Things to Do in Usa

Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa

California Science Center

A joint project between the State of California and the California Science Center Foundation, this is the largest interactive science center on the West Coast. Home to an IMAX theater, the Space Shuttle Endeavour and much more, the Center is a comprehensive tour through the world of science.

Permanent exhibits here include explorations of ecosystems and how they work (or don’t); the survival processes of all living things; feats of engineering, technology and other inventions; and air and space exhibits (where you’ll find the Endeavour). Outside, you’ll find an outdoor sculpture garden with several interactive details like mosaic tiles that impart scientific knowledge, and high above the Center’s entrance, visitors can ride a bicycle that’s been carefully balanced on a high wire.

Practical Info:

Admission to the Center is free of charge, but IMAX movie prices vary from $5 - 8.25. Set in Exposition Park, where parking is $10 (street parking is limited), the Center is adjacent to the Natural History Museum, the African American Museum and a rose garden that blooms from early spring through the late fall. It’s possible to make an entire museum day out of your visit to the California Science Center.

The best route to take by transit is the Metro Expo Line to the Metro Park/USC Station. The Science Center is located 0.2 miles walking distance from the station, on the south side of the Rose Garden.

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA

Mon-Sun 10am-5pm

From $ 72

Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse

There’s a certain romance to wind-whipped lighthouses set out off a rocky coast, and the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse in York Bay is arguably the most romantic of them all. Believed to be America’s most photographed lighthouse, the Cape Neddick Nubble even had its picture delivered all the way to space, when Voyager II in 1997 sent a photo fluttering out into space to represent the American Lighthouse. Today, Cape Neddick Nubble lighthouse is an iconic sight along Maine’s spectacular southern coast, and has warned passing ships of the nearby rocks since 1879. At Christmas time, the town of York lights the house itself with bright and festive lights, which shine in brilliant, stoic contrast to the inky black backdrop of night. In summer months, when coastal Maine is teeming with beachgoers, sailors, sightseers, and tourists, thousands flock to Sohier Park across the strait from the island, simply to photograph and experience in real life the iconic American spire.

Practical Info

There is free parking in Sohier Park where you’ll find panoramic views of the lighthouse, which itself is set on Nubble Island about 100 yards off the coast. In 1985, the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and the lighthouse is lit for the holiday season on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Sohier Park, York Beach, Maine 03909, USA

From $ 149

Capitol Hill

There’s much more to Capitol Hill than the US Capitol building that stands atop it. It is both the heart of the American government and a vibrant neighborhood at the geographic center of Washington D.C. From the Capitol Grounds—a lush landscape of sweeping lawns and more than 4,000 trees—to the Capitol Reflecting Pool and Congressional office buildings, there is much to see and do on the Hill.

The Basics

Capitol Hill is home many historically and politically important building monuments, including the Supreme Court building, three Library of Congress buildings, and the Folger Shakespeare Library and Theatre. While you can visit these sights on your own, a Capitol Hill tour is a great way to gain context and delve deep into American history. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see Congress in session. For a bit less traditional Hill experience, you can take a guided ghost tour—legend has it that the Capitol is haunted!

Things to Know Before You Go

You must reserve tickets to the Capitol Building interior in advance.
Bars and restaurants are sprinkled throughout the Hill, especially in the Atlas District, along H Street NE.
Though most of Capitol Hill is walkable, you can cover more ground on a bike, Segway, or electric cart tour.
The US Capitol Visitors Center and information desk is a great place to start your visit.
The Capitol Hill area, including the Capitol Building, is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Smack in the middle of Washington D.C., Capitol Hill stretches north, south, and east from the US Capitol and the National Mall. East Capitol Street is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, running east through Lincoln Park until it reaches the Armory and RFK Stadium. The area is easily accessible on foot and by all forms of public transportation; driving is more difficult due to limited parking.

When to Get There

Capitol Hill is buzzing with activity both day and night. September to November and March to May are thought to be the best times of year to visit Washington D.C., when temperatures are mild and comfortable. The Hill is particularly lovely in cherry blossom season—generally in early April.

Touring the Capitol Hill Neighborhood

As you head east from the storied steps of the Capitol, the neighborhood turns into a lovely tangle of residential brownstone row houses shaded by big, elderly trees often teeming with gray squirrels. The center of gravity on the Hill is the Eastern Market. This covered bazaar and the surrounding blocks showcase local food, outsider art, handmade crafts, and a general bohemian vibe. It’s the place to be seen on weekends with families and friends.

Capitol Plaza, Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., USA

From $ 20

Carlsbad Village

Carlsbad Village is the downtown area at the heart — and waterfront — of Carlsbad, a fun-loving Southern California beach town. Visitors to Carlsbad spend most of their time in the village, as it’s where most of the shops, restaurants and hotels are found, including the famous Carlsbad Inn — a Bavarian looking hotel on the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and Ocean Street. A visit the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa is a great way to relax with a massage or spa treatment using the local alkaline artisan mineral water. To mingle and pick up fresh local fruits, stop in at the Carlsbad Farmer’s Market, which happens every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. And of course the beaches and boardwalk that run along Carlsbad Village are the main draw. Tamarack Beach is a great, centrally located stretch that’s ideal for bike riding, surfing or sunbathing.

Practical Info

Carlsbad Village is the main downtown area of Carlsbad, running along the waterfront from Buena Vista Lagoon in the north to Carlsbad Lagoon in the south. The area is very walkable, though bicycles are also a great way to get around.

Carlsbad, California 92008, USA

From $ 59

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

A trip on this aerial tramway might just be the most spectacular seven minutes you spend in New Hampshire. The 80-passenger cable tram leaves every fifteen minutes to bring visitors up to Cannon Mountain’s 4,080-foot summit. At the summit, which is New Hampshire’s highest lift-accessed point, you’ll be able to see mountains in four states: New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York — and you can even see to Canada on a clear day! At the top, there are scenic walking paths that lead to a summit observation tower, a 360-degree observation deck, a cafe, and a bar. North America’s first aerial tramway began operation on this site in 1938, and it carried almost seven million passengers to the top of the mountain during its heyday.

The tram operates year-round, and in the winter Cannon Mountain is a favorite attraction for skiers. With 95 trails and slopes and runs for all abilities, Cannon is a great place for the whole family to enjoy. On a cold day, a hot drink in the cafe will warm you up for the ride (or ski) down.

Practical Info

Pets are only permitted in the designated dog walks in the Flume and the Tramway parking lots. Pets are not allowed in Echo Lake Beach, Lafayette Campground, in the Flume Gorge, or on the tram. The parks department requests that you support the Carry In/Carry-Out Program by bringing out with you anything that you brought into the park. Tram ticket rates and dates are subject to change, and the last ride down in the tram is at 5pm (weather permitting).

260 Tramway Drive, Franconia, New Hampshire 03580, USA

Open daily, weather permitting, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ages 13+ round-trip ride, $17; Children ages 6-12 round-trip ride, $14

From $ 159

Canyonlands National Park

Set in the high desert of the American Southwest, Canyonlands National Park comprises 337,598 acres (136,621 hectares) of rugged landscape divided into four distinct districts by the Green and Colorado rivers. Deep craters, towering rock spires, white cliffs, and majestic buttes dominate the landscape of Utah’s largest national park.

The Basics

There are many ways to explore the park, though a majority of visitors do so by driving a 34-mile (55-kilometer) scenic loop through the popular Island in the Sky district. The Needles district attracts hikers, while the Maze rewards those who make the effort to get there with remote slot canyons and stunning rock formations. The Green and Colorado rivers set the scene for relaxing rafting trips.

If you are pressed for time, you can see the park’s highlights in a day—or even as little as half a day—on a tour from Moab. A more leisurely schedule enables you to see the park as part of a multi-day tour from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City through a star-studded lineup of Arizona and Utah parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Capitol Reef, Arches, and the Grand Canyon.

Things to Know Before You Go

Canyonlands National Park is a must-visit for adventure travelers and families.
Don’t forget to bring water and sun protection; the desert heat can be intense.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Dress in layers; the temperature can fluctuate wildly in a single day.
Wheelchair users can access the Island in the Sky and Needles visitor centers and several overlooks.

How to Get There

Canyonlands National Park’s Islands in the Sky district is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Moab, about 40 minutes via UT 313. The easiest way to get there is to drive or join a guided tour from Moab.

When to Get There

The best times to visit Canyonlands National Park are spring (April and May) and fall (September and October), when daytime highs are typically 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 26°C). Expect temperatures over 100°F (37°C) during the summer months.

Horseshoe Canyon

Situated in its own area of the park, Horseshoe Canyon was added to Canyonlands National Park in 1971. It’s best known for the Great Gallery, a panel of life-sized carvings considered among the most important collections of rock art in North America. The rewarding hike to the Great Gallery covers 7 miles (11 kilometers) roundtrip and takes at least five hours to complete.

Utah, USA

From $ 80

California Academy of Sciences

One of the United States' premier science and natural history museums, the California Academy of Sciences holds a fascinating collection of 38,000 natural wonders. With its Morrison Planetarium, Steinhart Aquarium, four-story rain forest dome, and open-air, green "living roof," the academy is a highlight for many visitors to San Francisco.

The Basics

There's much to see and do at the academy, so a full-day visit is recommended. Check out the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world, where the air is humid and tropical birds and butterflies fly overhead. Or, enter the all-digital planetarium for special exhibits and an astronaut's view of Earth. Other highlights include the aquarium's California Coast, Philippine Coral Reef, and Water-World tanks; the penguins in the African Hall, and the museum's most popular resident Claude, an albino American alligator. Travelers can visit with a general admission ticket, take a behind-the-scenes tour, or stop by as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Cal Academy is great for kids and makes for a prime family outing in San Francisco.
The museum's two restaurants serve food throughout the day.
Hop-on hop-off bus tours stop near the museum, providing an easy way to get out to the site's location in Golden Gate Park, which is about five miles (8 km) from downtown.
Entry is included with the San Francisco CITYPass.
While you're in Golden Gate Park, take some time to visit other top attractions such as Stow Lake or the Japanese Tea Garden.

How to Get There

The California Academy of Sciences is located on the west side of the Golden Gate Park, about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Union Square. While set away from central San Francisco, the park is easily accessible via public transportation on the #44 or #5 bus or the N-Judah Muni Metro streetcar. From the Embarcadero, expect about a 30-minute drive by road to the museum or a 40-minute public transit ride.

When to Get There

The Cal Academy of Science is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm, with an 11am opening on Sunday. Daily programs such as planetarium shows and penguin feedings take place between 10:30am and 4:30pm (check the day's schedule upon arrival).

NightLife at the Cal Academy of Sciences

Every Thursday night, the academy hosts NightLife, an adults-only even that combines museum entry with themed activities and drinks, often with expert speakers, workshops, and live music or a DJ. The even is suited for adults aged 21 and over only.

55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California 94118, USA

Daily 9:30am–5pm (Sunday from 11am)

Varies

From $ 15

Cannery Row

Cannery Row is a proudly tourist-friendly strip running along the atmospheric Monterey waterfront. Once home to a series of bustling commercial sardine canneries, the famous waterfront street changed its name of Ocean View Avenue to its longtime nickname, Cannery Row, in 1958 to honor the 1945 John Steinbeck novel of the same name.

The Basics

Today’s Cannery Row is very different from that of the “tin and iron and rust and splintered wood, chipped pavement and weedy lots and junk heaps, sardine canneries of corrugated iron…” described in Steinbeck’s novel. There has not been an active sardine industry here since 1973, and the street is now filled with boutiques, chain stores, hotels, and restaurants.

The Monterey waterfront is a popular place for visitors and locals to stroll, admire ocean views, snack on salt-water taffy, and access the coastal beaches. The area offshore is preserved as Monterey County’s Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area, home to a large population of California sea lions. Signposts in the area display quotes from Steinbeck and insights into the history of the area, which visitors can delve into more deeply on a walking tour. If you're into sport fishing, you can launch expeditions from McAbee Beach and San Carlos Beach, which bookend the Cannery Row area. Scuba diving in the murky, frigid Pacific is made worth it by the rich biodiversity here, and San Carlos Beach is the most popular spot to launch.

Things to Know Before You Go

Traffic and parking in the area can be very congested, especially in summer, so budget some extra time.
A popular and scenic way to reach Cannery Row is via 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove, which takes longer but skirts the scenic Pacific Coast.

How to Get There

If traveling by car on Highway 1, look for signs for Monterey Bay Aquarium, then park at one of the nearby parking garages or on the surrounding streets. During summer, visitors can park in downtown Monterey and hop on the free WAVE shuttle bus (which is clearly signposted) to reach the town’s attractions.

When to Get There

April and May bring mild temperatures without the heavy crowds of summer vacationers. The weather in central California is almost always mild, but rarely hot enough to lay out on a local beach in your bathing suit. The Central Coast is often host to various festivals, especially of the food-and-wine variety, so consider timing your trip with one of these.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

Housed in the former Hovden Cannery, this blockbuster attraction draws visitors from all over the world. The organization is known for its focus on the habitats of Monterey Bay, and is one of the world’s only institutions to host a living kelp forest. Popular residents include the California moray eel, the giant Pacific octopus, the playful sea otters, and the beautiful jellyfish.

Cannery Row, Monterey, CA, USA

From $ 65

Captain Cook Monument

British explorer Captain James Cook met his death at Kealakekua Bay on February 14, 1779, after a skirmish with the king of Hawaii in a local village. Today, a white obelisk in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park stands sentinel over the lush coast and its crystal clear waters, commemorating his death.

The Basics

Admission to the state historical park is free, and many visitors come to take advantage of the area’s black rock beaches and the excellent snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and dolphin-watching opportunities just off the Kona coast in Kealakekua Bay. Popular tour options include sailing the bay in Zodiac rafts, outrigger canoes, and on lunch or dinner cruises; the monument can be spotted from the water.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Captain Cook Monument is a must-see for history buffs.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you’re planning to spend time out on the water.
Tours of Kealakekua Bay tend to last from three to five hours.
Historical lunch and dinner cruises are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The monument and state historical park are situated 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Kailua-Kona on the western coast of the Big Island. The easiest way to get there is by private car or on an organized tour.

When to Get There

The park is open during daylight hours. For the best snorkeling conditions just offshore from the monument, book a snorkel tour first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon when fewer people will be in the water.

The Life and Death of Captain Cook

Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii in 1778 on the island of Kauai, marking the first contact between British explorers and Native Hawaiians. He returned to the islands late in 1778, landing at Kealakekua Bay, where he was welcomed and treated as a god. He set sail again in 1779, but was forced to return to repair a broken mast. After Hawaiians snatched one of Cook’s small boats, Cook attempted to capture the Hawaiian king and was stabbed and bludgeoned to death. His memorial is controversial, as some locals see it as a tribute to an invader and a historical moment that would forever change the character of Hawaii.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Kaawaloa Road, Kealakekua Bay 96750, USA

Open daily

Free

From $ 70

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations for New Englanders – generations of families have played on the same beaches for decades. But, of course, it's not just for the locals. The arm of Massachusetts that curls away from the mainland and reaches north again, like someone flexing an arm muscle, is called Cape Cod.

While many American schoolchildren learn that the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, their actual landing spot was closer to the place where Provincetown now sits, near the tip of Cape Cod. The Cape was one of the first area settled by newcomers from England, and by the 19th century, it had already become a summer escape for people living in nearby cities.

Today, vacationers head to Cape Cod for time on the beach. Other activities include hiking, whale watching, golf, cycling, boating, wine tasting, fishing and kayaking. There are also several historic lighthouses on the Cape, and you can climb to the top of the Pilgrim Monument

in Provincetown for a view out to sea.

Practical Info

The drive from Boston to Cape Cod is a distance of 50 to 100 miles, depending how far out onto the Cape you're going. You can also take a boat from Boston to Provincetown at the tip of the Cape; a catamaran trip is roughly 90 minutes, while a more leisurely ferry takes about three hours. Islands off the Cape, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, are also extremely popular vacation spots.

Massachusetts, USA

From $ 61

Camp 18 Museum

You'd be forgiven for thinking that the Camp 18 Logging Museum is just a themed restaurant, but all of that logging memorabilia on display is serious business.

The sprawling log cabin-style building that is the Camp 18 Restaurant & Museum is on Highway 26 between Portland and Cannon Beach in the town of Elsie. It was built slowly, starting in the 1970s, as one man's personal dream. He is a former logger and mill owner who personally logged all of the timber used in the building. Don't miss the huge log beam that runs the length of the building – it's 85 feet long, the biggest ridgepole in the United States.

Around the restaurant building as well as inside, you'll see antique logging equipment, tools, other artifacts, and art on display. Near the restaurant is the Camp 18 Loggers' Memorial, honoring loggers who have died and featuring more exhibits of logging memorabilia.

Practical Info

Camp 18 got its name because it's located at Mile Post 18 along Highway 26, 56 miles from Portland. The restaurant and museum are open Sunday through Thursday from 7am-8pm and on Friday and Saturday until 9pm. The memorial is typically open Thursday through Sunday from 10am-4pm, but if it looks closed during open hours at the restaurant, ask at the shop and they can let you in.

42362 U.S. 26, Elsie, Oregon, USA

Sunday-Thursday 7am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 7am-9pm

From $ 100

Cambridge Common

Cambridge Common is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to unwind in some of the city’s most scenic green space. Local recreational leagues gather in this decidedly historic spot for kickball, soccer and softball, while newly minted couples lay out quiet picnics and energetic kids throw Frisbees across grassy fields.

In addition to whiling away an afternoon in the shade or sunshine, travelers can explore the place where George Washington gathered troops during the Revolutionary War and check out historic cannons and plaques that commemorate some of the revolution’s major events. A statue of Abraham Lincoln is located at the center of Cambridge Common and stands as an homage to the Civil War leader. Visitors will also find the Irish Famine memorial.

Practical Info

This public park is located near Harvard Square and borders Harvard University. It is northwest of Waterhouse Street on Concord Avenue between Garden Street and Follen Street.

Waterhouse St and Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA

From $ 150

Cameron Trading Post

Cameron Trading Post is a Native American themed motel, restaurant and shop located 30 minutes from the south rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The trading post was established by the Richardson brothers shortly after a suspension bridge was built over the Little Colorado River in 1911. At that time, the only visitors were members of the local Navajo and Hopi tribes who came to barter their wool, blankets, and livestock for dry goods. Since the journey to the trading post took days, the Richardson brothers offered their hospitality by giving visitors food and a place to stay. Due to road improvement and proximity to the Grand Canyon, eventually tourists started coming to Cameron Trading Post as well to learn about the history of the southwest.

Today visitors can stay in the motel and enjoy its southwest theme and views of the river. The restaurant serves local Native American dishes as well as American and Mexican food. In the trading post itself, you'll find Native American artwork. The heart of the trading post has always been Navajo rugs, Hopi pottery, Hopi kachinas and silver and turquoise jewelry, though today you'll find much more. It's a great place to learn about the southwest and Native American culture.

Practical Info

Cameron Trading Post is located 54 miles north of Flagstaff, AZ on US highway 89. The store is open daily from 7am to 9pm during the winter and from 6am to 9:30pm during the summer.

466 U.S. 89, Cameron 86020, USA

Winter 7am-9pm; summer: 6am-9:30pm

From $ 153

California State Capitol and Museum

Completed in 1874, the neoclassical California State Capitol building houses both a museum and the seat of California’s government. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and features artwork and monuments and artifacts from California’s history, both inside and on the surrounding grounds.

The Basics

The California State Capitol in Sacramento attracts visitors who are interested in government, art, and California heritage. There is no admission fee, and public tours are held on the hour every day. A scavenger hunt tour also passes by the capitol building.

The building itself is notable for a number of artistic details, such as the stained-glass state seal in the ceiling of the hallway leading from the rotunda, mosaics of the golden poppy, and tiles that depict California’s motto, “Eureka.” The museum is home to permanent and on-loan collections of art, as well as temporary exhibits like “The Road Ahead: The Automobile’s Impact on California.” Outside in Capitol Park, visitors can see monuments and memorials dedicated to California firefighters and veterans of the Vietnam War, Spanish-American War, and other historical events.

Things to Know Before You Go

To enter, you must pass through security control, including a metal detector, X-ray of belongings, and presentation of identification.
Entrances from L Street and N Street have wheelchair ramps.
There is a tour office in the basement of the building, where wheelchairs can be checked out for use.
A gift shop is located in the basement.
Food and drinks can be purchased on weekdays only at a cafeteria-style restaurant or coffee cart in the basement.

How to Get There

The Capitol is located in downtown Sacramento at the intersection of 10th Street and L Street. A paid parking garage and metered parking are available around the building and grounds, or take the light rail to the 8th and Capitol station.

When to Get There

The building is open daily, though refreshments are only available during weekdays Holiday events such as Carols at the Capitol take place during the month of December.

Old Sacramento

Just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) northwest of the California State Capitol is Old Sacramento, a US National Historic Landmark District on the Sacramento River. After your tour of the Capitol, head here to learn more about California’s history, including the Gold Rush and early days of the railroad.

1315 10th St, Sacramento, California 95814, USA

Open daily 9am-5pm

From $ 15

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a small town on the Oregon coast, but it's got a big reputation. And yes, there's an actual cannon.

Part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition visited what became Cannon Beach in 1805-1806, and a settlement called Elk Creek grew there in the mid-1800s. In 1922, the community was renamed Cannon Beach after a U.S. Navy ship's cannon that had washed up on the shore in 1846. The actual cannon is on display in a city museum, with a replica perched near the coastal highway.

Today, Cannon Beach is known for its art galleries, fine restaurants, boutique hotels, and beautiful beaches. The iconic Haystack Rock – a National Wildlife Refuge – juts out of the ocean very close to shore, and at low tide the tide pools around its base are otherworldly. Nearby, Ecola State Park offers spectacular hiking and views overlooking the Pacific.

Practical Info

From Portland to Cannon Beach is almost a straight shot to the west and only a 90-minute drive – so it's easy to understand why so many Portlanders head for Cannon Beach when they want a coastal escape. Lots of city dwellers have vacation homes in Cannon Beach, too, so if you're planning to stay at the coast for a few days you can look into renting a house or apartment instead of a hotel.

Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA

From $ 100

Capitol Records Building

Rising 13 round stories above Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, this city landmark, built in the mid-1950s to house the first West Coast outpost of a major record label, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famed for being the site of recordings by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and many other big artists, the distinctive tower, designed by Louis Naidorf and Welton Becket (the latter, architect of the nearby Cinerama Dome and other prominent L.A. buildings) was purportedly meant to symbolize a stack of record albums on a turntable.

The building houses a series of working recording, mixing and mastering studios, including a unique echo chamber designed by guitarist and inventor Les Paul. Though the building has made a handful of appearances in popular entertainment, it was most dramatically featured in the 2004 disaster movie The Day After Tomorrow, being smashed to the ground by a giant tornado (and computer-generated effects).

Aside from its tall, cylindrical shape, lights make it easy to see the Capitol Records Building from many spots around the Hollywood Commercial and Entertainment District: since 1956, a blinking red light atop the building has spelled out the word "Hollywood" in Morse code, and every winter, a Christmas tree-shaped cone of sparkling lights has been strung up on the roof. The Capitol Records Building isn't open to the public.

Los Angeles, California, USA

From $ 25

Carmel Mission

Part church, part museum, the Carmel Mission is a US National Historic Landmark in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It draws visitors who are interested in Spanish colonial history and architecture, religious pilgrims who come to worship, and those those who simply stop by while passing through Carmel.

The Basics

The centerpiece of the Carmel Mission, officially known as Mission San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo, is its basilica church, which features its original bell tower, Spanish colonial liturgical art, arched ceilings, and 30-foot (9-meter) altarpieces. Some day trips from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel include a stop at the mission, or at least the option to go if you’re interested, but if you want time to make the most of your visit, head to the mission on your own.

The courtyard and gardens provide a peaceful spot to stroll or sit down, while the mission’s four museum spaces—the Harry Downie Museum, Munrás Family Heritage Museum, Jo Mora Chapel Gallery, and the Convento Museum—are home to artwork and displays about the history of the area and the mission’s restoration, which began in 1884 and is still going on today.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Carmel Mission is an active church with mass services, weddings, funerals, and other events that may limit your access to the basilica.
The courtyards and basilica are wheelchair accessible.
There is an admission fee to visit the basilica and museum; children 6 years and under are free.

How to Get There

The mission is located at the southern end of Carmel, less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) off State Route 1. For public transportation, take the Carmel Valley Grapevine Express, part of Monterey-Salinas Transit.

When to Get There

The mission and museum store are open every day, except some holidays (call ahead to find out holiday hours). Avoid visiting during mass on Saturday evenings and several times on Sunday, if you want to be able to explore the basilica.

Museum Store

You might not think of shopping at a church, but the Carmel Mission Museum Store sells jewelry, books, home items, food items, and more that make unexpected gifts or souvenirs. Proceeds go toward the upkeep of the mission. Religious items, such as bibles and rosaries, are also available.

3080 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA 93923, USA

Varies

From $ 79

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a long stretch of land that includes some bizarre geologic formations, Native American petroglyphs and orchards planted by Mormon pioneers. Established in 1971, Capitol Reef is named in part for sandstone dome formations that are said to resemble the capitol building in Washington D.C. The park also includes a formation called the “Waterpocket Fold,” a 100-mile-long rift where ancient layers of the earth's crust have become visible as they've been pushed up over millions of years.

Native Americans had lived in the area around the 11th century – there are petroglyphs on some of the rocks in the park – and in the 1870s and 1880s Mormon pioneers settled nearby, planting orchards and mining minerals from the rocks. Today, some of the orchards still remain, and visitors can even pick the fruit for a fee.

In addition to simply enjoying the scenery, visitors can also go hiking and horseback riding. Overnight camping in the park is possible with a permit, and there's also a large official campground inside the park.

Practical Info

Capitol Reef National Park is in south central Utah, roughly 217 miles south of Salt Lake City. It's open year-round, and the visitor center is open from 8am-4:30pm. Entrance fees for the park are $3 per person (good for seven days), and $5 per car (good for seven days). Camping sites at the Fruita Campground are $10 per night.

52 Scenic Dr, Torrey 84775, USA

Open 24 Hours

$3 per person, $5 per vehicle

From $ 80

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is an iconic mountain visible throughout most of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Towering over the city at 2,704 feet (824 meters) above sea level, the mountain was named after its very obvious resemblance to a resting camel. Features include unique sheer red sandstone cliffs and a variety of desert wildlife, including rock squirrels, gila monsters, javelinas, coyotes and grey foxes. These natural wonders make the mountain a very popular spot for hiking and rock climbing.

Although it is possible to hike to the top of Camelback, both trails are a strenuous undertaking and are only recommended for advanced hikers. Echo Canyon Recreation Area does, however, offer two easier options. Near the camel’s “head” is another popular rock formation known as The Praying Monk. Like Camelback, this formation is made of red sheer sandstone rock and named after its appearance, as the 100-foot-tall (30-meter-tall) formation vaguely resembles the image of a man kneeling in prayer. The Praying Monk is popular among rock climbers and maintains permanent anchor bolts for belay rope.

Practical Info

Camelback Mountain is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area, toward the northern end of the Phoenix metropolitan area between the neighborhood of Arcadia and city of Paradise Valley.

Paradise Valley 85253, USA

From $ 70

Canyon Lake

The smallest of the Salt River Projects lakes, Canyon Lake is just 10 miles long but offers 28 miles of shoreline.

Being wet is popular here. Water skiing, boating, swimming and fishing are how most folks spend their days when visiting. Along with a designated swimming area, there is also a pair of boating ramps. Motorboat and row boat rentals are available. On weekends and holidays from April through October, the lake usually reaches capacity in the morning. Lucky fisherman can hook walleye, largemouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.

Practical Info

Tortilla Campground is just a couple miles away from Canyon Lake. Open October through April, it has 77 spaces. Water and sewer hook-ups are also available. Canyon Lake is 45 miles east of Phoenix. The only way to get there is using the Apache Trail (Highway 88) from Apache Junction. The 15 miles to the lake are fully paved. There are many sharp turns, but the stretch includes colorful desert scenery.

Tonto National Forest, Arizona, USA

From $ 137