Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
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Ripley's Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium borders the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its vaulted underwater walkways, large tanks filled with colorful sea creatures, and live shark-feeding shows. Set in the Broadway-at-the-Beach shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, the aquarium features exhibits for visitors of all ages.
The Basics
Explore the Dangerous Reef, home to sharks, tarpons, grunts, and other sharp-toothed predators, on a 340-foot (104-meter) moving walkway through an acrylic shark tunnel; see the piranha at the Rio Amazon exhibit; gaze at octopus, lionfish, and other poisonous predators in the Living Gallery; or watch as manta rays swim alongside other aquatic animals in the Ray Bay.
Purchase tickets ahead of time to save hard-earned vacation time. Upgrades, including an indoor glass-bottom boat tour and behind-the-scenes tour, are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ripley’s aquarium is a must-see for families with kids.
- Tickets are good all day, so you can come and go at your leisure.
- The aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, which are both available to rent at guest services.
How to Get There
Ripley’s Aquarium is located in South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach area, in the Broadway-at-the-Beach complex. To get there via public transportation, take bus C10 right to the aquarium or bus C21 to the Broadway at the Beach Visitor Center. Free parking is available at the aquarium.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open year-round, as is the wider Broadway at the Beach area. Myrtle Beach has mild winters and hot, humid summers, so plan your visit accordingly.
Nearby Attractions
Once you’ve had your fill of marine life, explore the larger Broadway at the Beach complex. The walkable outdoor entertainment area features an array of entertainment options, amusement-park-style rides, shops, and restaurants.
Address: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577, USA
From ¥ 73
Red Rock Canyon
The 195,819-acre (79,245-hectare) Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada comprises a network of narrow canyons, seasonal waterfalls, rock art sites, and surreal rock formations with ample opportunity for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and desert wildlife watching, all a short drive from Las Vegas.
The Basics
Red Rock Canyon, with its large formations of red rocks and ample outdoor activities, sits a world away from Las Vegas, despite being visible from the city. Rock climbers come to conquer the 3,000-foot (914-meter) red sandstone walls of Keystone Thrust, while mountain bikers find optimal conditions on the Mustang Trail. Some of the best views of the American Southwest landscape come from the Red Rock Canyon Overlook, a 13-mile scenic loop through the park that gives visitors a look at the Mojave Desert scenery from the comfort of a car or bicycle. Tour options are plentiful—horseback rides, guided hikes, electric bike rides, Segway, and scooter tours, or even a romantic hot air balloon ride.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Red Rock Canyon is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.
- The canyon provides little shade, so don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water.
- Most tours from Las Vegas last four to six hours.
How to Get to Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is located 25 miles (40 km) west of the Las Vegas Strip. Since there are no public transportation options between Las Vegas and the canyon, most visitors either take guided tours with return transportation from Las Vegas hotels or drive their own vehicles via SR 159.
When to Get There
Red Rock Canyon is open throughout the year, with slightly shorter hours during the winter season (November to February). The visitor center is open daily. For optimal hiking conditions, plan to visit between November and March; expect temperatures as high as 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) during summer.
Things to See In and Around Red Rock Canyon
Because the Red Rock National Conservation Area covers such a sizable swathe of desert, it's home to many worthy natural attractions. The Calico Hills are one of the park's most famous sites, accessible via a moderate hiking trail. Visitors will find old agave roasting pits from Native American history along the Calico Tanks Trail, while Willow Springs boasts petroglyphs. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, situated adjacent to Red Rock Canyon, was once a working ranch owned by millionaire Howard Hughes.
Address: USA
Hours: Year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Admission: Cars $7; pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles $3
From ¥ 541
Red Rock State Park
With views of ruddy cliffs everywhere you look, Red Rock State Park is a sight to behold. Trails slice through this 286-acre (116-hectare) nature preserve, winding through manzanita juniper shrubs toward the banks of Oak Creek. The visitor center offers numerous daily activities for guests, including nature walks and naturalist activities.
The Basics
The famous red rock scenery of Sedona is at its best within the bounds of this popular state park—a perfect place to enjoy Arizona's scenic natural beauty. While Sedona is a popular getaway in its own right, many travelers choose to visit Red Rock State Park on a day trip from Phoenix. A typical Jeep tour through the area will include the park, as well as Chapel of the Holy Cross and Bell Rock. Some itineraries also take visitors to Montezuma Castle or Tuzigoot national monuments.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Red Rock State Park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection; the high desert sun can be intense, even in winter.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Handicap accessible restrooms can be found at the Visitor Center and Twin Cypress group use area.
How to Get There
The Red Rock State Park is located on the western end of Sedona and is about one hour south of Flagstaff. The easiest way to visit is to join a guided tour from Sedona or Phoenix or drive yourself.
When to Get There
The park is open daily throughout the year, with extended hours during the summer months (mid May to late August). The best time to visit is in spring (March to May) when temperatures are warm but not baking and desert wildflowers are in bloom.
Trails of Red Rock State Park
This state park’s trail system comprises 10 developed trails covering some five miles (eight kilometers). The Eagle’s Nest Loop takes visitors to the highest point in the park, while the Javelina Trail passes through serene piñon and juniper woodlands. Those looking for a longer hike can tackle the Lime Kiln Trail, a 15-mile (24-kilometer) shared-use trail connecting Red Rock State Park to nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Address: 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona 86336, USA
From ¥ 515
Rhyolite
Rhyolite was once a booming gold rush town in Nevada, but today it's a ghost town – and, consequently, a tourist attraction.
The town grew almost overnight to be one of the largest settlements after gold was discovered nearby in 1904. By 1911, that mine was closed, and in 1916 when power was shut off in the town some of the buildings were moved or simply torn down. What remains has become an incredibly popular ghost town for tourists to visit and photograph.
All but one of the buildings in Rhyolite are in a serious state of disrepair – the exception was a house renovated in 1925 as a movie set. Buildings that are left include a schoolhouse, a jail, a train station, a barn, and a train caboose that used to be a gas station.
Practical Info
Rhyolite is roughly 120 miles from Las Vegas, and it's near the border of Death Valley National Park.
Address: Rhyolite, Nevada, USA, USA
From ¥ 1,454
Reading Terminal Market
Dating from the 1860s, Philadelphia’s largest covered food market is one of its most beloved local landmarks and popular tourist attractions. It’s set adjacent to the Convention Center and a SEPTA regional rail station, as well as the city’s main Greyhound bus station.
Home to a wide array of food vendors, the Market also features flowers, cookware and locally made gifts. Restaurants here range from Middle Eastern cuisine to traditional Cantonese to fresh-made donuts. Some of its most distinctive vendors are Pennsylvania Dutch bakers, farmers and craftspeople, which only do business here from Wednesday through Saturday.
If you’re a fan of cannoli, Termini Brothers Bakery makes the best in the city; for cupcakes, try Flying Monkey. Be sure to seek out Philbert, a bronze statue of pig that serves as the Market’s mascot and a unique “piggy” bank; coins donated here go to programs that support healthy eating habits.
Address: 51 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm; Sun 9am-5pm
From ¥ 216
Rick's Restorations
Sure—the items in the showroom are for sale, but Rick’s Restorations is much more intriguing than your regular shopping experience. This Las Vegas gallery is the site of the TV show, “American Restoration,” where aging items are masterfully restored into vintage pieces of art. Run by Rick Dale—who also appears on “Pawn Stars”—Rick’s Restorations is serviced by a crew of colorful Vegas characters, some of whom you might recognize from the show as you tour the warehouse. While many places solely restore cars, Rick’s finds pieces of classic Americana and loving brings them back to life, whether it’s gumball machines, jukeboxes, soda fountains, or stoplights. When visiting the shop, you can simply tour the gallery floor and shop for pieces you like, or take a tour to hear the process that goes into the restoration. There are metal workers, polishers, woodworkers, and letterers who all work together to take a clunker and infuse it with shiny new life. Or, if you have a piece that needs refurbishing and are willing to foot the bill, Rick’s Restorations always accepts clients to keep projects coming through the door.
Practical Info
If you take a guided tour of the warehouse, it’s asked that you not take any photos for proprietary reasons with the show.
Address: 800 West Mesquite Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 89106, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Admission: $5 for tours of the shop
From ¥ 473
RCA Studio B
The historic RCA Studio B is where Nashville’s legendary music scene began. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Tennessee studio is credited as being the epicenter of Music City and the place where the Nashville Sound originated. RCA Studio B has recorded more than 35,000 songs—many of them platinum hits.
The Basics
At RCA Studio B, you can wander the halls where Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers once recorded, and even sit at the piano Elvis Presley played. This recording studio, an irreplaceable part of music history, is now part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and its interior in decorated in 1970s-era style, as it was in its heyday as the “Temple of Sound.”
Guided studio tours depart every day from the Country Music Hall of Fame and are available in conjunction with Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum admission. You can also see RCA Studio B as one of the attractions included in the Nashville Music Attraction Discount Pass, which also includes admission to other Music City highlights such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- RCA Studio B is a must-see for music lovers visiting Nashville.
- Die-hard music fans with kids may want to go this one alone, as there isn’t much to keep small tots occupied.
- All studio tours depart from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, with transportation included from that location.
- RCA Studio B is accessible to wheelchair users; there are ramps and accessible bathrooms on-site.
How to Get There
RCA Studio B is located in downtown Nashville’s Music Row. The studio is easily accessed from downtown Nashville on foot, by car, or via bus #8 (get off at the 8th Avenue South and South Street stop).
When to Get There
Guided tours depart the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hourly between 10:30am and 2:30pm every day except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
The Nashville Sound
RCA Studio B is credited with reviving the popularity of country music in the 1960s, introducing what became known as the Nashville Sound. This style of music was more sophisticated than other country styles, and incorporated string instruments and background vocals. Music fans consider a visit to the studio, which made Nashville into an international recording center, a must-do when visiting Music City.
Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Pl, Nashville, TN, USA
From ¥ 277
Resurrection Bay
Resurrection Bay on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula—dotted with glistening glaciers, majestic fjords, and secluded coves set against a backdrop of snowy mountains and dramatic fog—is a haven for those who enjoy striking landscapes. Not only is this pristine wilderness beautiful, it’s also filled with opportunities for outdoors recreation.
The Basics
Many itineraries within Kenai Fjords National Park include a wildlife-watching cruise in Resurrection Bay. Those interested in bird-watching and wildlife spotting should be on the lookout for puffins, bald eagles, Dall's porpoise, Stellar sea lions, orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals, and sea otters.
Helicopter tours passing through the park to land at Godwin Glacier often fly right over Resurrection Bay. As the waters of the bay never freeze, they are also popular for kayaking and sailing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Resurrection Bay is a must-see for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Dress in warm layers with a waterproof outer layer to protect you from the wind.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection; the sun in Alaska can be surprisingly intense.
- Take appropriate precautions, if you suffer from motion sickness.
- Excursions to Resurrection Bay can last anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the activities chosen.
How to Get There
Many visitors come to Resurrection Bay as a guided shore excursion from Seward. Cruises on the bay typically depart from the Seward Small Boat Harbor before heading out into the bay.
When to Get There
While the waters of Resurrection Bay never freeze and are therefore always navigable, a majority of tours operate between mid-May and mid-September when the days are long and weather mild.
What’s in the Name
Alexander Baranov was a Russian merchant who was forced to take shelter in the bay during an intense storm. When the storm finally settled, it was Easter Sunday, and in honor, Baranov gave the bay (as well as the nearby river) the name Resurrection.
Address: Resurrection Bay, AK, USA
From ¥ 631
Riverfront Park
Nashville’s Riverfront Park was built in the early 1980s on the site where the area’s first settlers founded the city back in 1780. Today the sprawling green enclave on the banks of the Cumberland River is home to several attractions, including Fort Nashborough, Bicentennial Park, and the Ascend Amphitheater.
The Basics
Riverfront Park’s prominent position on the riverfront near the heart of downtown Nashville makes it hard to miss. A visit is worthwhile for the fresh air and stunning views of the river and the Tennessee Titans’ Nissan Stadium across the way. Visitors and locals alike come for family fun, recreation, and relaxation, as well as for free summer concerts and festivals hosted throughout the year. Several tours of Nashville, including historic walking tours, horse and carriage rides, and evening sightseeing tours, make a stop at this popular park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Riverfront Park is a must for families and first-time visitors to Nashville.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- To make the most of the park, wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Riverfront Park has a wheelchair- and stroller-accessible walkway along the Cumberland River.
How to Get There
Riverfront Park sits directly across First Avenue from downtown Nashville, just across the river from Nissan Stadium. The easiest way to get there is on foot.
When to Get There
Summer is one of the best times to visit Riverfront Park, especially if you’re interested in outdoor concerts and festivals. High temperatures in June, July, and August average just under 90°F (32°C), so plan to visit in the morning, late afternoon, or evening.
Fourth of July at Riverfront Park
Each Independence Day, Nashville hosts the largest fireworks show in the United States. A day of free concerts culminates in the epic pyrotechnics display, and Riverfront Park is perhaps the best seat in town for watching the spectacle.
Address: 100 1st Ave N, Nashville, Tennesssee 37201, USA
From ¥ 137
Raymond Vineyards
If you’re looking for a unique Napa Valley wine tasting experience, look no further than Raymond Vineyards. Offering guests more than the typical tasting room experience, Raymond Vineyards in fact has many rooms where visitors can enjoy wine. There’s the Rutherford Room, the Red Room, and the Library Room just to name a few.
The Blending Room is where guests become "Winemaker for a Day." After blending their own red wine, guests take home a bottle of their new creation, complete with their own custom label. Raymond's estate vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena are both certified organic and Biodynamic. All of the winery's power comes from renewable solar energy.
Practical Info
Raymond Vineyards is located in St. Helena on Zinfandel Lane. Set aside time either before or after your tasting to visit the Theater of Nature. At two acres, it’s the largest educational exhibit on Biodynamic® farming in the Napa Valley. Signs will lead you through the self-guided tour or you can listen to an audio tour on your smart phone.
Address: 849 Zinfandel Lane, Saint Helena, California 94574, USA
From ¥ 0
Rio Grande Gorge
Surrounded by desert cliffs and volcanic lands, the Rio Grande winds through a gorge for 74 miles across the state of New Mexico. Once covered in lava by from nearby erupting volcanoes, the river flowed after a rift valley was formed by a geological separation in the earth’s crust. Part of it is the first designated National Wild and Scenic River, and it is a scenic spot to take part in water activities such as kayaking and whitewater rafting.
Outside of boating and fishing, hiking and biking are also popular outdoor activities in or around the gorge. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the second highest bridge on the U.S. Highway system, with scenic views from high above on its observation platform. In some sections it drops more than 800 feet in depth. Views from the West Rim Trail (beginning on the west side of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge) are particularly dramatic.
Practical Info
The two best sections for visiting the gorge are its National Wild and Scenic portion, which begins at the New Mexico/Colorado state line, and from the gorge bridge. Taos is the town nearest to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. There’s also a Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center located in Peñasco. River levels vary year-round.
Address: El Prado, USA
From ¥ 550
Rising Tide Brewing Company
Rising Tide Brewing Company serves up one of Portland, Maine's most beloved beers alongside live music and food trucks. The lively tasting room features artisan craft beers produced by the small-scale, family-owned brewing company, which has since grown to be one of the area's top brewers. There's a local feel to the taproom, and a long bar for tastings that looks into the production area.
Try four different beers on a tour of the brewery, or make an outing out of your visit on a craft drink tour through the city.
Practical Info
Rising Tide is located in the busy East Bayside neighborhood of Portland, Maine. It's open daily from noon to 7pm, but closes at 5pm on Sunday. Tours are given 1-3 times daily (after 3 pm) and last approximately one hour (closed toed shoes required). They do not take reservations in advance, but you can sign up to ensure your spot on a tour.
There is both indoor and outdoor seating; weather permitting it’s a lovely spot to sit outside. Free parking is available.
Address: 103 Fox St, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat: 12–7pm; Sun: 12–5pm
From ¥ 473
Riverside Park
A four-mile strip of elegant public green space between the Hudson River and Riverside Drive on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this designated scenic landmark was first proposed in 1865, laid out in 1910 (using designs by Frederick Law Olmstead), re-designed in the 1930s by Robert Moses (who incorporated an underground train tunnel still in use by Amtrak), and enlarged by Donald Trump in the 1990s.
In addition to purely scenic paths landscaped with trees, flowers, terraces and bridges, the park includes a wide variety of recreational options, like baseball diamonds, basketball, tennis and handball courts, skate ramps, kayak and canoe launch sites, playgrounds, and fitness paths. As part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, the park contains car-free bike routes, and its 110-slip public marina at 79th Street is part of New York State’s Water Trail.
There are several graceful monuments within the park, including Grant’s Tomb, at West 122nd Street. This Grecian rotunda with ionic columns, visible from the Hudson River, contains the actual tombs of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant.
In addition to purely scenic paths landscaped with trees, flowers, terraces and bridges, the park includes a wide variety of recreational options, like baseball diamonds, basketball, tennis and handball courts, skate ramps, kayak and canoe launch sites, playgrounds, and fitness paths. As part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, the park contains car-free bike routes, and its 110-slip public marina at 79th Street is part of New York State’s Water Trail.
There are several graceful monuments within the park, including Grant’s Tomb, at West 122nd Street. This Grecian rotunda with ionic columns, visible from the Hudson River, contains the actual tombs of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant.
Address: USA
Hours: Open Mon-Thu, 12 - 11pm; Fri-Sun, 11am - 11pm
From ¥ 479
Rittenhouse Square
Dating to the late 17th century as part of William Penn’s original five-square city plan, this gracefully manicured park was renamed in 1825 for local astronomer, inventor and surveyor David Rittenhouse. Long one of Philadelphia’s most desirable addresses, in our modern era it’s surrounded by luxury apartments and shops.
Well connected to buses, the SEPTA rail and the trolley, the surrounding neighborhood is full of historic architecture and cultural institutions. Attractions include the Mütter Museum and the treasure-filled Rosenbach Museum & Library, as well as the Curtis Institute of Music. Look for the ornate Victorian House set at the northwest corner, and various bronze sculptures of animals scattered throughout the park.
The park is managed and supported by the Friends of Rittenhouse Square, a non-profit group who, among other activities, stages a series of free concerts in the park during the summer.
Address: Walnut and 18th Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, USA
From ¥ 216
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
If there’s one thing that sets Rio apart from all other Las Vegas resorts, it’s the fact that its casino plays host to the annual World Series of Poker (WSOP). Guests are welcome to play in Rio’s poker room, the only one in the world that features 100% certified WSOP dealers, where just about every poker game is available, from classics like hold ‘em and seven-card stud to 2-7 triple draw and badugi. There are five poker tournaments held in the poker room daily, with a variety of buy-ins at different times.
Beyond the poker room, Rio’s casino floor has dozens of tables featuring popular games including blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat. The vast majority of the resort’s 1,200 slot machines are in a masquerade-themed, 100,000-square-foot space, where a series of floats glides over the crowd several times each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
In addition to the Show in the Sky, Rio is home to a couple other popular Las Vegas shows. Penn & Teller is a humorous magic show with tricks requiring knives, guns and other curious items. Even though the “Bad Boys of Magic” are known for giving away the secrets to their tricks, audience members are still left wondering how they’re done. The Chippendales round out the perfect girls-night out with 12 sexy male dancers who perform for audiences five nights a week.
Beyond the poker room, Rio’s casino floor has dozens of tables featuring popular games including blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat. The vast majority of the resort’s 1,200 slot machines are in a masquerade-themed, 100,000-square-foot space, where a series of floats glides over the crowd several times each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
In addition to the Show in the Sky, Rio is home to a couple other popular Las Vegas shows. Penn & Teller is a humorous magic show with tricks requiring knives, guns and other curious items. Even though the “Bad Boys of Magic” are known for giving away the secrets to their tricks, audience members are still left wondering how they’re done. The Chippendales round out the perfect girls-night out with 12 sexy male dancers who perform for audiences five nights a week.
Address: 3700 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103, USA
From ¥ 203
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a music venue unlike any other—a sandstone stadium forged by the elements and blessed with natural acoustics. Many musicians have taken to this stage, and when shows are in town, Red Rocks can host over 9,500 concertgoers, all in for a treat beyond the music: stellar views of the natural Colorado landscape.
The Basics
Red Rocks Park is an easy day trip from Denver, and there’s plenty to do even when a concert isn’t scheduled. Visitors can tour the museum and visitor center, shop for souvenirs, and check out the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, while hikers can hit the 6-mile (9.6-kilometer) Red Rocks Loop Trail, which showcases sweeping views of the concert venue in all its glory. To see more of the surrounding Rocky Mountains foothills, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre on a small-group or private tour from Denver and explore nearby highlights such as Lookout Mountain, Bear Creek Canyon, and the charming mountain town of Evergreen. Or, get a taste of both city and nature by combining your Red Rocks visit with a Denver city tour. Whether you choose to explore on your own or with a guide, you don’t want to miss the epic scenery of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain wilderness.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The weather at the park can change suddenly, so pack a jacket or extra layer of clothing.
- Red Rocks Park is 6,450 feet (1,966 meters) above sea level; be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which is common at high altitudes.
- If planning to attend a concert, arrive early and allow ample time to park and pass through security.
- Wheelchair accessible seating is available; accessible tickets must be purchased in advance.
How to Get There
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre lies in the foothills of the Rockies, roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of downtown Denver. The Red Rocks visitor and help center, located on Alameda Parkway in Morrison, is open daily and provides additional information for getting around.
When to Get There
Summer is the warmest and most popular time to visit. Spring and fall visitors find slightly cooler temperatures and bargain rates, with autumn visitors getting the opportunity to see the mountains speckled with colorful foliage. Some hotels and attractions may close in winter when temperatures drop and the area gets snowy. To avoid crowds, visit Red Rocks Park in the early morning—hiking trails are open from one hour before sunrise until one hour before sunset. The Red Rocks Loop Trail is open year-round.
Artists Who Have Rocked Red Rocks
For more than 100 years, this sandstone outdoor venue has been world-renowned for its natural beauty and stunning acoustics. Some of the world’s largest musical acts have performed here, including legends such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Fleetwood Mac, plus opera singer Mary Garden, U2, and Rush. From the way the sunlight reflects off the sandstone just before sunset to the way the twin, 300-foot (91-meter) rocks behind the stage perfectly capture sound, there’s a level of magic here that borders on the surreal.
Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, Colorado, USA
Admission: Varies by event
From ¥ 372
Rickenbacker Trail
Rickenbacker Trail is considered one of the best places for biking in Miami. Spanning the entire island of Key Biscayne, the 8.5-mile path includes well-known spots like Virginia Key Beach, Crandon Park and the Miami Seaquarium, and begins in southern Miami before continuing south along Rickerbacker Causeway/Crandon Boulevard.
There are picnic areas, coastal dunes and even an amusement center at the popular Crandon Park, which sits at the northern end of the trail. Visitors often snorkel, kayak and hike here, or visit the museum and historical lighthouse. Another spot is Bill Baggs Cape State Park, which includes one of the more low-key beaches along the trail. If you stop in Virginia Key, there are beverage, snack, and ice cream vending machines on site. Be sure to try smoked fish at Jimbo’s, a tiny restaurant shack that has earned quite a reputation.
If you’re biking the Rickenbacker Trail, there is an option that adds approximately four miles to your ride if you turn at Virginia Key’s Arthur Lamb Road. If you are really adventurous, the trail combines with Commodore Trail, Old Cutler Trail and Biscayne Trail for a ride totaling around 27 miles.
Practical Info
The trail is open sunrise to sunset, while most parks along the route close at sunset or earlier. There is parking at Crandon Park (6747 Crandon Blvd) and at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (1200 Crandon Blvd). Bring water, sunscreen and protective clothing as necessary.
Address: Crandon Blvd, Miami, Florida, USA
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
From ¥ 135
Reynolds Square
Reynolds Square is part of the Historic District and was designed back in 1733 to include four open squares, surrounded by four residential and four civil blocks. This layout of a square and its accompanying blocks is known as a “ward.”
Lucas Theater is one of the square's most important buildings, built in 1921 for Savannah native Colonel Arthur Lucas. The space originally held vaudeville performances and screened silent movies and has today re-emerged as one of Savannah’s most romantic buildings.
The square was also once home to a filature, which housed silkworms, which are believed to have thrived in the area, producing silk and supplanting imports to England from China by way of Italy. This idea didn't pan out, however, as Georgia's humid climate kept the cocoons from maturing properly. The filature was then converted into a meeting space, serving as the city hall until around 1845.
Two historic homes in the area have survived the times: the 1798 Habersham House, today known as the Pink House and serving as a restaurant, and the Oliver Sturgis House, dating back to 1813. In Reynolds Square, look for a bronze statue of John Wesley, who founded the first Sunday school in America while in the region on a mission. The location of the statue is believed to have been where Wesley’s home once stood.
Practical Info
To learn more about Reynolds Square and the Savannah Historic District, stop by the local visitor center. The Savannah Visitor Center is located in the restored Central of Georgia railroad station located at 301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The visitor center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, and weekends from 8am until 5pm.
Address: Abercorn St, Savannah, Georgia 31401, USA
From ¥ 169
River Arts District
There was once a time, not too long ago, where the River Arts District was one of Asheville’s least desirable areas. Abandoned warehouses lined a riverfront that was frequently laden with trash, and the only sign of economic life was the train pulling into the station. Today, after a massive artistic and creative resurgence, new life has been breathed into the district on the banks of the French Broad River, and where empty warehouses and buildings once stood, there are now spectacular studios full of sculptors, glass blowers, woodworkers, and painters. When visiting Asheville’s River Arts District, peruse the 180 studios that line the narrow streets, or stop for a drink at the ferociously popular microbrewery, The Wedge. At the city’s best restaurant for barbecue—12 Bones—enjoy your meal by the banks of the river that flows through the center of town, and watch as tubers, kayakers, and paddleboards all navigate the gently flowing waters. You can stop by a local farmers’ market by day and enjoy live music by night, and the River Arts District is the funkiest district in the funkiest town in the South.
Practical Info
Clingman Avenue is the main thoroughfare in the River Arts District, which is about one mile from downtown and accessible by vehicle or foot. Parking can sometimes be challenging in summer, and nearly all the business are open by day—whereas evenings are virtually deserted.
Address: Asheville, North Carolina, USA
From ¥ 135
River Street Savannah
It is virtually impossible for Savannah visitors to miss River Street. A broad waterfront promenade lined with shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, River Street is one of the main arteries of the historic city. The street also features a pedestrian-only path, perfect for leisurely strolls with unbeatable Savannah River views.
The Basics
The best way to experience River Street is by foot, letting you easily and leisurely stop into its many inviting shops, bars, and restaurants. Some guided walking tours of Savannah’s historic district include River Street on their route, providing insight into the street’s history as a cotton warehouse district and highlighting other historic landmarks, such as the Waving Girl statue. Additionally look for River Street on the itinerary of Savannah ghost tours, which reveal spookier aspects of the street’s history, or on hop-on hop-off trolley tours, which let you stay on the thoroughfare as long as you’d like before continuing through downtown Savannah. For the most spectacular views, book a helicopter tour that flies over the Savannah River, River Street, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend up to a few hours on River Street.
- Explore with a guide to learn about the street’s past as one of the oldest areas in Georgia.
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestones.
- A wheelchair accessible entrance is available through an elevator at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
- River Street offers great nightlife as well as kid-friendly attractions.
How to Get There
River Street is located below the level of the rest of Savannah’s downtown, and is accessible by a series of stairways and ramps from East Bay Street. Though you can drive to River Street, parking is very limited; it is recommended to park elsewhere, or take the city’s free downtown area shuttle, which drops off within two blocks of River Street. River Street runs for nine blocks, roughly the length of Savannah’s historic district.
When to Get There
River Street is open year-round. Savannah’s summer months are notoriously hot and humid, so if you’re planning to spend much time walking around, aim for a spring or fall visit. If bars and clubs are on your radar, be sure to check out River Street at night—it’s a popular nightlife location.
River Street for History Buffs
River Street is one of the oldest continuously used areas in all of Georgia. In fact, it is the site where James Oglethorpe first landed and established the Savannah colony in 1733.
Address: River St, Savannah, GA, USA
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