Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
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Federal Reserve Bank of New York
This bank in the heart of Lower Manhattan is one of 12 Federal Reserves in America. Visitors can go behind the scenes of trading rooms, museum and the famous vault—which holds some 900 tons of gold—on a guided small group tour of this iconic finance destination. Informative guides share stories about the banking system, American currency, global trade and importance of gold to the national economy.
Although tours are free, space is limited and most visitors will need to book at least 30 days in advance. Tours of this high-security landmark are ideal for families and visitors receive packets of shredded out-of-circulation cash as they leave the premise. It’s unlikely non-ticketed travelers will be able to enter the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, but the building’s exterior is impressive and still worth wandering past while in Lower Manhattan.
Practical Info
Tours are available Monday through Friday, except on bank holidays, between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Although the visits are free, groups are capped at 20. The bank and museum are accessible via the subway, by taking the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C or J train to Fulton Street and walking towards 44 Maiden Lane.
Address: 33 Liberty Street, New York, New York, USA 10045, USA
From $ 19
Field Museum of Natural History
With more than 20 million artifacts, the Field Museum of Natural History is an engaging museum filled with both interactive and imaginative displays. The big attraction is the Tyrannosaurus rex named "Sue," a 13 foot (4 meter) tall, 41 ft (13 m) long beast who menaces the grand space with ferocious aplomb. The most complete T-Rex ever discovered, it takes its name from Sue Hendrickson, the fossil-hunter who found the 90 percent complete skeleton in South Dakota in 1990.
Dinosaurs loom large in the Field Museum. At the Evolving Planet exhibit, you can also watch staff paleontologists clean up fossils, learn about the evolution of the massive reptiles, and even learn about Homo sapien's evolutionary ties to the extinct beasts. Away from the prehistoric giants, the “Inside Ancient Egypt” exhibit recreates an Egyptian burial chamber on three levels. The mastaba (tomb) contains 23 actual mummies. The bottom level, with its twisting caverns, is especially worthwhile. Those reeds growing in the stream are real.
Other displays worth your time include “Underground Adventure,” a vast exhibit exploring the habitats of animals and insects that live underground, and the “Pawnee Earth Lodge,” which allows visitors to explore a complete dwelling of the Great Plains tribe.
Practical Info
The Field Museum of Natural History is located on the Museum Campus in the South Loop, just off Lakeshore Drive. Both buses and El lines get you here. Nearby attractions include the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, which are all within walking distance.
You can easily spend a whole day at the museum. You have a few different dining options, including a dining room with view of Lake Michigan. Be sure to check out The Sue Store, which sells a mind-boggling assortment of dinosaur-related items. On the weekends, the museum hosts dinosaur-themed storytellings.
Address: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, South Loop, Chicago 60605, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm, closed on Christmas
Admission: Adults: US$15, Children (3-11yrs): US$10
From $ 24
First Bank of the United States
America’s founding father established their original government in Philadelphia after the winning the Revolutionary War, and among their goals to help build the nation was creating a single currency and found national bank. Today that bank still stands, and can be found on Independence Mall. Alexander Hamilton created the First Bank of the United States, and the Roman-style of the building was intentionally imposing. The building was completed in 1795, and it served as the nation’s first bank until 1811. Today the building is a National Historic Landmark; however, visitors can only explore the bank from the outside, as it is not open to the public.
Practical Info
The First Bank of the United States sits on the east side of Independence Mall, next to Carpenters’ Hall and a few minutes’ walk from Independence Hall. The Independence National Historic Park Library sits just across the street.
Address: 116 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19112, USA
From $ 19
Fell's Point & Canton
Cobbled streets and a waterfront setting make Fell’s Point and Canton must-see locations in Baltimore.
Fell’s Point’s focus is Market Square, its 18th-century buildings now home to boutiques and restaurants. Historic pubs are a particular feature of this inner-city enclave, numbering more than 120, and the waterfront here has a salty maritime flavor for promenades and city views.
Neighboring Canton also has a central square, Canton Square, a patch of green surrounded by more sophisticated restaurants, galleries and shops.
Practical Info
Fell’s Point and Canton are on the eastern side of the Inner Harbor. Water taxis run to Fell’s Point and Anchorage, a few streets west of Canton.
Address: Market Square, Baltimore MD 21231, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 21
Fallen Leaf Lake
Though only one mile south of its much larger neighbor Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake holds its own, scenically surrounded by tall pine trees and mountains. It was created centuries ago by a glacier from the Glen Alpine Valley, and a lack of commercial development here means a very high quality of water, the clarity of which means visibility up to 50 feet. The bottom is even often visible from the shore!
Boating and fishing are both popular activities, with a variety of small boats available for visitors to rent. There are also several fantastic hiking trails around the area, and though there are no designated areas the lake is great for swimming. The proximity to Lake Tahoe and remaining relatively unknown means fewer crowds and less bustling activity. There is also a campground for those seeking full immersion into the peace of nature here.
Practical Info
Get there by taking Fallen Leaf Road, which begins at State Route 89 and runs along the south shore of Lake Tahoe.
Address: Eldorado National Forest, California, USA
From $ 179
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
There are 12 Federal Reserve Banks in the United States, and one of them is located in Atlanta. The Federal Reserve plays an important role in the US economy and banking system. They make sure banks are operating safely and fairly as well as establish monetary policies. Of the 12 locations throughout the country, only two have give tours. At the Atlanta location, visitors can tour the Atlanta Monetary Museum and learn about the history of money from barter to modern times. Different exhibits show the turbulent history of banking in America. There are also displays with rare coins and currency.
Interactive, multimedia exhibits explain the Federal Reserve's role in the economy. Visitors will also learn how monetary policy affects daily life, how the Fed supervises and regulates banks, and how the Fed provides payments system services to help the economy run smoothly. Tours also show visitors the cash processing operations where millions of dollars are counted, sorted, or shredded daily.
Practical Info
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is located at 1000 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Address: 1000 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From $ 59
Exploration Tower
You can enjoy one of the best views along the Space Coast with a visit to Cape Canaveral’s new Exploration Tower. Built in 2013, the curved, sail-like building is a design match with the myriad cruise ships that venture in and out of Port Canaveral, and the viewing platform atop the seven-story structure offers an ideal vantage point for watching the bustle of the port or a NASA rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center, which sits about 10 miles to the north. Exploration Tower also features inside exhibits, including interactive movies in a two-story auditorium, and a simulator where would-be cruise captains can try their hand at navigating Port Canaveral.
Practical Info
Exploration Tower sits just off the waterfront in Port Canaveral, right next door to the major cruise ship terminals. Visitors can come any day to explore the exhibits and the view, while rocket-launch viewings only happen on occasion.
Address: 670 Dave Nisbet Dr., Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920, USA
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $6.50 for adults, $3.75 for children
From $ 80
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall is a bustling marketplace best known for its ever-changing lineup of street performers and its central location on Boston’s historic Freedom Trail. Tourists and locals alike flock to the complex’s shops and Quincy Market, featuring 30-plus food stalls selling everything from exotic coffee to fresh seafood and artisanal bread.
The Basics
To experience this bustling restaurant and shopping complex—housed in a refurbished 19th-century building—stop by on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and watch street performers execute jaw-dropping acrobatic and musical feats. Grab a bite to eat at Quincy Market or one of Faneuil Hall’s many restaurants, park at a streetside café or bar, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Let a guide show you the best hidden spots on a city bike tour or, for a taste of history, visit on a guided Freedom Trail walking tour. Because of its central location, Faneuil Hall is an excellent jumping-off point for visiting other Boston attractions such as the New England Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, Boston Public Garden, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring some change and a few dollar bills if you want to tip the street performers.
- If you have questions about the square, need directions, or are curious about nearby attractions, visit the information kiosk located in the plaza between the South Canopy and South Market building.
- Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market both have free Wi-Fi, but it may be slow due to the volume of tourist traffic.
- Faneuil Hall is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
The marketplace is centrally located next to Boston’s financial district, the waterfront, and the North End. Limited parking is available nearby and some marketplace vendors offer validation coupons. The easiest way to get to Faneuil Hall is via the subway, also known as “the T.”
When to Get There
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is open year-round. Summer, fall, and springtime visitors can enjoy outdoor seating at bars and restaurants, and the weather can be ideal for walking and bike tours. Winter visitors can cozy up indoors and see seasonal events such as ice sculpture contests and holiday light shows.
The Freedom Trail
Boston is rife with historic sights and remnants from America’s revolutionary past. Highlights include Old North Church, where the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal was sent to warn minutemen of approaching British forces; the colonial home of patriot Paul Revere; the site of the Boston Tea Party; and the Old State House—the oldest surviving public building in the city.
Address: Between North, Congress, and State Streets and Atlantic Avenue, Boston 02109, USA
Hours: Mon - Thurs: 10 am - 7 pm, Fri - Sat: 10 am - 9 pm,
Sun: Noon - 6 pm
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Fashion District
Los Angeles is one of the cities closely tied to the fashion world, and although the area in the city known as the Fashion District is largely catering to the industry it's also a tourist attraction that's partly open to the public.
LA's Fashion District is a hive of design activity – more than 100 blocks where fabric makers and wholesale clothing distributors occupying huge warehouses. These places don't sell to the general public, but there are some retail businesses in the neighborhood – and even some that are typically only open to the industry have special sale days once each month during which they sell off samples.
Inside the boundaries of the Fashion District are two popular tourist areas. The Los Angeles Flower District, where you'll find hundreds of wholesale flower shops (even if you're not shopping, it's gorgeous scenery); and Santee Alley, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops that's known for its bargains.
Practical Info
The Los Angeles Fashion District covers 100 blocks roughly from the Santa Monica Freeway to 6th Street, and Broadway to Stanford. Stores are grouped by product, so it's a good idea to get a map so you can focus on the things you want to buy. The sample sales occur on the last Friday of every month from roughly 9am-3pm in the designer showrooms.
Address: Los Angeles, California, USA
From $ 20
Firehole River
Like many other places in Yellowstone, the Firehole River is a scenic spot that lives up to its dramatic name. As it meanders north for 21 miles (34 kilometers) to join with the Madison River, the Firehole acts as a drainage basin for many of the park’s geothermal features and is the ideal spot for a summertime dip.
The Basics
In collecting all of the mineral rich water, which has been naturally heated by the earth, the Firehole River can run 15 degrees warmer than surrounding rivers and lakes—with the steam that’s often emitted from the surface being one of the reasons for its name. That’s why park visitors come to swim in the Firehole River swimming hole, where water temperatures hover at a moderate 75°F (23.8°C). Tourists can also drive through Firehole Canyon to the 40-foot (12-meter) Firehole Falls, the site of another popular summer swimming hole. Many guided tours of Yellowstone National Park include a visit to the Firehole River area and its colorful Fountain Paint Pot situated nearby.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The warm waters of the Firehole River make an ideal spot for a summer splash.
- Currents can be strong in the Firehole River, so only experienced swimmers should venture into the deeper parts of the river.
- Changing rooms are available at the roadside pull off near Firehole Falls.
- There are no lifeguards on duty along the Firehole River.
How to Get There
The Firehole River begins just south of Old Faithful and runs through the park’s thermal areas to join the Gibbon River. A segment of Firehole Canyon is accessible via Firehole Canyon Drive, a side road of the Grand Loop Road.
When to Get There
If you want to swim in the Firehole River, visit on a warm summer day. The rest of the year offers opportunity to observe the steamy waters of the river, but it’s too cold to swim. The Firehole River swimming area sometimes closes due to high water levels from snowmelt or summer rainstorms.
Yellowstone’s Madison Area
The Firehole River is located in the Madison area of Yellowstone National Park. Visitors to this portion of the park can also visit the small and colorful Artists Paintpots, 84-foot (26-meter) Gibbon Falls, Monument Geyser Basin, and Terrace Spring, a hot springs area with a short boardwalk.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, USA
From $ 285
Extraterrestrial Highway
State Route 375 is an actual state highway in Nevada, but because of its proximity to Area 51, it's been officially designated by Nevada as the Extraterrestrial Highway. The strip is 98 miles long, connecting State Route 318 to U.S. Route 6, and running through what is basically empty desert. The area became a tourist destination because it's close to Area 51, the highly secret military base about which there are innumerable stories about aliens and UFOs, so in 1996 the state renamed the highway.
To learn more about the area's history, head for the tiny town of Rachel, roughly in the middle of the 98-mile stretch of highway, where everything is about aliens. There are Area 51 tours that include the Extraterrestrial Highway and Rachel.
Practical Info
At one end of the Extraterrestrial Highway is the ghost town of Crystal Springs, which is a minor tourist attraction, and even if you don't see a UFO you're likely to hear the sonic boom of an F18 on a test.
Address: Extraterrestrial Highway, Tonopah, Nevada 89049, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 200
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
A quintessential field trip experience for Atlanta students, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History allows children the opportunity to explore the planet and its people with both hands-on and hands-off exhibits. These explore everything from modern, foreign world cultures to prehistoric earth, and the Fernbank NatureQuest exhibit is by far the most popular. This interactive experience allows children to explore various ecosystems around the world, while the A Walk Through Time in Georgia exhibit walks through the state's natural history in the context of the development of the planet.
In addition to exhibits, Fernbank also has an impressive IMAX theater with a five-story-high, 72-foot-wide screen, making it the largest movie screen in Atlanta. While most of the films shown are educational, Fernbank does sometimes host special events and programming in the theater.
Practical Info
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., although it does occasionally host night events. The museum is open daily, only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and is located near Emory University, just east of Midtown. Museum tickets cost $18 for adults, with slight discounts for student, seniors and children.
Address: 767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30307, USA
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Admission: $18
From $ 83
Fern Grotto
Perfect acoustics and gorgeous scenery come together at Fern Grotto, the highlight of a cruise on the Wailua River.
A natural amphitheater, the fern-filled grotto provides a unique venue for visitors to hear traditional Hawaiian music in one of the islands’ most beautiful outdoor settings.
The beautiful grotto was created by volcanic activity, and is draped in tropical ferns.
Practical Info
Fern Grotto is on the eastern side of Kauai, reached by 40-minute boat tour along the Wailua River.
Address: Highway 56, Lihue 96766, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 115
Fenway Park
Boston’s most cherished landmark isn’t Bunker Hill or the Tea Party Ships, but rather old Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. A must-see for sports enthusiasts as well as history and architecture buffs, Fenway Park is famous for its uniquely shaped playing field and towering left field wall known as the Green Monster.
The Basics
In the hearts of die-hard Bostonians, Fenway Park is the site of the city’s greatest dramas and worst defeats. If you can’t catch a game, step inside America’s oldest ballpark and explore its storied history on a walking tour of the stadium, during which you can sit inside the press box, visit the Red Sox Hall of Fame, and check out baseball’s oldest ballpark seats. Most Boston city sightseeing tours pass by Fenway Park, whether by bike, pedicab, or coach. Hop-on hop-off trolley tours also stop at the beloved ballpark, and a Go Boston Card provides free access to Fenway Park tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A variety of food options are available inside the park, including famous New England clam chowder and lobster rolls.
- Tickets to Red Sox games can be hard to come by—you may only be able to find single seats and obstructed-view tickets if you don't plan ahead, although some standing-room-only tickets are sold on game day.
- The park is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Fenway Park is located just south of Kenmore Square, on Yawkey Way. It is easily accessible via the MBTA subway, known as “the T,” from Fenway Station on foot. Paid public parking is available nearby, but this can fill up quickly—especially on game days.
When to Get There
Boston Red Sox baseball games are held from April to September, although stadium tours are offered year-round. On game days, the last tour departs three hours prior to game time. In summer, the ballpark hosts music concerts from world-renowned artists.
Fenway Park History
Historic Fenway Park echoes with reminders of the past. In the right field bleachers section, a lone red seat commemorates Ted Williams’ 502-foot (153-meter) home run, while baseball’s oldest scoreboard brings to mind contentious games between the Red Sox and their greatest rival: the New York Yankees. The legendary Green Monster, built in 1912, continues to top the charts as the highest wall in baseball at 37.17 feet (11.3 meters).
Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
FBI Headquarters
The J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building, also known as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Headquarters, is the brain of the FBI’s activities around the world. The building, named after Hoover, who was the first FBI director, is located downtown in Washington DC, within walking distance of many other popular attractions. It also has a unique history, including a story that the famous FBI crime laboratory may have also been used as a smoking lounge.
The FBI has multiple locations, each of which handles various parts of the organization. The headquarters centralizes and coordinates activities at the highest levels. It serves as a hub for intelligence and information gathering. It’s also the location that takes the lead for the FBI during times of crisis or emergency.
Practical Info
The FBI Headquarters is currently located at 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW. There is metered street parking nearby, but it can often be difficult to find a spot. The best way to reach the headquarters is by public transportation. The closest metro subway stops are Federal Triangle, Gallery Place/Chinatown, Metro Center, and Archives/Navy Memorial. As of July 2014, the FBI is in search of a new location for the headquarters.
Address: 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20535, USA
From $ 39
Fifth Avenue
Spanning from just north of Washington Square to 142nd Street in Harlem, Fifth Avenue is often touted as one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. This is particularly true when walking between 49th and 60th, where stores like Armani, Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman and the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue is also home to many of New York’s essential attractions and museums, including the Museum Mile which runs from 82nd to 105th and features 10 museums, some of which include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Jewish Museum and the Museum for African Art. Rockefeller Center, a famous shopping, restaurant and office complex that is also home to NBC Studios, as well as the Flatiron Building, Central Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and The Empire State Building are also attractions found on Fifth Avenue. And for a bird’s-eye-view of the city, grab a cocktail at one of the avenue’s rooftop bars like 230 Fifth and Eataly’s La Birreria.
Address: USA
From $ 25
Fillmore District
The Fillmore District can be considered a microhood of the Western Addition, covering the blocks around Fillmore Street from Geary to Grove streets. At the corner of Fillmore and Geary, you’ll find the neighborhood’s most famous resident, the Fillmore, the legendary music venue that hosted performances by bands like Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s.
The Basics
The district is rich in jazz history, dating back to the 1940s and ‘50s when Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Charlie Parker played at venues in the “Harlem of the West.” Other than catching a show at the Fillmore, the best way to explore the neighborhood is by foot.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a lot of metered and free street parking available, but pay attention to posted signs about prohibited parking during street cleaning or other times.
- Do not leave valuables in your car, even during the daytime.
- The Fillmore is an all-ages venue; tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster or in person at the box office.
How to Get There
You can get to the Fillmore via public transportation, on city buses 22, 38, 5, or 31.
When to Get There
Most shows at the Fillmore take place in the evening. The Fillmore Jazz Festival takes over the neighborhood every summer, and is one of the largest jazz festivals on the west coast. Every April, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in adjacent Japantown is one of the city’s favorite events.
Upper Fillmore Street
North of Geary Boulevard, Fillmore Street runs through Pacific Heights north to the Marina District. The blocks between Post and Jackson are home to stylish boutiques and upscale eateries, where locals flock on evenings and weekends for shopping, date nights, and movies at the AMC Kabuki 8.
Address: Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 200
Factors Walk
Factors Walk in downtown Savannah is paved with the rest of the world. If you’re not sure exactly what that means, consider the cobbles that form the streets of uneven Factors Walk; brought to Savannah as ballast on ships and discarded here on shore, the stones came from China, India, Europe, and anywhere engaged with the agricultural trade that boomed in the 1700s. This rundown, funky, and some would say, real, stretch of Savannah is arguably its most authentic, as it shows the grungy underbelly of Savannah’s plantation past. After all, plantation life in Colonial Georgia was more than just mansions and fountains; it was schlepping crates full of Georgia cotton onto ships that were bound for England, and spending the few pence you earned for the job in a seedy riverfront grog shop. When strolling Factors Walk today, where steep stairways and narrow alleyways lead from the river up to Bay Street, there’s a dingy, historic, and industrial charm that’s free of the tourist gloss. One of the best ways to hear the Factors Walk stories is on a walking tour of downtown, lest you think it’s just souvenir shops in a poorly maintained part of town.
Practical Info
Factors Walk is part of the Savannah historic district, and is only a five-minute walk from City Hall and the heart of the riverfront scene. Because the cobbles are very uneven, take extra care when walking the alleys and navigating the steep sets of stairs.
Address: Factors Walk, Savannah, Georgia, USA 31401, USA
From $ 25
Exploratorium
San Francisco’s Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s one giant laboratory. Perched on the downtown waterfront at Pier 15, the Exploratorium brings together science, art, and human perception through interactive, science-based experiences. The Exploratorium is wholly hands-on, with nearly every surface designed to be touched, played on, and engaged with.
The Basics
The Exploratorium, comprising six main galleries on a single floor facing the San Francisco Bay, houses a series of interactive exhibits and touch-me activities that invite—as the name suggests—exploration. From the Tactile Dome to the Tinkering Studio, the Exploratorium invites visitors of all ages to engage with the exhibits to explore the natural world and every individual’s perception of it. Featured themes include the living world, human emotions, and the senses of sight and hearing.
You can buy tickets at the Exploratorium or save time with advance-purchase skip-the-line tickets for the specific date of your visit. The museum is a stop on the hop-on hop-off bus, and entry is included with the San Francisco Go Card, Explorer Pass, and CityPass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Exploratorium is a must for families with children. Young kids and adults who are young at heart will delight in the freedom to play.
- Some exhibits, including the popular San Francisco fog and wind and tide exhibits, are outside. Wear layered clothing and shoes that can get wet.
- While the Exploratorium is oriented toward science and exploration for children, the Thursday evening events such as the Tactile Dome and After Dark attract an adult crowd.
- First-time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do. Plan an early arrival to experience as much as possible.
- The on-site restaurant, Seaglass, is very popular. Dine after 1pm to avoid the longest lines.
- The Exploratorium is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; loaner wheelchairs are available for free at the information desk.
How to Get There
The Exploratorium is served by MUNI’s E and F streetcars. Bus lines 10 and 12 stop a few blocks over, and the Embarcadero BART station is about a 15-minute walk away. If you must drive, there is a paid parking lot at Embarcadero and Green Street, and limited street parking along the Embarcadero before 3pm.
When to Get There
The Exploratorium is open daily from 10am to 5pm; in summer (generally July through August) it’s open 6pm to 10pm Thursday for those 18 and older, and 5pm to 9pm Friday for all ages. It’s an incredibly popular place, and on weekdays it’s often bustling with school and camp groups; late afternoons tend to be quieter.
From the Palace of Fine Arts to Pier 15
The brain child of Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium originally opened in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts, the former site of California’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Oppenheimer’s passion for teaching with hands-on activities and experiences helped transform science education. Working closely with artists, educators, and developers, this first-of-its-kind science museum invited visitors to use more than their eyes to learn. The Exploratorium moved to its new location on the Embarcadero’s Pier 15 in 2013.
Address: Pier 15, San Francisco 94111, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Faubourg Marigny
Ask any tourist about the Faubourg Marigny and you’ll likely be met with blank stares. Ask any local about the Faubourg Marigny, and you’ll hear about one of New Orleans’s most interesting and musically active neighborhoods. A triangular area between Esplanade and Elysian Fields Avenue, this historic New Orleans neighborhood spans only a third of a square mile but has a wildly disproportionate concentration of musical talent.
Long a local secret, national attention landed upon Faubourg Marigny when, after Hurricane Katrina, a new wave of interest in New Orleans began, and with the economic resurgence that filled the land the Marigny neighborhood entered the spotlight as a local place to be and be seen.
Historically, the Faubourg Marigny was developed as New Orleans’ second suburb in 1806, and was the first recording neighborhood outside of the famous French Quarter. The neighborhood first became famous thanks to a wealthy eccentric southern gentleman who owned a plantation within the boundaries of the district and was known throughout the south for his generous displays of wealth and for bringing the now popular gambling game “craps” to America.
The most popular part of Faubourg Marigny is Frenchmen Street. This four block stretch of bars and restaurants is one of the most popular places in the city to catch live music and grab a good and soulful bite to eat. Many bars don’t feature cover charges, so patrons bounce from bar to bar with a “to go” drink, enjoying the neighborhood’s famous local music.
Practical Info
Marigny is down river from the French Quarter, to the north-east by compass.
Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
From $ 40