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Chicago is famous for its architecture, especially its towering skyscrapers, and you can see it all on an architecture tour. Because building design evolved as the city grew, there’s plenty to learn about the storied history—here’s where to start.

Willis Tower — once the tallest building in the world

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this downtown skyscraper stands 108 stories high, making it the second tallest building in the US. The 103rd-floor Skydeck offers spectacular views, and a step out onto the Ledge lets you look straight down to the street below. Make it a stop on a hop-on hop-off bus tour or book VIP access for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Skydeck. It’s also visible from most river and downtown walking tours.

John Hancock Center — offering the best views of Lake Michigan

The fourth-tallest building in the city, the John Hancock Center features a 94th-floor observatory and a 95th-floor restaurant, as well as the best views of Lake Michigan in the city. Don’t miss TILT—an enclosed glass platform that tilts guests out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th floor. Stop off at the center during a bus tour or see it from above on a helicopter tour of the city. 

Marina City — Chicago’s “corn cob towers”

Shaped like two corn cobs standing tall along the Chicago River, the Marina City towers were once the tallest residential buildings in the world. Today, they’re home to a mix of commercial and residential uses, including a hotel, bowling alley, several restaurants, and the House of Blues concert hall. View Marina City from an architecture boat cruise or a kayaking tour on the Chicago River.

Tribune Tower — neo-Gothic design on Michigan Avenue

Overlooking the Chicago River, the Tribune Tower features dozens of stones and bricks from historically significant sites all over the world, including fragments from the Berlin Wall, the Parthenon, the Great Wall of China, and Angkor Wat. View the tower on an architecture boat cruise or a walking tour of historic skyscrapers.

Wrigley Building — lighting up the Magnificent Mile

Across the street from Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building was the first major office building north of the Chicago River. Check it out from the river below or by joining a walking tour of historic skyscrapers.

Chicago Cultural Center — stunning stained-glass domes

The Italian Renaissance-inspired interior of the Chicago Cultural Center (which formerly hosted the city’s central library) features gorgeous stained-glass domes, colorful mosaic floors, and walls made of green, white, and pink marble. Take a walking tour of the Loop focused on interior architecture or Tiffany glass.

The island of Oahu, home to the Hawaiian state capital, has it all—turquoise waters, sandy beaches, traditional culture, historic sites, and a buzzing urban vibe. Adventurous types will find plenty of outdoor activities, both on and off the water, while those looking for a more low-key vacation can explore the island’s rural side or dive into its multicultural heritage. With so much to do on this slice of tropical paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out on the island’s best experiences. From the sun-kissed beaches and bustling markets of Waikiki to the crashing waves and spectacular sunsets of the North Shore, add these activities to your Oahu must-do list.

As the most-visited of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu offers plenty of evening activities. From sunset cruises and luaus to bar crawls, here are some of Oahu’s top nightlife options.

Luaus

Experience local culture and cuisine at a luau. Sample dishes, such as Kalua pork, lomi-lomi salmon, and poi (taro root paste) while watching music, hula, and knife-fire dancing. Luaus can be found all over the island, and many places put their own unique twist on the experience.

Sunset and Night Cruises

Soak up views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline at sunset on a cruise. Most cruises include dinner and live entertainment, so you can hit the dance floor as you sail beneath the stars. Those cruising on a Friday night will also be treated to the weekly fireworks display off Waikiki Beach. Plus, there’s still plenty of time to hit the town after a cruise.

Live Music and Bar and Club Hopping

Once the sun goes down, head to Waikiki Beach for the island’s best nightlife options. Enjoy drinks with a view of the ocean or listen to live music that ranges from Hawaiian and jazz to popular hits—you can even sing along at karaoke. Waikiki is also home to swanky nightclubs with popular DJs.

Night Sightseeing

Get a different perspective of top Oahu attractions on an evening tour, which let you escape the heat and crowds. Catch the sunset from Diamond Head; hike down to Waimea Valley in the moonlight; take a twilight tour of Honolulu Zoo; experience ARTafterDARK at the Honolulu Museum of Art; or go on a ghost tour of Waikiki.

Spring in Maui is a magical time, when the weather is gorgeous and the crowds thin. Travelers visiting between March and May will find plenty of outdoor activities, including whale watching. Here’s how to best enjoy the island this spring.

• Join a whale watching cruise through April to look for migrating humpback whales.
• Travel the Road to Hana to chase waterfalls and rainbows along the scenic drive.
• Go snorkeling and scuba diving at Molokini, Turtle Town, or on the Atlantis Submarine.
• Take a hike and look for blooming jacarandas, plumerias, lilies, and hydrangeas.
• Soar over the island on a helicopter tour.
• Explore Haleakala National Park, and watch a sunrise or sunset.
• Go ziplining over lush rainforests, waterfalls, and valleys.
• Experience local culture and cuisine at a traditional luau.

Packing all the high-rolling fun of Las Vegas into three days doesn’t have to be a gamble—Sin City offers nonstop excitement morning, noon and night. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy the sights, adventures and glamour of Vegas in three days, while still leaving time to visit the nearby Grand Canyon.

Day 1: See the Sights

Get an overview of the city on a hop-on hop-off tour along the Strip, where you can visit attractions such as the observation deck at Stratosphere Tower and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Both of these landmarks offer a look at Vegas from above—a great way to start your exploration. Or perhaps check out the Mob Museum, one of the most interesting things to do in Vegas, providing a little history in a city that’s always evolving. When evening rolls around, hop on the High Roller, the observation wheel at the LINQ Hotel and Casino. Then stroll over to the Bellagio Fountains to watch the musical water show before heading inside the hotel for a performance of O, a favorite among Vegas’ many Cirque du Soleil shows.

Day 2: Fly High

While there’s plenty happening on the ground in Las Vegas, a lot of the action takes place in the air. Depending on your tolerance for thrills, begin your day with earning some serious bragging rights by booking a fighter pilot experience that gives you the opportunity to fly across the desert with a real fighter pilot. Then keep the adventure going at the Stratosphere Tower with the Unlimited Ride Pass, which provides access to three extreme rides: X-Scream, Insanity and the Big Shot. When darkness falls, admire the lights of the city on a nighttime helicopter tour before touring the Strip like a VIP in your own limo with a personal photographer to document your exploits.

Day 3: Discover a Natural Wonder

East of Las Vegas you’ll find Grand Canyon National Park, one of the biggest and most significant natural attractions in the United States. It’s easily accessible on a Grand Canyon day trip from the city by helicopter, airplane or coach. Some combo options include a helicopter ride to the canyon’s west rim, a boat ride on the Colorado River and the chance to walk out on the glass-bottom Grand Canyon Skywalk. When you return to the city, spend your last night exploring the clubs and lounges of Sin City with an all-access nightclub pass.

With plenty of sunshine and more than 30 miles (50 kilometers) of white, black, and red sand beaches, Maui is a great place to spend spring break. Whether you’re looking to relax, go on an adventure, or spot wildlife, Maui has a range of activities for families, groups, and solo travelers. Here are some of the best spring break activities on the Valley Isle.

• Catch the tail end of whale watching season and look for migrating humpback whales frolicking offshore on a boat tour.
• Go on an epic road trip via the Road to Hana, and chase waterfalls and rainbows along the way—tours let someone else drive so that you can enjoy the scenery.
• Hang ten and catch some waves by learning to surf. For a more relaxed experience, try standup paddleboarding.
• Get out on the water and go snorkeling and scuba diving at Molokini, Turtle Town, or on the Atlantis Submarine.
• Explore Haleakala National Park and watch a sunrise or sunset on a trekking tour.
• Go on an adventure tour and hike, zipline, drive an ATV, or ride horses through the jungle.
• Experience local culture and cuisine plus performances involving knives and fire, at a traditional luau.

No matter how old your kids are, there are plenty of experiences across the US that are sure to please the whole crew. Whether it's a pizza walking tour of Manhattan, a visit to the San Diego Zoo, or a luau in Hawaii, here are our top recommendations for family-friendly things to do in the USA.

Springtime in Hawaii means especially green jungles and full-force waterfalls after a season of heavy rain, plus the added perk of off-season hotel and airfare deals. Plan plenty of time in the tropical sun, from whale watching and snorkeling to inland activities such as ziplining and luaus. Here are our top picks for a Hawaiian spring fling.

• Swim and snorkel against the backdrop of Kauai’s spectacular Na Pali Coast.
• Test your bravery cage diving with sharks on Oahu.
• Pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor memorials.
• Kayak down Kauai’s serene Wailua River, considered sacred by native islanders.
• Explore the ocean floor without getting wet on a Maui submarine tour.
• Marvel at active volcanoes from above on a Big Island helicopter tour.
• Fly superhero-style on a Koloa zipline adventure on Kauai.
• Look for migrating humpback whales on a cruise through Maui’s Lahaina Harbor.
• Feast on kalua pork and watch traditional dancers at a Paradise Cove luau on Oahu.
• Catch a sunset from atop Mt. Haleakala, Maui’s tallest peak.
• Snorkel with manta rays after dark on the Big Island.

Start married life in the Hawaiian Islands, where turquoise bays, white- and black-sand beaches, waterfalls, ocean sunsets, tropical flowers, and lava sparks provide the ultimate romantic experience. Here are a few ways to bond in paradise.  

• Take a catamaran cruise from Maui to crescent-shaped Molokini Crater to snorkel with Hawaiian marine life.

• Head up Diamond Head State Monument on a guided Oahu hike to the summit of the volcanic cone, where you’ll find Waikiki and Pacific Ocean views.

• Admire Kauai’s Na Pali Coast from the water on a sunset dinner cruise with mai tais and wine.

• On the Big Island of Hawaii, visit the top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest peak, for the sunset and stargazing.

• Treat yourself to a helicopter tour for aerial views of Oahu, Kauai, or the volcanoes of the Big Island.

• No matter what island you’re on, you should spend one evening at a luau for a bit of Hawaiian food, culture, and entertainment.

Whether spending a weekend in the Windy City or planning a midweek adventure, you have plenty of time to discover Chicago’s highlights in two days. From world-class museums and world-ranking skyscrapers to the city’s delectable dining scene, here’s how to make the most of your 2-day stay.

Day 1: The Loop and Beyond

Morning: Set right along the waterfront, Chicago’s Museum Campus (home to the Field Museum of Natural History, the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and more) is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Windy City’s cultural side.

Afternoon: The Loop, Chicago’s downtown business district, is home to a heavy concentration of landmarks. The neighborhood is ideal terrain for walking tours—explore on foot and stumble across highlights ranging from Millennium Park and the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) to public sculptures by Pablo Picasso and Alexander Calder.

Night: Head up to the top of the Willis Tower, where you can enjoy a multicourse meal while taking in views of Chicago lit up after dark. Alternatively, a dinner cruise along Lake Michigan combines gourmet dishes with splendid skyline views.

Day 2: Sand and Surf, Snacks and Sightseeing

Morning: On Chicago’s 26-mile (42-kilometer) shoreline, admire what might look to be the ocean—a stretch of Lake Michigan often called the “Third Coast.” When the sun’s out, follow Chicagoans to the lake’s sandy beaches, from North Avenue Beach to Oak Street Beach. Alternatively, enjoy waterside attractions of a different kind at Navy Pier.

Afternoon: Complete this day with a food tour of Chicago’s vibrant culinary culture. Seek out hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, and save extra room for deep-dish pizza. A number of renowned, decades-old pizza joints can be found right in the Loop, from Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s to Gino’s East.

Night: When the sun is setting, embark on a helicopter tour and get rewarded with a unique, aerial perspective of the city. Spot Chicago’s most distinctive skyscrapers, discover its different neighborhoods from the air, and see the lights come on as evening descends.

Chicago makes up for its blustery winters with summer sunshine and high temperatures. Whether you choose to spend a day in the city’s parks, lounge on one of Lake Michigan’s beaches, or retreat to the air-conditioned calm of a museum when the afternoon sun feels particularly strong, here’s how to spend summer in the Windy City.

• Go for a cruise along the Chicago River, and admire the city’s famous skyscrapers from the water’s edge.
• Couple a sightseeing excursion to Millennium Park with a night of music at the Chicago Jazz Festival.
• Enjoy unparalleled fireworks views when you celebrate the Fourth of July aboard an all-night party yacht.
• Head to Grant Park, and come hungry: The Taste of Chicago Festival is one of the city’s most popular summer events.
• Retreat to the Art Institute of Chicago for a cultural immersion when the thermostat soars (or when summer thunderstorms roll in).
• Enjoy a celestial show at the Adler Planetarium —and go stargazing at its companion Doane Observatory.
• Sun yourself on one of Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches, such as North Avenue Beach or Oak Street Beach.
• Combine a fresh-air stroll with the opportunity to chow down during a food-themed, neighborhood walking tour.
• Commune with aquatic life during an excursion to the delightful Shedd Aquarium.
• Indulge in an urban oasis when you visit the blossoms at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii offers a peek at one of nature’s great ocean creatures. Swimming alongside a fully grown manta is akin to flying with a massive, underwater bird, and here are the best way to experience it on a manta ray snorkeling tour. 

Highlights

• Swim alongside rays with wingspans of up to 16 feet (five meters).

• Watch a Hawaiian sunset before hopping in the water for an unforgettable swim.

• Experience Hawaii’s underwater world and marine life at night, when mantas come to feed on plankton that accumulates just off the Kona coast.

• Learn about manta rays, their habits, and the environment in which they live.

• Combine your manta ray night snorkel with a sunset cruise on Keauhou Bay or a guided kayaking tour.

Things to Know

• Most manta ray night and sunset snorkeling tours depart Kailua-Kona or Puako.

• All necessary snorkeling equipment is included.

• Depending on which manta ray tour you choose, amenities might include warm water for rinsing off, drinks, snacks, and souvenir photos of the experience.

• Snorkeling tours can last anywhere from 60 minutes to four hours, depending on the selected experience.

• Snorkel tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off.

With two full days on Oahu, you can spend one day discovering the natural and cultural attractions of the greater Hawaiian island, and another day taking part in island activities in and around Honolulu and Waikiki. Here are some suggestions for an unforgettable 48-hour itinerary that suits your—and your family’s—interests.

Day 1: Explore the Island

**Morning:**To see as much of Oahu as possible in one day with the least amount of hassle, embark on a full-day circle island tour, which provides an island overview and covers top attractions including the North Shore beaches, Diamond Head, the Dole Plantation, and Hanauma Bay. Alternatively, rise early to dive with sharks off the North Shore. 

**Afternoon:**If you’re not on a circle island tour, opt for a helicopter tour and get the ultimate perspective on Oahu’s beaches, bays, and mountains. Or check out one of the island’s most scenic locations—Kualoa Ranch—where you can ride ATVs, zipline, and see Jurassic Park filming locations.

**Night:**Enjoy a traditional luau and other Polynesian activities with an evening visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu’s northeast coast. The luau package includes dinner and a captivating hula, music, and fire-knives performance.

Day 2: Enjoy Local Experiences

**Morning:**Before the heat sets in, see the sights of Honolulu on a bike tour or head up to Diamond Head State Monument on a guided walking tour of the crater. To visit Pearl Harbor as efficiently as possible, opt for a half-day tour.  

**Afternoon:**For independent sightseeing with convenient transportation, book a ticket on the Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley or check out Honolulu’s culinary scene on a foodie bike tour. If you prefer to be in the water, a snorkeling catamaran cruise can’t be beat.

**Night:**Head out to sea on a dinner cruise to enjoy the evening air, watch the sunset, and look back at Oahu from the boat deck. Music lovers might want to check out the Rock-a-Hula show for a Vegas–style performance.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki by exploring Oahu’s Technicolor underwater landscape. Commune with sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish while listening to humpback whales’ songs echo along the reef. Whether you snorkel, dive, paddle, or otherwise get into the water, here are some of Oahu’s best underwater adventures.

Take a Snorkeling Cruise by Catamaran to Turtle Canyon

Soak up the sun while sipping cocktails and cruising aboard a catamaran off Waikiki Beach, then don your snorkel and mask for an adventure at Turtle Canyon. The reef site, within view of the downtown skyscrapers and iconic Diamond Head Crater, teems with green sea turtles.

Try Scuba Diving, Snuba, or Underwater Scooters

Itching for a more immersive underwater experience? Certified divers can take a 2-tank boat ride to sites with sunken WWII-era airplanes and shipwrecks. First-timers can breathe underwater too in a “discover scuba” or snuba adventure (where your air is supplied from the surface)—both allow you to stay down long enough to navigate coral pinnacles and befriend colorful fish. In Maunalua Bay, near Hawaii Kai, leave the strenuous kicking up to machines while taking a tour of the seafloor in a self-propelled underwater scooter.

Stay Dry in a Submarine or Glass-Bottom Boat

Search for dolphins and spouting whales at the surface while monitoring the underwater world below in a 2-hour glass-bottom boat tour from Honolulu’s Kewalo Basin Harbor. To go deeper and still stay dry, take a submarine tour through coral reefs with local naturalist guides. Unlike with snuba or scuba, you’ll be able to hear all the commentary and ask questions as you survey the underwater scene.

Dive with Sharks

Thrill-seekers should head to Haleiwa on the island’s North Shore, where boat charters head for the deep blue. Bold guests slide into protective metal cages and drop into the ocean for eye-to-eye views of cruising grey reef sharks, sandbar sharks, and hammerheads.

Kayak to Remote Beaches to Snorkel with Tropical Fish

On the Windward Coast of Oahu, rent kayaks to explore hidden pockets of white sand and offshore seabird sanctuaries; their remote locations make them prime snorkeling spots. From this vantage point you’re also in a prime spot for whale watching (in season, November through March).

A full Hawaiian experience can be yours even with just a 3-day trip thanks to our activity-filled itinerary that combines Oahu’s sights, culture, and adventures—and even two Hawaiian islands. Here are some top ways to maximize your 72 hours in Honolulu, Waikiki, and beyond. 

Day 1: In and Around Waikiki

Spend the morning taking part in outdoor activities—you won’t get too hot as you climb up Diamond Head State Monument on a guided walking tour or see the sights of Honolulu on a bike tour. Then, maximize your time at Pearl Harbor by taking a half-day tour that starts at the monument. If you’re a serious history buff, however, you’ll want to opt for a private Pearl Harbor day tour for a longer in-depth experience. In the afternoon, a snorkeling catamaran cruise is an ideal way to cool off and enjoy the water, while a Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley experience offers the opportunity for some independent sightseeing. End the day with a sunset dinner cruise or the Rock-a-Hula show, a Hawaiian take on Las Vegas–style entertainment.

Day 2: Greater Oahu

To see as much of Oahu as you can in one day with the least amount of hassle, take a full-day circle island tour. You’ll get out of the city for an overview of the island with visits to top attractions such as the Dole Plantation, North Shore beaches, and Hanauma Bay. Alternatively, marvel at Oahu from above on a helicopter tour, or check out Kualoa Ranch, one of the island’s most scenic locations, to zipline, ride ATVs, or see filming locations from movies such as Jurassic Park. Then, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center, on Oahu’s northeast coast, for a traditional luau and a captivating music and dance performance.

Day 3: Island-Hopping

Hawaii’s islands are diverse and unique, each boasting its own natural environment, whether lush or covered in lava. Once you’ve explored Waikiki and the rest of Oahu, you can take an easy day trip via a short interisland flight to find out how the isles compare. On the Garden Isle of Kauai, see the stunning Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon by helicopter; on Maui, journey along the Road to Hana and go swimming in tropical waters; on the Big Island, explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hike to thundering waterfalls. No matter which island you choose to explore, end your long but adventurous day with a brief return flight to Oahu.

There’s really no bad time to visit Oahu, but spring might be the island’s best season. From March through May, the temperature is warm, but not too hot; there are fewer tourists than in summer and winter; and Honolulu springs to life with a bounty of cultural festivals, including the Honolulu Festival and May Day Lei Celebration. Here are our favorite ways to experience Oahu in spring.

• See Honolulu’s top attractions aboard an open-air, hop-on hop-off bus or trolley. 
• Soar over the island’s steep mountains, lush valleys, and shimmering waterfalls on a scenic helicopter tour. 
• Thoroughly explore the island on a circle island tour that takes in all of its must-see landmarks.
• Immerse yourself in nature with a hike to Manoa Falls.
• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay.
• Explore Kualoa Ranch and see where some of your favorite movies were made.
• Eat your way around Honolulu’s Chinatown. 
• Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau at Paradise Cove.

With one day on Oahu, you might want to spend all your time on the beach and in the water. But if the history, culture, and natural attractions in and around Honolulu also appeal, there are several ways to explore—and still have some time for fun in the Hawaiian sun. Here are our favorite options for one day in Oahu.

Morning: Explore

During the cooler morning hours, head up to the top of Diamond Head crater on a guided tour for prime views of Waikiki and the Pacific from this state monument on Oahu’s southern tip. Alternatively, join a leisurely bike tour of Honolulu that includes stops in Chinatown and at Aloha Tower. Both are morning tours, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the day how you wish. If you’re set on visiting Pearl Harbor as quickly as possible during your one day, take a half-day tour that starts at the monument.

Afternoon: Beach Time

After lunch, when you’re ready to relax and cool off, Oahu’s white sands and blue waters beckon. Waikiki and other island beaches offer a variety of water activities that will keep you and the family entertained. Fly high above the ocean on a parasailing ride, try out a submarine scooter, experience a water-powered jetpack, or take a snorkeling catamaran cruise to look for Hawaiian marine life. If you’d rather skip the beach, book a ticket on the Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley to do some sightseeing at your own pace with easy transportation.

Night: Set Sail

Take advantage of the idyllic tropical island setting on a dinner cruise. You’ll have a prime location to watch the sunset, sip a beverage on the boat deck, and enjoy a unique perspective on Oahu: from the water. Alternatively, for something specifically Hawaiian, opt for a luau experience, where you can watch the sunset from the beach; dine on local fare like kalua pig, poi, and pineapple slaw; and enjoy Polynesian-style cultural performances by hula and fire-knife dancers. Convenient pickup and drop-off in Waikiki make it easy to attend a luau.

The sheer vastness of the Grand Canyon, a deep gorge carved by the Colorado River, draws visitors from far and wide to this Arizona sight. Here’s what you need to know about touring the Grand Canyon—by air, vehicle, and foot—from nearby Phoenix.

Guided Day Trips

Guided day trips are a convenient option for visitors to Phoenix who want to cross the Grand Canyon off their bucket list in one day. Travel by road via van or bus, stopping at scenic spots such as Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and Navajo Nation along the way, or make the most of your time in the Grand Canyon State and travel by air to the West Rim by plane or helicopter. A full-day guided tour often includes activities such as a walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk overlook or a boat ride on the Colorado River, while customizable private day tours allow travelers to create an itinerary that suits their needs.

Guided Multi-Day Tours

If you've got a few days to spend at the Grand Canyon, multi-day tours offer a great way to take your time experiencing the area’s scenic beauty. You can easily break up the driving time with stops in Sedona and at Navajo reservations, with the option to see more of the viewpoints from the East Rim of the canyon. A three-day tour may add in a visit to the Grand Canyon Railway and the option for additional activities and free time. Expect to see more at a relaxed pace.

Things to Know

• Grand Canyon Village is located about 226 miles (363 kilometers) north of Phoenix, about a 3.5-hour journey by road.

• Full day tours range from about seven to 13 hours, so prepare for a long day.

• Make sure to dress for the heat and bring sun protection; the desert climate is often hot.

Spring in New York City is the ideal time to get out and about and explore, with colorful flowers blooming across city parks and gardens and warmer temperatures promising plenty of fresh-air fun. If you’re planning a trip to NYC this spring, here are a few must-dos.

• Hop on the saddle for a bike tour of Central Park.

• View blossoming spring blooms at the New York Botanical Garden.

• See the Manhattan skyline on a sightseeing cruise.

• Visit the open-air observation deck of the Empire State Building.

• Check off highlights such as the National September 11 Memorial, the American Museum of Natural History, and One World Trade Center with a multi-attraction sightseeing pass.

• Treat your taste buds to a gourmet food tour.

• View must-see attractions from the top deck of a hop-on hop-off tour bus.

• Ride the ferry to two legendary landmarks: Liberty and Ellis islands.

• Embark on a day trip to Washington DC or an overnight tour to Niagara Falls.

Hawaii is a vast tropical paradise spread across eight main islands. From beautiful beaches and world-class waves to lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes, the Hawaiian Islands are full of natural wonders that can be explored, by air, land, or sea. Whether you enjoy taking it slow or live for thrills—or consider yourself somewhere in between—you’re sure to be spoiled for choice in Hawaii, which also boasts its own unique culture and history. See below for our list of must-do activities and experiences in the Aloha State.

Experience Cajun country on a fascinating New Orleans swamp tour. Search for alligators, turtles, and snakes as you pass through the beauty of the bayou, and learn the history of the marshlands and their inhabitants. See below for your options.

Highlights

• Search for local wildlife while motoring across the bayou

• Experience Cajun hospitality and sample local cuisine

• Choose from tours that focus on wildlife, history, or Cajun culture

• Two-hour, half-day, and full-day tours available

• Hotel pickup offered from the French Quarter in New Orleans

• Combine your trip with a tour of antebellum plantations from the Civil War era

Swamp and Bayou Airboat Rides

Step aboard a classic airboat and zip through bayous where Cypress trees grow from the murky waters. Hear tales of local Cajun heritage on a fully narrated tour, all while scanning the muddy banks for gators, snakes, and raccoons. Cruise in peace through the mystical marshes, or race at up to 45 mph (72 kph) while exploring the coastal backwaters.

Swamp Boat and Plantations Combo Tours

To really get a feel for Louisiana history, combine a classic swamp boat tour with a visit to local plantations. See sugar cane waving in the breeze, and tour ornate plantations that date back to before the Civil War. Learn how the French, Spanish, and Americans all influenced the area, and hear stories of bayou locals who were born and raised in the marsh.

Imagine coming face-to-face with a wild, Hawaiian green sea turtle, feeling firsthand the awesome power of a breaching humpback whale, snorkeling with dolphins... or is that shark?! Here are some of the best ways to encounter sea life on Oahu.

Snorkeling

Whether it’s swimming in Hanauma Bay amid schools of colorful reef fish or searching for honu, Hawaiian for green sea turtle, on a catamaran cruise off the coast, snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to experience Oahu’s sea life. Choose from guided North Shore snorkel trips to kayaking off Kaneohe, where you can beach your boat and explore the underwater world.

Scuba Diving

Beat the snorkeling crowds by strapping on a tank, jumping in the water, and going deeper than everyone else. If you’re a certified scuba diver, you can explore shipwrecks and underwater caves, and search for nudibranchs, garden eels, and sharks that frequent the tropical deep. If you’ve never gone diving but want to try, sign up for introductory dives, where a professional instructor is right by your side to teach you basic scuba skills.

Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises

It’s possible to encounter dolphins or whales on a sailing or snorkeling trip, but you can far increase your chances by going on a boat tour that focuses on finding these creatures. From December to April, Oahu’s waters are teeming with migrating humpback whales, which swim from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and give birth just offshore. Spinner dolphins, on the other hand, are local Hawaii residents, as are bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin and whale-watching cruises depart from various spots across the island.

Shark Diving

As death-defying and scary as it sounds, shark diving off Oahu’s North Shore is actually one of the island’s most popular and unforgettable activities. From inside a safe, underwater cage, watch as Galapagos, hammerhead, and gray reef sharks emerge from the blue depths and swim curiously around your cage with a powerful sense of grace. You’ll also likely hear whales in the winter months—and because it’s out in the big blue, there’s really no telling what you might see once your cage slips under the surface.

Submarine Adventures

If you want to experience the underwater world without getting your hair wet, consider a submarine ride off Oahu’s southern coast. These adventures are perfect for families with young kids or those who aren’t strong swimmers, as you can view reef fish and corals right from your porthole window. Though a bit counterintuitive, it’s also the perfect water activity when it’s too rainy to go snorkeling or diving.

New Orleans heats up in the summer—both with rising temps and a hot lineup of festivals and events. Plan to do most of your outdoor activities in the cooler morning or evening hours, and beat the heat at shady parks and indoor attractions. Once the sun sets, join other revelers for ghostly explorations or a cocktail bar crawl. Here are our top summer picks.

• Create your own Cajun or Creole feast with a hands-on cooking class.
• Escape to the shady Louisiana swamps for an airboat ride or bayou tour.
• Stay cool aboard an air-conditioned vehicle on a hop-on hop-off or minibus tour.
• Sip a cool Sazerac or Hurricane on a boozy cocktail crawl.
• Steam down the mighty Mississippi at sunset on a jazz dinner cruise.
• View expansive collections and artifacts at the National WWII Museum.
• Get spooked after dark on a voodoo, vampire, or ghost tour.

Oahu may be best known for its sunshine and beaches, but the island also has plenty of cultural offerings. Whether you’re a passionate food lover or more into art and museums, here’s how to soak up some of Oahu’s culture.

Attend a Luau

To truly experience Hawaiian culture, attend a luau, a traditional feast that combines dishes such as Kalua pork and poi (taro root paste) with fire-knife dancing and hula. Luaus can be found all over the island, including at the Polynesian Cultural Center and Polynesia, which is also home to cultural exhibits and interactive activities.

Check out the Museums

Oahu is home to a number of interesting museums and galleries. Must-visits include the Bishop Museum, noted for its colossal collection of artefacts, photos, and documents about Hawaii; Iolani Palace, the former residence of the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom; and the Honolulu Museum of Art, with more than 30,000 works of art.

Learn to Surf

Surfing was said to have originated on Oahu. Today, it’s still plays a big part in local culture and is a way of life for many residents. Learn to surf on beginner waves at Waikiki and then learn more about surfing history and Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, at Duke’s Waikiki. Alternatively, stay dry and watch the pros tackle huge waves on the North Shore.

Go on a Food Tour

Oahu’s cuisine is a rich and diverse blend of flavors, with influences from Polynesia, the Philippines, Portugal, China, and Japan. Take a food tasting tour to sample the range of flavors and learn more about the island’s culinary history. Or, sample local fruits such as pineapple and mango at their source on a plantation tour.