on either side of the Chicago History Museum, or via any of the three entrances on W. North Boulevard. Official park hours are from 6 a.m. til 11 p.m. daily.
Address: Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA
Hours: Park hours are from 6 a.m. til 11 p.m. daily.
From $ 42
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a cultural hub focused on music, dance and theater. Each year, the center puts on hundreds of performances throughout 26 venues. The center is composed of 12 elite performing arts organizations, some of which include The Juilliard School, The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic. Along with taking in a performance, visitors can opt for a guided tour of Lincoln Center to see what goes on behind the scenes and to get more in-depth knowledge on the performances and venues. Tours are available in English, as well as Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, German, and American Sign Language upon request. Throughout the year, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts puts on various major events, some of which include Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the New York Film Festival and the Mostly Mozart Festival.
Practical Info
Located between West 62nd and 65th and Columbus and Amsterdam avenues, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts can be reached by way of subway; take the 1 train to 66th Street-Lincoln Center.
Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29