North America attractions

One of the best beaches for catching sunset views on Nantucket, this undeveloped stretch of sand on the island's west side is known for its rough surf and dramatic waves. Head here to bask and bathe, but bring a fully packed beach bag as there are no beach clubs or snack bars.

Soaring above Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, the Peace Tower is one of Canada’s most recognizable symbols. While it’s not the city’s tallest building, the Gothic-style bell and clock tower—which reaches a height of 322 feet (98 meters)—dominates the Ottawa skyline.

The Carolina Opry, the first theater in Myrtle Beach, hosts a variety of daily performances that blends family-friendly music, dance, and comedy in a state-of-the-art space. The Carolina Opry holds many concerts and shows during the year, has been named a Top Attraction in Myrtle Beach by CNBC, and has received the coveted Governor’s Cup.

Located in downtown Boise, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center is the only museum in the US dedicated to Basque culture. Featuring an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, oral history, and other exhibits, the museum preserves and celebrates the Basque experience, particularly in Idaho and the American West.

Taking up three city blocks, Empire Outlets is New York City’s only outlet “mall”—though, clearly, this one is more than enough. Right on Staten Island's waterfront, this shopping complex with an outdoor plaza has dozens of retail storefronts, plenty of restaurants, and even live, green rooftops for fabulous views of Lower Manhattan. This stop could take you a while.

Set on the grounds of Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CDI), this may be the only attraction in Charlotte you can visit within a few minutes of retrieving your luggage. Dedicated to the history of aviation in North and South Carolina, the 50-craft collection set in a 40,000-square-foot hangar includes several military and passenger planes. You’ll also find a reproduction of the Wright Brothers original 1903 Wright Flyer, which was flown in nearby Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. You can also explore a detailed exhibit dedicated to airline captain Sully Sullenberger’s miraculous Hudson River landing of US Airways’ Flight 1549; this flight was bound for CDI when it struck a flock of geese. While here, don’t miss an opportunity to climb into the cockpit of a fighter jet or to see the S.56B, one of only two single-engine biplane flying boats in the world. Please note The Carolinas Aviation Museum is currently closed for relocation. The reopening is scheduled for 2022.

Hailed as “Florida’s most relaxing place”, Navarre Beach is a stretch of white sand on Santa Rosa Island. This small town is not to be confused with the community of Navarre which lies opposite Navarre Beach across the Santa Rosa Sound. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly beach on the Gulf Coast providing a contrast to the livelier Destin and Pensacola Beaches.

A green space on the waterfront in Chattanooga, Coolidge Park is part of the local riverwalk, a 13-mile (21-kilometer) public greenway that winds along the banks of the Tennessee River. In addition to river views, the park offers an interactive water fountain, an antique carousel, and the opportunity to go rock climbing. A popular venue for local concerts and festivals, Coolidge Park is also beloved by locals as a destination for a picnic under the shade of a tree.

Juneau’s Glacier Gardens makes the journey through Alaska’s temperate rainforest fun, easy, and accessible. Aboard one of their rainforest vehicles, you’ll ride through the property’s verdant botanical gardens and the lush greenery of Tongass National Forest, climbing Thunder Mountain for views of Alaska’s capital city. Always guided, it’s an immersive look at the wildest flora of the Last Frontier.

The Cole Land Transportation Museum was established in 1990 by Galen and Sue Cole. Galen, a decorated soldier and president of Cole’s Express transportation company, opened the museum to preserve the history of Maine’s transportation equipment, which includes 77 antique vehicles gifted to him from the state and community. Today, snowplows, military memorabilia, motorcycles, fire engines, and farming equipment are all showcased.

Few experiences connect you to the cultural shift of the 1960s like the Museum at Bethel Woods. Located on the original Woodstock festival site, this interactive museum uses artifacts, film, music, and a restored hippie bus to bring the event’s stories to life. Ideal for both nostalgia seekers and first-time visitors, it bridges the past and present, highlighting ideals that still resonate today.

Located between the Historic Old Northeast district and Snell Isle, Coffee Pot Bayou is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Petersburg. An upscale, residential area, it’s also known for the many wildlife species that can be found in the waters of the bayou and surrounding areas, including manatees, dolphins, and birds.

Step back in time to the “age of homespun” (1789-1840) at Historic Cold Spring Village. Spanning 30 acres (12 hectares), Cold Spring Village is the largest open-air living history museum in New Jersey. See history come to life through its 27 restored historic buildings, costumed interpreters, demonstrations, and interactive activities.

The Quiet Walkways in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park get their name for being unusually quiet and less crowded. The 14 hidden-gem trails, marked throughout the park with small brown signs with white lettering, are great for families because of their ease. Most trails lead to a creek or stream with plenty of room to appreciate nature.

Built as a cinema hall in 1928, the Tennessee Theatre is now a live performance venue. Thanks to excellent staging and lighting technology, it’s among Knoxville’s most popular spots to see a show. It’s also the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Paying tribute to legendary Detroit boxer Joe Louis, who defeated German opponent Max Schmeling in a symbolic American victory during World War II, the immense Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist) is one of Detroit’s most recognizable public works of art. This 24-foot (7.3-meter) arm with a fisted hand—suspended by a towering pyramidal frame—represents Louis’ power as both an athlete and a civil rights activist.

Even if you’ve never visited New York City, you’ve likely seen 34th Street. Home to iconic attractions, including the Empire State Building and Macy's Herald Square, the lively district has been immortalized in movies and photos. It's the site of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Nearby are Madison Square Garden, the Jacob Javits Convention Center, and the Edge Observation Deck.

Thanks to the Peace Center, Greenville in South Carolina has become the arts hub between Charlotte and Atlanta. Right downtown and just steps from the city’s beloved waterfall at Falls Park, this concert hall, theater, and amphitheater offers varied live entertainment throughout the year, from Broadway to comedians to dance companies.

Housed in a striking building, characterised by triangle peaks designed to mirror the mountains of the Cascade Rage, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts is the main arts and performance venue in the city of Eugene. Come here for a Broadway play, a performance by the Eugene Ballet Company, or to attend the annual Oregon Bach Festival—one of the world’s most popular celebrations of all things Bach.

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is a relatively new addition to this centuries-old city. Opened in 1979, it was named after a Beaufort mayor and has become a central gathering space, playing host to community festivals and private events throughout the year. On any given day, expect to see locals and visitors relaxing in the park, watching the boats cruise the riverfront.

The Contemporary Arts Center is New Orleans’ main museum for works by contemporary artists, and showcases everything from photography exhibits to immersive installations. Many of the works displayed here are by artists from New Orleans and elsewhere in the Gulf region, and visiting is a great way to get an introduction to the area’s arts scene.

One of the oldest community theaters in the nation, the Asheville Community Theatre has brought locally run performances to western North Carolina since 1946. Producing musicals, comedies, and dramas, ACT has two venues that offer shows year-round, along with offering classes, readings, and special events.

The Sandia Peak Tramway whisks visitors to the top of the Sandia Mountains in just 15 minutes, scaling over 10,000 feet (3048 meters). Once aboard the tram, you’ll enjoy impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. An upscale restaurant at the top of the tramway draws visitors seeking dining with a view.

Located just off the Southern California coast in the Santa Barbara Channel, the series of islands that encompass Channel Islands National Park are sparsely visited, especially given their incredible natural beauty. Tide pools, kelp forests, and rugged mountains provide a habitat for unique flora and fauna.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark is the oldest minor league ballpark still in use, currently home to the Daytona Tortugas. Located on Daytona Beach’s City Island, it was a segregated stadium when Jackie Robinson became the first African-American player to play an integrated Major League Baseball (MLB) game in 1946. The ballpark was renamed in Robinson’s honor in 1989.

A must-see site for archaeology lovers and architectural buffs, Labna boasts Maya ruins built in the ancient Puuc style, marked by the use of concrete and decorative elements. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, near the larger Uxmal ruins, Labna is a compact structure hidden within the Puuc Hills.

A former limestone mine, this massive underground cavern spans 100 acres (40 hectares) and is so big it’s been dubbed “mega”. Today, it’s a subterranean adventure park with a range of family-friend activities. Choose between six zipline courses, a BMX bike park, or a historical tour of the cavern onboard a special tram. Plus, Louisville Mega Cavern is conveniently beneath Louisville Zoo.

Only offered at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Cirque du Soleil ʻAuana takes everything you know and love about the well-known act and imbues it with fiery Hawaiian–Polynesian flavor. Hawaii’s first resident Cirque show, ‘Auana showcases acrobats, hula dancers, musicians, singers, and more, all alongside the incredible sets and backdrops associated with the world’s finest re-envisioned circus.

Siesta Beach (also called Siesta Key Beach) is a popular beach on the Siesta Key barrier island. It’s renowned for its exceptionally soft quartz sand and warm turquoise waters. It regularly receives awards as a top beach in the United States and has plenty of amenities for visitors.

Sky Zone Las Vegas is an indoor trampoline park where kids and adults can bounce, climb, and fly through a range of gravity-defying attractions. From freestyle jump zones to foam pits, ninja courses, and dodgeball courts, it’s a high-energy break from the Strip that’s great for families, groups, or anyone looking to burn off some steam indoors, whether for fun or for fitness.