Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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Aloha Tower Marketplace
Looming large over Honolulu Harbor, the Aloha Tower complex features several buildings including a 10 story clock tower, the (now closed) Hawaii Maritime Center and several dining establishments overlooking the large wooden and permanently-stationed Falls of Clyde sailing ship. The tower, built in 1926, housed a lighthouse and its clock was one of the largest in the United States at the time. It was first structure most immigrants and visitors to Hawaii saw when their boats docked here prior to the popularization of air travel. Today, cruise ships still pull into the nook alongside the building, and, regardless of whether you arrived on one, you can take a free elevator ride to the top of the tower and lookout over downtown, Waikiki and out across the ocean. While there’s little action at the marketplace today aside from a Hooters and a Gordon Biersch restaurant, Hawaii Pacific University has plans to revitalize the area in the coming years, converting the now largely-abandoned center into meeting space, shopping, dining and even residences.
Practical Info
The Aloha Tower building is located off Ala Moana Boulevard at 1 Aloha Tower Drive in downtown Honolulu. There is a large parking lot fronting the building that has hourly and daily rates. The tower is open from approximately 9:30 a.m. until around 5 p.m.
Address: 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-5pm
From $ 25
Algonquin Provincial Park
Established in 1893, Algonquin is the oldest provincial park in Canada. Spreading across 2,955 square miles (7,650 square kilometers), this vast wilderness encompasses maple-carpeted hills, thick pine forest, and thousands upon thousands of lakes. The abundant wildlife here includes black bears, moose, and packs of Algonquin wolves.
The Basics
Though Algonquin presents many opportunities for day trips, including hikes along trailheads just off Highway 60, you’ll need several days to explore more remote parts of the park’s interior. The park offers countless opportunities for swimming, wildlife-viewing, fishing, stargazing, and relaxing in nature.
Much of the interior is accessible only via the vast Algonquin Park canoe routes network, which can be explored as part of multi-day tours. Visitors can get an introduction to wilderness camping on guided multi-day canoe trips that include canoe rentals, meals, permits, and equipment. For a more comfortable park tour option, choose a multi-day adventure tour that includes accommodation in a lodge or forest cabin.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Algonquin Provincial Park is a must for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- For information and tips, stop by the Algonquin Visitor Centre, situated along Highway 60.
- Algonquin Provincial Park has wheelchair-accessible campgrounds, trails (Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail and Fire Tower Trail), and visitor facilities, including the Algonquin Visitor Centre and Algonquin Logging Museum.
How to Get There
Algonquin Provincial Park is situated between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in central Ontario, about 185 miles (300 kilometers) north of Toronto. The park is accessible via Highway 60, which cuts through part of the southern section.
When to Get There
Algonquin offers different activities in different seasons. Spring is good for birding, lake trout fishing, and moose watching; mid-September to mid-October is best for fall colors; and winter offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog-sledding opportunities. Watch out for black flies and mosquitoes, which are out in full force between late May and late June.
Algonquin Park Wildlife
Algonquin Provincial Park is known for its abundance of wildlife. While black bears, white-tailed deer, and moose are all commonly spotted, the most famous inhabitants of the park are the Algonquin wolves. About 35 wolf packs are believed to roam the park, and public wolf howls are held at the park every August. During these events, naturalist staff intimate the calls of wolves, encouraging them to respond. Those camping in Algonquin are bound to hear the distinctive call of the loon, which is most vocal during May and June.
Address: Ontario 60, Ontario, Canada
From $ 416
Alaskan Brewing Company
There’s many a parched thirst that’s been revived by a chilled glass of Alaskan, pure and crisp as the driven snow. The Alaskan Brewing Company has been brewing craft beers since 1986, and winning plenty of awards along the way.
The brewery’s free tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the brewing processes, including the company’s original 10-barrel and 100-barrel brewing systems.
You’ll come across artifacts from the state’s brewing history, admire an international collection of beer bottles and cans, and meet the people behind the beer.
The company produces five regular beers, including Alaskan Amber Ale, Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Alaskan IPA. They also produce limited-release seasonal winter or summer ales and specialty beers like smoked porter, so see what’s on tap when you visit.
Tours include complimentary tastings of a limited edition or rough draft brew. After wetting your whistle, drop into the Gear Store to browse collectibles, clothing, glassware, barkeep essentials and novelty items.
The brewery’s free tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the brewing processes, including the company’s original 10-barrel and 100-barrel brewing systems.
You’ll come across artifacts from the state’s brewing history, admire an international collection of beer bottles and cans, and meet the people behind the beer.
The company produces five regular beers, including Alaskan Amber Ale, Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout and Alaskan IPA. They also produce limited-release seasonal winter or summer ales and specialty beers like smoked porter, so see what’s on tap when you visit.
Tours include complimentary tastings of a limited edition or rough draft brew. After wetting your whistle, drop into the Gear Store to browse collectibles, clothing, glassware, barkeep essentials and novelty items.
Practical Info
The Alaskan Brewing Company is 5 miles (8km) north of downtown Juneau. If you’re not driving, you can catch a bus or taxi to the brewery.
Address: 5429 Shaune Drive, Juneau AK 99801, USA
Hours: Open 11am - 6pm daily in summer, Thu - Sat in winter
From $ 26
Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum
Run by the wife and family of the late, great coppersmith, Albert Gilles, the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum showcases artwork by both Gilles and his family. Part of the economusee network of Canada, this small museum allows visitors to make their own copper memento, and groups with reservations will get to see live copper work demos. In the museum store, you’ll also find artworks and jewelry for sale.
Albert Gilles was born in Paris in 1895, where an aunt taught him the craft of copper embossing. Crossing the Atlantic in the 1930s to make a new life in Quebec, Gilles quickly established a name for himself as a master coppersmith and created work for everyone from Walt Disney to Pope XII. Perhaps his most famous work is the copper doors he created for Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré basilica, 22 miles outside Quebec City. This famous cathedral receives up to half a million pilgrims a year, and in Quebec City itself you can spot Albert Gilles’ designs on the copper roof of the iconic Château Frontenac hotel.
Practical Info
A 20-minute drive from Quebec City in the Château-Richer on 7450 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, entrance to the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum is free. The museum is open daily from 8:30am-5pm between May and October, and from 9am-4pm from November to April.
Address: 7450 Boulevard Sainte-Anne Château-Richer, Quebec City, Canada
Hours: 8:30am-5pm daily between May and October; 9am-4pm daily from November to April
From $ 44
American Express 11 Tears Memorial
In the lobby of the American Express headquarters at the World Financial Center in New York City, the company has created a memorial honoring the eleven American Express employees who were killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The memorial was designed by lower Manhattan artist Ken Smith. The foundation of the memorial is composed around a black granite reflecting pool with eleven sides. A 600-lb piece of Brazilian quartz is shaped like a tear and carved with eleven sides. The quartz is suspended over the granite reflecting pool by eleven thin cables. Inscribed in the sides of the granite pool are the names of the victims who died in the attack, along with five words or phrases describing each person. “Tear drops” of water fall gently from the ceiling into the pool below, and a nearby plaque offers more personal details on each of the victims.
Practical Info
To reach the memorial by subway, take the E line to World Trade Center. Walk west on Vesey Street, then cross West Street on the pedestrian overpass. Enter the American Express Tower on West Street and Vesey Street. The memorial is on the ground floor.
Address: 200 Vesey Street, American Express Tower, Three World Financial Center (at West Street),, New York City, New York, USA 10004, USA
Hours: Open daily 7am-9pm
From $ 20
Anderson House (Society of the Cincinnati)
When Larz Anderson, a wealthy American diplomat, died in 1937, his widow donated their 50-room mansion - the Anderson House - and its contents in Dupont Circle to the Society of the Cincinnati - a prestigious male-only organization for descendants of officers in the American Revolutionary War, of which Larz was a long-time active member. By 1939, the Society opened it to the public as a museum and library, showcasing the Andersons' impressive collection of Chinese, Japanese, French, and Italian art, as well as the importance of the family in American history.
The stately Anderson House was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and has been described as a "Florentine villa in the midst of American independence." The Anderson House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and is considered to be one of the city's hidden treasures. Today, the Anderson House serves as the Society's headquarters and aims to preserve Larz's legacy of patriotic service and entertaining guests and offers several free concerts a year in the grand ballrooms and on the expansive grounds.
The stately Anderson House was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and has been described as a "Florentine villa in the midst of American independence." The Anderson House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and is considered to be one of the city's hidden treasures. Today, the Anderson House serves as the Society's headquarters and aims to preserve Larz's legacy of patriotic service and entertaining guests and offers several free concerts a year in the grand ballrooms and on the expansive grounds.
Practical Info
The Anderson House is located off the north exit of Dupont Metro Station on the red line. Museum tours commence Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00-4:00pm, last approximately one hour, and are free of charge. The library, where a register resides to find out if your ancestors were officers in the Revolutionary War, is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Reservations are only necessary for groups larger than 10 people.
Address: 2118 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Hours: Tue-Sat 1pm-4pm
From $ 240
Alki Beach
This picturesque beach on the shore of Elliott Bay runs a narrow 2.5-mile strip between Alki Point and Duwamish Head. Known as the site of the first white settlers in Seattle, its sandy shores attract as many cyclists, joggers and bladers as beachcombers and sun worshipers and storm chasers. Public restrooms, picnic areas, an art studio and bathhouses make it the perfect destination for a day of outdoor fun with family and friends. And impressive views of the Puget Sound and Seattle skyline make it one of the most scenic strips of sand in Washington.
Practical Info
The beach is open to the public from 4:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Parking is available along Alki Avenue SW. Water temperatures range from 46 to 56 degrees year round, making its beautiful blue waters perfect for a chilly swim.
Address: Seattle, Washington, USA
Hours: Open to the public from 4:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
From $ 89
American Museum of Natural History
With more than 30 million specimens and artifacts and almost 50 exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest scientific and cultural museums in the world. Displays highlight the wonders of our planet and the wider universe, spotlighting everything from dinosaurs to human origins to the solar system.
The Basics
Visitors can prepurchase a general admission ticket and explore the permanent exhibits as well as the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Alternatively, purchase an upgraded ticket that adds access to space shows in the Hayden Planetarium, IMAX films, and ticketed temporary and seasonal exhibitions, such as the annual Butterfly Conservatory.
To ensure you check off all the must-sees, opt for a guided visit. Choose between family-oriented tours, highlights tours, small-group tours, private tours, and early access tours that allow participants to explore before official opening hours. Some guided tours combine visits to the Natural History Museum with trips to other New York cultural institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Various New York sightseeing and discount passes include admission to the American Museum of Natural History.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The American Museum of Natural History is a must for families.
- Leave large bags, luggage, and selfie sticks at home, as they are not allowed in the museum.
- Download the AMNH Explorer App on your smartphone to help you navigate.
- The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
- A food court can be found on the museum’s lower level, while cafés are situated on the first and fourth floors.
How to Get There
Parking in NYC is expensive, so it’s best to come here by public transport. Ride the B or C subway lines to 81st Street, or the 1 train to Broadway and West 79th Street. Hop-on hop-off bus tours of New York also stop here.
When to Get There
The museum is very popular among families, so expect bigger crowds on weekends, school vacations, and rainy days. Plan to arrive early and head directly to the more popular exhibits, such as the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing, which tends to get busier as the day goes on.
Highlights of the Collection
Of all the exhibits at the museum, few are as popular among young visitors as the dinosaurs. Highlights include the Allosaurus, depicted hunched over and feeding on a carcass, and a Tyrannosaurus rex shown in stalking mode. Other standout displays include the animal dioramas at the Family Hall of North American Mammals, the Asian elephants at the Akeley Hall of African Mammals, and the 94-foot-long (29-meter-long) blue whale model suspended from the ceiling at the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
Address: Central Park West at 79th Street, New York City, New York 10024, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Alexander Valley
The Alexander Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located at the north end of Sonoma County wine country and home to more than 40 wineries. Best known for cabernet sauvignon, the AVA is 22 miles long and ranges from two to seven miles wide. Of its 75,000-plus acres, more than 15,000 are used to grow grapes. Alexander Valley received federal recognition as an AVA in 1984.
The AVA has a number of microclimates. Cabernet sauvignon grapes thrive throughout the valley, but growers also have success with varieties such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, zinfandel and merlot.
Practical Info
Alexander Valley is an easy drive north from San Francisco on Highway 101. Plan on an hour and a half to two hours ride, depending on where in the Valley you want to taste. Horizon Air flies into the Charles M. Schulz, Sonoma County Airport (STS) in nearby Santa Rosa daily from Los Angeles and Seattle.
Address: Alexander Valley, California, USA
From $ 175
Alaska SeaLife Center
There’s something enchanting about seeing wildlife up close, and the Alaska SeaLife Center allows you to do just this. The Alaska SeaLife Center is Alaska’s only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center and is a not-for-profit center focusing on marine research, rehabilitation (animals are treated then released) and public education geared toward all ages. It was built in 1997 -- with most of its funds coming from Exxon Valdez in an effort to compensate for their part in the oil spill -- and is a place where scientists go to do research and visitors go to learn about marine life through exhibits and interactive experiences.
View marine life like Stellar sea lions above and below the water surface through two-story tanks; pet starfish, baby rays and other small sea creatures; see waterbirds up close; and look at adorable animals in rehabilitation like Ringed Seals, White Winged Scoters, Spectacled Eiders and Northern Sea Otters. An array of educational programs for students -- including “Beaks, Bubbles, & Burrows,” “Marine Mammal Adaptations” and “Seashore Survivors” -- add to the fun.
You can also experience a number of “encounters” which allow you to do things like shake hands with an octopus and have a personalized tour of a puffin aviary.
For many, the highlight of a visit is the seal encounter, where you watch staff work with harbor seals.
Bonus: As the Alaska SeaLife Center is built directly into the waterfront you can enjoy panoramic views of Resurrection Bay.
View marine life like Stellar sea lions above and below the water surface through two-story tanks; pet starfish, baby rays and other small sea creatures; see waterbirds up close; and look at adorable animals in rehabilitation like Ringed Seals, White Winged Scoters, Spectacled Eiders and Northern Sea Otters. An array of educational programs for students -- including “Beaks, Bubbles, & Burrows,” “Marine Mammal Adaptations” and “Seashore Survivors” -- add to the fun.
You can also experience a number of “encounters” which allow you to do things like shake hands with an octopus and have a personalized tour of a puffin aviary.
For many, the highlight of a visit is the seal encounter, where you watch staff work with harbor seals.
Bonus: As the Alaska SeaLife Center is built directly into the waterfront you can enjoy panoramic views of Resurrection Bay.
Practical Info
Admission into the Alaska SeaLife Center is $20 for adults, $15 for
students (12-17), $ for children (4-11) and free for children three and
under. Opening times vary by season, so check their homepage for the
most current information.
Address: 301 Railway Ave, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Hours: Hours vary per month, please refer to the hours page on the Alaska SeaLife Center website.
Admission: Adult: $20; Student: $15; Child (4-11): $10; 3 and Under: Free
From $ 995
Alii Kula Lavender Farm
When most people think of lavender farms, they don’t think of Hawaii. But this farm’s fragrant seaside breezes and sweeping ocean vistas might make you forget all about France and merge the colorful purple blooms forever in your mind with memories of Maui. The (relatively) tiny Alii Kula Lavender Farm welcomes visitors for daily tours of its 13.5-acre cliff-side plot sporting 45 different varieties of the calming herb. It’s location in Kula, 4,000 feet above sea level in the Island’s elevated central region, enjoys a Mediterranean climate and also grows olive trees, hydrangea, South African protea and succulents.
Explore the farm on your own via their lavender treasure hunt or take a guided walking or golf-cart property tour departing several times each day (additional costs apply). In case you needed another way to relax on Maui, the farm house’s large lanai (porch) overlooking its gardens, white gazebo and the sea provides the perfect spot to indulge in lavender tea, a pre-packed gourmet picnic lunch featuring a special lavender-infused dessert or other organic botanical products from the onsite gift shop.
Practical Info
Alii Kula Lavender Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. It is located at 1100 Waipoli Road—past the Kula Forest Reserve gates following the signs around the loop road. The last tour departs at 2:30pm. Golf cart tours departing twice daily ($25). General admission is $3 with discounts for Hawaii residents, military, seniors, and groups. Kids 12 and under are free.
Address: 1100 Waipoli Rd, Kula, Hawaii, USA 96790, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am-4pm
Admission: General Admission: $3; Walking Tour for Adults: $12
From $ 169
Anchorage Cruise Port
Alaska’s largest city is located in the south-central part of the state, at the foot of the Chugach Mountains. Shore excursions will get you into Alaska’s wild outdoors — see Mt McKinley (Denali) on a helicopter tour, go hiking on a glacier or check out gold-mining country.
If you prefer to stay in the city, there are plenty of museums, parks and heritage sites to keep you busy.
How to get to Anchorage
Cruise ships dock in the industrial port near downtown. Some cruise lines offer a free shuttle; there are cabs available if yours does not.
One Day in Anchorage
Take a cab from the port to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. This is a good place to start your day in port, as it’s much more than a museum. Across the center’s 26 acres, you can watch artists work, see a native dance performance and check out the replica villages. Enjoy a walk around the lake and discover what life was like in native Alaskan cultures.
Grab a taxi back to downtown and the Anchorage Museum (or take the shuttle that runs between the two properties). Admire the displays of Alaskan paintings and learn about the state’s long history. When you’ve had your fill of Alaskan culture, head to the Anchorage Zoo (shuttles run from downtown). Explore the zoo’s collection of northern animals, including caribou, moose and bears, of course. When you’re ready to rest your legs, enjoy a picnic in Valley of the Moon Park.
If you prefer to stay in the city, there are plenty of museums, parks and heritage sites to keep you busy.
How to get to Anchorage
Cruise ships dock in the industrial port near downtown. Some cruise lines offer a free shuttle; there are cabs available if yours does not.
One Day in Anchorage
Take a cab from the port to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. This is a good place to start your day in port, as it’s much more than a museum. Across the center’s 26 acres, you can watch artists work, see a native dance performance and check out the replica villages. Enjoy a walk around the lake and discover what life was like in native Alaskan cultures.
Grab a taxi back to downtown and the Anchorage Museum (or take the shuttle that runs between the two properties). Admire the displays of Alaskan paintings and learn about the state’s long history. When you’ve had your fill of Alaskan culture, head to the Anchorage Zoo (shuttles run from downtown). Explore the zoo’s collection of northern animals, including caribou, moose and bears, of course. When you’re ready to rest your legs, enjoy a picnic in Valley of the Moon Park.
Port Information
The currency is the US dollar, and the language in Alaska is English. There are several ATMs downtown.
Address: 2000 Anchorage Port Rd, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
From $ 59
Alexander Hamilton US Custom House
Long before the Alexander Hamilton Custom House was constructed in the early 1900s, the area served as an important trading place for Native Americans living in the region. The ornate building’s ode to commerce is not only a fitting home for the National Museum of the American Indian’s New York outpost—its exhibits and open-to-the public offerings have occupied parts of the building’s first and most of the second floor since 1994—it also offers visitors who make the trek to Manhattan’s far south a two-for-one: the historic Beau Arts building is an attraction in itself.
Across from Battery Park, the finely detailed trapezoidal exterior sits squarely in a city block. Forty-four carved-out columns adorning its façade are topped with images of Mercury, the Roman God representing commerce, a reminder of the building’s original tenants who collected taxes on imported goods from the Port of New York, then the country’s most prosperous trading post. Seated sculptures representing America, Asia, Europe and Africa, were carved by the same sculptor who carved the statue in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. An equally elaborate marble interior culminates in colorful mosaics leading up to the domed rotunda, with its spectacular and light-infusing glass top.
All of this was almost lost to time—its exterior granite covered in algae and plants and interior crumbling from disuse—but a complete restoration in the 1980s revitalized the building. The structure is listed as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, and tours detailing the building’s architecture and history take place throughout the week (check in with the Visitor’s desk at the museum for times).
Practical Info
The Alexander Hamilton Custom House is located at 1 Bowling Green in Manhattan. The entrance of the Bowling Green Subway Station (4 and 5 trains) is across from the building’s north side, and buses M5, M15 and M20 service the area. The building itself does not have parking, but there are several nearby garages.
The National Museum of the American Indian, the George Gustav Heye Center, is open daily from 10am til 5pm (except Thursdays when it remains open until 8pm). Admission and tours are free. The museum houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, and a regular slate of public programming.
Address: 1 Bowling Green, New York City, New York, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10am-5pm (except Thursdays when it remains open until 8pm)
From $ 35
Alaska State Capitol Building
Alaska’s red-brick state capitol in Juneau is atypically austere, lacking a dome or sprawling grounds. Yet the building does feature porticos of marble from Prince Wales Island, and inside, two murals depict the harvest from both land and sea, while carvings highlight the industries Alaska relies on for its livelihood.
The Basics
Self-guided tours of the boxy building lead visitors through the ground floor lobby, committee rooms, public galleries of the senate and speaker’s chambers, Hall of Governors, and the House Finance Committee Room, with its views of Douglas Island. Shore excursions and city sightseeing tours often pass by the capitol, offering the chance to see it from the outside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Alaska State Capitol is a must-see for architecture buffs and those interested in civics.
- Give yourself about 30 to 40 minutes for the self-guided capitol tour.
- The capitol is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Alaska State Capitol is located at the corner of East 4th Street and Main Street in Juneau, and is easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in downtown.
When to Get There
The capitol is open for self-guided tours daily when the legislature is in session, and from Monday to Friday the rest of the year. To see the building at its liveliest, plan to visit during legislative sessions between January and April.
A Short History of the Capitol
The Alaska State Capitol was completed in 1931, when Alaska was still a United States territory. The structure housed federal government offices until Alaska gained statehood in 1959. One of the reasons the building lacks the ornamentation of other state capitols was the difficulty the territory had in securing funding—locals provided much of the needed funds.
Address: Alaska State Capitol, Juneau, Alaska 99801, USA
Hours: Jan - April: daily 7am - 9pm; May-Dec: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm
From $ 72
Anaehoomalu Bay
This popular stretch of Kohala Coast beach, commonly called A-Bay, offers beachgoers a little bit of everything needed for a fun day. Known for its fairly calm surf, Anaehoomalu Bay offers rentals of an assortment of water toys ranging from kayaks to boogie boards. It’s also a popular spot to snorkel, so if you packed your gear, bring it along. The earlier you go, the smaller the crowds. Palms trees add to the picturesque setting, framing sunset views in the evening and providing shade in the heat of the day.
The beach has a bit of a wild side when it comes to creatures you’ll see. Turtles seem to like it here just as much as people so take plenty of pictures to show everyone back home, but keep a safe distance. They enjoy relaxing on the beach just like you. You can also see a collection of feral cats that are cared for by volunteers.
Practical Info
The beach is located next to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. There’s plenty of free parking, restrooms and picnic facilities. The sand can be a bit on the rocky side, so shoes that can get wet can come in handy.
Address: Puako, Hawaii 96738, USA
From $ 29
American River
Beginning in the high Sierra Nevadas not far from Lake Tahoe, the American River has three forks: the South, Middle and North. They converge east of Sacramento, but each offers great whitewater rafting, with varying levels of challenge and corresponding class of rapids. For those seeking calmer waters, kayaking is also popular.
The South Fork offers the best rapids for beginners, whereas the North Fork is recommended only for experienced rafters and runs only seasonally. The South Fork of the American River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the United States.
There are also more than 100 miles of trails along scenic, historic California Gold Rush sites that are immersed in rich natural forests and native wildlife. Hikers and mountain bikers can explore the area’s tall granite canyons or enjoy the foothills of the Gold Country.
Practical Info
Thanks to its close proximity to San Francisco and Sacramento, the American River makes a great day trip itinerary option. The confluence of the North and Middle forks can be reached by taking Interstate 80 to Highway 49 from Sacramento to the city of Auburn, where a visitor information center greets guests.
Address: California, USA, USA
From $ 117
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Alaska is known for its wildlife, and at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center you can see an array of Alaskan species—bears, bison, moose, elk, musk oxen, and lynx among them—all in one place. Learn about each animal species from knowledgeable staff at this center that works to rehabilitate animals and reintroduce them to life in the wild.
The Basics
You can explore the center’s vast grounds on foot or by car via a scenic 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) loop marked with informational placards about the resident animals. Most travelers visit the center as part of a guided wildlife tour, which often includes a scenic drive along the Turnagain Arm. You can also combine a visit to the conservation center with a cruise on Portage Lake for an up-close view of the magnificent Portage Glacier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a must-see for families and animal lovers.
- Wildlife center tours from Anchorage typically last 4 to 6 hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Remember to dress in layers; weather can change quickly in Alaska.
- The center is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is about an hour southeast of Anchorage, just off the Seward Highway. There’s no public transportation to the center, so you have to drive yourself or join a tour from Anchorage, Seward, or the Whittier cruise ship terminal.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the center is during the summer season (May to August), when it is open daily. You can visit throughout the year, but hours are limited during the shoulder seasons and colder winter months. Check with the center before you arrive for a current schedule of animal feedings and other special programs.
Bringing Back the Wood Bison
Wood bison, North America’s largest land mammal, were thought to be extinct at one time, but thanks to the efforts of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, they’re making a comeback. In 2015, 130 wood bison were successfully released into the wild.
Address: Mile 79 Seward Highway, Girdwood, Alaska 99587, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
Amatitan
One of the principal tequila-producing towns of Jalisco’s UNESCO-listed Tequila Country, Amatitán has long proclaimed itself the ‘birthplace of tequila’. Many connoisseurs agree that, despite owing its name to the neighboring town of Tequila, the fiery spirit likely found its origins closer to Amatitán, but whatever you believe, there’s no doubting Amatitán’s importance on the region’s well-trodden Tequila Trail.
The small town is home to dozens of tequila distilleries, churning out a vast quantity of mescal, mixto and 100% agave tequilas, including well-known brands like Cabo Wabo Tequila, El Jimador, Partida Tequila and Don Eduardo. Many visitors to Amatitán arrive on the historic Tequila Express railway from Guadalajara, combined with a tour and tequila tasting at the town’s legendary Casa Herradura Distillery.
Address: Amatitán, Mexico
From $ 64
Albert Einstein Memorial
Set out front of the National Academy of Sciences Building, this whimsically enormous memorial of Albert Einstein contemplating the universe was dedicated on April 22, 1979 to mark the centennial of the scientist’s birth.
The 4-ton bronze statue of Einstein depicts him holding a paper inscribed with his three most important contributions to science: the photoelectric effect, the theory of general relativity, and the equivalence of energy and matter (e=mc2). The uniquely mottled texture of the statue’s bronze is the signature style of its sculptor, Robert Berks, who also created the famous bust of JFK found in the lobby of the nearby Kennedy Center.
The memorial’s 28-foot-wide black granite base is inlaid with over 2,700 metal studs, which were mapped out by astronomers from the U.S. Naval Observatory and meant to represent the stars, planets and more as they appeared on the dedication date..
The 4-ton bronze statue of Einstein depicts him holding a paper inscribed with his three most important contributions to science: the photoelectric effect, the theory of general relativity, and the equivalence of energy and matter (e=mc2). The uniquely mottled texture of the statue’s bronze is the signature style of its sculptor, Robert Berks, who also created the famous bust of JFK found in the lobby of the nearby Kennedy Center.
The memorial’s 28-foot-wide black granite base is inlaid with over 2,700 metal studs, which were mapped out by astronomers from the U.S. Naval Observatory and meant to represent the stars, planets and more as they appeared on the dedication date..
Address: 2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20418, USA
From $ 49
Alcatraz
Alcatraz, the former federal prison that once held notorious criminals Scarface Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly, is today a national historic landmark and one of the most sought-out (and sold-out) attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tour the remains of the maximum-security facility on small and windy Alcatraz Island, aptly nicknamed 'The Rock,' to scope out the grounds and cellhouse; hear stories from former inmates; and pass by the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Angel Island on your 1.25-mile (2-km) ferry rides in and out.
The Basics
Alcatraz is only accessible by tour, and tickets sell out days (sometimes weeks) in advance. Lock in high-demand tickets by booking a San Francisco city tour that includes admission to the infamous federal penitentiary and a day of sightseeing via bike, bus, boat, or Segway. City tours typically cover highlights such as Chinatown, Coit Tower, North Beach, the Presidio, and the Ferry Building, while other booking options combine a hard-to-snag Alcatraz tour with a cable car ride, a bay cruise to Sausalito, or a multi-day adventure into the Marin headlands, wine country, or Muir Woods.
When to Get to Alcatraz
The Basics
Alcatraz is only accessible by tour, and tickets sell out days (sometimes weeks) in advance. Lock in high-demand tickets by booking a San Francisco city tour that includes admission to the infamous federal penitentiary and a day of sightseeing via bike, bus, boat, or Segway. City tours typically cover highlights such as Chinatown, Coit Tower, North Beach, the Presidio, and the Ferry Building, while other booking options combine a hard-to-snag Alcatraz tour with a cable car ride, a bay cruise to Sausalito, or a multi-day adventure into the Marin headlands, wine country, or Muir Woods.
Once on the island, visitors can explore at their own pace with the self-guided cellhouse audio tour (included in admission). You'll also find National Park Service exhibits, video presentations, docent- and ranger-led guided tours, and special programs that vary by season. Allow about 2.5 hours for the full Alcatraz prison experience, including both 15-minute ferry rides.
Things to Know Before You Go
All Alcatraz island tours depart via ferry from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. There are several parking garages in the area with rates from $25 to $50 per day, but prices typically double during special events, so consider taking public transportation. Multiple Muni lines run through the area, including the F-Line trolley. To arrive in style, consider booking a Viator VIP experience aboard an exclusive cable car.
- Alcatraz tickets include round-trip ferry transportation (take note of the assigned departure time printed on your ferry ticket). You can take any ferry back to the city, available every half hour or so.
- Bring a camera and a coat for the chilly but beautiful ferry rides.
- You'll find a few snacks offered on the ferry and water available on the island.
- The walk to the prison from the ferry dock is steep and hilly; an electric shuttle departs from the dock twice an hour for visitors requiring assistance. While wheelchairs are not provided or loaned at the prison, the cellhouse does have elevators.
All Alcatraz island tours depart via ferry from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. There are several parking garages in the area with rates from $25 to $50 per day, but prices typically double during special events, so consider taking public transportation. Multiple Muni lines run through the area, including the F-Line trolley. To arrive in style, consider booking a Viator VIP experience aboard an exclusive cable car.
When to Get to Alcatraz
Alcatraz cruises depart every half hour between 9am and 4pm. The early-bird trip departs at 8:45am, while the limited Alcatraz night tour allows visitors to stay on the grounds until 9:25pm and includes both live boat narration and a guided walk from the dock to the prison. Alcatraz tickets are hardest to come by in spring and summer.
Address: Ferries depart from Pier 33, San Francisco, California 94123, USA
Hours: Multiple departure times available
Admission: Varies
From $ 65