North America attractions

Constructed in 1913, NYC’s Woolworth Building was the tallest in the world when it first opened, and is known for its neo-Gothic design. With its intricate lobby, complete with mosaic vaulted ceilings, the landmark has long attracted art and architecture buffs, but it’s privately owned and currently closed to visitors. Tours of the lobby may return in the future.

A bustling Mexican marketplace since 1930, Olvera Street is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, a US historic district considered the “birthplace of Los Angeles.” Tucked away in downtown LA, the marketplace is home to small eateries that serve Mexican fare as well as stalls that sell souvenirs, clothing, art, and crafts.

The 1996 Summer Olympic Games live on at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre (9-hectare) site that remains one of the city’s top public spaces. Come to splash in—or photograph—the park's main attraction, the Fountain of Rings, a computer-controlled fountain with lights and jets of water that display the Olympic logo. Other park features include the five Quilt Plazas, each celebrating a different aspect of the Olympic heritage, and the cascading Water Gardens that link them.

Set along Honolulu’s southern shore, Magic Island is a man-made peninsula at the eastern edge of Ala Moana Beach Park. Locals and visitors come to swim in the calm lagoon, stroll the shoreline path, or picnic on the grassy lawns. With views stretching from Waikiki to Diamond Head, it’s one of Oahu’s most peaceful spots to watch the sunset.

With its eye-catching layers of deep-red sandstone, Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most distinctive formations—and the most accessible of the area’s four major “vortexes,” sites reputed to have special energy. Hiking trails wind around its base, and views from Bell Rock stretch south across a gorgeous landscape of domes, pinnacles, and spires. Sunrise and sunset are popular times to visit, when the rosy-red landscape turns luminous.

With its turreted roofs and ivy-covered facade, the Fairmont Empress Hotel holds court in the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour—and it’s more than just a destination for overnight guests. Dressing up for the hotel’s elegant afternoon tea has been a tradition for over a century, an experience complete with tiered platters of finger foods and drinks served in hand-painted china cups.

One of the most photographed locations in Kauai, the Spouting Horn—a natural blowhole on the South Shore—puts on one heck of a show. When waves course through this sunken lava tube, a violent geyser erupts some 50 feet (15 meters) into the air. But it’s not just the constant misty spray (and gorgeous views) that attract visitors: It also moans.

The Key West Lighthouse is one of the island's oldest structures. It was first built in 1825 to help ships navigate the dangerous reefs of the Lower Keys. The lighthouse that stands today dates back to 1847, and the 92-foot (28-meter) building offers some of the best views in town, as well as a maritime museum in the keeper’s house.

One of the world’s leading art institutions, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a showcase for some of the best works by the most respected artists of the modern era. A visit to this New York City landscape gives you a front-row seat to such masterpieces as Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, and Frida Kahlo’s Self Portrait with Cropped Hair.

Miami is often called the “Magic City,” and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of its most enchanting estates. Built for industrialist James Deering in the early 20th century, Vizcaya Palace is as ornate as a Fabergé egg and brimming with 15th- to 19th-century furniture, tapestries, and decorative pieces. The seaside grounds, which front Biscayne Bay, feature elegant gardens, fountains, sculptures, pools, canals, trails, and a charming Florentine-style gazebo.

Located in the former Alcazar Hotel in St. Augustine’s historic downtown, the Lightner Museum houses an eclectic collection of fine and decorative art, natural history and geological specimens, Victorian collectibles, and Americana. Art, architecture, design, and history fans come here for both the permanent collection and a robust schedule of events, exhibitions, and educational programming.

Few places in the US see past and present melding so harmoniously as in the historic Georgetown neighborhood in Washington DC. Founded in 1751, this buzzy area is now packed with glamorous storefronts and chef-driven restaurants. All around are multimillion-dollar townhouses, distinguished by 18th- and 19th-century architecture and tales of famous owners (such as the Kennedys). Then there’s the popular Georgetown Waterfront, home to outdoor cafés and a scenic Potomac River promenade.

Located on the grounds of the US Capitol Building, the United States Botanic Garden brings together plants from around the world. Inside a glass conservatory, labyrinths connect tropical jungles and deserts that are home to orchids, hanging plants, and blooms of every shape and color. This free-to-enter attraction draws plant enthusiasts and families seeking educational experiences, both for the indoor conservatory and the outdoor National Garden and Bartholdi Park.

Occupying an entire block on New York City's Fifth Avenue, Saks Fifth Avenue is one of Manhattan's most storied department stores. Since 1924, it has attracted shoppers with its opulent decor and range of luxury brands, while its Christmas window displays are an annual festive highlight. It also offers several dining options and various spa services, so visitors can make a day of it.

Made famous by the novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Bonaventure Cemetery sits on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River in historic Savannah. The Southern Gothic cemetery comprises 160 acres (65 hectares) of sculptures, mausoleums, marble headstones, and live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

The Miami Design District is one of the city’s most stylish neighborhoods, blending high-end fashion, contemporary art, striking architecture, and innovative dining. Designer boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Christian Louboutin, and Prada sit alongside public art installations, foodie hot spots, and edgy galleries, meaning there’s plenty to explore beyond the luxury shopping scene. Plus, there are great photo opportunities around every corner.

Dating back to the 18th century, the Portland Head Light watches over the rocky coastline of Maine as the state’s oldest lighthouse. Its picturesque location also makes it the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. And the surrounding Fort Williams Park is a popular beach and hiking destination.

Take a break from the beaches to explore Mexico’s ancient past at the Museo Maya de Cancún (Maya Museum of Cancún), home to one of the Yucatán’s most significant collections of Maya artifacts. Here, you can see incredible items recovered from sites such as Chichen Itza, or visit the adjacent archaeological site, San Miguelito, to stroll among the ruins of what was once a vibrant Maya settlement.

A highlight of Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, Carpenters’ Hall was completed in 1775. Best remembered as the host of the First Continental Congress in 1774, the landmark has been continuously operated by the Carpenters’ Company (the country’s oldest craft guild) and was declared a National Historic Monument in 1970.

The flashy urban scene of Toronto’s Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) is reminiscent of New York City’s Times Square. More than 56 million people visit this iconic spot every year, making it one of the busiest intersections in Canada. This is where you find glowing billboards, Eaton Centre, Ed Mirvish Theatre, and great spots to people-watch.

One of Los Angeles’ most storied music venues, Whisky a Go Go has welcomed rock ‘n’ roll fans since 1964. Located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, the nightclub is often called “the first real American discotheque.” Over the decades, it has hosted legends ranging from Jimi Hendrix and The Doors to Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin.

The stony faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt peer out from the iconic granite outcrop known as Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota is one of the most well-known symbols of the United States, and with more than 2 million visitors each year, it’s one of the state’s most popular attractions.

Haleiwa is the heart of Oʻahu’s North Shore, an easygoing surf town known for big-wave beaches, art galleries, and shave-ice stands. Stroll through its charming streets lined with boutiques and cafés, then head to nearby Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach to watch world-class surfers take on legendary winter swells.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park spans 54 acres (22 hectares), perched at the tip of Key West. It’s popular for both its military history and recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking nature trails, riding along bike paths, and sunbathing at one of Key West’s best beaches, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. The coral beach features turquoise waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Temple Square is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Home to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the square is also a National Historic Landmark. The centerpiece of the square is the Salt Lake Temple, the largest Mormon temple in the world; the Salt Lake Tabernacle, famous for its choir, is also located here.

Once home to Gooderham and Worts’ mammoth 19th-century whisky distillery, Toronto’s charming arts and entertainment district is now a popular strolling spot for off-duty creatives. The brick-paved streets and Victorian-era industrial buildings remain, but the old warehouses have now been repurposed into contemporary art galleries, coffee shops, and boutiques. Stick around to drink and dine at one of the many bars and restaurants.

CoCo Bongo in Cancun isn’t your typical nightclub with a DJ and a dance floor. Instead, the popular venue hosts energetic performances including acrobats, bands, and musical impersonators who belt out tunes by artists ranging from Rihanna to Elvis. This lively spot is ideal for anyone seeking a fun night out in Cancun.

One of San Francisco’s original Seven Hills, Nob Hill is the historic and present-day home of the city’s upper crust. This area features luxury apartments and mansions, elite hotels, and towering Grace Cathedral. A short but steep walk from Union Square, Nob Hill gives visitors a look at how the other half lives in San Francisco.

Visitors flock to New York City’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum as much for the building as its vast collection of modern and contemporary art: The bold circular white structure designed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright is a UNESCO-listed landmark. Inside, its spiraling ramp leads upward between exhibition floors and toward a skylight, which bathes the interior in natural light.

The historic core of Downtown Los Angeles has several architectural gems, and the turn-of-the-century Bradbury Building ranks among the most striking. Opened in 1893, this landmark building is a draw for visitors not so much for its facade as for its ornate interior. If you step inside, you’ll see exactly why—highlights include the ironwork, the intricate staircase, and the glass skylight.