Top North America Unique Experiences - page 2

Wake up early to experience a Sonoran Desert sunrise, and transform it into a story by seeing it from a birds-eye view. This hot air balloon ride from Phoenix takes you into the air with a professional guide who will narrate your trip. You’ll learn about the wildlife and history of this unique desert, then celebrate with Champagne and breakfast hors d’oeuvres.

See the spooky side of New Orleans and try out a few drinks while you're at it on this bar-hopping tour, which focuses on the haunted side of the city. You'll pass by the Lalaurie Mansion, believed to be the most haunted spot in town, and spend time in Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, the oldest bar in the US, all with an engaging local guide to regale you with ghost stories.

Experience the thrill of soaring through a Rocky Mountain landscape on some of the longest ziplines in Colorado. The small group size ensures more personalized attention as you whiz through fresh air and admire the scenic landscape below on a series of cables totaling more than 6000 feet (1828 meters) in length. Soak up some of Colorado’s famous sunshine while you hike between the tracks.

Discover the beauty and culture of Vancouver, and see more of the city in less time, on a small-group bike tour—great for riders of all levels. Accompany your guide on a leisurely ride along dedicated bike routes. Explore the city’s natural wonders, such as Stanley Park, and visit historic neighborhoods lincluding Gastown and Chinatown. Cruise along the seawalls for gorgeous views of the North Shore Mountains, False Creek and more.

Immerse yourself in American history on a JFK–themed tour of Dallas, with stops at Dealey Plaza, President Kennedy’s memorial, and the location of Lee Harvey Oswald’s arrest. Your guide, who navigates for you, provides a history of JFK’s assassination and outlines the multitude of conspiracy theories that followed.

The Iditarod Trail is the longest and most famous sled-dog race in North America. Learn firsthand what it would be like to experience life on the trail on this 75-minute kennel tour and sled ride. Meet an Iditarod musher, learn some commands used for the dog team, and then go for a training ride in a wheeled cart.

Dating back to 1670, Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in America. With a history of pirates and criminals, patriots and founding fathers, the city swarms with restless souls and unexplained phenomena. On this tour, your local guide takes you to all the spookiest spots, from haunted graveyards to execution sites and more, keying you into the spirits who walk the cobblestone streets.

See the landmarks and highlights of Boston from the water on this sightseeing cruise in Boston Harbor aboard a 1920s-style yacht. Snap photos and enjoy a unique perspective of the harbor, very different than a typical walking or driving tour through Boston. Highlights include the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church, and the USS Cassin Young.

Stroll the narrow streets and back alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown on this small-group walking tour. Explore local markets and savor tastings that add up to a full lunch, including tea, fortune cookies, dim sum, crispy Peking duck, and other specialties. Listen to guided commentary and ask questions as you discover the neighborhood's rich culture and flavors.

Experience the thrill of soaring through the Tongass National Forest without having to sort out logistics on a small-group zipline excursion from Ketchikan. Glide across eight zip lines, walk suspension bridges, and rappel in the forest, keeping an eye out for all sorts of wildlife along the way. As an added bonus, you'll stop by a totem park, a historic sawmill, and an old blacksmith shop.

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Take a short cruise out to the snorkeling site before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night, free of charge.

Eat your way through downtown Chicago on a walking food tour. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel, and other city landmarks and taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and chocolate brownies. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. A bike or kayak rental is also included in the tour cost.

Discover a side of the Big Island of Hawaii that very few other travelers get to see on this one-of-a-kind submarine tour. Choose from multiple start times, head to the Kona coastline, and board the submarine. As you descend towards the colorful reef, peer through the portholes and spot fish and other marine life. Along the way, your on-board naturalist guide provides in-depth commentary about the aquatic sights.

Portland has long been known for its donuts, and with this tour, you'll get to visit some of the city's best donut shops. Your tour guide will take you not only to the most famous of them all, Voodoo Donuts, but also to lesser-known, but no less delicious spots that locals love.

Immerse yourself in Chicago's thriving craft beer scene—and visit locals-loved breweries you'd be unlikely to stumble across otherwise—on this half-day brewery tour. Travel in style, and get in the spirit, aboard a traditional Prohibition–style barrel bus. Visit several unique breweries, and go on behind-the-scenes production facility tours. Discover the science behind the brewing process, and enjoy plenty of beer samples throughout the tour.

Learn to surf Kauai’s famous waves at a private surf lesson for up to four people on the shores of beautiful Hanalei Bay. Your instructor, a local surfing expert, will meet you where you are. Beginners learn the fundamentals of paddling, reading the waves, and standing up, while more advanced students can perfect their technique. Note: please arrive 30 minutes prior to your lesson time to check in.

Experience a classic NOLA dining experience like a VIP with this special access pass to a shrimp boil cabaret at Mister Gregory’s. Indulge in a private dinner party celebrating local flavors and vibrant music. The shrimp is sourced from local shrimping families at their docks to select the freshest Gulf shrimp before letting the "Shrimp Boil King of New Orleans" cook you up a scrumptious dinner. Then dig into this authentic New Orleans dish, all the while local performers keep you entertained.

Head off the tourist trail and get a taste for Brooklyn's food culture on this small-group or private walking tour. Come hungry, and follow your guide to eclectic foodie hotspots in the Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO neighborhoods—many of which only the locals know about. As you go, sample a range of sweet and savory delights, and discover locals-loved food businesses and markets that many visitors overlook.

Asheville’s reputation as one of the top cities for brews in the Southeast is well-deserved, but the huge number of breweries to choose from can be intimidating for visitors. Discover which breweries are worth the hype on this Asheville brewery tour, which takes you to craft breweries with behind-the-scene access and ample pours at each. Unlike other Asheville brewery tours, this one is led by a certified cicerone, a recognized expert when it comes to beer.

Hop on a '70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Wharf, this sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to '60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

Learn about Boston’s revolutionary history on a walking tour that emphasizes good storytelling. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide in your small group as you walk a curated route that includes the Freedom Trail. Visit well-known sites as well as more local places and develop an understanding of modern Boston along with its history.

Experience the thrill of meeting sharks face-to-face in the pristine waters of Oahu on this cage-diving adventure. See Hawaii's majestic hunters — Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment — surrounded by the deep blue of Oahu’s North Shore. Observe from the safety of a floating cage. Stay on the surface, then using a mask and snorkel, look through large polyglass windows to watch the sharks as they gracefully glide by.

Don’t settle for seeing Central Park through the window of a non-stop tour bus. Instead, make the most of good weather and enjoy a tour of the park in one of New York City’s iconic horse-drawn carriages. Hear about the history of Central Park and the Big Apple from your driver and take advantage of photo stops at park highlights made famous in so many movies, books, and television shows.

Experience the thrill of riding a specially equipped dune buggy through the Nevada desert during this private, adrenaline-fueled tour from Las Vegas. On your own in a 1-seat dune buggy or with friends in a 2- or 4-seat dune buggy, navigate through the area's most challenging terrain wearing full safety gear. Opt for 30 or 60 minutes of high-speed action. Round-trip transportation from Las Vegas hotels is included.