Things to Do in Usa

Largely geared toward children but still enjoyable for adults, this small museum at National Geographic’s headquarters offers a handful of rotating exhibits combining the magazine’s exciting photography with discoveries in history, science and/or technology. Past exhibitions have included technology gleaned from the ancient Muslim world, and photos of the sunken Titanic.

Affiliated with but not a part of the Smithsonian, the National Gallery needs two buildings (connected by an underground tunnel) to house its stunning collections (more than 110,000 objects) of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present. Kids love the walking escalator that traverses the two buildings and conveniently empties into the airy cafeteria where you can press your nose against the giant sheet of glass and look out onto a cascading waterfall.

The original neoclassical building, known as the West Building, exhibits primarily European works, from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, including pieces by El Greco, Monet, and Cézanne. Don't miss the room full of Renoirs, including the famous Girl with a Hoop.

Across 4th Street NW, the angular East Building is where you'll find the Calder mobile along with other abstract and modern works. Across 7th Street from the West Wing sits the National Gallery Sculpture Garden, a beautifully landscaped park of open lawns, a pool with a spouting fountain, and 17 sculptures. In warm weather, people linger for lunch on the wide rim of the pool.

Sometimes the visitor center is nearly as grand as the actual destination. That’s definitely the case as the National Geographic Grand Canyon Visitor Center located at the South Rim entrance.

Travelers can gather plenty of free park maps, check out an IMAX movie about the Natural Wonder, get expert advice on planning the perfect Grand Canyon experience, books hotels and pick up park passes at this one-stop shop. Guests can also explore an extensive catalogue of sightseeing, self-guided and private tours and even get help with booking.

This moving monument that features a bronze sculpture of two Japanese cranes trapped in barbed wire pays homage to the Japanese Americans, veterans and those who were kept in internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Visitors will find a massive granite wall with names of the 10 camps where more than 120,000 people were held captive on American soil, as well as three panels covered in names honoring Japanese Americans who died while fighting World War II. There are also dozens of quotes from Japanese American writers gracing the unique memorial.

Travelers say this small gem, hidden among more epic D.C. structures is a sad but moving memorial that serves as a reminder of the horrors of war, the ugliness of humanity and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult adversities.

To see how Long Beach’s elite live, head to Naples. The neighborhood resides on three islands divided by canals, which are lined with beautiful million dollar homes. These canals open into Alamitos Bay and provide an array of fun water experiences. For a bit of romance, ride in an authentic Venetian gondola down the canals while sipping a glass or wine or beer (BYOB) and enjoying the scenery. For something a bit more adventurous, kayaking is also an option.

Naples is a great neighborhood for exploring Long Beach’s restaurant scene, as it’s filled with delicious options for local and ethnic dining. While Russo’s Neighborhood Ristorante & Bar serves up hearty Italian, Sushi of Naples can satiate your Japanese craving. And at the Naples Rib Company, you’ll savor fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy sausage and tender chicken.

When visiting Naples, La Bella Fontana Di Napoli is a fountain in the center of the neighborhood that’s also a popular attraction. The structure was erected in 1971 and sits in a peaceful park that many say makes them feel as though they’re in Naples, Italy.

If you’re visiting during the holidays, Naples is well-known for its Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade. This annual tradition features small and large boats adorned in holiday decorations floating on the water.

In New Orleans’ French Quarter lies the Napoleon House, a monument to the city’s illustrious heritage and culinary tradition. Built in 1814 by former Mayor Nicholas Girod, the property is most famous for supposedly being offered by the mayor to Napoleon Bonaparte as a refuge after the Frenchman’s exile in 1821. Napoleon never made it to the house, but the name stuck and the building became one of the most famous bars and cafes in the city.

In search of a fun attraction to take the entire family to? Then check out the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to animals from all over the world, as well as the "Jungle Gym," the largest community-built playground of its kind in the country.

Some of the most popular animal attractions include Alligator Cove, the Giraffe Savanna, and an African Wild Dog exhibit. While the animals are alluring to both parents and kids alike, the real attraction may be the Jungle Gym. Spreading out over 66,000 square feet (6,131 square meters) the playground houses a vast array of slides, cargo netting, swings and climbing structures for children. Kids will want to spend hours running around in this expansive entertainment area.

The flagship of the US Government's National Archives and Records Administration, this Greek Revival building in DC's Federal Triangle was created in 1934 to house records of America's military, civic and diplomatic origins and activities. Home to the Charters of Freedom (the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights) the Archives offer a comprehensive visitor experience that includes the charters themselves, as well as a peek into the public research vaults and a film about the relationship between public records and democracy.