North America attractions

Framing the northern corner of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, the oval-shaped Grand Army Plaza looks like something out of Paris. Originally known as Prospect Park Plaza, the square boasts a 19th-century military arch, the art deco Bailey Fountain, tree-dotted lawns, classical-style gazebos, and the popular Saturday Greenmarket. The plaza serves as the park’s main entrance, and it’s a piece of American history every NYC visitor should see.

North of Acapulco, freshwater Coyuca Lagoon, or Laguna de Coyuca in Spanish, spreads across some 28 square miles (72 square kilometers) and is particularly important for migrating birds. Several small islands along the coast act as sanctuaries for colonies of pelicans, herons, storks, and other species. The lagoon is also a popular destination for water sports.

Encompassing over a million acres of forest and mountains east of Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest is known for its year-round recreation opportunities. The winters are ideal for snow sports, and Mount Hood is among the most popular ski destinations in the region. Summers are equally fantastic, especially for hiking.

Magic Kingdom® Park is one of the four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, Florida. The park features a plethora of enchanting displays such as fireworks, musical parades, and close-up encounters with Disney characters. It’s home to the iconic Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain® roller coaster, and it includes different magical lands such as Frontierland®, which emulates America’s Wild West with cacti and geysers.

The Snake River is one of North America's longest rivers, stretching 1,080 miles (1,740 kilometers) from Yellowstone National Park to the Oregon border. It serves an important role in the ecosystem as a home for a wide variety of wildlife—including wild salmon, moose, deer, otters, and eagles—and is subsequently a top destination for photographers. It's also a popular spot for water recreation, such as boating, white-water rafting, fishing, and kayaking.

Taking you on a journey from a mountain stream to the sea, the Tennessee Aquarium is spread across two buildings—one focused on rivers and the other on oceans. In both, you can discover an array of exhibits highlighting habitats, native creatures, threats, and conservation strategies. Widely considered as one of the top aquariums in the US, it’s an immersive experience where you can observe alligators, touch a sturgeon, marvel at penguins, and much more.

The Lower Ninth Ward is a working-class and predominantly African-American neighborhood in New Orleans that was hit especially hard by the floods of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Rebuilding here has been slower than in other parts of the city, and many blocks still contain abandoned homes and empty lots. Despite this, ongoing community efforts continue, and the area stands as a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of disaster.

Though it’s a short hop from downtown Vancouver, Deep Cove feels far removed from the city. Set at the foot of Indian Arm, Canada’s southernmost fjord, this waterfront village is surrounded by pristine wilderness, with numerous opportunities to hike, kayak, view wildlife, or simply enjoy scenic views and fresh air.

Exit Glacier, the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that can be reached by road, is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Visitors can hike right up to the wall of blue ice to listen as it crackles and learn about how this and other glaciers from the Harding Icefield have reshaped the landscape over time. Don’t wait too long, though—signposts will show you just how fast and far this glacier is receding.

Perched over Galveston Bay, Kemah Boardwalk transformed what was once a small fishing community into a popular tourist destination. Today, it’s home to an amusement park with more than 15 rides, waterfront restaurants, and fountains where kids splash for relief under the scorching Texas sun. Complete with palm trees, a marina, and carnival games, it’s a classic small-town boardwalk just outside of busy Houston.

Sunsets and water sports draw visitors to Maunalua Bay on Oahu’s south shore. The reef and scenic coastline attract kayakers, paddlers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. If you’re looking for a place to go parasailing, this bay is a popular pick. If you prefer dry land, pack a picnic and plan to coincide your visit with a golden hour at sunset.

Universal CityWalk is the 3-block entertainment epicenter of Universal Studios Hollywood—it’s the place to be after a fun day at the theme park for dining, shopping, and live entertainment. Visitors here will find dozens of restaurants, a multiscreen movie theater, plenty of shops, indoor skydiving, and even a live concert venue. Because once the theme park closes, the fun doesn’t have to end.

Utah's Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, as well as the largest natural lake in the United States that's west of the Mississippi River. Beyond the sheer spectacle of its proportions, the lake is also the setting for some of the state's best outdoor recreational opportunities. Sailors and kayakers ply the waters, while sunbathers bask on sandy beaches and swimmers float in the high-saline waters.

Pointe-à-Callière traces the history of Montreal, from First Nations’ settlements to the arrival of the Europeans and beyond. As well as immersive and interactive exhibits, the museum also displays authentic archaeological and architectural remains including parts of centuries-old fortifications and a 17th-century cemetery.

Of all Yosemite’s lodging options, the Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly the Majestic Yosemite Hotel) stands out not only for its location—you can see Yosemite Falls from the legendary dining room—but also for its interior, redolent of Yosemite’s early years. And you don’t need to book a room to enjoy this National Historic Landmark.

Fort York was constructed in 1793 by the British Army and Canadian militia troops for the defense of York (now Toronto). Today it’s a National Historic Site with Canada’s largest group of original War of 1812 structures. Explore the stone and wood barracks used during the 1813 Battle of York, when the U.S. invaded and destroyed the fort.

With the Pacific Ocean on one side and Mission Bay on the other, Mission Beach is a prized strip of San Diego coastline. The peninsula is narrow but packed with attractions, with sandy beaches for sports and sunbathing and a long boardwalk that’s one of the liveliest spots in the city. Don’t miss Belmont Park, a retro amusement park with a wooden roller coaster and arcade games.

Victorian Village, an historic neighborhood once known as Millionaire’s Row, is lined with grand mansions dating back to the mid to late 1800s. Some of these Victorian-era estates, including the Mallory Neely House, James Lee House, and Woodruff-Fontaine House, have been converted into museums, inns, and even a nightlife hot spot.

Since its completion in 1892, Dorchester Square (Le Square Dorchester) has been a cultural and political focal point for protests, social gatherings, and pedestrian traffic in Downtown Montreal. Adjacent to the Dominion Square Building and Place du Canada, the public park is home to four historic monuments, including a Robert Burns statue and the Boer War memorial.

This bronze statue, which stands at the center of Harvard Yard, is frequently visited by both travelers and prospective students, and it’s also been the target of dozens of pranks since its unveiling. Whether it’s covered in tar, paint, or some other substance, the John Harvard statue remains at the heart of the school named for him … even though the statue isn’t actually of him.

Arching across the Niagara River gorge, the Rainbow Bridge links Niagara Falls in New York on the US side with Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. Built in 1940, the historic bridge serves as one of the most scenic border crossings between the two countries. Traverse it on foot, by bike, or by vehicle for dramatic views of Niagara Falls—just be sure to have your passport and valid travel documentation with you.

See how America’s first English settlers lived at the Jamestown Settlement. The living history museum sits in Virginia near the site of the original colony where settlers landed in 1607. It explores colonial history through films, exhibits, and interactive experiences. Plus, climb aboard replicas of the ships that sailed to Virginia.

Dating back to around 1766, the Old Stone House is the oldest structure in DC that still sits on its original foundation—and it hasn’t changed a whole lot since it was built. Today it's managed by the National Parks Service and features a gift shop and exhibits about American history and the history of the house.

With its gorgeous cliffs, deep valleys, and pearlescent beaches, the Na Pali Coast is considered among the most scenic spots on Kauai, if not all of the Hawaiian islands, but getting there requires some serious effort—no roads directly access the coast. Fortunately, this beautiful stretch of Hawaiian nature is easily visible from Kokeʻe State Park's Kalalau Lookout, which overlooks the Kalalau Valley to the ocean beyond.

Explore the Big Island’s cowboy heritage at Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest ranches in the United States. Set on rolling green pastures near Waimea, the ranch offers a window into Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) culture through historic homes, scenic drives, and sweeping views of Mauna Kea. Take in this blend of history, landscape, and local tradition on a self-guided tour or via full-day island excursions that include stops or drives at the ranch.

The NSU Art Museum is located on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard, a key part of the vibrant art district. Visitors can view more than 6,000 works in the museum’s international collection, which has a strong focus on South Florida and Caribbean culture, with artwork by Cuban artists, William Glackens, and northern European CoBrA artists.

The Mint Museum is the oldest art museum in North Carolina, and houses one of the largest collections in the Southeast, with more than 35,000 objects. Explore its permanent collection spanning Ancient American, Native American, American, European, and Contemporary art at its two branches: Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown.

The largest independent air and space museum in the world, the Museum of Flight charts the evolution of the field with 175-plus aircraft and spacecraft, including a mock-up of the Apollo 17 Lunar Module; exhibits on military history, space, and commercial aviation; and thousands of artifacts. Outside, the wide lawn and patio area is the perfect spot to watch planes from the nearby airport soar overhead.

Known locally as Kits Beach, this broad stretch of sand is a popular summer hangout and brims with joggers, tanners, and families. Views of downtown Vancouver skyscrapers, the Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains are a big draw, as is Kitsilano Pool, a huge heated outdoor saltwater pool that spans 451 feet (137 meters) in length.

Between Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and the St. Lawrence River, Quebec Lower Town (Basse-Ville) is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec). Aside from cobbled streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and French-style bistros, the neighborhood is also home to Place Royale, the site of the first settlement of New France.