3966 Best Sights in USA

Get ready to defy gravity on Disney's multipassenger water coaster, which is designed to propel you uphill and down along flumes, caverns, and spillways. Keeping with park lore, Crush ’n’ Gusher flows through what appears to be a rusted-out tropical fruit factory, weaving in and out of the wreckage and debris that once transported fruit through the plant's wash facilities. Three "fruit chutes" are aptly named Banana Blaster, Coconut Crusher, and Pineapple Plunger—one of which is designed for solo riders. Guests shouldn't ride if they are pregnant or have heart, back, or neck problems. For people with disabilities: An elevator takes guests using wheelchairs to the loading area; there's a short distance between this area and the ride.

 Ride first thing in the morning before lines get too long. And don't forget to say cheese for the cameras!

The Red Sleep Mountain Drive, a 19-mile loop road, allows close-up views of bison, elk, pronghorn, deer, and mountain sheep. The gravel road rises 2,000 feet and takes about two hours to complete; you're required to begin the drive no later than 6 pm and to finish before the gate closes at 8 pm. The 19,000-acre refuge at the foot of the Mission Mountains was established in 1908 by Theodore Roosevelt. Today the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes own the refuge and manage the herd of approximately 350 bison. A visitor center explains the history, habits, and habitat of the bison. To reach the bison range, follow the signs west, then north from the junction of U.S. 93 and Route 200 in Ravalli.

Unique displays of Asian, pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial, and Native American art are the hallmarks of this model of museum design. Among the museum's regular holdings are John DeAndrea's life-size polyvinyl painting Linda (1983); Claude Monet's dreamy flowerscape Le Bassin aux Nympheas (1904); and Charles Deas's red-cowboy-on-horseback Long Jakes, the Rocky Mountain Man (1844). The works are thoughtfully lighted, though dazzling mountain views through hallway windows sometimes steal your attention. Imaginative hands-on exhibits, game- and puzzle-filled Family Backpacks, and video corners will appeal to children; the Adventures in Art Center has hands-on art classes and exploration for children and adults. The museum doubled in size with the 2007 opening of the Frederic C. Hamilton building, a 146,000-square-foot addition designed by architect Daniel Libeskind that has prompted debate: some say the glass-and-titanium design has ruined the view, while others think the building is a work of art in its own right. To the east of the museum is an outdoor plaza—you'll know it by the huge orange metal sculpture—that leads to the Denver Public Library next door.

Panoramas from this 760-foot extinct volcanic peak, which was once used as a military fortification, extend from Waikiki and Honolulu in one direction and out to Koko Head in the other, with surfers and windsurfers scattered like confetti on the cresting waves below. The 360-degree perspective is a great orientation for first-time visitors. On a clear day, look east past Koko Head to glimpse the outlines of the islands of Maui and Molokai.

Reservations to enter this popular park are required in advance for those who are not Hawaii residents, and an entrance and parking fee must be paid via credit card. You can reserve up to 30 days in advance; the last reservation is 4 pm. From Waikiki, take Kalakaua Avenue east, turn left at Monsarrat Avenue, head a mile up the hill, and look for a sign on the right. Drive through the tunnel to the inside of the crater. The ¾-mile trail to the top begins at the parking lot, and the hike up to the crater is steep, with numerous stairs to climb. So if you aren't in the habit of getting occasional exercise, this might not be for you. At the top, you have a somewhat awkward scramble through a dark tunnel and bunker out into the open air, but the view is worth it.

As you walk, note the color of the vegetation: if the mountain is brown, Honolulu has been without significant rain for a while, but if the trees and undergrowth glow green, you'll know it's the wet season (winter) without looking at a calendar. Winter is when rare Hawaiian marsh plants revive on the floor of the crater. Wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers, a hat, and take bottled water with you to stay hydrated under the tropical sun. There are no water stations (or any shade) along the hike. Keep an eye on your watch if you're here at day's end: the gates close promptly at 6 pm.  To beat the heat and the crowds, rise early and make the hike before 8 am.

Straddling the Colorado–Utah border, Dinosaur National Monument is a must for any dinosaur enthusiast. A two-story hill teeming with fossils—many still in the complete skeletal shapes of the dinosaurs—greets visitors at one of the few places in the world where you can touch a dinosaur bone still embedded in the earth. The Colorado side of the park offers some of the best hiking in the West, along the Harpers Corner and Echo Park Drive routes and the ominous-sounding Canyon of Lodore (where the Green River rapids buffet rafts). The drive is accessible only in summer—even then, four-wheel drive is preferable—and some of the most breathtaking overlooks are well off the beaten path.

Come here to get a dose of the PNW's wild beauty without leaving the city. Located on Magnolia Bluff, northwest of Downtown (and across the Chittenden Locks by foot from Ballard), Seattle's largest park covers 534 acres and has an amazing variety of terrain: shaded, secluded forest trails lead to meadows, saltwater beaches, sand dunes, a lighthouse, and 2 miles of protected beaches. The North Beach Trail, which takes you along the shore to the lighthouse, is a must, and the South Bluff Trail has views as far south as Mt. Rainier.

The park has several entrances. If you want to stop at the Learning Center to pick up a trail map before exploring, use the main entrance at Government Way. The North Parking Lot is much closer to the North Beach Trail and to Ballard, if you're coming from that direction. First-come, first-served beach parking passes for the disabled, elderly, and families with small children are available at the Learning Center. Note that it's easier to combine a park day with an exploration of Ballard or Fremont than with a busy Downtown itinerary.

On hot summer days the sight of dozens of families jumping, swimming, and basking in the sun around this massive 60-foot-deep swimming hole makes it one of the most wholesome and picturesque recreational spots in the region. First mined in 1785, the stone from the country's oldest commercial marble quarry was used to build the main branch of the New York Public Library and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

If you're on your way to Snow Stormers or Toboggan Racers on the purple slopes, you might notice this cool-looking slide on the left. It's well worth the stop, as you're timed from blastoff to finish line! Competition can get heated as kids (48 inches or taller) vie for the glory of fastest speed slider, but even the least competitive will enjoy tearing down Mt. Gushmore in their racing tubes. Expectant mothers shouldn't ride, nor should guests with heart conditions or neck or back problems. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to the tube-launch site. Ride early; this popular purple-slope attraction gets crowded after lunch.

Curving nearly 6 miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the longest natural sand spit in the United States is a wild, beautiful section of shoreline. More than 30,000 migratory waterfowl stop here each spring and fall, but you'll see plenty of birdlife year-round. The entire spit is part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. You can access it from the trail that begins in the 216-acre Dungeness Recreation Area, which serves as a portal to the shoreline. At the end of the spit is the towering white 1857 New Dungeness Lighthouse ( www.newdungenesslighthouse.com). Tours, including a 74-step climb to the top, are available, though access is limited to those who can hike 5½ miles or paddle about 3½ miles out to the end of the spit—the closest launch is from Cline Spit County Park, and boaters are required to call the refuge office before landing. You can also enroll to serve a one-week stint as a lighthouse keeper. If you'd prefer not to make the long trek to the lighthouse, an endeavor you should only attempt at low tide to avoid having to climb over massive driftwood logs, you can still take in beautiful scenery and spot myriad wildlife by hiking a mile or so out along the spit and back.

The reserve encompasses a sand-and-cobble beach, bluffs with dramatic views down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, two state parks (Fort Casey and Fort Ebey), and several privately held pioneer farms homesteaded in the early 1850s. The first and largest reserve of its kind holds nearly 400 nationally registered historic structures (including those located within the town of Coupeville), most of them from the 19th century. Miles of trails lead along the beach and through the woods. 

Between 1892 and 1924, millions of people first entered the United States at the Ellis Island federal immigration facility. When the complex closed in 1954, it had processed the ancestors of nearly 40% (more than 100 million) of Americans living today. The island's main building, now a national monument, is known as the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and it tells the story not just of Ellis Island but of immigration from the Colonial era to the present day, through numerous galleries containing artifacts, photographs, and taped oral histories. The museum's centerpiece is the cavernous, white-tile Registry Room (also known as the Great Hall). There's much to take in, so make use of the museum's interpretive tools. Check at the visitor desk for free film tickets, a good audio tour, ranger-led tour times, and special programs.

There is no admission fee for the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, but an adult ferry ride (from Battery Park to Liberty Island to Ellis Island) costs $25.50 round-trip. Ferries leave from Battery Park (and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey) every 25–30 minutes depending on the time of year (buy your tickets online at  www.statuecruises.com). There are often long security lines, so arrive early, especially if you have a timed-entry ticket. There is an indoor-outdoor café on Ellis Island.

With a legendary silhouette recognizable virtually worldwide, the Empire State Building is an Art Deco monument to progress, a symbol of NYC, and a star in many romantic scenes—on- and off-screen. Built in 1931 at the peak of the skyscraper craze, this 103-floor limestone giant opened after 13 months of construction. The framework rose at a rate of 4½ stories per week, making the Empire State Building the fastest-rising skyscraper ever built, to date.

Enter the visitor experience in the building's designated Observatory lobby—a two-story hall off 34th Street—and exit through the building's illustrious 5th Avenue lobby. Purchase or retrieve prepurchased timed tickets at kiosks, then head to the 10,000-square-foot Second Floor Galleries to learn all about the skyscraper—from its engineering to its role in modern culture (including a fun photo op with King Kong himself). There are interactive experiences, along with marvelous Art Deco details throughout.

Rise from Floor 2 to reach Floor 80's enclosed observatory, with interactive kiosks to create custom NYC itineraries and an impressive NYC skyline drawing by memory artist Steven Wiltshire. Then head to the 86th-floor observatory (1,050 feet high) to find another enclosed area and the spectacular wraparound outdoor deck. The views from the compact 102nd-floor observatory are better still, though it comes with an extra price tag. A new Sunrise@ESB experience ($135) provides preopening access to the 86th floor observation deck on Saturday morning to watch the sunrise with pastries and a custom Starbucks coffee. A Starbucks Reserve Store opened inside the building in 2022.

Expect long lines during peak tourist times/seasons—best avoided with weekday morning or winter visits. Plan for three-plus hours to absorb the full experience and to pass through security. Save time by purchasing tickets online in advance. The building opens the stairs from the 86th floor down to the 80th floor on busy days so visitors can bypass any potential lines.

Stroll the path through an artfully planted woodland and meadow to a rustic French cabin complete with waterwheel, where Belle's father, Maurice, tinkers with his inventions. The small homestead oozes Belle's provincial life, with a giant pot hanging in the fireplace and books stacked on a simple wooden chair. Inside her father's workshop, amid blueprints and tools, a giant gold-framed mirror hangs. A costumed cast member welcomes your group to the workshop (Bonjour!) and implores everyone to chant, "Take me back to the day Belle and Beast fell in love!" Voilà! The mirror becomes an animated screen straight from the Disney film Beauty and the Beast before transforming into a portal that leads to an elegant room of Beast's Castle.

Inside, an Audio-Animatronic Madame Armoire encourages you to grab props and play character roles from the "tale as old as time." Then it's on to the library, where a spot-on Audio-Animatronic Lumiere holds court from the mantle. Grab a cushy bench as a coiffed actress playing Belle joins you to perform a scene from the enchanted tale. You'll dance around the room to "Be Our Guest," and you might shed a tear as the interactive story unfolds. This live performance gets to the heart of Disney storytelling, and every participant poses for photos with Belle before a very happy ending. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible; equipped for handheld captioning and assisted listening. This is a slow-moving line that is mostly outside, so visit here first thing in the morning.

A fierce yeti guards the route to Mt. Everest. Of course, you're willing to risk running across the big guy in your roller-coaster quest to reach the summit. So, you board an "aging," seemingly innocuous, 34-passenger, steam-engine train into the mountains. You roll past bamboo forests, waterfalls, and glacier fields as you climb higher through snowcapped peaks. Suddenly, the train becomes a runaway, barreling forward then backward around icy ledges and through dark snowy caverns. Nearly a mile of twists and turns cut through the dark mountain, and, at one point, your train plunges a harrowing 80 feet. Will you find the yeti?

Buildings along the queue look like Himalayan mountain dwellings and teem with things like prayer flags, totems, and other artifacts from Tibet, Nepal, and the entire region. Because of the backwards portion of the ride, those wanting a wilder experience should ride up front.

Pregnant women or guests with back, neck, or heart problems shouldn't ride. For people with disabilities: You must transfer from your wheelchair to a ride vehicle; ask a cast member about the Transfer Practice Vehicle. No service animals. If you don't head straight to Pandora come here first. Also, you can take little ones to nearby Finding Nemo: The Big Blue . . . and Beyond! while older kids do this ride.

If you think you've seen enough Lion King to last a lifetime, you're wrong—unless you've seen this show. Disney presents a delightful celebration of song, dance, and acrobatics that uses huge moving stages and floats. The show's singers are first-rate; lithe dancers wearing exotic animal-theme costumes portray creatures in the wild. Timon, Pumba, and other Lion King stars have key roles. The show is presented in the Harambe Theater in the park's Africa area. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair- and ECV-accessible; equipped for assisted-listening and handheld-captioning devices; sign-language interpretation is sometimes offered. If you aren't using Genie+, arrive 30–40 minutes before showtime. If you have a child who might want to go on stage, try to sit up front to increase his or her chance of being chosen.

A recent update to this show sped up the storytelling but kept the beautiful costumes and puppets and the infectious tunes—including the heart-warming "Big Blue World"—from the previous Finding Nemo musical. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible. Equipped with reflective captioning and for audio-description and assisted-listening devices. Check with Guest Relations for sign-language schedule. Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before showtime. Bring little kids here while older tweens and teens ride nearby Expedition Everest over in Asia.

April 14, 1865, shocked the nation: during a performance of Our American Cousin, John Wilkes Booth entered the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre and shot Abraham Lincoln in the back of the head; the president died later that night. This block-long, Lincoln-centered, cultural campus encompasses four sites. In the Museum, you'll explore Lincoln's presidency and Civil War milestones and learn about Booth and those who joined his conspiracy to topple the government. Artifacts include Lincoln's clothing and weapons used by Booth. The Theatre, which stages performances throughout the year, is restored to look as it did when Lincoln attended, including the Presidential Box draped with flags as it was on the night he was shot. In the restored Petersen House, you can see the room where Lincoln died and the parlor where his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, waited in anguish through the night.

The centerpiece of the Aftermaths Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership is a jaw-dropping, three-story tower of 6,800 books written about Lincoln. Visitors take an immersive step back in time, entering a 19th-century street scene where they find a reproduction of Lincoln's funeral train car and see its route to Springfield, Illinois. Visitors also learn about the chase for John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators' trial, and they interact with an "escape map" to the tobacco barn where Booth was captured. Exhibits also explore the fate of Lincoln's family after his death, explain the milestones of Reconstruction, and describe Lincoln's legacy and enduring impact on U.S. and world leaders. A visit ends with a multiscreen video wall that shows how Lincoln's ideas resonate today.

Visits to Ford's Theatre require a free, timed-entry ticket. Same-day tickets are available at the theater box office beginning at 8:30 am on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also reserve tickets in advance at  www.fords.org with a $3 fee per ticket.

The heart of the city's outdoor life, Forsyth Park hosts a number of popular cultural events, including film screenings, sports matches, and the annual Savannah Jazz Festival. Built in 1840 and expanded in 1851, the park was part of General Oglethorpe's original city plan and made possible by the donation of land from Georgia governor John Forsyth. A glorious white fountain dating to 1858, Confederate and Spanish-American War memorials, a fragrant garden, multiple playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, and an old fort (which houses the gorgeous Collins Quarter Forsyth Café, with indoor/outdoor seating) are spread across this grand, green space. Be sure to stop by the south end on Saturday mornings for the bustling farmers' market. The park's 1-mile perimeter is among the prettiest walks in the city and takes you past many beautifully restored historic homes.

Far from being an eyesore, the hulking remains of an old 1907 gas plant actually lend quirky character to the otherwise open, hilly, 20-acre park. Get a great view of Downtown Seattle while seaplanes rise up from the south shore of Lake Union; the best vantage point is from the zodiac sculpture at the top of the very steep Kite Hill, so be sure to wear appropriate walking shoes. This is a great spot for couples and families alike; the enormous and modern playground has rope climbing structures, a variety of swings, and a padded floor. Crowds throng to picnic and enjoy outdoor summer concerts, movies, and the July 4th fireworks display over Lake Union. Gas Works can easily be reached on foot from Fremont, via the waterfront Burke-Gilman Trail.

There are few American landmarks as moving as Gettysburg National Military Park, where General Robert E. Lee and his Confederate troops fought and lost to the Union forces of General George Meade from July 1 through 3, 1863. More than 1,300 mournful and inspiring markers and monuments honor the estimated 7,058 soldiers killed in the battle. Thirty-plus miles of marked roads lead through the 6,000-acre park to key battle sites; you can traverse them by driving, bicycling, or hiking yourelf or with a licensed guide, or via guided bus tours. In the first week of July, Civil War reenactors dress in period uniforms and costumes to commemorate the three-day battle.

Open year-round to the public (7 am–6 pm in winter; until 10 pm through the summer season) and accessible via ferry, Governors Island is essentially a big, charming park that resembles a small New England town. It's popular with locals for biking and walking by the water, festivals, art shows, concerts, and family programs, and delights visitors with a natural serenity—especially since it's in the middle of one of America's busiest harbors. In 1637, Wouter van Twiller, a representative for the country of Holland, supposedly purchased the island from the Indigenous Lenape people for his private use for two ax heads, a string of beads, and a handful of nails. In 1784, the island was named for English colonial governors and was used almost exclusively by the American military until the 1960s, when the Coast Guard took it over. In 2002, the city purchased the island and soon began reimagining its 172 acres as versatile public green space. The island's evolution continues with public art installations, all-ages park features (like slides and hammocks), various food and drink vendors, open-air Gitano Island modern-Mexican restaurant and club ( www.gitano.com/nyc), and even the QCNY ( www.qcny.com) luxury "destination day spa" inside the retired barracks. The Governors Island ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building (free before 11 am on weekends, and daily for seniors, children, NYC ID  holders, and military), while the NYC Ferry links there from Wall Street/Pier 11, Brooklyn's Pier 6, and other docks in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Soaring to almost 6,000 feet, Grandfather Mountain is famous for its Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a 228-foot-long footbridge that sways over a 1,000-foot drop into the Linville Valley. There are 13 miles of hiking trails and some 100 picnic tables. Part of the area is a state park with free admission, and part is private land—including the swinging bridge, a museum, a small zoo, and picnic areas—with a $20 admission fee.

Bryson City's historic train station is the departure point for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Diesel or steam locomotives take you on a 32-mile journey along the Tuckasegee River or a 44-mile trip passing through the Nantahala Gorge. Open-sided cars or standard coaches are ideal for picture-taking as the mountain scenery glides by. Trips are offered year-round, but with very limited schedules January to March. There's a café on board serving basic fare like pizza and hot dogs. Your ticket gives you free admission to the nearby Smoky Mountain Trains Museum and its room-size functional model train dioramas.   During the holiday season, the town booms as pajama-clad families arrive for Polar Express–themed rides. 

This is one of the few places on Earth can you drive (or bike) from sea level to 10,023 feet in only 38 miles. What's more, in that ascent to summit of the Haleakala volcano, you'll journey from the lush, tropical island landscape to the stark, moonlike basin of the volcano's enormous, otherworldly crater.

Several trails take in these varied landscapes, including the Keoneeheehee (Sliding Sands) Trail, a hike with out-and-back segments to overlooks and down into the crater; if you're truly fit and ambitious, you can even follow it all the way across the crater floor. Hikers and those camping at the tent-only Hosmer Grove Campground (reservations required) should check in at the Park Headquarters Visitor Center, near the Summit District entrance. This is also a good place to learn about the volcano's history and pick up trail maps at the gift shop. You'll also find the Haleakala Visitor Center at the crater's summit.

If you plan to head to the summit before 7 am, you must make sunrise reservations, which you can do up to 60 days before your visit. (Make these and campground reservations at  recreation.gov). Although a few last-minute sunrise-viewing tickets are released online two days out, they can be difficult to secure. Alternatively, consider visiting for sunset. Reservations aren't required and, on most days, the views are as stunning as those during sunrise.

Regardless of when you head up Haleakala, check ahead for the latest weather conditions. Extreme gusty winds, heavy rain, and even snow in winter are not uncommon. Because of the high altitude, the mountaintop temperature is often as much as 30°F cooler than that at sea level, so bring a jacket. In addition, the air is thin at 10,000 feet, so don't be surprised if you feel breathless while walking around the summit. Take it easy, and drink lots of water. Anyone scuba diving within the last 24 hours should not make the trip up Haleakala.

Note that entrance tickets are valid for three days. It's a good idea to hold onto your receipt in case you want to visit the Summit District on more than one day, or you also plan to visit the park's Kipahulu District in East Maui as part of a drive along the Hana Highway.

This 2-mile crescent beach cradles a wide bay in a setting that is quintessential Hawaii: the sea is on one side, and behind you are the mountains, often ribboned with waterfalls and changing color in the shifting light. In winter, Hanalei Bay boasts some of the biggest onshore surf breaks in the state, attracting world-class surfers, and the beach is plenty wide enough for sunbathing and strolling. In summer, the bay is transformed—calm waters lap the beach, sailboats moor in the bay, and outrigger-canoe paddlers ply the sea. Pack the cooler, haul out the beach umbrellas, and don't forget the beach toys because Hanalei Bay is worth scheduling for an entire day, maybe two. Several county beach parks—some with pavilions, and all with ample facilities—can be found along the bay: Black Pot (east bay, between the pier and the river mouth, named for the large cookpot used for traditional communal gatherings here), Hanalei Pavilion (west of Black Pot), and Waioli (west of Hanalei Pavilion, with three parking lots accessed off Weke Road). Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Picture this as the world's biggest open-air aquarium: you come to see fish, and fish you'll see. Due to their exposure to thousands of visitors every week, these fish are more like family pets than the skittish marine life you might expect. An old volcanic crater has created a haven from the waves where the coral has thrived. Note that there's a fee for nonresidents to enter the preserve; make reservations and prepay online ahead of time (locals have a morning time period where they can walk in without a reservation). You must also watch a nine-minute video about the nature preserve in its educational center before being allowed down to the bay. Snorkel equipment and lockers are available for rent, and you can walk the short distance from the parking lot or take a tram. It's best to visit early in the morning (around 7), as it's difficult to park later in the day. Need transportation? Take TheBus each way from anywhere on the island. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

One of Hawaii's most breathtaking beaches, Hapuna is a ½-mile-long stretch of white perfection, with turquoise water that is calm in summer, so it's good for kids, with just enough rolling waves to make bodysurfing and body boarding fun. Watch for the undertow; in winter it can be very rough. There is excellent snorkeling around the jagged rocks that border the beach on either side, but high surf brings strong currents. Known for awesome sunsets, this is one of the island's best places to see the "green flash" as the sun dips below a clear horizon.

Parking is ample, although the lot can fill up by midday and the beach can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Plenty of picnic tables and lots of grass overlooking the beach offer shady respite on a hot day. Lifeguards are on duty during peak hours. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

The special effects here are a howl. You're greeted at the creaking iron gates of this Gothic mansion by a lugubrious attendant, who has one of the few jobs at Disney for which smiling is frowned upon, and ushered into a spooky picture gallery. A disembodied voice echoes from the walls: "Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion. I am your ghost host." An audio system with 30-plus surround-sound speakers ups the ghost-host fright factor. A scream shivers down, the room begins to "stretch," and you're off into one of Disney's classic attractions. Don't rush out of this room when other visitors depart; linger for some ghoulish bonus whispers. Note that as the Haunted Mansion is basically a slow-moving ride in a cocoonlike "doom buggy," it's really scary only for younger children, and that's mostly because of the darkness. If, however, the stretch room proves too scary, see a cast member to exit instead of riding.

Watch the ghostly ballroom dancers, Madame Leota's talking head in the crystal ball, and ghostly footprints that move along a staircase. In the "bride in the attic" scene, keep an eye on the portraits. Just when you think the Imagineers have exhausted their bag of ectoplasmic tricks, you discover that your doom buggy has gained an extra passenger. This is a high-capacity, fast-loading ride, and lines usually move steadily. For people with disabilities: Those in wheelchairs must transfer to the doom buggies and take one or more steps; however, if you can walk up to 200 feet, you'll enjoy the preshow as well as the ride's sensations and eerie sounds. Equipped for handheld-captioning and audio-description devices. When you reach a fork in the queue before entering the mansion, go left through the cemetery for interactive graveyard fun. The Musical Crypt and Secret Library help you forget you're in line. Nighttime adds an extra fright factor.

Officially known as Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, Hearst Castle sits in solitary splendor atop La Cuesta Encantada (the Enchanted Hill). Its buildings and gardens spread over 127 acres that were the heart of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst's 250,000-acre ranch. Hearst commissioned renowned California architect Julia Morgan to design the estate, but he was very much involved with the final product, a blend of Italian, Spanish, and Moorish styles. The 115-room main structure and three huge "cottages" are connected by terraces and staircases and surrounded by pools, gardens, and statuary. In its heyday the castle, whose buildings hold about 22,000 works of fine and decorative art, was a playground for Hearst and his guests—Hollywood celebrities, political leaders, scientists, and other well-known figures. Construction began in 1919 and was never officially completed. Work was halted in 1947 when Hearst had to leave San Simeon because of failing health. The Hearst Corporation donated the property to the State of California in 1958, and it is now part of the state park system.

Access to the castle is through the visitor center at the foot of the hill, where you can view educational exhibits and a 40-minute film about Hearst's life and the castle's construction. Buses from the center zigzag up to the hilltop estate, where guides conduct several daytime tours, each with a different focus: Grand Rooms, Upstairs Suites, Designing the Dream, Cottages and Kitchen, Julia Morgan, Art of San Simeon, Hearst and Hollywood. These tours take about three hours and include a movie screening and time at the end to explore the castle's exterior and gardens. In spring and fall, docents in period costume portray Hearst's guests and staff for the Evening Tour, which begins around sunset. Reservations are recommended for all tours, which include a ½-mile walk and between 150 and 400 stairs.  Be sure to check the website in advance of your visit for any updates.

Whether you ski or not, you'll appreciate the impressive view of Lake Tahoe from the Heavenly Gondola. Its eight-passenger cars travel from Heavenly Village 2.4 miles up the mountain in 15–20 minutes. When the weather's fine, you can hike around the mountaintop and have lunch at Tamarack Lodge. The thrilling gravity-powered Ridge Rider alpine roller coaster, which zips past boulders and trees, closed in 2023 because of snow damage but was expected to reopen in 2024.