North America attractions

Home to hidden sea caves and the volcanic black-sand Paʻiloa Beach, Waiʻanapanapa State Park is one of the jewels of Maui’s Road to Hana. Located just outside of Hana at the end of the extraordinarily scenic Hana Highway, the park’s lava tubes, coastal hiking trails, and ancient burial sites are a welcome reward for those who make the long and winding drive.

Niagara Falls is an incredible sight from land and by boat, but Journey Behind the Falls is all about experiencing the waterfall's power while getting up close and personal—and wet. Standing on an observation deck behind the falls, where the equivalent of more than 1 million bathtubs worth of water thunder over the edge every minute, is a truly one-of-a-kind experience of Niagara.

At first glance, Paia might seem like nothing more than a stop along the famous Road to Hana (Hana Highway), but for keen surfers (and those who like to watch them), it’s a major destination—the central hub of the North Shore and its world-renowned surf breaks. The town is filled with all the amenities that go along with the surfer lifestyle, from health food markets and homely burger joints to yoga studios and art galleries.

The World War II–era USS Intrepid aircraft carrier retired to Manhattan’s West Side, where it was transformed into a museum with lots of history and technology to explore. The complex hosts noteworthy craft, including NASA’s Enterprise space shuttle, the USS Growler missile submarine, and a Concorde jet. While you’re there, check out original artifacts, films, and photographs, plus simulators that recreate the flying experience.

A prominent landmark on Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral stands tall and proud, beckoning French Quarter visitors to pause the revelry and admire the oldest continuously used cathedral in the United States. The seat of the city’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese, the church was built in 1789 and rebuilt in 1850. Today, its all-white, Spanish colonial facade—topped with three black spires—is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New Orleans.

Hanauma Bay's clear waters, surrounded by volcanic rock, are home to a vast array of tropical fish and coral reefs. Once used by the Hawaiian royal family for fishing and entertaining, the bay is now part of Hanauma Bay State Park, one of Oahu’s top attractions. In addition to snorkeling, visitors to the bay can sunbathe and relax on its wide sandy beach.

One of Vancouver’s oldest and buzziest districts, Gastown is filled with heritage buildings hosting boutiques, coffee shops, hip restaurants, and bars. Visitors are drawn here for a stroll along cobbled streets to admire Victorian architecture and eat, shop, and relax. History buffs and photography enthusiasts fill the streets by day, while the district draws those seeking nightlife with its craft beer bars and cocktail dens by night.

The Manhattan skyline is New York City’s shining beacon, designed to impress and inspire. It’s one of the most instantly recognizable backdrops, immortalized in countless films, and features historical fixtures such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, as well as modern masterpieces like One World Trade Center and 432 Park Avenue. See it sparkle from vantage points in New York and New Jersey.

Mokolii Island is a small islet located just off the coast of Oahu’s Kualoa Regional Park. It is only reachable by swimming, kayaking, and even wading during low tide if you’re feeling adventurous. Visitors to the cone-shaped island can hike to the top to enjoy sweeping, panoramic views or relax on its pristine beaches. Its cultural Hawaiian name is officially Mokoliʻi.

The Granary Burying Ground was founded in 1660 and the cemetery is a key stop on the Freedom Trail. This colonial sight is perhaps best known for its esteemed residents, and the gravestones are a who's-who of 17th- and 18th-century New England notables. Important Bostonians interred here include Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, among others.

Vancouver Cruise Port serves as the home port for Alaska-bound cruise ships, as well as for vessels traveling south to locations along the Pacific Coast and Hawaii. Located on the Vancouver Harbour waterfront, the Canada Place Cruise Terminal is right in the heart of the city, providing easy access to downtown and to the North Shore Mountains.

Set along Oahu’s North Shore at ʻEhukai Beach Park, the Banzai Pipeline is one of the most legendary surf breaks in the world. Massive waves build and crash over a shallow reef, drawing top surfers from around the globe. Visitors can watch the action from the beach, where powerful swells and vibrant sunsets make this a must-see stop for surf fans.

Located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Skylon Tower is a popular tourist attraction that’s famous for its sweeping views. Boasting a panoramic observation deck, a revolving restaurant, shops, and an entertainment center, the tower is fun for the whole family. It’s also the perfect place to access photo opps of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, along with the wider Niagara landscape.

Despite its name, San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood does not border the water and has no sandy spots. But its position between Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero makes it one of the city’s most popular areas for visitors and locals who are drawn to its Italian eateries, scenic parks, and nightlife scene. A stop here is essential for history buffs, literature lovers, and club-goers visiting San Francisco.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial lies on the National Mall in Washington DC, on the edge of the Tidal Basin. The sprawling site comprises four distinct parts, portraying each of the 32nd president’s terms in office. Bronze sculptures and quotes engraved into the stone walls take visitors on a journey through FDR’s presidency and era.

Situated right on Biscayne Bay, the open-air, 2-story Bayside Marketplace is one of downtown Miami's most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. It's home to dozens of shops, selling everything from apparel and watches to cosmetics. It also offers a wide range of dining options, while its proximity to highlights, including the Skyviews Miami Ferris wheel, makes it a popular stop for families.

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s most prestigious art collections. Five million annual visitors stroll the Met’s 17 acres (6.9 hectares) of gallery space, gazing upon pieces representing 5,000 years of art and human history. From Egyptian tombs to American abstract expressionist paintings, the museum’s permanent collection has more than 2 million objects.

This Oahu landmark is an active US Coast Guard lighthouse on the eastern tip of the island. It features a popular 2-mile (3-kilometer) paved hike that offers scenic views of the ocean and nearby islands, and it’s a great place for whale sightings during the winter months. The lighthouse itself is fully automated, with one of the largest Fresnel lenses in the country.

The easily recognizable spire of One World Trade Center stands 1,776 feet (541 meters) high; it’s currently the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and boasts one of New York City’s most incredible observation decks. Ride an elevator up 102 stories to see panoramic views of Manhattan, and don’t miss interactive exhibits within the observatory.

The Colorado River winds through red-rock canyons and desert landscapes, offering some of the Southwest’s best opportunities for outdoor adventures. Kayak through calm waters, soak in riverside hot springs, or take a rafting trip through dramatic scenery and past geological wonders. Whether visiting from Las Vegas or venturing deeper into canyon country, the Colorado River delivers a refreshing change of pace, surrounded by spectacular natural scenes.

Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park, nestled just off the famed Hana Highway (around mile marker 22.5), offers travelers a refreshing rainforest stop on the Road to Hana. This compact rest area features a paved trail that leads to a scenic waterfall and plunge pool framed by lush tropical foliage. With picnic tables and restrooms, it’s a convenient and relaxing stop for those seeking a break in nature without straying far from their journey.

Thanks to its calm, crystal clear waters, bright coral reef, and 250-plus species of tropical fish, Molokini Crater is the most popular spot for snorkeling tours on Maui. Spend a day on a snorkeling excursion to explore the protected marine preserve around this sunken Hawaiian volcano and come face-to-face with some of the island’s most colorful marine life.

Greenwich Village is a popular downtown Manhattan neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, historic brownstones, and charming feel. Formerly a hub of 1960s counterculture, the Village is home to arts organizations such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and Film Forum, LGBTQ+ landmarks such as the Stonewall Inn, and New York University. Today, it additionally boasts a range of upscale shops, destination restaurants, and lively bars.

Seattle’s landmark Space Needle, one of the most distinctive icons in the Pacific Northwest, rises 605 feet (184 meters) above the city. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and once the tallest structure in the western US, the tower features indoor and outdoor observation decks offering 360-degree views over the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountains.

A cultural and culinary hub of Vancouver, Granville Island is a colorful collection of artists’ studios, specialty grocers, excellent restaurants, and performance venues. Here, you’ll see kayakers paddling in False Creek and buskers charming the crowds. You'll also get to try plenty of classic Canadian favorites, including candied smoked salmon, Nanaimo bars, and poutine. It’s the ideal spot to spend a leisurely afternoon, or to take in a play, comedy show, or concert.

With its chaotic crowds, neon lights, and video billboards, Times Square is one of New York City’s best-known landmarks. It’s near many of the Big Apple’s famous theaters and hosts the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop—an essential Manhattan experience. Whether you thrive in crowds or would rather avoid them, you should experience the NYC area at least once.

The CN Tower defines the Toronto cityscape, piercing the sky and rising high above the neighboring buildings. While it no longer holds the “world’s tallest” title, it remains an iconic symbol of the city, offering the perfect vantage point to gaze out over Toronto and Lake Ontario. At night, the tower lights up colorfully to mark different events throughout the year.

With steep emerald cliffs, lush valleys, and remote cascading waterfalls, the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful regions, and no trip to the island of Kauai is complete without a visit to this magical coastline. There are only three ways to explore the Na Pali Coast—by air, by sea, and on foot—and each offers its own unique perspective.

In the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is one of New Orleans’ most famous meeting points. A National Historic Landmark, it looks up to the fairy-tale spires of St. Louis Cathedral, as well as the Cabildo and Presbytère museums. Stroll through Washington Artillery Park on the banks of the Mississippi River, then wander around the square or take a seat to watch the many buskers, street performers, and artists.

Though the San Francisco Bay Bridge doesn't share the fame of the Golden Gate, the beauty of its recently reconstructed east span is beyond debate. Locals know it as the best way to cross between Oakland and San Francisco, while travelers enjoy its storied history, Yerba Buena Island connection, and stunning light displays.