Things to Do in Usa

Even people who aren’t avid birdwatchers seem to enjoy birds of prey. Maybe it’s their large, feathery wingspan or the fact they’re expert hunters, but there’s something a little more wild and captivating about eagles, raptors, or hawks. Here at the Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, South Carolina, explore a campus of over 50 species of powerful aerial predators. Watch as a Peregrine Falcon goes soaring above the trees of the Lowcountry, and keep an eye out for wild bald eagles that frequently circle above.

All of America’s great cities have a fantastic urban park. New York’s Central Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and Nashville’s Centennial Park.

The lush green landscape provides a needed escape from the towering skyscrapers and bustling city life. The most notable, and possibly most out-of-place feature of the park is the Parthenon replica, built to scale. Commissioned for Nashville’s celebration of the nation’s 100th birthday, it also commemorates Nashville’s reputation as the “Athens of the South” because of its many universities and arts scene.

Don’t just admire this architectural feat from the outside, the builders took this replica project to its fullest extent. According to Ancient Greek history, the Parthenon was built to house an ivory and gold statue built by Phidias to honor the goddess. Its size can’t be described as anything but breath-taking, and it’s mind-blowing to think about this being built during the B.C. era.

In Nashville, Centennial Park also serves as a prime outdoor venue for all kinds of community events. From outdoor movie screenings in the bandstand, concerts, bike festivals, swing dancing Saturday nights, Americana arts showcases, and Shakespeare performances, there’s always something exciting going on. Joggers, volleyball players, and more take advantage of the facilities as well. Take an afternoon to feed the ducks in the lake, grab a sno-cone, and people watch at this picturesque urban park.

Waterfront porch swings, a giant pineapple fountain, and grassy areas perfect for lazing the day away make Waterfront Park feel like Charleston’s personal backyard. Watch the boats float by on the river, snap photos, and enjoy the park’s family-friendly amenities—they keep this park a favorite hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. 

The Basics

For an afternoon picnic or fun with the kids, Waterfront Park is an excellent choice. The 12-acre (4.9-hectare) park is a favorite for its wide-open spaces, neat walking trails, and fantastic views of the Ashley River from Vendue Wharf. The park also has two fountains: one giant pineapple fountain that’s perfect for taking photos, and one smaller splash zone that’s a hit with kids who want to cool off. 

Many Charleston walking and carriage tours pass by the park, but because of its central location, Waterfront Park is an easy add-on to your independent sightseeing itinerary too.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Charleston Waterfront Park is a lovely spot for all visitors to Charleston, especially families with children.
  
• There isn’t much shade at the park, so be sure to bring sun protection.
  
• Tote swimsuits and towels to make the most of the splash zone.
  
• Public restrooms are available within walking distance of the park.
  
• The park is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
  

How to Get There

Waterfront Park is located on the eastern edge of the Charleston peninsula, at the end of Concord Street. There is street and lot parking nearby, and the park is also a stop on the free downtown DASH shuttle’s green line.

When to Get There

The always-popular Waterfront Park is free and open to the public year-round. Check the weather before you visit to ensure that you can make the most of your time there. If you’re interested in taking photos, consider going at sunset and staying until the fountain lights turn on—it’s worth the wait. 

Waterfront Park Tours

If you want to visit Waterfront Park without spending a valuable chunk of your vacation time, consider going on a guided tour. Get an overview of the park’s highlights, snap a photo, and then move on to the city’s bigger-name attractions nearby like the Battery, Rainbow Row, and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.

Set behind The Grove (L.A.’s most popular mall) and the Original Farmer’s Market, this television studio complex in the Fairfax District is often defined by its long lines of tourists and local visitors waiting to snag seats to a show taping. Open since 1952, Television City is now home to eight separate studios, which host shows like American Idol, The Young & the Restless, The Price is Right and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher.

Built on the site of the former Gilmore Stadium (once part of neighboring Pan Pacific Park), this series of black and white planes mixed with glassy cubes was designed by Pereira & Luckman, the architects behind LAX’s distinctively futuristic “Theme Building,” which now houses the Encounter Restaurant & Bar. Television City is now one of two CBS TV studios in the L.A. area, the other being CBS Television Center in Studio City.

This chapel in the red rocks of Sedona is literally built into the side of a hill. And while it may be a spot for religious contemplation and quiet prayer, it’s also home to some of the area’s most breathtaking views, including epic sunsets over pristine desert landscape.

As in most chapels, the benches of this tiny structure face an altar made for worship, but what makes Chapel of the Holy Cross unique is the massive windows that overlook some of the state’s most impressive and picturesque scenery.