10457 Best Sights in USA

Kids of all ages can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center. It's full of activities, word games, drawings, and thought-provoking material about the park and the wildlife. To earn your Junior Ranger badge, you must complete several activities in the booklet, attend a ranger program, or watch the park film and pick up some trash in the park.

Kids can pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet at Bear Gulch Nature Center and the park store or visitor contact station and earn a badge for completing a series of fun educational activities.

Children and even adults can earn a Junior Ranger badge or patch by picking up a Junior Ranger booklet at any park visitor center.

In the Junior Ranger Discovery program, young visitors can pick up an activity pack any time of the year at either visitor center and complete it within an hour or two. During June, there also are daylong camps for kids ages 5 through 12 in the East district.

Children ages 4 to 12 are eligible to earn patches and become Junior Rangers. Pick up a booklet at any visitor center for $3 and start the entertaining self-guided curriculum, or download it for free online. Kids five and older can also participate in the Young Scientist Program. Purchase a self-guiding booklet for $5 at the Canyon or Old Faithful visitor centers and solve a science mystery.

Youngsters answer questions and complete activities related to the park and then are sworn in as Junior Rangers, complete with a Great Basin badge.

The Junior Ranger Program provides a free, fun way to look at the cultural and natural history of this sublime destination. These hands-on educational activities for children ages four and up, available at the visitor centers, include guided adventure hikes, ranger-led "discovery" talks, and book readings.

The only campground in the North Unit has restrooms, grills, drinking water, and 28 tables (eight with shelter). The two group campsites require reservations.  

Here you'll find a stone waterwheel house, a campground, a natural-spring swimming pool, and hiking trails. The 7-mile Juniper Springs run is a narrow, twisting, and winding canoe ride, which, although exhilarating, isn't for the novice.

In 1925, department store magnate and philanthropist George Marston established Presidio Park and this Spanish Mission–style museum on the hill before donating both to the City of San Diego in 1929. The area contains San Diego's original Spanish presidio (fortress) and California's first mission, and after an extensive renovation, the museum and park commemorate the history of the site from the time it was occupied by the Kumeyaay Indians through its Spanish, Mexican, and American periods. Artifacts include Kumeyaay baskets, Spanish riding gear, and an 18th-century cannon once used to protect Fort Guijarros down the hill in Old Town. The education room has hands-on stations where kids can grind acorns in metates (stones used for grinding grain) and dig for buried artifacts with archaeology tools. Ascend the tower to compare the view you'd have gotten before 1929 with the one you have today. The museum, now operated by the San Diego History Center, is at the north end of Presidio Park, near Taylor Street.

An angler's dream, this beach has a 990-foot pier that's open daily, like the beach, from sunrise to sunset—but from November through February, the pier gates open at 6 am and don't close until 10 pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends, making it an awesome place to catch a full sunrise and sunset (that is, if you don't mind paying the small admission fee). A concession stand on the pier sells fish food as well as such human favorites as burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream. Rods and tackle are rented here. Families adore this shoreline because of the amenities and vibrant atmosphere. There are plenty of kids building sandcastles but also plenty of teens gathering and hanging out along the beach. Pets are not allowed here, but they are allowed on Jupiter Beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming.

Since it sits to the side of the walkway, this unassuming, museumlike attraction is often overlooked, but it's worth a visit if your kids love dinosaurs. In demonstration areas, a realistic raptor hatches, and you can see what you'd look (or sound) like if you were a dino. In the Beasaur area ("Be-a-Saur"), you get a dinosaur's view of the world. There's also a dinosaur trivia game, as well as numerous hands-on exhibits. Burger Digs, the quick-service upstairs restaurant, is a nice place for an indoor air-conditioned break or a lagoon-view respite at a table out on the balcony. A wide promenade also affords lovely views of the entire park. For people with disabilities: The attraction is fully wheelchair accessible.

Your excursion begins as a peaceful raft cruise on a mysterious river past friendly, vegetarian dinosaurs. Naturally, something has to go awry, and a wrong turn is all that it takes to float you into the Raptor Containment Area. Drifting into a research lab, you'll see that it's been overrun by spitting dinosaurs and razor-clawed raptors—and this is when things get plenty scary: straight ahead is a towering, roaring T. rex, ready to use its sharp claws and teeth the size of hams to guard the getaway route.

Just when you think you're about to become a Cretaceous period entrée, your raft slips down a tremendously steep, 85-foot plunge that will start you screaming. Smile! This is when the souvenir photos are shot. Thanks to high-capacity rafts, the line moves fairly quickly. The ride is not, however, suitable for guests who are pregnant or who have heart, back, or neck problems. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to a ride vehicle; assisted-listening devices are available. Come early in the morning and/or use Express Pass.

This suave winery built its reputation on Isosceles, a hearty Bordeaux blend, usually of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. JUSTIN's Cabernet Sauvignon is also well regarded, as is the Right Angle blend of Cab and three other varietals. Tastings here take place in the expansive outdoor patio overlooking the hillside vineyards. There are also a couple of more elaborate tasting experiences available, including an e-bike tour of the vineyards. The Restaurant at JUSTIN, located on-site, is the only Michelin-starred restaurant at a California winery.

Like the tide-pool section of an aquarium—except in real life—this protected area is on every must-visit list for school field trips and anyone interested in marine biology. This is one of the premier California coast places to see sea stars, crabs, and the other aquatic creatures who inhabit this unique marine ecosystem. Be careful walking around; tide pools are slippery and full of wildlife. There are trails for enjoying views from above. The reserve's website has a handy self-guided tour brochure.

Formerly known as Pole Position, this electric miniature race car track is now part of a chain with locations all over the country. If it's no longer a uniquely Las Vegas experience, it's still likely the only location next door to a casino (The Palms). And the appeal of souped-up carts that reach up to 45 mph is undeniable on a hot summer day. You and up to 12 competitors zip around the ¼-mile indoor track full of twists and turns. Computers track your overall performance from race to race, and over multiple visits. You'll get a score sheet giving a detailed score breakdown to compare with your friends. There's a pizza lounge with beer and wine for spectators.

In the heart of the park, this 25,000-acre lake is known for abundant walleye, nearly 80 verdant miles of shoreline, and countless beautiful islands. It's the only large lake in Voyageurs that's entirely within U.S. boundaries, though it's connected to other park lakes via waterways that travel into Canada.

The bay abounds with wildlife, including a large population of puffins and eagles. Tour operators take visitors past bird rookeries or across the bay to gravel beaches for clam digging. Most fishing charters include an opportunity to view whales, seals, porpoises, and birds close-up. At the end of the day, walk along the docks on one of the largest coastal parks in America.

Recreational opportunities in this beautiful park, which encompasses about 400,000 acres, include boating, sea kayaking, fishing, hiking, and beachcombing. Among the attractions here are Grewingk Glacier, Poot Peak, China Poot Bay, Halibut Cove Lagoon, Tutka Bay, Humpy Creek, and China Poot (Leisure) Lake—trails accessible from Kachemak Bay lead to all of them. Facilities are minimal but include 20 primitive campsites and five public-use cabins. Most Homer water-taxi operators can drop you off and pick you up at specific points and can provide advice about hiking, camping, and kayaking trips.

This is the trailhead for wilderness hiking at Petrified Forest National Park. A 1-mile trail leads to the Wilderness Area, but from there you're on your own. There are no developed trails, so hiking here is cross-country style. Expect to see strange formations, beautifully colored landscapes, and maybe, just maybe, a pronghorn antelope. Difficult.

The name means "the heat," and, indeed, this windy, barren coast lacks both shade and fresh water (or any man-made amenities). Pack water, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, don sunscreen and a hat, and lock the car. The hike is along a rutted dirt road, mostly flat and nearly 3 miles long (one-way), ending at a rocky, sandy headland. It is here that Hawaiians believed the souls of the dead met with their family gods and, if judged worthy to enter the afterlife, leapt off into eternal darkness at Leina Kauhane, just south of the point. Note that the point can also be accessed by trail (the hike is about the same length) from West Oahu at the Keawaula entrance, off another part of Farrington Highway.  

In summer and at low tide, the small coves offer bountiful shelling; in winter, don't venture near the water. Rare native plants dot the landscape, and seabirds like the Laysan albatross nest here. If you're lucky, you might spot seals sunbathing on the rocks. From November through March, watch for humpback whales spouting and breaching. Binoculars and a camera are highly recommended.

In the Kahalepalaoa Beach area, on the makai side of the coastal road, are historical marker signs. Follow the path to the left to find the crumbling remains of the Kahalepalaoa church, meeting hall, and school house—the island's oldest Western-style building—which once served the windward communities of Lanai. Do not attempt to explore the structure's interior; indeed, stay behind the barrier that's here. You can also follow a path at the right off the road to the Maunalei Sugar Company locomotive, a remnant of the brief period when a doomed sugar mill operation changed the landscape. Be careful of thorny keawe (mesquite) branches while exploring.

This busy beach has everything: famous for the Canoes surf break, it's the launching spot for most of the catamaran charters that sail out to Diamond Head several times a day, as well as the place for surfing lessons and outrigger canoe rentals. Chair and umbrella rentals are available, and great music and outdoor dancing beckon at the lively Duke's restaurant, where shirt and shoes not only aren't required, they're discouraged. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Moana Surfrider are here. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfing.

Shallow and easily accessible, this salt-and-pepper beach is one of the Big Island's most popular swimming and snorkeling sites, thanks to the fringing reef that helps keep the waters calm, visibility high, and reef life—especially honu (green sea turtles) and colorful fish—plentiful. Kahaluu was a favorite of the Hawaiian royal family, too. Because it is so protected, it's great for first-time snorkelers. Avoid areas marked off for coral regrowth and be sure to use reef-safe sunscreen. Outside the reef, very strong rip currents can run, so caution is advised. Listen to lifeguard instructions. Never hand-feed the unusually tame reef fish here; it upsets the balance of the reef.

Experienced surfers find good waves beyond the reef, and scuba divers like the shore dives—shallow ones inside the breakwater, deeper ones outside. Snorkel equipment and boards are available for rent nearby, and surf schools operate here. A community group has provided reef-safe sunscreen dispensers on-site. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (small fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; surfing; swimming.

Local parents often bring their children here to wade safely in the very shallow, protected waters. This pretty beach cove, surrounded by mountains, has a long arc of sand that is great for walking and a cool, shady grove of tall ironwood and pandanus trees that is ideal for a picnic. An ancient Hawaiian fishpond, which was in use until the 1920s, is visible nearby. Note, though, that the water here is not generally a clear blue due to the runoff from heavy rains in the valley. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Directly across from the electricity plant—hence its nickname, Electric Beach, this beach is a haven for tropical fish, making it a great snorkeling spot. The expulsion of hot water from the plant raises the temperature of the ocean, attracting Hawaiian green sea turtles, spotted moray eels, and spinner dolphins. Although the visibility is not always the best, the crowds here are often small (though growing), and the fish are guaranteed. It's best to wear reef shoes here because of the sharp rocks. Unfortunately, there can be a strong current, so it's not very kid-friendly. This is also a great place to stop for a picnic and admire the views. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset.

You wouldn't know it today, but this beach on Kilauea Bay was once an interisland steamer landing and a rock quarry. Today, it's a fairly quiet beach—although when the surf closes out many other North Shore surf spots, the break directly offshore from Kilauea Stream near the abandoned quarry is still rideable. For the regular oceangoer, summer's the best bet, although the quickly sloping ocean bottom makes for generally treacherous swimming. The stream estuary is quite beautiful, and the ironwood trees and false kamani growing in the generous sand dunes at the rear of the beach provide protection from the sun. It's a wonderful place to observe seabirds. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; surfing; walking.

In a town known for political combat, this tiny urban park is a wonderful place to find some peace. The shady park combines Western and Arab symbols and is perfect for contemplation. From the Massachusetts Avenue entrance, a stone walk bridges a flower-bedecked swale. Farther on are limestone benches engraved with sayings from Gibran. They curve around a star-shaped fountain and a bronze bust of the namesake Lebanese-born poet, who emigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century and remains one of the best-selling poets of all time. His best-known work, The Prophet, has sold more than 11 million copies and has been translated into more than 100 languages. The garden is near the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory and across from the British Embassy.

This ocean overlook is perfect for spotting whales during their winter migration. In fact, during their annual whale count in 2023, volunteers with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary spotted 64 whales here in one day. It's easy to hop on the cement bike-and-walking path just below for a coastal stroll or ride. Most days you can see clear to Lihue and beyond, and it's a great spot to watch the moon rise.