North America attractions

This magnificent river flows 765 miles (1,231 kilometers from Jasper National Park’s Columbia Glacier to Lake Athabasca. Along the way, it passes boreal forest, rocky summits, and national parks. Fishing, white-water rafting, and riverside trails make the river a top destination for outdoor recreation in Alberta.

The second most-visited home in the United States (behind only the White House), Graceland was home to Elvis Presley during the height of his career. Touring the wacky rooms of this 17,552-square-foot (1,630-square-meter) estate offers insights into the life and mind of The King of Rock, who is buried in Graceland’s Meditation Gardens.

Whether you want to seek out some shade in summer or stay warm during the sub-zero winter temperatures, Montreal’s Underground City lets you explore a whole other side of the city. Nicknamed the RÉSO (“réseau piétonnier souterrain de Montréal”) by locals, the vast network of subterranean passageways stretches over more than 20 miles (33 kilometers), and connects metro stations, shopping malls, office blocks, hotels, and many other attractions.

Like many other places in Yellowstone, the Firehole River is a scenic spot that lives up to its dramatic name. As it meanders north for 21 miles (34 kilometers) to join with the Madison River, the Firehole acts as a drainage basin for many of the park’s geothermal features and is the ideal spot for a summertime dip.

Visitors may know Margaret “Molly” Brown in association with the RMS Titanic, but there was much more to her life than the ill-fated voyage for which she became famous. The “unsinkable” Brown was an activist, suffragist, and philanthropist, and her spirit lives on through educational tours, exhibits, and programming inside her restored historic Denver home.

Built in 1782 out of Texas limestone and stucco, Mission San Jose is the largest mission in San Antonio, earning it the nickname Queen of the Missions. While portions of the church and its gristmill and granary have collapsed over the years, much of the structure has been fully restored to its original design.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk (aka Glacier Skywalk) juts out from the side of a cliff in Jasper National Park. Only a curved, transparent pane of glass underfoot separates visitors from the Sunwapta Valley floor 918 feet (280 meters) below. This attraction is an exhilarating—if somewhat unnerving—way to experience the epic, untouched landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. From this vantage point, the view of the park’s ice-hatted peaks and glacial valleys is nothing short of spectacular.

When you picture a lighthouse, you probably imagine the one in Peggy’s Cove—even if you don’t realize it. With its bright red roof and white walls, the main landmark in this Nova Scotian fishing village looks straight out of a postcard. While its focal point is the lighthouse, Peggy’s Cove entices visitors to linger with shops showcasing local artisans, lobster rolls on every menu, and hiking trails offering views of the bay and windswept hills.

One of Long Beach’s top attractions, the Aquarium of the Pacific is home to thousands of aquatic animals that reflect the diverse marine life of the Pacific Ocean. Species on display range from seahorses and starfish to turtles, sea otters, sharks, and even a giant Pacific octopus. The nonprofit organization is the largest aquarium in Southern California, and its more than 100 exhibits shed light on the conservation efforts of the Pacific’s crucial ocean habitats.

More than 50,000 soldiers died in the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on American soil. Today, the Gettysburg National Military Park, located in Central Pennsylvania, is a National Park Service–run memorial to all the lives lost during the 3-day battle. The park includes the official battlefield, plus a museum, monuments, and other historic landmarks.

Baltimore’s National Aquarium is the star of the Inner Harbor and home to more than 700 species. There's much to do at this massive aquarium: Stop by the sensory 4D immersion theater to experience high-definition 3D film alongside special effects such as mist and wind; visit the Australian exhibit with crocodiles and kookaburras; and check out Shark Alley, where the predators circle visitors inside a 225,000-gallon (852,000-liter) ring-shaped tank.

Seattle’s most popular stretch of sand, Alki Beach stretches for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), running from West Seattle’s Alki Point to Duwamish Head. Featured in Sleepless in Seattle, it attracts beachcombers, storm-chasers, photographers, and volleyball players. With wide paths and amenities, it’s the Emerald City’s go-to on sunny days.

The Plaza Carso branch of Mexico City's Soumaya Museum houses the eclectic $700 million private art collection of one of the world’s wealthiest men. Its exhibitions of European masters and Mexican art are on par with the world’s top museums, while the towering building itself is a shimmering work of art on the Mexico City skyline.

One of Canada’s most-visited shrines, the Shrine of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré (Sanctuaire de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré) near Quebec City, attracts nearly a million pilgrims every year. Though its origins date back to the 17th century, the twin-spired basilica that stands today—and dwarfs the modest village in which it sits—is much newer, and was only completed in 1946. It’s a popular devotional destination, as well as an architectural and historical highlight.

Located near Downtown, Honolulu’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the US. An eclectic mix of old and new, this historic neighborhood is full of bustling markets, noodle factories, lei makers, and herbalists, alongside a botanical garden, boutiques, and galleries. Chinatown’s rich culinary scene offers authentic cuisine from a wide range of cultures, and it is definitely worth planning a meal here while you’re in Honolulu.

Tucked into the southern coast of Alaska, Prince William Sound is a spectacular wilderness area encompassing tidewater glaciers, fjords, secluded beaches, and more. Visitors are drawn to these remote waters to marvel at the marine life and coastal scenery and try a range of outdoor adventure activities, from sea kayaking, fishing, and whale watching to backcountry skiing and scuba diving.

Engage your mind and your imagination at WonderWorks Orlando. Located in an “upside-down” secret laboratory, WonderWorks is an indoor amusement park for the mind. With more than 100 interactive exhibits, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, laser tag, a 4D motion ride, and more, it offers a fun and educational day for the whole family.

Sedona is known for its red-rock views, desert life, and spiritual aura, but there’s a solid golf game here too. The Seven Canyons Golf Course is one of the top private courses in the area, offering a luxury setting skirting the edge of the Coconino National Forest. What’s more, the course houses Rachel’s Knoll, a scenic viewpoint and meditation spot said to overlook multiple energy vortexes.

Originally settled in the mid-19th century by Cantonese immigrants, Philadelphia's Chinatown is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its fresh-food markets, authentic restaurants, and diverse crowds. Its streets and alleyways are jam-packed with shops, including those selling gifts and souvenirs, novelty items, and artisan crafts.

The Waikiki Aquarium is the second-oldest public aquarium in America and is home to more than 3,500 marine animals, with a special focus on coral reef ecosystems. The aquarium highlights Pacific marine life and conservation and is run by the University of Hawaii, which offers a number of guided aquarium tours and special programs that are open to the public.

Charleston’s historic Aiken-Rhett House offers a rare glimpse into antebellum plantation life in South Carolina. The only surviving urban plantation, the 1818 townhouse complex remains largely intact, its rooms decorated with original wallpaper, fine art, and antique furnishings purchased by the owners more than 150 years ago. Today, it is part of the Historic Charleston Foundation—along with the Nathaniel Russell House—and open to visitors.

Get a comprehensive introduction to Savannah’s history at the Massie Heritage Center. Georgia’s oldest public school building is now home to interactive exhibits that bring the stories of Savannah over the centuries to life. With educational opportunities for kids, occasional special events from lectures, and guided walking tours.

In a city rich with historic landmarks, the Oldest Wooden School House in St. Augustine remains a striking sight—this small wooden structure is chained to the ground to protect it from hurricanes. Dating back to the 1700s, this former school offers a glimpse into the layered history of St. Augustine. On a visit here, you can see inside the schoolhouse, gardens, and kitchen during a self-guided tour.

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected mangrove estuary and research center in Naples, Florida. The land was purchased in the 1960s to prevent further destruction to Collier County’s ecological area. Today, these untouched mangroves offer on-water exploration while the research facility provides interactive and educational events.

San Francisco’s Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s pretty much one giant laboratory. Perched on the waterfront at Pier 15, the Exploratorium brings together science, art, and human perception through hundreds of interactive experiences. A beloved San Francisco institution since its founding in 1969, the museum is wholly hands-on, with nearly every exhibit designed to be touched, played on, and otherwise engaged with.

Historic St. Augustine is home to several religious landmarks and the Memorial Presbyterian Church is at the top of that list. You can admire towering spires and smooth white stone on its exterior, but a visit inside will unlock fascinating details about the history and art of the building. This church is open for regular worship and free, docent-led tours.

Illusionists, cardists, and savvy magicians may already know the Magic Castle, a hilltop mansion above Hollywood Boulevard. This private club and restaurant has been an entertainment destination since the 1960s, and memberships are exclusive. From secret rooms to a passcode, if you get an invite (or coveted membership), don't miss it.

Calico Hills is a dramatic landscape of twisted red sandstone cliffs and canyons right outside Las Vegas in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Popular with hikers, rock climbers, and photographers, this colorful swath of desert feels worlds away from the Strip, yet it's less than an hour’s drive. The area’s natural beauty, geological formations, and panoramic vistas make it one of the most iconic stops along the Scenic Drive.

Mission Concepción, built in Spanish colonial style and dedicated in 1775, stands as the oldest unrestored stone church in the nation. Originally built to help convert local indigenous communities to Christianity, the mission is one of several that comprise the UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Antonio Missions.

Washington Park is a sprawling woodland in Southwest Portland, home to the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, and a series of gardens including the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Cycling paths and walking trails wind throughout the park, providing a convenient nature escape.