Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
ShowingFilter 561-580 of 2014 listings.
Gone with the Wind Museum
The Gone with the Wind Museum in Marietta, Georgia, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the epic novel-turned-movie. Though small, the museum’s rare signature items and memorabilia celebrate the iconic tale and 1939 film. A top piece is the Bengaline silk honeymoon gown worn by Vivien Leigh, who portrayed Scarlett O’Hara in the film.
The Basics
Opened in 2003, the Gone with the Wind Museum features an impressive collection of artifacts from Gone with the Wind. Memorabilia from the iconic film lines the halls, and the exhibits transport visitors back to the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. In addition to Leigh’s gown, noteworthy objects include author Margaret Mitchell’s personal copies of the novel, rare publicity pieces, and the personal script of an actress in the film. The gift store sells collector’s items—and, of course, copies of Gone with the Wind.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is an absolute must for Gone with the Wind fans as well as those with an interest in antebellum Georgia history. It’s not the best choice for children, who may find it uninteresting.
- Plan to spend roughly an hour visiting the museum.
- Student and senior discounts are available.
- The museum doesn’t have food services but there are restaurants within walking distance.
How to Get There
The museum is located inside of Brumby Hall and Gardens near downtown Marietta, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from downtown Atlanta. Driving is recommended, and there is free on-site parking. If traveling by public transportation from downtown Atlanta, make your way to the Marietta Transfer Center and then take bus 15.
When to Get There
The Gone with the Wind Museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday. Check the museum calendar for special events and exhibits. Visit early to beat the crowds.
Gone with the Wind in Atlanta
Gone with the Wind Museum visits are self-guided unless scheduled ahead for groups of 15 people or more. For a more comprehensive Gone with the Wind experience, look for tours that bundle admission to the museum with other attractions like the Margaret Mitchell House and the location of the original 1939 movie premiere.
Address: 18 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, Georgia, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 55
Grace Cathedral
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood, the Gothic-style Grace Cathedral is best known for its stained-glass windows that depict modern figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Robert Frost, and Albert Einstein. The church’s commitment to social issues is showcased in its AIDS Memorial Chapel, which houses a bronze altarpiece by activist Keith Haring.
The Basics
Some San Francisco city tours stop at Grace Cathedral. Wander the Episcopal church on your own—including a walk through the indoor or outdoor labyrinth for inner peace, prayer, and solstice—or download the app for a self-guided tour. On select days, there is a 90-minute paid tour to visit parts of the church that are not accessible to the general public. Services are offered throughout the week, and a yoga class on the indoor labyrinth is offered on Tuesday evenings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral is free to enter.
- While the cathedral itself is not open 24 hours, visitors are welcome to walk the outdoor labyrinth at any time of day.
- This remains a functioning, religious site, so remember to be respectful when visiting.
- Grace Cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Grace Cathedral is best accessed via public transportation. The California Street Cable Car stops in front of the church, the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines are two blocks away, and MUNI buses 1 and 27 stop in the vicinity. If arriving by car, there’s a paid parking garage at the cathedral or across the street at the Masonic Center. Daytime street parking is metered and limited to two hours.
When to Get There
Grace Cathedral is open from 8am to 6pm most days, and there isn’t a bad time to visit. If you want to see the cathedral in action, plan to attend a service. Various events are offered throughout the year, so check the calendar in advance.
Other Attractions Near Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral presides over the centrally located neighborhood of Nob Hill, also home to the historical Fairmont and Mark Hopkins hotels. San Francisco’s iconic cable cars traverse the neighborhood, making it easily accessible from Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Cable Car Museum, Chinatown, and the Financial District are all within walking distance.
Address: 1100 California Street, San Francisco 94108, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 25
Gracianna Winery
The Westside Road slices its way through the temperate Russian River Valley, and a stretch that runs parallel to the river is so valued for its grape-growing conditions that it has become known as the Miracle Mile. Make the drive here to find Gracianna Winery, a family-owned vineyard that produces some of the region’s best Pinot Noir. Owned and operated by the Amanda family, the winery produces a handful of award-winning varieties, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, however, the Pinot Noirs are a consistent favorite with wine critics and visitors alike.
Practical Info
The tasting room at Gracianna Winery is open seasonally from April through November. Visitors must make an appointment for tastings, which costs $15 per person and includes pourings of five Russian River Valley wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, And Sauvignon Blanc. For each person, the tasting fee can be waived with the purchase of two bottles.
Address: 6914 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA
Hours: By appointment only.
Admission: by appointment. $15 per person.
From $ 20
Goleta
Goleta is a small coastal town west of Santa Barbara, CA. The town has a mild climate with temperatures typically within 10 degrees of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and warm winds, making this a pleasant place to live or vacation. The town hugs the coast providing plenty of opportunities for enjoying the beach as well as swimming and other water activities. The nearby Santa Ynez Mountains make for a picturesque backdrop. They are also the source of the warm, or sometimes even hot, winds that blow in occasionally.
Many of Goleta's residents commute into Santa Barbara to work at a variety of companies or at the University of California Santa Barbara. The town is also known for its Monarch Butterflies. In October each year the butterflies return to Goleta from their summer home and congregate in massive colonies in the Eucalyptus trees in the Goleta Butterfly Grove.
Practical Info
Goleta is located 10 miles west of Santa Barbara and can be reached by US Highway 101.
Address: Goleta, California, USA
From $ 105
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Spanning more than 60 miles (95 kilometers) in and around San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area is home to beaches, former military posts, hiking trails, and historic landmarks—including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and architecture lovers will all find something to delight them at the various sites.
The Basics
Part of the National Park Service, GGNRA encompasses most of the Pacific coastline and the San Francisco Bay waterfront in San Francisco and neighboring Marin County. The park is rich with major attractions, including Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, the Presidio of San Francisco and Fort Point (at the southern base of the Golden Gate Bridge), Ocean Beach, and Fort Mason. The Presidio, Crissy Field, and Fort Mason offer grassy areas where you can enjoy a scenic picnic. Outdoor activities abound as well: in San Francisco, the best way to experience a swath of the GGNRA is an outdoorsy tour such as biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, or taking an urban hike through the Presidio or along the coast to the Cliff House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Golden Gate NRA is a must for all first-time visitors to the area, especially outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and architecture lovers.
- The park headquarters are at Fort Mason, with visitor centers at the Presidio, Marin Headlands, Lands End Lookout, and Golden Gate Bridge.
- Admission fees are required for Alcatraz and Muir Woods only. Book well in advance to ensure admission.
- You can buy food and beverages at several restaurants in the Presidio, as well as at cafés or kiosks at Crissy Field, Lands End, and Fort Mason.
- Bring layers and sun protection, as the wind, fog, and sun are unpredictable on the coast.
- Many sights in the park are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
In San Francisco, the MUNI bus system and light rail lines service most of the GGNRA’s top sights. To check out locations in Marin, you’ll want your own car to travel along Highways 1 and 101. Most key sights have free or paid parking lots, which are typically open from sunrise to sunset.
When to Get There
The Golden Gate NRA is open and lovely year-round; sights’ hours vary. For many attractions, especially Alcatraz and Muir Woods—two of the area’s most popular—go in the early morning to beat the crowds. Perhaps surprisingly, in San Francisco July and August can bring fog and cooler temperatures to the coast. The best chance of sunshine and warm, dry weather is in September and October. Winter often offers a mix of rainy and clear days.
Golden Gate Park
Despite its name, San Francisco’s biggest urban park is not part of the Golden Gate NRA, but it’s adjacent to Ocean Beach and just a few blocks from the Cliff House and Sutro Baths. Stretching nearly half the width of the city, Golden Gate Park features world-class museums, a Japanese tea garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, a golf course, lakes, bike and walking trails, lush lawns for lounging, two windmills, and even a bison paddock.
Address: Building 201, 1st Floor, Fort Mason, San Francisco 94123, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 55
Golden Gate Park
The 1,000-plus acres (412 hectares) of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park are home to museums, picnic sites, lakes, golf, hiking and biking paths, concerts, and more. From the attraction-laden east end to the wilder west side where bison roam, the park offers plenty of ways to relax, get a culture fix, exercise, or gather with friends.
The Basics
Sitting between the Richmond and Sunset districts, Golden Gate Park stretches about 50 blocks across San Francisco from Ocean Beach on the western edge to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences are the two main cultural institutions (with entrance fees) and sit conveniently near each other at the Music Concourse. The Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden, Shakespeare Garden, National AIDS Memorial Grove, and Stow Lake are other popular attractions in this tourist-heavy section of the park. Moving west toward the Pacific Ocean, the park spreads out with more trails (both paved and dirt), a 9-hole golf course, disc golf, meadows that host annual music festivals, windmills, and even a bison paddock. Park Segway tours and bike rentals are the top ways to explore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free street parking is available around the park in some locations, and a parking garage is set near the de Young and California Academy of Sciences.
- John F. Kennedy Drive is closed on Sundays and holidays from Kezar Drive to Transverse Drive. It’s also closed on Saturdays from April through September from 8th Avenue to Transverse Drive.
- Roads inside the park close occasionally for special events; signs will be posted.
- Food and drinks can be found at the de Young Café, the Beach Chalet, the California Academy Café, and the Stow Lake Boathouse, as well as at snack stands.
How to Get There
The No. 5 bus on the city’s Muni network stops at entrances to the park on the northern edge, along Fulton Street. Taxis and ride-sharing vehicles are allowed to pull up in front of the de Young and California Academy of Sciences for drop-off only.
When to Get There
San Francisco offers mild weather most of the year, so the park is enjoyable nearly every day (just be sure to wear layers). Music lovers may want to visit for the annual Outside Lands Music Festival in August or the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in October. Beware the city’s famous fog, affectionately known as Karl, which rolls in from the ocean in July and August, giving San Francisco its chilly summers.
The Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock
The most unusual thing about this city park is its bison paddock, home to a herd of American bison since the 1890s. Stumbling upon the animals is a delightful surprise for many visitors who make it to the western section of the park. To find the meadow, head along John F. Kennedy Drive just west of Spreckels Lake. Hopefully you’ll catch them near the fence, but know that they’re not always in view.
Address: Fell and Stanyan Streets, San Francisco 94118, USA
Hours: Daily. Closed (except for through traffic) 10pm-6am
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Goblin Valley State Park
When you first enter the dry expanse of Goblin Valley State Park, you’d be forgiven for looking out and thinking there’s really nothing there. Upon closer inspection of the landscape, however, you realize this empty desert void is filled with a curious, geologic beauty that’s equal parts captivating and strange. Here in the middle of the Great Basin Desert—miles from seemingly everywhere—sandstone spires referred to goblins rise silently up from the Earth. Carved by 170 million years of wind and water erosion, this mushroom dotted, light brown landscape is an inland sea of boulders and pinnacles seemingly frozen in time. Discovered only in the 1920s by ranchers looking for cattle, the site is now protected as part of a fascinating Utah State Park. Walk amidst the towering spires and look at the striated lines, where millennia of torment from nature’s fury have formed what we see today. Or, to spend an evening amidst the hoodoos and beneath a banner of stars, reserve a spot at the desert campground where the enveloping silence of the Martian landscape helps you drift off to sleep.
Practical Info
Goblin Valley State Park is located one hour from Green River and 50 minutes from Hanksville. The visitor center is open daily from 8am-5pm, and admission is $7/car and $16 for a campsite. Temperatures in summer can top 100 degrees, so be sure to pack water, snacks, and supplies if venturing out on the trails.
Address: Green River, Utah 84525, USA
Hours: The visitor center is open daily from 8am-5pm.
Admission: $7/car and $16 for a campsite
From $ 149
Governors Island
Although a completely separate island that needs to be reached by way of ferry, Governors Island is technically part of the borough of Manhattan. To reach the destination -- which is open from late May through the end of September and is less than a half mile away from Lower Manhattan -- you can take a free ferry from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street. Originally a military outpost, Governors Island began allowing warm-weather visitors in 2006. The island features 172 acres of history and tranquility through heritage sites, biking, picnicking, art and culture. Two remaining 19th-century forts, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, take visitors back to when the island was used for inner harbor defense. Additionally, because there are no cars or motorized vehicles allowed on the island, visitors enjoy renting bikes and cycling along the island’s 2.2-mile Great Promenade or to Picnic Point for some lunch and a direct view of the Statue of Liberty. There are also many art and culture attractions and events on the island, like outdoor art installations, music concerts and the Governors Island annual Governors Island Art Fair which showcases works from over 100 artists.
Address: USA
From $ 19
Golden Gate Bridge
No traveler to San Francisco leaves without checking out the stunning views along the Golden Gate Bridge. The iconic, red-orange suspension bridge rises high above the San Francisco Bay and spans 1.7 miles (2.7 km) across, connecting the city’s northernmost point to Marin County. While it’s a major route for Bay Area commuters, the famous landmark attracts visitors from around the world with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin headlands, Alcatraz, and San Francisco.
The Basics
The Golden Gate Bridge is free to walk and bike across, with a protected, shared walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. Travelers can walk, bike, or bus across the bridge; sail or cruise the waters below it; or fly high above the attraction aboard a seaplane. Visitors can take advantage of photo opportunities on either end of the bridge, enjoy a scenic stroll over the bay, or explore the Welcome Center at the San Francisco terminus to learn about the bridge’s history and shop for souvenirs. It’s possible to combine your visit with sightseeing in the city; admission to Alcatraz; a half-day tour in Sonoma and Napa Valley; or hikes in Marin or on Angel Island. Popular sights in Marin County include seaside Sausalito, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Muir Woods National Monument, home to Northern California redwood trees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tour options are available from San Francisco and Sausalito, and range from leisurely outings to athletic excursions.
- Most tours depart from Fisherman’s Wharf in the city and last three to four hours.
- Choose a bike tour or a hop on, hop off bus around the city for a scenic ride to the bridge. You’ll catch many of the city's famous attractions, including Union Square, North Beach, Coit Tower, Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Russian Hill.
- While it’s possible to rent a bike on your own, a guide can help you navigate the hilly streets and commuter traffic.
- Many travelers opt for a guided bike ride across the bridge to Sausalito, then explore the town on your own with a 24-hour bike rental or hop on a 45-minute ferry back to the city.
How to Get There
The San Francisco end of the bridge is located in the Presidio and can be reached from all parts of the city by car or public transportation. The bridge forms part of US Route 101 and California State Route 1—take any bridge-bound Golden Gate Transit bus to the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. By car, take the last San Francisco exit, right before the toll plaza, and park in the southeast parking lot.
Where to Find the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
With scenic lookout points on both ends of the Golden Gate, you can pick your backdrop. Capture the bridge in its entirety on a coastal walking tour through San Francisco’s Presidio, where you’ll spot beautiful bridge views from vantage points at Crissy Field, Fort Point, and Baker Beach. To snap a photo from the north end of the bridge, choose a tour that crosses the bridge to the Marin Headlands. While Vista Point is the most popular bridge viewing spot in Marin, it can get crowded with cars, so take a short hike toward Battery Point and Slacker Hill for sweeping views of the city.
Address: Fort Point Lookout Marine Drive, San Francisco, California 94129, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free to walk, bridge tolls apply when driving.
From $ 10
Government House Museum
The historic Government House has played many roles in the state of Florida since being built more than 400 years ago. During the colonial period of the 16th century, it served as the official residence and offices of the Spanish governors of Florida. The mansion was then rebuilt in 1710 after being destroyed by British forces. British governors of East Florida ruled from the structure during the American Revolutionary War, often throwing lavish parties. In 1821, history was made here when the Spanish governor turned over the control of Florida to the United States.
Once a part of the new nation, it served as a U.S. post office, courthouse, and customs building before opening as a museum in 1991. The structure itself holds centuries of history, though its exhibits go into further detail the significance of the house and the area. Many archaeological artifacts, including Spanish gold and Native American canoes, tell the stories of the multiculturalism that influenced Florida and St. Augustine as it is today.
Practical Info
The Government House can be found on King Street in St. Augustine, beside the Plaza de la Constitución. The museum is located on the first floor. Managed by the University of Florida, it is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and is free of charge.
Address: 48 King St, St Augustine, Florida, USA, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
From $ 28
Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum
Created on the site of what was once a miniature golf course, the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum is now home to more than 500 palms and cycads, representing more than 150 different species from around the world. Starting with just 60 palms representing 10 different species, the two-acre park has continuously expanded since its 1977 dedication. From massive specimens that are too big to fit in private yards to popular types that can be found along Florida’s beaches, the Palm Arboretum is an ever-changing, never-ending project that grows and expands organically. Take the time to stroll down the pathways, learning about the specimens, or simply perch on one of the conversation benches and enjoy the peace of the palms.
Practical Info
The Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum is open daily from 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Parking is available; adjacent parking is free of charge.
Address: 11th Ave NE, St Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA
From $ 70
González-Alvarez House (Oldest House Museum)
St Augustine has grown up and around the González-Alvarez House, and so the home stands as an architectural time capsule of the city’s evolution. The two-story coquina stone house, built in the years after the English burned the city in 1702, is now a registered National Landmark with elements that typify the city’s varied occupants. Early Spanish colonial elements such as the house’s orientation to take advantage of winds and tabby floors—blend with later changes. A second story was added during the British colonial period, and a framed second floor porch and glass windows were included during the second Spanish period prior to statehood.
Though archaeological evidence suggests the site has been occupied since the 1600s, the current home dates to the early 1700s. Its “oldest house in America” title has been contested and has since reverted to the “oldest surviving Spanish colonial house in Florida.” Regardless, visitors to the Gonzalez-Alvarez House will find plenty of unique historical elements here including some of its resident’s possessions: chipped Romanesque statues, simple wooden furniture, clothing, an ornately carved four-poster bed and a British tea setting. Outside, a replica coquina colonial kitchen features a brick hearth and period cooking implements. The larger Oldest House Museum Complex includes an ornamental garden and two separate museum buildings: the Mauncy Museum detailing the history of the country’s oldest city, and the Page L. Edwards Gallery’s rotating exhibits.
Practical Info
Two blocks from the Mantanzas River, the González-Alvarez is located in Central St Augustine at 14 St Francis Street. The Oldest House Museum Complex is open daily from 10am-5pm; 25 minute long guided tours run on the half-hour with the final tour departing at 4:30pm.
The other buildings under the complex’s umbrella are located around the corner on Charlotte Street. All are included in the $8 adult and $4 student admission. Family packages are available.
Address: 14 St Francis Street, St Augustine, Florida 32084, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $8; Students: $4
From $ 28
Grand Army Plaza
This stunning plaza frames the entrance to Brooklyn’s idyllic Prospect Park, serves as home to the borough’s flagship Greenmarket and kicks off the start of Eastern Parkway—the first parkway in America. Easy to recognize thanks to its iconic archway, beautiful fountains and 12-sided gazebos.
Designed in 1867 by Frederick Law Olmsted, Grand Army Plaza is today a recognized National Historic Landmark and popular meeting place for locals and travelers making their way to the park. It’s the site of numerous outdoor yoga classes and a meet up for local running clubs. Travelers will find easy access to the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanical Garden from Grand Army Plaza. Whether it’s wandering the park with an ice cream cone from nearby Ample Hills or collecting a bag of local items from the Greenmarket and picnicking on the lush lawns or quiet park benches, Grand Army Plaza is the perfect place to enjoy a Brooklyn day.
Practical Info
Grand Army Plaza is accessible via the 2/3 subway line at Grand Army Plaza. A local Greenmarket with wine, produce, local meat and fresh eggs operates here every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Address: Brooklyn, New York 11238, USA
From $ 30
Grand Canyon Imax Theater
At six stories tall and 82 feet wide (25 meters), the screen of the Grand Canyon Imax is grand, perfect for a screening of Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets in the 487-person theater. The 34-minute show takes travelers into the canyon with historical commentary and incredible aerial views—a perfect introduction to the real thing.
The Basics
The film screened within this Imax theater gives viewers the sensation of traveling through the 277 miles (446 kilometers) of the Grand Canyon, soaring over the canyon rim, white water rafting down the Colorado River, and going back in time to uncover the history of this natural wonder.
Visitors can upgrade their Imax experience to include a light meal and drink to enjoy during the screening. You can also grab a bite to eat after the movie at the Explorer’s Cafe, do some shopping at the Official National Geographic Store, or learn about the Inner Canyon from visitor center staff.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Grand Canyon Imax Theater is a must-see for first-time visitors and families traveling with kids.
- Purchase your Imax tickets ahead of time to skip the queue and avoid disappointment.
- The theater is wheelchair accessible and offers seating for eight wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Imax theater is located within the Official National Geographic Visitor Center at the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. The easiest way to get here is by car, and the nearest commercial airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport in Flagstaff, Arizona.
When to Get There
The Grand Canyon Imax film is shown every hour on the half-hour daily throughout the year (with shorter hours in winter). Plan to see the movie before you visit the Grand Canyon to get some context, and plan to book your tickets ahead of time, as the line can get long, especially during the summer.
Imax By the Numbers
The Imax screen at the Grand Canyon is 4,500 times bigger than an average TV screen, with 12,000 watts of digital surround sound to help you feel like you’re there. The cameras used to shoot Imax footage weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms) for 2D and 265 pounds (120 kilograms) for 3D. If you were to shine an Imax light projector from the moon, we could see it on earth with the naked eye.
Address: 450 Arizona 64, Tusayan, AZ, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Graceland
The second most-visited home in the United States (behind only the White House), Graceland was home to Elvis Presley during the height of his career. Although the rock ’n’ roll singer and pop culture icon died in the white-columned mansion in 1977 at the age of 42, touring the wacky rooms of this 17,552-square-foot (1,630-square-meter) estate offers insight into the mind of The King, who is buried in the estate's Meditation Gardens.
The Basics
For music fans, history buffs, and really any visitor to Tennessee, a Graceland mansion tour is a must-do experience. Travelers wishing to tour the house independently have several ticket options to choose from, including a mansion-only tour (led by John Stamos on an iPad) and a more comprehensive admission ticket that offers access to the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, and the Elvis Discovery Exhibits. Guided tours of Graceland mansion offer the added benefit of roundtrip transportation from Memphis or Nashville, while VIP tour upgrades include skip-the-line access to the mansion.
- This site is a must-see for music lovers and Elvis fans.
- To see everything Graceland has to offer, set aside three to four hours.
- Bring a sharpie so you can sign the famous Graceland wall.
- Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted on tours inside Graceland.
- Flash-free photography is allowed.
- Most visitor facilities at Graceland are fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to Graceland
Graceland is located in Southern Memphis, just west of the airport. While a guided tour with transport is the most convenient way to visit, it’s also possible to reach the mansion via the free Sun Studio shuttle bus, which runs every hour between Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum.
When to Get There
It’s best to visit Graceland on weekday afternoons during the shoulder season (September to April) when lines are shorter and the mansion is less crowded. Expect long lines on holidays, summer weekends, on Elvis’ birthday (January 8), and during Elvis Week.
An Airplane Fit for The King
In 1975, Elvis bought a 1958 Convair 880, which he named Lisa Marie after his daughter. For an extra fee, Graceland visitors can climb aboard the fully remodeled jet, complete with gold-plated seat belts, gold-flecked sinks, and suede chairs, and get a look at how The King traveled in style.
Address: 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee 38116, USA
Hours: Vary seasonally
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Gold and Silver Pawn Shop (Home of Pawn Stars)
The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas is the star of one of the History Channel’s most popular shows, Pawn Stars. The cast members, and real life owners and operators of the shop, are Rick, the Old Man, Big Hoss and Chumlee, who are known for buying and appraising collectors items, including historic firearms, antique toys, classic cars and much more. A Pawn Stars Tour of Las Vegas is the best way to see the shop and other filming locations from the show. Tour groups can skip the line, get VIP access to the stars, and even see the show getting filmed.
Practical Info
The Pawn Stars tour is a half-day experience that includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, along with other filming locations like the Toy Shack and the Carroll Shelby Museum. Hotel pickup and transportation is provided.
Address: 713 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, USA
Hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Tours start at $79.99 per person.
From $ 44
Gloria Ferrer Vineyard
If you like your tasting glass to sparkle, save time in your wine country itinerary for a visit to Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. Located in the Carneros region of Sonoma County Wine County, Gloria Ferrer was the first sparkling wine house to plant roots in the area back in the early 1980s. Most of the 335-acre estate is dedicated to Pinot Noir.
Guests have a number of options depending on how much time they have to sip. Daily 40 minute tours present a winery history and an introduction to the traditional méthode champenoise sparkling wine-making process used at the winery. Food and wine pairing tours lasting 90 minutes are also offered by appointment.
The winery’s Vista Terrace comes with photo-worthy wine country views. On a sunny day, it’s the place to sip and stay awhile.
Practical Info
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards are located on Highway 121 in Sonoma, 40 miles north of San Francisco. The Visitor Center is open daily 10am to 4:45pm. Reservations are required for tastings and tours for parties of eight and larger.
Address: 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, California 95476, USA
Hours: Visitor Center open daily 10am to 4:45pm
From $ 399
Glen Canyon Dam
In 1964, the Colorado River’s roaring waters needed to be harnessed, so the towering 710-foot-tall (216 meter) Glen Canyon Dam was built. The resulting 186-mile-long (299 kilometer) Lake Powell, the second largest man-made lake in the US, took 17 years to fill to capacity. Today, the dam provides hydroelectric power to the American West.
The Basics
The Glen Canyon Dam is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where some 3 million tourists visit each year for outdoor fun. Guided tours of the dam give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the engineering marvel, while the Carl Hayden Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits and a relief map of the Glen Canyon region.
Combine your visit to the dam with a rafting trip along the Colorado River or a tour of Antelope Canyon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glen Canyon Dam is a must-see for history buffs and those with an interest in engineering.
- Day trips to the dam and other area attractions from Sedona, Flagstaff, or the Grand Canyon can last several hours.
- Bags and purses are not permitted on tours of the dam.
How to Get There
Tours of the dam depart from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center off Highway 89 in the town of Page, Arizona. The easiest way to get there is to drive or join a guided tour from Page, Sedona, Flagstaff, or the Grand Canyon.
When to Get There
The best time to explore the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and enjoy the waters of Lake Powell is during the fall season, when weather is mild and crowds are thin. Dam tours take place throughout the year and are a good option to escape the heat on a summer afternoon or during the odd monsoon shower.
Other Attractions in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon Dam isn’t the only point of interest within this national park. Visitors can go boating on Lake Powell, learn about Mormon pioneer life at Lees Ferry Historic District, or visit Rainbow Bridge, one of the world’s largest natural bridges. Those craving a wilderness adventure can opt to explore Escalante or the Orange Cliffs.
Address: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Coconino, AZ, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 80
Granary Burying Ground
Founded in 1660, the Granary Burial Ground is Boston’s third-oldest burial ground, and final resting site of some of the most famous Bostonians to ever walk the earth, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence, Paul Revere, and five victims of the Boston Massacre. With as many as 2,345 graves, few cemeteries anywhere else in the world hold such a high percentage of notable people in such a small space, and for this reason it is routinely featured as a highlight along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail.
Still, there is something timeless about visiting historic cemeteries, and perhaps this is why so many choose to stroll the green lawns of Granary Burial Grounds, thinking of the times before ours, and, perhaps, the time to come afterwards.
Notable burials among the Granary Burial Ground include John Hancock (a statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence), Samuel Adams (also a statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence), Paul Revere (civil war patriot), John Endecott (first Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony), Samuel Sewall (Salem Witch Trials Judge) and many others.
Practical INfo
The Granary Burial Ground is located at 101a Tremont Street and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 101a Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From $ 20
Glacier Point
Yosemite National Park’s Glacier Point affords an incomparable bird’s-eye view over Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, all with very little physical effort involved. The small Geology Hut, to the side of the paved trail leading to the main overlook, shows how the valley has changed over the course of the last 10 million years.
The Basics
As one of the most spectacular (and easily accessible) scenic overlooks in Yosemite, Glacier Point almost always features on guided tours of the park. Single- and multi-day tours depart from California cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles. Many tours offer visitors the option to hike down 4-Mile Trail from the overlook to Southside Drive—a much easier alternative than the ambitious hike up.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glacier Point is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors to Yosemite.
- Don’t forget your camera—views from the top are stunning.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to hike up or down 4-Mile Trail.
- Glacier Point is accessible to wheelchair users via a paved path from the nearby parking area.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to hike to Glacier Point from the Yosemite Valley floor, it involves a strenuous 3,200-foot (975-meter) ascent. It’s much easier to drive or take a bus from the Yosemite Valley Lodge (formerly the Yosemite Lodge). During winter, a 10.5-mile (17-kilometer) cross-country skiing trail leads to the overlook.
When to Get There
Glacier Point is open throughout the year, though it’s accessible by road or trail only from late May through October or November. During the rest of the year, you have to ski to get there.
Stargazing at Glacier Point
With no city lights within miles, Yosemite National Park enjoys dark skies perfect for astronomical observation. During the summer months (June to August), amateur astronomers gather at the Glacier Point Amphitheater on Saturday nights for star parties. Bring along a star chart and join in the stargazing fun.
Address: Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
From $ 80