North America attractions

Just off the city’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is a must for anyone with an appreciation for art. It houses the largest collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Asian art in the southern US, with more than 30,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years in its collection.

A hub of artistic creativity in San Diego, the Spanish Village Art Center is located inside Balboa Park. Originally built in 1935 for an exposition to depict a Spanish village, the center is home to working art studios and pieces by more than 200 local artists.

Home to some of Mexico’s most impressive José Clemente Orozco murals, the 19th-century Hospicio Cabañas Cultural Institute (Instituto Cultural Cabañas) is a former orphanage-turned-arts center. This UNESCO-recognized building is also notable for its imposing neoclassical architecture, among the best of its kind in Mexico.

Treacherous waters off Key West have brought down ships carrying gold and silver for centuries. The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum puts those treasures on display, alongside cannons, swords, and other artifacts dredged from the bottom of the sea. Wrecks from the 1700s and 1800s are the heart of the museum's collection.

The CF Toronto Eaton Centre is Toronto’s most popular attraction and the busiest shopping mall in North America. At more than 2 million square feet (200,000 square meters), the Eaton Centre features a glass galleria ceiling, a food court, and 235 stores, including Hudson’s Bay flagship location.

A reminder of one of the city’s proudest moments, the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron was first set ablaze at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Although it’s no longer regularly lit, the striking 33-foot (10-meter tall structure—consisting of four glass and steel arms—provides a popular photo-op for visitors.

Liberty State Park is a revitalized park in Jersey City that serves as a departure point for ferries to reach the popular landmarks of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Once an industrial area, the park now offers a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) promenade with views overlooking the Hudson River, the New York City skyline, and one of the world’s most famous statues.

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular—and attractive—natural sights in the area. The second-deepest lake in the United States attracts people partly thanks to its turquoise, ultra-clear water, but its beauty is not its only draw. Celebrated for its ski resorts, beaches, and hiking trails, Lake Tahoe is a true year-round destination.

The charming, bohemian vibe of Mexico City’s La Condesa neighborhood attracts locals and tourists alike. The stylish area boasts a thriving food scene, as well as plenty of bars and clubs. Its wide, tree-lined avenues are dotted with modern cafés, galleries, and boutiques mixed with fixtures of its past, including art nouveau mansions and art deco apartment buildings.

Toronto Harbour is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, the smallest of North America’s five Great Lakes. Protected from the lake’s tides by the Toronto Islands, the harbor offers smooth conditions for a wide range of water activities, including boat tours, ferry rides, sailing, and kayaking.

The views are impressive both in and outside of San Francisco’s Legion of Honor museum. Sitting on a hilltop at the heart of Lincoln Park, the neoclassical landmark—built as a replica of the Legion of Honor Palace in Paris—affords sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Behind its colonnaded facade, the vast collection of European art on display spans more than 4,000 years and includes works by Rodin, Rembrandt, Monet, and Rubens.

Montreal Chinatown was established in the late 19th century with the arrival of Chinese immigrants from western Canada who came to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Though just a couple of blocks long, the district offers a wide selection of Asian eateries and shops selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

A hidden gem amid the hustle and bustle of the city, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a secret oasis from the frenetic urban energy. Find diverse flora carefully comingling with lush lawns, fountains, and atria brimming with colorful flowers. This free attraction offers a near-perfect spot to unwind in nature while exploring Miami.

One of the most well-preserved ruins in North America, the nearly 1,000-year-old Montezuma Castle was once home to the Sinagua people, who built their homes into the limestone cliffs. Although the rocky ruin was given a “castle” title, it was actually a multifamily dwelling. In 1906, the site was declared one of the United States’ first national monuments. Today, you can explore the castle and the natural landscapes that surround it.

Set at the eastern edge of False Creek, Science World’s geodesic dome—originally built for Expo 86—is an icon of the Vancouver cityscape. Experience its wide range of curiosity-igniting exhibits that cover topics ranging from the human body to sustainability.

Located in South Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Italian Market is one of the oldest and continuously operating outdoor markets in the United States. Stretching for more than 20 city blocks, you can find everything here from fresh produce, meat, seafood, and cheese to prepared foods across a wide variety of cuisines.

Philadelphia’s grandest public square, Rittenhouse Square—and its surrounding neighborhood, which goes by the same name—is a popular destination for shoppers, sightseers, and foodies. Located in the heart of Center City, the leafy park is a popular public oasis, and the high-end stores and restaurants are their own draw.

The Seattle Great Wheel is a can’t-miss icon that speaks to the fun-loving nature of the city’s residents. One of the biggest Ferris wheels in North America, the Seattle Great Wheel features enclosed gondolas that afford spectacular coastal views. At its highest point, it stands at 175 feet (53 meters), lit up with 500,000 lights that shine over downtown and Elliott Bay.

Part of the vast Columbia Icefield that straddles the border between Alberta’s Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Athabasca Glacier—a huge swath of moving ice—is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring glaciers in North America. Like most glaciers, Athabasca is shrinking, though it’s still impressively large: It covers an area of about 2.3 square miles (6 square kilometers) and measures up to 980 feet (300 meters) at its thickest point.

Multimedia and interactive exhibits at this museum tell the story of organized crime in the United States—and especially in Las Vegas, whose earliest development is tied to mob activity. The museum itself is located within a former courthouse, so visitors get a firsthand look at the very rooms where criminals and federal investigators once clashed. There’s even an on-site distillery and speakeasy-style bar that hosts weekly live music.

Discover which sea creatures call the waters of Northern California home at San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay. Conveniently located at Pier 39—just adjacent to the lively Fisherman’s Wharf area—the aquarium fits easily into a day out in the city. Visitors of all ages can marvel at jellyfish, view river otters, and experience immersive exhibits like the shark tunnel.

Among the most recognizable landmarks in the city, Luxor Las Vegas channels ancient Egypt on the exterior—with a pyramid-top spotlight that illuminates the night. Beyond the glass pyramid lies a complex of accommodations, entertainment, dining, and one of the city’s most expansive pool decks. Shows here range from family-friendly comedy to adults-only burlesque, while museum-style exhibitions showcase fascinating artifacts and history.

Set on 59 acres (24 hectares) of gardens and grounds, the Washington National Cathedral is more than a place of worship. It is a community meeting place, a center for advocacy and change, and the final resting place of more than 200 luminaries, including Hellen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson. An Episcopal church that’s dedicated to welcoming all visitors, regardless of faith, it has served as the venue for state funerals, including for five American presidents.

Located on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences and measuring 12 feet (4 meters) tall, the Albert Einstein Memorial depicts the world-renowned astrophysicist in a seated posture, wearing a ponderous expression, and holding a sheaf of papers. The distinctive monument was created by sculptor Robert Berks and installed in 1979.

The Beauregard-Keyes House is a historic home in the French Quarter that reflects multiple chapters of New Orleans history. Visitors can tour the restored rooms and learn about the building’s past residents, including Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard and author Frances Parkinson Keyes. The property also features a formal garden and a collection of antiques that shed light on the city’s changing social and cultural landscape.

Waving palm trees and pristine white sand stretch for .5 miles (.8 kilometers) at Smathers Beach, among Key West’s best places to soak up Florida’s generous sunshine. While many simply come to enjoy the views, this beach also stands out for its wide range of activities. Gaze offshore, and you’ll spot parasailers gliding through the sky, as other visitors swim, snorkel, kayak, or drive Jet Skis.

Baltimore’s revitalized Inner Harbor features a scenic waterfront promenade and pedestrian district replete with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Situated along the Patapsco River at the mouth of Jones Falls, the area includes harborfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood and other specialties, the Baltimore Visitor Center, the pyramid-shaped National Aquarium, the Historic Ships in Baltimore Maritime Museum, the Maryland Science Center, and the Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

A lively district of restaurants, shops, and nightlife, Lower Downtown Denver (or LoDo) is a buzzy destination, especially on the weekends. Look beyond its people-watching and vibrant cultural scene, though, and you’ll notice something surprising: LoDo is home to some of the city’s best-preserved historic architecture and some of the finest commercial Victorian–era buildings in the American West.

A visit to Barton Springs in Austin’s sprawling Zilker Metropolitan Park is a treasured recreational experience for both Austin locals and visitors. The pool, which spans more than 3 acres (1.2 hectares), is the result of a naturally occurring underground spring. Generations have enjoyed the fresh, cool water, which stays at a constant temperature of about 68°F (20°C) throughout the year.

Over-the-top Vegas entertainment is truly larger than life at MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. With nearly 7,000 rooms—as well as a vast pool complex, shows, and attractions—it’s the third-largest hotel complex in the world. It’s a serious dining destination, too, with options ranging from Michelin-starred French cuisine at Joël Robuchon to a sprawling breakfast buffet that hosts a beloved mimosa brunch.