Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
ShowingFilter 341-360 of 2014 listings.
Coney Island
When sweltering summer temperatures hit the city, New Yorkers flock to this kitschy seaside resort. As well as a boardwalk and almost 3 miles (5 kilometers) of sandy beach, Coney Island is home to roller coasters and amusements, New York Aquarium, and Nathan’s Famous, a landmark hot dog joint that started out as a stand in 1916.
The Basics
Wading into the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island is a quintessential New York experience. Visitors can book a day pass for Luna Park amusement park and try out retro rides, such as the antique B&B Carousell and the Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that dates back to 1927, as well as playing classic arcade games like Whac-a-Mole.
Travelers can explore Coney Island on guided sightseeing and pizza-themed tours of Brooklyn, as well as on multiborough tours that hop between neighborhoods in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Coney Island can also be seen from the water during Jet Ski tours and from the air during helicopter tours over NYC.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Coney Island is a must for fans of kitsch and Americana.
- Public bathrooms can be found at the beach.
- The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, as is the beach. Beach mats are set up at West 33rd Street, Stillwell Avenue, and West Fifth Street.
How to Get There
Coney Island is in southwest Brooklyn. To get there, ride the D, Q, N, or F train to the last stop: Stillwell Avenue. The station is just a block away from the boardwalk.
When to Get There
When New York heats up, Coney Island draws crowds. Get there early in the day to secure a spot near the water. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty: between 10am and 6pm, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Events at Coney Island
Coney Island is the setting for many exciting events. There’s May’s Popular Brooklyn Half, a half-marathon with a finish line on the boardwalk; the glitter-fueled fun of June’s Coney Island Mermaid Parade; and Nathan’s Famous Annual Hot Dog–Eating Contest on July 4. There are also fireworks every Friday night from late June until Labor Day, and the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day, during which swimmers brave the freezing Atlantic waters.
Address: USA
From $ 44
Copley Place
Copley Place is the premier high-end shopping destination of Boston. With 75 shops spread out over 9.5 acres, there is something for every shopper at the massive mall. The two levels of shopping are joined by a dining area, four office buildings, and two hotels. Apparel shops include brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Christian Dior, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co, and Barney’s New York, alongside lifestyle stores like William & Sonoma and Sur La Table.
Named for American artist John Singleton Copley, it was designed by the Architects’ Collective. The building’s center atrium and skylight lets in a ton of natural light and creates an airy feeling inside. The Westin and Boston Marriott Copley Place hotels offer maximum proximity to the center’s many shops. Special events are held frequently in the space as well. Copley Place is a luxurious, central place to shop, eat, work, and play in historic Boston.
Practical Info
Copley Place can be found in heart of the Back Bay area of Boston. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 to 6 pm. The closest public transportation station is Back Bay, and garage parking is available on site. It connects directly to the Shops at Prudential Center via skybridge.
Address: 100 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts, USA 02116, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm
From $ 40
Coral Gables
All across America are wealthy suburbs, where the houses are big and new and designed to resemble European abodes. But Coral Gables, called the City Beautiful, was the first. For in the posh neighborhood, you’ll see Italianate villas, Mediterranean mansion, mini-Alhambras, and cookie-cutter Cordobas, shaded and lovely under lving walls of banyan grove and ficus copse.
After you’ve spent some time driving around looking at all the beautiful homes, head up Granada Boulevard to Anastasia Avenue to marvel at the palatial landmark Biltmore Hotel. Then zip up the diagonal Desoto Boulevard, past the gurgling stone fountain of DeSoto Plaza to the perfectly sculpted landscaping, waterfalls, palm groves, and shaded pavilions of Venetian Pool. For a little respite, head east past wedding-cake houses and an organic pavilion of banyan branches to Miracle Mile, a sparkling stretch of the Gables’ finest shopping outlets.
To the south is the University of Miami, where the gorgeous grounds and its student body inject a nice dose of punky youth into this aristocratic neighborhood. Art lovers should stop at the Lowe Art Museum to see the stunning collection of pre-Columbia and Mesoamerican art. The museum also has a lovely collection of Renaissance and Baroque art.
Practical Info
Coral Gables is located southwest of downtown Miami and borders Coconut Grove and Little Havana. The City Beautiful is packed with dining establishments and gourmet shops, along many international retailers.
You can easily spend an entire day here sightseeing, shopping, and eating. Though you can get here by public transportation, you’ll get the most of your visit by car, as you can easily see more sites.
Address: Miami, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 39
Conservatory Garden
The Conservatory Garden, located within Central Park, is a serene escape from the fast-paced urban life of Manhattan. It takes its name from a conservatory that stood on site until 1934 but is now a collection of fountains, sculptures and pathways through landscaped lanes.
Spread across six acres, the garden is divided into three distinct areas influenced by French, Italian and English styles. It is also a designated “quiet zone” that has become known as almost a secret garden to many. The area is free of runners, bicyclists and dogs, and is a popular place for weddings. The garden has two massive seasonal floral displays: tulips in the spring and chrysanthemums in the fall. Whether you’re strolling through the hedges and flower displays or relaxing on a bench with a book, the Conservatory Garden is a colorful place of calm, natural beauty meant to be savored.
Practical Info
The Conservatory Garden is located within Central Park on the east side and runs from 104th to 106th Street. The main entrance is through the Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th streets. It is open from 8 a.m. until dusk.
Address: 5th Ave and 105th St., New York City, New York 10029, USA
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-dusk
From $ 120
Crissy Field
A wide swath of beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area backed by restored wetlands is just part of Crissy Field’s story. An integral part of San Francisco’s waterfront, Crissy Field hosts a yacht harbor, a tidal marsh, and Crissy Promenade—a popular bike and pedestrian path that climbs from the beach to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
The Basics
A favorite playground for locals and dog walkers alike, Crissy Field is easy to explore. A foot and bike path connects Crissy Field to the city’s coastal points from Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman’s Wharf to Fort Mason, the Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond. From the naturally occurring Wave Organ to a broad, beach-bordered tidal marsh, Crissy Field is a great place to experience natural San Francisco while getting stellar views of Alcatraz Island, the Marin headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tours of the area such as walking and bike tours, surrey rentals, and GoCar tours cover Crissy Field’s natural history and national historic sites as well as the field’s former use as a military base. Tours wend from the eastern edge of Crissy Field to Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bike rentals offer a low-key way to explore Crissy Field and the northern side of peninsular San Francisco. To see the area from a fresh perspective, take to the air on a seaplane or helicopter tour, or take a sailboat cruise out onto the bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Families with kids enjoy the access to the picnic area and the beach, while history buffs get to explore Crissy Field’s past history as a military base and home to the Ohlone people.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses, and always dress in layers: San Francisco’s infamous summer fog sweeps over the Golden Gate Bridge and along the bay, casting a sudden chill on an otherwise warm day.
- The Warming Hut, at the field’s western end, is an ideal spot to grab a sandwich for a picnic or just to warm up.
- The promenade is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Crissy Field is on the northwest side of San Francisco facing the Golden Gate Bridge. Most visitors arrive by foot or bike, though MUNI lines 28 and 43 drop off within the Presidio, or take the 30 to the field’s eastern end. Another option is PresidiGo, a shuttle service that runs from downtown San Francisco and stops at key points in the Presidio. If you’re driving, note that the free parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
When to Get There
Crissy Field is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year. It is quietest on weekday mornings; the grass gets crowded on weekend afternoons (especially sunny ones) and holidays. It’s also an incredibly popular spot during special events on the bay, such as Fourth of July fireworks or the Blue Angels aerial show during Fleet Week (generally the first week of October).
San Francisco’s Presidio and the Wave Organ
Crissy Field is part of the Presidio, a former military base transformed to a modern community of restaurants, homes, offices, and green space. While exploring, check out the Wave Organ at Crissy Field’s eastern end. A naturally occurring sound machine, the Wave Organ emits sounds as the bay waters move through it, delighting children and adults with its unique auditory emissions.
Address: 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 26
Congress Hall
Immediately following the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia was declared the original capital city of the United States, and Congress Hall served as the first U.S. Capitol Building. It hosted the United States Congress until May 1800, when political focus shifted to Washington, D.C.
When used as the home of Congress, the House of Representatives met on the first floor, and the Senate met upstairs. The second floor is the more elaborate of the two, with a hand-loomed carpet bearing seals of the original colonies, and oil portraits of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette bequeathed by the French government to a newly liberated America.
The presidential inaugurations of Washington and Adam were held here, as were ceremonies establishing the First Bank of the United States and the ratification of Jay’s Treaty with England. The latter, named for then Chief Justice John Jay, ended the American Revolution and created ten years of peaceful trade between the Crown and the Colonies.
Beautifully restored to its original Colonial condition, Congress Hall is free to visit on a first-come, first-served basis. Only small groups are allowed in at any one time, so be prepared for a short wait.
Address: 6th and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
From $ 19
Creek Street
In pioneering days every red-blooded gold-rush town had a red-light district, and during Ketchikan’s frontier past it was Creek Street.
This historic bordello hub was built over Ketchikan Creek, hence the neighborhood’s name. In Ketchikan’s gold-mining heyday, more than two dozen houses of ill repute lined the boardwalk.
Prostitution wasn’t outlawed here until 1954, and was legal as long as business wasn’t transacted on dry land. This explains why Creek Street isn’t a street at all, but an elevated boardwalk built on wooden pilings.
Things are a lot more tame these days, and the red-trimmed Dolly’s House museum is Creek Street’s most colorful remnant. The boardwalk stretches over the creek, and gaily painted wooden buildings line the waterfront here.
This historic bordello hub was built over Ketchikan Creek, hence the neighborhood’s name. In Ketchikan’s gold-mining heyday, more than two dozen houses of ill repute lined the boardwalk.
Prostitution wasn’t outlawed here until 1954, and was legal as long as business wasn’t transacted on dry land. This explains why Creek Street isn’t a street at all, but an elevated boardwalk built on wooden pilings.
Things are a lot more tame these days, and the red-trimmed Dolly’s House museum is Creek Street’s most colorful remnant. The boardwalk stretches over the creek, and gaily painted wooden buildings line the waterfront here.
Practical Info
Creek Street follows Ketchikan Creek in downtown Ketchikan. It connects to Stedman St and Tongass Avenue.
Address: Creek Street, Ketchikan AK 99901, USA
Hours: Open daily
From $ 80
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge is home to roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats—the world’s largest urban bat colony. Spectators gather here on summer nights, cameras in hand, to watch these flying mammals emerge from beneath the bridge to hunt in the sky above Lady Bird Lake.
The Basics
You can witness Austin’s beloved flying residents from various locations, including the eastern walkway of Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, the grassy hillside at the base of the bridge, or from Lady Bird Lake in a rented kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Bat-watching tours take various forms—enjoy a guided cycling tour around the lake before arriving at the bridge in time for bat viewing, paddle to the bridge on a kayak tour, or see the bats as part of a GPS-led scavenger hunt through the Texas capital.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Congress Bridge bats are a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Austin.
- The bats’ dramatic appearance usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
- A typical bat tour lasts two to three hours, depending on the option chosen.
- The public walkway along Congress Avenue Bridge is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Congress Avenue Bridge is located roughly one mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Austin. The easiest way to get there is on foot or by road. Parking is available near the Austin American-Statesman office, Auditorium Shores, and along East Riverside Drive.
When to Get There
The Austin bats can be seen between March and November, with their numbers peaking in summer. The mammals begin to emerge about 20 minutes before sundown; due to the spectacle’s popularity, it’s a good idea to show up an hour or so before sunset to stake out a spot on the bridge.
Austin Bat Trivia
The free-tailed bat colony that lives beneath South Congress Bridge was once feared, but today the bats are appreciated for keeping the city’s bug population under control. Each night, the colony consumes 20,000 to 30,000 pounds (9,072 to 13,608 kilograms) of insects. This particular species gets its name from its long tail, which measures about a third of the length of its body. The bats often fly up to two miles (3.2 kilometers) high and are among the fastest mammals in the world.
Address: Austin, Texas, USA
From $ 25
Crater Lake National Park
At nearly 1,950 feet (594 meters) deep, Oregon’s Crater Lake holds the titles of America’s clearest and deepest lake (and the 9th-deepest in the world). Ringed by towering cliffs, the volcanic lake’s crystalline blue waters make for spectacular photos, whether from lookouts on Rim Drive or from the lake’s surface on a boat cruise.
The Basics
With the lake at its center, this Oregon national park offers many ways for visitors to explore and enjoy. Take in the sights while driving along the 33-mile (53-kilometer) Rim Drive, which circles Crater Lake, or aboard a ranger-led cruise on the lake for a close-up view of rock formations like the Phantom Ship and Wizard Island. Backcountry camping, bicycling, fishing, stargazing, swimming, and wildlife-viewing are also on the menu. If you’re based in Portland, Crater Lake lies too far for a day trip, but you can visit the park as part of a guided multi-day tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Crater Lake National Park is a must-visit for adventure travelers, photographers, and families.
- Dress in layers; conditions can be cold and windy even in the summer.
- Public Wi-Fi is available at the Crater Lake Lodge and Annie Creek Restaurant.
- Cell phone coverage is unreliable in many areas of the park, so plan ahead.
- Developed areas of the park are generally accessible to wheelchair users, with the exception of the Sinnott Memorial Overlook.
How to Get There
Crater Lake National Park lies about 230 miles (370 kilometers) south of Portland and 184 miles (296 kilometers) north of Redding, California. With no public transportation to the park, visitors must either drive themselves or join a guided tour. The park’s closest commercial airports are Klamath Falls and Medford, 63 miles (101 kilometers) and 75 miles (121 kilometers) away, respectively.
When to Get There
While the park remains open throughout the year, the North Entrance Road and Rim Drive are closed from November through April or May due to snow. The lake is often hidden on rainy days. July, August, and September offer the best chances for warm and dry conditions.
Where Did Crater Lake Come From?
The crater filled with water seen today was created almost 8,000 years ago when Mount Mazama volcano erupted and collapsed. Crater Lake isn’t fed by any rivers or streams, but instead gets its water from only rain and snow—lots of it. Crater Lake National Park receives an average of 533 inches (about 44 feet) of snow per year.
Address: Oregon, USA
From $ 80
Conservatory of Flowers
Fans of the curious and bizarre feel at home at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it houses rare and unusual plants from threatened rainforest environments. Pass a wide, welcoming front lawn and step inside the giant, white greenhouse to discover the beauty of the natural world.
The Basics
Opened in 1879, the Conservatory of Flowers is primarily a botanical garden. Tropical plants and trees are built into arrangements starting at floor level and soaring up toward the glass ceiling.
Experiencing this unique building at the eastern end of Golden Gate Park can be easily combined with other sites in the park. Whether by bike, bus, or Segway, tours of Golden Gate Park generally include a stop at the Conservatory of Flowers. Tickets to this Victorian greenhouse are available at the ticket booth outside the conservatory for self-guided tours. Docent-led tours must be requested in advance and can include a boxed lunch.
Discounted admission is included in two of San Francisco's popular visitor passes, which allow the passholder reduced entrance fees to a variety of local attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The interior of the Conservatory of Flowers is similar to that of a tropical rainforest. Floors are often wet and temperatures may exceed 85°F (29°C).
- Shoes that can get wet are a must.
- Binoculars or a camera with a telephoto or macro lens are helpful to view exotic plants and butterflies.
- The conservatory is wheelchair accessible, but the pathways through the arrangements are quite narrow. Strollers aren’t allowed inside but can be parked on the grass by the front door.
- Booking a docent-led tour is a must for botanists and other plant enthusiasts.
- There are no restrooms inside the conservatory greenhouse.
How to Get There
San Francisco Muni offers convenient public transportation to Golden Gate Park with the 5 and 33 lines. Bike racks are located next to the east side of the conservatory entrance and near the restrooms on the west side. There are a few public parking spaces in front of the conservatory on John F. Kennedy Drive. On Sundays, Golden Gate Park is closed to vehicular traffic. Take the free shuttle bus around the park.
When to Get There
Arrive when the conservatory first opens to snag a parking space, avoid the crowds, and snap the best pictures of the plants. Weekdays are quieter than weekends when picnickers pack the lawns. The first Tuesday of the month offers free admission. The conservatory is closed on Mondays (except Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day), Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1, and closes at 2pm on December 24 (last ticket sold at 1:30pm).
San Francisco’s Home for Carnivorous Plants
The Conservatory of Flowers is a favorite with kids who love to see the many carnivorous plants. Rare and threatened orchids, aquatic plants, and both highland and lowland tropical plants native to Southeast Asia, Central America, and Africa call the conservatory home. Mist often wafts through the air to keep these colorful specimens comfortable.
Address: 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, California, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
From Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton, Nashville's stars have earned the city its title as “Music City,” and you can dive into that history and culture at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn about the best of this classic American music genre with historic video clips, recorded music, and a menu of live performances and public programs.
The Basics
A star Nashville attraction, the Country Music Hall of Fame is included on most Nashville sightseeing tours, including multi-attraction passes and bus tours. A guided tour of the museum is often combined with a visit to the Ryman Auditorium or other notable Nashville sites, such as the Johnny Cash Museum, the Tennessee State Capitol, or Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Book a ticket to explore independently or with an add-on audio guide, and pay homage to musicians Garth Brooks and Loretta Lynn before exploring a collection of country music history and memorabilia. Some Nashville music tours also visit the historic RCA Studio B—Elvis’s favorite spot to record—and Hatch Studio, one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the US.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ticket line can grow long during peak visiting hours; save time by purchasing tickets in advance.
- The museum offers two dining options and multiple retail spots for souvenirs.
- The museum and RCA Studio B are accessible by wheelchair. Tours for those with audio and visual impairments are available with two weeks’ notice.
- Plan to spend two to three hours exploring the museum.
How to Get There
The Country Music Hall of Fame is centrally located in downtown Nashville, within walking distance of most hotels. Take the free Music City Circuit bus line or opt for a narrated hop-on hop-off trolley. Drivers can park in a nearby paid parking lot.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Come early in the morning for smaller crowds. Tickets are good for reentry on the date of your visit.
Architectural Keys at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Even if you don’t have time to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, swing by to see the building’s exterior. The dark windows and white walls are designed to look like piano keys and make for a great photo op.
Address: 222 5th Avenue South, Nashville 37203-4206, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Admission: Adults: US$25.95 - US$40.95, Youth (6-12): US$15.95 - US$30.95
From $ 18
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
The second-oldest cemetery in Boston, Copp's Hill Burying Ground is a landmark area and peak tourist attraction for those interested in the deep historical roots of Boston – one of the first cities built in the New World. Established in 1659, this burial ground is closing in on 400 years old, and with such tenure comes thousands of interred. A self-guided tour will reveal Boston’s long history of artisans, craftsmen, some notable founding fathers of Boston, as well as thousands of African Americans in unmarked graves on the Snowhill Street side of the burial ground.
Now a stop on the Freedom Trail, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground was added to the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1974 thanks to its repeated interest by tourists and photographers. Strolling the grounds will lend a new perspective on Boston, its peoples, and its history, perhaps best summarized by Thomas Williston’s grave, whose epitaph reads: “Stop here my friend and case an Eye. As you are now so once was I. As I am now, so you must be, prepare for death and follow me.”
Practical Info
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on Hull Street.
Address: Hull Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
From $ 42
Coronado
Across the bay from downtown San Diego, the small resort town of Coronado is an idyllic escape from the city with a wide, sandy coastline and a tree-lined main drag that’s home to shops and restaurants. Visitors go to hang out on the beach, tour historical sites, and watch the sunset.
The Basics
You may hear Coronado called an island, but it's actually a peninsula, connected to the mainland by a long spit of sand known as the Silver Strand. Most visitors arrive, however, via the 2.1-mile (3.4-kilometer) Coronado Bridge. There are a variety of ways to see Coronado, from a quick visit during a San Diego city tour or a more in-depth Coronado Segway tour to a brunch cruise or sailing tour where you can admire the enclave from the water.
Popular destinations include the Coronado Museum of History and Art, Coronado Ferry Landing, Silver Strand State Beach, and shopping along Orange Avenue. If you only do one thing, though, it must be a visit to Hotel del Coronado, the grand dame of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The town is only about 1 mile (1.6 kilometer) wide—it’s best explored on foot or by bike.
- Bike rentals are available around town; children are required to wear helmets.
- If you want to spend time on the beach and visit some of the attractions, plan for a whole day in Coronado.
- Metered parking and paid parking lots can be found around town.
How to Get There
Coronado is roughly 15 minutes by car from downtown San Diego via the bridge. You can also take the Coronado Ferry for a 15-minute ride across San Diego Bay. By public transport, bus 901 travels between San Diego and Coronado.
When to Get There
Go on a weekday to avoid crowds of locals who descend on the weekends for beach time or brunch. If you’re returning to San Diego on the ferry, pay attention to the schedule, as it does not typically operate late at night. Popular events in Coronado include the summertime Tuesday farmers market at the Ferry Landing and the Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado.
Hotel del Coronado
“The Del,” as it’s known, is Coronado’s top attraction—a National Historic Landmark built in the Victorian style in the 1880s. Admire its architecture and design inside and out, from the elegant, polished wood lobby to the recognizable red rooftops. Former guests include Charlie Chaplin, Katharine Hepburn, Oprah Winfrey, and several U.S. presidents. If you’re not staying there, go for drinks or a bite to eat, or take a docent-led tour.
Address: Coronado 92118, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Count's Kustoms
A trip to Count’s Kustoms, a hotrod showroom just off the Strip, is a must for fans of the reality TV show Counting Cars as it’s the show’s home base. Take a free tour of the room filled with cars, choppers, and other works of automotive art made famous by the Pawn Stars spin-off.
The Basics
Visitors wander the showroom filled with custom hotrods, choppers, and more to see the work of owner Danny Koker and staff. To view more classic rides, choose a multi location tour that stops at car hot spots such as the filming locations for Counting Cars and Vegas Rat Rods and the Shelby Museum. Or, book a reality-TV focused tour with access to sites important to Counting Cars, Pawn Stars, Tanked, American Restoration, Toy Shack, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Count’s Kustoms is a must-visit for automobile enthusiasts and fans of Counting Cars.
- Entrance to the shop is free of charge but bring your wallet—there are plenty of souvenirs on sale.
- Parking is free at the shop.
How to Get There
Count’s Kustoms is located at 2714 South Highland Drive, near Circus Circus Drive, in Las Vegas. It is a 25-minute walk from the SLS, the northernmost resort on the Las Vegas Strip and the site of the closest monorail station.
When to Get There
The showroom is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm and weekends from 10am to 5pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Meet the Stars
There is always the possibility of running into one of the Counting Cars’ stars when you visit, but Count’s Kustoms also hosts regular meet-and-greet sessions. Call or check the website for details.
Address: 2714 South Highland Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA
From $ 70
Coral Castle Museum
The Coral Castle Museum in Miami, Florida, is a castle and stone garden surrounded in mystery. It was built from 1923 to 1951 by Edward Leedskalnin, who was originally from Latvia and stood at just over five feet tall and weighed only 100 pounds. Despite his small size, he worked alone to build his castle during a time before modern construction equipment. His creations were carved out of more than 1,100 tons of coral rock, and he worked at night so no one saw how he built it—people began to say he had supernatural powers. All Ed would ever say was that he knew “the secret of the pyramids.” His secrets died with him.
Today you can explore Coral Castle with the help of an audio guide, available in English, Spanish, German or French, or on a tour with a knowledgeable guide. You will see many features of the museum, such as a nine-ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs, all are made entirely of stone.
Practical Info
The Coral Castle Museum is located at 28655 South Dixie Highway in Miami. When using GPS to get to the museum, use Homestead instead of Miami. The museum is open Sunday through Thursday from 8am to 6pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and up, and $7 for children 7-12. Children 6 and under are free.
Address: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Miami 33033, USA
Hours: Sun-Thurs 8am-6pm; Fri-Sat 8am-8pm
Admission: Adults $15, Seniors (65+) $12, Children (7-12) $7, 6 and under Free
From $ 19
Copley Square
Located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Copley Square is among the most beautiful public parks in the city. For more than 100 years, it has been a hub of downtown activity and historical significance for the sheer number of institutions built here since the 1800s. Many still stand today, including the stunning Boston Public Library, Trinity Church, Old South Church, the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel and New England's tallest skyscraper, John Hancock Tower.
The square is best known as the site of the finish line for the annual Boston Marathon, and there is a 1996 memorial here celebrating the race's 100th anniversary. It is also well known as a downtown commercial hub with a variety of upscale restaurants and shopping options. The onsite Copley Place mall includes high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Porsche Design and Tiffany & Co.
Visitors will also appreciate the rotating calendar of events offered in the park throughout the year, ranging from large concerts to farmers' markets.
Practical Info
The square is located in the area formed by the intersection of Boylston Street, Clarendon Street, St. James Avenue and Dartmouth Street. Copley Square is best accessed via public transportation by taking the MBTA Green Line subway to the Copley stop. Metered and garaged parking is available nearby but is limited and quite expensive.
Address: 560 Boylston St, Boston 02116, USA
From $ 35
Cow Hollow
Known for its vibrant culture, often busy by both day and night, Cow Hollow is a central San Francisco neighborhood that attracts many of the city’s young professionals. At the heart of the scene is Union Street, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare lined with cafes, antique shops, wellness centers, bars, and restaurants. Before it was a trendy urban area, it was an open valley where cows grazed (hence its name!) Its proximity to the Marina and coastline also made it the place many fishermen resided.
Though now filled with boutique shops and posh apartments, the old Victorian houses lining Cow Hollow streets are reminiscent of this area’s past. If history is what you’re after, you’ll find it in the Octagon House, a 19th century home built to let in natural light from all angles. As for modern city life, a variety of cuisines and an active nightlife make this area a draw for many.
Practical Info
Cow Hollow is situated in between Russian Hill and the Presidio, with Pacific Heights and the Marina on either side. The Muni bus 22 stops at Union Street on its way down Fillmore Street. The neighborhood is best explored on foot.
Address: Between Steiner and Gough Streets, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
From $ 25
Cook Inlet
A watershed extending from Anchorage to the Gulf of Alaska, the Cook Inlet encompasses 180 miles (290 km) of beauty and recreation. It’s surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes, including the active Augustine Volcano and Mount Redoubt, linking the area with tsunamis and earthquakes in the past. The Upper Cook Inlet is also one of few places in the world that experiences a tidal bore, allowing visitors to see the unusual phenomenon of waves crashing against the current rather than with it.
The Cook Inlet also holds much history, from Russian fur hunters to European explorers like Captain James Cook—after whom the site is named—visiting and mapping out the area as they tried to find the Northwest Passage in 1778. Around Upper Cook Inlet were Native Alaskans from eight different villages, with some descendants of these families still living there today.
Along with its beauty and heritage, the area offers a wide range of experiences. Popular flightseeing excursions allow for dramatic aerial views of the Alaskan landscape, while charter boats offer salmon and halibut fishing trips. For a unique wildlife experience, there are occasional sightings of the Cook Inlet beluga whale, an endangered subspecies of beluga whale. Drive along the Turnagain Arm and you’ll have chances to see these whales as well as dall sheep, bears and bald eagles.
Insider tip: The Cook Inlet is a beautiful spot to take in at sunrise or sunset, especially with a view of 4,396-foot Mount Susitna, also known as the “Sleeping Lady,” shrouded in bright colors.
Practical Info
Spring through fall is the best time to visit the Cook Inlet, as this is your best chance at seeing whales from the Turnagain Arm. Captain Cook State Park is another great Cook Inlet spot to look for both whales and birds.
Address: Anchorage, Alaska, USA
From $ 49
Concord
Like so many towns in Massachusetts, Concord was the cornerstone of some of the most significant moments that helped shape U.S. history and independence. It was among the first settled outposts of the Massachusetts Bay Colony by English settlers and one of the first interior towns in the state. Perhaps just as important is the town’s rich literary history. During the mid-1800s, it emerged as the epicenter for a period of American history called “The Flowering of New England.” It was during this time that the country’s greatest literary minds rose to fame, including Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott.
Today, Concord affords visitors a wealth of must-see attractions, all of which celebrate its storied past. The Battle Road Trail preserves the original site of Paul Revere’s capture, the Bloody Angle that served as an ambush point for colonists, and the home of Captain William Smith of the Lincoln Minute Men. Today it is a 5.5-mile path for cyclists and walkers that passes by beautiful historic homes, wetlands, and fields.
Other notable points of interest include Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Walden Pond, Ralph Waldo Emerson House, and Minute Man National Historical Park. Perhaps the most popular nearby tourist attraction is Old North Bridge, the site of the first battle day in the American War of Independence. While the current bridge is a replica of the original, it still remains a must-see attraction in Concord.
Address: Concord, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 56
Court Square
The park at Court Square is a beautifully landscaped open space offering a change from the urban structures of the city. With a large fountain, gazebo, and benches, it is a popular spot for locals to enjoy a lunch break or a relaxing afternoon. In the summer months the park is home to outdoor concerts, food truck gatherings, karaoke contests, and other community events.
Situated right at the center of downtown Memphis, it is considered by many to be the heart of the city and thus is also a frequent meeting place. The square is surrounded by some of the most architecturally significant buildings in Memphis, and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a great place to sit and relax in the shade while taking in some of the sights of Memphis, as the antique trolleys roll by.
Practical Info
Court Square sits in the middle of downtown Memphis, adjacent to the trolley line and Main Street.
Address: 62 N Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm
From $ 25