Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
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1850 House
Recreating the surroundings of upper middle class life in an antebellum row house, the 1850 House museum offers a fascinating look into times past. The museum is made up of rooms decorated in the most fashionable styles of the mid-19th century, when life in New Orleans was at its most prosperous.
The Basics
Visitors often combine trips to the 1850 House with stops at other famous New Orleans landmarks with a multi-attraction pass or stop off at the house on a French Quarter walking tour. The museum is not intended to recreate one family’s home; instead, it features artifacts, furniture, and ornaments that reflect tastes in design 150 years ago. The collection includes a set of china owned by Louisiana politician John Slidell and porcelain pieces from Paris, among many other antiques and paintings. The oldest purpose-built apartment building in the US, the 1850 House was built by Baroness Micaela Pontalba, whose father helped finance the Cabildo building and St. Louis Cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There’s an admission charge to enter the museum.
- Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and active military; children under 6 are free.
- The house is arranged over different floors accessed by stairs and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
The 1850 House is located at 523 St. Ann St., on the edge of Jackson Square in the Lower Pontalba building. It is centrally located—close to many other downtown landmarks, including St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market—and is walking distance to the Mississippi River. The 5 and 55 bus lines stop close by at Decatur and St. Peter.
When to Get There
The house is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm. The busiest times are in the middle of the day, so get there early to avoid the crowds. The museum is closed for some holidays—check with front desk staff if planning to visit on a major holiday.
Local Art in Jackson Square
Almost every day of the year, local artists from New Orleans set up stalls in Jackson Square displaying their artwork. From colorful street scenes to detailed black-and-white drawings, there’s plenty to appreciate here—and you might just find a unique souvenir to take home.
Address: 523 Saint Ann Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
360 Chicago Observation Deck
Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, 360 Chicago offers an interactive experience of the Windy City’s history and culture on the way up to its 94th-floor observation deck. From here, sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan are enhanced by Tilt—moving glass lookouts that that literally tilt you out 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the Magnificent Mile.
The Basics
The 360 Chicago experience begins in a first-floor exhibition space, with interactive touchscreens and historical exhibits about Chicago and the construction of the John Hancock Center. Afterward, visitors are whisked up 94 floors in high-speed elevators to the 17,000-square-foot (1,579-square-meter), 360-degree observation deck. From this vantage point on a clear day, you can take in views of virtually the entire city and Lake Michigan. See the Oak Street and North Avenue beaches, Lincoln Park, and the high rises on Lake Shore Drive, as well as three of Illinois’ neighboring states: Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Thrill seekers can experience Tilt, a moving platform that tilts you out over Michigan Avenue for a truly unique perspective.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allow about one hour for your visit.
- The 360 Chicago site is fully wheelchair accessible.
- Architect’s Corner Bar & Café has a full bar and serves coffee, gelato, breakfast, and snacks near the viewing windows.
- The Tilt experience is not included with general admission.
How to Get There
360 Chicago is located on North Michigan Avenue, near the beginning of the Magnificent Mile shopping stretch. The John Hancock Building is easily accessible by El trains, city buses, and hop-on hop-off bus tours.
When to Get There
The observation deck is open 9am to 11pm daily, year-round. The last admission is at 10:30pm. Early morning is best for daytime visits, as skies tend to be clearer and views are the most expansive and colorful. Nighttime gives a different, dazzling view of the illuminated city. If you’d like to visit twice, opt for the “sun and stars” admission so you can compare the daytime and after-dark views.
Activities at 360 Chicago
For an enhanced experience, time your visit with one of 360 Chicago’s scheduled activities. Wake up with Saturday morning sky-high yoga (9-10am); join a Tuesday Sky Guide “tour,” where volunteers from the Chicago Architecture Foundation discuss significant skyline buildings (6-9pm); or spend a Thursday evening at 360 Hoppy Hour, featuring Chicago-brewed craft-beer specials (5:30-8:30pm).
Address: 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
Hours: Daily 9am–11pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Academy of Music
Philadelphia is home to plenty of old-school American history, and the roots of its local music scene run deep, too. Travelers in search of an elegant establishment showcasing some of the best international talent will find it all at the Academy of Music.
This unassuming building in the heart of Philadelphia is actually the nation’s oldest continually operational opera house. Its stunning interior houses a 5,000-pound chandelier and is modeled after Milan’s La Scala Opera House. In addition to being a destination for travelers seeking live, classical entertainment, the Academy of Music is a worthy stop for history buffs as well. The National Historic Landmark is the site where President Ulysses S. Grant was nominated for his second term and it’s the site where Martha Graham first performed “The Rite of Spring”. Visitors who arrive during the month of January can watch the Philadelphia Orchestra perform their anniversary concert, which has occurred each year for more than a century.
Practical Info
The Academy of Music is located at 240 S Broad Street near the 12-13th and Locust station. One-hour tours are available by reservation and every Christmas the Pennsylvania Ballet performs the Nutcracker here.
Address: 240 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
Admission: Ticket prices vary
From $ 32
Adirondack Museum
Travelers who want to learn about rural upstate life will find 22 galleries detailing the stories, artifacts and history of the Adirondack region at the iconic Adirondack Museum. Explore historic buildings throughout the grounds and get an up close look at outdoor life dating all the way back to the 1800s.
A curated fine art exhibit showcases stunning works depicting rivers, lakes and forests of the region and interactive exhibits tell the story of local loggers and craftsmen who built furniture from trees that were felled in the woods. Travelers exploring with the younger set will find plenty of hands-on exhibits and activities that are perfect for kids ensuring a day for everyone that’s as much about culture as it is about history!
Practical Info
The museum is located at 9097 NY-30 in Blue Mountain Lake. It is open seven days a week between May 20 and October 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for students and teens.
Address: 9097 New York 30, Blue Mountain Lake, New York 12812, USA
Hours: Open seven days a week between May 20 and October 10 from10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission: $18 for adults and $12 for students and teens
From $ 20
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
The first planetarium built in the western hemisphere, the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum still captures intergalactic imaginations. From the entrance, visitors descend below the building, which has 12 sides, one for each sign of the zodiac. In the newest wing, a digital sky show recreates such cataclysmic phenomena as supernovas. Interactive exhibits allow you to simulate cosmic events such as a meteor hitting the earth (this one is especially cool).
Inside, the main attraction is the StarRider Theater, where you’ll take a 30 minute virtual reality trip through deep space, with eye-popping 3-D graphics. You’ll literally feel like you’re floating in space. The planetarium's exhibition galleries are equally engaging, with myriad displays and interactive activities. A must-see exhibit is “Shoot For The Moon,” an interactive exhibit on lunar exploration. Other exhibits include “From the Night Sky to the Big Bang,” which highlights the planetarium's extensive collection of astronomical artifacts.
Near the entrance to the Adler is a 12 foot (4 meter) sundial dedicated to the golden years of astronomy. West of the sundial, in the median, a bronze statue of Copernicus shows the 16th century Polish astronomer holding a compass and a model of the solar system.
Practical Info
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum is located on the Museum Campus in the South Loop, just off Lakeshore Drive. Both buses and El lines get you here. Nearby attractions include the John G. Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History, which are all within walking distance. The whole place can be easily covered in less than two hours.
The sky show programs last about 50 minutes. On the first Friday night of every month - aka Far Out Fridays - the Adler's astronomers bring out their telescopes and let you view the skies along with them. The museum café has great views of the lakefront and skyline.
Address: 1300 S Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago 60605, USA
Hours: Open daily. Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm (until 4:30pm on weekends). Open 6pm - 10pm on third Thurs of the month for adults only
Admission: Adults: US$10, Children (3-11yrs): US$6
From $ 35
Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site
Midway Island is over 4,600 miles from the hills of Fredericksburg, Texas, but you’d never know it from visiting the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site. This is the town where Chester Nimitiz was born in 1885—a man who go on to lead the Pacific Fleet and accept the symbol of Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. Though the Texas Hill country looks nothing like the blood-stained atolls and islands of the Pacific, the museum that bears the Admiral’s name is the closest thing civilians get to feeling like they’ve actually been there. Set inside the refurbished walls of the historic Nimitz Hotel, the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site is part of the National Museum of the Pacific War that spans seven of Fredericksburg’s acres.
The Conning Tower of the USS Pintado sits right outside the building, and a Japanese tank and miniature submarine accompany a collection of over 5,000 items that were used in the War of the Pacific. In 1976, in a symbol of friendship between the two nations, the Japanese government gifted the museum with the Japanese Garden of Peace—and it provides a calming sanctuary from the intense wartime exhibits. The museum is the nation’s only spot dedicated exclusively to the War in the Pacific, and as it continues to grow each year with exhibits, documents, and donations, has gradually become one of America’s best and most comprehensive military museums.
Practical Info
The Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site is open from 9am-5pm daily, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve. Admission is $14 for adults, $7 for children, and children 5 and under are free. WWII veterans may also visit for free, and tickets are good for 48 hours.
Address: 340 E Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas, USA 78624, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $14; Children: $7
From $ 109
17-Mile Drive
California’s 17-Mile Drive, said to be one of the world’s most scenic drives, is an essential Central Coast experience. Looping around the Monterey Peninsula, the private toll road offers stellar views of Monterey Bay and passes attractions such as the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, the Del Monte Forest, and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.
The Basics
The bulk of 17-Mile Drive is a winding road through upscale neighborhoods from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, and goes through forested areas, along the oceanfront, and past several golf courses. Some of the best places to stop and admire the view are at Cypress Point Lookout, where you can see harbor seals basking on sand and rocks; Spanish Bay, where you can follow a paved coastal trail to Asilomar State Beach; and the iconic Lone Cypress, which has stood on its rocky perch for more than 250 years.
As 17-Mile Drive is actually on private property, there is an entrance fee, which also gets you a map with all the points of interest clearly indicated with a brief description of each. If you want to skip the driving and just focus on the scenery, there are tours from San Francisco include transportation. The tour guide takes care of the navigating, and these tours often include stops at Monterey’s Cannery Row, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and other Monterey Peninsula attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Experiencing 17-Mile Drive is a must-do for all first-time visitors to this section of California’s Central Coast.
- The drive takes about 20 minutes, but allow yourself at least two hours if you want to stop at the lookouts and take in the scenery.
- The Inn at Spanish Bay and the Lodge at Pebble Beach have the only services open to the public (gas station, restrooms, restaurants).
- Hotel or restaurant reservations along the drive will get you out of the non-resident fee.
- Bicycles travel free of charge; motorcycles are not allowed.
How to Get There
Pay the entrance fee at any of the five entrances—most often, where Highway 1 meets Highway 68, or the Carmel tollbooth on San Antonio Avenue.
When to Get There
Quite busy year-round, 17-Mile Drive is especially choked with visitors in the summer. Fall and spring are the best bets for clear skies; the summer fog is heavy in the morning and can sometimes linger all day, hampering views. The drive closes during major golf events; be sure to check online before departing.
Best Beaches Along the Drive
There are multiple spots to stop and stretch your legs along the drive. Whether you want a quick jaunt down to the frigid Pacific Ocean waters, a picnic lunch spot, or some soft sand on which to nap, you’ll find it here. Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach are favorites for travelers and locals alike.
Address: 17 Mile Drive, CA, USA
Admission: $10.25 entrance fee
From $ 79
9/11 Tribute Museum
Founded by the September 11th Families’ Association, this moving museum (formerly known as the 9/11 Tribute Center) tells the story of the 2001 Twin Towers attacks from the perspective of individuals directly affected by them. Exhibits include personal accounts, family photographs, and artifacts recovered from the World Trade Center wreckage. Displays lay bare the horrors of that tragic day while bringing to light individual responses and reactions, and showcasing the resilience, courage, and compassion of the human spirit.
The Basics
The events of September 11th, 2001, shook not just New York City but the whole world, and served as a historic turning point that changed the entire course of the early 21st century. The 9/11 Tribute Museum is a must-do for anyone who wants to hear vivid, eye-witness accounts of the events of that pivotal day. Visitors can tour the museum independently and take a walking tour around the 9/11 Memorial Plaza, led by a guide with a direct connection to the events. For an even more comprehensive experience, combine a visit to the Tribute Museum with a trip to the separate and larger-scale National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which offers a broader overview of the tragic day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on doing the walking tour.
- While the museum’s exhibits are not graphic, they can be emotionally taxing and some may find them overwhelming.
- Entry to the 9/11 Tribute Museum is included in the New York Sightseeing Pass.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The 9/11 Tribute Museum is located in New York’s Financial District, less than a 10-minute walk from One World Trade Center. The nearest subway stations are Rector Street (1, R, and W trains), Cortland Street (R train), Fulton Street/Broadway (A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains) and World Trade Center station (E train). The Cortland and Fulton Street stations have elevators.
When to Get There
The museum is open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Guided tours take place several times daily. Arrive shortly after opening to experience the museum at its quietest.
Hear Personal Stories About 9/11
The 9/11 Tribute Museum is unique in that it tells the story of September 11, 2001, through the stories and voices of those who lived and directly experienced the tragic events. Volunteers with a personal connection to the attacks—whether first responders, recovery workers, residents of lower Manhattan, family members who lost loved ones, or even survivors—lead guided walking tours of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum plaza. Tours last about 75 minutes and include first-hand accounts of the guide’s experiences of the day, plus discussions of the attacks’ aftermath and rebuilding of the new World Trade Center.
Address: 92 Greenwich St., New York City, New York, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm
Admission: Tour & Gallery: $20; Tour only: $10
From $ 15
30th Street Station
Built between 1929 and 1933, this incredible eight-story structure designed by Alfred Shaw was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Its massive halls, Art Deco interior and 71-foot-tall Corinthian columns have made it an iconic piece or architecture in the City of Brotherly Love. Unlike most North American terminals, trains arrive at 30th Street Station from all directions: north, south, east and west.
Visitors can surely catch a train from this Philadelphia travel hub, but recent additions of public art, like a giant relief titled “The Spirit of Transportation” or a sculpture of an angel raising a dead soldier to the sky crafted by Walker Hancock, makes this terminal worthy of a visit even if you don’t have a train ticket in hand.
Practical Info
The station is a hub for SEPTA and Amtrak travel located at 2955 Market Street. More than four million travelers make their way through the halls of this iconic transportation landmark each year.
Address: 30th & Market Sts., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104, USA
From $ 32
Acadia National Park
Located on Maine's Mount Desert Island and known for its rugged coastal beauty, Acadia National Park is a gem of the New England outdoors with a coastline comprised of sheer cliffs and sandy beaches. Venture farther inland and you’ll find dense woodlands, vast lakes, and the tallest mountains on the Northeast coast. The park offers endless options for exploration—from catching the first sight of sunrise in the US on Cadillac Mountain to camping on the remote shores of Duck Harbor to hearing waves crashing in the park's famed Thunder Hole inlet.
The Basics
Acadia National Park contains more than 120 miles (193 kilometers) of historic hiking trails and 45 miles (72 kilometers) of bikeable carriage trails, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Travelers can also go tidepooling, kayaking, or fishing on the coast or at the inland lakes. Visitor permits for private vehicles cost $25, while individuals arriving by bus or on foot must pay $12. All passes are valid for seven days. It’s possible to visit on an overnight tour of Maine from Boston or on a grand multi-day tour of America’s east coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be prepared for traffic during summer’s peak visitation. Beat the crowds by arriving early and buying your visitor’s pass online, or booking a tour in advance.
- The weather is constantly changing on the Maine coast, so be prepared with sunscreen and dress in layers so you can peel off gear when the sun is out.
- The park allows pets so long as they are kept on a leash.
How to Get There
Acadia National Park is 264 miles (425 kilometers) north of Boston or about five hours away by road. Car rentals are available at Logan Airport, as well as Hancock County Airport (15 minutes from the park) and Bangor International Airport (one hour from the park). Parking can be tough during summer months, but you can leave your car where you’re staying and take Oli's Trolley or the fare-free Island Explorer bus into Acadia.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round, although it is most crowded in summer. In autumn, the trees blaze with color and fewer crowds make for ideal bird-watching and hiking conditions. When snow falls, some roads and facilities close, but the terrain is perfect for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Exploring Downtown Bar Harbor
Complete your visit with a stop (or overnight stay) in this seaside town, located adjacent to the park on the island’s northeast harbor and known as a gateway town to Acadia. Peruse specialty art shops and dine at Main Street restaurants for your fill of fresh seafood and local farm-grown produce. Most guided bus tours to Acadia include time in Bar Harbor with an expert tour guide.
Address: Maine, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: $12 per person, $25 per private vehicle (includes passengers)
From $ 80
A Special Memory Wedding Chapel
Talk about a wedding to remember! The Special Memory Wedding Chapel offers memorable wedding ceremonies in true Las Vegas style: in packages and with Elvis Presley, but minus the grub associated with chapels typically found on the Strip! The chapel is most popular for its famous drive-through weddings, which continue to gather hordes of visitors even today. Visitors wishing to tie the knot should expect all the Las Vegas wedding elements: Elvis impersonator, limousine transportation, rose presentations, photo tour packages in the city and more.
An attraction in its own right, the off-Strip and classy chapel is featured in a dozen guided tours around Las Vegas, and should please even the non-Vegas wedding types.
Practical Info
The Special Memory Wedding Chapel is located at 800 S 4th Street in Las Vegas, between East Bonneville Avenue & East Charleston Boulevard. It is open between 8am and 10pm from Monday to Thursday as well as on Sundays, and from 8am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Ceremonies are priced in accordance to packages, driver gratuity, minister fee and marriage license fees and any other additional options not included in the packages.
Address: 800 S 4th Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Hours: Vary
From $ 62
26-Mile Bike Path
Formally named the Marvin Braude Bike Path (after a long-serving L.A. City Council member who championed the preservation of open space in the Santa Monica Mountains), but most locals call this epic ribbon of seaside concrete the Santa Monica Bike Path or The Strand. This skating-, jogging-, biking- and pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare stretches 26 miles alongside the Pacific Ocean from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades to the far end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in Torrance.
The journey is almost entirely flat and passes by numerous public restrooms and eateries, especially at Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach. By any means, traveling the path is an ideal activity for families and couples, or anyone who wants to find a bit of quiet time and fresh air while visiting this enormous city renowned for its traffic.
The Santa Monica Pier makes an excellent starting point for a bike-path journey, and offers several places to rent bicycles.
The journey is almost entirely flat and passes by numerous public restrooms and eateries, especially at Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach. By any means, traveling the path is an ideal activity for families and couples, or anyone who wants to find a bit of quiet time and fresh air while visiting this enormous city renowned for its traffic.
The Santa Monica Pier makes an excellent starting point for a bike-path journey, and offers several places to rent bicycles.
Address: Bike Path, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
From $ 79
Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (Home of Tanked)
Home to the hit reality TV show Tanked, Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) is the largest custom fish tank business in the country, specializing in outrageously large and extravagant aquariums for casinos and other VIP clients around Las Vegas. Owners Wayde King and Brett Raymer are the stars of Tanked, and they are sometimes around to meet visitors who come through on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of “Tanked” the TV Show or a Las Vegas Reality Show VIP Tour. But even if they’re out meeting a client, tours offer the chance to see the operation in real life, including Brett’s messy desk, and see the real business behind the TV show.
Practical Info
The Behind-the-Scenes Tour of “Tanked” the TV Show takes about 90 minutes and includes hotel pickup and transportation. Visitors can see recent aquarium builds, learn how they’re made, and maybe even meet members of the cast.
Address: 3451 W Martin Ave. Suite C, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, USA
Admission: Tours start at $39.99 per person
From $ 40
16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Mall in Denver, Colorado, is a tree-lined pedestrian corridor filled with outdoor cafés, restaurants, and shops. Along the popular downtown promenade, visitors can enjoy performances from local street performers or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage while searching for the perfect craft beer or dining spot.
The Basics
On Denver’s 16th Street, you’ll find more than 40 outdoor cafés and restaurants perfect for a leisurely snack, meal, or drink while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of one of the city’s hot spots. At the south end of the mall is Denver Pavilions, with a movie theater and more than 20 shops and restaurants. The north end features a pedestrian path over three bridges that connect downtown to Commons Park and the trendy LoHi neighborhood.
Maximize your time in Denver by organizing a tour ahead of time that includes a stop on the 16th Street Mall in addition to other sights, including Larimer Square, the US Mint, and the Denver Art Museum. Your tour will equip you with a good lay of the land and sense of Denver’s history, so that when you return to 16th Street later, you’ll know exactly where to go.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The 16th Street Mall is a must for shoppers; stick around for bar-hopping and nightlife after dark.
- This area is best explored on foot, though you can hop aboard the free MallRide shuttle if you need a rest.
- Note that public restrooms can be in short supply in this area.
- Pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages are available for hire.
- There is free Wi-Fi along the entire mall.
How to Get There
The 16th Street Mall runs 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) along 16th Street in downtown Denver, from Wewatta Street at Union Station to Broadway at Civic Center Station. You can walk the length from Union Station to the central mall area in about 15 minutes, or hop on the complimentary MallRide Shuttle at one of the frequent stops along 16th Street. It’s about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from Denver International Airport via Interstate 70.
When to Get There
Shops along 16th Street have varying hours, but most are open from late morning to late evening, about 10am to 8pm. Denver Pavilions is open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Denver receives the most visitors in the summer months, between June and August, but perhaps a better time to visit is during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, April through May and September through October.
Notable Architecture
Noted architect I.M. Pei designed the tree-lined 16th Street Mall, impressive for its multicolored granite sidewalks assembled into diamond patterns (some have likened it to a diamondback rattlesnake seen from above). The Denver district has drawn international attention for its artistic design. You’ll also see the iconic Daniels and Fisher Tower on Arapahoe and 16th, built in 1911 and designed to look like St. Mark’s Bell Tower in Venice.
Address: 1001 16th Street Mall, Denver, Colorado 80265, USA
From $ 15
2nd Street District
The 2nd Street District is a new area of Austin that includes a range of trendy retail stores, cool coffee shops, restaurants, wine bars, and urban living spaces. The motto for the area is “Where Texas Warmth Meets Austin Cool.”
There are approximately 50 specialty shops, services, and dining establishments within the district, which is spread out over about six city blocks. Most shops are locally owned and operated, so it's best to walk the area and look at all the unique offerings available, which helps support the local Austin economy. The 2nd Street District also has a few recognizable brands like Swatch and Ann Taylor.
If you’re visiting Austin in August, consider checking out the now annual White Linen Night, which features a separate-admission block party with fare from local restaurants and wineries, as well as an after-party.
Practical Info
2nd Street District is bordered by 3rd Street to the north, Colorado to the east, Cesar Chavez to the south, and San Antonio to the west. 2nd Street District is open daily, with stores setting their own opening hours.
Address: 2nd Street District, Austin 78701, USA
From $ 75
Adams Morgan
Better known for nightlife than tourist attractions, this diverse, funky neighborhood is proof that D.C. has a soul. Once an exclusively African-American part of town, Adams Morgan was formally named in 1958 for two then-recently-desegregated elementary schools in the area: Thomas P. Morgan and John Quincy Adams. Now home to a large cross-section of the city’s Latino populations (including Mexican, Salvadorean and Brazilian), as well as African restaurants and hopping jazz clubs, this is an area chock-full of flavor, color, and independently-owned businesses.
Centered around Columbia Road and 18th Street, it can make an excellent end to a day’s exploration of nearby Dupont Circle, the U-Street Corridor, or both. In the evenings, check out Habana Village for salsa dancing and Cuban food; Ghana Cafe for West African cuisine and, on the weekends, live African music; or local landmark Madams Organ for live jazz, blues and soul food.
If you can only get here during the day, though, try to come on a Saturday for the outdoor Latin Quarter market at Columbia and 18th, or take a wander by the elegant statues in Meridian Hill Park, once considered as a possible location for the White House.
Centered around Columbia Road and 18th Street, it can make an excellent end to a day’s exploration of nearby Dupont Circle, the U-Street Corridor, or both. In the evenings, check out Habana Village for salsa dancing and Cuban food; Ghana Cafe for West African cuisine and, on the weekends, live African music; or local landmark Madams Organ for live jazz, blues and soul food.
If you can only get here during the day, though, try to come on a Saturday for the outdoor Latin Quarter market at Columbia and 18th, or take a wander by the elegant statues in Meridian Hill Park, once considered as a possible location for the White House.
Address: Washington DC, USA
From $ 89
42nd Street
Times Square is one of New York City’s most-visited landmarks and no street encapsulates all this destination has to offer quite like 42nd Street. It represents the heart of the Big Apple and the ultimate success to actors and actresses looking to make it on stage. But this busy spot has more to offer travelers than just live entertainment.
In addition to being the center of the theater district and a Times Square thoroughfare, this iconic stretch of street that runs from east to west is also home to several of the city’s most impressive sites. First-time visitors to this east coast city can check out the stunning Grand Central Station, Bryan Park’s urban Oasis, the United Nation’s Headquarters and the New York City Public Library without ever leaving 42nd Street!
Since this is the main artery of one of America’s favorite cities, travelers will find it not only easy to access, but also easy to navigate, thanks to the fact that literally all subway lines lead to 42th Street. Travelers can take a west side train and wander by foot to the east, or use the number 7 train to journey across the city. Port Authority Bus Terminal and Grand Central Station also make 42nd Street easy to access for those staying just outside the city, too.
Practical Info
Nearly all subways lead to 42nd Street, so travelers will find easy access using the city’s mass transit. Visitors who want to start exploring 42nd Street at Grand Central Terminal should take the 4 or 5 trains, while those looking to check out Bryant Park can take the B, D or F trains. The N, Q and R and 2 and 3 trains are located in Times Square, while the A, C and E trains stop at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.
Address: 42nd Street, New York City, New York, USA, USA
From $ 29
Adirondacks
This iconic upstate mountain range is contained within a 6.1 million-acre state park and includes two peaks that reach more than 5,000 feet. An impressive network of scenic trails attracts nature-loving travelers to this popular park, and calm, beautiful rivers are ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
Picturesque campgrounds make this the perfect stop for visitors to New York looking to escape the city and embrace the beauty of upstate in the spring, summer and fall. And close proximity to Lake Placid, a two-time home to the Olympic Games, makes the Adirondacks a four-season destination, where winter sports lovers can snowboard down White Face Mountain or attempt to land one of the massive professional ski jumps on both feet.
Practical Info
The Adirondack Mountains run through Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, Herkimer and Washington counties. The mountains are bordered by Lake Champlain, Lake George and the Mohawk Valley.
Address: New York, USA
From $ 1,299
6th Street
Austin’s 6th Street, sometimes known colloquially as Dirty Sixth, is the epicenter for late nights, free-flowing drinks, and all-around good times in the Live Music Capital of the World. This historical neighborhood is lined with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and car traffic is blocked on weekends so pedestrians can take their party into the street.
The Basics
Tame by day and a bit raucous by night (especially on weekends), 6th Street should go on all party-goers’ lists of authentically Austin must-have experiences, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Go during the day as part of a guided city tour and learn more about the area’s history. Then return at night to swig a Lone Star beer, listen to live music on any given night, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this cool Texas town.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While 6th Street is sleepy during the day, it’s not appropriate for young kids in the evening, when the bar crowds fill the streets.
- The scene skews heavily toward college students and 20-somethings, with shot bars and honky-tonks that cater to that demographic.
- A portion of 6th Street is closed to traffic on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, so parking can be difficult to find.
How to Get There
“Dirty Sixth” refers to about a 7-block stretch of 6th Street between I-35 and Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. You can get there by taking either of the main freeways, I-35 or TX-1 (Mopac), into downtown. Austin also has a small train line and a bus service operated by Capital Metro, and in the evenings you can usually find a pedicab to hire for a night of revelry so you don’t have to drive.
When to Get There
Thursday through Saturday nights, 6th Street is reliably jumping from about 10pm into the wee hours. If you don’t like huge crowds, you’d be wise to avoid visiting during festival weekends, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival.
Have a Laugh
If you are looking for entertainment beyond the bars on 6th Street, buy tickets for a show at Esther’s Follies. This variety show will have you doubled over with laughter as it pokes fun at life in Austin and Texas in general, with a frequently updated take on current events, plus feats of magic. The theater fronts 6th Street and often uses passersby as unknowing participants in the show.
Address: 6th Street, Austin, Texas, USA
From $ 25
A. Schwab
A. Schwab is a dry goods store that has become a local landmark and Memphis institution. Since being opened in 1876, the store has transformed from a men’s clothing and goods shop to a collection of seemingly every item imaginable. It is the only remaining original business on Beale Street.
With two floors of displays filled with everything from regional arts and crafts to historic books, records, and artifacts, it is only fitting that the Beale Street Museum, located on a small balcony above the first floor, is also housed here. A. Schwab even has quirky memorabilia such as love potions and corn cob pipes. The store’s creaky wooden floors, dim lighting and original architectural details keep the building’s historic feel, making a visit feel like a step back in time. Their motto is “if you can’t find it at Schwab’s, you’re better off without it.”
Practical Info
A. Schwab’s Dry Goods Store is located at 163 Beale Street and is open Monday to Thursday from 12 to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays. It is closed on major holidays.
Address: 163 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-8pm
Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
From $ 30