San Diego is the oldest town in California and is situated in Southern California not far from the border with Mexico. Its alluring natural beauty, warm Mediterranean temperature, and abundance of sunshine make it the ideal place for outdoor excursions. The museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial-style buildings located in Balboa Park, the renowned San Diego Zoo, and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum are some of the city’s most well-liked tourist attractions.   You can browse through the Gaslamp Quarter or Old Town San Diego State Historic Park for a bit of history and shopping.   With more than 68 miles of coastline in and around the city for tanning, swimming, and surfing, San Diego beaches are some of Southern California’s best if you want to take advantage of the year-round sunshine and sea breezes.   With this list of the top tourist attractions in San Diego, you can learn about the greatest places to go and activities to do in this lovely SoCal city.   Balboa Park, first For tourists, Balboa Park is a one-stop utopia. There are historical structures, various museums, gardens, and open space on this 1,400-acre property. Most of the buildings from the Panama California Exhibition, which took place in 1915–1916, are still standing in the park. Spanish-style architecture predominates, with low-rise structures that mix well with the surrounding landscape.   The park’s botanical gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the renowned San Diego Zoo are among its features. The park is simply a lovely site to visit, even if you never step inside a building.   In San Diego, California, at 1549 El Prado   Visit the official website at www.balboapark.org.   San Diego Zoo 2. The San Diego Zoo is one of the biggest and most well-known zoos in the United States and a prominent tourist destination in Balboa Park. One of the best family-friendly activities in San Diego is going to this attraction. For the best possible experience, give this place at least a full day of your time.   Gorillas, grizzly bears, koalas, leopards, bonobos, polar bears, rhinos, and sloths are just a few of the unusual wildlife you can view in this area. For each animal, the zoo makes an effort to mimic its native habitat, such as providing Amur leopards with boulders and polar bears with a frigid lake.   The Safari Park is a part of the San Diego Zoo. All of the local wildlife is free to roam in expansive, undeveloped natural areas. For instance, cheetahs sprint through the forest, elephants amble through a protected valley, and giraffes graze on the savanna. Families with children should consider the Safari Park since it offers guided tours in an open-air truck or cart (no walking is necessary). (Some excursions have a three-year-old minimum age restriction.) Binoculars are a good idea to bring.   The meticulously planned habitats in the Safari Park contribute to the zoo’s goal of educating visitors about environmental protection. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance makes investments in conservation efforts aimed at reviving wildlife populations in their native habitats all around the world.   More than 700,000 plants from all over the world are shown at the zoo’s magnificent botanical collection, which is spread out over a gorgeously planted canyon.   Would you like to spend more time with your preferred animals? By enrolling in behind-the-scenes and up-close animal activities, you can enhance your overall experience.   You may always board the Kangaroo Bus or travel above the attractions in the Skyfari Aerial Tram if your feet start to hurt from walking around the park. Purchase a Skip-the-Line San Diego Zoo ticket instead, which offers entrance plus unlimited bus and tram trips. Additionally, you’ll skip any lengthy lineups at the door.   North of downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo is roughly a 40-minute drive away.   Address: Balboa Park, San Diego, California, 2920 Zoo Drive   Visit the official website at www.sandiegozoo.org.   3. Gaslamp District The centre of the city’s nightlife is located in the Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District, which is close to Petco Park and the Convention Center. If you’re looking for things to do in downtown San Diego, it’s a terrific location to go, especially after dark.   Restored Victorian structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries now host hopping nightlife spots, hip stores, galleries, and eateries serving every cuisine imaginable, from pizza to Persian food. This is a fantastic location to see live theatre, comedy, or jazz acts.   The district spans around 16 blocks from Broadway to San Diego Bay and is conveniently walkable, but if your feet need a vacation, you can also board a bike taxi.   The Gaslamp Quarter is an excellent spot to stay because of its fantastic position in the middle of the city. Boutique hotels like the Pendry San Diego and well-known chains like the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego are examples of high-end accommodations that are close to the excitement.   the official website, gaslamp.org   4. Midway Carrier Air Museum You might be shocked to see one of the largest US Navy ships when strolling around San Diego’s Embarcadero waterfront. At Navy Pier, the decommissioned USS Midway is permanently berthed.   The more than 60 exhibits and more than 30 restored aircraft are the highlights of a trip to the USS Midway Museum. You can take a self-guided audio tour to learn everything there is to know about the history of the ship, which was home to more than 225,000 military troops. You can use the flight simulator on board for an extra cost.   Consider getting a Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket to speed up your busy sightseeing schedule. By doing this, you’ll be able to avoid the admission crowds and have more time to explore other popular San Diego sites.   Location: San Diego, California, 910 North Harbor Drive   Website of the organisation: www.midway.org   Seaport Village, no. 5 Seaport Village in San Diego is a fun area to explore and kill a day. This neighbourhood of distinctive stores and eateries, which is situated directly on the waterfront, is a must-visit in the city.   There are numerous picnic tables, seats, and beachfront terraces throughout the neighbourhood, however weekends may get very crowded. Every afternoon, eclectic performers perform on the outdoor stage. The antique carousel’s hand-carved wooden horses are a favourite among children.   Many of the neighbouring sights, like the USS Midway, are conveniently reachable on foot from the area. Since parking near Seaport Village is few and expensive, it would be advisable to park farther away and take the leisurely stroll along the waterfront to the destination instead.   Address: Pacific Highway and West Harbor Drive, San Diego, California   The official website is located at seaportvillage.com.   Beaches in San Diego San Diego is the ideal destination for a beach vacation since it has year-round weather and miles of gorgeous coastline that are washed by the sea. The top beaches in San Diego provide ideal circumstances for any activity, no matter what you prefer to do.   Visit Mission Beach, with its bustling beachside boardwalk and seaview cafés, to soak up the sun and observe people. The hippy-chic vibe of Ocean Beach is delivered, and the appropriately called Dog Beach is a place where dog owners can let their pets run free. At these well-known beaches, surfing is also very common.   Del Mar is one of the best places to go if surfing is your main priority. Other well-known surfing locations are Pacific Beach, Trestles, Swami’s, and Black’s Beach. Oceanside or La Jolla Shores are recommended for novice surfers.   Want to bring the kids to the beach for a day of sun, sand, and water? Del Mar, Silver Strand, Coronado Beach, and La Jolla Shores are the best beaches for families. And Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which has lovely hiking trails and towering sea cliffs, is ideal if you want a wild and rugged section of coastline.   Do you want to know when to go on a beach vacation to San Diego? Depending on the activity you choose. Winter storms generate large swells for surfers. Summer is the ideal season for swimming, and you can go to the seaside at any time of the year to enjoy the weather and take a stroll down the shore.   Old Town State Historic Park, number 7. You may go back in time and experience some of the vibrant culture from San Diego’s early days in the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. From 1821 to 1872, when this community developed from a small Mexican village, the park recreates the atmosphere of the Mexican and early American periods.   Explore the art galleries, stop by the functioning blacksmith shop, shop for traditional Mexican wares, listen to live Mariachi music, and eat on a sunny terrace at one of the interesting eateries. Five original adobe constructions are among the ancient buildings that have undergone extensive repairs. Newer structures that have been erected also adhere to the old architectural design.   One of the most popular state parks in California is the Old Town State Historic Park. Numerous attractions are free, and there is no entrance cost. Additionally, you can join up for the twice daily free walking tours (at 11am and at 2pm).   Location: San Diego, California, 4002 Wallace Street   Web address for the official site: www.parks.ca.gov?page id=663   8. The national monuments in Point Loma and Cabrillo One of the best sites to visit in this lovely city is Point Loma, which offers breathtaking views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. On the drive up to Point Loma, you may start taking in the views. You can see all the way to Mexico on a clear day, and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to see dolphins or whales.   On the American west coast, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo made his first landing here in 1542. At the Cabrillo National Monument, there are numerous displays and exhibits where you may learn more about the background of his amazing “Voyage of Discovery.” A huge statue honouring Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stands watch over the territory he discovered.   The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, constructed in 1858, is also situated on Point Loma. The renovated lighthouse structure is open for tours by guests.   Another well-liked activity in this area is hiking the picturesque paths. Take the mile-long Bayside Trail to the tide pools if you’re travelling with kids.   Website of the organisation: www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm   Mission Beach 9. San Diego’s Mission Beach neighbourhood perfectly captures the laid-back Southern California way of life. The main attraction here is the stunning beach with blonde sand.   Popular activities include swimming, tanning, surfing, and beach volleyball, and a three-mile picturesque boardwalk borders the shore. On a bright day, you can come here and witness residents skating, strolling, rollerblading, and eating at one of the many coastal cafés or eateries.   Belmont Park, an East Coast-style coastal amusement park with outstanding restaurants, fairground eateries, and street entertainment, is a feature of Mission Beach. Kids love it as a San Diego attraction.   Sundown Cliffs Natural Park 10. The breathtaking experience of a Southern California sunset will appeal to romantics. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which spans 68 acres along coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is one of the best spots to visit. Incomparable views of the ocean panoramas are offered by the site as the sun turns the horizon from blue to gorgeous rose tones.   The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers an opportunity to see these majestic animals as they travel to Baja California in Mexico during the grey whale migration season.   11. Cruises in San Diego Harbor Due to San Diego’s proximity to the water, boat trips are a fantastic opportunity to see the city while taking in the sunshine and clean air. You can gain a new view of this lovely seaside city by boarding a San Diego harbour tour. You can gain some historical knowledge, take in views of the city skyline, and perhaps even spot some seals and sea lions sunbathing along the rocky shore on this one- or two-hour narrated cruise.   You can choose to sit inside or outside on the deck throughout the tours’ journey under the Coronado Bridge. Purchases of snacks and drinks are also possible.   12. San Diego de Alcala Mission Basilica St. Mary’s Basilica The first mission in California was San Diego de Alcala. The mission stations were established in 1769 by Junipero Serra, a Majorcan-born Spanish Franciscan priest. The first mission station was constructed in San Diego. However, due to disagreements between the Spanish soldiers and the Indians a few years after it was founded, it was transferred six miles inland.   The Fathers sought safety with the soldiers after the Indians destroyed the new mission in 1775, and it wasn’t until 1777 that they were able to rebuild it with the aid of the Indians.   The mission is a fantastic location to learn about San Diego’s early history and is now a National Historic Landmark. Highlights include exploring the historic church with a bell tower that was designated a basilica in the 1970s, strolling through the serene gardens, and perusing the Padre Jayme Museum’s intriguing displays.   Through the website, you can either take a self-guided tour or reserve a guided tour in advance.   San Diego, California, 10818 San Diego Mission Road   The official website is located at missionsandiego.org.   Sacramento Museum of Art The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park is the place to go for culture vultures. Its remarkable exterior, which has intricately chiselled terra-cotta work, is a replica of the University of Salamanca from the 17th century. Spanish painters’ paintings are among the many varied displays on display here, and busts of them grace the entrance.   The museum’s collection includes items that are 7,000 years old as well as a wide range of artwork from throughout the globe. Old master pieces from Spain and Italy, South Asian paintings, and American art, including paintings and sculpture from the 19th and 20th centuries, are among the highlights.   Address: San Diego, California, 1450 El Prado   Website of the organisation: www.sdmart.org   14. Whale-watching cruises in San Diego One of the best spots in Southern California to see migratory whales is San Diego. In addition to the possibility of seeing seals, dolphins, and even orcas, these seas are home to blue whales, grey whales, humpback whales, and minke whales at certain times of the year.   When the grey whale migration begins in December through April, whale viewing excursions are among the most popular things to do in San Diego. Typically, blue whales migrate from the middle of June through September.   A San Diego whale watching cruise is the finest opportunity to get up up and personal with these gentle giants. A replica of the ancient sailing schooner that won the 1851 America’s Cup is used for this 4.5-hour excursion. Along with the thrilling sailing experience, you’ll gain knowledge about the various marine life species and US Navy facilities you pass by. The tour fee includes beverages, refreshments, and a whale sighting guarantee.   San Diego Air & Space Museum 15. This museum in Balboa Park should not be missed by anyone with an interest in the history of flight, both in the air and into space. The museum provides information to the public about space-age technology and aircraft through exhibits that assist visitors comprehend the timeline and the rate of development.   The Montgolfier brothers’ 1783 hot air balloon model and a replica of the Wright brothers’ gliders serve as the centrepieces of the museum’s introduction to the history of flight. Rare historical aeroplanes from World War I are displayed as the event goes on. Military aircraft from World War II, such as the Navy F6F Hellcat and the A-4 Skyhawk Jet, are also on exhibit and are all in excellent shape.   The San Diego Air & Space Museum pays homage to San Diego’s historic aviation past with a diverse range of holdings, including aircraft, spacecraft, flight simulators, pictures, and video archives.   The museum’s gift shop offers a variety of flight-related trinkets, including books, puzzles, t-shirts, telescopes, model aeroplanes, and plaques with the signatures of astronauts. Even little spacesuits for your little one’s aspiring astronaut are available in the gift shop.   San Diego, California, 2001 Pan American Plaza   Authentic website: sandiegoairandspace.org

San Antonio is a great destination for touring because it is home to some of Texas’ most well-known historical landmarks. You’ll also find fantastic options for mini-adventures in or near the city if you want to spice up your schedule with some entertaining activities. Spend some time strolling or cruising along the River Walk before visiting the Alamo and the city’s ancient missions. Try dining in San Antonio’s Pearl District or sign up for a cooking class if you want to sample some of the city’s exquisite cuisine.   There are plenty of activities available if you have time to travel outside the city limits, from golfing and caving to embracing your inner cowboy in the neighbouring Hill Country. You could even be able to take part in the city’s renowned Fiesta, depending on when you decide to visit.   With our list of San Antonio’s top attractions, learn about more things to do and places to visit.   1. Take a stroll, a meal, or a boat ride along San Antonio’s River Walk The San Antonio River flows through the heart of the city, and the River Walk, where restaurants and stone pathways are located, is its focal point. This lovely spot, which is below street level, has tranquil rivers, lovely bridges, birds, and lots of shade provided by big trees that tower over the banks.   The majority of visitors come down here to stroll or to dine al fresco on one of the patios. On a guided tour or dinner cruise aboard a barge, the River Walk can be enjoyed in one of the most tranquil ways.   Up to 40 people can ride on the river-going boats. The barge can hold up to 20 people and is configured with a huge table in the middle for dinner excursions. These leisurely boat cruises offer a perfect way to escape the city’s bustle and a chance to stretch your legs after a day of sightseeing.   Combining a San Antonio River Walk Cruise & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with entrance to the Tower of the Americas is a fantastic way to explore the sights.   2. Visit The Alamo. If you’re in San Antonio, you really must visit the Alamo, one of the most significant historical landmarks in the country. The Franciscans built the Alamo’s church in 1744 as part of the mission station that was established here in 1718.   Here, in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo, one of the most well-known confrontations in American history, took place as a small force defended the Alamo against a 3,000-man Mexican army. In a conflict that some believe may have only lasted 20 minutes, all of the defenders—including iconic characters Davy Crockett and James Bowie—were murdered.   “Remember the Alamo!” became a rallying cry as the Alamo quickly rose to prominence as the birthplace of Texan independence. Currently a national monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the previous mission.   In San Antonio, Texas, at 300 Alamo Plaza   Site officiel: www.thealamo.org   3. The Mission Trail and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park The San Antonio Missions received this distinction for the first time in the state of Texas in 2015 when they were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Franciscan Order founded the five missions, which included the well-known Alamo (Mission Valero), in the early 1700s in an endeavour by Spain to settle and evangelise the area.   They now rank among the top tourist destinations in the city. The Alamo, Mission San Jose, and Mission Concepción should all be on your list of missions to visit if you only have time to see a handful. Mission San Juan and Mission Espada are the final two. The missions are linked by the Mission Trail.   The majority of visitors drive between the missions, but if you want to mix some sightseeing with some exercise, think about riding. You may cycle the eight-mile one-way or 16-mile roundtrip from the Alamo in downtown to the other four missions if you have a whole day and the assistance of the city’s bike share programme.   The Mission Hike and Bike Trail is a beautiful and educational day trip that follows alongside the river and up to the missions.   Pick up a Junior Ranger activity book at the Visitor Center if you are travelling with children.   www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm is the official website.   4. The Saga of San Antonio and the San Fernando Cathedral The Roman Catholic San Fernando Cathedral (Church of Nuestra Seora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe), one of the oldest cathedrals in the US, is recognised as the final resting place of the Alamo heroes and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary of the cathedral is made up of the ancient church’s walls, which were finished in 1750 by settlers from the Canary Islands.   One of the nicest sites to visit in San Antonio after dark is the cathedral, which is located on Main Plaza. It transforms into San Antonio|The Saga, one of San Antonio’s most eye-catching sights, at night. A 24-minute video with coordinated music and narrative is projected onto the side of San Fernando Cathedral and is available every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening for free. It was made by Xavier de Richemont.   A 7,000 square foot projection uses stunning displays of vibrant graphics and Surround Sound to show the development and history of San Antonio. This should be on your list of things to do in the evening in San Antonio.   Visitsanantonio.com/san-antonio-the-saga is the official website.   5. Natural Bridge Caverns, Zip Lines, and the Canopy Challenge The biggest commercial cave in Texas, Natural Bridge Caverns, is less than 30 minutes from San Antonio. Although the vast open spaces of these magnificent caverns are their most notable feature, they also feature tight corridors and intriguing formations.   There are two different kinds of cave tours, and each one lasts for about 70 minutes. However, there are more activities available here besides just exploring the caverns. For an even greater rush, consider the Canopy Challenge, a course that includes ziplines and platforms suspended 60 feet above the ground. With the Sky Tykes, an interactive ropes course made specifically for toddlers and young children, younger youngsters may also participate in the fun.   Another alternative available above ground in the caverns is a gem and fossil mining experience, which gives visitors of all ages the ability to discover and identify their own gems in mining waste while also learning how gold miners found and sifted for gold. A maze and a store where you can buy meals, fresh fudge, and souvenirs are also nearby.   www.naturalbridgecaverns.com is the official website.   6. Go to the Farmers Market and Pearl District The Pearl is a chic historic neighbourhood in San Antonio that has beautiful restored buildings, one-of-a-kind stores, and a reputation for delicious food and cool restaurants. Weekends in the Pearl feature a bustling farmers market with stalls set up on a pedestrian-only street by merchants from a 150-mile radius of the city selling fresh vegetables, baked products, sauces, and other specialties.   The Pearl neighbourhood has come to be associated with excellent cuisine and memorable dining occasions. Although the phrase “fine dining” comes to mind, it isn’t just white tablecloths and pricey dishes at these eateries.   Both the ambiance and the food are important in this location. One of only three such campuses in the country, the Culinary Institute of America campus is also located in The Pearl. The Nao Latin Gastro Bar, the CIA’s hallmark restaurant, is situated here and has significant ties to the neighbourhood.   The official website is atpearl.com.   7. Visit the historic Market Square to shop and eat (El Mercado) The best area to look for unusual goods and gifts is Market Square. The largest Mexican market in the United States is located along this three-block stretch of stores and eateries. From sombreros to pottery, everything is on sale in the indoor El Mercado.   Locally owned businesses showcase homemade artwork and a wide variety of intriguing things, including paintings and dolls as well as blankets, jewellery, ponchos, skirts, shoes, and musical instruments.   Visit Mi Tierra Café Y Panadera for lunch, dinner, a sweet treat from the bakery, or just to stroll around once you’ve finished your shopping. The Cortez family has owned and operated this landmark dining establishment, which spans a whole block, since 1941.   This one-of-a-kind restaurant is open 24 hours a day, serves Mexican food, and features a bakery counter with on-site baking. It is lavishly decked with Christmas lights and fiesta flags.   The restaurant’s atmosphere is enhanced by musicians who wander through. Be sure to check out the sizable mural that depicts celebrities and Cortez family members on one of the dining room walls.   www.marketsquaresa.com is the official website.   Garden of Japanese Tea San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden is a lovely, tranquil area that is also a free attraction. In what was formerly a rock quarry, a tranquil garden with exotic flora, Koi ponds, waterfalls, and the exquisite stone Pavilion has been created. The gardens are crisscrossed with walkways. An on-site restaurant called The Jingu House offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.   About ten minutes’ drive separates the Japanese Tea Garden from the River Walk. You can visit this place and the San Antonio Zoo at the same time.   In San Antonio, Texas, at 200-414 Alpine   Japanese Tea Garden’s official website is at https://saparksfoundation.org/.   The San Antonio Botanical Garden, 9. One of the few places of green in the city is the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Wander about, enjoy the peace, and be amazed by the hues. The garden includes a fantastic selection of pathways that pass by some of the main attractions. These include the 2.5-acre Family Adventure Garden, where kids are encouraged to “mess with Texas,” the Mays Family Display Garden, which focuses on native plants, the Water Saver Conservation Garden, which highlights drought-resistant plants.   Enter the Lucille Halsell Conservatory for a brief excursion to the tropics. Plants from all over the world that enjoy heat and humidity are displayed in this 90,000 square foot facility. The Fern Room, the Palm and Cycad Pavilion, the vibrant plants in the Gretchen Northrup Tropical Conservatory, and the cacti in the Robert and Helen Kleberg Desert Pavilion are just a few of the attractions.   Website of official interest: sabot.org   10. A day trip to New Braunfels for its small-town charm and country music The town of New Braunfels, which is 40 minutes northeast of San Antonio, features attractive historic districts and country music performances by some of the biggest names in the business. One of the primary attractions is the Gruene Historic District, which features the renowned Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in America, and an old grist mill that has been transformed into a lovely riverfront restaurant.   This structure is still in use today, hosting daily live music events. Among the artists that have performed on this tiny stage throughout the years are George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks. The General Store, which appears to have been transported here from a whole different century, is another must-see location.   Tubing down the Guadalupe River is one of the most well-liked summertime activities if you’re in town. On hot days, there are so many sun-loving tubers floating down the river that it is almost congested. For a full day of fun, you can also travel to New Braunfels and stop at Natural Bridge Caverns.   11. San Antonio Fiesta Fiesta is a springtime event that lasts ten days and is of spectacular proportions. During this season, San Antonio is constantly hosting events and parades, including the well-known Battle of Flowers Parade, which gives the city an almost electric atmosphere.   Houses, businesses, and eateries are all decked for the occasion. Metal pins are something that people collect, trade, and wear. The Fiesta King and Queen, who are selected each year depending on how much money they have raised for charity, rule over the festivities. A “royal” procession frequently causes traffic to stop as it passes through the city. Check the event schedule and make plans to attend some of the events if you will be in the city during this period.   Website of the event: fiestasanantonio.org

Philadelphia is one of the most significant historical cities in America. The Declaration of Independence was ratified at Independence Hall on July 4, 1776, and the Constitution was written in September 1787. William Penn, a prominent Quaker and the state of Pennsylvania’s namesake, was a driving force behind the reforms that turned these British colonies into a sovereign state a century earlier. In today’s Independence Historic National Park, which is home to historic structures and sights like the Liberty Bell, Franklin Court, and Independence Hall, modern office towers coexist alongside the park’s winding cobblestone streets. Society Hill, the city’s original residential district, is located to the south. Many of these 18th-century structures have undergone elegant restorations. Germantown, another historic neighbourhood in northwest Philadelphia, was originally settled by Germans and Dutch people.   Fairmount Park, a sizable expanse of green space to the west along the Schuylkill River, is home to numerous Federal-style homes as well as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute of Science Museum and the Academy of Natural Sciences are both located in the museum district, which is just south of that.   Start with our list of the top tourist sites in Philadelphia if you’re not sure where to go.   Liberty Bell Pavilion, first In the United States, the liberty bell has stood for liberty and independence for a very long time. Contrary to common belief, the first significant crack occurred in 1846 when it tolled in honour of George Washington’s birthday. It had previously rung to commemorate the signing of the Constitution.   This and other information on the bell may be found in the exhibits, and a movie demonstrates how abolitionists, suffragists, and other organisations used the bell as a symbol of liberation. The bell made a national tour in the late 1800s in an effort to heal the divisions caused by the Civil War. The bell arrived in Philadelphia in 1915 and has remained there ever since.   One of many free activities in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell Pavilion, which is open daily.   Location: 143 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA   Site officiel: www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm   2. Independence Memorial Independence Hall, which was formerly the State House of the Colony of Pennsylvania, is best known as the location where the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The United States Constitution was also drafted there when the Continental Congress reconvened there after an absence of eleven years.   The Second Continental Congress gathered in secret in Assembly Hall to discuss declaring independence from the British. Here, George Washington was selected as the Continental Army’s Commander-in-Chief and the Declaration of Independence was signed.   In the Independence National Historical Park, Independence Hall is located across from the Liberty Bell Pavilion. Although there is no admittance cost, tickets are timed and restricted, and all guests must be ready to pass through security checks. On request, free ESL services are offered.   Location: 143 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA   Park National Historic Site of Independence The square mile that makes up Independence National Historical Park may be the most historic in all of America. Along with containing well-known locations like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, this historic district’s cobblestone walkways are home to numerous other significant attractions. Independence Hall has witnessed some of the most significant historical events in American history and has welcomed some of its most illustrious founders. It was present when the United States Constitution was drafted in 1787 and the Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 4, 1776.   Congress Hall, where George Washington and John Adams were chosen president and where the first Congress of the United States convened from 1790 to 1800, and Old City Hall, which was never the town hall but served as the Supreme Court’s location from 1791 to 1800, flank it.   The park-like Independence Mall, designed in 1948, stretches north of Independence Hall. The National Museum of American Jewish History is located on its east side at 55 North 5th Street. The Ben Franklin Museum, which has a range of displays honouring this revolutionary inventor’s many exceptional traits, is also located in the park. For up-to-date information, tickets, and walking tour maps, the Visitor Center off Dock Street is a nice place to go first thing in the morning.   4. The “Rocky Steps” and the Philadelphia Museum of Art One of the largest collections of paintings and other artworks in the United States is housed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The mediaeval galleries, which feature artwork by the van Eyck brothers and Rogier van der Weyden, are one of the best parts of the museum.   Renaissance and Baroque artwork as well as 18th and 19th century works of art, such as paintings by Van Gogh, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet, Cézanne, Monet, and Degas, can be found in other rooms. Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Miró, Paul Klee, and other painters are part of a collection of 20th-century European art.   The Philadelphia artists Thomas Eakins, Charles Wilson Peale (“The Staircase Group,” 1795), and many more also produced American art. There are also exquisite collections of Asian art, including pieces made of porcelain, jade, and Oriental carpets.   The museum is built in a Neoclassical structure with wide stairs in front that, for many tourists, are now more appealing than the exhibits itself. Thousands of fans have come to the “Rocky Steps” every day to rush to the summit and strike a Rocky stance with the city as their backdrop ever since they were featured in the vintage American Rocky movie.   In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway   www.philamuseum.org, the official website   Reading Terminal Market No. 5 Since 1995, The Market at Reading Terminal has been recognised as a National Historic Landmark. It is a longstanding Philadelphia tradition. The Reading Railroad Company constructed this area beneath their new station in 1893 to make room for the farmers’ and butchers’ open-air markets that had been taking place there for years. It has been in use ever since.   The old market has undergone repairs, but many of the original elements of the building and its atmosphere have been preserved. There are more than 80 merchants here today, 75 of which are independent small businesses. Local fruit, free-range meats, canned products, freshly baked Amish breads, and handmade goods including apparel, jewellery, and presents are all items that locals and visitors can purchase. Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is a specialty of several suppliers.   In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 51 North 12th Street   the official website is readingterminalmarket.org   The Barnes Foundation, no. 6 This museum, which Dr. Albert Barnes founded, is a crucial component of Philadelphia’s Parkway museum district. It is home to some of the largest collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world, including the largest Renoir collection and the greatest number of Cézanne’s works in existence. There are around 60 Matisse paintings and a sizable number of Degas, Manet, and Modigliani pieces.   Early modern artists like Picasso and a sizable collection of African sculpture are among the additional collections. On the first Sunday of each month, the museum offers free gallery viewings, events, and family-friendly entertainment. On the first Friday of each month, adults are invited to spend the evening perusing the collections, attending lectures, and networking with other enthusiasts while taking in live music and refreshments.   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway   Website of the Barnes Foundation   Park LOVE 7. The renowned LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, which was erected in John F. Kennedy Plaza for the America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976, honours “the City of Brotherly Love” in Philadelphia.   The square, which is now more commonly referred to as LOVE Park, serves as the gateway to Philadelphia’s Museum Mile, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which is home to the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.   LOVE Park is the site of frequent pop-up events, such as a Christmas village, and combines green spaces, trees, walking routes, benches, and open paved areas for festivals and events.   Address: JFK Boulevard and 16th Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania   8. Kindly Touch the Museum Every child’s fantasy comes true at the Please Touch Museum, where they can “see with their hands” as opposed to only their eyes. The opportunity to explore history, make-believe worlds, space, and the vast, uncharted world around them is provided by this entirely interactive museum, which encourages children of all ages to learn via play.   When trying with various occupations, youngsters can dress up as the characters in exhibits like the kid-sized metropolis. The River Adventures exhibit enables kids to learn about science and physics by utilising dams, waterwheels, levers, locks, and other water-manipulating tools. It is both informative and entertaining.   Even the garden, where the museum café grows its food, is open to children. There is also a Dentzel Carousel outside that is more than a century old, used to be at the nearby Woodside Park, and has been completely restored to its former splendour. One of the most popular activities for families in Philadelphia is spending a day here.   Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Fairmount Park, Memorial Hall, Philadelphia, PA   Website of the organisation: pleasetouchmuseum.org   9. Zoo in Philadelphia The Philadelphia Zoo is home to a variety of species from all over the world and is actively involved in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation activities, with a focus on informing visitors about how humans affect other members of the planet’s ecosystem.   Big Cat Falls is one of the park’s most unique habitats; here, the largest cats in the world can roam freely among vegetation and flowing waterfalls and explore the entire park via a network of tunnels that thread above other habitats, including those occupied by park guests. The African Plains environment, where you may meet some of the zoo’s most remarkable residents, including giraffes, hippos, and a white rhinoceros, is another favourite among children and adults.   Red kangaroos and emus are just a couple of the interesting animals that call Outback Outpost home. Other areas include Bear Country, where animals from Asia, South America, and North America can be found, and Carnivore Kingdom, where you can see dwarf mongooses and even the red panda (a vegetarian). There are also two pairs of spider monkeys at Monkey Junction, a reptile and amphibian house, an aviary, and more.   With the use of innovative lighting that reverses their sleep cycle, visitors to the small mammal house may observe the nocturnal inhabitants as they go about their day. The zoo also runs a primate reserve and a centre for the protection of rare creatures, where you may see some of the most critically endangered animals on the planet, learn about the problems that impact them, and discover what you can do to help.   Postal code for this location is 3400 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia.   Website of the organisation: www.philadelphiazoo.org   10. Rodin Gallery This museum has one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin’s work outside of France, including about 100 of his iconic sculptures. Some of Rodin’s most well-known works are represented in the museum as marble, bronze, and plaster replicas.   Some of his most well-known pieces, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, a foundational work by Rodin, are on display in the outdoor sculpture garden for tourists to see. Rodin is regarded as the founder of modern sculpture because of his unorthodox training and belief that sculpture should remain true to the natural form.   Postal code for this location is 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.   Website of the organisation: www.rodinmuseum.org   The Franklin Institute Science Museum, 11. This imaginative museum is a monument to scientist Benjamin Franklin, and one of the great galleries is a massive marble figure of Franklin sitting. Many of Franklin’s own experiments are on exhibit at the Franklin Institute Science Museum, which is actually many museums together under one roof.   Visitors have the chance to conduct their own experiments in a variety of subjects, including computers, information technology, space travel, astronomy, and oceanography. It is particularly interested in the physical foundations of technology. The centre also houses the Fels Planetarium and an IMAX Theater in addition to the museum.   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (222 N 20th Street)   Authentic website: www.fi.edu   Fairmount Park 12, The Philadelphia Zoo, the Rodin Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Shofuso Japanese house and garden are just a few of the attractions and activities to do in this gorgeous park near the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Creek. Additionally, there are parks, playgrounds, ball fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, hiking trails, and picnic places.   The 1953-built Shofuso was imported to Philadelphia and erected beside other Japanese buildings that have been there since the 1876 Centennial Exposition. Shofuso was constructed in Japan using conventional tools and materials. The mansion and Japanese gardens, which include a koi pond and island, are open for tours. The Tanabata Family Weekend, which takes place in early July, features family-friendly events and traditional Japanese crafts.   A second draw is a row of 15 ancient boathouses along the Schuylkill River, which are now the homes of regional college rowing organisations and are located on the perimeter of the 2,000-acre park. One of the earliest parks established in the country to act as a public green space and a watershed conservation area, the park is a National Historic Landmark.   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Reservoir Drive   Eastern State Prison 13. Using solitary confinement, the Eastern State Penitentiary was created in 1829 with the intention of rehabilitating criminals. When it first opened, it was regarded as the priciest and most advanced prison in the world. Visitors can view Capone’s opulent cell as it was during his imprisonment; Willie Sutton and Al Capone were among the prison’s noteworthy “guests.”   The prison was shut down in 1971, and it is now a public museum. Many areas of the facility can still be visited and are still largely the same as they were when it was active. A thorough examination of incarceration in the United States, how it differs from other nations, and the rising disproportionate imprisonment of minorities are all covered in the exhibits.   Location: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA   Easternstate.org is the official website.

Sun worshippers and people trying to escape the snow and cold in the winter are drawn to Phoenix by its warm, dry climate. The city provides an incredible variety of resorts and hotels, as well as a wealth of artistic and cultural attractions, old-world neighbourhoods, dining, and shopping. Many visitors simply come to enjoy the outdoors. One of the most popular activities in Phoenix is golfing, but you can also go hiking, biking, camping, and rock climbing.   If you plan to stay longer than a few days, you might want to think about taking some day trips from Phoenix to nearby cities and tourist hotspots. Communities like Sedona, Prescott, and Jerome are easily accessible. You could even take a trip to the Grand Canyon if you’re up for a long day.   The Phoenix Metropolitan Region, which encompasses Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix, is dispersed over a wide area. Using our list of the top things to do in Phoenix, you can schedule your sightseeing in advance and save time.   Garden of the Desert The Desert Botanical Garden, a stunning complex that merges art and nature, is situated in Papago Park. The grounds are dotted with art works, which give this lovely area a new perspective.   Tens of thousands of plants reside in the 140-acre complex, which also showcases samples of desert vegetation from around the world. Due to special gardens created to draw hummingbirds and butterflies, this is an excellent area to see them as well.   The property is surrounded by a network of extensive paths, so expect to spend a lot of time walking. The plants awaken and bloom in a variety of colours throughout the spring, making it an especially pleasant time to visit.   Phoenix, Arizona, 1201 North Galvin Parkway   the official website, dbg.org   2. Museum of Musical Instruments With a collection of more than 6,800 instruments from nearly 200 nations and territories, the Musical Instruments Museum is among the biggest of its kind in the world.   Five permanent galleries, including the Geographic Gallery, the Artists Gallery, the Mechanical Music Gallery, the STEM Gallery, and the Experience Gallery, where you may try out some of the instruments, are housed in a magnificent edifice. Additionally, you may observe skilled artisans repairing instruments in the Conservation Lab.   The museum presents international musical instruments and live performances as part of a number of Signature Events and unique travelling exhibits. The facility’s 300-seat theatre hosts concerts.   Phoenix, Arizona, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard   Mim.org, the official website   Taliesin West 3. The renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter residence and architecture school, Taliesin West, is situated in Scottsdale. The building, which is located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, serves as both the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture’s residence and the global headquarters of the foundation.   This is a wonderful addition to any agenda for Phoenix, even if you have only the slightest interest in architecture. The visits provide in-depth information about Wright’s life, the school, and the building.   From 1937 through 1959, Wright and his apprentices built all of the buildings in this location using local resources including redwood and rubblestone. You can observe students working in the main drafting studio at Taliesin, which is still a functioning school of architecture.   Scottsdale, Arizona, 12345 North Taliesin Drive   Official website: TaliesinWestTours.html at www.franklloydwright.org   4. Phoenix Area Hiking Trails Looking for outdoor activities to engage in? A morning or day spent taking a stroll through the desert is always enjoyable, and Phoenix has a variety of hiking trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels.   Short, straightforward routes are ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts, while challenging hikes up mountains like Camelback Mountain are at one extreme of the spectrum. Some of these can be found near Papago Park at the trailhead for Lost Dog Wash.   Mormon Trail and Pinnacle Peak, which are located in between these two, provide a little bit of a challenge and height along with stunning vistas.   See our list of the best hikes in the Phoenix region to help you plan your excursion for a more thorough look.   Heard Museum 5. The renowned Heard Museum in Phoenix, which opened in 1929, is known for showcasing the art and culture of the Indian groups who once lived in the Southwest. The Heard is renowned for its incredible collections of kachina dolls, pottery, jewellery, textiles, and basketry.   Native American traditional and contemporary art can be found in the museum’s exhibit galleries and outdoor courtyards. Families may learn about native history and take in traditional arts in this fantastic location.   You can explore the outdoor sculpture garden or take a tour of the museum’s gardens outside. The museum also includes a really nice courtyard-style outside café with a changing menu of dishes designed to go well with the current show.   Phoenix, Arizona, 2301 North Central Avenue   the official website is heard.org.   Old Town Scottsdale, no. 6 Old Town Scottsdale in the Phoenix area is one of the top destinations for fun and eccentricity. A variety of trinkets and other things are sold in distinctive stores built in buildings with covered walkways in the Western style, particularly to tourists.   Some of the finest galleries in the city, showcasing magnificent pieces by renowned painters, are located just up the street from the tacky shops. Scottsdale’s downtown is a great spot to see and be seen.   Additionally, Old Town offers a wide variety of eateries, several of which have lovely patio areas ideal for people-watching. The location, at the crossroads of East Main Street and North Scottsdale Road, is conveniently accessible by foot.   A two-hour Scottsdale Segway Travel is a good way to tour the area and see the sights. This will lead you through Old Town, through various historic sites, and along the waterfront.   Top-Rated Attractions for Visitors & Things to Do in Scottsdale South Mountain Park No. 7 With more than 16,000 acres of arid terrain, Phoenix’s South Mountain Park/Preserve is one of the country’s biggest city parks. The park’s miles of trails are perfect for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. The Mormon Trail is one of the most well-known trails.   Fantastic views of the desert and the city may be seen in the distance. Come here after dark if you’re looking for nighttime activities in Phoenix to enjoy a spectacular view of the city lights.   Mount Suppoa, the park’s highest point, is 2,690 feet high, although Dobbins Overlook, the highest lookout that is accessible by road or trail, is 2,330 feet high.   Phoenix, Arizona, 10919 South Central Avenue   www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain is the official website.   8. Flame Hall Fire Museum The Hall of Flame Fire Museum honours firefighters who have died in the line of duty or been recognised for their bravery while also providing a historical perspective on the industry.   The museum has artefacts from as far back as 1725 on display, including vintage fire engines and several unusual forms of fire extinguishers. Although the history of firefighting in America is primarily the focus, there are also displays from Europe and Japan, providing a more global perspective on the profession.   The names of those murdered since 1981 are listed in the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. Additionally, there is a memorial for the law enforcement personnel and firefighters lost in the World Trade Center tragedy in 2001.   Phoenix, Arizona, 6101 East Van Buren Street   Website of the band: hallofflame.org   Papago Park 9. Southeast of the city is home to the lovely natural region known as Papago Park. This park is a fantastic place to start if you’re seeking for things to do and enjoy in Phoenix. Here, you may go on hikes through nature trails, climb the park’s towering red rocks, bike along the many paths, or even play golf.   This is a well-liked location for strolls, especially early in the day before the heat of the day, and you’ll see Phoenix residents making the most of this urban retreat.   The Elliot Ramada and the Double Butte Loop trails are the two most well-known of the park’s many trails. These two pathways go up to the unusual rock outcroppings that are the park’s defining feature. Animals, mainly rabbits but occasionally bighorn sheep, can be seen on occasion.   The Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo are both situated in Papago Park.   www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park is the official webpage.   Phoenix, Arizona, 625 North Galvin Parkway   Phoenix Art Museum 10. The Phoenix Art Museum contains a permanent collection that includes works from the American West, the Far East, and Europe’s Renaissance and Baroque periods. Additionally, the museum showcases fashion design, live performances, and movies.   A work of art in and of itself, the 203,000 square foot skyscraper has a typically modern appearance. It mixes art and architecture with the southwest landscape and was created by New York architects Tod Williams/Billie Tsien & Associates in the middle of the 1990s.   In addition to reflecting the community’s ongoing dedication, the museum’s foundation in 1959 and subsequent growth into one of the premier art museums in the American Southwest also illustrate Phoenix’s transformation from a small desert town to the modern city.   Phoenix, Arizona, 1625 North Central Avenue   the official website, phxart.org   Eleven. Phoenix Zoo The Phoenix Zoo is recognised for housing Sumatran tigers and orangutans, as well as more than 1,400 other creatures, many of which are endangered species.   The facility’s four different trails include the Children’s Trail, Arizona Trail, Tropics Trail, and Africa Trail. Pack your swimsuits and towels because the zoo also offers kid-friendly activities, splash pads, and play areas.   The Phoenix Zoo’s animal interactions are a particular feature of every trip and unquestionably a highlight. Your kids will enjoy walking through the open exhibit at the Monkey Village as you take pictures of the monkeys swinging by.   The Red Barn is another sight that will cause squeals of delight. Goats, lambs, and horses are all eager to interact with small children in this petting zoo. The gentle giraffe encounter, the Stingray Bay adventure, and the perennially popular camel rides are other activities.   Additionally, the zoo includes a 4D theatre where you can fully immerse yourself in the movie with water, fragrances, and wind effects. When it’s uncomfortable outside, this is a fantastic indoor option. Take a spin on the Endangered Creatures carousel, where each species is different, if you’ve had your fill of the animals.   Phoenix, Arizona, 455 North Galvin Parkway   the official website is located at phoenixzoo.org.   OdySea Aquarium 12. Even though it would seem strange to find a massive aquarium in the middle of a dry desert, everything somehow works together to provide a fun maritime learning experience. With 200,000 square feet, the OdySea Aquarium is the largest of its kind in Arizona and a great place to escape the dry environment and enter a water-based one.   Three distinct touch pools are located around the property, just follow the path around each corner and level to find fresh and exciting exhibits. The idea is to imagine yourself as a raindrop that falls from the heavens into freshwater before travelling through streams and rivers to reach the ocean. The route is lined with more than 70 exhibits, many of them interactive.   There are about 6,000 aquatic creatures here, including penguins, sharks, stingrays, otters, and octopuses. Even a sloth, together with tropical birds, can be seen on the Odysea.   The facility offers educational exhibits, one of the most distinctive of which gives you the impression that you are in a submarine. You can engage in helmet diving, where you drop into a fish-filled pool while wearing a special diving gear, or you can interact with penguins, both of which cost extra.   Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, 9500 E Via De Ventura   Website of official interest: www.odyseaaquarium.com   Arizona Science Center 13. The Arizona Science Center contains seven galleries with hundreds of interactive exhibits, each with a different subject. A 200-seat planetarium and an IMAX theatre are also on the property. Families should do this in Phoenix, especially on days when the weather isn’t cooperative.   The Science Center hosts six annual trademark events, such as Weird Science Halloween, Science with a Twist, and Snow Week, during which Science Park hill is transformed into a mountain of actual snow and blanketed with 75 tonnes of it.   Phoenix, Arizona, 600 East Washington Street   www.azscience.org is the official website.   14. Museum of the Arizona State Capitol The historic State Capitol, constructed in 1900 and used as the seat of government until 1974, is surrounded by lovely gardens. A free museum with an emphasis on Arizona history has been established inside the massive state building.   The distinctive Arizona flag, constructed from 113,998 Lego bricks, is one of the must-see attractions. The exhibits are scattered across four floors. In the state, one mile is represented by each Lego brick.   Along with the USS Arizona display, other noteworthy elements include the Arizona Takes Shape exhibit, which charts the evolution of the state from its days as a territory to the present.   Check see the memorial statues on the Capitol Mall and Wesley Bolin Plaza for a sobering experience.   Phoenix, Arizona, 1700 West Washington Street   Website of official interest: azlibrary.gov/azcm

There is no shortage of things to do in Houston if you enjoy art, fine food, shopping, unusual attractions, and enjoyable activities. This is the fourth-largest city in the country and is home to the famed Space Center Houston, well-known chefs, thought-provoking museums, lovely green spaces, and a bayou that runs through the centre of the city. You might even be able to attend a sporting event or Houston’s premier occasion, the Livestock Show and Rodeo, depending on your vacation dates. Houston is a fantastic destination for a weekend trip because it has direct flights from all part of North America. For a taste of both the big city and island life, combine a vacation to Houston with a stop in nearby Galveston, which is only about an hour away. See our list of the top attractions in Houston for a comprehensive look at things to do.   1. Go to Houston’s Space Center Room Center A must-see sight in Houston is Houston, the official visitor centre of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. You can stroll around the vast facility that houses both the large shuttle carrier aircraft it’s placed on and the space shuttle replica Independence. You may explore a copy of Skylab, America’s first space station, and hold a moon rock inside the visitor centre. Additionally, information on upcoming NASA missions, such as a trip to Mars, can be found here. You might even get to meet an astronaut if you visit on a Friday at noon.   You can take an open-air tram journey to Johnson Space Center, the location of mission control, from the visitor centre to witness where astronauts prepare for space missions. On this tour, you’ll also visit Rocket Park, where real rockets are on display. There is no cost if you merely want to visit the Rocket Park. Simply drive up to the gate’s guards and let them know you’d like to visit; they will then let you through.   Enroll in a Level 9 Tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at Johnson Space Center for a really one-of-a-kind experience. You can see locations that aren’t normally accessible on tours, such as the simulation labs, the ISS Mission Control, and the buoyancy lab, and you might even run into an astronaut. There are only 12 tickets available per day for this unique, four to five-hour VIP tour, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the purchase of this ticket, you are free to explore the Space Center Houston, where the tours start.   Houston, Texas address: 1601 Nasa Pkwy   the official website is spacecenter.org.   2. Visit the Museum District in Houston With 19 museums located in this lovely downtown location, the Museum District is one of Houston’s top cultural destinations. Public access to eleven of these is free. Highlights include, among others, the Holocaust Museum, the Menil Collection, the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The magnificent Hermann Park, home to the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theatre, is also nearby.   The Menil and the Rothko Chapel are a little more away, but the most of the museums can be reached on foot. The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Lawndale Art Center, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Moody Center for the Arts, and the Houston Center for photography are among the museums that are free to enter.   Houston, Texas, 1001 Bissonnet Street   The Metropolitan Museum of Art One of the best museums of its sort in the country is the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. The 63,000-piece collection is divided between two buildings, the Caroline Wiess Law Building and the Audrey Jones Beck Building, which are joined by the intriguing Wilson Tunnel.   The French and Italian Impressionist Renaissance paintings, superb sculptures, and European and American decorative arts are the museum’s main attractions. Check out the magnificent collection of gold-plated artefacts from the pre-Columbian and African cultures.   You’ll find plenty to keep you interested and entertained here if you love exploring at your own leisure; but, if it all seems a little overwhelming, consider taking a tour to see the highlights.   The Bayou Bend and Collections is a satellite gallery that offers furniture, decorative arts, and paintings if you happen to be near the River Oaks suburb.   Houston, Texas, 1001 Bissonnet Street   Site of origin: https://www.mfah.org   4. Houston Natural Science Museum One of the city’s most visited museums is the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The museum is a great family adventure and covers a wide range of subjects that are likely to interest everyone in your group.   When you go, be sure to stop by the Hall of Paleontology to see a number of entire dinosaur skeletons. Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Conservatory to see something that is still alive. There, over 1,500 of these sweet butterflies flutter about in the muggy air; if you’re lucky, one might even land on you.   Learn more about Houston’s nighttime skies with a show at the Planetarium, then take a break and let your senses be stimulated at the Wortham Giant Screen Theater.   Houston, Texas, 5555 Hermann Park Drive   Website of official interest: www.hmns.org   5. Go to Houston’s Zoo The Houston Zoo is one of the city’s top attractions and is well-liked by both locals and tourists. It is situated on 55 acres in Hermann Park. More than 6,000 exotic and native animals may be seen at the zoo, which also has a children’s zoo and an education centre. Highlights include feeding the giraffes, visiting the aquarium to up-close view aquatic life, and observing sea lions and otters playing.   The Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, a Japanese Garden, and McGovern Centennial Garden are some of the many attractions in Hermann Park. Paddle boating on McGovern Lake or taking a stroll along the park’s walking pathways are both enjoyable activities.   Houston, Texas, 6200 Hermann Park Drive   www.houstonzoo.org is the official website.   The Menil Collection, no. 6 Nearly as much of a work of art is contained within the Menil Collection’s building as there is inside of it. The Renzo Piano-designed structure is light-filled because of the large glass windows that gaze out into the pristine gardens. In contrast to many art museums, the artwork is displayed using natural light in many (but not all) of the rooms.   The Menil Collection is renowned for housing the largest collection of Max Ernst works anywhere. The Menil Collection also houses works of art by the masters in the Byzantine, Abstract, and Surrealist styles, as well as modern artwork. These pieces are arranged collectively in rooms designated for display.   Spend some time exploring the Menil Collection campus if the weather is not too hot. The Rothko Chapel, with its mural paintings, is among the most fascinating sights to view.   The museum is no cost.   Houston, Texas address: 1533 Sul Ross Street   Authentic website: www.menil.org   Read more: Houston’s Best Museums Visit the Houston Children’s Museum with the kids. The Houston Children’s Museum is one of the top attractions in Houston for families and a fantastic way to escape the summer heat. Everyone is sure to grin when they enter this vibrant, busy environment. With so many interactive and hands-on exhibits, let the youngsters loose and have fun keeping themselves occupied.   The How Does it Work display is among the main highlights. You and your children will discover how things work in daily life here. Another amazing location where you may control the flow of water and observe the results is the FlowWorks wet zone.   Send your kids to the SECRETS Spy Game exhibit if they’ve ever wanted to act like secret spies. They will have to compete against evil characters while putting their talents to the test in order to try and decipher codes and find clues.   Website of official interest: www.cmhouston.org   Discover Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. Sheets of water cascade over substantial concrete walls and sculptures in the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park’s magnificent multi-story sculptural fountain. The building’s semi-circular design towers 64 feet above you, and it is surrounded by 46,500 square feet of water and a wide arch.   Photos don’t do this attraction justice; you have to experience it for yourself to fully understand it. This 2.77-acre park in Uptown Houston is home to scores of live oak trees.   9. National Funeral History Museum You wouldn’t think a museum focused on funerals would be a popular tourist destination in Houston, but it is. This interesting and enjoyable museum is quirky and a little weird, but it’s well worth a visit.   The exhibitions inside the 30,500-square-foot structure include historical information about presidential funerals, exhibits on the embalming process, coffins from throughout the world, including some from as far away as Ghana, and antique funeral hearses.   The colourful overview of Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), which details this Latin American holiday in great detail, is one exhibit you shouldn’t miss.   Houston, Texas, 415 Barren Springs Drive   Website of official interest: www.nmfh.org   10. Examine the Street Art in Houston Although it is frequently disregarded by tourists, Houston’s street art, also known as graffiti, is exceptional. Here, you may see installations by some of the most well-known street artists in the US and the rest of the world, such COPE2 and Gonzo247 from Houston.   These vibrant murals, which grace the walls of businesses in various parts of the city, are definitely worth the time it takes to drive around and see. The charming artist known as Gonzo247 is regarded as the unofficial curator of Houston’s street art. One of the most well-known street artists in the area, he painted the large “Houston is Inspired” painting at the intersection of Travis and Preston Streets as well as the more compact “Houston” artwork at the intersection of Leeland and St. Emanuel Streets.   Off Leeland Street at Chartres Street and St. Emanuel Street, this latter region is also home to a significant concentration of stunning installations that adorn the walls of various one- and two-story buildings. But artwork may be seen on a variety of sized walls all across the city.   11. Houston Holocaust Memorial Visit the Holocaust Museum for a sombre reminder of how a man can inflict unimaginable cruelty on another human being. Since it was opened in 1996, the museum has been recounting the tale of the Holocaust during World War II.   The museum reopened in 2019 following an enormous $30 million expansion. The Holocaust Museum Houston is now 57,000 square feet in size, which is twice as big as it once was. It has a café, an outdoor amphitheatre with 175 seats, and a theatre with 187 seats.   Four galleries are skillfully designed with fascinating and thought-provoking exhibits and interesting stories from survivors. The museum houses an authentic railway that was used to carry victims as well as a Dutch fishing boat that was used to transport fugitives. Two more galleries host a steady stream of transient exhibitions.   Houston, Texas address: 5401 Caroline Street   Official website: hmh.org   12. Explore Buffalo Bayou Park by foot, bicycle, or canoe. Buffalo Bayou Park is a stunning 160-acre green space that runs through the city and is centred on the Buffalo Bayou’s leisurely waters. In addition to numerous shady spots for relaxation, this urban park has miles of walking and bicycling routes, a dog park, and sculptures.   Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy a paddle along the bayou if you’re seeking for enjoyable activities in Houston, especially if you want to spend time outside. The park offers a variety of rentals and tours that last anywhere between one and three hours. Similar to that, outfitters in the city provide guided bike tours as well.   The Cistern, a former underground drinking-water reservoir from 1926 that currently exhibits varying art works, is one of Buffalo Bayou Park’s more unusual locations. Today, tourists can have a quick guided tour.   A sizable colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that lives on the Waugh Drive Bridge also calls the park home. Every evening after sundown, about 250,000 of them take off from the bridge.   Visit the official website at buffaloyou.org.   The Health Museum 13. A visit to the Health Museum is necessary if you’ve been splurging on Texas’ delectable cuisine and are wondering if that may be why your jeans feel a little snug when you put them on. You can figuratively enter your own body at one of Houston’s most cutting-edge museums.   Walking inside a 10-foot-high brain, investigating a 12-foot-high pumping heart, and getting up close to a big eyeball are just a few of the family-friendly activities available. You may see how many calories you’ve been consuming at each of your visits to the renowned Texas BBQ booths with the Calorie Crank!   Houston, Texas address: 1515 Hermann Drive   Website of the organisation: https://www.thehealthmuseum.org   Art Car Museum 14. Try the Art Car Museum if you don’t like Old Masters and Impressionists. Every kind of automobile used here serves as a canvas for original and fascinating artwork. Additionally, frequent automobile-themed works of art are hung on exhibit walls.   Since its debut in 1998, the Art Car Museum, often known as the Garage Mahal in Houston, has become a well-liked tourist destination. You’ll never exactly know what you’ll see because the exhibits and cars frequently change because artists try their best to turn something rather ordinary into a statement or a message.   Houston, Texas, 140 Heights Boulevard   Website of the organisation: https://artcarmuseum.com   15. Browse the vintage shops in The Heights on 19th Street The Heights’ 19th Street is the place to go for retro furnishings, retro apparel, and antique items. There are a variety of strange stores in this hip neighbourhood that sell anything from formal attire to casual clothing, as well as jewellery, shoes, household appliances, and other unusual goods.   This is a great location to buy presents as well. Some stores sell new items or a combination of new and old items, so the goods is not all vintage. The entire neighbourhood is interesting to view and provides a distinctive shopping experience, even if you have no intention of making a purchase.

Chicago, sometimes known as the “Windy City,” is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. This city draws tourists from the US and other countries because of its thriving arts scene, plenty of cultural attractions, fantastic shopping, and intriguing architecture. With artists like Picasso, Mir, Dubuffet, and Chagall as well as builders like Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright making their mark, Chicago has earned a reputation as a major hub for 20th-century architecture and art.   With the Chicago Bears in American football, the Chicago White Sox and Cubs in baseball, and the Chicago Bulls in basketball, the city also has a lot to offer in the world of sports.   The stunning beaches that stretch down the coastline are last but certainly not least and draw hordes of sunbathers in the summer.   Your interests, especially if you’re travelling for sporting or cultural events, may influence when you visit Chicago, but spring through fall are the ideal months for weather.   1. Go to the Chicago Art Institute. A top-tier museum containing millions of works of art is the Art Institute of Chicago. The extensive collection, which spans thousands of years, contains works in a wide range of media, including sculpture, decorative arts, textiles, prints, photography, painting, and architectural designs, among others.   The Institute is renowned for its collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings, which includes a number of works by Claude Monet as well as Georges Seurat’s 1884 A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte and Renoir’s 1879 Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando.   The main structure was constructed for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 and was designed in the beaux-arts style by Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge. Over time, additional structures were erected, and the complex now has 400,000 square feet of space.   Chicago, Illinois, 111 South Michigan Avenue   Website of the organisation: www.arctic.edu   2. Explore Millennium Park The bigger Grant Park, which is located in the heart of Chicago and is bounded by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north, and Monroe Street to the south, includes Millennium Park. Its focal point is the 110-ton sculpture Cloud Gate, whose mirror-like, polished stainless steel surface was modelled after liquid mercury. It reflects the area, including the sky, the surrounding structures, and the tourists passing through its main arch.   Crown Fountain, a unique contemporary rendition of the historic gargoyle that creates the illusion of water spilling from the mouths of projected pictures of Chicago residents, is another must-see attraction in Millennium Park. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue, and Lurie Garden, which is free to enter year-round, are two more well-liked activities in this area.   This part of the city is a good location to base yourself because it is close to many of the major attractions and offers fantastic shopping. See our list of suggested hotels in this area for lodging recommendations.   Chicago, Illinois, 201 East Randolph Street   Website for the park is available at: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp info/millennium park.html   3. Explore Navy Pier. The Navy Pier was initially built in 1916 as a shipping facility and amusement area, but it is today one of Chicago’s busiest tourist destinations. Today, the Navy Pier is a 50-acre complex with gardens, amusements, stores, dining options, performance halls, and parks. In Navy Pier Park, there is a 150-foot Ferris wheel and a vintage carousel.   The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a one-acre, six-story indoor botanical garden, the 3D Imax Theater, and Crystal Gardens are more options for visitors to enjoy. The Chicago Children’s Museum is also nearby. The Chicago Festival, which takes place in August, is one of many events held along the Pier throughout year. From here, cruise ships depart on numerous tourist trips.   Chicago, Illinois, 600 East Grand Avenue   the official website, navypier.org   4. Adler Planetarium’s Reach for the Stars All ages will enjoy the programmes and extensive exhibits that the Adler Planetarium has to offer. It is miles above the ones that most children get to visit on field trips. The Adler, which was constructed in 1930 on the shore of Lake Michigan, takes pride in being the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.   Two dome theatres of the planetarium host a range of shows, such as explorations of the solar system, the moon, and the night sky over Chicago. There is also a wide variety of exhibitions covering a wide range of subjects, such as astrology, meteors, life on other planets, space exploration, and the history of science.   A number of exhibits are also devoted to the achievements of underrepresented groups, such as female, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ astronomers. An amazing exhibit that examines the significance of the contributions made by Islamic astronomers and how their studies impacted the faith and the wider world is noteworthy. Additionally, there are collections of historical astronomy objects, such as telescopes and numerous antique and prehistoric sundials.   When you go, be sure to allow enough time for the Skyline Walk, which is the greatest location to take pictures of the city skyline without taking a boat tour.   Chicago, Illinois, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive   Adler Planetarium’s official website is located at   Museum of Science and Industry, No. 5 The Museum of Science and Industry, which opened in 1933 and is undoubtedly Chicago’s most magnificent museum, is located at the northern end of Jackson Park. Its focus is on using natural rules to advance technical and industrial growth.   The museum is credited with being the first in the United States to implement the concept of “hands-on” exhibitions. Numerous exhibits are available for interaction by visitors. The MSI has both ongoing and one-time exhibits, in addition to an OMNIMAX theatre.   Chicago, Illinois, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive   Website of the organisation: www.msichicago.org   6. Check out the SkyDeck at Willis Tower for a View The 110 story Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower, held the title of highest office building in the world until the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur were constructed in 1996. Although there are now a number of taller structures, the view from this location is spectacular. On a clear day, you can see 40 to 50 miles over four states and take in Chicago’s stunning architecture from above.   The Willis Tower was constructed over the course of three years and opened to the public in 1974. The SkyDeck observation deck is located on the 103rd level of the 1,453-foot-tall structure, 1,353 feet above the earth. Visitors can stand on the Ledge, a glass box with a glass floor that protrudes from the SkyDeck, and look down directly at the city below.   Chicago, Illinois, 233 South Wacker Drive   Site of origin: https://theskydeck.com   7. Attend the Buckingham Fountain Water Show The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest in the world, was constructed in 1927 as a gift from the family. Four seahorses that stand in for the four states that border Lake Michigan surround the central fountain, which was created in the distinctive Art Deco design of the time. The fountain starts up every hour from 8 am to 11 night, blasting 15,000 gallons of water through almost 200 nozzles every minute to produce a stunning spectacle.   If you happen to be in the area after dark, you must witness the water display, which is illuminated. The fountain serves as the hub of Grant Park, a sizable public area in Chicago that is home to numerous attractions and smaller parks including Millennium Park, which is similar to Central Park, one of the most popular attractions in New York City.   The Field Museum of Natural History, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium are all located on Museum Campus, one of the park’s most popular tourist destinations. In addition to hosting events like music and food festivals, Grant Park is home to a number of gardens and recreational amenities.   8. Chicago 360 360 Chicago is an observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Skyscraper that is part of the John Hancock Center office complex. It can be easily identified by its dark metallic-looking exterior and the cross-braced steel architecture that goes up the outside of the building. The expansive observation deck with glass walls offers views of the Chicago skyline and beyond.   The deck’s newest element, “Tilt,” will appeal to more daring guests since it offers them a unique view from more than 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile while tilting them outward at an angle to see straight down from the glass enclosure.   The building’s interior is made up of a mix of stores, offices, and apartments. Additionally, the first floor of the structure has a multimedia exhibit that provides details on Chicago and the building of the John Hancock Building.   Chicago, Illinois, 875 North Michigan Avenue   Website of the organisation: www.360chicago.com   9. Field Natural History Museum The Field Museum of Natural History was established in 1893 to display the biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World Columbian Exposition. It was formerly known as the Columbian Museum of Chicago. The name was changed in 1905 to honour Marshall Field, a significant supporter of the museum and proprietor of a department store.   About 20 million artefacts and specimens from a range of fields, including anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology, are included in the permanent collection. The permanent exhibits on Ancient Egypt, the cultures of North, Central, and South America, as well as “Sue,” the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the world, are noteworthy. All through the year, there are regular special rotating exhibits.   Chicago, Illinois, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive   Site officiel: http://fieldmuseum.org   10. The Magnificent Mile and Michigan Avenue Undoubtedly one of America’s most beautiful boulevards is Michigan Avenue. A stretch of Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River is known as the “Magnificent Mile” and is home to a number of upscale stores, boutiques, and art galleries.   The Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Center are a few of the points of interest nearby. At Madison Street, Michigan Avenue is divided into North and South directions. The theatres in this area, where travelling plays, musicals, and comic acts are presented, are another draw.   Visit the official website at www.themagnificentmile.com.   11. Visit Wrigley Field or Attend a Game Only Fenway Park in Boston has a longer history in Major League Baseball than Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, which opened in 1914. The 1917 no-hitter pitching match between Jim Vaughn of the Cubs and Fred Toney of the Reds, as well as Babe Ruth’s “called shot” in game three of the 1932 World Series, were both witnessed at this field.   When there are no games that day, you can tour the press box, the field, and the dugouts during in-season ballpark tours.   Chicago.Cubs.Mlb.com/chc/ballpark is the team’s official website.   Lincoln Park (12. Chicago’s largest park, Lincoln Park, is a six-mile length of open space next to Lake Michigan. The gorgeous Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the nation’s oldest zoos, are located in this well-liked park. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Chicago History Museum are also nearby.   There are beaches, jogging pathways, biking trails, and playing fields for people who just want to relax outside. The park’s grounds contain a number of noteworthy sculptures and works of public art, including Augustus Saint Gaudens’ Standing Statue of Lincoln (1887).

There are several attractions and activities to do all year long in Southern California’s huge city of Los Angeles. It has a long history of being well-known abroad in the film and entertainment industries, especially for Hollywood, which for more than a century has attracted aspiring actors and actresses from all over the nation. Today, LA is known as the creative hub of America and is a metropolis with a diversified cultural population. Some of the greatest things to do in California include the vibrant culinary scene, incredible shopping, outstanding museums, and enjoyable family attractions. A suitcase usually contains shorts and T-shirts for practically any trip due to the year-round moderate to hot temperature and plentiful sunshine. Visitors who are travelling to the area to enjoy the beaches and warm weather will have enough to do and intriguing areas to explore. Getting around and taking in the sights has never been simpler thanks to recent improvements to the public transportation system and the arrival of a Metro Bike Share in downtown Los Angeles. Families frequently return to the adjacent Universal Studios and Disneyland, which are important tourist destinations. Check out our list of the best tourist attractions in Los Angeles to help you organise your sightseeing schedule. The mind-blowing coasters at Universal Studios Theme Park, which is both a functional movie studio and a popular attraction for everyone, are known for being inspired by blockbuster movies. The ever-changing array of rides, which includes everything from roller coasters to simulators, is the main attraction for most people. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Transformers, Jurassic World – The Ride, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem are some of the most popular attractions and sets based on movies and television shows. Consider getting a Skip the Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood to avoid waiting in lengthy queues. This convenient ticket grants you a single, quick entry to all of the park’s rides, attractions, and shows as well as access to certain attractions’ backstage areas.   When you’ve had your fill of thrills, head over to CityWalk, a three-block entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, and theatres. Another choice is to take a studio tour with a guide to see some of Universal’s most well-known movie sets up close. With the VIP Experience, you can see places and sets that aren’t accessible to the general public.   In Universal City, California, at 100 Universal City Plaza   Website of the organisation: www.universalstudioshollywood.com   2. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park The largest city park in Los Angeles is Griffith Park, which has a total area of 4,210 acres and is located in the eastern portion of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is the location of the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, a Greek theatre, and a planetarium. Additionally, it has hiking paths, tennis facilities, golf courses, and a riding facility built for the 1984 Olympic Games. Additionally, mountain hiking paths and picturesque drives provide vistas of the city and beyond.   One of the most intriguing experience-based attractions in the city is the Griffith Observatory, which is open to everyone and is completely free. There are displays and telescopes on the property. A glance through the Zeiss telescope, which is used to see the moon and planets, is the main attraction. Every evening the facility is open, you can use the telescopes without charge. Solar telescopes for viewing the sun are also on-site.   Griffith J. Griffith, who gave the city the majority of the parkland in 1896 and left money in his will for the construction of the observatory, is honoured with the namesake of both the park and the observatory.   Official website: griffith.htm (www.laparks.org/dos/parks).   Disney World Resort 3. Disneyland, located just outside of Los Angeles, has been a popular family holiday spot in California since the 1950s. The majority of people envision Disneyland as Disneyland Park, which contains attractions housed in intricately designed theme sets. With seven lands themed after movies, the Disneyland California Adventure Park, which was built during one of the expansions, offers even more action and adventure.   Several rides with a Star Wars theme are relatively new to the scene. The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars Rise of the Resistance are two of them. The rides are located in the brand-new Star Wars Galaxy Edge neighbourhood, which is brimming with stores and eateries designed to resemble the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.   The resort provides a broad range of amenities and services for a complete holiday, in addition to the rides and Disney characters that may be seen strolling the streets. The Disneyland Resort offers lodging, dining, shopping, and a variety of entertainment opportunities.   A weekend vacation to Anaheim, home of the Disneyland Resort, is equally worthwhile. From the park, a number of outdoor dining and shopping destinations spread out around the city, including Central City, Anaheim’s famed Central Business District.   The official website is located at Disneyland.Disney.com.   Read more: Anaheim, California, Attractions   Hollywood, 4. Hollywood, a Los Angeles suburb, is a destination in and of itself, with its own distinctive history and famous locations. Hollywood’s tourist attractions are strongly linked to the movie business and the glitz of the big screen.   Some of the top locations to visit are Hollywood Boulevard, the Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood sign on the hill. If you’re lucky, you could even run into a few celebrities on Rodeo Drive while they’re out shopping. Finding the stars of all your favourite performers among the more than 2,500 on the Walk of Fame is a fun family activity in Hollywood.   Accommodations: Best Hotels & Areas to Stay in Hollywood   Top-Rated Hollywood Attractions for Tourists The Getty Center, no. 5 Richard Meier created the enormous structure known as the Getty Center, which is perched on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains and spans 110 acres and 0.75 square miles. The distinctive structure and the lovely gardens make the ideal backdrop for this magnificent museum. European paintings, drawings, sculptures, decorative arts, and 19th- and 20th-century photography are all included in the collections.   The grounds of the museum offer stunning views of Los Angeles. Reserve a table at The Restaurant to take in the view while eating a light meal.   The J. Paul Getty Museum, founded by the late oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, has two venues, including the Getty Center. Art from the Stone Age through the end of the Roman Empire is covered at the Getty Villa, which is housed in a replica Roman country home.   In Los Angeles, California, at 1200 Getty Center Drive   Website of the organisation: www.getty.edu   Petersen Automotive Museum, number six The Petersen Automotive Museum has an amazing collection of vehicles that car enthusiasts won’t want to miss. Over 300 vehicles and motorcycles, ranging from wonderfully preserved examples from 1886 to concepts for the twenty-first century, are displayed in a variety of permanent and temporary shows that are spread across four levels.   The museum underwent significant updates and is currently one of the most cutting-edge establishments of its kind. The building’s front façade is an impressive architectural masterpiece. You may join up for a 90- or 120-minute guided Vault tour, which costs extra and offers more information on rare and unique cars.   Additionally, the museum hosts a regular lineup of special exhibitions that include current automobiles as well as potential future models that are both innovative and uncommon. For the most recent information, visit their website.   Location: Los Angeles, California, 6060 Wilshire Boulevard   Website of the organisation: www.petersen.org   Santa Monica, no. 7 With a population that includes everyone from techies and business professionals to surfers, skateboarders, and yoga enthusiasts, Santa Monica is a distinctive location that is both stylish and laid-back. The famed Santa Monica Pier with its iconic Ferris wheel and the lovely stretch of golden sand along the coast are what most visitors come to enjoy, but there are many other things to do in this beachside city near to Los Angeles.   Santa Monica’s downtown area is bustling both during the day and at night. Shoppers have a variety of choices, from unique vintage shops to upscale boutiques. For shopping and people-watching, as well as to see the numerous street entertainers, visit the Third Street Promenade.   Check out the 26-mile bike path along the shoreline for a little exercise. Nearly the whole Santa Monica Bay shoreline is covered by this extensive concrete road that connects all the top beaches in the area. Venice Beach in the south and Will Rogers State Beach in the north are a few of tourist favourites.   The new Expo Metro line, which connects downtown LA to Santa Monica, has made it considerably simpler to go to Santa Monica.   Best Hotels in Santa Monica, California for lodging   Top-Rated Attractions & Activities in Santa Monica, California Los Angeles County Natural History Museum, number eight The Natural History Museum is well renowned for its collection of dinosaurs, while having a large permanent collection that spans a variety of topics and various galleries. The Tyrannosaurus rex fossil series, known as the growth series, contains three entire skeletons that range in age from a baby to an adult. It is part of the impressive exhibition of dinosaur bones in the 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall. A Stegosaurus and a Triceratops are also on show.   The museum studies the natural history of places worldwide, including California. Another must-see exhibit is Becoming Los Angeles, which examines Southern California’s history over the previous 500 years. Younger visitors will find the Discovery Center and Insect Zoo to be especially engaging because it offers interactive experiences.   Los Angeles address: 900 Exposition Boulevard   Website of official interest: nhm.org   California Science Center, 9. The Space Shuttle Endeavour and other noteworthy exhibits are housed at the California Science Center, which is free to the public. While the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is being constructed, Mission 26: The Big Endeavour is on exhibit at the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. You may learn all about the space shuttle and the people engaged in the programme, as well as examine relics from space missions. The Science Center also has other displays on ecosystems, technology, and the natural environment. Live plants, animals, and fish are included in the spectacular 188,000-gallon kelp tank of the Ecosystems display. The California Science Center offers unique exhibits in addition to its ever-changing collection of permanent displays for a wide range of things to view. In Los Angeles, California, at 700 Exposition Park Drive California Science Center’s official website is located at The Broad 10. The Broad launched in late 2015 to enormous popularity and has remained well-liked ever since. The museum features several massive and striking installations and focuses on contemporary and postwar art. In this unusual structure with a “veil-and-vault” design, there are more than 2,000 works of art on show. General admission tickets are free, but they are frequently sold out in advance. On the day of entrance, standby tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, however there will typically be a line to wait in, especially on weekends. Some exceptional exhibitions do charge a price for admission. Eli and Edythe Broad, longtime collectors of modern and contemporary art, created the museum. Location: 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA Website of official interest: www.thebroad.org The Original Farmers Market, number 11. The Los Angeles Farmers Market began as a very small venture in 1934 as a result of the hardships brought on by the Great Depression. In order to sell their food directly to customers at the height of the Great Depression, 18 farmers banded together and put up stalls on a piece of vacant land close to Wilshire Boulevard. The market kept growing as a result of this experiment’s success. It was initially just a fruit and vegetable market, but as time went on, the market expanded to include an increasing number of sellers. Vegetable and other food vendors, restaurants, and speciality businesses can all be found at the market today. From toys and cookware to jewellery and candles, everything is available. The market offers a range of entertainment, including free summer Friday night concerts, if you’re seeking for things to do at night in Los Angeles. Location: Los Angeles, California, 6333 West 3rd Street Website of the organisation: www.farmersmarketla.com   Los Angeles County Museum of Art 12. (LACMA) With about 130,000 works from from antiquity to the modern era, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art claims to be the largest art museum in the western United States. The exceptional collections of Islamic, Asian, and Latin American art deserve special mention. The enormous complex is made up of a variety of standalone structures that have been bought and refurbished throughout time. Renzo Piano Building Workshop-designed new structures were added to the western portion of the site as part of the Transformation, the most recent extension. On museum row, the LACMA is next to the La Brea Tar Pits. In Los Angeles, California, at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard Visit the official website at www.lacma.org.   Venice Beach 13. Although the region undoubtedly has its own distinct ambiance, Venice Beach merits its reputation as a destination to see and be seen, making it ideal for people watching. This section of glistening beach and the Venice Beach Boardwalk are constantly crowded with people jogging, rollerblading, walking, and cycling. Along the sidewalk are eclectic stores and various types of street entertainers. Some of the greatest skateboarders in the area frequent the Skatepark, which is situated right off the beach. There are also several imaginative art projects close by. Members of the gym pump iron at the aptly named Muscle Beach under the sweltering California sun. You get the impression that you’re walking through a fairground when you see food stands selling everything from funnel cakes and kettle corn to shaved ice. There are also some excellent restaurants in this area. Although not your average family beach, this one is nevertheless worth a trip.   Beverly Hills, 14. Beverly Hills, which is 5.7 square miles in size and concealed beneath the Santa Monica Mountains, has a boundary with Los Angeles to the west. The world-famous Rodeo Drive is among the upscale streets that may be found inside this constrained area. The “Golden Triangle” of premium shopping and restaurants is formed in Beverly Hills by the intersection of Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Wilshire Boulevard. Even without purchasing anything, a trip to this upscale thoroughfare is worthwhile because of the celebrity sightings and opulent cars that line the pavements. And Beverly Hills offers a lot more activities besides dining and shopping. The city has many gardens, old buildings, and public art all over, making it incredibly walkable. Take a look at some of these elite public places by spending some time in Beverly Gardens Park.

There are several attractions and activities to do all year long in Southern California’s huge city of Los Angeles. It has a long history of being well-known abroad in the film and entertainment industries, especially for Hollywood, which for more than a century has attracted aspiring actors and actresses from all over the nation. Today, LA is known as the creative hub of America and is a metropolis with a diversified cultural population. Some of the greatest things to do in California include the vibrant culinary scene, incredible shopping, outstanding museums, and enjoyable family attractions. A suitcase usually contains shorts and T-shirts for practically any trip due to the year-round moderate to hot temperature and plentiful sunshine.   Visitors who are travelling to the area to enjoy the beaches and warm weather will have enough to do and intriguing areas to explore. Getting around and taking in the sights has never been simpler thanks to recent improvements to the public transportation system and the arrival of a Metro Bike Share in downtown Los Angeles.   Families frequently return to the adjacent Universal Studios and Disneyland, which are important tourist destinations.   Check out our list of the best tourist attractions in Los Angeles to help you organise your sightseeing schedule.   Universal Studios Hollywood, first The mind-blowing coasters at Universal Studios Theme Park, which is both a functional movie studio and a popular attraction for everyone, are known for being inspired by blockbuster movies. The ever-changing array of rides, which includes everything from roller coasters to simulators, is the main attraction for most people. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Transformers, Jurassic World – The Ride, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem are some of the most popular attractions and sets based on movies and television shows.   Consider getting a Skip the Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood to avoid waiting in lengthy queues. This convenient ticket grants you a single, quick entry to all of the park’s rides, attractions, and shows as well as access to certain attractions’ backstage areas.   When you’ve had your fill of thrills, head over to CityWalk, a three-block entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, and theatres. Another choice is to take a studio tour with a guide to see some of Universal’s most well-known movie sets up close. With the VIP Experience, you can see places and sets that aren’t accessible to the general public.   In Universal City, California, at 100 Universal City Plaza   Website of the organisation: www.universalstudioshollywood.com   2. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park The largest city park in Los Angeles is Griffith Park, which has a total area of 4,210 acres and is located in the eastern portion of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is the location of the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, a Greek theatre, and a planetarium. Additionally, it has hiking paths, tennis facilities, golf courses, and a riding facility built for the 1984 Olympic Games. Additionally, mountain hiking paths and picturesque drives provide vistas of the city and beyond.   One of the most intriguing experience-based attractions in the city is the Griffith Observatory, which is open to everyone and is completely free. There are displays and telescopes on the property. A glance through the Zeiss telescope, which is used to see the moon and planets, is the main attraction. Every evening the facility is open, you can use the telescopes without charge. Solar telescopes for viewing the sun are also on-site.   Griffith J. Griffith, who gave the city the majority of the parkland in 1896 and left money in his will for the construction of the observatory, is honoured with the namesake of both the park and the observatory.   Official website: griffith.htm (www.laparks.org/dos/parks).   Disney World Resort 3. Disneyland, located just outside of Los Angeles, has been a popular family holiday spot in California since the 1950s. The majority of people envision Disneyland as Disneyland Park, which contains attractions housed in intricately designed theme sets. With seven lands themed after movies, the Disneyland California Adventure Park, which was built during one of the expansions, offers even more action and adventure.   Several rides with a Star Wars theme are relatively new to the scene. The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars Rise of the Resistance are two of them. The rides are located in the brand-new Star Wars Galaxy Edge neighbourhood, which is brimming with stores and eateries designed to resemble the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.   The resort provides a broad range of amenities and services for a complete holiday, in addition to the rides and Disney characters that may be seen strolling the streets. The Disneyland Resort offers lodging, dining, shopping, and a variety of entertainment opportunities.   A weekend vacation to Anaheim, home of the Disneyland Resort, is equally worthwhile. From the park, a number of outdoor dining and shopping destinations spread out around the city, including Central City, Anaheim’s famed Central Business District.   The official website is located at Disneyland.Disney.com.   Read more: Anaheim, California, Attractions   Hollywood, 4. Hollywood, a Los Angeles suburb, is a destination in and of itself, with its own distinctive history and famous locations. Hollywood’s tourist attractions are strongly linked to the movie business and the glitz of the big screen.   Some of the top locations to visit are Hollywood Boulevard, the Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood sign on the hill. If you’re lucky, you could even run into a few celebrities on Rodeo Drive while they’re out shopping. Finding the stars of all your favourite performers among the more than 2,500 on the Walk of Fame is a fun family activity in Hollywood.   Accommodations: Best Hotels & Areas to Stay in Hollywood   Top-Rated Hollywood Attractions for Tourists The Getty Center, no. 5 Richard Meier created the enormous structure known as the Getty Center, which is perched on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains and spans 110 acres and 0.75 square miles. The distinctive structure and the lovely gardens make the ideal backdrop for this magnificent museum. European paintings, drawings, sculptures, decorative arts, and 19th- and 20th-century photography are all included in the collections.   The grounds of the museum offer stunning views of Los Angeles. Reserve a table at The Restaurant to take in the view while eating a light meal.   The J. Paul Getty Museum, founded by the late oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, has two venues, including the Getty Center. Art from the Stone Age through the end of the Roman Empire is covered at the Getty Villa, which is housed in a replica Roman country home.   In Los Angeles, California, at 1200 Getty Center Drive   Website of the organisation: www.getty.edu   Petersen Automotive Museum, number six The Petersen Automotive Museum has an amazing collection of vehicles that car enthusiasts won’t want to miss. Over 300 vehicles and motorcycles, ranging from wonderfully preserved examples from 1886 to concepts for the twenty-first century, are displayed in a variety of permanent and temporary shows that are spread across four levels.   The museum underwent significant updates and is currently one of the most cutting-edge establishments of its kind. The building’s front façade is an impressive architectural masterpiece. You may join up for a 90- or 120-minute guided Vault tour, which costs extra and offers more information on rare and unique cars.   Additionally, the museum hosts a regular lineup of special exhibitions that include current automobiles as well as potential future models that are both innovative and uncommon. For the most recent information, visit their website.   Location: Los Angeles, California, 6060 Wilshire Boulevard   Website of the organisation: www.petersen.org   Santa Monica, no. 7 With a population that includes everyone from techies and business professionals to surfers, skateboarders, and yoga enthusiasts, Santa Monica is a distinctive location that is both stylish and laid-back. The famed Santa Monica Pier with its iconic Ferris wheel and the lovely stretch of golden sand along the coast are what most visitors come to enjoy, but there are many other things to do in this beachside city near to Los Angeles.   Santa Monica’s downtown area is bustling both during the day and at night. Shoppers have a variety of choices, from unique vintage shops to upscale boutiques. For shopping and people-watching, as well as to see the numerous street entertainers, visit the Third Street Promenade.   Check out the 26-mile bike path along the shoreline for a little exercise. Nearly the whole Santa Monica Bay shoreline is covered by this extensive concrete road that connects all the top beaches in the area. Venice Beach in the south and Will Rogers State Beach in the north are a few of tourist favourites.   The new Expo Metro line, which connects downtown LA to Santa Monica, has made it considerably simpler to go to Santa Monica.   Best Hotels in Santa Monica, California for lodging   Top-Rated Attractions & Activities in Santa Monica, California Los Angeles County Natural History Museum, number eight The Natural History Museum is well renowned for its collection of dinosaurs, while having a large permanent collection that spans a variety of topics and various galleries. The Tyrannosaurus rex fossil series, known as the growth series, contains three entire skeletons that range in age from a baby to an adult. It is part of the impressive exhibition of dinosaur bones in the 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall. A Stegosaurus and a Triceratops are also on show.   The museum studies the natural history of places worldwide, including California. Another must-see exhibit is Becoming Los Angeles, which examines Southern California’s history over the previous 500 years. Younger visitors will find the Discovery Center and Insect Zoo to be especially engaging because it offers interactive experiences.   Los Angeles address: 900 Exposition Boulevard   Website of official interest: nhm.org   California Science Center, 9. The Space Shuttle Endeavour and other noteworthy exhibits are housed at the California Science Center, which is free to the public. While the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is being constructed, Mission 26: The Big Endeavour is on exhibit at the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. You may learn all about the space shuttle and the people engaged in the programme, as well as examine relics from space missions.   The Science Center also has other displays on ecosystems, technology, and the natural environment. Live plants, animals, and fish are included in the spectacular 188,000-gallon kelp tank of the Ecosystems display. The California Science Center offers unique exhibits in addition to its ever-changing collection of permanent displays for a wide range of things to view.   In Los Angeles, California, at 700 Exposition Park Drive   California Science Center’s official website is located at   The Broad 10. The Broad launched in late 2015 to enormous popularity and has remained well-liked ever since. The museum features several massive and striking installations and focuses on contemporary and postwar art. In this unusual structure with a “veil-and-vault” design, there are more than 2,000 works of art on show.   General admission tickets are free, but they are frequently sold out in advance. On the day of entrance, standby tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, however there will typically be a line to wait in, especially on weekends. Some exceptional exhibitions do charge a price for admission.   Eli and Edythe Broad, longtime collectors of modern and contemporary art, created the museum.   Location: 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA   Website of official interest: www.thebroad.org   The Original Farmers Market, number 11. The Los Angeles Farmers Market began as a very small venture in 1934 as a result of the hardships brought on by the Great Depression. In order to sell their food directly to customers at the height of the Great Depression, 18 farmers banded together and put up stalls on a piece of vacant land close to Wilshire Boulevard.   The market kept growing as a result of this experiment’s success. It was initially just a fruit and vegetable market, but as time went on, the market expanded to include an increasing number of sellers. Vegetable and other food vendors, restaurants, and speciality businesses can all be found at the market today. From toys and cookware to jewellery and candles, everything is available.   The market offers a range of entertainment, including free summer Friday night concerts, if you’re seeking for things to do at night in Los Angeles.   Location: Los Angeles, California, 6333 West 3rd Street   Website of the organisation: www.farmersmarketla.com   Los Angeles County Museum of Art 12. (LACMA) With about 130,000 works from from antiquity to the modern era, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art claims to be the largest art museum in the western United States. The exceptional collections of Islamic, Asian, and Latin American art deserve special mention.   The enormous complex is made up of a variety of standalone structures that have been bought and refurbished throughout time. Renzo Piano Building Workshop-designed new structures were added to the western portion of the site as part of the Transformation, the most recent extension. On museum row, the LACMA is next to the La Brea Tar Pits.   In Los Angeles, California, at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard   Visit the official website at www.lacma.org.   Venice Beach 13. Although the region undoubtedly has its own distinct ambiance, Venice Beach merits its reputation as a destination to see and be seen, making it ideal for people watching. This section of glistening beach and the Venice Beach Boardwalk are constantly crowded with people jogging, rollerblading, walking, and cycling.   Along the sidewalk are eclectic stores and various types of street entertainers. Some of the greatest skateboarders in the area frequent the Skatepark, which is situated right off the beach. There are also several imaginative art projects close by. Members of the gym pump iron at the aptly named Muscle Beach under the sweltering California sun.   You get the impression that you’re walking through a fairground when you see food stands selling everything from funnel cakes and kettle corn to shaved ice. There are also some excellent restaurants in this area. Although not your average family beach, this one is nevertheless worth a trip.   Beverly Hills, 14. Beverly Hills, which is 5.7 square miles in size and concealed beneath the Santa Monica Mountains, has a boundary with Los Angeles to the west. The world-famous Rodeo Drive is among the upscale streets that may be found inside this constrained area.   The “Golden Triangle” of premium shopping and restaurants is formed in Beverly Hills by the intersection of Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Wilshire Boulevard. Even without purchasing anything, a trip to this upscale thoroughfare is worthwhile because of the celebrity sightings and opulent cars that line the pavements.   And Beverly Hills offers a lot more activities besides dining and shopping. The city has many gardens, old buildings, and public art all over, making it incredibly walkable. Take a look at some of these elite public places by spending some time in Beverly Gardens Park.

San Jose, the third-largest city in California, is renowned as the commercial centre of Silicon Valley. Additionally, it is well renowned for its pleasant, sunny climate, which enables attractions like the Municipal Rose Garden to bloom all year long. San Jose, which has its roots in the agricultural sector, blends the old with the new in its vibrant downtown area, where historic thoroughfares like San Pedro Square connect to cutting-edge cultural venues like The Tech Interactive scientific centre. Other enjoyable activities in the city centre include going to the San Jose Museum of Art and relaxing at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Another well-liked activity for NHL hockey enthusiasts is supporting the San Jose Sharks at the cutting-edge SAP Center. The Guadalupe River runs directly through the middle of the city, and both visitors and locals frequently take advantage of the park’s many pathways.   The 1851-founded Santa Clara University campus in San Jose, which is centred on the Mission Santa Clara de Ass from the 18th century, offers more opportunities to learn about the area’s past. Tourist destinations like the Winchester Mystery House and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum offer family-friendly indoor activities on San Jose’s seldom wet days. The largest city in the Bay Area, San Jose, is connected to other cultural hotspots like Palo Alto and San Francisco via a variety of public transportation connections.   Our list of the top things to do in San Jose will help you find the greatest locations to go.   1. Public Rose Garden The Municipal Rose Garden, which was first established in 1927, has grown to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. This five-acre park in the centre of a charming metropolitan neighbourhood is largely defined by rows and rows of roses, with peak blooming occurring throughout the month of May. The Municipal Rose Garden, which is free to enter and open to the public seven days a week, is well-liked for strolling, picnicking, and family portrait sessions.   The Municipal Rose Garden, which also includes a groomed green area and a natural stage encircled by a pocket of redwood trees, boasts thousands of rose plants and hundreds of kinds, earning it another high mention as one of the greatest venues to be married in San Jose.   Address: San Jose, California, Dana Avenue & Naglee Avenue   Second, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which has the biggest collection of genuine Ancient Egyptian artefacts in western North America, is well-liked for day trips and school outings. The museum’s displays span everything from daily life to the afterlife in Ancient Egypt, from jewellery and household items that have been discovered to tours of tombs and instances of hieroglyphs. The Alchemy Exhibit, which is brand-new to the museum and the first of its sort in the country, includes a full-size replica of an alchemy lab.   The main museum is the focal point of the broader Rosicrucian Park, a lovely manicured area that displays the museum’s Egyptian-inspired architecture, and is only a short stroll from the Municipal Rose Garden. The ancient Rosicrucian Planetarium and the Rosicrucian Temple are two other popular sights in Rosicrucian Park. The planetarium conducts scheduled shows for visitors, and the museum often hosts events, workshops, and other special activities, such as workshops on mummification.   Location: San Jose, California, 1660 Park Avenue   Egyptian Museum’s official website is located at   3. San Jose’s downtown The downtown area of San Jose, the largest city in the Bay Area and third-largest in California, is constantly bustling with activity. Downtown San Jose is full of sidewalk cafes, boutique boutiques, and local organisations like The Tech Interactive and the San Jose Museum of Art that combine contemporary cultural appeal with historic architecture. Attractions branch out from the two-acre Plaza de Cesar Chavez, a major green space, in all directions.   One of the oldest and trendiest portions of the city’s downtown is the pedestrian-only San Pedro Square, which has restaurants and outdoor seating as well as live music venues. Within the Square, there is a contemporary food hall called San Pedro Square Market that has an increasing number of restaurants. Every Friday of the year, a farmers market is held in San Pedro Square.   Santana Row 4. Santana Row is a renowned shopping, dining, and entertainment area with a flurry of foot traffic. Name-brand boutiques like Kate Spade and Gucci line Santana Row’s pedestrian pathways in the Mediterranean outdoor shopping centre, which also houses well-regarded eateries serving anything from informal street tacos to exquisite Italian cuisine. Santana Park is a well-kept green area in the middle of Santana Row, close to an ice cream parlour.   Santana Row is a pleasant place to promenade, especially in the evening when neon signs and streetlights combine to create a welcoming atmosphere. A free Summer Music Series with local acts is offered by Santana Row, along with other community events like free yoga and a Children’s Bash at the end of the summer. Hotel Valencia, a boutique hotel with opulent rooms and suites overlooking Santana Row, is a chic place to stay.   Santana Row, 377, San Jose, California   5. Plaza de Cesar Chavez and The Tech Interactive Cesar Chavez Park, also known as Plaza de Cesar Chavez, is the main draw of downtown San Jose. The park, which spans two vibrant acres amidst concrete surrounds, is a well-liked gathering spot with trees that provide shade, benches, and a general buzz of activity. The proximity of downtown museums to Cesar Chavez Park is another factor contributing to its popularity.   One of the most popular downtown museums is The Tech Interactive, which is located directly across from Cesar Chavez Park. This family-friendly museum combines education and fun with award-winning exhibitions by offering interactive exhibits and cutting-edge galleries that focus on technology. The Tech Institute also provides a wide range of educational opportunities for both adults and kids, in addition to an IMAX cinema showing documentaries and box office hits geared at families.   The San Jose Museum of Art and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph are two other downtown attractions that are connected to Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts regional musicals and Broadway shows on a regular basis, is a short walk from The Tech Interactive and provides additional cultural interest.   San Jose, California, 1 Paseo De San Antonio   the Plaza de Cesar Chavez Cesar Chavez Park listing on the official website, www.sanjose.org   Winchester Mystery House, no. 6 Sara Winchester, the widow of William Winchester and heir to the enormous Winchester wealth derived from the development of the Winchester repeating rifle, often known as “the gun that won the West,” once called the Winchester Mystery House home. Sara Winchester relocated to San Jose in 1886 and started a nearly 50-year remodelling project on an eight-room farmhouse after the unexpected deaths of her husband and baby child. The Winchester Mystery House, which welcomes thousands of tourists each year, was built by Sara Winchester over the period of fifty years.   The restoration decisions made by Sara Winchester are what lend such a mystery air to this well-liked tourist destination. According to local legend, she built the fake stairs, deceptive doors, and 160 separate chambers as a defence against ghosts connected to her family’s past. These theories and others are thoroughly covered during the guided tours, which are accessible seven days a week and provide visitors access to the meticulously maintained gardens that surround the mansion.   California’s San Jose is where 525 S. Winchester Boulevard is located.   Winchester Mystery House’s official website is located at   7. Happy Hollow Zoo A 16-acre green space featuring amusement rides, puppet shows, and a small collection of endangered and rescued animals, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is located southeast of downtown. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has granted the zoo accreditation. There are many different species of animals, ranging from a huge anteater to a spotted jaguar. Daily special animal encounters allow visitors to engage with the animals at the zoo.   There are lots of amenities and kid-friendly play places in the park that surrounds the zoo. The park’s Crooked House offers a quirky journey that is slightly out of the usual, and a Dino Dig station enables children to find new points of interest. The park’s two gigantic play structures, which include enormous, winding slides and a lot of crawl places, are also very popular.   In San Jose, California, at 748 Story Road   Website of the organisation: happyhollow.org   8. San Jose Art Museum The San Jose Museum of Art displays modern and contemporary art and is situated in the centre of the city close to Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. This downtown art institution has a 2,500-piece permanent collection in addition to regularly changing exhibits that always provide something fresh to see. The San Jose Museum of Art hosts a wide range of events and programmes, including Facebook First Fridays at the first of the month, which provide free admission along with later nighttime hours and live music.   The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, which is situated next to the San Jose Museum of Art, is yet another alluring landmark in the area. This historic Roman Catholic church, which has been prominent on the street for more than a century, is simple to enjoy from the street. Any regularly scheduled mass is open to interested onlookers.   In San Jose, California, at 110 S Market Street   the official website is sjmusart.org.   9. The gardens and park at Guadalupe River Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, located in the downtown area of the city, offers a nice respite from the nearby skyscrapers and streets. The Guadalupe River is followed by a three-mile linear park with a bike route that connects to several other of the city’s leading tourist destinations. The SAP Center, the home of the San Jose Sharks NHL hockey team, and the Children’s Discovery Center are both located on the southern end of the park.   In San Jose, California, at 438 Coleman Avenue   River Park Gardens’ official website is located at https://www.grpg.org/   10. Santa Clara de Assis Mission The Mission Santa Clara de Ass is the main architectural feature of Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution founded in 1851. The South Bay Area was first discovered by Spanish explorers in the 1700s, which is when the Mission’s history began. The public is welcome to attend regularly scheduled mass at The Mission, which is still a consecrated Roman Catholic church. The entire Santa Clara University campus is peppered with older buildings that are of architectural interest.   Santa Clara, California 500 El Camino Real   Website of the organisation: https://www.scu.edu/missionchurch   11. Trail around Los Gatos Creek The Los Gatos Creek Trail, a regional cycling path that runs from San Jose to Los Gatos in the south, is a well-liked route for bikers, joggers, walkers, and anybody else looking to take in the creekside scenery. The Los Gatos Creek Trail, which is close to ten miles long, comes to an end in Downtown San Jose, close to Guadalupe River Park, where other paths can be found. The Creek Trail connects a number of regional parks, open space preserves, and other picturesque locations of the city and is a well-liked path on the weekends.

San Jose, the third-largest city in California, is renowned as the commercial centre of Silicon Valley. Additionally, it is well renowned for its pleasant, sunny climate, which enables attractions like the Municipal Rose Garden to bloom all year long. San Jose, which has its roots in the agricultural sector, blends the old with the new in its vibrant downtown area, where historic thoroughfares like San Pedro Square connect to cutting-edge cultural venues like The Tech Interactive scientific centre. Other enjoyable activities in the city centre include going to the San Jose Museum of Art and relaxing at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Another well-liked activity for NHL hockey enthusiasts is supporting the San Jose Sharks at the cutting-edge SAP Center. The Guadalupe River runs directly through the middle of the city, and both visitors and locals frequently take advantage of the park’s many pathways. The 1851-founded Santa Clara University campus in San Jose, which is centred on the Mission Santa Clara de Ass from the 18th century, offers more opportunities to learn about the area’s past. Tourist destinations like the Winchester Mystery House and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum offer family-friendly indoor activities on San Jose’s seldom wet days. The largest city in the Bay Area, San Jose, is connected to other cultural hotspots like Palo Alto and San Francisco via a variety of public transportation connections.   Our list of the top things to do in San Jose will help you find the greatest locations to go.   1. Public Rose Garden The Municipal Rose Garden, which was first established in 1927, has grown to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. This five-acre park in the centre of a charming metropolitan neighbourhood is largely defined by rows and rows of roses, with peak blooming occurring throughout the month of May. The Municipal Rose Garden, which is free to enter and open to the public seven days a week, is well-liked for strolling, picnicking, and family portrait sessions.   The Municipal Rose Garden, which also includes a groomed green area and a natural stage encircled by a pocket of redwood trees, boasts thousands of rose plants and hundreds of kinds, earning it another high mention as one of the greatest venues to be married in San Jose.   Address: San Jose, California, Dana Avenue & Naglee Avenue   Second, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, which has the biggest collection of genuine Ancient Egyptian artefacts in western North America, is well-liked for day trips and school outings. The museum’s displays span everything from daily life to the afterlife in Ancient Egypt, from jewellery and household items that have been discovered to tours of tombs and instances of hieroglyphs. The Alchemy Exhibit, which is brand-new to the museum and the first of its sort in the country, includes a full-size replica of an alchemy lab.   The main museum is the focal point of the broader Rosicrucian Park, a lovely manicured area that displays the museum’s Egyptian-inspired architecture, and is only a short stroll from the Municipal Rose Garden. The ancient Rosicrucian Planetarium and the Rosicrucian Temple are two other popular sights in Rosicrucian Park. The planetarium conducts scheduled shows for visitors, and the museum often hosts events, workshops, and other special activities, such as workshops on mummification.   Location: San Jose, California, 1660 Park Avenue   Egyptian Museum’s official website is located at   3. San Jose’s downtown The downtown area of San Jose, the largest city in the Bay Area and third-largest in California, is constantly bustling with activity. Downtown San Jose is full of sidewalk cafes, boutique boutiques, and local organisations like The Tech Interactive and the San Jose Museum of Art that combine contemporary cultural appeal with historic architecture. Attractions branch out from the two-acre Plaza de Cesar Chavez, a major green space, in all directions.   One of the oldest and trendiest portions of the city’s downtown is the pedestrian-only San Pedro Square, which has restaurants and outdoor seating as well as live music venues. Within the Square, there is a contemporary food hall called San Pedro Square Market that has an increasing number of restaurants. Every Friday of the year, a farmers market is held in San Pedro Square.   Santana Row 4. Santana Row is a renowned shopping, dining, and entertainment area with a flurry of foot traffic. Name-brand boutiques like Kate Spade and Gucci line Santana Row’s pedestrian pathways in the Mediterranean outdoor shopping centre, which also houses well-regarded eateries serving anything from informal street tacos to exquisite Italian cuisine. Santana Park is a well-kept green area in the middle of Santana Row, close to an ice cream parlour.   Santana Row is a pleasant place to promenade, especially in the evening when neon signs and streetlights combine to create a welcoming atmosphere. A free Summer Music Series with local acts is offered by Santana Row, along with other community events like free yoga and a Children’s Bash at the end of the summer. Hotel Valencia, a boutique hotel with opulent rooms and suites overlooking Santana Row, is a chic place to stay.   Santana Row, 377, San Jose, California   5. Plaza de Cesar Chavez and The Tech Interactive Cesar Chavez Park, also known as Plaza de Cesar Chavez, is the main draw of downtown San Jose. The park, which spans two vibrant acres amidst concrete surrounds, is a well-liked gathering spot with trees that provide shade, benches, and a general buzz of activity. The proximity of downtown museums to Cesar Chavez Park is another factor contributing to its popularity.   One of the most popular downtown museums is The Tech Interactive, which is located directly across from Cesar Chavez Park. This family-friendly museum combines education and fun with award-winning exhibitions by offering interactive exhibits and cutting-edge galleries that focus on technology. The Tech Institute also provides a wide range of educational opportunities for both adults and kids, in addition to an IMAX cinema showing documentaries and box office hits geared at families.   The San Jose Museum of Art and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph are two other downtown attractions that are connected to Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts regional musicals and Broadway shows on a regular basis, is a short walk from The Tech Interactive and provides additional cultural interest.   San Jose, California, 1 Paseo De San Antonio   the Plaza de Cesar Chavez Cesar Chavez Park listing on the official website, www.sanjose.org   Winchester Mystery House, no. 6 Sara Winchester, the widow of William Winchester and heir to the enormous Winchester wealth derived from the development of the Winchester repeating rifle, often known as “the gun that won the West,” once called the Winchester Mystery House home. Sara Winchester relocated to San Jose in 1886 and started a nearly 50-year remodelling project on an eight-room farmhouse after the unexpected deaths of her husband and baby child. The Winchester Mystery House, which welcomes thousands of tourists each year, was built by Sara Winchester over the period of fifty years.   The restoration decisions made by Sara Winchester are what lend such a mystery air to this well-liked tourist destination. According to local legend, she built the fake stairs, deceptive doors, and 160 separate chambers as a defence against ghosts connected to her family’s past. These theories and others are thoroughly covered during the guided tours, which are accessible seven days a week and provide visitors access to the meticulously maintained gardens that surround the mansion.   California’s San Jose is where 525 S. Winchester Boulevard is located.   Winchester Mystery House’s official website is located at   7. Happy Hollow Zoo A 16-acre green space featuring amusement rides, puppet shows, and a small collection of endangered and rescued animals, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is located southeast of downtown. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has granted the zoo accreditation. There are many different species of animals, ranging from a huge anteater to a spotted jaguar. Daily special animal encounters allow visitors to engage with the animals at the zoo.   There are lots of amenities and kid-friendly play places in the park that surrounds the zoo. The park’s Crooked House offers a quirky journey that is slightly out of the usual, and a Dino Dig station enables children to find new points of interest. The park’s two gigantic play structures, which include enormous, winding slides and a lot of crawl places, are also very popular.   In San Jose, California, at 748 Story Road   Website of the organisation: happyhollow.org   8. San Jose Art Museum The San Jose Museum of Art displays modern and contemporary art and is situated in the centre of the city close to Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. This downtown art institution has a 2,500-piece permanent collection in addition to regularly changing exhibits that always provide something fresh to see. The San Jose Museum of Art hosts a wide range of events and programmes, including Facebook First Fridays at the first of the month, which provide free admission along with later nighttime hours and live music.   The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, which is situated next to the San Jose Museum of Art, is yet another alluring landmark in the area. This historic Roman Catholic church, which has been prominent on the street for more than a century, is simple to enjoy from the street. Any regularly scheduled mass is open to interested onlookers.   In San Jose, California, at 110 S Market Street   the official website is sjmusart.org.   9. The gardens and park at Guadalupe River Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, located in the downtown area of the city, offers a nice respite from the nearby skyscrapers and streets. The Guadalupe River is followed by a three-mile linear park with a bike route that connects to several other of the city’s leading tourist destinations. The SAP Center, the home of the San Jose Sharks NHL hockey team, and the Children’s Discovery Center are both located on the southern end of the park.   In San Jose, California, at 438 Coleman Avenue   River Park Gardens’ official website is located at https://www.grpg.org/   10. Santa Clara de Assis Mission The Mission Santa Clara de Ass is the main architectural feature of Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution founded in 1851. The South Bay Area was first discovered by Spanish explorers in the 1700s, which is when the Mission’s history began. The public is welcome to attend regularly scheduled mass at The Mission, which is still a consecrated Roman Catholic church. The entire Santa Clara University campus is peppered with older buildings that are of architectural interest. Santa Clara, California 500 El Camino Real Website of the organisation: https://www.scu.edu/missionchurch 11. Trail around Los Gatos Creek The Los Gatos Creek Trail, a regional cycling path that runs from San Jose to Los Gatos in the south, is a well-liked route for bikers, joggers, walkers, and anybody else looking to take in the creekside scenery. The Los Gatos Creek Trail, which is close to ten miles long, comes to an end in Downtown San Jose, close to Guadalupe River Park, where other paths can be found. The Creek Trail connects a number of regional parks, open space preserves, and other picturesque locations of the city and is a well-liked path on the weekends.