Things to Do in Usa

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Fountain of Youth

Your quest for the Fountain of Youth is over once you’ve visited this park in St. Augustine, Florida. This site where Spanish explorer Ponce de León came in search of the elusive fountain in the 16th century, founding the oldest European settlement in the US. Sip the legendary waters while you learn about the area’s indigenous history.

The Basics

Since 1871, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park has drawn visitors to the birthplace of St. Augustine and colonial European America. Entertaining and interactive exhibits include de León’s Spring of Eternal Hope, a re-created Timucuan village, a planetarium, hourly cannon demonstrations, and informative staff in period dress. The park is a worthwhile addition to your St. Augustine sightseeing itinerary, which might also include a stop at the Old Jail, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, Potter’s Wax Museum, and other attractions. Skip the driving and try a hop-on hop-off tour to explore all of these attractions at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Fountain of Youth is great for historians, and offers a lot of entertainment and space for kids to roam, too.
Discounted tickets are available for children, active military, senior citizens, and AAA members.
An on-site restaurant serves locally sourced barbecue, or you can bring your own food.
Plan to spend at least two hours to explore the entire site.
The park is pet-friendly and mostly accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

The Fountain of Youth is located in downtown St. Augustine on Magnolia Avenue, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Jacksonville. Take I-95 South to FL-16 East to Magnolia Avenue. Free on-site parking is available. The Sunshine Bus purple line also stops at US-1 south of Matanzas Avenue, about a 6-minute walk to the park.

When to Get There

The archeological park is open from 9am to 6pm daily. St. Augustine weather is generally ideal in the spring, from March through May, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds on weekdays and earlier or later in the day (though note that last entry is at 5pm).

Water of Life

This particular Fountain of Youth isn’t the only one in Florida that claims a Ponce de León origin story. Dozens of legends have sprung up about the area’s springs and wells, including a fountain in Punta Gorda that has been deemed unsafe for drinking and potentially radioactive. Rest assured, this park’s well is tested regularly and meets standards of consumption.

11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine 32084, USA

Varies

From $ 28

Fox Island

Fox Island -- not to be confused with the Fox Islands in the Aleutian Island chain -- is a remote island accessible from Seward by about an hour boat ride. Full of rainforests, beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, secluded coves and access to the Kenai Fjords National Park, it’s a true Alaskan paradise for those who enjoy scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation.

Kayak through the turquoise waters that surround the island watching for Stellar sea lions, whales, otters, Dall’s porpoise and seabirds. One of the top kayaking routes from Fox Island is the Fox Island Spit, which begins on the north side of the island and takes you to your choice of Humpy Cove, Thumb’s Cove or El Dorado Narrows for beautiful scenery and great wildlife spotting opportunities.

Fishing is another popular Fox Island activity, especially from mid-July through August when the waters are abundant with salmon. Sign up for a fishing trip or cast your reel right from the beach. And for those who enjoy hiking and camping, Sunny Cove allows for overnight camping and features beach, woodland and rainforest trekking trails. Fox Island is also home to remote beachfront cabins which provide a serene and comfortable Alaskan wilderness experience.

For an ambient experience, opt to take a cruise from Seward to Fox Island. The journey takes you over Resurrection Bay, where you can sip beer and wine while taking in sights like Bear Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, and wildlife like whales, sea lions, otters and seabirds. When you arrive to Fox Island, get your camera out and take some photos of the scenery before enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet at a private lodge. Some dishes you may sample include wild Alaska salmon, prime rib, salad and fresh vegetables followed by a decadent dessert. You’ll also have the option to upgrade your meal to include king crab.

Fox Island, Seward, AK, USA

From $ 216

Fort Nashborough

Situated in Nashville’s Riverfront Park, Fort Nashborough was where James Robertson and his band of settlers founded the city back in 1780. While the original fort—built to defend the first families from Native American attacks—is gone, the site currently has a smaller replica of what the original might have looked like.

The Basics

A visit to Fort Nashborough uncovers one of Nashville’s earliest and most historically significant periods, giving insight into what life was like in this frontier outpost in Tennessee. The park is free and open for self-guided tours, and many guided city tours make a stop at the site, including historical walking tours and Nashville trolley tours, along with other popular points of interest like Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Honky Tonk Row, and a full-scale replica of Athens’ Parthenon in Centennial Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

Fort Nashborough is a must-see for history buffs.
Those interested in Native American history shouldn’t miss the interpretive plaza on the south end of the property that includes an 8-foot-tall (2.4-meter-tall) feather sculpture and information about the tribes that lived here in frontier days.
Allow at least 30 minutes for your visit (or a bit longer if traveling with kids who might want to play in the park).
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

How to Get There

Fort Nashborough is located on the edge of Riverfront Park between Church and Commerce along the banks of the Cumberland River. It’s within easy walking distance of Downtown Nashville.

When to Get There

The fort grounds are open daily from 9am to 4pm. During the summer months, plan to visit first thing in the morning when temperatures are still relatively cool.

What’s Inside the Fort

While significantly smaller than the original, the recreation of the fort still includes about a half-dozen log cabins, each offering a different look into the lives of early settlers. One is outfitted as a typical bedroom, another as a kitchen, and yet another as a room where female settlers would weave.

170 1st Ave N, Nashville, Tennessee 37201, USA

Daily 9am - 4pm

From $ 22

Fox Theatre Atlanta

Glance up during a movie, concert or live performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and you will be dazzled by a gleaming starry sky. The man-made "sky’"projects 96 crystal stars and even clouds that drift, and this is only one of the many architectural features that make the Fox Theatre so fabulous. It opened on Christmas Day in 1929 to incredible fanfare and was designed and built to be grand and opulent, a decadent escape for patrons of the arts. That kind of opulence could not be maintained during the Great Depression, however, and the venue sunk into bankruptcy.

The salvation and revitalization of the Fabulous Fox, as it is known in Atlanta, was a community effort. Over $3 million was raised to protect the theater, most of which came from Atlanta residents. The site reopened in 1975 and today ranks among some of the country’s most notable not-for-profit performing art theaters. Today, patrons come to see world-famous productions, but they also come simply to lay eyes on the Fabulous Fox Theatre in person.

Practical Info

There are two ways to experience the Fox Theatre: by buying a ticket to an event or show, or by taking a tour. The guided tour costs $18 for adults, with discounts for military members, seniors and children. Knowledgeable guides share the incredible history of the theater and point out its stunning artistic details. The theater shows movies throughout the year, in addition to live performances.

660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, USA

Varies

From $ 29

Fortification Hill

When it comes to Las Vegas, City of Sin, and a cluster of neon lights, hiking isn’t the very first thing that comes to most people’s minds. The reality, however, is that Vegas is surrounded by dozens of great hiking trails and rung by mystical mountains, with the trail to the top of Fortification Hill offering one of the area’s best views. From the top of this rocky pinnacle inside of Lake Mead National Recreation area, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. This six-mile trail is for serious hikers who are comfortable with a little bit of bouldering, as sections in the middle can require scrambling for about 10 vertical feet. Most of the trail is straightforward, however, albeit a little steep, as the trail gains approximately 1,400 feet in a little under three miles. While you’re sure to work up a sweat when climbing—especially since there isn’t any shade—the view from the top makes every step completely worth the effort.

Practical Info

The trailhead to Fortification Hill is about an hour outside of Las Vegas, in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam. Access to the trailhead is over rough road, and a map of the area and 4-wheel drive are handy for easy access. Hiking is possible from fall through spring, since extreme temperatures in the summer months can lead to dangerous conditions.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, USA

From $ 300

Fort Point National Historic Site

Sitting just below the massive Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is a National Historic Site that once served to defend the entrance to San Francisco Bay. The brick fort can still be explored on foot today, with the opportunity to learn about the area’s history and the fort’s former military use.

The fort was in operation from the Gold Rush era through World War II, a fascinating time in San Francisco’s history. A visit to the site offers extraordinary, close-up views of San Francisco’s most famous landmark — the Golden Gate Bridge. It is one of only three third-system brick forts on the west coast of the United States. Due to its location and protection of the coastline, it is also known as the “Gibraltar of the West.”

Visitors have the chance to explore Civil War era uniforms, weaponry, and historic photographs on display. With its many floors and wide brick arches, it stands as an excellent example of American military architecture.

Practical Info

Fort Point is open Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and is closed Monday to Thursday. It is located at the end of Marine Drive on the Presidio of San Francisco. To get there by public transportation, take Muni bus 28 or the PresidiGo bus and get off at the bridge toll plaza stop. Limited parking is available. Tours and cannon drills are offered when open. Admission is free.

Long Avenue & Marine Drive, San Francisco, California, USA, USA

Fri-Sun 10am-5pm

From $ 28

Fort Myers Beach

A far cry from the busy beaches of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Beach is seven miles of pristine Florida coastline that has somehow managed to keep its sleepy charms well away from the busyness of other townships. Connected by bridge to sleepy Sanibel Island, here you can enjoy the sprawling sky and white sand dunes of Florida’s best beaches all while staying in a nearby resort that offers world-class amenities. Parasailing, deep sea fishing, windsurfing and spotting dolphins are all popular pastimes, but sometimes the best activity is just exploring the flour-soft sands and calling the beach your own.

Practical Info

Fort Myers Beach is located 16 miles south of Ft. Myers, Florida and is known for its white sands, fishing, and warm, shallow waters.

Fort Myers, USA

From $ 21

Fourth Ward

Visitors get a feel for times of the past strolling through Charlotte’s Fourth Ward. Located in the downtown area, it’s home to 100-plus-year-old Victorian houses and tree-lined streets. Knowing a bit of the Fourth Ward’s history helps you appreciate its persevering charm. In the mid-1830s the city of Charlotte was divided into four political wards. The Fourth Ward was considered to be a prosperous area. The area went through a period of decline and neglect in the late 1900s, before a renaissance in the late 20th century.

Now along with restored Victorians there are luxury condominiums, apartments and businesses. Fourth Ward Park is popular place to get outside and enjoy a sunny day. The three-acre park features a playground, walking trails and decorative water fountains.

Practical Info

The Fourth Ward is about 30 city blocks in size. The Charlotte Information Center downtown offers free self-guided walking tour maps.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, USA

From $ 15

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas was built in the mid-1700s to protect the Spanish colony of St Augustine. St Augustine was vulnerable by river access to the south and Fort Matanzas helped the French protect it from the threat of British attacks. At the time, Florida was a much sought after area of the world due to being a profitable shipping lane from the Caribbean. The fort successfully protected St Augustine on multiple occasions and eventually became property of the United States. In 1924, it was declared a national monument.

The construction of Fort Matanzas is interesting to behold as it’s made from coquina, a type of limestone that is made of tiny pieces of shells and sand – a likely choice considering the geography of where Fort Matanzas was constructed, but one that can also be quite fragile. Despite that, it has upheld and today visitors can take a ferry to the fort, which is located on Rattlesnake Island and tour the grounds. The ferry has a guide who will tell you about the history of the fort on your way over. Once at the fort, be sure to climb the ladder to the observation level for excellent views of St Augustine and the ocean.

Practical Info

The ferry requires a boarding pass, which you can pick up in the visitor center of Fort Matanzas, located at 8635 A1A South Street in St Augustine. Boarding passes are handed out on a first come, first serve basis so arrive early for the time you want to avoid being disappointed. Ferries leave every hour on the half hour mark. The ferry ride and touring Fort Matanzas are both free. The fort is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, Florida 32080, USA

Daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

From $ 80

Franklin Court

First opened during the Bicentennial year of 1976, this fun, free indoor-outdoor museum near Independence Hall celebrates the life and times of Philadelphia’s most famous resident, Benjamin Franklin.

The central building is a reconstruction of what Franklin’s original home may have looked like (the architect, Robert Venturi, couldn’t be sure without proper plans and pictures to guide him), and contains a fascinating museum exploring the many interests and accomplishments of the political leader, diplomat, inventor, scientist, printer and more. For fans of American history, the interactive and audio exhibits here paint a detailed picture of Franklin and how he helped shaped his era and country.

On either side of the central building are some of Franklin’s rental properties, including a printing office and book bindery, a newspaper office where Franklin’s son was editor, and a post office. At the latter, where Franklin was once the city’s Postmaster General, you can get a letter or postcard postmarked: “The Benjamin Franklin Post Office.”

A mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, this complex includes a small archeological site known as the “Fragments of Franklin Court,” the remains of a house built by Benjamin Franklin in 1786. Found at 318 Market Street, Franklin built this house on a site that was very dear to him; in addition to having been the boarding house where he lived when he first arrived in Philadelphia in 1723, it was also where he met his future wife, Deborah – who was then the daughter of the boarding house proprietor.

Practical Info

The printing office and underground museum is open Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The post office is open Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

318 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA

Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; Sat-Sun 11am-5pm

From $ 19

Fourth Ward Park

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream is realized every day at Atlanta's Historic Fourth Ward Park in the neighborhood in which he was born. Today the area houses the first completed urban park of the Atlanta Beltline Project, which brings modern, renovated park spaces to the city.

This 17-acre space celebrates Atlanta’s natural beauty with wide open green areas and its central two-acre lake, also used as a stormwater retention basin. Multiple lawns dot the park, all suitable for reading, a game of Frisbee and picnics. A modern playground with a splash pad is the crowning jewel of the park for young kids, and a skate park, athletic field and amphitheater round out the park’s entertainment options.

Practical Info

The Historic Fourth Ward Park is located behind Ponce City Market and extends south to the Carter Center. It is generally open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is free to the public.

680 Dallas Street, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

6 a.m.-11 p.m.

From $ 29

Fort Worth

Known as the home of “Cowboys and Culture,” Fort Worth is the smaller—but no less robust— neighbor in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Its roots as a cowtown can still be seen in such museums as the Stockyards Museum and family-friendly activities including twice-daily Texas longhorn cattle runs.

The Basics

Fort Worth has three key districts for visitors: Sundance Square, the Cultural District, and the Stockyards. Trendy Sundance Square spans 35 blocks downtown and has restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The Cultural District has five acclaimed museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Stockyards offers up a slice of old-school western life, with cattle drives and homey cafes and shops.

Things to Know Before You Go
Fort Worth is a friendly, laid-back destination that is ideal for families.
A free visitor trolley, Molly the Trolley, takes visitors around to the three main downtown districts.
Traffic can be busy throughout the DFW area, particularly during rush hour.

How to Get There

Fort Worth is 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Dallas. From Dallas, follow I-30 West and take the Lancaster Avenue exit for downtown. Trinity Railway Express train service runs between the two cities, and the city bus service is called “the T.” Visitors can also take the free Molly the Trolley throughout downtown.

When to Get There

For the best climate during your stay, try to time your visit for the fall, September through November. Major events that take place throughout the year include the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in January and the National Day of the American Cowboy in July.

Have You “Herd”?

Fort Worth’s Stockyards is the only place in the world where you can see a herd of Texas longhorn cattle roaming the streets. One of the Stockyards’ six staff drovers drive the cattle twice a day, at 11:30am and 4pm.

Main Street, Fort Worth TX 76101, USA

Free

From $ 15

Fortress of the Bear

Animal lovers heading to Sitka should consider visiting Fortress of the Bear, a non-profit bear rescue facility and the largest of its kind in the United States. Focused on educating the public on bears and how to help their populations, Fortress of the Bear takes in orphaned bear cubs and creates a protective and enriching environment for them. The operation was started by couple Les and Evy Kinnear who transformed Sitka’s old pulp mill into a place where baby bears could be cared for. Visitors can watch the bears being fed, observe and photograph bear interactions, and hear the story of each bear and how it ended up at Fortress of the Bear.

Keep in mind this is not like a typical zoo where you see an animal in a cage. Instead, you’ll watch the bears playing with large barrels and tire swings and being active in a large expanse of land. Additionally, the attraction has a non-touristy, non-commercial feel, allowing for a more authentic experience.

Practical Info

Fortress of the Bear is located at 4639 Sawmill Creek Road. A $3 shuttle service to the attraction is offered from the dock. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for youth aged 7-18; and free for children under 7. They’re open from 9am to 5pm daily during the summer and 10am to 2pm Friday through Sunday from October 1 through April 15. Call 907 747 3032 or 907 747 3550 for more information.

4639 Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, Alaska, USA

Adults: $10; Children: $5

From $ 69

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk is a linear public park located by the New River in the historic downtown district of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its tropical landscaping and winding pathways link some of the city’s best attractions.

The Basics

The Riverwalk area, frequently described as the "Venice of America" by locals and visitors, consists of a park, shops, restaurants, nightlife, and a movie theater, making it a popular destination for strolling, eating, and catching some outdoor entertainment. The complex also includes big attractions such as the Stranahan House, the Broward Center for Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Florida Grand Opera, and Esplanade Park.

There are several ways to explore the Riverwalk, including walking tours, Segway tours, or sightseeing cruises with operators such as Jungle Queen Riverboat. Those boat rides will cover the Riverwalk, as well as glimpses of Millionaire's Row, a stretch of luxe houses and their attendant mega yachts that runs from Tarpon Bend to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Things to Know Before You Go

Public restrooms are stationed at regular intervals along the Riverwalk.
In addition to a variety of local restaurants, there are also several picnic areas for those who want to pack a meal.
The Riverwalk is ADA accessible.
Parking is available on SW 4th Street by the pavilion.
Dogs are allowed on the Riverwalk, but they must be leashed.

How to Get There

Two main streets run through the Riverwalk district: Las Olas Boulevard and Himmarshee Street. Bus numbers 11, 30, and 40 stop in the area. There is no dedicated parking lot, but there is parking available up and down the streets connecting to the Riverwalk.

When to Get There

The Riverwalk is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week year round. Paths are lighted, which can make for a delightful evening stroll—especially in summer and fall, when the weather tends to be uncomfortably hot and humid during the day. The most popular time to visit Fort Lauderdale is between December and April, when temperatures are between the mid-50s and mid-80s.

Events at the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

The Riverwalk has a packed calendar year round, including yoga classes, musical performances, sports competitions, and popular annual events such as the Riverwalk Fall Festival, the 80s Dance Party, or the Smoke on the Water Barbecue Competition.

Fort Lauderdale, USA

From $ 25

Fountain Paint Pot

Fountain Paint Pot is one of several mud pots found within Yellowstone National Park that bursts and pops as the mud thickens throughout summer. The surrounding Fountain Paint Pot area is known for its pools of thermophiles (heat-loving bacteria) that gather to form multihued puddles in the earth, as well as mini-geysers and fumaroles.

The Basics

The Fountain Paint Pot area is one of the most accessible part of Yellowstone National Park, and one where you can see all four types of thermal features found in Yellowstone—hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and fumaroles. Most tours of the Yellowstone Lower Loop include a walk along the Fountain Paint Pot boardwalk, as do winter tours to Old Faithful by snowmobile or snowcoach.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Fountain Paint Pot area is a must-visit for all first-time visitors to the national park.
Don’t forget to bring sun protection, as there’s not much shade in the Fountain Paint Pot area.
Plan to spend about 30 minutes touring the volcanic features of the area.

How to Get There

Fountain Paint Pot is accessed via a half-mile (0.80-kilometer) loop boardwalk known as the Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail. The easy trail is right next to Grand Loop Road in the Lower Geyser Basin area of the park. Plan to visit early in the morning to enjoy the scenery before the crowds pick up.

When to Get There

Fountain Paint Pot changes with the seasons. It’s at its most fluid and bubbly in the spring as snowmelt provides plenty of water to the pools. By the end of summer and into early autumn, the mud starts to thicken and dry.

Clepsydra Geyser

Not all geysers are as reliable as this one, situated in the Fountain Paint Pot area. In Ancient Greece, a clepsydra was a type of water clock, and Clepsydra Geyser erupts like clockwork every three minutes. After an earthquake in 1959, the geyser now erupts almost continuously, making it a star in Yellowstone’s Lower Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

From $ 260

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum

Franklin D. Roosevelt may have been the 32nd U.S. president, but he was the first to have a presidential library named in his honor. It was built on his family estate and FDR even provided personal guidance and direction while it was under construction.

Travelers who visit the library and museum will have access to FDR’s own personal records and archives, which include some 16,000 books, 15,000 photographs and plenty of film and audio recordings, too. The library was built in the Dutch colonial style the president loved and is one of just 13 presidential libraries across the country. Scholarly visitors can schedule a stop at the research archives, but even non-academics stand to learn something on a stop at the museum, which includes interactive exhibits and personal effects that belonged to the former president and his family.

Visitors can explore the museum and library on their own, or view it as part of the Hudson Valley New York Great Estates Pass, which includes stops at other top area attractions.

Practical Info

The library and museum is located at 4079 Albany Post Road. Tickets include a tour of the Home of FDR and admission to the library and museum.

4079 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, New York 12538, USA

9am-5pm November through March; 9am-6pm April through October

$18

From $ 73

Fort Zachary Taylor

Popular for both its military history and current recreational opportunities, Fort Zachary Taylor is also the location of one of Key West’s favorites beaches. Spanning 54 acres, Fort Zachary Taylor is worth a visit both for its colorful past and its attractive present.

Construction on Fort Taylor was begun in 1845 and the Fort hosted active duty squadrons until 1947. During the period of the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor remained one of only three fortresses in Florida to remain under Federal control; it’s now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and contains the largest cache of Civil War-era seacoast cannons in the U.S. Fort Taylor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Tours are conducted daily and pamphlets for self-guided tours are available as well.

Today, Fort Zachary Taylor is best known for its outdoor activities and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The beach, which is the southernmost in the U.S., is considered one of the best in Key West, not only for its expanse of sand (a rarity in the Keys), but also for swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving off of the shore. Other popular activities include biking, fishing, hiking along the nature trails, bird watching, picnicking, sunset watching and more.

Practical Info

Fort Zachary Taylor is open to the public 365 days a year. Entrance to the park is dependent on the number of people in one vehicle: $4.50 for one person, $7.00 for two and $.50 for each additional person. There is a $2.50 fee for anyone walking or riding a bike into the park.

Key West, Florida, USA

Varies

From $ 60

Fort Mason

Fort Mason’s use as a military site dates to 1864, but it’s now part of Golden Gate National Recreation Center. The 13-acre (5-hectare) site houses art spaces, a bar, restaurant, and coffee shop and is also known as the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. Its Great Meadow is a favorite for a warm-weather picnic.

The Basics

Similar to the Presidio, Fort Mason morphed from a military base into an urban national park, with events, festivals, a farmers market, art spaces, and concessions all on the grounds. Its prime location on the San Francisco Bay waterfront, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina District, makes it easy to visit on foot. You can bike through on a tour to the Golden Gate Bridge, or admire it from the water on a bay cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

Fort Mason is divided into an upper section and lower section, with the Great Meadow sloping between.
There is a paid parking lot on site.
A visitor center is open on weekdays only.
Fort Mason is mostly wheelchair accessible, including paved pathways surrounding the Great Meadow.

How to Get There

From Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s easy to bike or walk to Fort Mason. MUNI buses 28, 30, 47, and 49 stop outside the fort. If you drive, there’s an on-site parking lot. The main entrance is located at Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, but you can also enter from Bay Street.

When to Get There

Big events such as beer and wine festivals and craft fairs take place in the festival pavilions and draw big crowds—the Renegade Craft Fair every November is popular. The weekly farmers market and the Off the Grid food truck gathering are local favorites.

Ghirardelli Square

Walk a block down North Point Street from Fort Mason’s eastern edge to reach Ghirardelli Square, a red-bricked multilevel retail center that is recognizable by the large “Ghirardelli” sign. Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, the square is home to shops, restaurants, and a wine-tasting room, but its staple is the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.

2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, California, USA, USA

From $ 31

Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine

Critical events changed the course of history at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where soldiers successfully saved the city from British attack in 1812. Inspired by the sight of the American flag waving over the fort after the attack, Francis Scott Key was moved to write the United States’ national anthem.

The Basics

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine ranks among Baltimore’s most popular attractions and offers plenty of ways for visitors to experience the historic site. Start in the visitor center to watch an orientation film and explore the exhibits before touring the fort itself.

A full daily lineup of ranger-led programs enhances the experience. Visitors can help rangers unroll, raise, or lower a full-size replica of the Star-Spangled Banner while learning about its history, or hear talks about the Battle of Baltimore or War on the Chesapeake. For something truly special, take a helicopter flight over Baltimore to see the fort from above.

Things to Know Before You Go

Fort McHenry is a must-visit for history buffs and first-time visitors to Baltimore.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
The national park visitor center is accessible to wheelchair users, and the fort itself is mostly accessible.
Pets are welcome on the fort grounds outside the historic area.

How to Get There

The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of the Inner Harbor, just off the I-95 Highway. While the easiest way to get there is to drive, it’s also possible to take Bus 1 or a water taxi from several locations around the Inner Harbor.

When to Get There

The best time to visit the fort is during the summer months (June to August), when the lineup of ranger programs expands to include musket and artillery demos and guard drills. The park also hosts some special events throughout the year, including Civil War Weekend in June, Star-Spangled Banner Weekend in September, and Fleet Week in October.

Nearby Historic Attractions

Baltimore isn’t lacking in historical appeal, and visitors will find numerous attractions within a 25-mile (40-kilometer) radius. The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and Museum offers some context for the Fort McHenry site, while the Maryland Historical Society Museum gives a broader take on regional history. The USS Constellation invites visitors onto the decks of an 18th-century frigate.

2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore 21230, USA

Varies

From $ 80

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Fort Ross State Historic Park in Sonoma County is part fortress, part settlement. It was originally built in 1812 as part of the Russian-American Company, a commercial enterprise to supply goods to Russian outposts in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Most of the buildings date to 1836 and offer a well-preserved peek into an overlooked piece of California history.

The Basics

Fort Ross is a vital cog in the multicultural history of California. The southernmost settlement for Russian efforts of North American colonization, the now state historic park is a compound comprising several buildings surrounded by a stockade wall. Several Russian-era buildings have been reconstructed, including the Fur Warehouse and a Russian Orthodox chapel. Built from an existing structure in 1836, the Rotchev house is thought to be an original building. A museum and working windmill are more recent additions.

To best experience the historic park, take a private tour to learn about Russian history in the region as well as details about their interactions with Alaskans, Native Americans, and the Spanish, and about the region’s later history as a ranching community. Save an hour or two to explore the park’s beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

Fort Ross is a must for history buffs visiting Sonoma County.
Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Mornings are often foggy and damp, afternoons are often clear and sunny, and a breeze is almost constant.
Wear sturdy walking shoes for exploring the park’s buildings, beaches, and windswept bluffs.
There is no food available at Fort Ross State Historic Park but drinking water is available. Facilities are available at the visitor center.
The park’s buildings are not accessible to wheelchair users, but some picnic areas, trails, and beaches are.

How to Get There

Fort Ross State Historic Park is about a 2.5-hour drive north of San Francisco, 12 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1. You must drive there, as public transportation is unavailable. There is paid parking on-site, a short walk from the park’s visitor center and sights.

When to Get There

The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, and its buildings are open daily from 10am to 4:30pm. June through August is the park’s busiest season, when campgrounds book up well in advance. During the high season, Park Interpreters offer presentations are available during the week and on weekends; at other times of year, presentations are on weekends only.

Activities Near Fort Ross

Fort Ross State Historic Park abuts Northern California’s world-renowned wine country, and nearby wineries are widely recognized for their pinot noirs and chardonnays. The Russian River, which meets the Pacific Ocean at Jenner, is one of Sonoma County’s most famous wine-producing regions. After a visit to Fort Ross and some tasting rooms, head to Guerneville to see stands of old-growth redwood forests and experience another side of California's rich history.

19005 Coast Hwy One, Jenner, California 95450, USA

Varies

From $ 20