Things to Do in Usa

Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa

Dolphin Mall

Miami is known for its lively nightclub scene, sandy beaches and fiery flavors. But Dolphin Mall has put this colorful city on the map for shopping and entertainment, too.

With more than 240 stores, shops and restaurants—including high-end discount outlets—Dolphin Mall has become a destination for travelers eager to shop ‘til they drop. Visitors can explore the mall’s unique layout—which includes areas like Ramblas, Playa and Moda, which pay homage to Miami’s multicultural roots. Guests can comb through casual apparel, home design and décor, and even high-end boutiques that offer up one-of-a-kind designs.

Practical Info

Easy access via public transportation, airport shuttle and the Florida Turnpike make this retail Mecca convenient trip from just about anywhere in the county. Travelers can select ground transfer options direct from the airport, or venture on their own to this top shopping destination.

11401 12th St NW, Miami, Florida 33172, USA

10am-10pm Saturday through Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday 10am-11pm and Friday 9am-11pm

From $ 27

Dollywood

Country music legend Dolly Parton is co-owner of Dollywood, a family-centered theme park in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Amusements include more than 40 rides and attractions, 15 live shows, and several large seasonal festivals inspired by Dolly Parton and the history of the Smoky Mountains.

The Basics

The 150-acre (61-hectare) Dollywood theme park welcomes around 2.5 million visitors annually, making it Tennessee’s top ticketed attraction. Visitors can choose between 1-, 2-, or 3-day tickets that grant access to all rides, shows, and attractions. Travelers planning to spend more time in the Smoky Mountains region should consider a multi-attraction pass, which includes entrance to Dollywood, as well as Anakeesta, Titanic Museum, Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery, and the Island in Pigeon Forge.

Things to Know Before You Go

Dollywood is a must-visit for families, and theme park or Dolly Parton enthusiasts.
Buy a mobile ticket ahead of time to skip the line (and hassle) at the ticket office.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; flip-flops are not allowed on some rides.
Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and remember to stay hydrated.
A majority of the park is wheelchair accessible, as are many rides and attractions.

How to Get There

Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, 35 miles (56 kilometers) southeast of Knoxville. The best way to get there is to drive, but it’s also possible to ride the Fun Time Trolley from Pigeon Forge.

When to Get There

For the best balance of good weather and short lines for attractions, plan to visit on a weekday in spring or autumn. Plan to arrive first thing in the morning if you’re visiting during spring break, summer, or on a weekend. The park closes for much of January, February, and March.

TimeSaver Line Management Pass

Dollywood is one of Tennessee’s most popular attractions, so ride lines can be long. Visitors who want to make the most of their time in the park can purchase a TimeSaver pass, which allows for expedited access to select rides and shows throughout the day.

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA 37863, USA

Varies

From $ 175

Downtown Historic District

Centered on Pershing Square, this condensed collection of city blocks once comprised the most glamorous commercial area in Los Angeles; after a decade’s worth of rejuvenation efforts, it has once again become a desirable destination. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it encompasses the Broadway Theater District, the Old Spring Street Financial District and Bunker Hill.

Crowned by the gilded Art Deco splendor of the Biltmore Hotel, buildings like the Los Angeles Central Library (a columnar fusion of Art Deco and ancient Egypt), Grand Central Market (the oldest food market in the city); and the Bradbury Building (built in 1893 and famed for its Victorian interior) make this one of the most architecturally significant swaths of L.A. Also home to Angels Flight, a funicular billed as the world’s shortest railway, elegant MacGuire Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), you could spend half a day or more exploring the core of Downtown.

Practical Info:

Every Saturday at 10 a.m., docents from the Los Angeles Conservancy lead 2 ½-hour tours of the District ($10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under), meeting in the middle of Pershing Square.

Los Angeles, CA, USA

From $ 79

Downtown Tampa

The central business district of this popular Florida destination is known by both travelers and locals as Downtown Tampa. This part of the city is ripe with a diverse arts and culture scene, as well as lively night life, dozens of museums and a handful of historic performances spaces. Visitors can spend the afternoon exploring the impressive Florida Aquarium or the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. The Glazer Children’s Museum, next to the Tampa Museum of Art, offers up plenty of interactive fun for the family set, and a stroll along the scenic river walk showcases striking views of the Tampa city skyline. Travelers who prefer an evening out on the town will find what they’re after in the Uptown District, where some of the city’s best restaurants and bars are located, while those in search of an urban escape can enjoy the outdoors in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Practical Info

The easiest way to navigate Tampa is by private car or hired taxi. But the city does have its own metro system known as HART, as well a streetcar system known as TECO for travelers who prefer to the convenience of mass transit.

Tampa, Florida, USA

From $ 70

Dry Tortugas National Park

Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park spans 100 square miles (25,900 hectares) of open water, protected coral reefs, and seven small islands in the Gulf of Mexico only accessible only by boat or air. Dry Tortugas is famous for its blue waters, wildlife, and Fort Jefferson—a 16-acre (6.5-hectare) coastal fortress.

The Basics

With a name derived from the Spanish word for “turtles,” it might not come as a surprise that wildlife is the main attraction at Dry Tortugas National Park. Escape to these secluded islands on a high-speed catamaran cruise from Key West, during which you can swim and snorkel with dolphins and sea turtles around the park’s coral reef, explore 19th-century Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, and learn about your surroundings from an on-board naturalist. Avid scuba divers can head to Loggerhead Reef, made famous by the Windjammer Wreck—the remains of a Norwegian ship that sank in 1907. If you like bird-watching, take a boat ride to Bush Key, a nesting site for seabirds such as sooty terns and brown noddies.

Things to Know Before You Go

Plan to drink plenty of water during a day trip to the Dry Tortugas; tours can last 10 hours or more, and it’s easy to get dehydrated without even feeling thirsty.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Some charter boats are wheelchair accessible, but visitors should give advance notice. Fort Jefferson has three floors, with only the first accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Public ferries and seaplanes depart regularly to the park, and fishing and dive charters can be booked from the Florida Keys and Naples. Private boats and seaplanes must acquire a permit before entering the park.

When to Get There

The park is open year-round. Most visitors choose to visit in winter and early spring to avoid summer’s high temperatures and humidity. During the rainy season (May through October), warmer waters and crystal-clear visibility make for superb snorkeling, swimming, and diving. The Middle and East keys are closed from April through October for sea turtle nesting, while Bush Key is closed from January through September for bird nesting.

The Windjammer Wreck

The history of Dry Tortugas National Park resides both above and below its waters; here, shipwrecks are almost as abundant as marine life. The most famous of these is the Windjammer Wreck. Built in 1875, the Norwegian Avanti—a triple-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship—wrecked on Loggerhead Reef in 1907. Today the site is a perfect spot for both snorkelers and experienced scuba divers. Because it serves as an artificial reef attracting dozens of species of fish, the site is a veritable aquarium of reef-dwelling, free-swimming, and bottom-dwelling life.

USA

Open year round, attractions open during daylight hours.

US$10 per person for a seven day pass.

From $ 80

Downtown Container Park

This collection of boutique shops with unique goods was formed from leftover shipping containers. The open air shopping spot is centered around a courtyard, which has a playground for children (with a treehouse!) and a stage with frequent live entertainment and events. Dining options range from high-end restaurants to gourmet hot dog stands and a craft whiskey bar. There are even art galleries to peruse and often concerts and films.

Specialty shops vary from boutique clothing stores to home decor and smaller local goods. The emphasis is on supporting one-of-a-kind products from local Las Vegas businesses and items that cannot be found elsewhere. There are also interesting artistic designs and exhibits throughout, making this a fascinating place to explore with something for everyone.

Practical Info

The park is located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas on the historic Fremont Street. The shops are open from Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, with extended hours Friday to Saturday, and limited hours on Sunday. A bus provides transportation from the Las Vegas Strip. There is no on-site parking.

707 Fremont St, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, USA

From $ 9

Dolores Park

When the sun breaks through the clouds in San Francisco, the Mission District feels it first, and locals flock to Mission Dolores Park to soak up those rays and enjoy picnics and lawn games on the grass. Noted for its view of the San Francisco skyline and proximity to some of the city’s best places to eat, Dolores Park is the place to be on a sunny afternoon.

The Basics

Located between the Castro and Mission District, Dolores Park is home to tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, a playground, picnic tables, a dog play area, and plenty of green space, making it one of the city’s favorite parks. Standard city sightseeing tours don’t typically include the park, but walking tours of the Mission provide the chance to visit or pass by while exploring the neighborhood’s cultural history or food scene. Alternatively, pick up food and drinks at one of the many local businesses on 18th and Valencia streets, and head to the park with a blanket and a group of friends.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wheelchair access is limited; there is a ramp at the entrance at Dolores and 19th streets.
Public restrooms are available inside the park.
“Leave no trace” is the motto to be followed—make sure to take all your trash with you when you leave.

How to Get There

Dolores Park sits between Church, Dolores, 18th, and 20th streets. Free and metered street parking is available (pay attention to the posted signs for limits). The J-Church light rail runs along the park’s western edge. Bus route 33 passes by the park.

When to Get There

A sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon is prime time for people-watching with what may feel like half of San Francisco. Go on a weekday afternoon to enjoy the vibe without fighting for a space on the grass.

Mission San Francisco de Asís

Founded in 1776, the oldest structure in San Francisco, known as Mission Dolores, is often overlooked by visitors who go to the Mission District to frequent the shops, bars, restaurants, and park. But it’s worth a stop to see the historic architecture and learn about a piece of California history.

Dolores Park, San Francisco, CA, USA

From $ 24

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

As the main hall of the Los Angeles Music Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to some of the best musical performances in the LA area. It was built utilizing a “total design” aesthetic, meaning that every detail from the carpeting to the engineering was coordinated for uniformity of design. Historically its halls and stage have been home to everything from the LA Philharmonic to the Academy Awards, though these days it’s the site of the LA Opera and Glorya Kaufman dance performances (which often brings in traveling dance troupes.)

Excellent acoustics create resonating sounds across its four-tiers of seating, while crystal chandeliers and wide stairways add to the ambiance of elegance. The Los Angeles Music Center that it is part of it is one of the three largest centers for performing arts in the United States, and some of classical music’s greatest performers have graced its stage.

Practical Info

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located on Grand Ave in Los Angeles. As with most of LA, driving is the best way to get there and both self-parking and valet is available. Tours of the Los Angeles Music Center of which the pavilion is part of take place Tuesday to Saturday at both 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, California, USA 90012, USA

Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm

From $ 70

Dow Museum of Historic Houses

This popular city attraction is the ideal destination for history, architecture and art lovers. Travelers can saddle up to a city block that dates back some 400 years and learn about the stunning collection that was once Kenneth Dow’s. The nine homes and stunning courtyards that make up this worth-while stop showcase the life of locals during historic times and pay homage to the gardens, traditions and artistry this part of the state is known for.

Practical Info

The Dow Museum of Historic Houses is located at 149 Cardova Street, near the corner of Bridge Street in St. Augustine, in the old town section of the city. It is open daily from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with tours offered at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

149 Cardova Street, St Augustine, Florida, USA

Daily from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with tours offered at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

From $ 28

Dry Creek Valley

Best known for its Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley is home to more than 9,000 acres of vineyards, and boasts a grape growing history that goes back 140 years. Vines were planted not long after the California Gold Rush, but Prohibition slowed grapes from taking root.

It was the 1970s when the area started to explode. Dry Creek Valley was one of the first California wine regions to be recognized as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1983. More than 70 wineries, many family-owned, call Dry Creek Valley home. Though at just 16 miles long by two miles wide it’s one of the smallest AVAs size wise, it has one of the densest concentrations of Old Vine Zinfandel in the world.

Dry Creek Valley is located 70 miles north of San Francisco and 20 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The geographic combination makes for long, warm days and cool nights thanks to coastal cold air and fog. Or in other words, great grape-growing conditions.

Practical Info

Dry Creek Valley is located in Northern Sonoma County wine country, about an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

1207 Vine Street, Healdsburg, California 95448, USA

From $ 99

Driskill Hotel

The oldest operating hotel in Austin, the Driskill has been legendary in Texas since it was built in 1886. Celebrities have visited the historic landmark over the years, including former president Lyndon B. Johnson, who took Lady Bird there on their first date. Today the Driskill Grill and 1886 Cafe & Bakery restaurants are here as well.

The Basics

The Driskill Hotel is a lovely Romanesque-style building in the heart of downtown Austin. Guided group tours of the area include a stop here, along with entertaining and insightful information about the history of this grand hotel, built by cattle baron Jesse Driskill. Over the years many ghost stories have arisen, leading locals to believe that the hotel is haunted. After your city tour, return to the Driskill for a drink or bite to eat and see if you agree.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Driskill Hotel is worth a peek from every first-time visitor to Austin.
On-site dining options include the Driskill Grill for upscale dinners and the 1886 Cafe & Bakery, which serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The Driskill Bar serves drinks with live music every day.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
The Driskill is pet-friendly.
Monthly local craft beer dinners and Victorian afternoon teas are popular, so book in advance.
The hotel is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Driskill is located in downtown Austin—the only hotel on famed 6th Street—just off of I-35. It’s a short walk from the MetroRail’s Downtown station and other area points of interest, such as the Texas Capitol and Lady Bird Lake.

When to Get There

A visit to the Driskill Hotel is ideal any time of year, but you might want to avoid the massive crowds associated with the city’s most popular festivals, Austin City Limits (ACL) in the fall and South by Southwest (SXSW) in the spring.

Cattle Baron’s Suite

The suites at the Driskill are some of the most opulent and unique accommodations in the area, fulfilling Jesse Driskill’s dream that the hotel would be the finest of its kind south of St. Louis. The 1,200-square-foot (111.5-square-meter) Cattle Baron’s Suite features two bedrooms, an 8-seat dining room, and living room in a building that is alleged to be among the most haunted hotels in the US.

604 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas 78701, USA

From $ 25

Drexel University

Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthon J. Drexel, Drexel University is a private research university with three campuses in Philadelphia, as well as another one in Sacramento. It is most famous for offering cooperative education program and is regularly ranked as one of the top co-op programs in the United States. The university is also known for its impressive online efforts.

In terms of tourist attractions, Drexel University is home to the Academy of Natural Sciences (which hosts a sought-after and complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil), as well as the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. The university is also regularly referenced to in popular culture, such as in General Hospital and All My Children. Additionally, nearby Drexel Park offers fantastic views of downtown Philadelphia.

Practical Info

Drexel University is located at 3141 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. It can be reached by car and by public transit (Phlash Trolleys and SEPTA bus routes 32, 33 and 48). Entry to the Academy of Natural Sciences costs $15.95 per adult and $13.95 per children. The Academy is open from 10am to 4:30pm between Monday and Friday and between 10am and 5pm on weekends and holidays.

3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

From $ 45

Downtown Nashville

Music City’s lively downtown doesn’t disappoint. Nashville’s entertainment hub is home to a who’s who of restaurants, hotels, and cultural hot spots, including the Frist Art Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. After dark, live music takes over the bars of Honky Tonk Highway.

The Basics

With so many attractions packed in, Downtown Nashville deserves a prominent spot on any itinerary in the city. While the neighborhood is easily explored on foot, you can also hop in a horse and carriage for a tour of attractions like the Johnny Cash Museum and Tennessee State Capitol. Night owls can experience the best of downtown aboard a BYOB open-air party bus as it cruises through Lower Broadway and Downtown Nashville.

Things to Know Before You Go

Downtown Nashville is a must-visit for music buffs, night owls, and first-time visitors.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a fair amount of walking.
Bring some cash for buying drinks and tipping at the downtown bars; it’s faster than paying by card.
Some downtown venues charge a cover in the evenings, though most of the honky-tonks are free.

How to Get There

While Downtown Nashville is best experienced with a car, those who’d rather skip the rental can take the bus to Music City Central station or the commuter train to Riverfront Station to find themselves in the heart of the downtown action.

When to Get There

To get a feel for Downtown Nashville, plan to visit during the day to take in the cultural attractions and again at night to experience the famous nightlife. There’s live music pretty much every night of the week, but it’s a good idea to take a look at who’s playing beforehand and get tickets, if necessary.

Printer’s Alley

Printer’s Alley Historic District is located in Downtown Nashville, once the center of the city’s printing industry during the early 1900s; both The Tennessean and the Nashville Banner once had their offices here. By the 1940s, the alley was a hot spot for live music; clubs and saloons hosted acts such as Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, and The Supremes. It remains one of the best live music spots in a city known for its music.

Nashville, Tennessee, USA, USA

From $ 30

Domaine Chandon

Ensconced amid manicured gardens and a tasting room dotted with sculpture, paintings, and photography, Domaine Chandon is Napa Valley's showcase for sparkling wine. But the bubbly is not all you’ll taste; Domain Chandon also produces fine still wines, including Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

Tastings are a special event at Domaine Chandon. In the Tasting Lounge - with its breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside - guests linger around the bar, a cocktail table, or shaded patio table in modern, stylish setting to taste wines by flight, glass, or bottle.

Practical Info

Domaine Chandon is located in Yountville, about 15 minutes north of Napa on Highway 29. The winery is also part of the Silverado Trail, thus the area is dotted with many wineries. Yountville is worth exploring, as well, and has some of the finest restaurants in all of Napa Valley.

1 California Drive, Yountville 94599, USA

Open daily 10am - 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Day, and New Year's Day.

Prices for tastings vary

From $ 129

Downtown Aquarium

Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is a fun and educational attraction, especially for families. Children can get up close and personal with more than 200 types of underwater creatures, including myriad fish, eels, rays in a touch tank, sharks, and white tigers. Kids also love the amusement rides and dining in the underwater aquarium restaurant.

The Basics

This 500,000-gallon (1.89-million-liter) complex takes you through a network of tanks all organized with a different theme. You might enjoy seeing a replica of a 17th-century shipwreck reef teeming with fish or riding through the Shark Voyage tunnel. Another add-on ticket option includes petting stingrays in the aquarium’s touch tanks. End your visit with a peek at the two resident white tigers housed in a replica Maharaja’s temple and a spin on some of the amusement rides. If you’ve worked up an appetite, consider a meal in the aquarium restaurant—and dine next to colorful fish swimming in floor-to-ceiling tanks.

You can get single tickets for individual attractions in the complex, or make a day of it with an All-Day Adventure Pass, which includes admission to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and Stingray Reef plus unlimited amusement rides. Combination tickets are available that provide entry to the Downtown Aquarium along with other Houston area attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Houston aquarium is a great activity for families with young kids.
If you plan to enjoy the outdoor attractions, remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Skip the line with a Houston CityPASS—cardholders enter through a dedicated line.
The Downtown Aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Downtown Aquarium is located on Bagby Street between Preston Street and Memorial Drive, just east of US 45 (Gulf Freeway) in downtown Houston. The city’s bus service stops at Preston and Bagby. If driving, paid parking is available in the downtown lot next to the aquarium complex.

When to Get There

Houston’s aquarium is open every day of the year from 10am; it closes at 8:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. To beat the crowds, visit early or late in the day, even an hour or two before closing—you can get through the main aquarium fairly quickly. Expect throngs on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Ride the Train Under the Sharks

For added fun, spring for a train ticket that takes you through the Downtown Aquarium’s Shark Voyage, a tunnel through a 200,000-gallon (757,000-liter) tank filled with sharks swimming overhead. There are several outdoor attractions worth exploring, too, plus amusement rides including a 100-foot (30.5-meter) Ferris wheel and an aquatic carousel.

410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Varies

From $ 35

Dole Plantation

What started out as a Wahiawa fruit stand in the middle of the pineapple fields in 1950 is now an extremely popular Hawaiian attraction. The sprawling Dole Plantation in central Oahu is a rural throwback to a time when the pineapple helped rule Oahu’s economy. Visitors can sample the sweet yellow fruit, ride on the famous Pineapple Express train and motor out through the fields, take a walk through a huge garden maze, learn how to find fresh pineapple when grocery shopping, and hear how pineapples are grown on plants—and not underground or on trees.

The Basics

Allowing travelers to learn how agriculture helped influence the rise of modern Oahu, the plantation is a popular stop on small-group and private circle island tours departing from Waikiki. The site is often paired with other Oahu sightseeing activities including snorkeling and sites such as Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor or Hanauma Bay.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Dole Plantation is a must-see for families with kids and Hawaiian history buffs.
Expect to spend one to two hours at the plantation, depending on which activities you’d like to take part in. (Each activity requires a separate fee.)
The plantation is a common stop on North Shore tours.
The Dole Plantation is wheelchair accessible.
There is both a gift shop and an on-site restaurant, the Plantation Grille.

How To Get There

The Dole Pineapple Plantation is located outside of Wahiawa on the road to the island of Oahu’s North Shore, about 30 minutes from Honolulu International Airport and 45 minutes from Waikiki by road. Buses run from Waikiki to the Ala Moana shopping center to connect with the Circle Island service; it’s a 1-hour and 45-minute trip.

When To Get There

The Dole Plantation is open 9:30am to 5:30pm daily. The site is busiest in summer and around the winter holidays, and crowds are smallest from September to December. To beat the late afternoon crowds, consider planning a mid-morning visit.

Get Lost in the World’s Largest Maze

When Pineapple King James Dole first moved to Hawaii in 1899, he probably never thought his plantation would house the world’s largest maze. Constructed from over 14,000 plants, the site’s garden maze covers three acres (1.2 hectares) and has navigational plaques that help you eventually find your way to the exit.

64–1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa 96786, USA

Open daily 9:30am - 5:30pm

$7 - $22 per adult

From $ 98

Driehaus Museum

The grand opulence of Chicago from 1880 to 1920 is on display at the Driehaus Museum. Its building, an ornate mansion built by prominent banker Samuel Mayo Nickerson in 1883 during the height of the city’s Gilded Age, is still in the thick of modern downtown Chicago, two blocks from the city’s dining and retail hub along the ‘Magnificent Mile.’

Unlike other restored mansions-turned-museums, the intent is not to showcase personal histories or artifacts of former owners. Instead, the building’s art nouveau architecture and interior design elements serve as an elaborate display case for a permanent collection of European and American fine furniture and artworks that typify the period. Visitors to the three-story building can look forward period immersion with moody chandeliers, Victorian paintings, carved ebonized Cherrywood paneling and an extensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass lamps, chalices and vases.

Self or docent-guided tours (for an extra fee) explore several rooms including the domed stained-glass ceiling and show-stopping fireplace in the Gallery on the west side first floor, intricately carved lamps and desk legs, and Romanesque sculptures in the Library and an Islamic-inspired smoking room with blue Moorish tiles off the Main Hall. Occasionally, themed exhibitions are incorporated into the space, such as the recent showcase of period costuming from the Masterpiece Theater television production Downton Abbey, and a collection of designer jewelry – including brooches, rings, pendants and hair ornaments – from the Victorian Era to the first World War.

Practical Info

The Driehaus Museum is in Chicago’s Near North neighborhood (40 East Erie Street), and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. til 6 p.m., with the exception of several major holidays. Admission prices flex based on the presence of exhibitions, but are typically start around $20 adults, $10 children with discounts for seniors and students with valid ID. Validated parking discounts – $14 for up to 6 hours – are available at ROW Self-Parking (50 East Ohio Street).

40 E Erie St, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. til 6 p.m.

Varies by exhibit; approx. $20 adults, $10 children

From $ 20

Downtown San Diego

The eighth largest city center in the US, downtown San Diego has its fair share of entertainment. Located just minutes from the airport, you’ll find a wonderland of accommodations, restaurants, entertainment and cultural attractions in downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter is downtown’s most famous district, though you’ll also find neighboring Balboa Park hosts quite a number of San Diego attractions, including the world famous San Diego Zoo. Walk to Petco Park to catch a Padres game, take the kids to the New Children’s Museum, or take a walk down the Embarcadero district and hit the beach, see the USS Midway Museum, or stop and shop in Seaport Village. If you’re in San Diego, downtown is the place to be.

Downtown, San Diego, CA, USA

From $ 35

Downtown St Augustine

St. Augustine holds the title of “America’s Oldest City,” and its historic downtown district arguably holds more history than any other in the United States. Founded by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in America that was settled first by Europeans. The multicultural city has centuries of stories built into its streets and walls. A stroll through the downtown unfolds influence by the Spanish and English, as well as Native Americans, African Americans, and even Greeks.

The heart of the area is St George’s Street, a pedestrian-only promenade lined with historic architecture and specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants. Parts of the historic downtown have been preserved as living museums, some with artifacts dating back to the 1500s. Don’t miss the “Fountain of Youth,” a monument dedicated to Juan Ponce de Leon (who claimed Florida for Spain in 1513.) The old schoolhouse, old jail, colonial Spanish Quarter, and Castillo de San Marcos all offer a glimpse into the past.

Practical Info

Downtown St Augustine is pedestrian-friendly and most of the historic sights can be seen on foot. Many of the streets are narrow and designed for foot traffic as opposed to cars, so parking in the historic area itself can be a challenge — though some public lots are available.

St Augustine, Florida 32084, USA

From $ 17

Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas thrived as the city’s gambling district until the 1980s when new resorts and casinos pulled the crowds away from the area toward the Strip, the city’s main thoroughfare today. After a period of neglect, Downtown has seen revitalization over the past few years, transforming it into a Las Vegas cultural and entertainment hub in its own right.

The Basics

Downtown’s famed Fremont Street is still home to historic casinos such as the Golden Nugget and El Cortez, as well as the Fremont Street Experience, a multisensory light and sound show using more than two million lights and the world’s largest audio-video system. Downtown’s Arts District is home to several art galleries, studios, and stores, and there are also museums scattered around the neighborhood, including the Natural History Museum, Mob Museum, and Neon Museum.

Downtown Las Vegas is best explored on foot, the better to soak up the sights and sounds of the historic district. Guided walking tours introduce visitors to the history and culture of the area, as well as its quirky side. Food tours include tasting stops at a handful of notable restaurants in addition to neighborhood exploration. Alternatively, pick up a bicycle from the bike share in front of Container Park and explore independently.

Things to Know Before You Go

Fans of mid-century modern-style architecture flock to downtown Las Vegas to soak up the “classic Vegas” era feeling.
Fremont Street’s light shows take place on the hour every hour from early evening through early morning.
Casinos in downtown Las Vegas are open 24/7.

How to Get There

Downtown Las Vegas is located just north of the Las Vegas Strip, bordered by I-15 on the west, Washington Avenue on the north, Maryland Parkway on the east, and Sahara Avenue on the south. Cars can reach it via Interstate 15 and Route 95. The Deuce bus service runs from Mandalay Bay on the Strip to Fremont Street, stopping at resorts along the way.

When to Get There

Fremont Street comes alive with light shows and live entertainment every night of the week, but especially so on Friday and Saturday. There’s plenty to see and do during the day (galleries, museums, and stores) but nighttime, when the neon lights are lit, is the busiest.

The Neon Museum

Las Vegas is well-known for its neon signage, but in the 1990s, LED and LCD screens began replacing neon. In response, local preservationists saved neon signs in what was called the Neon Boneyard. Now, these symbols of the city’s heydey are honored at the Neon Museum, with more than 150 signs. Just north of downtown, the museum’s visitor’s center is in the renovated La Concha Motel lobby, a famed seashell-shaped, mid-century modern building.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

From $ 35