Things to Do in Usa

Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa

Myrtle Edwards Park

Not far from the bustle of Seattle’s Space Needle, there is a public park on the bay where the focus is on wildlife and nature. The 4.8-acre Myrtle Edwards Park stretches along Elliott Bay and is known for its 1.25-mile paved walking and cycling path, and for the many opportunities to see eagles, herons and other wildlife.

The park was originally called Elliott Bay Park, but was renamed in 1976 for Myrtle Edwards. Edwards had been a prominent member of Seattle’s city council, where she fought for the preservation of the city’s natural spaces. Located between the park and the Space Needle is the Olympic Sculpture Park, a nine-acre park of outdoor art installations that opened in 2007.

Practical Info

Myrtle Edwards Park is open 24 hours a day. From the Space Needle, walk along Broad Street until you reach the water and the park.

3130 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA

Daily

From $ 66

Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts houses one of the world’s most comprehensive art collections, with nearly 450,000 works ranging from ancient Egyptian sculptures to contemporary masterpieces. With more than 1 million yearly visitors, the MFA is a true Boston highlight and must-see attraction for art lovers and first-time city travelers.

The Basics

Visitors to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts can admire works from around the globe, including one of the richest Edgar Degas collections in the world and a 13-foot-tall (4-meter-tall) statue of the Roman goddess Juno—the largest Roman-era statue in North America. Other highlights include the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art and the Art of the Americas wing, which contains four levels of American art ranging from ancient artifacts to modern installations.

To gain insight into the museum’s vast collection, stroll through the galleries on a small-group tour and benefit from the knowledge of an art historian guide. Or, visit independently with a Go Boston Card or Boston Explorer Pass—both of which include admission to the MFA along with visits to such city highlights as the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, and Fenway Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

Four on-site restaurants offer a range of options, including a family-friendly cafeteria and a gourmet dining spot.
Guided tours are included in admission and offered daily.
Two free coat check rooms are located on the ground floor.
The museum is wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs and walkers are available at all entrances on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Get There

The museum is located on Huntington Avenue in downtown Boston, just south of Kenmore Square. Visitor parking is available for a fee but can fill up quickly during popular exhibitions, holidays, and school vacation weeks. During these times, take advantage of the museum’s valet parking or take the subway (or “T”) to the Museum of Fine Arts stop, located directly in front of the building.

When to Get There

The MFA is open daily year-round, and is busiest on weekends and holidays. Opt for an early morning or weekday visit to avoid crowds. A late-night visit is also a good option—the museum is open until 10pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Exploring the Museum

From the art of the ancient world to impressionist masterpieces, the MFA’s treasure trove of artwork spans many centuries of human history. Museum highlights include the largest collection of Monet paintings outside of Paris, numerous works by American painter John Singer Sargent, Asian and African collections, Japanese art, and a large collection of musical instruments.

465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA

Monday–Tuesday, Saturday–Sunday: 10am–5pm. Wednesday–Friday 10am–10pm

Adults: US$25

From $ 40

Museum of the City of New York

The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is a history and art museum, created with the intention of ‘preserving and presenting’ the history of New York City — and its people. The museum celebrates New York, serving to educate the visiting public about the city’s distinctive character, its history of diversity, and its ever-changing nature. The building is a red-brick-and-marble neo-Georgian creation, completed in 1930 and located at the northern end of ‘Museum Mile’ on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It is a private, non-profit organization, funded by New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group. The compact museum isn’t a big place, but manages to impart plenty of New York’s storied history in a personal way that many bigger museums don’t. Exhibits include ‘From Ship to Shore,’ which depicts what it was like for immigrants to arrive in New York Harbor. The exhibit ‘New York’s Yiddish Theater,’ takes you through the theater culture that formed on Manhattan’s Lower East side in the late 19th century and leaves a legacy today. ‘Gilded New York’ features the city’s visual culture at the end of the 19th century (when the rich loved to flaunt their money!). ‘Activist New York’ shows the intricacies of social activism on many different issues throughout history.

Practical Info

The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220-1227 Fifth Avenue, from East 103rd to 104th streets, across from Central Park in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. To get there by bus, take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M106 to 104th Street. By subway, the museum can be reached by taking the #6 Lexington Ave. train to 103rd St., or the #2 or #3 train to Central Park North/110th St.

1220 5th Ave, New York 10029, USA

Daily from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Adults, $14; Seniors and students, $10; Ages 19 and younger visit for free.

From $ 18

Museum of Man

In the 18th century, when Spanish settlers arrived here on San Diego’s shores, a band of Kumeyaay Native Americans already inhabited the coast. Though little remains of their settlements today, one of the best places to learn about the Kumeyaay is here at the Museum of Man. Here in San Diego’s only museum devoted entirely to anthropology, artifacts from many of the of the world’s ancient cultures are intriguingly displayed inside. Look at mummies that have been removed from their tombs in the sandy deserts of Egypt, or artwork and pottery from Mayan tribes from modern day Guatemala. Learn about the brutal history of torture and tools of the morbid trade, or peruse a collection of thousands of skulls that date to the origins of man. Some exhibits—like the history of beer—are only on temporary display, whereas collections on the Maya, Egyptians, and Kumeyaay are permanent exhibitions. When finished reading about Mayan monuments and hieroglyphic writing, climb seven stories up a hidden stairwell to the top of the California Tower. Re-opened to the public in 2015 for the first time in 80 years, the tower offers panoramic views of downtown San Diego.

Practical Info

The San Diego Museum of Man is open from 10am-5pm daily. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $8 for youth, $6 for children, and is located inside of Balboa Park.

1350 El Prado, San Diego, California, USA

Open from 10am-5pm daily

Adults: $12.50, Youth: $8, Children: $6

From $ 48

Mystic Seaport

On the banks of Connecticut’s historic Mystic River, Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, it is home to four vessels with National Historic Landmark status. Visitors can explore more than 19 acres along the river, including a re-created 19th-century seafaring village and a working preservation shipyard.

The Basics

A visit to Mystic Seaport is an interactive experience, where you can learn about 19th-century New England’s seafaring heritage and maritime history through on-site historians, storytellers, and craftspeople. Climb aboard historic vessels including the wooden whaleship Charles W. Morgan, witness shipbuilding in action in the working shipyard, duck inside the cooperage, or explore the stars (and the art of celestial navigation) at the Treworgy Planetarium. The museum’s gardens showcase plants from the habitats of the Mystic River.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Mystic Seaport is a must-see for history buffs and families.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as many of the museum’s exhibits are outdoors.
Photography is permitted at Mystic Seaport, but leave tripods, monopods, and drones behind.
About a third of the museum’s buildings have wheelchair-accessible entrances. Most trails are stable and firm, even if unpaved.

How to Get There

Mystic Seaport is located in the town of Mystic, located 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of New London. The easiest way to get there is by car; there is free parking across the street from both the north and south entrances.

When to Get There

Mystic Seaport is open daily throughout the year, with limited hours and operation during January and February. The best weather—and more sizable crowds—arrives in June, July, and August.

Things to Do in Mystic

If you’re in the area to visit Mystic Seaport, set aside some time to see some of the area’s other notable attractions. Traveling families can spend an afternoon at the kid-approved Mystic Aquarium, while the historic downtown area offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Browse the rotating exhibits at the Mystic Museum of Art, or dive deeper into the region’s history at the Denison Homestead Museum.

75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, Connecticut 06355, USA

Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Limited hours in January and February.

Adults: $28; Youth: $18.95

From $ 29

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

In a city known for its beaches, Mount Soledad stands out as the mountain worth visiting. The highest coastal point in sunny San Diego overlooks the palm tree–lined Pacific Beach and the bluffs of Torrey Pines. The mountain is home to the the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, which honors living and deceased veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present day. On a clear day, 360-degree views of the La Jolla shores, the bridge to Coronado Island, Mission Bay, and even the mountains of Mexico can be seen.

The Basics

The Mt. Soledad memorial is considered to be one of the most unique veterans memorials in the United States. Its 11 walls display names and photographs of veterans with plaques telling their stories, and its commanding memorial cross stands at a towering 29 feet (nine meters) tall. It also offers stellar views of the Pacific Ocean and the La Jolla coast from its mountaintop location. The site is free to visit, and a stop of the mountain is often included on half- and full-day tours of San Diego.

Things to Know Before You Go

The memorial is free to enter.
While the base of the cross is only accessible via a large staircase, the site and its views are easily enjoyed from the bottom of the stairs.
Visitors will find a parking lot, portable restrooms, and a lawn area suitable for picnics on-site.
Volunteer docents are available to answer questions about the memorial.

How to Get There

Mount Soledad is located in the upscale La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego. It’s often a stop on tours of San Diego and La Jolla; if visiting solo, access the mountaintop via Soledad Mountain Road or the San Diego Trolley.

When to Get There

The memorial is open daily from 7am to 10pm. Sunset is the most popular time to visit. Most days are clear and sunny with excellent ocean views, though summer can have a marine layer clouding the skies.

Nearby San Diego Highlights

The views from Mount Soledad provide an overview of much of what you’ll want to see in San Diego. For this reason, it’s a great starting point for exploring the city. Once you’ve checked out San Diego’s downtown, Old Town, and Gaslamp Quarter areas, head to the ritzy beachside community of La Jolla—famous for its sea lions and tide pools at La Jolla Cove. San Diego beaches, Balboa Park, and the renowned San Diego Zoo are all nearby as well.

Soledad Mountain, San Diego, California 92037, USA

Open 7am to 10pm

From $ 35

Music Row

No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to Music Row. This is the home of the country music industry, with a slew of record labels, radio stations, and recording studios working side-by-side. There are also live venues on or near Music Row, to check out established artists as well as up-and-comers looking to break through.

The Basics

Music Row is packed with working businesses, as well as historic sites like RCA Studio B, which offers tours of the recording studio where scores of artists, such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, and Chet Atkins recorded hits. Many of the music company spaces and offices are in converted homes, maintaining the look and feel of old-school Nashville. Guided trolley and Segway tours of the city include stops within Music Row.

Things to Know Before You Go

In addition to country music, Music Row is home to businesses that represent a number of music genres.
RCA Studio B is open for public tours.
The 40-foot-tall Musica statue by artist Alan LeQuire, located at the Music Row Roundabout, depicts nine dancing nude figures, which sometimes wear outfits for special occasions, such as Nashville Predator T-shirts on game day.

How to Get There

Located around 16th and 17th Avenues South (also known as Music Square East and West, respectively), Music Row is a 10-minute drive from the historic Ryman Auditorium, which is nearby many of the city’s famous honky-tonks. Music Row can be reached by taking the No. 3, 5, 7, and 25 buses from the Ryman. It’s also a 15-minute walk from Vanderbilt University.

When to Get There

Studio B tours depart hourly every day, from 10:30am to 2:30pm daily, from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; transportation is included. Neighborhood bar the Idle Hour is a favorite watering hole of industry veterans and hosts nightly entertainment. It’s open Sunday and Monday, 12pm to 12am, and Tuesday through Saturday, 12pm to 3am.

Nearby Belmont Mansion

History and Civil War buffs, as well as art lovers, will want to visit this must-see Nashville attraction that’s located on the campus of Belmont University, just on the outer edge of Music Row. The elaborate antebellum home is an Italianate villa that functions as a museum as well as a venue for special events. Guided tours are offered; the mansion is also a stop on the Old Town Trolley.

Nashville, Tennessee, USA, USA

From $ 38

Museum of Contemporary Art Grand Avenue

The Museum of Contemporary Art or MOCA, is one museum with the bonus of three locations. MOCA is devoted to contemporary art. Founded in 1979, its collection includes more than 6,800 works.

The museum calls three facilities home: MOCA Grand Avenue, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Little Tokyo, and MOCA Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. What’s on view at MOCA Grand Avenue is constantly changing, so be sure to check the schedule when you are in Los Angeles. Writing and sketching are allowed in the galleries in pencil, but photography is not permitted.

Practical Info

MOCA Grand Avenue is open five days a week. It is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. MOCA Grand Avenue does not have a parking structure, but visitors can use the Walt Disney Concert Hall (2nd Street, between Grand Avenue and Hope Street, or on Lower Grand Avenue) for $9 with museum validation. Using public transportation, take the Metrolink Red Line to Pershing Square, or DASH Downtown Route B.

250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles 90012, USA

Mon, Thu-Fri 11am-5pm Sat-Sun 11am-6pm

General Admission $12, Students $7, Seniors $7, Children under 12 Free

From $ 35

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The world's premier modern art gallery, MoMA provides visitors with a master class in modernist and contemporary art. The collection numbers more than 150,000 works of art, along with a sizable film and photography collection. Familiar standouts include Monet's water lilies and works by van Gogh, Rousseau, Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Pollock, Andrew Wyeth, and Frida Kahlo.

Exhibitions are held from time to time, along with performance art and exhibits of architecture, prints, and illustrated books. The building was recently renovated to vastly expand the museum's exhibition space.

Getting There

The Museum of Modern Art is in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues on W 53rd Street. The closest subway station is Fifth Avenue / 53rd Street.

11 W 53rd Street, 10019, USA

Wed - Mon 10:30am - 5:30pm

US$20 for adults

From $ 25

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Since 2006 the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville has been honoring musical super stars of all genres with displays, galleries and exhibitions highlighting one of the city’s main attractions: Live music. And while this destination has been a hot ticket since its inception, the museum relocated in 2010 to an even more impressive spot—the historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium—part exhibition hall, part convention center and part major music museum.

Visitors can spend several hours combing through interactive displays that showcase the best of music. An impressive Grammy exhibit pays homage to some of the world’s top performers, and an excellent audio tour offers passionate travelers an even deeper look into the collection at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

Travelers can check out the museum on its own, or combine it with an evening catching live music on the city’s main strip. A tour of the museum can also be included as part of a larger exploration of Nashville’s scene, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Practical Info

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 401 Gay Street in Nashville. It is accessible using numerous local bus lines and is open from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday. Admission is $24 for adults and $14 for children ages 6 to 17. The last museum tour starts at 4 pm.

401 Gay Street, Nashville, USA

Open from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday

$24 for adults and $14 for children ages 6 to 17

From $ 25

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Located at 36 Battery Place in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, the Museum of Jewish Heritage is a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Opened in 1997, the mission of the museum is “to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the broad tapestry of Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries—before, during, and after the Holocaust.” In their collection, the Museum of Jewish Heritage showcases over 25,000 items that are used to tell the story of Jewish history. The permanent Core Exhibition features multiple perspectives on Jewish history, life and culture through artifacts, audio testimonials, photographs and films that are separated into three sections: “Jewish Life A Century Ago,” “The War Against the Jews” and “Jewish Renewal.” Not only is the exhibition itself impressive, but also the six-sided building it resides in, which is symbolic of the Star of David as well as the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. As there is much to see in the museum, it is recommended to allow an average of two hours to explore the Core Exhibition.

Other permanent exhibits include the Keeping History Center, which showcases the museum’s collection as well as awards panoramic views of the New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty, the Garden of Stones, a memorial garden for those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and Reflection Passage, an architectural experience that uses outdoor nature to manipulate indoor aesthetics. There are also always rotating exhibitions, usually multiple ones at a time, giving insight into different Jewish-related themes.

Practical Info

The Museum of Jewish Heritage is open Monday, Tuesdays and Thursday from 10am to 5:30pm, Wednesday from 10am to 8pm and Friday from 10am to 5pm. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for students and free for members and children 12 and under. Wednesday nights from 4pm to 8pm are free admission. To get to the museum by subway, take the 4, 5 to Bowling Green or the 1, N, R to Rector Street.

36 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280, USA

Sun-Tue, Thu 10:00am - 5:45pm. Wed 10:00am - 8:00pm, Fri 10:00am - 5:00pm (Closes at 3:00pm through Mar 8th). closed Saturdays, Major Jewish Holidays, and Thanksgiving.

$12 Adults, $7 Students, Children 12 and under Free

From $ 12

Mulholland Drive

Stretching 21 miles along the eastern ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Hollywood Hills, a drive on at least one portion of this iconic street should be a part of any first-time visit to Los Angeles. Built largely in 1924 as the scenic highway it remains today, Mulholland (as it’s locally known) offers unparalleled views of the L.A. Basin, San Fernando Valley, the Hollywood Sign and more.

If you only have time to drive one section of Mulholland, try either one of these routes:

Cahuenga Pass to Laurel Canyon, which winds up above downtown Hollywood and the Hollywood Bowl, past Runyon Canyon and above Universal City, where a significant turnout allows you to linger on views of the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains.

Laurel Canyon to Beverly Glen Boulevard, which offers real-estate-heavy views of the Westside on one side (including West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Bel-Air), and the wide, flat, mountain-rimmed San Fernando Valley on the other. There are several turnouts between Laurel Canyon and Coldwater Canyon, and again prior to Beverly Glen.

Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA, USA

From $ 30

Mud Volcano Area

There was once a time in the 19th century when you could hear Yellowstone’s mud volcano from over a half mile away. Today, however, the volcano has calmed to a crater of bubbling mud—which in itself is a fascinating sight that serves as a Yellowstone highlight. It’s said that when these mud‐filled pools first erupted up from the Earth, that they covered the surrounding trees in mud with their violent, explosive fury. When walking the area’s boardwalks today, it’s mostly steam that rises to the treetops as opposed to blankets of mud, but there’s no denying the creepy nature of literally watching the ground boil. At Dragon’s Mouth Spring, watch as puffs of thick white steam emerge from the mouth of a cave—which legitimately creates a vision of dragons lurking somewhere within. Add in shimmering turquoise pools and the smell of sulphur on the air, and the mud volcano area is an easy stop for experiencing Yellowstone’s fury.

Practical Info

The mud volcano area is accessed via a mile‐long boardwalk loop that is broken into two sections. One of the loops is very short—only 1⁄4 of a mile—whereas the longer loop continues to complete the nearly mile‐long trail. Because it’s located on the Grand Loop Road, the mud volcano area is only accessible by car when traveling in summer.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

From $ 375

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)

The ideal destination for curious people of all ages, the Museum of Science & Industry offers numerous exhibits and attractions designed to pique one's scientific interest.

With over 450 hands-on attractions, MOSI offers a unique interactive experience to its visitors. Feel free to lie down on a "bed of nails," allow a butterfly to land on your shoulder in the "Bioworks Butterfly Garden," enjoy an astronomy show in the Saunders Planetarium, or take a ride on the famous "High Wire Bike," suspended on a cable 30 feet (9 meters) above the ground. No matter how daring you are or how interested in science, the museum offers engaging opportunities designed to draw in visitors of all ages.

"Kids in Charge!,"the largest children's science center in the United States, is the perfect place to bring those in the 12-and-under crowd. The attractions there emphasize the value of learning through play by bringing together science and creative thinking, and inspiring the imagination. MOSI is also home to Flordia's only IMAX Dome theater. The Dome regularly shows both educational and popular commercial films.

Practical Info

MOSI is about a 20-minute drive north from downtown Tampa.

4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa 33617, USA

Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm (until 6pm on weekends)

Adults: US$20.95, Children (2-12yrs): US$16.95

From $ 13

Museum of Flight

Seattle has a long history of aviation innovation. It’s here that the first Boeing aircraft was assembled and the company headquartered for decades. At the Museum of Flight, aircraft enthusiasts can trace the history of aviation from the Wright brothers through modern space exploration and air travel.

The Basics

A visit to Seattle's Museum of Flight, at Boeing Field, takes you through decades of flight history as you view more than 150 planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets, space station parts, and lunar module mock-ups.

Visitors might glimpse the original Air Force One, which transported presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, along with a supersonic Concorde jet, and a stealth M-21 Blackbird reconnaissance plane.

Save time at the museum by prebooking admission tickets and skipping the line upon arrival.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Museum of Flight is appropriate for history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and families.
The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the museum’s exhibits.

How to Get There

The Museum of Flight sits just 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of Downtown Seattle, at Boeing Field close to the international airport. It’s easily accessible by car, as there’s a large parking lot available to visitors. It’s also reachable by Metro bus no. 124, which stops in front of the museum.

When to Get There

The Museum of Flight is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. The museum draws most of its visitors on weekends, but it’s never crowded or hard to get into. Check the museum’s official website for information on special tours and events offered during your visit.

Other Attractions Nearby

The Museum of Flight is situated in vibrant south Seattle. It’s easy to fill a day combining a trip to the museum with a visit to the Kubota Garden, a 20-acre (8-hectare) Japanese-style garden. Restaurants and bars in the nearby Georgetown neighborhood offer plenty of entertainment before or after your visit.

9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington 98108, USA

Varies

From $ 22

Museum of Tolerance

The Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is a Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum. Since it opened its doors in 1993, more than five million have visited, most middle and high school students. Interactive exhibits and special programs are designed to help visitors develop a better understanding of the Holocaust and inspire tolerance of all people regardless of race or religion.

The museum features an exhibit on Anne Frank. Along with rare artifacts, documents and photographs, you can read a facsimile of her diary. Little known facts about the time she spent in hiding and her arrest are highlighted throughout the exhibit. Admission for the Anne exhibit is not included with general museum admission and advanced reservations are recommended.

Practical Info

The Museum of Tolerance is open six days a week. It is closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Free underground parking is available in the Museum complex. The entrance is on Pico Boulevard. If you are using public transportation, take the Metro 14/37 to Beverwil Drive and W. Pico Boulevard and walk two blocks west on Pico Boulevard.

9786 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles 90035, USA

Sun-Wed 10am-5pm Thursday 10am-9:30pm Friday 10am-3:15pm

Adult $15.50 Seniors $12.50 Student $11.50

From $ 16

Musical Legends Park

This small pocket of outdoor space on Bourbon Street is dedicated to the renowned musicians of New Orleans. Stop in to listen to jazz music daily from 10am to close. The stage is small, but the setting and music make for a great place to sit and listen for a stretch. Tables and chairs are mixed in among statues of musicians, and Café Beignet calls the back of the courtyard home. Plan on snacking on warm beignets or order up a Cajun specialty for breakfast, lunch or dinner while listening to local musicians do what they do best.

Practical Info

Musical Legends Park is located at 311 Bourbon Street. Performances are free. Leashed dogs are welcome in the park.

311 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, USA

From $ 25

Museum of Interesting Things

This traveling exhibit of old-school inventions and technological antiques is sure to inspire creativity and curiosity in the youth it seeks to engage. Perfect for the entire family, travelers will find a unique hands-on experience at the Museum of Interesting Things, where kids can get up close with artifacts from the past and travel back in time with their expert “guide” who offers up incredible detail, rich information and plenty of entertainment in the process. The Museum of Interesting Things makes history come alive through storytelling and interaction, making it the ideal stop for families who want to infuse their travel with a bit of learning. In addition to artifacts, exhibits often include 16mm film snippets and other visual highlights.

Practical Info

The Museum of Interesting Things will be at the Secret Speakeasy in New York City on November 22. Tickets are available for $10 the opening event at a SoHo loft located at 177 Prince Street.

177 Prince Street, New York, USA

$10

From $ 15

Muir Woods

The Muir Woods National Monument is a must-see destination on any visit to the San Francisco Bay Area. Home to one of the world's last remaining coastal redwood forests, this protected nature reserve allows travelers to hike, relax, or picnic among these giant Northern California trees for an incredible experience only minutes from the city. The Muir Woods forest forms part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes nearby outdoor attractions including Stinson Beach—the park's only lifeguarded beach—and Fort Baker, offering great views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Marin County.

The Basics

At the park entrance are a gift shop, cafe, and visitors center—follow the raised boardwalk from there, and you'll find yourself at the crossroads of the park's easy and popular hiking trails. Most tours of Muir Woods depart from San Francisco and last between four hours and eight hours, depending on the activities included. Because Muir Woods is north of San Francisco, just across the Golden Gate Bridge, many tours combine a visit here with a Sausalito tour, a San Francisco city tour, a bay cruise, a trip to Alcatraz, or a half- or full-day visit to Napa Valley wine country.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you're not prepared to look for a parking spot (availability is extremely limited), book a bus tour or a private tour that includes San Francisco hotel pickup and roundtrip transportation.
Walking tours and bike tours are among the most popular ways to see the area.
The park has many accessible features, with boardwalk platforms throughout.
Even the easiest hikes can stir up an appetite—stave off the hunger by booking a tour that offers a gourmet lunch in Sonoma County.

How To Get to Muir Woods
Muir Woods is located just 12 miles (19 km) north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, making it an easy day trip from the city. It's possible to arrive by public transit, but the easiest way is by organized tour. If coming by car, drive north on Highway 101 and continue north on a short drive along Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway). Then take the Panoramic Highway, a right-hand fork. Continue about one mile (1.5 km) to Four Corners, where you'll turn left onto Muir Woods Road.

When to Get There

Muir Woods is open from 8am to sunset during summer and closes at 5pm in winter. The site can become quite crowded, especially on weekends, so try to come midweek, early in the morning, or late in the afternoon to beat the crowds. Even at busy times, a short hike will get you out of the densest crowds and onto trails with giant redwoods and stunning vistas.

1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, California 94941, USA

Daily 8am–6pm

$10

From $ 65

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall at 620 feet (189 meters) and one of the state’s top natural landmarks. The falls are made up of two waterfalls fed from Larch Mountain and are recognizable for their setting tucked into sheer rock faces. The cascades are made more fairytale-like by the Benson Bridge, which spans the top of the lower falls and provides great photo ops.

The Basics

Multnomah Falls is a popular and easy destination for half-day and full-day tours from Portland. In addition to time at the falls, half-day tours often also include visits to the Columbia River Gorge, the Vista House at Crown Point, or other falls in the area. Full-day tours might stop at Mt. Hood for a well-rounded look at the beauty of northwestern Oregon or at area wineries for afternoon tastings.

Things to Know Before You Go

Parts of the path that lead to the lower waterfall are wheelchair accessible; there is an elevator to the restaurant.
A US Forest Service information center is open seven days a week.
The Multnomah Falls Lodge at the base of the falls hosts a restaurant, snack bar, gift shop, and restrooms. Pick up hiking trail maps here.
Make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a layer, whether you plan to hike or not; spray and mist can make surfaces slippery and cooler than nearby areas.
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

How to Get There

Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, just across the Columbia River from Washington state, and 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Portland, the falls are a heavily visited attraction. If driving from Portland, head east on Interstate 84 and take exit 31 to the parking lot (which fills up often). For a more scenic route, take exit 28 and drive the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway. To avoid traffic and navigation issues, take a guided bus tour from Portland.

When to Get There

Multnomah Falls is open year-round, with the most impressive water flow in winter and spring. To avoid large crowds, go early in the morning, midweek, or on rainy days. Know that on warm days in spring, summer, and fall, there will be crowds.

Other Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

While Multnomah Falls is definitely the grand dame, it’s not the only waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area or along the Historic Columbia River Highway. On the drive between Portland and the gorge, stop off at Wahkeena Falls, Latourell Falls, Horsetail Falls, or Bridal Veil Falls for more opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Select day tours to Multnomah Falls also stop at additional waterfalls on the route.

50000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR, Portland 97010, USA

Daily

From $ 59