Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
ShowingFilter 361-380 of 2014 listings.
De Young Museum
If de Young Museum’s Herzog & de Meuron architectural design doesn’t capture your attention, the bird’s-eye view of Golden Gate Park from the observation tower will. Wander the collections of Oceanic and American art, as well as galleries of impressive textiles and decorative arts.
The Basics
The M.H. de Young Memorial Museum’s American collection features 17th- to 21st-century works. Many visitors view pieces from Hudson River School artists. Oceanic art, such as New Zealand Maori wood carvings, and African art, including ancient terra-cotta from Mali, figure prominently. An expansive textile arts collection, including 20th-century couture from European designers, such as Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent, is very popular.
The San Francisco CityPASS and Go card, plus a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, include admission to de Young Museum, while other tours, such as self-guided, electric bike, and Segway tours, and Surrey rentals, don’t. Single-admission tickets provide same-day admission to de Young’s partner fine arts museum, the Legion of Honor. Tours don’t include admission to any special exhibits.
Things to Know Before You Go
- de Young Museum is compact and easy to visit in a few hours.
- The small on-site café is very busy at lunchtime and during special exhibitions.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms. It sets aside separate days during new exhibitions to allow visitors who request accommodation to visit when the museum is less crowded.
- Admission for children under 17 is always free. Admission is free to everyone on the first Tuesday of the month.
How to Get There
de Young Museum is in Golden Gate Park, near the California Academy of Sciences, the Hagiwara Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Muni’s 44 O’Shaughnessy, 5 Fulton, 21 Hayes, and N Judah streetcar all stop within walking distance of the entrance. If driving, there’s a parking lot at the Music Concourse and free on-street parking throughout the park. Golden Gate Park is closed to car traffic every Sunday.
When to Get There
de Young is busiest during the summer, on important holidays, and when special exhibitions are held. Arrive during opening at 9:30am for uncrowded galleries and easy parking. In spring and fall, picnickers fill Golden Gate Park. The museum is open Tuesdays–Sundays, 9:30am–5:15pm; it’s closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Dine with a View
de Young Café hosts a popular Weinpause or traditional afternoon wine or coffee break. It also attracts crowds who take in the view of the Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden, which includes works designed to blend in with the natural landscape of Golden Gate Park.
Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
De la Cruz Collection
The De la Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space contains works from the personal collection of Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz and covers 30,000 square feet with art. Before moving to this site in 2009, the original space was an extension of the couple’s home of 25 years and focused on international contemporary art.
The art space includes various rooms with rotating exhibits, including one dedicated to showcasing local Miami artists’ works. Look for lectures designed to increase public awareness of art history and modern-day art practices. To help further promote the local art scene, Miami creative often submit proposals for site-specific installations, and classes and workshops designed with local schools take place as well. The De la Cruz family has also developed internship opportunities and a scholarship program for high school and college students. The De la Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space is privately owned and funded by Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz.
Practical Info
The De la Cruz Collection is located at 23 NE 41 Street in Miami’s Design District. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am until 4pm and its collection, programs, lectures and library are all free of charge to the public.
Address: 23 NE 41 Street, Miami, Florida, USA
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm.
From $ 85
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
If you've ever dreamt of swimming with manatees in their natural habitat, Florida’s Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is where to go. Established in 1983, the 177-acre (71-hectare) refuge is home to America’s largest concentration of the 1,000-pound gentle giants. West Indian Manatees flock to the more than 70 turquoise-colored springs in Crystal River for warmth during winter. With hundreds of manatees in a small area, sightings are frequent.
The Basics
Visitors to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge must approach the area by boat. Trained wildlife experts lead excursions onto the river for visitors to view the sea cows and snorkel among them. Whether on a private or a group tour, visitors should receive safety instructions to give the wild animals plenty of space and admire their beauty from a distance. In addition to manatees, you may see dolphins, birds, fish, and turtles. Though manatee encounters are never guaranteed, the refuge is one of the few natural habitats where people are permitted to swim with them.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The waters at Crystal River are comfortably warm, about 72°F (22°C) and clear year-round.
- Most guided tours are led by US Coast Guard-licensed captains and include a wetsuit and snorkel gear.
- Travelers should not intentionally approach the manatees; touching, chasing, and feeding are prohibited.
- Tours often include underwater photography and meals or snacks for the day.
- Manatee season is mid-November to late March and most tours start early in the morning.
How to Get There
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge sits alongside the town of Crystal River in Kings Bay, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Tampa and 85 miles (137 kilometers) northwest of Orlando. The refuge doesn’t offer water access facilities for visitors.
When to Get There
The manatee season at Crystal River refuge begins in mid-November and ends in late March. The visitor center is open daily from 8am to 4pm in winter and on weekdays from May through October. The refuge staff may close parts of the sanctuary during winter.
Three Sisters Springs
There are three major sites within Crystal River from which the Florida manatee can be observed. King Spring, where the refugee started, is the largest. Three Sisters is considered the most beautiful and important to the manatees. Shuttles from the Three Sisters Springs Center to a boardwalk along the water run daily.
Address: 1502 Southeast Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, Florida 34429, USA
From $ 52
David Geffen Hall
Formerly known as Avery Fisher Hall, David Geffen Hall is home to the famous New York Philharmonic orchestra. It received a new name in 2015 as part of a $500 million fundraising effort to go toward renovations. The American businessman, David Geffen, gave $100 million for naming rights and to help the hall continue to host its musical and cultural acts.
Since its original opening in 1962, this 2,738-seat hall has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and is often used for film premieres, graduations, and local events. It’s the New York Philharmonic, however, that most often uses the space, which having been founded in 1842 is America’s oldest major orchestra.
Insider's Tip: Children under 4 years old are not allowed to attend evening performances.
Practical Info
David Geffen Hall is located in the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. The hall is located on the north side of the complex, and has a café that is open until the intermission of all events. Wheelchair accessible seating is available, and the best place for dropping somebody off is at Columbus Avenue and 64th Street. The center has dedicated parking lots and you should call ahead to reserve a space.
Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, USA 10023, USA
From $ 56
Cullari Vineyards and Winery
Cullari Vineyards is the first and only winery in the Hersey, Pennsylvania area. Run by a couple with Italian heritage, the wines are made with respect to traditional practices. Grapes used in production include Native American (present pre-Colombus), French-American hybrid, and vinifera.
Fitting with the area, one of Cullari's most popular wines is an award-winning Coco Nostra chocolate wine. This winery is one of very few in Pennsylvania to produce zinfandel, which is its single largest varietal. In total , Cullari makes more than 30 varietals including dry, sweet and semi-sweet, so there is something to suit every taste.
The vineyards are set against the rolling hills between Lancaster and Harrisburg, while the cozy tasting room offers sips of some of the winery's most unique wines, which are only available in store.
Practical Info
Located just outside of central Hershey, get to the winery by taking Route 422 East (Chocolate Ave) one mile past the Hershey Chocolate factory. Though there is no entry fee, there is a small tasting fee of $5. Visitors are free to bring in their own food and snacks.
Address: 1251 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA
Hours: Wed-Fri from 1-6pm, Saturday from 11am-6pm, and Sun 12-5pm
Admission: Tastings $5-$10
From $ 117
Custer State Park
With its rolling hills, roaming wildlife, and natural beauty, Custer State Park is one of the most scenic areas of South Dakota. Its clear streams, tall granite mountains, and open plains present much to see. Herds of bison, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, and even wild turkey are frequently seen from one of the park’s walking trails or scenic drives.
The Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop Road, and Iron Mountain Road are some of the most beautiful drives in the park. Five beautiful lakes and various streams provide opportunities to go fishing, kayaking, and swimming as well.
After gold was discovered in the Black Hills by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer, the area quickly developed. Today it is known more for its wide open spaces and events such as the annual buffalo roundup. There is more than 71,000 acres of wild land to explore, with tunnels, forest, bridges, and viewpoints to stop at throughout.
Practical Info
Custer State Park is just 15 miles outside of the town of Custer, South Dakota on the Highway 16 East. Various visitors centers are located within the park, which is open year-round and costs $15 per vehicle to enter.
Address: 13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, South Dakota, USA, USA
Hours: All day
Admission: $15 per vehicle
From $ 88
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
On lands bestowed by a local resident, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has grown into more than 400 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Its meadows and lakefront lands hold more than a dozen specialized gardens, with both local and exotic plants and flowers. Often bees and butterflies can be spotted amongst the flowers. There are also sculptures and fountains throughout.
The gardens are meticulously designed and quite pleasing to walk through or relax in. Of particular note is the Four Seasons Garden, which is home to a variety of plants with different shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. There are educational displays and interactive sections for children.
Be sure to check out its Orchid Conservatory and many paths winding throughout the acres, including the Woodland Trail. Many different ecosystems can be viewed in one place, and the air is always fragrant with floral scents.
Practical Info
You'll find the garden just outside of Charlottesville near the state line in Belmont, North Carolina. The best way to get there is via car on either Interstate 85 or 77 and parking is free.
Open daily from 9am-5pm, the garden has a fee of $12.95 to enter ($6.95 for children.) Picnic facilities are available, and drinks and snacks can be found in the Garden Store.
Address: 6500 S New Hope Road, Belmont, USA
Hours: 9am-5pm
Admission: $12.95 for adults; $6.95 for children 2-12
From $ 13
Deception Pass State Park
Comprised of the lands and shores between Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, Deception Pass is the most visited state park in all of Washington state. Beaches, tide pools, and trails offer access to its seafront areas, and there are also lots of freshwater activity options on the park’s three lakes. Boating, swimming, and fishing are possible in both areas.
The park is especially known for its excellent hiking options, with over 30 miles of trails through its scenic wilderness. Horse and bike trails, as well as numerous camping facilities, offer even more ways to enjoy the forested outdoors.
Wildlife is also frequently spotted in the many coves and cliffs. Deer, elk, foxes, and otters are often seen, as well as a variety of fish and birds. The iconic Deception Pass Bridge is also worth a visit, seamlessly blending in with its natural surroundings and particularly beautiful at sunset.
Practical Info
You’ll find Deception Pass State Park nine miles north of Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound. It’s about 1.5 hours from Seattle. Island County Transit offers free bus routes that travel throughout the park, or there are many parking lots if you’re driving. Entrance to the park costs $10 per car.
Address: 41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, Washington, USA
Hours: Open 6:30am-dusk
Admission: $10 per car
From $ 118
Dania Beach Pier
If you’re an angler— or just an aspiring angler—head to Dania Beach Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This pier has some of the best fishing in the area, plus everything to help you get started, with on-site fishing pole rentals and bait, plus prime spots for catching yellowtail snapper, grouper, and bluefish.
The Basics
Dania Beach Pier, a 974-foot (297-meter) pier jetting out across the Atlantic Ocean, is occasionally surrounded by manta ray, barracuda, or even some sharks. You can either watch the locals fishing—or, better yet, cast a line yourself. Buy bait and rent rods at the sundry store right on the pier; there are benches and tables used for cleaning fish. There’s also a restaurant, Quarterdeck, and lights should you be interested in night fishing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a great stop for people who like to fish, as well as those who want to watch locals doing their thing.
- You don’t have to have a Florida fishing license in order to fish on the pier.
- A small entry fee varies based on whether you’re fishing or spectating.
- There are restrooms at the pier.
How to Get There
Dania Beach Pier is located in Dania Beach, about 5 miles (8 kilometers ) south of Fort Lauderdale. From Fort Lauderdale, take U.S. 1 South to Dania Beach Boulevard. Metered parking is available in a nearby lot. The closest stop on Broward County Public Transit is Dania Beach B/Gulfstream R, just a 5-minute walk from the pier.
When to Get There
You can access the pier from 6am to midnight daily; the best time to fish is generally in the early morning or late afternoon. If you can avoid fishing on weekends, during spring break, and other times when the pier will be most crowded, you might have the best luck.
Quarterdeck Restaurant
Quarterdeck, the restaurant on the pier, offers delicious seafood and some of the best views around. You can’t go wrong ordering up some fresh fish—the sushi’s great here, too. Best of all, every table overlooks the water.
Address: 300 N Beach Rd, Dania Beach, Flordia 33004, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 63
Dalton Highway
The Dalton Highway runs for 414 miles to Alaska’s northernmost mountains in the Brooks Range and nearly all the way out to the Arctic Ocean. Running through valleys surrounded by jagged peaks, the highway connects Interior Alaska to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields and is technically part of the northernmost highway in the U.S. Also one of the most remote, the Dalton Highway parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Visitors who take the drive themselves will need to note that much of the road is still mostly gravel. Unless you’ve appeared on Ice Road Truckers, you might want to skip the ride in winter.
Public access ends at the small town of Deadhorse, just before the Arctic Ocean, and if you want to reach those last 8 miles of private road out to the coast, it’s possible to join private tours from Deadhorse. At the Coldfoot truck stop, 250 miles north of Fairbanks, the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center gives details on road and backcountry conditions along the Dalton Highway, as well as information on recent wildlife spottings of the likes of grizzlies, black bears, and dall sheep. There’s also a picnic area and sign showing where the road crosses the Arctic Circle.
Practical Info
If you’re driving, bring a spare tire or two. Keep your headlights on, and make way for trucks. To ride the full length of the highway it takes about 2 days of traveling at 40 mph. There are a few lodges and places to camp along the way.
Address: Fairbanks, AK, USA, USA
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 169
Crow Creek Mine
If you’ve ever wanted to experience gold panning or are interested in learning about Alaskan heritage, Crow Creek Mine is the perfect place. Located in Girdwood less than an hour from Anchorage, this was once one of Alaska’s most prosperous mines, with miners procuring up to 700 ounces per month. Today it is run by a family of miners who live on the site, which makes the experience even more interesting, as you’re essentially visiting a local home.
Along with seeing 100-year-old mining equipment and tools, the buildings in the area date back to the 1896 gold rush and are the oldest in the Anchorage municipality. You’ll see shacks once frequented by gold miners, a blacksmith shop, a barn and much more. Not surprisingly, many of these buildings are listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.
The gold panning experience includes a panning lesson, instruction on how to properly use a sluice box and interesting information about the history of the act. Crow Creek Mine is also a heaven for photographers, with 400 acres of trails showcasing the beautiful Chugach Mountain scenery, historic buildings, botanical gardens, a duck pond and more. The best way to explore the area is by hiking, as there is much to discover. Before you leave poke your head into the gift ship, filled with local artisan products.
Practical Info
Crow Creek Mine is open daily from May 15 to September 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance into Crow Creek Mine is $10 per person, and private guided tours are available with a reservation. To reach Crow Creek Mine from Anchorage, take the Seward Highway to Girdwood (Alyeska). Crow Creek Mine also offers camping for $10 per night.
Address: 601 Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, Alaska 99587, USA
Admission: $10
From $ 140
Daily News Building
Soaring 476 feet and 37 stories over Midtown, this 1930 Art Deco skyscraper was originally built for The New York Daily News, a still-popular tabloid newspaper which made its headquarters here until 1995. Architecturally significant for its trendsetting vertical stripes of windows and flat, non-ornamented top level, the building, designed by Raymond Mead and John Mead Howells (architects of the nearby Rockefeller Center) was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
The model for the Daily Planet building in the Superman movie franchise, the Daily News Building features the world’s largest indoor globe in its lobby, as well a collection of vintage weather instruments. An addition was built on the building’s east side in 1958, designed by Wallace Harrison and Max Abramowitz, then one of America’s premier architectural firms.
This iconic building is now home to Manhattan’s local CW affiliate, WPIX TV-Channel 11, as well as the Omnicom Group, one of the world’s largest and most influential advertising and marketing firms, and offices for a variety of initiatives affiliated with the United Nations. The New York Daily News is still in print and online, but its headquarters are now found at 4 New York Plaza on the lower East Side of Manhattan, near Battery Park.
The model for the Daily Planet building in the Superman movie franchise, the Daily News Building features the world’s largest indoor globe in its lobby, as well a collection of vintage weather instruments. An addition was built on the building’s east side in 1958, designed by Wallace Harrison and Max Abramowitz, then one of America’s premier architectural firms.
This iconic building is now home to Manhattan’s local CW affiliate, WPIX TV-Channel 11, as well as the Omnicom Group, one of the world’s largest and most influential advertising and marketing firms, and offices for a variety of initiatives affiliated with the United Nations. The New York Daily News is still in print and online, but its headquarters are now found at 4 New York Plaza on the lower East Side of Manhattan, near Battery Park.
Practical Info:
The closest subway station is 42nd Street/Grand Central, served by
the 4,5,6 and 7 Trains. The adjacent bus station is served by the M1,
M2, M3 and M4 Buses. The building is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
and admission is free.
Address: 4 New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004, USA
Hours: Open weekdays from 9am - 5pm
From $ 35
Decatur House
Designed in 1818 for the War of 1812 naval hero Stephen Decatur, Decatur House holds the honor of being the first and last house on Lafayette Square to be occupied as a private residence. Decatur is best remembered for his skills fighting Barbary pirates; sadly these failed him when he was killed in a duel a year after moving into his new home.
Architecturally, it’s an interesting mash-up of austere Federal and wedding cake Victorian influences. Inside, the house museum displays a permanent collection of Federalist and Victorian furnishings. You’ll also learn about the lives of its most famous tenants - including Martin Van Buren and Henry Clay - and the slaves who waited on them.
In the southeast corner of Lafayette Square, check out the likeness of Marquis de Lafayette, who became a revolutionary war general at age 19. Although Lafayette was branded a traitor in his native France, he was considered a hero in young America. In the northeast corner is a memorial to Tadeusz Kosciusko, an engineer in George Washington’s army. The sculpture is one of the most provocative in town.
Practical Info
Decatur House is located across the street from the White House. Other nearby attractions include the National Mall, the Art Museum of America, and the Aztec Gardens. The Decatur House is accessible via metro and bus.
Address: 748 Jackson Place NW, Washington D.C. 20006, USA
Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 12pm - 4pm
Admission: US$5 donation per person
From $ 20
Dead Horse Point State Park
According to local legend, this breathtaking mesa with incredible panoramic views of Canyonlands National Park and the roaring Colorado River, was once home to wild mustang herds that old-school cowboys worked tirelessly to break. Today, Dead Horse Point State Park attracts hikers, photographers and mountain bikers seeking out rugged terrain, epic scenery and untouched natural wonder. Intrepid trails offer thrill-seeking bikers a raging shot of adrenaline, while shorter hikes up well-marked paths lead to epic views of some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
Practical Info
Dead Horse Point State Park is located 248 miles southeast of Salt Lake City near the town of Moab. The park is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily with a visitor center that is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. from March through October and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. between October and March. Entrance fee is $10 per vehicle with up to eight passengers.
Address: Utah, USA
Hours: Vary
Admission: $10 per vehicle
From $ 65
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is known for being one of the driest, hottest, and lowest places in the United States. In fact, Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, charts as the lowest point in North America. Volcanic hills, snow-capped mountains, sand dunes, and badlands make up the rest of the park’s otherworldly and diverse landscape. Despite its ominous name, Death Valley is also home to bountiful wildlife, including big-horn sheep, desert tortoises, jackrabbits, and other animals who have adapted to the arid conditions.
The Basics
The largest US national park outside Alaska, Death Valley encompasses 3.4 million acres (1.4 million hectares). It’s a popular day trip from Las Vegas, offering a remote respite from Sin City’s nonstop buzz. Tours showcase the Mojave Desert’s geology, history, and best views with stops at sites such as Badwater Basin, the Ubehebe Crater, the Borax Museum at Furnace Creek Ranch, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Rhyolite Ghost Town, Zabriskie Point, Devil’s Golf Course, Artist’s Palette, and Dante’s Peak. For those visiting the park independently by car, the per-vehicle entrance fee is valid for seven days.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The weather is typically dry and sunny throughout the year with some winter storms. Bring layers and a jacket in the winter, wear shorts and light clothing in the spring, and avoid summer unless you want to experience temperatures as hot as 120°F (49°C).
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water no matter what time of year you visit, and keep it in on hand for emergencies.
- During summer, restrict outdoor activities to early morning; stick to paved roads in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Furnace Creek Visitor Center offers informational exhibits, a bookstore, a short film, and ranger talks.
How to Get There
Death Valley National Park sits on the edge of the California–Nevada border, about two hours by road from Las Vegas. Enter the park on California Highway 190 from Death Valley Junction; 190 is the main road traversing the park from east to west and leads to the Furnace Creek area.
When to Get There
Many visitors purposely time their visits in summer when it’s hottest simply to experience the extreme heat, but spring, fall, and winter are the recommended times of year to visit, as it’s mild to hot but not dangerously so. Depending on how much rain is received during winter and spring, wildflowers can bloom from late March to early April at low elevations, in April and May at mid elevations, and into June in the mountains.
Ghost Towns Near Death Valley
When the once-booming mining industry for materials such as gold, silver, and lead came to an end, miners and other locals escaped the area for other pursuits, leaving Death Valley with a handful of ghost towns. Rhyolite—once home to two churches and 50 saloons—is the best preserved and most popular to visit, located just west of Beatty, Nevada. Panamint City, Ballarat, and Chloride City are also accessible via car or hiking.
Address: Death Valley 92328, USA
Hours: Open daily 8:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: $20 per car (7 days) or $10 per person
From $ 80
Dallas Arts District
The Dallas Arts District is a hub for performing arts, museums, and architecture, and at 69 acres and 19 blocks in size, it is one of the largest urban arts districts in the United States. Visitors interested in the arts will want to check out the Winspear Opera House, Meyerson Symphony Center, and the Wyly Theatre, among others.
The Basics
The Dallas Arts District has three museums—the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art—as well as several venues aimed at showcasing music and live performance, plus public art, festivals, lectures, classes, parks, and gardens. The neighborhood has a variety of cozy cafés for savoring your immersive artistic day. Round out your itinerary with a tour that includes the Arts District in addition to other Dallas hot spots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dallas Arts District is a must-stop for art and music fans.
- Most of the art venues have gift shops—consider taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
- Turn your day at the Arts District into an interactive adventure by booking a Scavenger Hunt or Outdoor Trivia Race.
How to Get There
The Dallas Arts District is bordered by US 75 to the east and St. Paul to the west, Woodall Rodgers Access Road to the north and Ross to the south. The closest DART is Pearl/Arts District. The free McKinney Avenue Trolley (also known as the M-Line) stops at the district.
When to Get There
There are no set hours for the Dallas Arts District. Check each venue for hours and days of operation, as well as upcoming special events or closures. Generally, museums will be busier on weekends and school breaks. The Dallas Arts District Block Party is a signature event series that runs at various times throughout the year and is worth checking out.
America’s Finest Opera House
The Winspear Opera House has been called “America’s finest opera house” by Opera magazine, in part because of its unique 21st-century design, which is a takeoff on the traditional opera house “horseshoe” shape. The building’s facade is 60 feet (18 meters) of glass revealing a vibrant red interior. The venue hosts opera, musical theater, ballet, and other performances.
Address: Flora Street, Dallas, Texas, USA
From $ 15
Crown Point State Park
Driving around the bend from Portland, the first view many see of the Columbia River Gorge is from the corner of land called Crown Point. The outlook provides an overview of the dramatic scenery and surrounding canyon. On a clear day there is a panoramic view of the heavily forested area, the mountains, and the Columbia River.
The point itself is an enormous rock formation that was caused by multiple lava flows, which once altered the course of the river. Looking to the west, you can see Rooster Rock, another well-loved rock formation that slopes down into the canyon.
With the Vista House constructed on Crown Point at the same time the highway was being formed, it remains one of the best loved visitor stops on the historic Columbia River Gorge Highway and is considered the gateway to the area. Crown Point was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. It remains a popular stop for both views and refreshments.
Practical Info
Crown Point State Park is located in eastern Multnomah County, about 20 minutes from downtown Portland. Get there by driving on Highway 30, the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. The park is free to access and contains some picnic table facilities.
Address: Crown Point State Park, Corbett, Oregon 97019, USA
From $ 59
Cumberland Park
The streets of Nashville are home to some of the best honky tonk bars in America. But there’s more to this city than country music and two step. Cumberland Park offers visitors 6.5 acres of outdoor fun along the picturesque riverfront.
Travelers with small children can make a day of this beautiful new park, which includes plenty of activities for the younger set. The Hollow offers up an interactive nature center, complete with a life-size maze. The Gorge’s climbing wall provides kids with an opportunity to scale walls and engage with peers. And the Explorer Trail winds through wide open spaces—a respite from the sounds of downtown Nashville.
Cumberland Park is known for attracting children and families, but a full calendar of events aimed at an older crowd means there’s something for everyone at this popular spot. Visitors can spend an afternoon enjoying the park on their own, or see it as part of a Nashville carriage ride, which hits up all the Nashville monuments, too.
Practical Info
Cumberland Park is located at 592 South First Street between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Address: 592 S 1st St., Nashville, Tennessee 37213, USA
Hours: Daily from dawn until 11pm
From $ 35
Davenport House Museum
This 1820 Federal-style home is the origination of a lot more than beautiful genteel mansions in Savannah, Georgia. Once home to successful artisan Isaiah Davenport, throughout it’s near 200-year history this house developed a past all its own. A Cinderella tale of neglect and rebirth, saving the Davenport House Museum was the first act of the Historic Savannah Foundation, which has gone on to single-handedly save hundreds of historic buildings in downtown Savannah, thus imbuing the town with the charm it’s known for today. Now known as one of the finest examples of architecture in Savannah, the Davenport House not only boasts an impressive and peaceful garden, but also houses an exquisite look into 19th century living.
Practical Info
The Davenport House Museum is located on 324 E. State Street, Savannah. Tours depart daily, and admission is $8 for Adults. Monday – Saturday hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Address: 324 E. State St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am- 4pm, Sunday 1pm - 4pm
Admission: Adult: $8
From $ 33
Daytona International Speedway
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. The Daytona International Speedway, a 500-acre interactive motorsports complex, is home to the world-famous NASCAR Cup and its "Great American Race," otherwise known as the Daytona 500.
In addition, many other types of racing events fill the grandstands here, including go-cart, monster truck and motorcycle races. The arena also draws travelers for instructional driving lessons, driving experiences and ride-along programs when no races are in session. Daily complex tours are also available—climb atop the podium in Gatorade Victory Lane, see champion cars (scratches, dents and all) and check out the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
Practical Info
Daytona International Speedway is four miles (six km) west of Daytona Beach. The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and souvenir shop can be found in the tours and tickets building.
Address: 1801 West International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114, USA
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 149