Things to Do in Usa

Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa

The Phillips Collection

The esteemed Phillips Collection houses one of the most prized collections of artwork in Washington DC. The collection features work from such renowned artists as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Mark Rothko. The collection is known for its intimate feeling, as though visitors are stepping into a home, rather than a museum.

Founded by Duncan Phillips and Marjorie Acker Phillips in 1921, The Phillips Collection is known for its role in bringing modern art into the mainstream in America. It is America’s first museum of modern art. It began as a small, well-curated collection of family art and has grown to include more than 3,000 works of art by American and European impressionist and modern artists. The museum hosts a variety of events every year, including special displays and exhibits. There is a coffee shop on the premises to enjoy before or after perusing the museum.

Practical Info

The Phillips Collection is located at 21st and Q Streets NW in Washington DC’s Dupont neighborhood. It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Sunday from noon to 7pm, and it offers extended hours on the first Thursday of every month from 5 to 8:30pm. It is closed on major United States holidays. Adult tickets are $12, and there are $2 discounts for students and visitors over 62 years of age. Visitors under 18 years old and members of the Phillips Collection pay no entrance fee.

1600 21st Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009, USA

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-7pm. Extended hours until 8:30pm on first Thursday of every month

Adult $12, Students and seniors 62+ receive $2 discount, 18 and under free

From $ 10

The Presidio

Since it was founded in 1776, the Presidio of San Francisco has had many lives, from a Spanish military site to an American Army post to a National Park Service location. Today, it draws visitors for its cultural sites, hiking trails, public art, restaurants, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.

The Basics

The Presidio is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is managed mostly by the Presidio Trust. Perched on the city’s northwest corner, it’s unique among national park sites: In addition to a variety of recreational activities, it’s also home to residential houses, businesses, and a school. Visit on a bike tour, GoCar tour, or a small-group tour by VW van or vintage fire truck, or see it from above on a helicopter ride.

To explore on your own, start at the Presidio Officers’ Club or the visitor center to get oriented and ask any questions you have. Attractions and experiences on offer include hiking, golfing, bowling, sailing, beaches, military buildings, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and four pieces of art around the park by artist Andy Goldsworthy.

Things to Know Before You Go

Unlike most national parks, the Presidio is free to visit.
Most of its parking lots and street parking require a fee, but there are some free spaces.
The Main Post is the heart of the park, where you’ll find the Presidio Visitor Center, Officers’ Club, the Inn at the Presidio, and the Presidio Trust offices.
The Presidio is large, so you may end up walking more than you planned; wear comfortable shoes and keep water with you.

How to Get There

The PresidiGo shuttle operates a route inside the park, a route to Crissy Field, and a route from downtown. Biking from Fisherman’s Wharf or the Marina District is a pleasant way to get to the park, or take Muni bus 41 or 45.

When to Get There

Arrive in the late morning to plan your day from the visitor, while still leaving enough time to see everything you want. Events take place throughout the year, including outdoor family movies, live music, and cultural programs at the Officers’ Club. The Presidio Picnic runs on Sundays from March through October with a rotating selection of food trucks.

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is not part of the Presidio but sits adjacent to the park’s northeastern edge, so it’s easy to visit at the same time. This European-looking monument was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition; today, it’s a great spot for photos and relaxing by the duck pond.

San Francisco, California, USA

From $ 25

Theodore Roosevelt Island

This beautiful island, just a short drive from Washington DC, is both a wilderness reserve and a tribute to America’s 26th President. Situated on wooded lands in the Potomac River, the island has a rich heritage: it was once a Native American fishing village and thereafter owned by a Caribbean sea captain and an aristocratic family, and then occupied by Union troops in the Civil War. Today it has returned mostly to its natural state, a grove of thick trees and grassy hillsides.

At its center, a tall, bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt stands in tribute to the man whose leadership shaped the many national parks, wilderness refuges, and public lands of the United States. His philosophies on youth and nature are immortalized by engraved quotations at the memorial site. Once you’ve paid tribute at the former president’s statue, be sure to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature on one of the many walking trails.

Practical Info

Theodore Roosevelt Island is located between Arlington Memorial Bridge and Key Bridge on the Potomac River. Get there by car from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Designated parking is available. From the lot, take the footbridge across to access the island. Or, take the metro; it’s a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station. The island is open year-round from 6 am to 10 pm. Admission is free.

George Washington Pkwy, Arlington, Virginia, USA

From $ 45

The Presbytere

Even if you can’t visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you can still learn all about the famous New Orleans tradition at the Presbytere. Part of the Louisiana State Museum, the Presbytere boasts an interactive exhibition that includes an impressive collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia.

"Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana," documents the celebration’s extensive history, from its origins to present day traditions. Visitors also learn about Mardi Gras events in Louisiana’s rural areas.

The Presbytere building has a unique history of its own. It gets its name from its location. It is built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. It was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo on the other side of St. Louis Cathedral. The Presbytere was used as commercial space and even served as a courthouse from 1834 to 1911 before becoming part of the Louisiana State Museum.

Practical Info

Centrally located on Jackson Square, the Presbytere is easy to visit when in New Orleans. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm. It is closed Mondays and state holidays.

751 Chartres St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, USA

From $ 20

The Tabernacle

Completed in 1867, the Salt Lake City Tabernacle is an architectural marvel famous for its remarkable acoustics: A pin dropped at the pulpit can be heard clearly at the back of the hall 170 feet (52 meters) away. Home of the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the church hosts concerts and tours that attract visitors from all over the world.

The Basics

Tours of the Salt Lake City Tabernacle are free, and you can time your visit to catch a live performance by one of the most recognized and beloved choirs in the world, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Visitors can listen to the choir practice on Thursday evenings or attend a live Sunday morning broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word, the longest-running national broadcast in the country.

Many guided tours of Salt Lake City include a stop at the tabernacle as part of a visit to Temple Square, Utah’s most visited attraction. In addition to Temple Square, some tours include other city sights such as the Utah State Capitol and the Pony Express Monument.

Things to Know Before You Go

Tickets to the live Sunday morning broadcast performance of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are free.
Sunday best or business-style dress is recommended for Sunday choir performances.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, and rehearsals are free and open to the public.
Thirty-minute organ recitals are given daily in the tabernacle and conference center at Temple Square.

How to Get There

The Tabernacle, located in Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City, is easily reached by bus or TRAX, Salt Lake City’s light rail system. Take the TRAX blue or green line to Temple Square or City Center, both within a block of Temple Square, or any number of buses that stop along North Temple Street. Bus and train transportation within the city’s Free Fare Zone, which includes Temple Square, is free.

When to Get There

The Salt Lake Tabernacle can be visited year-round, although the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs in the conference center on Temple Square during the summer months to accommodate larger crowds. The choir’s performance schedule may change during the holidays and tickets may be required for special holiday performances, so check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Others Things to See at Temple Square

In addition to the historical tabernacle, Temple Square also features two visitors center, the magnificent Salt Lake City Temple and reflecting ponds, monuments, fountains, gardens, and more. Free guided tours of Temple Square are available daily in over 40 languages.

Temple Square, Salt Lake City 84150, USA

From $ 53

The Ride

Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are a popular option for seeing the sights in almost every major city. But The Ride in the Big Apple offers travelers a truly unique way to check out top landmarks and famous attractions by taking bus tours to a whole new level.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass top roofs provide 360-degree views of America’s most eclectic and energetic city on a 90-minute journey through the streets. The tour ventures through 10 neighborhoods and highlights 50 key spots including Radio City Music Hall, Times Square and Bryant Park. But what makes this tour truly unique is the bus’s coliseum-style seating and interactive surprise street theater that brings the best of New York City to life.

Travelers can choose from a single experience with The Ride, or opt for one of the popular combo packages, like those that include the Circle Line Cruise, Madame Tussaud’s or the Hard Rock Café.

Practical Info

The Ride offers several tour options daily and is perfect for the whole family. Holiday rides are available that showcase the best of city lights and window displays.

New York City, New York, USA

584 8th Ave box office: daily 9am–9pm; 47th Street box office: daily 10am–4pm

Varies

From $ 35

The Picasso

With Pablo Picasso’s unique, inventive style in all its glory, the aptly named Picasso statue in Chicago was his gift to the city. At 50 feet tall, it stands tall in the plaza in which it was placed. Before its arrival to the city, most of the public art and sculpture was traditional and historic. Picasso’s contemporary structure

and Cubist design redefined Chicago’s outdoor art and to this day is one of its most beloved pieces of culture. It has become a landmark and meeting spot as well, cementing its significance to the city.

Welded in steel, the massive sculpture features a face and delicate details. Its subject is abstract and up to interpretation (and often, debate by Chicagoans,) complicated by the fact that perception of the piece differs depending on your distance to it. Designed by Picasso in a small model, it was built in the United States at the nearby US Steel Company and made its debut in 1967. It does not

have a title, which is how it came to be known as simply “The Picasso.”

Practical Info

The Picasso statue is located in the Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center on Washington Street in downtown Chicago’s Loop. It is open to public 24 hours a day, free of charge.

50 W Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602, USA

From $ 28

Third Street Promenade

A commercial fixture in Santa Monica since the 1960s, this three-block-long pedestrian mall (centered on the three blocks of Third Street between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway) was re-designed in 1989 and officially named the Third Street Promenade. Only two blocks east of the amusements of the Santa Monica Pier, the cliff-top walking path at Palisades Park, and the Pacific Ocean, the Promenade is one of the most popular tourist destinations on L.A.'s Westside.

Originally host to a variety of local and family-owned businesses, the stores here currently tend towards large national chains like Anthropologie, Banana Republic and H&M. A magnet for street performers, the Promenade is often clustered with crowds enjoying live music, puppet shows and more. The area is also well known for its nightlife and has several movie theaters, a few music clubs, a large handful of bars and a slew of local eateries. Bordered at Broadway by the upscale and outdoor Santa Monica Place Mall, the Promenade's commercial influence has also spread a couple of blocks to the east and west of Third Street, creating the most condensed shopping and entertainment district in Santa Monica.

The Promenade is surrounded by inexpensive public parking lots, but available spaces tend to become scarce as the day progresses. Wednesdays and Saturdays are especially busy, this is when America's largest and oldest certified organic farmers' market is held on Arizona Avenue between 2nd and 4th streets.

Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

From $ 169

The Pirates' House

The historic Pirates’ House is thought to be the oldest standing building in the entire state and today serves as a restaurant. The site was built on land originally slated for a neighborhood botanical garden in the Savannah Historic District, which never did pan out.

A small gardening building called the Herb House was added to the plot in 1734 and was later transformed into an inn and tavern for visiting seamen about 20 years later. The Pirates’ House became the scourge of the neighborhood, earning a poor reputation for drunken sailors that went missing here. The city was full of underground tunnels, with Pirates’ House being right at the entrance to one, and it was generally agreed that if a drunken sailor wandered off, he would likely never be found again.

For some literary history, take a look at the walls of the Captain’s Room and the Treasure Room, which hold rare early edition pages of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. The current owners allege that one of Stevenson’s characters, Captain Flint, died in the upstairs bedroom and still haunts the house. Since Flint is a fictional character, there is no historical proof that any of this is true.

In 1948, Pirates’ House transformed the house into the restaurant and museum that it is today, with 15 dining rooms.

Practical Info

Pirates’ House is located at 20 East Broad Street in Savannah. Lunch is served from 11am to 4pm and there is a Southern-style buffet available from 11am to 3pm. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 9:30pm and from 4pm to10pm on Friday and Saturday.

20 E Broad St, Savannah, Georgia 31401, USA

Sun-Thur 11-am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm

From $ 31

The Metropolitan Opera

Affectionately known to many as “The Met,” the Metropolitan Opera of New York is a landmark institution and cultural hub of the city. Since its founding in 1883, its stage has hosted some of the finest artists and voices in the world.

Located at the Lincoln Center for the Arts in the heart of Manhattan, it is the largest classical music organization in North America. Opera season runs from September to May each year, with about 27 different operas performed during that time. The opera’s performing company consists of a large symphony-sized orchestra, a chorus, a children's choir and additional solo singers. There are nearly 4,000 seats in the main auditorium.

Outside of the world-class performances, the building itself is something to see with its dozens of chandeliers, murals by artist Marc Chagall, winding stairways and a multi-level auditorium decorated in white and gold. Tours of the backstage area are held daily alongside daily tours of the Lincoln Center, which include the auditorium and front of the house.

Practical Info

The Metropolitan Opera is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, between West 62nd and 65th streets and Columbus and Amsterdam avenues. There is a 24-hour public parking lot beneath the Lincoln Center. Daily tours start at $18.

Lincoln Center Plaza, New York City, New York 10023, USA

Daily

Tours $18

From $ 98

The Pentagon

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, housed in one of the largest office buildings in the world. Located in Washington DC, it is composed of five wedge-shaped sections and houses 30,000 military and civilian employees.

The Basics

The Pentagon is a city unto itself, and its distinctive 5-sided building lays claim to six ZIP codes. Designed by American architect George Bergstrom and dedicated in 1943, the grounds are home to the 2-acre (0.80-hectare) Pentagon Memorial.

A walking tour of the Pentagon covers 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) over the course of an hour and highlights the missions and accomplishments of the Armed Services, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Staff. Many tours of Washington DC and Arlington stop at the Pentagon, whether you want to visit on a private or group tour. Hop-on, hop-off tours typically stop at the Pentagon along with DC highlights such as the White House, Jefferson Memorial, and US Capitol Building.

Things to Know Before You Go

No photos, videos, or recordings are allowed during Pentagon tours.
Travelers must exit the building directly after their tour concludes and are not allowed back into the Visitor Center.
The Pentagon is accessible to wheelchair users, although they must travel with someone to assist them inside the building.

How to Get There

While guided tours and hop-on, hop-off buses are a good way to arrive at the Pentagon, travelers who arrive by car can park at the Pentagon City Mall and walk through the pedestrian tunnel (about a 10-minute walk). The Pentagon has its own Metrorail stop, serving the Blue and Yellow lines.

When to Get There

The building can sometimes be closed to visitors without notice, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time. For scheduled tours, arrive at the security checkpoint at least an hour ahead of the tour start time. Be sure to explore the gift shop and Visitor Center, as you won’t be allowed back into these areas after your tour concludes.

The Pentagon Memorial

On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the west wall of the Pentagon, penetrating three of the five rings. The area hit was under renovation at the time, and many of the offices were empty, sparing countless lives. The area has since been repaired and is now flanked by the Memorial, which is open to the public 24 hours a day. This monument to the airplane attack honors the 184 victims, symbolized by illuminated granite benches arranged in order of their ages: 3 to 71.

1400 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301, USA

From $ 49

The Queen Mary

Once the flagship of the Cunard Line, the elegant ocean liner RMS Queen Mary sailed between Southampton, England, Cherbourg, France, and New York City from 1936 to 1967. Now permanently moored in the port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary serves as a floating hotel, restaurant, special event venue, and tourist attraction.

The Basics

Visitors can spend the night in one of the ship’s 346 suites and staterooms, but even if you’re not an overnight guest, you can have a meal, cocktails, or afternoon tea in one of Queen Mary’s restaurants and bars; the Observation Bar, located in the former first-class lounge, is a favorite for its classic 1930s art deco flavor.

The ship offers multiple themed tours, including a ghost tour and a “steam and steel” option that takes you into the boiler and engine rooms. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour and choose from an array of optional activities and exhibits. Tours of the Queen Mary are included in the Go Los Angeles Card and often on tours focused on Los Angeles’ beaches. You can also get a bird’s-eye view of the ship on a helicopter tour from Long Beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Queen Mary is a must-see for history and maritime enthusiasts.
The ship’s Champagne Sunday brunch, featuring global cuisine and live music, is a local favorite and has been rated one of the world’s best hotel brunches.
To get onboard the ship, you need to have a reservation for a room, restaurant, or tour.
Restaurants offer partial parking validation.

How to Get There

The Queen Mary is a short stroll from the Carnival Cruise Line harbor. It’s a 40-minute walk, 10-minute drive, or 25-minute ride on the free Passport bus from Downtown Long Beach.

When to Get There

The ship is open year-round, although opening hours vary between restaurants; check the website. One of the ship’s most popular events is its New Year’s celebrations, which has its own fireworks display. The ship’s hotel offers packages for those wanting to attend and spend the night.

Nearby Attractions

Docked near Downtown Long Beach, it’s easy to combine a visit to the Queen Mary with the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Pike at Long Beach entertainment complex, or the funky East Village Arts District, which is filled with independent galleries, shops, and restaurants.

1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA

Varies

From $ 84

The Hermitage

The Hermitage is the historic home and plantation of Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president. Visiting gives you a sense of Jackson’s everyday life—original furnishings make the mansion homey—and also of 19th-century life in the South for everyone, from aristocrats to enslaved persons. Plus, it’s a great Nashville day trip.

The Basics

The Hermitage is much more than an historic home. The 1,120-acre (453-hectare) property has more than 30 historic buildings, large gardens, and the tombs of Andrew Jackson and his wife, Rachel. The property also has a number of historic slave cabins that tell the stories of the people Jackson enslaved to work on his plantation, plus farm buildings, a church, garden, and landscaped grounds.

The Hermitage offers some specialty tours with its docents, and private companies in Nashville also have options for guided visits. Visit on your own for a peaceful afternoon away from the city. Basic admission includes a guided audio tour of the main home, which means you can move through the many rooms at your own pace—an especially popular feature for families touring with kids. Or, join a guided tour to learn more about Jackson’s life in Tennessee.

Things to Know Before You Go

Most of the Hermitage is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to rent free of charge.
Tour translations are available in Spanish, German, French, Russian, and Japanese.
Those with hearing impairments can request audio tour scripts.
Dress for the weather to fully enjoy the grounds.
Photography is allowed on the grounds, but not inside the mansion.

How to Get There

Only 11 miles (18 kilometers) east of Nashville, the Hermitage is most quickly visited by car. It is accessible from I-40 or I-65, and free parking is available at a lot next to the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center. If you don’t have a car, consider booking advanced transportation or taking the bus; the 6 and the 27 both run from central Nashville to the Hermitage.

When to Get There

The Hermitage is open daily during seasonal hours. It’s open from 8:30am to 5pm from April 1 to October 15 and from 9am to 4:30pm the rest of the year. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the third week of January.

Nashville Historic Homes

The Hermitage isn’t the only historic home around Nashville. Belle Meade Plantation, known as the Queen of the Tennessee Plantations, is another popular choice, as are the Civil War–era Carter House, Belmont Mansion, and the Historic Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum.

4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville 37076, USA

Varies

From $ 79

The LINQ

One of the nicest additions to the Las Vegas strip in quite some time, The LINQ is an upscale outdoor mall district, hotel and casino next to the Flamingo that boasts excellent shopping, dining and even free Wi-Fi for those strolling this expansive promenade. The spot's main hotel, once known as the Imperial Palace before going by the Quad, has undergone one more fitting name change and is now known as The LINQ Hotel and Casino. The namesake hotel provides access to the new glittering jewel of Las Vegas: the High Roller, which is known as the world’s largest rotating observation wheel (a technical term for Ferris wheel) and stands a full 550 feet high.

While enjoying your stay in Vegas, take in the hotel's shows, which include offbeat options that can't be found anywhere else: Jeff Civillico: Comedy in Action and Divas starring Frank Marino.

In addition to all this, the Polaroid Fotobar and Museum, some carnival stands and other charming eccentricities are all situated in the area, making for the rarest of Las Vegas gems—a place frequented by both locals and tourists.

Practical Info

The LINQ is located on the Las Vegas Strip, easily accessible from hotels in the area.

3535 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas 89109, USA

From $ 13

This is the Place Heritage Park

The 450-acre (182-hectare) ‘This Is The Place’ Heritage Park is dedicated to the 1847 arrival of the Mormons to Salt Lake City. It was here that Brigham Young first laid eyes on the valley that was to become the Mormon pioneers' new home, where they would settle and build their State of Deseret. Over the next several years, tens of thousands of Mormon pioneers would make their home here.

The centerpiece of the park is the living-history Deseret Village, where from June through August, costumed docents reenact what life was like in the mid-19th century. The village features 41 pioneer homes and other historical buildings, some of which are originals, such as Brigham Young's farmhouse, while others are replicas.

Practical Info

The park is located on the east side of Salt Lake City at the foot of the Wasatch Range, near the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Admission to the park is free, but tickets to the historical village (including a train ride and activities) cost $10/$7 adult/child from June through August. The rest of the year access to the village is limited to varying degrees at reduced prices.

2601 Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City 84108, USA

Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm; opens at 10am on Saturday

$10 for adults; $7 for children

From $ 179

The Viper Room

On the Sunset Strip site of a club formerly known at various times as Filthy McNasty’s or The Central, this rock, punk, metal and indie music club and dive bar was originally opened by actor Johnny Depp in 1993. Later that same year, it achieved a sad brand of fame when actor (and Depp’s friend) River Phoenix died of a drug overdose just outside its doors.

Depp relinquished his partnership in the club in 2004, and today it’s partially owned by Harry Morton, founder of Southern California’s Pink Taco chain of Mexican restaurants and the son of Hard Rock Café founder Peter Morton.

Not as much of a star attraction now as it was in the 1990s, the Viper Room is still known for picky bouncers and a killer sound system; if you’re a true music fan who wants to catch an emerging act or a locally-popular DJ, this is the club for you. Food isn’t served, but drinks at the full bar are reasonably priced ($7-11) for a West Hollywood club.

Practical Info:

The best route to take by transit: Bus: 2/302, 30/330, 105.

8852 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA

Mon-Sun 8pm - 2am.

Prices vary per event

From $ 34

The Smithsonian

With 19 museums, nine research centers, and the National Zoological Park, it's no surprise the Smithsonian Institution is one of the most famous collections of museums in the United States and around the globe. Whether you're a history buff, a science lover, or an art enthusiast, you'll definitely want to spend at least a few hours—or maybe even a few days—in these world-renowned collections.

The Basics

Since 10 of the Smithsonian museums are located on the National Mall, you'll see them on most Segway, bus, bike, and walking tours of Washington, DC, some of which include free time to enter the museums of your choosing. Many visitors get their bearings on a guided city tour and then head back to the Smithsonian Castle, home to the Smithsonian Visitors Center, to pick up free guides and maps before heading to a museum. Great news: all of the museums are free, though be aware you'll need a timed entry pass for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (bookable online and offered with some tours; a small number of same-day walk-up passes are also available on weekdays).

Things to Know Before You Go

Cameras are allowed, but leave the selfie sticks and tripods at home, as they're prohibited.
Avoid bringing large bags and packages, as they'll be subject to a lengthy search process. Lockers are available for small items at some museums.
All museums are wheelchair accessible.
You can grab a cup of coffee at the Smithsonian Visitor Center cafe.
To avoid crowds when exploring a museum, start on the top floor and move toward the ground floor, rather than starting at the first level.

How to Get to the Smithsonian
All of the museums are easily accessible via public transportation, with most on the National Mall and a few others in convenient downtown DC locations.

When to Get There
The museums are open year round, and each has its own hours. You can expect to have company no matter the season, though the busiest times tend to be weekends, holidays, and during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. To avoid the biggest crowds, start your visit early in the morning on weekends or later in the day on weekdays.

What to See at the Smithsonian

It's impossible to see everything, so do a little research before you go to decide which site is at the top of your list. Is it the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History? The flight simulators at the National Air and Space Museum? The rare giant pandas at the National Zoo? Or perhaps you have to see the collections at the National Portrait Gallery, the Freer Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, or the Renwick Gallery. Each has something special, so choose what's most appealing to you.

1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington D.C. 20013, USA

10am - 5:30pm daily. Closed Dec 25

Free

From $ 14

The San Francisco Bay

Few waterways carry the prestige and iconographic status of the beautiful San Francisco Bay. A great natural harbor, from the first years of its European discovery the Golden Gate became known as a pivotal access point to the American West. Trade and military strategy aside, The Bay is California’s most important ecological treasure. A natural nursery for crab, halibut, waterfowl, seals and sea lions, as well as endangered species, the San Francisco Bay provides a great ecological treasure to residents and visitors alike. Whale watching, ferrying out to Alcatraz and Marin, or simple sunset tours with the glistening Golden Gate Bridge are favorite pastimes, while residents simply feel assured looking out of their windows and knowing that its calm waters are there.

San Francisco, CA, USA

From $ 10

The Narrows

One of Zion National Park’s most famous hikes, The Narrows are the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, with sandstone walls reaching 1,000 feet (305 meters) high and sometimes 20 feet (6 meters) across. The Virgin River flows underfoot for most of this adventurous trek—be prepared to get wet.

The Basics

The most popular Narrows hiking route leads up the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava. Follow the mile-long (1.6-kilometer) Riverside Walk to where the paved trail ends and the real Narrows begin. For the next 4 miles (6 kilometers), slosh through the Virgin River and weave deeper and deeper into the wild. The other route begins at Chamberlain’s Ranch on the park’s northern boundary and follows the river for 16 miles (26 kilometers) down Zion Canyon.

Explore The Narrows independently at your own pace. It’s also possible to visit on a multi-day national parks tour from Las Vegas, which allows you to see Zion along with other American highlights, such as Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Narrows is a must-see for nature and adventure lovers.
Waterproof footwear and a hiking stick are recommended. Depending on water levels, it’s also a good idea to bring a wetsuit.
Although no permits are required when hiking from the Temple of Sinawava, backcountry permits must be acquired when hiking from Chamberlain’s Ranch.
The Riverside Walk is paved and wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Narrows are in Zion National Park, roughly 2.6 hours by road from Las Vegas. Parking is limited inside the park, so it’s a good idea to park in Springdale and ride the free Springdale Shuttle to the park’s Pedestrian Entrance. From there, free shuttles run throughout the park.

When to Get There

Late spring and summer are the most popular times to hike The Narrows, when the water tends to be warmest and the water level is low. However, storms can cause flash floods during these seasons. During winter and early spring, the water is cold and typically high. The route can be closed during spring due to snowmelt; fall typically brings more stable weather.

Zion National Park

The Virgin River carved Zion National Park’s famous white, pink, and red rock formations over time. The Narrows are just one of over a dozen major hiking trails in the park, including Angels Landing, an intense 5-mile (8-kilometer) trail that rewards hikers with sweeping views at the summit. Emerald Pools Trail is another great option, with views of multiple waterfalls and glistening pools.

The Narrows Bottom Up, Hurricane, Utah 84737, USA

From $ 80

The Magnificent Mile

Fashion, architecture, and history in Chicago come together on this renowned stretch of Michigan Avenue nicknamed the Magnificent Mile. As you walk from the Chicago River to Oak Street, you’ll pass several Windy City landmarks, including the Water Tower, John Hancock Center, and Tribune Tower, as well as numerous luxury brand retailers.

The Basics

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most prestigious sections of pavement in the country—a Chicago must-do, even if you’re only window-shopping. Its central location and prominent place in the city’s cultural landscape mean its featured on just about every sightseeing tour, whether on foot, bus, bicycle, trolley, or Segway. To get a sweeping view of the Magnificent Mile, head up to 360 Chicago, an observation deck inside the John Hancock building.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Magnificent Mile is a must-see for fashionistas, architecture buffs, and first-time visitors.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; the Magnificent Mile stretches for 13 blocks.
Public restrooms are located at Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Shops, and The Shops at North Bridge.

How to Get There

The Magnificent Mile is well-connected by public transportation, with numerous bus lines stopping along North Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Oak Street. If you’re walking along the Chicago River, hop aboard a water taxi for a unique ride to the Magnificent Mile.

When to Get There

The Magnificent Mile is always on—a buzzing hub of shopping, dining, and sightseeing throughout the day and well into the night. If you’d like to see the neighborhood at its most photogenic, plan to visit during the holiday season when the entire stretch is illuminated in twinkling lights.

Magnificent Mile, By the Numbers

There’s a ton to see and do in and around the Magnificent Mile. This stretch of road is home to more than 460 stores, 275 restaurants, and 60 hotels. Some of the city’s top attractions can be found here as well, including the 360 Chicago Observatory, Chicago Sports Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA

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