North America attractions

Kauai gets more than 400 inches (10 meters) of rainfall every year—it’s no wonder it's nicknamed the Garden Isle. This Hawaiian island comes blanketed in Mother Nature’s most fabulous works, from lush canyons to explosive waterfalls, and none is more accessible than Opaekaa Falls. Visible from the roadside, this 151-foot (46-meter) waterfall is a guaranteed 5-star show, no admission fee required.

The state capital of Quintana Roo, Chetumal is a vibrant port city on the Yucatan Peninsula’s east coast. Surrounded by jungle and just minutes from Maya ruins, Chetumal sits on the border with Belize and serves as a jumping-off point for trips to the Belize Cayes and Tikal in Guatemala. Between the two countries is a duty-free shopping zone.

“The Windy City” might be an overly mild nickname for Chicago, whose harsh winters frequently include snowstorms, icy gusts of cold, and sub-freezing temperatures, making it tough for pedestrians to move around downtown without losing feeling in their toes. One solution is the Chicago Pedway, a series of tunnels and walkways comfortably sheltered below street level and connecting dozens of buildings in the city’s central Loop district.

One of the starts of Philadelphia’s museum scene, the Barnes Foundation is home to an enviable collection of Impressionist and modern art masterworks. Located next to the Rodin Museum and minutes from the blockbuster Philadelphia Museum of Art, it has been a must-see cultural destination since relocating to the city in 2012.

Near the Uxmal ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan, the Choco-Story interactive chocolate museum and cacao plantation focuses on the history, culture, and sustainability of cacao growth in the area. It’s a community-driven, eco-friendly enterprise that makes for a unique and educational visit for the whole family.

Warm temperatures and mineral-rich soil make Kauai an ideal spot for growing coffee, so it's no surprise that the Garden Isle is home to the largest coffee estate in the country. While the Kauai Coffee Company's focus is on producing and roasting beans, the farm also welcomes visitors who want to see—and taste—their offerings. Take a walking tour or ride an open-sided trolley to admire the millions of trees and learn about coffee cultivation and roasting.

A Nashville institution since 1925, the Grand Ole Opry is the world's longest-running radio show and a cornerstone of country music. The venue showcases artists across diverse genres, including bluegrass, folk, and gospel. Unlike a typical concert, the Grand Ole Opry presents eight or more artists at each show. Legends from Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood have graced its stage, making it a must-visit for music lovers in Music City.

Home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Hall is considered one of the top classical music venues, both in the United States and worldwide. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the classical music venue is a US National Historic Landmark, renowned for its beautiful interiors, adorned with Greek and Roman-inspired statues, as well as its impressive acoustics.

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic San Francisco structure that has been captured in countless photographs for decades. For travelers vying for the perfect snapshot, visit Sausalito's Vista Point for views of the bridge and San Francisco skyline in the distance.

Totem Bight State Historical Park protects and displays 14 intricate totem poles, sourced from abandoned native villages and restored to their original splendor. Each tells a unique story of Tlingit and Haida carvers, offering insight into Ketchikan’s rich Native Alaskan heritage. There is also an onsite replica Native village with a Clan House.

Just three miles southwest of Anchorage, Lake Hood serves as the runway for one of the largest and busiest seaplane bases in the world. Nearly 200 flights take off daily from the waters of Lake Hood ferrying supplies and passengers to remote Alaskan communities and secluded mountain landscapes. This steady stream of float planes delights visitors and aviation buffs.

The Spanish Governor’s Palace in San Antonio, which served as housing for a series of Spanish aristocrats, is the only remaining 18th-century Spanish colonial townhouse in Texas. Along with the Alamo and other historic missions, the Governor’s Palace invites visitors to witness an important chapter of Texas history for themselves.

Oxbow Public Market—with dozens of restaurants, food stalls, and shops—brings the bounty of Napa’s famed wine, food, and organic produce under a single roof. Open all day, it’s a one-stop shop for great food, to quickly experience the best of Napa Valley, or relax for a moment at this local gathering place before exploring the region.

Founded in 1551, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is one of the country’s largest, oldest, and most prestigious universities. However, it’s the UNESCO-recognized Mexico City campus—known as Ciudad Universitaria (University City)— which is of most interest. Visitors can freely explore the grounds, admire the murals, and drop by the on-campus art, history, and science museums.

Pristine waters, long stretches of sandy beach, and rocky coves with giant boulders make Sand Harbor one of the most popular places to swim in Lake Tahoe. There’s a lot to explore, whether you’re swimming and sunbathing at the 2,500-foot (762-meter) Main Beach, paddling a kayak offshore, or taking to the sheltered waters of Divers Cove. Threading through forests that roll to the water’s edge are hiking trails with sweeping views across Lake Tahoe.

The Texas Governor’s Mansion in downtown Austin has been the official home of the presiding governor of Texas and family since 1856, and it’s the fourth-oldest continuously operating governor’s house in the United States. The Greek Revival-style mansion, a national historic landmark, is open for free tours on select days.

A block-long public plaza located on Pennsylvania Avenue (just a few blocks from the White House), Freedom Plaza is a popular Washington DC gathering place. Inscribed with urban planner Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s 1791 design for the city. It’s also engraved with quotes from famous figures and has a statue of soldier Casimir Pulaski.

With a natural wading pool for young swimmers, soft sand, and lifeguards, Poipu Beach Park is one of Kauai’s most popular family-friendly beaches. Beyond the sun and sand, you'll want to visit Poipu Beach to try to spot one of Hawaii’s endangered monk seals, which often sunbathe on the shore. In winter, you might spot humpback whales off the coast, too.

The farmers market is an age-old tradition that's thriving at Boston's bustling Haymarket. Vendors have been peddling farm-fresh products here since the 1830s, and, nearly 200 years later, it's still a shopping hub for Bostonians. Though not the typical tourist spot, this is a great place to chill with locals and embrace the culture.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is more than just a waxwork museum; it’s an attraction that allows you to get up close and personal with its figures of celebrities across a variety of fun settings. Housed within The Venetian resort, here, you can watch a movie featuring Marvel superheroes in the 4D theater, grab a drink in a rooftop bar inspired by The Hangover, and, of course, take photos with your favorite stars, whether it’s Taylor Swift, Rihanna, or Beyoncé.

Old City Hall was used by the first US Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800, when Philadelphia was briefly the nation’s capital. After the federal government moved to Washington DC, the building was occupied by Philadelphia’s city hall and mayor’s office. Today it’s maintained as a historic site, and visitors can see the restored courtroom.

A red-brick building spanning an entire city block, Saint John City Market is the oldest farmers market in Canada, with dozens of purveyors offering everything from fish-and-chips to local breads, wine, and cheese. Located just blocks from the Bay of Fundy, the market is an ideal spot to explore St. John’s finest food offerings or grab lunch during a day of sightseeing.

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum honors music superstars with exhibitions highlighting the history of Nashville’s live and recorded music. Inside, the interactive displays of the Grammy Museum Gallery offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the recording process and a chance to play pianos, guitars, and drums. It’s a blast for kids of all ages and adult music fans, too.

One of the oldest federal buildings in Washington DC, the United States Treasury Building is a National Historic Landmark and home to the US Department of Treasury. Construction began in 1836 and the Greek Revival style architecture, complete with granite columns and statues, set the tone for many of the city’s future government buildings.

Once the flagship of the Cunard White Star Line, the elegant ocean liner RMS Queen Mary sailed between England's Southampton, France's Cherbourg, and New York City from 1936 to 1967. Now permanently moored in the city of Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary has since been transformed into a floating hotel, restaurant, special events venue, and one of the area's key tourist attractions.

The old-timey facade of the Pioneer Saloon has an Old West feel—it evokes the Hollywood version, complete with gun-toting cowboys and rolling tumbleweed. It’s not just a facade, though. The Pioneer Saloon is the real thing: Among the oldest bars in Nevada, the bar has the authentic patina that comes from over a century of colorful characters, poker games, and occasional shoot-outs.

Centuries of history are on display at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum in St. Augustine. History buffs come to see archaeological artifacts such as Spanish gold and Native American canoes. For a thorough introduction to several centuries of St. Augustine history, check out the diverse exhibitions at this museum, managed by the University of Florida.

The somber Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach is a fitting place to reflect on the tragedy of World War II and learn the story of the Holocaust. Beyond its stunning bronze sculpture, the memorial offers educational programs, lectures, and seminars. The Memorial Wall, etched with thousands of names, honors those who lost their lives.

Claiming the title of the world’s number one tequila, Jose Cuervo is not only a legendary brand in Mexico and the US, but all around the globe. More than 250 years of tequila-making experience is put to use in Tequila, Mexico at the Jose Cuervo Distillery (Fábrica La Rojeña), the oldest distillery of its kind in the Americas, where visitors can discover the art and science of authentic tequila.

Dotted with Buddha statues, cherry trees, and koi ponds, the Japanese Tea Garden is a perfect peaceful spot to escape the city. It’s one of the oldest public Japanese gardens in the US, where you can wander along carefully landscaped pathways, admire Japanese design elements, and stop for tea and snacks at the teahouse, in the heart of the garden.