Top USA Unique Experiences - page 3

Explore Chicago's buzzing food scene—and see some of its best-known landmarks on the way—on this two-in-one walking tour. The small group size offers are more intimate experience as you stroll around the vibrant Loop area, spotting highlights from the Willis Tower to the Rookery building. Indulge in a variety of famous Chicago foods, from deep-dish pizza to the world-famous dipped Italian beef sandwiches.

Don't leave Maui without trying out your surfing skills on the waves of the Pacific. During this lesson in Kihei, learn the basics from an instructor, who also tells you about ocean safety before heading into the water. Instruction is tailored to the skill level of each participant so you can enjoy a worthwhile experience.

Make the most of your time in the birthplace of surfing by learning to surf, Hawaiian style. In a small group of no more than five people per instructor, you will learn the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety before getting into the water to ride your first wave. Lessons are timed to avoid crowds so you can enjoy plenty of space.

Learn to surf with this private lesson for two near Lahaina. Get individualized attention from an experienced instructor as you learn about catching waves, paddling techniques, and staying safe in the water. Your instructor guarantees that, by the end of the lesson, you'll have stood up and surfed a wave. A rash guard, soft-top surfboard and reef shoes are also included.

Experience the thrill of meeting sharks face-to-face in the pristine waters of Oahu on this cage-diving adventure. See Hawaii's majestic hunters — Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment — surrounded by the deep blue of Oahu’s North Shore. Observe from the safety of a floating cage. Stay on the surface, then using a mask and snorkel, look through large polyglass windows to watch the sharks as they gracefully glide by.

Immerse yourself in Chicago's thriving craft beer scene—and visit locals-loved breweries you'd be unlikely to stumble across otherwise—on this half-day brewery tour. Travel in style, and get in the spirit, aboard a traditional Prohibition–style barrel bus. Visit several unique breweries, and go on behind-the-scenes production facility tours. Discover the science behind the brewing process, and enjoy plenty of beer samples throughout the tour.

Discover Boston’s rich past and vibrant present on this small-group (or private) walking tour—a relaxed and informative way to get your bearings if visiting the city for the first time. Gain valuable insight from local guide as you explore spots such as Boston Harbor, Faneuil Hall, Beacon Hill, and the Public Garden. As you wander, learn about the city’s Revolutionary roots, architectural gems, and cultural evolution—and get an understanding of what life is like for modern-day residents.

Dating back to 1670, Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in America. With a history of pirates and criminals, patriots and founding fathers, the city swarms with restless souls and unexplained phenomena. On this tour, your local guide takes you to all the spookiest spots, from haunted graveyards to execution sites and more, keying you into the spirits who walk the cobblestone streets.

Enjoy an offbeat experience—and discover a new side of the nation's capital—on an evening ghost tour of Washington DC. Follow your animated guide to the Dolley Madison House, Lafayette Square, and a range of other historical locations. At each stop, learn the spooky stories behind the city’s alleged hauntings and ghost sightings. The tour is also a great opportunity to see the nation’s capital illuminated at night.

After dark is an excellent time to see manta rays in the waters around the Island of Hawaii. This tour is designed for snorkelers; Ride Alongs stay on the boat and may or may not see manta rays. Enjoy watching the manta rays feeding at night and snorkeling close to them during this approximately 1-hour experience.

Ride into the sunset on a Las Vegas horseback-riding tour in the Nevada desert, led by a professional wrangler. Set your gaze on quintessential Wild West landscapes and search for wildlife such as bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, and roadrunners. Conclude your evening ride with a barbecue dinner followed by a cowboy campfire under the stars. Includes handy round-trip transportation from select Las Vegas hotels.

Combine two must-do experiences to enhance your vacation in Hawaii. First, board a spacious catamaran for a sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Then slip into the ocean for a snorkel adventure with manta rays. Guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort—you're also guaranteed a manta ray sighting, or your next booking is free.

An afternoon ghost tour in Savannah is a less-spooky experience that’s perfect for kids and families. Though this tour skimps on scares, it’s still packed with history, sightseeing, and insight into Savannah’s rich past, including looks at top attractions such as Colonial Park Cemetery and haunted mansions in the historic district.

Learn about Boston's history while enjoying beer and snacks with a guide who will provide insider details on the city's history and culinary scene. Step inside several historic pubs and grab a cold one (or two) along with some of the city's best tavern snacks. Explore some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, including the Blackstone Block, the North End, and Charlestown, and enjoy a ferry ride in Boston Harbor.

With its centuries of history, it’s no surprise Boston is packed with haunted sights, though they aren’t always easy for visitors to find. On this nighttime ghost tour, follow a guide to some of the city’s most storied landmarks, such as the Granary Burying Ground, Bostom Common, and the Massachusetts State House, and discover the hidden history and spooky sightings associated with each.

Embark on an adventure and go off the beaten path in this small-group rappelling excursion. Learn how to descend down the numerous waterfalls and cliffs along the Road to Hana, starting small then scaling up to a slightly-more difficult 30-foot (9-meter) waterfall.

Leave your preconceptions about sharks at the door and get up close to these sleek creatures on this unique ocean experience. Head out from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O’ahu, and spend around half an hour swimming with the sharks living in the area. Don’t worry, though: even if you aren’t swimming in a cage, you’re still in safe hands, with a guide on board and a safety diver swimming with each group.

See the landmarks and highlights of Boston from the water on this sightseeing cruise in Boston Harbor aboard a 1920s-style yacht. Snap photos and enjoy a unique perspective of the harbor, very different than a typical walking or driving tour through Boston. Highlights include the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church, and the USS Cassin Young.

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this small-group tour by vintage Volkswagen bus, decorated with long eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and Hayes Valley, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, and more.

Immerse yourself in American history on a JFK–themed tour of Dallas, with stops at Dealey Plaza, President Kennedy’s memorial, and the location of Lee Harvey Oswald’s arrest. Your guide, who navigates for you, provides a history of JFK’s assassination and outlines the multitude of conspiracy theories that followed.

Wake up early to experience a Sonoran Desert sunrise, and transform it into a story by seeing it from a birds-eye view. This hot air balloon ride from Phoenix takes you into the air with a professional guide who will narrate your trip. You’ll learn about the wildlife and history of this unique desert, then celebrate with Champagne and breakfast hors d’oeuvres.

Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Thanks to your professional, experienced crew, the Oahu shark dive is completely safe as they know the predators’ behavior, and the underwater cage provides proven safety against all different species of sharks. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat on this boat tour from Kona. Travel offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included.

Start your day off right with a 2-hour brunch cruise along the Willamette River. Board the boat in the late morning and soak in the scenery of northern Oregon as your boat glides away from Portland. When you’re ready, help yourself to a buffet brunch accompanied by sparkling wine or apple cider. You can walk around the deck or sit near the cabin windows to view the stunning landscape.