Rio de Janeiro is so bold and lively, it’s a city that can only exist in Brazil. The locals call it the “Cidade Maravilhosa,” which translates to the Marvelous City, and once you see the golden sweep of Copacabana Beach and the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer standing above the skyline, you’ll understand why.

Rio is a city that refuses to sit still, so you’ll never run out of lively things to do in Rio de Janeiro. One moment, you’re sipping a caipirinha overlooking the ocean and the next your salsa dancing at a bloco street party.

If you’re wondering what to do in Rio de Janeiro, I’ve listed some of our favorite attractions, landmarks, and activities, based on our my own personal experience of visiting the city.

1. Play Footvolley on Ipanema Beach

There are two beaches in Rio that make the city so famous; Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach. Ipanema is considered a wealthy district in Rio and is a better area to visit for families (though be mindful of the waves, they can be strong here).

The beach is gorgeous, with clean golden sand and refreshing ocean waves to swim in. But while swimming and sunbathing are popular activities here, it’s also known for being a great place to play footvolley. If you’re not familiar with the game, it’s like regular volleyball but you use your feet instead.

Brazilians take football very seriously so it’s no wonder that they invented footvolley. This is a popular sport to play on this iconic beach and you’ll find plenty of pitches set up near the promenade.

2. Bike along the Boulevard of Copacabana Beach

The second most iconic beach in Rio is Copacabana beach. Known for its long, golden sand with panoramic views of the Sugarloaf mountain, it’s one landmark in Rio that you cannot miss.

As well as sunbathing or swimming, the beach is also known for its boulevard lined with palm trees, which is a popular area for skaters, roller skaters, and cyclists.

Every Sunday, the beach is closed to street traffic and is entirely pedestrianized, so is the perfect time to rent a bicycle and explore the length of this beach. This is definitely up there as one of the most fun things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids. You can hire a bike from many bike rental stores along the beach, but Aluguel de Bicicletas Copacabana comes highly rated.

3. Visit the Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer, or Cristo Redentor in Portuguese, is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It stands on top of the Corcovado mountain where it overlooks most of the city.

The 30-meter statue of Jesus Christ was designed by the French sculptor, Paul Landowski with the help of Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and constructed between 1922-1931. The statue was paid for by funding from the Catholic community in Brazil and the design of Jesus with his arms spread open was chosen to be a symbol of peace.

There are many ways to get to the Redeemer statue, but we recommend taking the bus from Lido Square in Copacabana or taking the cog train from Cosme Velho. Do not hike to the statue as robbers occupy the trail and muggings are frequent there.

4. Take the Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain

Rio is not short of beautiful nature, which you can see from pretty much any point in the city. One such nature site is Sugarloaf mountain, which is a 396m-tall mountain located on a peninsula between Copacabana and Botafogo.

While you can hike to the top of Sugarloaf mountain, why exert yourself when you can take a cable car? The cable car offers sweeping views of the ocean, the Mureta da Urca neighborhood, and forest that occupies the mountain.

From the top, you have breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. It is particularly beautiful at sunset when the ocean is washed in orange. You won’t be able to hang around long though as the cable car stops running at 7.00pm.

5. Wander around the Parque Lage Visual Art School

The Parque Lage Visual Art School is a school for artists, curators and researchers and is most famous for its stunning architecture.

The mansion that houses the school was built in 1920 by a Brazilian shipbuilder, Henrique Lage, and his wife, the Italian opera singer Gabriela Besanzoni. This explains the Romanesque style that the architecture resembles.

In 1975, it was turned into an art school by Rubens Gerchman. His vision was to create a non-traditional educational school where students are encouraged to make experimental pieces.

It is free for visitors to enter and explore the grounds and the galleries. The school lies at the bottom of Corcovado Mountain and has stunning views of the Redeemer from below.

6. Stroll around The Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro)

Just around the corner from the Parque Lage Visual Art School is the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, a quiet botanical garden near the iconic Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

This is a great place to sit and enjoy a picnic or enjoy a gentle stroll around the diverse collection of plants and fauna.

The botanical garden was founded between 1808-1821 during the time the Portuguese occupied Brazil. It is now a research center showcasing a diverse collection of native and foreign plants. It is said there are around 6,500 species, including endangered species.

The park spans ​​54 hectares and has several greenhouses, historical monuments, and a library dedicated to botany.

7. Enjoy the Serenity of Red Beach

If Ipanema and Copacabana Beach are too busy for your liking, then you’ll find Red Beach to be much quieter.

Located at the foothills of Sugarloaf mountain, this small beach is like a breath of fresh air compared to the chaos of the other beaches. The beach gets its name from the slightly red-colored sand, and because it’s located in a bay, the waves are a lot calmer. This is a beautiful beach with stunning natural landscapes surrounding it.

It’s another good option for families with young children as the waves are gentle and it’s also located in a military area, so many visitors feel a lot safer here than on the larger beaches.

8. Watch a show at the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro

The Theatro Municipal, or the Municipal Theater, is an opera house that was built in the mid-20th century by Francisco de Oliveira Passos (Son of then mayor Francisco Pereira Passos) and Albert Guilbert. The design was inspired by the Paris Opera.

The most important Brazilian painters and sculptors were summoned to decorate its facade, and even European artists were asked to contribute stained glass windows and mosaic tiles. The building took four and a half years to complete, but the result was one of the most beautiful buildings in Rio.

Today, visitors can watch opera performances and ballet shows, as well as orchestras and foreign operas. Both the Petrobras and the Brazilian Symphonic Orchestras play here frequently.

If you’re looking for unique things to do at night in Rio de Janeiro, then watching a show in this stunning theater is definitely up there as one of the best nighttime activities.

9. Drink coffee at the Confeitaria Colombo

The Confeitaria Colombo is one of the oldest and most beautiful coffee shops in Rio. It was founded in 1894, Confeitaria Colombo was founded in 1894 by Portuguese immigrants, Joaquim Borges de Meireles and Manuel José Lebrão.

The coffee shop is most famous for its European architecture, complete with Art Nouveau touches on the interior. The stained-glass ceiling and large crystal mirrors, framed in ornately detailed rosewood give the coffee shop its beauty.

The building has two floors, with an opening in the ceiling on the ground floor to give everyone a view of the gorgeous skylight. However, the second floor houses a restaurant separate from the cafe.

The cafe was once the meeting point for Brazilian writers, artists, and intellectuals in the 19th century, and has hosted famous faces and royal family members, such as King Albert I of Belgium and Queen Elizabeth II of England.

10. See the City’s “Ugliest” Cathedral: Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião

From the outside, the Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião looks like a scene from a dystopian movie. Many locals consider it ugly, but as with all artistic creations, all art is subjective.

Whatever your preference is on the architecture, the cathedral is definitely an unusual building worth checking out. It was inaugurated in 1979 and has a capacity of 20,000 worshipers.

The building was designed by architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca. It’s not known what influenced the design, but some believe it was either influenced by the Apollo Project or the Mayan pyramids.

On the inside, the building looks more like a cathedral, with colored stained glass windows lining the walls up to the dome. The interiors were designed by Father Paulo Lachen Maier.

11. Climb the Selaron Steps

The Selaron Steps, or the Escadaria Selarón in Portuguese, is the lifework of Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón.

In 1990, Selaron started renovating the steps outside his house. He chose bright green, yellow and blue tiles, the colors of the Brazilian flag, and began decorating. What started out as a side project, became an obsession, and he decided to continue past his house and up the stairs. To fund his project, he sold his artwork to pay for supplies.

As you go up the steps, you’ll see tiles dedicated to different countries, which were tiles he collected from his travels. It took many years, but eventually, the entire 215-step staircase was covered in tiles and mirrors.

Jorge Selaron died in 2013, but he continued to work on the steps right up until his death.

12. Drink Caipirinhas in the Lapa District

One of the most vibrant districts in Rio is Lapa, known as Rio’s nightlife district. In the daytime, the bohemian district is thriving with people looking to check out the Roman-style Arcos da Lapa aqueduct, hunt for hidden gems in the vintage stores, and shop for souvenirs in boutique shops.

Lapa is also full of traditional bars and restaurants, which are the perfect place to rest up after a day of exploring and sip some Caipirinhas in the afternoon sun.

At night, the district comes alive with live music, dance halls, and samba jams on the street. It’s the best (and safest) area to visit for nightlife.

13. Try Brazilian Sweet Treats: Brigadeiro and Iced Açaí

Food in Rio de Janeiro is incredible, and you’ll never run out of Brazilian dishes to try on your visit. Some of the most unique foods to try in Rio are sweet desserts.

Brigadeiro is a chocolatey, truffle-like dessert that is often sold as street food. Its origin is unknown but many people believe it originates from a confectioner from Rio, Heloisa Nabuco de Oliveira, as a way to promote the presidential candidacy of Eduardo Gomes.

Another unique dessert to try is Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-yee). Acai is a purple superfood from the Amazon. The berries are a cross between a blueberry and a grape and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

The berries on their own are quite sour, so they are often mixed with bananas and served frozen in a smoothie format. It’s common to add condensed milk, chocolate flakes, and other toppings to your acai, but honestly, it tastes so good on its own.

14. Hike in Tijuca National Park

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do, then you should consider embarking on one of the many hikes outside the city. Some of the most beautiful hikes are in the Tijuca Forest National Park, which features several trails of various levels of difficulty.

Some trails offer incredible views of Rio and the ocean beyond. The trails also take you past caves, through dense vegetation and jungle, and past waterfalls, as well as past historic sites such as ruins and old coffee farms. Bring your swimsuit so you can cool off in the waterfall after a hike.

The trails also pass through beautiful rainforests with squawking birds and the hum of jungle sounds. If you’re a nature lover, then you mustn’t miss this incredible outdoor attraction in Rio de Janeiro.

15. Learn about Carnival and Samba in Samba City

Any trip to Rio would be incomplete without learning about the city’s most visited and buzzing annual event, Carnival. In fact, Rio’s carnival is the biggest carnival in the world. Carnival is held every year on the Friday afternoon before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. While it originally has religious reasons for celebration, for many Brazilians it’s considered a celebration of love.

Carnival happens for one week in a year, so if you miss it, don’t worry, there are still some other ways to get Carnival vibes. The floats and costumes of the carnival, as well as the preparation of dancers, take years in the making. So if you’re not visiting in February, you can still see preparations for the next event at any time of year.

In the neighborhood of Gamboa, you’ll find Samba City, a complex full of samba schools that prepare for carnival. Visitors to Samba City can discover what goes into the preparations of the parade, try on authentic costumes, and take part in a Samba workshop. You can also take part in a samba class on Airbnb Experiences.

16. Shop at the Feira da Gloria (Rio’s largest street market)

Every Sunday, the normally quiet Glória neighborhood bursts with color and flavor when the Feira da Glória opens up – one of Rio’s most beloved and largest open-air markets. It was first held in the 1940s, and was traditionally a farmers market, but it’s become more than that today.

You can stroll past stalls piled high with tropical fruit, many of which you may never have seen before, and sample artisan snacks. Grab a fresh coconut or sample some street food, and press on to watch the local communities use the market as a social hub, where live music, dancing, and entertainment fills in the gaps between stalls.

Many locals will tell you it’s the best place to start your Sunday, with breakfast under the banyan trees before wandering down to Flamengo Park for a walk along Guanabara Bay.

17. Visit Rio’s museums

I’m not huge on museums, and never considered Rio de Janeiro as a museum city, but it does have some excellent museums.

The city’s cultural crown jewel is the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), which is nestled inside a futuristic building designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and features exhibits all about sustainability and the future of humanity.

In contrast, the Museu Nacional, Brazil’s oldest scientific institution founded in 1818 by King João VI of Portugal, is where you can go to learn about natural history. It once housed one of the largest natural history collections in Latin America before much of it was tragically lost in a 2018 fire; today, it is undergoing painstaking restoration.

The Museu Histórico Nacional is another historic museum, which is known for having the largest collection of historic currency in Latin America.

Art lovers may be inspired by the pieces inside the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) and the iconic Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM), a modernist landmark designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy.

Not a museum as such, but Paço Imperial is worth visiting for its grandeur. It’s the former Imperial Palace, previously known as the Royal Palace of Rio de Janeiro, and was built in the 18th century to serve as a residence for the governors of colonial Brazil.

18. Take a walking tour of Rio

One of the top things to do on any trip to a new city is embark on a free walking tour. You can take a guided tour with a local around three main neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro – the City Center, Little Africa, and the Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

You can also take a tour of a favela, but they can be unpredictable and dangerous so it’s best to only visit them on a tour. I personally don’t feel like visiting impoverished areas and don’t think seeing poverty should be considered a tourist attraction, but you do you.

I did the City Center walking tour because I was short on time and it was my first time in Rio. It was great as you not only saw the historic sights, but you got to learn about Brazilian way of life and culture.

Our guide gave us tips on where to eat, what food to try, what Carnival is like (as I visited outside Carnival time), and gave suggestions for things to do after the tour.

I also liked how the walking tour included foodie stops. We tried Brazilian snacks like pastels, pão de queijo, coxinha caldo de cana (sugar cane juice), acai, and my personal favorite, brigadeiro – chocolatey goodness in one bite!

19. Learn the art of Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and fight stances, and can be a deeply spiritual and cathartic experience. Movements are slow and purposeful, which can slow down the pace and allow you to feel present, and it is often performed in pairs as a kind of flow dance to music.

It has been practiced for centuries, first appearing in Brazil in the early colonial period by Africans in Brazil. Today it is very widely practiced in Rio and is as unique to Brazil as Samba. Be sure to take a class and give it a go!

20. Watch a football match at Maracanã Stadium

Football is almost as big as religion in Brazil, so if you can time your visit right, be sure to watch a game at Maracanã Stadium, which became famous for hosting 200,000 people at the 1950 FIFA World Cup, for which it was built to host.

It is the largest stadium in Brazil and the third largest in South America, and catching a football game here is a bucket list experience. Fortunately, it hosts the major football clubs: Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama, so matches are on very regularly.

If you don’t want to go alone, check out this tour where you can watch a game with a local football fan!

Where to stay in Rio De Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic city with so much to see and do, but it also has a notorious reputation for crime and many first timers are unsure about which neighborhood to stay in.

The two main areas tourists choose to stay in are Copacabana or Ipanema, where world-famous beaches, lively nightlife, and plenty of restaurants are just steps away. Lapa is another area in the city center for those who want to experience the nightlife and samba clubs, but it’s away from the beach.

We have hand-selected a few top rated places to stay in Rio de Janeiro for you to save you time researching.

• Rio Othon Palace: Located beachfront to Copacabana beach, this Rio hotel features a rooftop pool with excellent views of the Sugarloaf Mountain. See rates, reviews, and availability here.
• Flat in Cocacabana just steps from the beach. See rates, reviews, and availability here.
• Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro: This 5-star hotel is ideally located across from Copacabana Beach with elegant spa and a rooftop pool with views. See rates, reviews, and availability here.
• Arena Ipanema Hotel: Located just 350 feet from Ipanema Beach with an outdoor pool and sun terrace. See rates, reviews, and availability here.

If you’re looking for other accommodation in Rio De Janeiro, you can use the map below to compare hotels and short-term rental options.

Final thoughts

There’s no doubt that Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant city. Although known for its samba dancing, cheerful vibe, and stunning beaches, and of course the most energetic parade on Earth; Carnival.

But this Brazilian city is more than just Carnival and street parties, it’s also home to one of the one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, numerous historical landmarks, and is surrounded by incredible hiking trails.

We hope this guide helped you pick some things to do on your visit, and gave you some inspiration.

More South America Travel Tips

If you’re planning to visit other parts of Brazil or a wider South America trip, here are some other useful guides…

• The best places to visit in South America
• Important Things to Know Before You Visit Buenos Aires
• Places to Visit in Bolivia, South America
• A 10 day itinerary of Peru
• Insiders Guide: What to Do in Medellin, Colombia
• Things you need to know before visiting Colombia
• Which side of Iguazu Falls is better? Brazil vs Argentina

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Barcelona is one of those destinations. Adynamic city so rich in culture, diverse attractions, photo spots, and unique places to explore, that your teens will be waking you up asking us to go out and do things. There are so many things to do in Barcelona with teenagers, that you’ll never run out of options. In fact, it can be a challenge narrowing down what to add to your itinerary, so we teamed up with our teens to list some of our favorite places and attractions that they enjoyed, so you can make planning easy.

Why do teenagers love Barcelona?

Barcelona is a captivating city known for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. It feels very youthful and is always crowded with students and young people, which I think makes teenagers feel more at home and settled when they visit here. In terms of attractions, Barcelona has a lot to see and do for all ages. From visiting iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to exploring the bustling streets of La Rambla, there’s no way your teenagers will feel bored in this energizing city. 

What makes Barcelona unique is that it has a beautiful city beach – by far the most beautiful city beach I’ve seen. The beach is always busy with young people playing beach volleyball, games of football (soccer to you yanks!) or relaxing on the golden sand. Whether you want relaxation, sports, or cultural immersion, Barcelona has something to offer everyone no matter their age or taste.

Things to do in Barcelona with teens

1. Explore Park Güell

Our teenagers love a good backdrop for photography, and nothing says “I’ve been to Barcelona” better than a selfie at Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exceptional urban park designed by the renowned architect, Antoni Gaudí, known for its distinctive style characterized by vibrant mosaics, organic shapes, and whimsical structures.

Originally conceived as a residential project in the early 20th century, Park Güell was transformed into a public park after its completion in 1926. Gaudí’s vision was to combine nature with architectural innovation, reflecting his belief in the harmony between the two.

Our teens were captivated by Gaudí’s imaginative structures, especially the famous dragon staircase with its colorful mosaic dragon, and the serpentine bench that winds through the park. As well as the whimsical structures, the park is also located on Carmel Hill, which has breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona. If your teens love photo ops, they won’t be able to put their phones away in this park – in a good way! Get your entry ticket in advance here.

2. Visit La Sagrada Família

Another architectural gem by Antoni Gaudi not to be missed is La Sagrada Família, a basilica known for its breathtaking facades and intricate interior, where colorful stained-glass windows create a mesmerizing play of light. Again, it’s another backdrop for photography and an icon of Barcelona, but it’s more than that. The detailed sculptures and unique architectural features, such as the towering spires and organic shapes that represent the bond between man and nature, are truly inspiring.

La Sagrada Família is unique in that even though construction began in 1882, it is still ongoing to this day! This ongoing project, which is due to be finally completed in 2026, is the last chronicle of Gaudí’s vision. As we walked around this basilica, we talked with our teens about his passion for art, the genius of his creativity, and the perseverance of the Catalonians in undertaking this enormous project. Make sure you get a skip the line ticket to visit this popular attraction in Barcelona.

3. Have a Beach Day at Barceloneta

Our girls will never say no to a beach day, so be sure to spend a day at the beach, swimming, sunbathing, or trying out water sports like paddleboarding or beach volleyball. Barceloneta is Barcelona’s beach neighborhood and is known for its golden sandy beach. As far as city beaches go, Barceloneta is pretty good and is always busy with people.

Despite its popularity, it’s reasonably clean and is perfect for beach sports like volleyball or football. The promenade is a great place to stroll along, go for a bike ride, or rent one of the city’s E-scooters which are dotted all over the city.

4. Take a Bike Tour

Speaking of bike rides, one of the coolest ways to explore the city is by bike. Our daughters love going for bike rides, so in Barcelona, a bike tour of the city is high up there on their to-do list. On a bike tour, you are led through Barcelona’s quieter and safer streets, away from the traffic and the bustling pedestrians, and taken to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the stunning Sagrada Família, the historic Gothic Quarter, and the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella.

The city has relatively flat terrain and extensive bike lanes which makes cycling accessible and safe for all skill levels. Plus, when you are following a knowledgeable guide who can share stories about Barcelona’s history, architecture, and local traditions, it becomes both an educational and fun way to explore the city!

5. Visit the Gothic Quarter

A great way to get to know a city is to wander through the neighborhoods and take in the pulse of a city. Head to Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter and you’ll find the modern city is transformed into labyrinths of narrow streets, hidden squares, unique shops, and quirky cafes. The Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest parts of the city and is steeped in fascinating stories, from its Roman origins to its role in the Middle Ages. The combination of history and whimsical, medieval charm, makes it a fun place for teens to explore.

6. Check out Camp Nou

When it comes to sports, Barcelona is most widely recognized for football (soccer for you Americans). If you’re into sports, head to Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stadium. While our teen daughters aren’t big on football, even they were impressed with the size and enormity of the stadium. It’s one of the largest and most famous stadiums in the world and is also home to the FC Barcelona Museum, which has exhibits showcasing the club’s rich history, its trophies, and facts about its legendary players. 

You can also walk through the players’ tunnel, sit in the stands, and even step onto the pitch! If you have teens who are mad about sports, this is an exhilarating behind-the-scenes tour that will give them a deeper appreciation for the sport.

7. Explore the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

When the sun goes down, a great place to spend the evening is around the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, which has a daily display of water, light, and music. The fountain was designed for the 1929 International Exposition and features a stunning array of choreographed water shows. The shows last for 20 minutes and happen every 30 minutes.

To save energy, the city of Barcelona only has shows from June to September. You can see the show times here. As well as watching the fountain show, the surrounding Montjuïc area is always busy with people, from street performers and artists to college kids socializing. It has a youthful atmosphere and makes for a great spot for an evening picnic while watching the sunset.

8. Try Local Food on a Food Tour

Our teens are big foodies, so we’re always looking for culinary experiences when we travel. In Spain, particularly in the Catalonia region, they are big on tapas – a selection of appetizers or snacks, as opposed to a full meal. Being new to the city and not wanting to fall into any tourist traps, we like to opt for a local food tour to get an immersive look at the city’s rich culinary heritage. 

During the tour, you are whisked around the city by a local guide and allowed to sample a variety of traditional Catalan dishes, such as tapas, paella, and churros, while learning about the history and cultural significance of each dish. You will visit local markets like La Boqueria, and may even get the chance to engage with local chefs and vendors. Come hungry, as you’ll want to save room for samples on this food tour!

9. Visit the Museu Picasso

We’re not big museum people, but who would pass up a chance to see a collection of over 4,000 works by the world’s most famous Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso? Not only do you get to see original paintings by this iconic artist, but the museum itself is housed in a series of stunning medieval buildings, which is a marvel to see in itself.

You can also enjoy interactive exhibits that provide insight into Picasso’s creative process, his life and legacy, and his deep connections to Barcelona. There’s no telling that Picasso is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and one that your teens no doubt have heard about in school, and a visit to this museum is a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for him.

10. Take a Street Art Tour

Another thing our teenagers love is street art, so of course we would look at a street art tour in Barcelona! These tours take you to explore neighborhoods like El Raval and Poblenou, which are known for their marvelous murals, graffiti, and art installations created by both local and international artists. Many of these pieces highlight the city’s roots in political activism and can spark meaningful conversations about freedom of expression and creativity.

11. Attend Festa Major de Gracia

There’s always a festival or event going on in Barcelona, but the biggest one of the years is Festa Major de Gracia, a week-long celebration filled with lively activities and entertainment.  Held every August, this festival is basically like a street festival and takes place in the Gracia district, which comes alive with beautifully decorated streets, each adorned with creative themes crafted by local residents, as well as live music performances, dance shows, workshops, and traditional Catalan games.

This festival has been going on for 200+ years and has expanded to about 17 streets, each with its own theme. There’s even a competition to pick the best decorated one! There’s no better way to experience the fun-loving, lively, and community spirit of Barcelona than attending a street festival, so if you happen to be visiting in August, be sure to check it out! 

12. Go to PortAventura, Spain’s Largest Theme Park

PortAventura, which is located just outside Barcelona, is the largest theme park in Spain and is also one of Europe’s largest theme parks. It has a whole host of exciting attractions, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Shambhala to family-friendly rides and water parks. 

The park is also divided into several themed zones, including the Mediterranean, Polynesia, and Far West, each offering unique experiences, shows, and dining options that transport visitors to different cultures and eras. If you’re ever stuck for things to do in Barcelona with your teens, PortAventura is always a winner. Get your tickets to the Barcelona theme park in advance.

13. Go Shopping at El Corte Inglés

If you’re in need of a little retail therapy, Barcelona is a prime city for shopping. It’s home to one of the largest department stores in Spain, El Corte Inglés, which offers a wide range of products, from fashion and electronics to cosmetics and gourmet food. The flagship store is on Plaça de Catalunya and features multiple floors filled with both international and local brands, making it a one-stop shopping destination. 

If you prefer to shop for boutiques or artisan items, head to Portal De L’Angel Street in the Gothic Quarter, where you will find more traditional Spanish items.

14. Go snorkeling in Costa Brava

If the city starts to get overwhelming, the perfect day trip from Barcelona is to Costa Brava, where you can explore its crystal-clear waters and discover a thriving colony of marine life below the ocean surface. Costa Brava has numerous snorkeling spots, and even underwater caves, making it an exciting adventure for ocean lovers to explore. As well as being a great place to go snorkeling, Costa Brava also has charming small towns with ancient ruins dotting the shoreline, which are lovely to stroll around when snorkeling gets too tiresome.

15. Check out Casa Batlló 

The last stop of Gaudi’s work that you should check out is Casa Batlló, a residential home designed for the Batlló family. The building was constructed between 1904 and 1906 and is often referred to as the “House of Bones” because of its skeletal-like appearance and flowing forms, which are both fascinating and visually striking. 

Its façade, adorned with colorful mosaics, the whimsical light-filled atrium, the stunning staircase resembling a dragon’s spine, and the unique window shapes, all spark a sense of curiosity and wonder. It’s another one of those “I’ve been to Barcelona” monuments that teenagers can show off on their social channels.

16. Do a paella cooking class

Can you think of a better souvenir to take home from a trip to Barcelona than a new skill? I can’t! Our teen loves cooking, and so we always look for a cooking class when we visit a new city. This cooking class is to make Barcelona’s most famous dish, paella, with a professional chef. You will tour the Boquería Market, shop for ingredients, and learn how to make an authentic paella at the chefs apartment in Las Ramblas.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Barcelona is a huge city, so if it’s your first time visiting, I recommend you stay as close to the center as possible so you can be within easy reach of the main attractions. Staying around the Eixample area is ideal, as this is where you’ll find many of the key landmarks such as Gaudí’s famous Sagrada Familia. It has plenty of shops, and restaurants, and is centrally located, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.

Teenagers will enjoy staying in Gràcia because it has a vibrant, bohemian vibe, and is filled with charming squares, local shops, and a youthful atmosphere. The Gothic Quarter, also known as Barri Gòtic, is a historic area that is full of narrow medieval streets, shops, and attractions like the Barcelona Cathedral. It’s probably the most touristy area, so you’ll find hotel prices are higher here, but it’s safe and close to top attractions.

Alternatively, head to El Born, which is next to the Gothic Quarter, and is known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella. It’s a lively area with plenty of dining options and cultural sites.

This apartment is located in a prime area in Eixample, just a ten minute walk away from Gaudí’s Houses, Paseo de Gracia and Rambla Cataluña, and is located in a historic building that’s quintessentially Catalonian. It has three bedrooms, an open kitchen, and living-room with lots of natural light and a balcony. See prices and availability here.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, those are some exciting places and attractions to visit with teens in Barcelona, and as you can see, there are a lot of great and diverse choices to choose from. We hope this guide helped you plan your trip and gave you some examples of things to do with your teens. Do you have a favorite spot? Let us know in the comments.

While Bavarians typically have a laid-back lifestyle, you’ll find the best things to do in Munich are packed full of adventure and exploration.

With clean air, good food, stunning castles, and tons of history, you’ll find there are plenty of reasons to venture to Munich, and not just for Oktoberfest. If you’re not sure what to do in Munich, this guide has all the most popular attractions, some hidden gems, and exciting activities to do on a first time visit!

1. Admire the City’s Stunning Churches

No trip to Munich would be complete without taking a visit to one of the city’s stunning churches. St Peter’s Church is the most iconic church as it’s the city’s oldest church.

It was originally built in 1100, but after a fire destroyed large parts of the building in 1347, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style that you see today.

Over the years it has been extended and added to, both in its architecture and its artwork on the inside. The 15th-century gothic paintings you’ll find in the church belong to renowned painters such as Jan Polack, and Johann Baptist Zimmermann, as well as a sculpture of St Peter by Erasmus Grasser.

The Frauenkirche is another important church in the city, which is most notable for its pair of twin towers, which make it one of the highest buildings in Munich. Where the other churches in the city are rich in Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, The Frauenkirche has a simple facade.

Inside, it has a unique attraction. A footprint appears in one of the tiles, which has a unique story in which the architect, Jorg von Helpach, upon completion of the building led the Devil inside to survey his work and he left behind a foot print.

The church is famous for housing the tomb of Louis IV, the Roman Emperor from the 14th century. There’s also a strange shoe print in the entrance that legend says was left there by the devil.

Asamkirche is another extravagant church worth checking out. It was designed by the Asam brothers in the 18th century in a Late Baroque style. It’s famous for being wedged in a small space between two buildings.

Another beautiful church worth stopping by is Theatine Church. Located in the Odeonsplatz you won’t miss the yellow facade of this Baroque-style church. It was built in the 17th century by Italian architects, which is why it has some Romanesque touches to its design. The church is famous for being the resting place of several Wittelsbach family members.

2. Check out the Deutsches Museum

Munich receives 129 days of rainfall each year, so it’s always a good idea to plan things to do for when it rains. One of the best rainy day attractions in Munich is the Deutsches Museum. This is the world’s largest science and technology museum and features 28,000 exhibits from over 50 fields of science and tech.

Learn about the history of almost everything, from transport to computers, to agricultural and food technology, as well as see exhibits on chemistry, physics, astronomy, and aerospace travel. The museum is so large, you could easily spend a whole day here and not see it all.

3. Visit the Largest Palace in Germany, The Palace of the Munich Residenz

The Palace of the Munich Residenz, or The Residenz as it’s commonly referred to, is the former home of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria between 1508 and 1918.

It’s the biggest palace in Germany and was also used as the house of Bavaria’s government for over 400 years. It has 10 courtyards, 130 rooms, a chapel, a theater, stables, and a court garden (Hofgarten).

The palace has had a turbulent history, having been largely destroyed in World War II. However, it has been mostly restored and now houses a museum showcasing the most lavish artwork, antiques, and treasures collected by the royals over the years.

4. Attend the Iconic Oktoberfest

Yes, there’s more to Munich than Oktoberfest, but if you happen to be visiting in October, then you cannot miss this festive beer-drinking festival. It is undoubtedly the most unmissable thing to do in Munich in fall.

This iconic festival runs for two weeks, always ending on the first Sunday of October (hence the name, Oktoberfest). It started in 1810, as a celebration of the marriage of the prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

The first festival ran for five days and finished with a horse race. The following year, it was combined with the state agricultural fair, extending the festivities to two weeks.

By 1818 the festival started introducing beer and food which started out as little booths, but as the years went on the booths grew in size to huge beer halls. Today you’ll find more than 6,000 brewers from across Bavaria set up temporary structures as part of the festival. Some beer halls can occupy as many as 6,000 people.

You’ll also see parades with wagons and floats, as well as funfairs, live entertainment, and lots and lots of dancing. It’s traditional to dress up in dirndl or lederhosen.

It’s estimated that more than 2 million gallons of beer are consumed during Oktoberfest, which makes it one of the best things to do in Munich for young adults (over the age of 18, of course).

5. Explore the Fairytale Castles of The Bavarian Countryside

If you’re tired of the city and you want to explore the surrounding scenery, then you absolutely must make sure to visit the most stunning castles in the Bavarian countryside. There are several castles in the region, but the most notable are Hohenschwangau Castle, Linderhof Palace, and Neuschwanstein.

Linderhof Palace is the splendid former home of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, and the only castle that he was able to complete. Hohenschwangau Castle was his former home and where he grew up.

Arguably the most beautiful castle is the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein, which is said to be the castle that Disney modeled their castle after. It was built for Richard Wagner by King Ludwig II in the 19th century.

The castles in Bavaria were constructed not as fortresses to protect them from their enemies, but as lavish homes for the royal family and their friends. They are architecturally beautiful, and nestled amongst the Alps mountain range, are a sight that you’ll never forget.

6. Learn about Motor History at the BMW Museum & BMW Welt

One of the biggest enterprises to come from Munich is the luxury vehicle manufacturer, BMW. If you’re interested in learning about the manufacturer’s history, the BMW Museum has exhibits showcasing more than 100 years of BMW.

But BMW is not only a master in vehicle engineering and technology, and they prove this with their architectural triumph, the BMW Welt. The futuristic building combines innovation with mobility, everything that BMW strives for in its business model.

The BMW Welt is an interactive museum that allows visitors to play with the latest and future models of engineering produced by the company. The BMW Museum and the Welt are across the road from each other..

7. Shop for Souvenirs at Viktualienmarkt

Located in the heart of Munich is Viktualienmarkt, the oldest and most buzzing farmers market selling souvenirs, fruit, vegetables, and good food and beer in Munich.

You’ll also see a Maypole in the center of the market that features figures of traditional trades and crafts from the area. The beer garden is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a snack between sightseeing.

The market has 140 stalls selling fresh produce and trinkets. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs before heading home. The market is open daily from 8:00am – 8:00pm except Sundays when it’s closed.

8. Watch the Glockenspiel Come to Life at Neues Rathaus

One of the most stunning pieces of architecture is the Town Hall of Munich, known locally as Neues Rathaus. The Gothic Revival building is the most striking building in the Marienplatz square, with several spires and statues decorating its facade.

But what brings people to the town hall is not to renew parking permits, but to see the Glockenspiel move. This motorized wooden installation has come to life every day since 1908, where it dances and chimes three times a day at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM.

9. See Some of the Oldest Paintings in the World at Alte Pinakothek

The Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest art galleries in the world and features a huge collection of Old Master paintings, dating as far back as the fourteenth to the eighteenth century.

The building was built in 1826 and was designed by Leo von Klenze as a place to house King Ludwig I and the Wittelsbach family members’ collection of art. For its time, it was structurally and conceptually advanced by adding skylights to some galleries.

Some notable pieces are Virgin and Child by Leonardo di Vinci, The Last Supper by Giotto, and The Descent from the Cross by Rembrandt van Rijn.

10. Surf the Eisbachwelle River

Perhaps one of the most unique and adventurous things to do in Munich is to go surfing. Yes, you read that right.

The Eisbachwelle River is a man-made river that stretches for 2 kilometers through Munich city center. It flows through the Englischer Garten and connects to the Isar River.

In one section, a man-made wave has been created. It’s the largest city-center river wave in the world and has been a popular spot for surfers for over 40 years.

You can access the wave from this spot in Englischer Garten, which is the perfect outdoor space to have a picnic with the fresh produce you find at Viktualienmarkt. The wave is quite powerful so it’s not recommended for beginner surfers, but even if you don’t surf, it’s fun to watch.

11. Learn About the History of Bavaria at The Bavarian National Museum

The Bavarian National Museum is considered one of the most important museums in Germany. It has two major collections; the historical art collection and the folklore collection.

It was founded in 1855 by King Maximilian II of Bavaria as a place to store his large collection of European artifacts, some dating as far back as medieval times. The museum has three floors and over 40 exhibition rooms.

The museum is best known for its carved ivory, textiles, glass paintings, and tapestries from before the 19th century.

It also has a sculpture room, which showcases pieces from some of the biggest names in art history, such as Erasmus Grasser, Hans Leinberger, Adam Krafft, and Ludwig Schwanthaler to name a few. 

It also features several examples of traditional Bavarian furniture, pottery, and artifacts relating to religious folklore, as well as Bavarian wood carvings. Some of the most intricate wood carvings are of nativity scenes.

12. Listen to a Classical Music Concert at The Residenz

Classical music has a big part of German history, having been home to some of the greatest composers of the early 19th century: Johan Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, and Ludwig van Beethoven, for example. If you’re interested in classical music, you’ll want to make sure to check out a concert at The Residenz.

This gorgeous theater was where the Dukes, Kings, and Princes of Bavaria came to watch some of the most iconic composers and musicians. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was said to have once played here.

The theater is located in the former Residenz palace complex and hosts The Residenz Soloists, and members of the Munich Philharmonic, every Saturday and Thursday evening.

The concert program changes every week, but you can often hear the works of Baroque and Classical composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, and Mozart. The concerts are available all year round.

13. Swim at Müllersches Volksbad

This stunning Art nouveau–style swimming pool and Roman Bath is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a few days of exploring. The Müllersches Volksbad baths have been operating since 1901 and were the first indoor swimming pools to open in Munich.

The ornately detailed pool complex features several indoor and outdoor swimming pools, including separate men’s and women’s swimming pools, a spa, saunas, and a café.

In the summer, an outdoor pool is open, which is the perfect place to cool off when the weather gets too warm. The outdoor pool is closed in the winter, which makes this one of the best activities for summer.

14. Check out the Endless Staircase: Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Umschreibung’

Perhaps one of the most impressive and unique pieces of architecture in the city is Olafur Eliasson’s Umschreibung, otherwise known as the endless staircase.

This impressive structure is hidden in a courtyard of an office block and was created by artist Olafur Eliasson. The installation is called Umschreibung which in German means circumscription or periphrasis. It’s supposed to symbolize movement without a destination and has been a popular photo spot for tourists since it opened in 2004.

15. Eat Bavarian Cuisine at Hofbrauhaus

Munich has many classic dishes that you have to try while you visit. Knödel, Weisswurst, Schnitzel, Pretzels, and for dessert lovers, Apple Strudel are all popular Bavarian dishes that you have to try!

One restaurant that’s known for serving all the best Bavarian dishes is Hofbrauhaus. The tavern was built in the 16th century by Bavarian Duke Maximilian I and has the most authentic tavern vibe. It has three floors and a beer garden, but even with all this space, it’s still incredibly popular. It’s best to book a table to avoid disappointment.

16. Look for the Weiße Rose Pavement Memorial

The Weiße Rose Pavement Memorial are bronze pamphlets set into the cobblestone streets which were placed to remember the fearless Germans who opposed the Nazis in the height of their power.

During the Second World War, Munich was the stronghold for the Nazi party, but not many people were told about the Weiße Rose (White Rose) movement.

During the height of Nazi power, a group of students non-violently protested against them, led by siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, who were later executed by the Nazis. You can find the memorial to them and other members of the White Rose movement on the ground floor of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

Popular Munich Tours

Munich Accommodation

• Aloft Munchen: Stylish and contemporary rooms Conveniently located in the heart of the city, this design hotel is directly next to Munich Central Train Station. See prices, availability and reviews here.
• Hotel Torbräu: Classically furnished, historic, 4-star hotel in central Munich. See prices, availability and reviews here
• Boutique Hotel Atrium München: Miren hotel and green summer courtyard located  5-minute walk from Munich Central Station and the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest grounds. See prices, availability and reviews here
• Sunny loft in the city centre, with two terraces, a kitchen, spacious living area, and bathroom with a shower. See prices, availability and reviews here

If you’re looking for other accommodation in Munich, you can use the map below to compare hotels and short-term rental options.

More Europe Travel Tips

• England: Cool Things to Do in London (Ultimate Bucket List)
• France: Essential Experiences For your First Time Visit to Paris
• Italy: Memorable Things To Do In Rome (For 2022)
• Austria: Insane Adventures in Otztal Austria you don’t want to miss (+ 1 relaxing one)
• Switzerland: Above the Lauterbrunnen Valley of Waterfalls: A Stay in Mürren, Switzerland
• Germany: Things to Do in Berlin, What to do in Freiburg, Germany and Places to Visit As a Family in Germany
• And Munich is close to where we started our Europe river cruise in Nuremberg.

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What are you most looking forward to doing in Munich? Let us know in the comments.

From bike rides to book shops, there are so many things to do in Portland Oregon, you might just find you need to extend your trip.

1. Visit the Saturday Market (go local)

The first place in Portland you must make sure you visit is the Portland Saturday Market – it’s the place to go for local arts and crafts, music, and food and craft beers. It’s quite large, in fact it’s nationally recognized as the biggest open-air arts and crafts market in the U.S. It stretches over several blocks and its location in the Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the Willamette River is pretty stunning and convenient. It easily lends itself to other activities like walking or biking.

You could spend hours of fun exploring all the food carts and boutique craft stalls. It’s a great place to pick up handmade arts, crafts, and local produce from the Pacific Northwest to take back home. The Saturday Market is held every weekend from March to Christmas Eve, on, you guessed it, Saturdays.

2. Walk or bike along the Willamette River

Portland is a bikeable and walkable city. One of the most popular activities to do in Portland is to cycle around the miles of trails. You’ll find plenty of trails throughout the city. For a nice safe one, especially if visiting Portland with kids, is a along the Willamette River.

To get there from downtown, simply cross the Willamette River via the bike-friendly Hawthorne Bridge and follow a 3-mile (4.8 km) path between OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) and the Sellwood Bridge. There is a longer 30-mile route for the hardcore cyclists, which passes by Lake Oswego and several breweries. There are also 30-miles of bikeable paths in Forest Park. Plenty of hiking trails too!

3. Explore Powell’s City of Books

You have found yourself at the largest bookstore in the WORLD. Book nerds rejoice here. Powell’s City of Books is an iconic landmark in Portland and takes up an entire city block. It has approximately one million books, both new and old. I can guarantee you’ll get lost and be hunting down a customer service rep to help you figure out how it works! The shelves mix up the old and the new so it can be a little challenging to figure out which is which.

I’m pretty sure whatever your reading interest is you’ll find it in this Portland institution. Bibliophiles will love the Rare Book Room. I am not good at shopping when I have so many choices, so the girls selected a few new books, and we hightailed it out of there. It’s definitely one of the unique and cool things to do in Portland so be sure to visit. There are even free 45-min public tours of Powell’s books every Sunday. First come, first served.

4. Visit the Pittock Mansion

Although it’s recommended as one of the top attractions, we’re not big museum people, so I wasn’t confident we’d like this. But we discovered that the Pittock Mansion is definitely worth visiting. The views alone make it one of the top attractions in Portland. We didn’t go inside the mansion itself, instead enjoying the beautiful gardens and learning more about the family and the home from the interpretative panels.

We learned that Henry Pittock was an outdoor adventurist, investor, and successful newspaper publisher. He built the French Renaissance inspired house on the hill for his family and moved into it in 1914. It stayed in the family until 1958 when it sat empty for 4 years and became derelict until the citizens of Portland came together to save it from the hands of developers. In 1965, Pittock Mansion opened as a historic house museum.

Pittock Mansion sits 1,000 ft. in the West Hills. The panoramic views of the city, the Willamette River, and the distant Cascade Mountains were outstanding! On a clear day, you can see Mount Hood, Mount St Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson. Exploring the surrounding grounds of the mansion is one of the top free things to do in Portland, and the land beyond has been kept wild, offering great opportunities for hiking. The woods behind Pittock Mansion are part of the Forest Park and you can hike the popular Wildwood Trail through here.

5. Eat donuts and hunt for the city’s best ones!

The question “who makes the best donuts in Portland?” is enough to start a war amongst Portlanders. It’s best that you taste test for yourself. You have probably heard about (or even tasted) the incredibly wild and unique Voodoo Doughnuts. Well, they originated in Portland after noticing the city had ZERO donut shops. Now there as ubiquitous as Starbucks (which, thankfully you won’t find a lot of in Portland).

Eating ALL the donuts and finding your favorite is one of the best activities to do with kids (and us big kids enjoyed it too)! Though our girls couldn’t go past the extreme flavors of Voodoo. I appreciated the elegant fine dining style of Blue Star, and Craig went for the traditional style of Pips – it is hard to beat the smell of a hot cinnamon donut. Whatever your favorite becomes, this is a must do activity in Portland!

Donut lovers can join the Portland Underground Donut Tour. If you do, we’d love to see photos and hear what you thought. Tag us @ytravelblog or post on our Facebook page.

6. Explore the Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a 30-acre park located alongside the Willamette River in downtown Portland. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in the city and has some nice views of Portland’s skyline. It also hosts many Portland events due to its location. So keep an eye on what events are on when you visit Portland. This is one of the places to visit in Portland for afternoon strolls, picnics, and to cool off in the Salmon Street Springs fountain. At the northern end of the park is the Pine Street Market food hall.

7. Try Portland’s craft beers on a Brewery Tour

8. Wander around Portland’s neighborhoods

Portland is a neighborhood city. Take your time exploring each one, sampling the food, browsing the stores, sitting in coffee shops, and enjoying the atmosphere. I can guarantee almost all will be filled with tree lined streets and you’ll love the lack of development and high rises.

And of course, roaming the Portland neighborhoods is free to do. Well, until you start buying and tasting local things. We spent so much time exploring the neighborhoods of Portland that we didn’t even visit the heart of downtown Portland. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods in Portland:

Mississippi Ave.

Located between North Fremont Street and North Mason Street, Mississippi Avenue was probably my favorite spot in Portland. It almost had a southern charm to it with its turn-of-the-century wood homes and porches. The local stores and restaurants were quirky! Mississippi Ave, Portland is meant to be one of the most recent revitalizations over the past few years that took it from hell to hipster heaven. You’ll find local fusion cuisine, cocktails and whisky bars, and breweries. Places to check out include:

• The Rebuilding Center – is a used building material store that takes up an entire block. It’s a recycling company that sells at discount bits and pieces from old houses and commercial buildings. you’ll find sinks, toilets, old signs and furnishings. It’s one of the cool things to see in Portland.
• The Light Bulb Lady (Sunlan Lighting Inc) – do not miss this historic store dedicated to the adoration of the light bulb. I wasn’t too sure this would be an exciting peruse, but I was pretty taken in by the wide variety of lightbulbs in all colors, shapes and sizes. I never knew they could be so cool actually. I hope “The Light Bulb Lady”, owner Kay Newell is there to greet you and hand over one of her hand-drawn funny light bulb cartoons.

SE Division St.

I feel like the buildings here grew out of the trees and gardens that surround them. It’s a mix of old and new buildings all hosting (again Portland style) independently owned retail and restaurants. The Division St District is pretty long, so it may need a little longer. Although we only did one section of it and parked our car centrally.

In this area, you’ve got wine bars, breweries, eateries and of course, more shops to peruse. In SE Division St, don’t miss:

• Blue Star Donuts – multiple destinations in the city. The elegant choice for donuts.
• Salt & Straw Ice Cream – multiple locations in the city, but this was the one we ate at. It’s a local institution spreading throughout the West Coast of Oregon.
• Bollywood Theater – is another Portland restaurant I wish we ate at. It’s meant to be one of the best Indian restaurants in Portland. I was drawn in by the colorful umbrellas out the front. You may be by the Bollywood movies they play on the wall.
• The Little Beast Brewery – again something to come back to Portland for. We missed this one but were drawn in by the little yellow cottage sitting under a gigantic shady oak tree. Its elevated beer garden is primed for people-watching and tranquility. They serve food and craft wood-aged and blended beer naturally with diverse cultures, including Saccharomyces, Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and wild flora.
• Clinton St Theater – has been playing the Rocky Horror Picture Show for decades.

SE Hawthorne St.

E Hawthorne is located in SE Portland, south of Belmont Street and north of Division Street. It’s the grungy side of Portland, doing its best to maintain the weirdness of the city. With its funky shops and vintage stores, it’s probably a distant relative to Haight St, one of our favorite places to visit in San Francisco. This area felt a little more cluttered to me with storefronts and restaurants stuck close together and spilling out onto the sidewalk. Things to check out:

• Vintage thrift stores – there are loads here so if that is your thang you will love it here. Browse away.
• McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub – will satisfy moviegoers and pint swillers.
• Portland Cider Company – If you love cider (like me) be sure to stop in here. You’ve never seen so many ciders of varying flavors. Grab yourself a flight, or save yourself the pain of not liking one of your flight choices, and go for a full pint of what you know you’ll love. For me, that was cherry cider paired with a fun game of UNO with the girls.

NE Alberta St.

Another Portland neighborhood that was once riddled with crime, Alberta St in Northeast Portland is where you’ll find a fashion and artsy vibe. Murals adorn the walls, and galleries line the street featuring local and global artists. Fashionistas will want to do their boutique shopping here and foodies can head straight to the street’s flavorful and eclectic independently owned restaurants – bohos will have their vegan tastes covered here. Things to do on Alberta St, Portland:

• Proud Mary Cafe – an Aussie-owned cafe that serves delicious food, communal ambiance and the best coffee in Portland. Vegemite toast for the brave ones.
• There are a few murals waiting for your perfect gram pose. Don’t forget your accessories.
• We didn’t get to Tin Shed Garden Cafe, but I loved the look of it and it was always busy when we drove by. Meant to be best for breakfast or brunch.
• Pine State Biscuits – always had a line out the street for warm, melt-in-the-mouth biscuits with all sorts of fillings.
• Waffle Window – meant to be just as delicious when it comes to breakfast. Works of art that belong in nearby galleries

NW 23rd Ave – Nob Hill

Why are trendy, slightly upper-class places in cities called Nob Hill? Retorical question. This neighborhood on the edge of Forest Park and Washington Park has art galleries, plentiful shopping on walkable streets, and many restaurants. Perfect.

Hit the trails and browse the century-old Victorian and Craftsman-style storefronts housing unique boutiques after it. It’s probably Portland’s most well-known street and although you’ll find some of the bigger chains, you’ll still find many local retailers here. There will be plenty of places to enjoy a quiet drink over the summation of a great day. Grab some food while you’re there.

While pretentious for Portland, I found this flashy district mixed with a slightly hipster, bohemian pinch of spice, but less touristy than the popular Alberta Arts District. It was quite a likable place. Just next to it is Slabtown, an industrial and residential area that offers a few cool bars, breweries and shopping options. Don’t miss:

• PrAna – My go to place for travel, yoga, and outdoor clothes. actually any kind of clothes. Their stores are few and far between so stock up here.
• New Renaissance Bookstore – Three Victorian homes join here to create what is said to be the largest metaphysical bookstore in the country. Something about Portland and books. I loved browsing the store, not just for books, but crystals, herbs, jewelry, and yoga mats. All with a touch of mysticism. You’ll be happy to know you’re supporting a 28-year-old local business here.

9. Wander around Washington Park

Portland is well known for its green urban landscapes, and there is no better place to get your fill of that then at Washington Park. It’s the heart of the city and is filled with gardens, forests, and museums.

It’s where you’ll find the International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, The Portland Japanese Garden, as well as some memorials, and the Hoyt Arboretum. And of course the children’s playground. Yes, we did give our girls a little play on the way to the rose garden! There are plenty of small hiking trails in Washington Park if you want to stretch your legs and walk off all that food.

10. Smell the roses at the International Rose Test Garden

Alongside the weird label attached to Portland is the nickname of the City of Roses. This name becomes more clear when you visit the International Rose Test Garden. It has over 7,000 rose plants of about 550 varieties. They bloom typically from late May though to September.

I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy the International Rose Test Garden, so I was surprised by the awe I felt visiting. It is the oldest continuously public rose test garden in the US. What does that mean? Well during World War I, a rose test garden was established to preserve the species of European roses that may be destroyed and so the garden was born.

Today the garden is mainly used to test new varieties that will be made commercially available to the public. You’ll find rows of roses in various colors and sizes all emitting a divine fragrance. Don’t miss the Gold Medal Garden, you will find some of the prettiest roses you’ve ever seen. So pretty they have all won Gold Medal Awards! The Portland Rose Garden is one of the impressive free things to do in Portland and also has great views of downtown and Mt Hood.

Hot tip: FREE public tours are offered daily at 1:00pm, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

11. Enjoy the quietness of Peninsula Park Rose Garden

Here is a rose garden that is equally as beautiful, albeit smaller, and almost free of people, so head to the Peninsula Park Rose Garden. Our friend Kelly who lives in Portland took us here after a yummy breakfast together at the Proud Mary Cafe in nearby NE Alberta st. The Peninsula Park garden dates back to 1913 and features more than 9,000 rose plants. Stroll around and literally smell the roses. There is a beautiful fountain in the middle of the garden too.

12. Walk across the Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People

Tilikum Crossing is the largest car-free bridge in the United States! It’s a popular place for cyclists and pedestrians to cross but also carries the Portland Streetcar, the MAZ Orange Line and TriMet buses. This is a handy way to get from one side of the city to the other over the river and simply for those wanting to stretch their legs, and enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful views of the Portland skyline. Combine this with your walk/bike along the Willamette River and a visit to OMSI Museum which is right next to the bridge.

Explore more of Portland’s bridges and waterfronts on this 2 hour walking tour!

13. Learn about science at the OMSI Museum

We decided to put the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) on our Portland itinerary because we had free entry. The OMSI has 5 halls of 200 interactive exhibits and activities for all ages making it one of the top things to do in Portland Oregon with kids. There are a lot of upsells with theater shows, submarine tours, and the Planetarium.

The USS Blueback submarine is one of the biggest draws to the museum since it’s the most modern American submarine on display in the U.S. It served for 30 years and was featured in the movie, The Hunt for Red October. We decided to just do the basic section of the museum which the kids really enjoyed. We actually didn’t get to do too much beyond the first Innovation Station area. They were completely absorbed by the many challenging designs and puzzles that were out to solve.

They especially loved the earthquake simulator and trying to balance a lever with numbered weights, simulating a balanced equation. There were loads of other learning happening in this room so I was happy for the girls to experiment. The section I found most riveting was the Life Lab upstairs in the Natural Science Hall. There was a gigantic timeline display of babies in utero. They had life-size replicas of how the baby looked from conception to birth.

It was fascinating to follow the growth. I’ve never seen such a powerful display before. There is also a planetarium, exquisite creatures, and cinema showings of science documentaries.

Hot tip: You get free entry with the annual reciprocal museum pass.

14. Relax in Pioneer Courthouse Square

The Pioneer Courthouse Square, otherwise known as Portland’s living room, is a public square in downtown Portland. It’s a huge space of 40,000-square-foot and connects some of the busiest streets in the city. People flock here from all over to sit on the steps and chat with friends. It’s most famous for its brickwork though, which have each been inscribed with the names of people who made donations for its construction. The square often has events throughout the year, so it’s worth swinging by to see what’s happening.

15. Ride the Portland Aerial Tram

The Portland Arial Tram is a cable car that takes you from the city’s South Waterfront district up to the Oregon Health & Science University campus on Marquam Hill. I mean, that’s one way to commute to your college lectures. It opened in 2006 and is one of only two commuter aerial tramways in the U.S. (the other being the Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City). The ride only lasts for three minutes, but it offers excellent views of the city and is a great way to get up the hill without tiring out your legs!

16. Visit the smallest park in the world, Mills End Park

The Mills End Park is a tiny urban park, which you would miss if you weren’t looking for it. In fact, there is some debate as to whether it’s even a park as it consists of one tree. According to the Guinness Book of Records, it’s considered the world’s smallest park. If you happen to be crossing the median strip next to Tom McCall Waterfront Park look out for the small 2ft circle. It won’t take you long to see, but it’s worth making a stop for a photo.

17. Marvel at Native American Art at the Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum in Portland is one of the oldest art museums on the West Coast. It’s also one of the biggest, with a permanent collection of 42,000 pieces of art. While we’re not big on museums and galleries, this museum is a little different as it has an exhibit on Native American art which is pretty cool to see! There are some other exhibits for modern and contemporary art, as well as specifically Northwest American art and exhibitions of Asian art. If you don’t want to pay for entrance, the public outdoor sculpture garden is worth checking out.

18. Visit Willamette Valley Wineries

If you’re looking for day trips to take outside of Portland, then the Willamette Valley is a good choice. The region has over 700 wineries, so it would be rude not to stop by for a taste! In fact, it is recognized as one of the top producers of Pinot noir grapes. If you’re traveling with kids and don’t think they’ll appreciate mom and dad getting sloshed, then you might enjoy some of the valleys hiking trails instead.

The region is full of outstanding nature spots, including the Silver Falls State Park. You can hike through forests and pass waterfalls, and then visit a winery on the way home.

19. Have a pint at Kennedy School, wait what?

Kennedy School used to be an elementary school, but now it has a bunch of bars in the building with school theme. This is part of the McMenamins’ chain, which you’ll get to know in Oregon. They take old historic buildings and turn them into unique and quirky brewpubs, theater pubs, live music and hotels. At Kennedy School you can enjoy a pint in a classroom, enjoy a movie in the old auditorium, or stay in one of the 57 comfortable rooms which used to be classrooms and other school offices.

20. Day trip to Columbia River Gorge

Just a short 30-minute drive east of Portland is the Columbia River Gorge, where some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest reside. The gorge was carved by Ice Age floods and stretches over 80 miles long. We explored this designated National Scenic Area on a separate trip, which you can read about here, but you could easily make a day trip out to explore the waterfalls and forests. In fact, it’s home to the greatest concentration of waterfalls in North America, including the iconic 620-foot Multnomah Falls, which towers higher than Niagara.

Go for a hike through lush, mossy trails that wind through old-growth forests, stop at scenic overlooks like Crown Point for sweeping views of the river, or explore historic towns such as Hood River. It’s well worth it!

21. Relax on Sauvie Island

Just 10 miles northwest of downtown Portland, Sauvie Island is a rural escape from the city, and offers farms, beaches, and wildlife preserves all in one spot. At 26,000 acres, it’s one of the largest river islands in the United States, bordered by the Columbia River, the Willamette River, and Multnomah Channel. If you’re here in the summer, visit the local U-pick farms to pick berries, or to relax on sandy stretches like Walton Beach.

22. See the city views from Mount Tabor

The hike up Mt Tabor is fun and short, and you get a great view of the whole city from the top. We did try to do this one, but there was no street parking nearby, so you need to plan ahead for that. Mount Tabor sits at about 636 feet above sea level, and is an urban park formed from a volcanic cinder cone, part of the Boring Lava Field. The trail is beautiful, winding through towering Douglas firs and open meadows, leading to a summit crowned with historic open-air reservoirs and panoramic views of downtown.

23. Relax in Laurelhurst Park

Laurelhurst Park, tucked into one of Portland’s historic neighborhoods, is a beloved green park spanning 31 acres. It was the first city park in Portland to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to its Olmsted Brothers–inspired layout of winding paths, groves of giant Douglas firs, and a picturesque duck pond. It opened in 1912 on what was once farmland, but today it’s better known as a space for locals to walk their dogs, for families to picnic under century-old trees, or musicians to play around the pond’s edge.

24. Explore the Shanghai Tunnels

The Shanghai Tunnels hide a seedy past. Beneath the bustling streets, this mysterious subterranean labyrinth was originally built in the late 19th century to move goods between waterfront warehouses and the city but later gained notoriety for allegedly being used to “shanghai” sailors. Today, it’s open to tourists by guided tour, where they can hear stories of bootlegging and secret entrances, speakeasies and debauchery, whilst exploring the dimly lit passages. It’s one of the more fun things to do in Portland.

25. Attend Portland Beer Week

When it comes to beer festivals, what do you think you can expect from one of the major cities for craft beer? A 10-day beer fest, that’s what! Portland Beer Week is held every June and features more than 100 events across the city’s bars, breweries, and restaurants, highlighting everything from experimental brews to traditional lagers. With over 70 breweries participating, it’s the best place for beer enthusiasts to try curated tastings, beer-pairing dinners, and take part in workshops on brewing techniques.

Getting around Portland

Portland OR has a good public transport system with light-rail, streetcar and buses to help with your Portland sightseeing. They are all operated by TriMet. You can buy tickets and day passes on the bus (exact change needed) or at vending machines at the stops. You wouldn’t need to rent a car to get around Portland, but if you’re planning on heading out to the Oregon coast or want to see attractions outside the city center, then it will certainly be needed.

If you have your own car, be warned, parking can sometimes be difficult (although we always found one) and the streets are very narrow in the neighborhoods. It was quite the challenge with our huge Ford F250 truck!

Where to stay in Portland, Oregon

Portland is a big city and you’ll find a wide range of neighborhoods and accommodations that cater to different travel styles. For first timers, Downtown is a convenient choice as it’s close to the main attractions, as well as has walkable streets and public transport connections. The Pearl District is another popular spot for tourists, and has chic boutiques, art galleries, and loft-style hotels, with a laid-back vibe – though it’s got touristy over the years.

If nature is your priority, stay near Washington Park or along the Willamette River. Here are some places we recommend as a base for exploring the city:

• The Benson Hotel – A downtown Portland landmark since 1913, the Benson Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 2 Bedroom flat between downtown and Washington Park, an ideal location and kitted out with all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
• Kimpton Riverplace Hotel – One of our favorite hotel brands, this pet-friendly hotel on downtown Portland’s waterfront, offers in-room spa services, a 24-hour fitness center, and marina-view condos for extended stays.
• The Heathman Hotel – is home to the acclaimed Headwaters restaurant and features a unique library of over 3,000 volumes signed by their authors (including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners).
• McMenamins Kennedy School – stay in a historic elementary school. The hotel has a quirky restaurant and a bar onsite, as well as a heated saltwater soaking pool and movie theatre.
• Crystal Hotel – each guestroom is inspired by a song or performance from the past 100 years at the nearby Crystal Ballroom.

Final thoughts

One of the best parts of travel is experiencing local customs, and you get authentic American charm in Portland, Oregon. When you visit Portland Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, you won’t find endless mundane tourist attractions and flashing neon lights. You’ll find much more than that. The best thing to do here mostly involves strolling the quirky Portland neighborhoods to see what you discover. You’ll find fascinating museums, parks, and fantastic places to eat in Portland.

Our kids enjoyed visiting Portland as part of our Oregon road trip, especially after several weeks without any city experiences. We were happy to leave the RV in Columbia River Gorge to spend four days in Portland Oregon. What do you think? Have you found something to do on this list? Let us know in the comments.

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So rather than tell you about Disney in Anaheim and Los Angeles Zoo, this guide focuses on fun experiences to have to really get to know what makes up the personality of a city and have quality bonding time together.

This is the non-boring guide to Los Angeles, with attractions and experiences that parents and kid will love together that leaves the generic attractions you’ll find anywhere in the world off the list. Over the years, we’ve visited Los Angeles several times with our two daughters and have compiled this list based on our personal experiences.

1. Warner Brothers Studio Tour

The Warner Bros Studios tour was a treat for our budding actress, Kalyra, and a fun place to learn about the behind the scenes making of your favorite TV shows and movies. News Flash: It’s all fake! On our backlot tour we traveled through New York, Chicago, France, and Connecticut. It’s amazing how they can cleverly recreate any place on earth.

Highlights of Warner Bros Studio Tour

• Wearing the sorting hat in the Harry Potter archive section. Kalyra and Savannah got Gryffindor, I was Hufflepuff, and Craig was Slytherin.
• Holding a real OSCAR and sitting on the Friends couch (which was filmed here and not in New York City)! And Savannah got to stand on the steps of her favorite TV show house, the Fuller House.
• Visiting the archive rooms to see costumes and props from Harry Potter and Batman films.
• Ellen is also filmed out here and The Big Bang Theory is in its last season. And even parts of Jurassic Park were filmed here.

The studio tour is a more expensive attraction for ages 8 and over so, it’s an LA attraction for older kids. If you’re fascinated with the movie industry, then you’ll find this tour worth it. If you’re tight on budget and nonplussed, I’d skip it.

2. Behind the Scenes Walking Tour of Hollywood

If you’re looking for even more things to do with kids in Hollywood, consider doing a behind the scenes walking tour. Walking tours are fabulous family experiences. It captures your children’s attention as you learn so many cool stories and a deeper history to a certain area. This walking tour changed our opinion of Hollywood. Without it, it just would have just been a few stars with names on the sidewalk and some hand prints in the cement.

Because of this kid-friendly tour we learned of the traditions behind the stars and how the whole celebrity stardom thing happened – with one man’s dream to change the local Hollywood residents’ opinion of the actors and actresses who weren’t really anybody back at the time. Our guide was local from the area, and interacted with and kept our kids entertained. It’s a fun thing for kids to do in LA.

NOTE: The tour we did no longer seems to be running but here is another Hollywood walking tour and here is a Downtown Los Angeles filming locations walking tour

3. Do a Movie Stars Homes Tour

We did a movie stars tour years ago pre-kids, and all I remember is seeing a lot of high gates and privacy walls, but I found this one more interesting and our kids really enjoyed it. Kalyra was excited to see the homes of Katy Perry, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars.

Again, there were a lot of high gates, but we still got glimpses of properties with okay views, and saw the round glass rental home Justin Bieber got kicked out of when his mate threw a party when he was out of town. It was nice sitting back of the open top van hearing the stories and taking in the beautiful Hollywood Hills and Mulholland Drive views.

We were able to go into the exclusive neighborhood of Bel Air and help Kalyra’s dream of one day owning a house like Beyoncé’s and Jay Z’s $80 million dollar home. We also enjoyed driving along Mulholland Drive and looking out over the valleys and Beverly Hills gated communities. It helped us to appreciate LA more and get the allure of living in this city.

4. Bike from Santa Monica to Venice Beach

Biking the beach promenade from Santa Monica to Venice Beach is a MUST thing to do, and it’s reasonably affordable. You can rent bikes down by Santa Monica beach for around $7 an hour or $20 a day, but we had our own. It’s an easy a 3 mile cycle along the boardwalk that’s filled with other cyclists, walkers, runners, and roller skaters, you name it. This is definitely a unique way to experience LA and gets the kids actively exploring outside!

5. Shop in The Last Bookstore

If any of you in your family are book lovers, visit The Last Bookstore. It’s a cool space to browse, read, buy books, check out quirky book sculptures, and get some fun photos. And of course, admission is free!

6. Eat on The Carneys Train

Sunset Blvd is famous mostly for adult experiences, but if you have kids, take them to eat at Carneys Restaurant, which is actually a train carriage you sit inside of. This is a historic landmark, and a family owned business that prides itself on serving some of the best hamburgers and hot dogs in Los Angeles.

Our kids had fun and enjoyed their burger and hot dog, and don’t leave out the chili fries too!

7. Walk Rodeo Drive

Probably more suitable for teenagers, but another sightseeing activity Kalyra really wanted to do was visit Rodeo Drive. She follows a few YouTubers who frequent this street so wanted to see all the glitz and glamour. And when you visit LA, this is definitely one of the places where it’s best to leave your credit cards at home – unless of course you have the means to spend like $750,000 for a designer suit at House of Bijan!

We saw some of the most ridiculous and expensive clothes in Gucci. Each to their own of course, and when you have the $$$$ I guess you got to stay cool. Our girls LOVED pretending to be rich and famous on this street. And why not pop into the Beverly Wiltshire Four Seasons for a sticky beak. We would loved to have sat at the bar having a cocktail, but, wasn’t sure how kid-friendly it was.

8. Go on a tasty Donut-tasting tour

Did you know LA is America’s donut tasting capital? Neither did we, until we visited and discovered that donut shops are everywhere. In fact, you could call it donut capital of the world as it has the highest concentration of donut shops per capita than any other city.

With so many options to choose from, if your kids have a sweet tooth and you want to find the best donuts in LA, then a delicious donut tour of Santa Monica in LA is the best way to discover them. The tour takes you past the world-famous Randy’s Donuts, who became famous for their giant 32.5 foot rooftop donut at their flagship store in Inglewood, one of LA’s most recognizable roadside attractions, and as well as other donut attractions along 3rd St Promenade.

9. Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

We’ve been to a few Universal Studios across the world, so weren’t sure how Universal Studios in LA would fare up. Turns out, the Hollywood park is not as big as Orlando, which makes it easy to do in a day and gives it a more relaxed vibe. So for a family-friendly day of movies, rides, and entertaining shows, head to Universal Studios just north of Hollywood (over the hills!). You’ll appreciate the views over the valley from here.

Don’t miss the backlot tour, which takes you behind the scenes where movies were made. The Mummy ride is super fun. And of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the place to go for raving Harry Potter fans! We loved sipping on a butterbeer and riding on the Forbidden Journey ride. This is probably one of the most well-known kid friendly activities in Los Angeles.

Once you exit the park, Universal City Walk is a cool spot to explore and have dinner. We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, which is always a family favorite!

10. See the murals on Melrose Avenue

Our girls loved walking along Melrose Ave and taking creative photos. This is probably an attraction that older kids and teenagers will enjoy, as they can snap some cool shots for their social media feeds. We decided to do a walking tour, but this tour isn’t available anymore. It doesn’t matter though; you could do it yourself. The guide took us to the best spots and even helped us create cool poses, but you can just wander and see what you discover.

Melrose Ave is the area for those who love funk, edge, art murals, boutique shopping and loads more. You can just wander up and down here looking in the stores and taking selfies with the painted walls. The murals here are changing all the time so you can keep coming back. Check out the video here! Isn’t this way better than your standard children’s museums? No need to stifle yawns here!

11. Discover Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches

We tell all of our readers to head to the South Bay beaches of Manhattan and Hermosa, which are not far from LAX. These beach towns are two of the best places in Los Angeles that offer a local vibe and feel, especially compared to the over touristy Santa Monica, and Venice.

If you enjoy beach volleyball, then Manhattan Beach and Hermosa are the best places to visit in Los Angeles to have a friendly game. In fact, they call Manhattan Beach the Volleyball Capital of the World. We love to ride along the beach promenade between Manhattan Pier and Hermosa Pier (you can even go further: north to Marina Del Rey and South to Redondo Beach). It’s one of our fave family activities in Los Angeles.

Watch us explore the South Bay beaches in this video

12. Go on a whale and dolphin cruise

If the city is getting overwhelming and you want to explore LA’s wildlife and natural wonders, head out on a boat tour and see if you can spot some humpback whales and dolphins during their annual migration! The best thing about LA is that whales migrate in the shores here all year round, though December to April is the best time to see Gray Whales, May to October to see Blue Whales and Humpbacks, and Orcas are also known to visit the shores of SoCal in the winter months. Tours depart from Long Beach and last for about 2.5 hours.

13. Enjoy an LA sunset with ice cream

If there is one thing California does well, it’s sunsets! Watching the sun dip below the Pacific Ocean horizon is a gentle way to end an epic day in LA. We loved our evening sunset bike ride from El Segundo to Manhattan and watching the sunset. The sunsets on the beaches are worth the trip alone.

Make sure you stop for a sundowner at one of the many beer gardens along the promenade. And be sure to grab some ice creams for the kids!

14. Explore Venice Beach

Venice Beach is definitely the place to go for first time visitors. We enjoyed watching the skateboarders, basketball games, gymnasts, buskers and people watching.

There was this young 9-year-old girl skateboarder absolutely carving up the skate ramp when we last visited – our kids loved watching her at the skate park and it was a real highlight of our trip to see young kids so passionate about something. If you have children who love skating, be sure to give them time to spend here.

Venice is colorful and just eclectically cool. We kind of like it’s psychedelic ambiance that’s trapped in the hippy free love movement of the sixties. If you’re looking for colorful experiences, then Venice Beach is the place for you. There is a nice sized boardwalk filled with shops and a few restaurants/cafes, colorful murals and the odd busker and artist selling their wares.

Note: Be prepared for whiffs of marijuana along the walkway though, it’s legal in California, and the homelessness, so maybe prepare your kids for that. It can also get very busy so watch your kids!

15. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Ok, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is quite touristy, but it’s also iconic, and one of the attractions Kalyra was most looking forward to! She was excited to see and grab a photo with some of her idol’s stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard.

We did, however, visit a few days before the OSCARS Academy Awards show so there was lots of setting up going on with scaffolding for lighting and TV equipment which covered up a large section of the pavement. Unfortunately, Kalyra missed seeing her favorite star, Daniel Radcliffe, who was under the red carpet.

Be warned there are people trying to sell you things, but they have cleaned this up since the last time we were here many years ago with permits required. But if you and your kids are into movies and Hollywood, go here once! This is a public sidewalk, and open 24 hours with no tickets to purchase.

16. Visit the TLC Chinese Theatre

Also along the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the TCL Chinese Theatre. It’s where Hollywood’s biggest stars come to watch their movie premiers, and out the front of this theatre is where you see the cement hand and footprints of the who’s who of Hollywood.

Stars only receive this special accolade if one of their films have been shown at the theater. Each star will leave behind something signature about them as well whether it’s a saying or a particular imprint. For example, the Harry Potter crew left imprints of their wands.

Fortunately, the OSCAR construction crew didn’t cover up this area and Kalyra got to see her favorite Harry Potter stars embedded in the pavement.

17. Go on an urban hike in Griffith Park

If you’re looking for stuff to do in LA away from the urban congestion and in nature, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban wilderness municipal parks in the US. There are over 400 acres of natural beauty, diverse flora, and fauna. Located in the Santa Monica Mountain Range, it’s approximately a 20-minute drive north-west of Downtown LA and offers several hiking trails, deep canyons, pony rides, and stunning views.

If I lived in LA, I’d be hiking here all the time, especially considering it’s FREE to visit. We did the hike to the Mt Hollywood Summit, a 4-mile loop trail, which offered spectacular views of Downtown LA, the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Hills, and the Hollywood sign. We didn’t make it to the sign – it was much longer to get all the way there, so it’s going on our list of family activities for next time!

The LA Sightseeing Pass includes guided hikes in Griffith Park, if you did not want to do it yourself. It’s perfectly safe and enjoyable to do it solo as a family activity!

Other attractions here include the Travel Town Museum where you can ride and explore trains; Shane’s Inspiration Playground; the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and one of my favorite music venues: the Greek Theater. (I’m sure your teenagers would love to see a concert here!)

Watch this video of us hiking in LA

18. Griffith Observatory

Griffith Park is where you will find many attractions, but the most iconic is the Griffith Observatory, which sits perched on a hilltop below the Hollywood Sign. We had great views of this during our hike here and then walked down and around the perimeter. Unfortunately it was closed as we visited on President’s Day.

The observatory has public telescopes and star parties, and we’d like to go back, especially at night and do some star gazing and to see the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. So if you’re looking for things to do at night, consider adding this to your list. This is a great way to get your science education in with your kids, in a unique way, without visiting a generic science museum.

19. Explore the Getty Museum

The Getty Museum is another free thing to do with kids in Los Angeles (though you have to pay $15 for the parking lot). We’re not big art or museum people so found this a little boring, but most art lovers will rave about it. The Getty Center sits atop a hill in Brentwood, and is reached via a three car cable pulled tram from the bottom car park.

The museum specializes in artworks, but way more interesting to us was the architecture of the building, the views and the beautiful sculptured gardens that surround the museum. So if you’re not a big art lover like us, and you have a few spare hours, it’s worth a visit if you or your kids love art.

20. Visit Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Can you believe this is the first time we’ve ever gone to a Madame Tussauds? We always felt it was a silly idea and a waste of money, but it was included on our LA Sightseeing Pass and we had an attraction spare. I was sure it would be tacky, but our kids were begging us to go!

We found this kid friendly thing to do surprisingly quite fun. We liked how you could interact with the wax figures in various ways for photos. The girls really had a great time taking selfies with their favorites. It is amazing how life-like and realistic these wax versions are!

21. Hike the Runyon Canyon Hike

For more hiking adventures, we headed to Runyon Canyon. It’s one of LA’s most accessible hikes as it backs onto Mulholland Drive on one end and West Hollywood on the other. This also makes it one of the busiest, since it’s a small hiking area and popular with locals.

There are plenty of paved trails winding up and down the hills filled with runners, walkers and dogs. This short hike offered more stunning views of the Hollywood Hills and Downtown LA. It’s an easy kid-friendly hike.

And for a unique experience, you can hike this canyon with rescue dogs with this Airbnb experience.

22. Hike in Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park is such a hidden treasure. There was only two other people there when we visited. It’s like wondering into the wilderness of Southeast Asia. Oh wait, scenes form Mash were filmed here! The park was formerly owned by 20th Century Fox Studios and has been seen all over the world in movies and television shows, and is L.A.’s most spectacular park!

There’s over 8,000 acres of rolling tall grass plains, oak savannah’s, and opportunities for mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing and horseback riding. We combined our visit with a coastal drive from Malibu into Santa Monica which is part of the Pacific Coast Highway. You can check out Malibu Beach while in this area, which many say is one of the top beaches in California, but I beg to differ.

23. Visit Santa Monica Pier

Full disclosure, we’ve NEVER been huge fans of Santa Monica Pier, or the Third Street Promenade, and our last visit hasn’t changed our minds. We find the pier too busy, too tacky, with crappy food and rides. If you want rides, I suggest you go to Universal Studios, Six Flags, or Disneyland. And many people have since told us how underwhelming they found it too.

But hey, if it’s your first time visiting LA with kids, of course go see it once and decide for yourself. Our kids wanted to go the first time they visited, and so we took them there.

24. Slide Down California’s Tallest Building

Is your family brave enough to slide from the 70th floor to the 60th floor of California’s tallest building on a glass slide? The slide is over within seconds, and you barely notice you’re held up by a piece of glass hanging off the side of a building. I promise it’s not that scary. It is a little expensive though.

The Oue Skyspace in Downtown LA is a unique experience and worth doing if your budget allows. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of LA, with some interesting and fun interactive artwork and displays. It’s high screaming family fun! Check out the fun of it in this reel.

We almost had the OUE Skyspace to ourselves. If that was in Chicago or New York City, you’d be lining up for hours! And thankfully, it’s included in the Los Angeles Sightseeing Pass.

25. Ride the Angels Flight Railway

Also in Downtown LA, and across the road from Grand Central Markets (which is a cool spot to eat or wander through by the way), is a bright orange archway leading to the world’s shortest railway at 298 feet. Angels Flight Railway is a quirky historical landmark and was originally built (in a nearby location) to carry residents of the luxe homes on Bunker Hill to their jobs in downtown.

If your kids like train rides, they will enjoy this family friendly LA attraction. Open daily, 365 days a year, and only costs $1 each way. There you go! Much cheaper than the thrill rides of Disneyland!

Is LA a good place to visit with kids?

I know you’re wondering if LA is a good place for kids or whether it’s worth visiting, then the short answer is yes. Our opinion of Los Angeles has changed over the years. After our first visit, we felt it was overrated, and the main reason to visit would be for a theme park trip to Disneyland. Otherwise, it was one big sprawl of a city with horrible traffic, average weather, expensive, and no real community or soul.

We could never understand why people would choose to live there. But, on our last visit, we’ve finally discovered an appreciation for the City of Los Angeles and can see what people find so attractive about it.

It has a vibrant and relaxed beach culture, outstanding natural beauty, unique and fun attractions, fantastic street art, lots of glamour and sparkle, and different neighborhoods with distinct personalities and multiple cultures – and an incredible diversity of flavorful food.

When it comes to visiting as a family, it doesn’t matter your child’s interests, there is an attraction for them in LA. Kalyra, our eldest, has acting dreams so it was exciting to help fuel that dream for her! Both our girls also love theme parks, and LA has Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios to get your roller coaster, and Ferris Wheel fixes.

After getting more tips from locals that live with kids in Los Angeles and from other family travelers, we discovered a side to LA that most tourists don’t see. We loved exploring Hollywood and seeing all the movie star culture, but we also enjoyed hiking, bike riding along the beaches, and finding cute coffee shops and boutique stores on the backstreets of Melrose Avenue.

If you found this guide had too many non-touristy things to do, here are a few other kid friendly activities in Los Angeles that people suggested:

• California Science Center (See the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Samuel Oschin Pavilion)
• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
• La Brea Tar Pits
• Long Beach
• Aquarium of the Pacific and their shark lagoon
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art
• Kidspace Children’s Museum for younger kids)

How To Save Money On Los Angeles Attractions

If you plan on doing a few attractions in LA with your kids, consider purchasing a GoCity Sightseeing Pass. It is a city discount card, which will save you money on several big name attractions, including several we listed above, including Universal Studios.

The Go Los Angeles Attraction Card can help you save up to 50% off retail prices on general admission to over 30 top attractions and tours, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Madame Tussauds and more.

Getting around Los Angeles

The best way to get around Los Angeles is by car. The city is so big, that getting anywhere on public transport eats into your exploration time, so you’ll be able to pack in a lot more into your itinerary if you drive yourself, or use ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft. If you don’t have your own car, DiscoverCars.com is the world’s biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major car hire brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.

Parking in LA

Parking in LA was not as bad as I was anticipating. Other cities in the US will charge more, but this is generally the prices we saw when we visited:

• Down on the beach in Santa Monica you can find parking in their beach lots for $6- $15 for a full day.
• Hollywood & Highland shopping center on Hollywood Blvd offers $2 for every twenty minutes, or $6 per hour. Remember to get the ticket validated at a store inside. (Tip: the Visitor Center can validate it!)
• Melrose Ave side streets were only $1 an hour in the some of the meters
• Malibu has free parking everywhere.

You can check parking prices, and book parking in advance, using the site Parkopedia.com. It’s so handy and eliminates the need to drive around aimlessly looking for a place!

Metro light rail and bus lines

You can ride the metro to most places in LA, and you can even make connections that will take you as far as Santa Barbara and San Diego, and with traffic, it may be a far better option if you are planning to go between neighborhoods. The TAP card is a reusable transit-fare card that can be used at 26 LA transit agencies, making it easy to ride Metro alternatives. It can be purchased and loaded with fare at Metro stations and local vendors Check taptogo.net for more

You can use the Metro’s itinerary planner to help you map your routes. We did not experience the metro on our last trip, but we had many years previous.

Bike Sharing in LA

There are Metro Bike Shares located all over the city and outside many Metro Stops. It’s available 24/7 and costs $1.75 every 30 minutes. You can also purchase a day pass – $5 for unlimited 30 minute trips. That means every 30 minutes you have to check your bike in and swap it with another, or it will cost $1.75 per 30 minutes if you go over the 30 minute free trip limit.

You can rent bikes down by Santa Monica beach for around $7 an hour or $20 a day. You can also rent a bike here for $48 a day to explore all of LA. The scooter sharing programs are now popular and can be found all over the city. For nervous bikers, perhaps a bike tour may be more your style:

• Santa Monica and Venice 3 hour electric bike tour
• LA in a day bike tour
• Hollywood Bike Tour
• Beverly Hills Bike Tour

More LA Travel Tips

If you need more inspiration about visiting Los Angeles, with or without your kids, here are some other helpful guides:

• Things to do in Downtown LA  
• Non-touristy things to do in LA
• Unmissable Things to Do in Los Angeles For First Timers
• Exciting Road Trips from Los Angeles: Maps & Itineraries
• Where To Stay In Los Angeles: The Best Neighborhoods & Hotels!
• Our Stay At The Glamorous Boutique Hotel indigo, Downtown LA [Review]
• 3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary: The Best Of Tinsel Town!

More Travel Tips For California With Kids

The links below will take you to posts on other things to do in California with kids with detailed information:

• Incredible Places to Visit in California For Your California Bucket List
• Incredible National Parks in California To Set Foot In
• Things to do in San Diego with kids
• A Dream Disneyland trip
• Amazing road trips from Los Angeles
• Things to do in Orange County with kids
• 10 day itinerary for Southern California

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As it turns out, there are so many things to do in New York City with teens, it can kind of get overwhelming trying to narrow down what to do. Kalyra was starting to think about colleges and NYU was on her list for their film school, so we planned a visit around time walking around the campus surrounding Washington Square and then explored the city to see what’s fun for a teen.

We’re so glad we did. Kalyra spent the whole three days saying, “I’m so happy we’re here. I love this city so much!” In this guide, we share some of the top NYC attractions for teens that we did together, and also what she put on her list for next time. Here were some of our favourites!

What to do in New York City with Teens?

New York City can be daunting to plan as it’s an iconic city with countless attractions and landmarks to see, such as The Empire State Building, the One World Observatory and World Trade Center Monument, and of course the Statue of Liberty, as well as many historic sites, and unique museums.

But anyone visiting NYC will have already added those to their list. This is not one of those overwhelming lists of 101 things to do in NYC with teens, but a highly curated list based upon the real-life experience of our family, and why our older kids liked them.

We mostly did all of these on our winter weekend getaway to New York, but I threw in a couple more we’ve done before that I know teens and tweens will love. Kalyra and I regularly go on a mother daughter getaway to New York, and that’s why NYC is on her list of favorite destinations in the USA for teens.

Here are our favourite teen-friendly attractions in NYC and a few hidden gems for those families who like to discover something new.

1. Take a Walking Tour of Greenwich Village (with Cupcakes)

Our walking tour of Greenwich Village was one of our teen’s favorite things to do because she got to see where some of her favorite artists lived. We spent six hours in the great Taylor Swift Ticketmaster debacle getting tickets for the Philadelphia show, so you can imagine the delight on Kalyra’s face when our guide directed her to look up at the street sign pointing the way to our next stop.

Yep – Cornelia Street. We walked down it and then stood in front of the 1870 carriage house that Taylor Swift rented for 38K a month while her house in Tribeca was undergoing renovations.

Our guide, Vince, was excellent at making sure our kids were entertained on the tour and adapted it to suit. The two-hour walking street took us through the vibrant neighborhood of Greenwich Village, the home of poets, artists, musicians, and hippies for decades.

We saw the homes where Bob Dylan lived, the Mamas and Papas wrote California Dreaming (on a winter’s Day) where Louisa May Alcott completed Little Woman (another wide opening check for our teen), and the renovated historic firehouse that is now the home of Anderson Cooper – with firepole still intact!

While it’s known as a cupcake tour, I was relieved it wasn’t too heavy on the cupcakes – that would have been a burden too hard to carry. And really, I only needed one. A stop at Molly’s Cupcakes for my most favorite cupcake EVER – a gluten-free chocolate cupcake with lava oozing out of it.

We ended the tour at Pasticceria Rocco with a cabinet full of the most delicious-looking Southern Italian pastries with recipes that date back to the late 1800s. It’s been noted many times as having the best cannoli in NYC and so Craig and the girls tucked into pecan and chocolate cannoli.

Video: Greenwich Walking Tour

2. Go To Broadway To See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

It doesn’t matter what age you are, everyone should go to see a show on Broadway. We had a great time when we visited NYC with our daughters as kids, and it’s no different with teens.

When it comes to choosing a Broadway show for teens, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the winner. Many of us as adults, and teenagers today, grew up reading the books and watching the movies, so it’s not just something the kids will love but mom and dad too. It’s been on Kalyra’s bucket list for years to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, so we booked it for this trip. It’s expensive, but it was the girls’ bonus for all the hard work they do with our travel blog.

It was incredible. At times, I was a little put off by the squeaky voices of the two main characters, but the magic of the show soon helped me forget that. The special effects are incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it and some of those tricks have me believing in true magic. I just don’t know how they did it!

I love how Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brings back many of your favorite characters in the Harry Potter series within the tale of Harry Potter’s son at Hogwarts. There was magic to see on the walls and ceiling of the Lyric Theater as well.

Don’t worry if the magic of Harry Potter is not your thing. It’s New York, and there’s a play or show for all interests and ages. We’ve previously seen the Lion King and Wicked on Broadway and loved both.

Hot tip – Don’t make this mistake. Only hours after purchasing our tickets for Harry Potter, I learned from a friend about Broadway Week, which was happening from January 17 – February 12, the time of our visit.

It happens twice a year and it’s when you can get 2-for-1 Broadway tickets. If I had known, I would have saved $250. They say it happens twice a year, but at the time of writing, I cannot find any information on when the next time will be. Holders of a CityPass can also get Broadway Show ticket discounts.

3. Bike around Central Park

Yes, you can walk through Central Park (a great free activity in NYC) and I highly recommend you spend time here. To experience it in a different way that older kids should love, rent bikes and cycle the full loop of the 6-mile path. There are plenty of points of interest in Central Park to stop and enjoy like the Mall, Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is why it’s one of the best parks in NYC.

This fun activity is catching on as there were significantly more bikes cruising around than when we did it a few years ago during the Holidays.

Unlimited Biking has bikes for rent in various locations around Central Park and NYC. They provide different options for the whole family, including helmets, kids’ bikes, baby seats, children’s trailer’s baskets or bike bags, bike locks, and a map of the park! We rented from them when cycling the National Mall in Washington DC. They also have guided bike tours in NYC.

4. Visit the MET: Metropolitan Museum of Art

As teens grow a more cultured personality, a visit to the MET is sure to grant their limited attention. Especially since they’ve now learned much about the ages through history in school. Savannah was enthralled by many of the ancient Greek sculptures as that’s her current course of study in history.

I think kids of all ages also love the opportunity to explore the mummified world of Ancient Egypt. They even have an exhibition set up where you can walk through a narrow tunnel of a tomb to discover the art and hieroglyphs on the wall.

The Met was founded in 1870 and has a vast collection of over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of world culture, from ancient times to the contemporary era. The museum covers a wide range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, decorative arts, photography, arms and armor, costumes, and much more.

I love family trips like this that helped me get to know my children. I was surprised to see my daughter wandering around the European paintings on her own, claiming that modern art was just not interesting enough – because anyone can just splash paint on a canvas.

While sometimes I think I can also create a masterpiece worthy of the Met with that kind of approach, I do enjoy seeing modern art. The Met has a few drip painting pieces by legendary American Artist Jackson Pollock. I also enjoyed seeing Van Gogh and Monet pieces in the European art section.

There are two locations: The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan.

The Met Cloisters is dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, with a focus on monastic life and spirituality. The museum building is designed to resemble a medieval European monastery, with architectural elements and garden spaces evoking the tranquil world of the Middle Ages.

Older teens may love exploring the Gossip Girl filming NYC filming locations, many of which are in the Upper East Side and near the Met. You can see our post sharing a self-guided tour of the Gossip Girl film locations.

5. Visit MOMA: The Museum of Modern Art

In keeping with great art galleries for teens in NYC, I highly suggest MOMA: the Museum of Modern Art, located in Midtown Manhattan. MOMA has a collection of over 200,000 works of modern and temporary art including painting, sculpture, photography, film, design, and new media, among other forms of artistic expression, including some of the most famous and significant works of the 20th and 21st centuries.

I visited on my own before Craig and the girls joined me in New York. I wanted to include this in our things to do in NYC with teens’ posts as my well-trained eye knows this is an ideal attraction for them. They also often have really cool temporary exhibits. When I visited, they had an excellent exhibit, “Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio,” which showed how they created scenes with the stop-motion filming technique. It was really cool!

The exhibition also included production art, props, and a look at the various phases of puppet-making and working film sets from Del Toro’s movie.

This was one of the top NYC attractions I used on my CityPass C3 attraction pass, which is a great way to save money on attractions in New York.

6. Take in the Views at the Edge

Taking in the panoramic 360-degree views of the New York City skyline from the Edge was our tween Savannah’s favorite attraction on this trip. What makes the Edge different from other viewpoints is that it’s the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It is suspended in mid-air which makes you feel like you’re floating in the sky.

Up the thrill by walking across (or sitting down on) the glass floor and looking 100 stories down!

You can lean over the city by peering out the angled glass walls, and ultimate thrill seekers will want to scale the outside of the skyscraper and then lean out over the building on the City Climb attraction. Maybe next time. We also used the CityPass C3 attraction pass for entry into the Edge. It can get busy so reserve in advance.

Video: Views from the Edge

7. Check Out Top of the Rock Views

Another great viewpoint of New York is from Top of the Rock at the top of Rockefeller Center. The views of Central Park here are wide open and beautiful – especially in the morning when the sun is shining on them. You can get close-up views of the Empire State building, the former tallest building in NYC before it was replaced by Freedom Tower, which was a bit washed out in the sunlight on my visit.

For a different experience visit during sunset. It is the most popular time of the day to visit. So you’ll want to book your timed visit in advance. The lines will be long. It’s nice to see the twinkling of the Manhattan lights after the sun has gone down as well.

8. Admire Views from Empire State Building

I prefer the views from the Edge and Top of the Rock more than the Empire State Building. They have a better, and larger, open-air space. But, when I asked Kalyra if I should include it in this teen’s guide to NYC, she said, “Well yeah, it’s the Empire State Building. That is New York.”

It is also very different from the previous viewpoints. As you are in the middle of Manhattan Island, you get great views of the entire island from the observation deck. TOP TIP: Get here right on opening. You’ll have very few lines. Because they sure do build up quickly.

9. Soak up the Times Square Vibes

I try to avoid it, but my girls drag me down Broadway to the “Crossroads of the World” to see the Flashing lights, streaming news, gigantic billboard ads, and a mixture of locals and visitors from all corners of the globe.

This was the first thing the girls and Craig did when they arrived in New York while I was at a conference party. They were excited to tell me the next morning about all the crazy antics they witnessed in Times Square followed by “I love New York so much!

So yes, you should take your teen to Times Square. Apart from restaurants, retail stores, and flashing lights, you’ll see street performances, heavy crowds, traffic congestion, and costumed characters who are happy to pose with you for photos but expect to be paid. We returned on our final morning for a bit of shopping – an activity both our teen and tween loved.

10. Walk the High Line

If you want to add some free things to do on your visit to NYC with your teens, then be sure to walk The High Line in Chelsea. A former elevated train track has been transformed into a 20-block-long pedestrian walkway, offering a respite from the bustling city streets below. The walkway features impressive architecture, vibrant sculptures, and stunning street views.

When we did this walk in January it wasn’t as colorful as it would be in the spring, and if you do it on a weekend, it can get crazy busy – consider doing it on a weekday! For a bite to eat along the way check out the popular Artichoke Pizza, said to be one of the best slices in NYC (be prepared to wait) or the Chelsea Markets (very busy on weekends also).

Video: Highline to Chelsea Market

11. Eat in Chelsea Market

We love a variety of choices when eating out as a family on our travels. With a gluten-free eater (myself) and the world’s fussiest eater (Savannah) it’s important we find options. Chelsea Market is that. It’s known as one of the best food halls in New York. From Thai to tacos to doughnuts, cheese, acai bowls and gelato, you can have delicious servings of any favored cuisine. It’s simply one of the best places to eat in NYC.

It’s located in a former (dilapidated) Nabisco factory, so has that warm, charming warehouse vibe with fun spaces inside Here’s an interesting story about its weird secret history.

In addition to food, Chelsea Market also features clothing, home goods, and gift shops. Check the colorful and aromatic flower shop while there – our teen drew us all in there. Apparently, flowers are her latest interest. You can easily combine it with your High Line Walk as it’s at the end of it (or beginning depending on your direction.)

12. Walk Brooklyn Bridge over to DUMBO

I wasn’t sure whether to put this on the list of teen attractions in NYC, but when I asked Kalyra, she said “yeah sure!” And it was a “No, that was boring for the Statue of Liberty, and a no for the 911 Museum as it was too depressing.” I totally understand both of those which is why I double-checked with her.

We do all three on previous visits to New York. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge must have been a highlight. From Wall Street, you can walk up to the beginning of The Brooklyn Bridge over to Brooklyn.

Take your time walking across from Wall Street and watch out for bikes doing their best to zig-zag between the pedestrians. They do have a separate lane for cyclists and pedestrians, but popularity means that lane can easily be swallowed up but the crowds.

Brooklyn is a fascinating borough with many neighborhoods to explore, from the family-friendly Park Slope to trendy Williamsburg (whose cafes feature heavily in our list of best cafes in NYC).

The neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is at the end of the bridge and is where you’ll get some great views looking back at the Manhattan skyline. There’s also this iconic photo opportunity from the cobblestone intersection on Water Street.

Consider getting ice cream at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and eating pizza at the famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, which was seriously good pizza and a pretty decent prize (Go Early!)

13. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge is perhaps one of the most iconic sites in all of NYC and no doubt your teens and tweens will want an iconic photo to upload to their social media (or worse, a backdrop for a TikTok video). But why not combine that with a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy? Brooklyn Bridge Park offers so many things to do, from roller-skating to kayaking to bouldering and pickleball!

After snapping some pics of the bridge, head over to the park and pick your family activity. The Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches 1.3-mile (2.1 km) Atlantic Avenue in the south, under the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and past the Brooklyn Bridge, to Jay Street north of the Manhattan Bridge. 

14. Take ‘The Ride’

For a unique New York attraction with teens consider going on The Ride. It’s a multi-million-dollar bus with theater-style seats facing sideways towards the sidewalk with pop-up street performers entertaining you as you drive around the city. The Ride was included in our Sightseeing Pass at the time, so I thought it was great value. I’m not too sure if I would have paid for it otherwise.

15. Check Out SpyScape

SpyScape is one of the few additions to this list of things to do with teens in New York that we have not personally done. I’m adding it as it sounds very similar to the one we did in Washington DC on our last trip. Our girls absolutely loved it! So, I feel safe in saying (and after reading reviews) that your teen will love learning how to be a spy.

A relatively new museum, but hitting heights at being one of the most popular, SPYSCAPE is an immersive interactive adventure into your secret powers. Explore your skills and potential, dodge lasers, make and break codes, run surveillance, li, and spot liars! 

Like the DC Spy Museum, you get to explore your own spy skills and attributes by completing challenges and, in the debriefing room, discover your spy role. We did not have time on this trip but will add it on our next visit!

16. Shopping on Lower Broadway in Soho

After searching for the best places for teens to go shopping in New York City, we decided to hop on the subway down to the corner of Canal Street and Lower Broadway. I’m so glad we did. With stores like Brandy Melville, Gap, H & M, & smaller boutique and vintage stores this was a teen shopper’s paradise. (We saw plenty of teens shopping with friends)

While wandering around the streets of Soho check out its amazing cast-iron architecture, which it’s well known for. The cast-iron fire escape staircases give the neighborhood its unique look. You’ve certainly seen them in film & TV!

While we did not get to visit the Museum of Ice Cream in Soho due to the long lines that I won’t do, I’ve heard it’s quite the fun thing to do in Soho for people of all ages. It has interactive art installations and ice cream sampling across 25,000 square feet over 3 floors. I really enjoyed this area and wish we had more time to wander the streets and explore more of the artistic and alternative vibe of Soho.

17. Have Dinner in Little Italy

I mean what teen wouldn’t like an Italian meal on Mulberry St – the well-known restaurant row running through Little Italy. Lights holding Italian words string across the street, cozy tables line the sidewalks, and people are milling about everywhere. It has a fun NYC neighborhood vibe.

 If you have a decision phobia you may struggle to choose a place to eat. Hosts will be standing outside each restaurant enticing you to come in and menus are all available for previewing. If you’re not fussy, you’re sure to find a table at any of the restaurants without a reservation.

We loved the look of Gelso & Grand on the corner of Mulberry & Grand Street. Established in 2015 at the former Italian Food Center,  it has a modern twist on Italian favorites, featuring house-made pasta, fresh organic produce, and locally sourced goods.

The food was sensational and not too badly priced, and they are famous for their wood fire pizza and cannoli. The brussels sprouts, local honey, Thai chili, ricotta salata were some of the best I’ve had, and my Braised Lamb Campanelle was simple Italian done flavorful.

We didn’t have a reservation, but thankfully they had a table on the sidewalk under some warm heaters. You’ll need to book for the dimly lit and cozy inside, especially on weekends. Hold the dessert. Cross over to the gelato stand across the road to end a great NYC day with teens.

Now across the road was a very long line snaking out of Ferrara Bakery & Café, a famous Italian Bakery since 1892 known for its delicious cannoli and lobster tails (the pastry kind). I can’t vouch for it, but it could be a good sign you want to eat your dessert there. Me? I only do long lines for Lenny Kravitz concert tickets.

18. The Tenement Museum (Immigration Museum) on Ellis Island

While many people take the ferry to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty, if you have already done that and want to do something a little different, add a ferry trip over to Ellis Island to your to-do list as well. While some teens are not exactly history buffs, it’s important to show them the history of their country that they may have learned about in school and found interesting.

The Tenement Museum is a place that really encourages teens and tweens to think deeply about their nation’s history. It focuses on the lives of immigrants in the early 19th century New York City, who fled their countries and came to live in the Lower East Side of NYC.

The museum is set inside a restored tenement building and also offers walking tours of the neighborhood, where you can really see history come to life.

19. Bronx Zoo’s Treetop Adventure

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in NYC with teens, then you might want to check out the Bronx Zoo’s Treetop Adventure. You can climb and zip over heights of 50 meters on this treetop obstacle course. There are over 90 obstacles, 10 zip lines, and one epic leap of faith.

This is a family activity in NYC not for the faint hearted. But if you think your teens will enjoy zip lining over the Bronx River, then this is an activity to create lasting memories. We have not done this one ourselves, but zipline adventures are something we do regularly so can verify teens and tweens love them.

20. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Another museum that teens will love in NYC is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, a military and maritime history museum made up of retired military ships. The USS Intrepid is an aircraft carrier is the largest vessel in the museum and offers an immersive and enriching educational experience for teens and tweens.

The Intrepid was used in WWII, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and was then used as a NASA recovery vessel in the 60s, where you can still see the Space Shuttle “Enterprise” onboard. Learn about historic military battles and see submarines up-close – your teen boys, especially, will love it! As we have girls, we skipped this.

21. Luna Park on Coney Island

Luna Park is the most iconic amusement park in NYC, if not the whole of the United States. It is attached to the site of Astroland, which has been in operation since the early 60s. Ride the rollercoasters, enjoy the fairground rides, play fun games and eat way too much cotton candy – a trip to the fairground is sure to be a winner no matter how old you are.

22. Have a Cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery

The Cronut is a croissant-donut hybrid created by French patisserie master Dominique Ansel, who has his own bakery, the aptly named Dominique Ansel Bakery, in NYC. Our teen loves visiting all these TikTok trendy places and trying those famous dishes she sees influencers sinking their teeth into online.

One of those is the Cronut, which has been heavily featured on TikTok and Instagram. The bakery launches a new Cronut flavor every month so there’s always something new to try.

23. Get lost in Albertine Books

Our teen loves books, and loves bookstores even more, especially when they have a beautiful design to snap photos of. Albertine Books is one of those quirky bookstores that has majestic interiors that wow your Instagram feeds. It has constellations painted on the ceiling, leather sofas to read on, and warm lighting.

The uptown bookstore has the largest collection of French-language books translated into English in the USA, but it also has English books too. It also has book signings and talks from authors and scholars. If your teen loves trendy things, be sure to swing by when you visit Uptown.

24. Watch a show at The Stand comedy club

Comedy clubs in NYC tend to be for 21 and over, but The Stand allows 16+ guests to their shows as long as they are accompanied by at least one member of the party being 21+. It also has a nice restaurant you can dine in before a show.

You’ll want to check out who’s on and what their material is like to see whether they would be suitable for your teen, but if you want something to do at night that’s not a Broadway show, this is a good option.

25. Share the world’s largest pizza slice at Pizza Barn

Another thing you can do to send your teen home with bragging rites is to have a slice of pizza from Pizza Barn, who hold the record for the largest slice of pizza in the world!

The 2 foot slice was featured on Food Paradise XL, on the Travel Channel in 2017, and has since been a bucket list item for foodies visiting the city. Whether you’re a foodie or not, trying to eat a 2 foot pizza is going to be a memory they’ll never forget.

26. Go vintage shopping with a stylist

NYC is a city made for shoppers, and our teen LOVES to shop! While there is no shortage of designer outlets and gigantic department stores, it’s the little gem thrift stores that are worth making NYC your shopping destination. However, shopping in NYC when you’ve never been before can be a bit overwhelming – where do you even start? We like the idea of this thrift shopping tour with a stylist who can take you to the best haunts for vintage finds. If you want to shop economical and discover second-hand gems, this is for you.

27. Take a bagel-making class

We always enjoy learning new experiences on our travels. Coming home with a new skill is the ultimate souvenir. When in NYC, you have to have a bagel, it’s a sin not to. Why go out and buy one though, when you can learn to make one? In the true, authentic NYC fashion. This bagel-making class is hosted by award-winning bagel maker, Sam Silverman, who ranked in the top 2 of the bagel category in the U.S. Bread Awards.

Where to stay in New York City?

We typically always stay in Times Square or the Midtown Manhattan area when looking for NYC accommodation. We find it’s the best location to easily get around the city. Most attractions are within walking distance and subway stations are nearby. You can sometimes get great deals on hotels near Time Square, especially in January, but on our trip in 2023, I noticed a significant markup in prices so we stayed in Uptown.

Note that in New York, your hotel really is just a place to sleep, which is great as the rooms are going to be small. So, you may want to find a hotel that has pretty and spacious common areas like the voco in the image below.

If you want to stay around Times Square, we have stayed at voco Times Square South New York, located within easy walking distance to Times Square and Hudson Yards. It was our first experience with this brand from IHG and found them to be modern, clean, and good enough for our stay. You can book your stay here.

I also stayed around the corner at the Hyatt Place Times Square. Similarly, it was a more affordable option, had everything I needed, and was in easy walking distance of most attractions. The breakfast here must have been good as there were long lines each morning. I think it’s your typical US hotel breakfast, which is why I kept walking out the door to the Aussie-owned InCommon Cafe around the corner.

Our favorite New York hotel is the INNside by Melia New York Nomad. We’ve stayed there twice, and our girls love it. You can read our full review here. Here are more NYC hotel accommodation options and you can also scroll through the list below.

Video: Top 5 Things to do with Teens in New York

Planning to visit for a day or short break? Watch our short video below showcasing our five favorite teen experiences in NYC.

Click play on the video playlist below to see more of New York City in our videos.

Getting to and from the airport

New York has three airports: LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark (actually in New Jersey). Where you fly into will depend on your budget, time, your choice of airline, and also consider the location of where you are staying in New York. If you stay on the west side of Manhattan, then Newark airport may be the better option.

The AirTrain is the cheapest way to get into Manhattan from JFK and Newark airports. Always check latest prices as they do change!

• From JFK it’s $8.75, which includes your entry into the subway to continue to your Manhattan address
• From Newark to Penn Station, it’s $16-$17.50 and it takes about 40 minutes – way cheaper than taking a taxi. Be aware that taking cabs from the airports into New York does involve tolls. The toll is $15 coming in from New Jersey.
• From LaGuardia, you get the bus Q70 Limited to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave Subway Station and then take the subway for a cost of $3. It took Kalyra and I one hour on our last trip.

Also, check out shared transport shuttle services. You prepay for your spot in a van that shuttles you to the door of your hotel (Manhattan only). It may involve some wait time, but at prices starting at $31 it might be worth it. Learn more here.

If there are a few of you traveling, it might be cheaper to catch an Uber or check out Dial7 which was recommended to me as an excellent limousine pick-up service to get to and from the airport. You will still have to pay toll fees and gratuities, however. Check out more here.

FAQs about visiting NYC with Teens

If you’ve never been to NYC with teenagers before, you might have a few questions about what it’s like and what you can do there, so here are some frequently asked questions answered:

Final Thoughts

New York City is one of those destinations where every time you visit you can do something different, and it still feels like the first time you visit. The bright lights, the buzzing atmosphere, the street food and huge array of teen-friendly attractions, make New York City an inspiring place for teens and tweens.

For a family vacation, there simply is no better place to visit, and hopefully this guide to the top things to do in NYC with teens has provided you with some inspiration for attractions to add to your list.

As a tourist, it can be exciting to see the city that never sleeps, but as residents or visitors who have spent a while in the city, you might be thinking it’s time for a weekend getaway from NYC.

A weekend getaway, in my opinion, should be about escaping the noise of the city. As much as I love living in NY, I feel like it’s important for my sanity to escape once in a while. In this guide, I’ve listed some of my favorite quiet weekend getaways from New York City so you can find a tranquil escape to reset.

Weekend Getaways From NYC

Although there are a ton of cool cities that make easy weekend getaways from NYC – namely Boston, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington DC , I’m often craving something that’s a far cry from the buzzy bars, world-class museums and hectic streets that I can find in NYC.

In this list of weekend fun getaways from NYC, you’ll find places that are a little bit calmer and offer a refreshing break from the noise of the city. Think small towns, lake houses, one-lane highways, farmers markets that are a stone’s throw from the actual farm. And the amazing thing is, there are actually a ton of options within a three-hour drive of Manhattan (as long as you don’t leave at 5pm on a Friday).

The only downside is that I end up asking myself why I’m paying so much to live in the city when I could have so much more outside of it!

1. The Berkshires

• Distance from NYC: 2 hr 44 min (145.2 mi)
• Where to stay: Cute farmhouse in Interlaken

The Berkshires is my #1 choice for a weekend away from New York City. Located on the borders of Western Massachusetts and New York State, it’s only a two-hour drive away from the city—and it rarely has traffic.

The Berkshires is a pretty general term that covers a mountainous region dotted with villages, lakes and waterfalls. There are spots to hike the Appalachian Trail, (public and private) golf courses, boats to rent and row, plenty of little art galleries and places to go antiquing.

In short, a variety of activities to suit every interest – although my favorite thing to do is sit with a good book in a backyard, soak up the exquisite silence and watch the sun set.

2. Nyack

• Distance from NYC: 48 min (32.4 mi) 
• Where to stay: 2BR home in the heart of Nyack

If you’re looking to getaway from NYC but you don’t want to go too far, Nyack is essentially an upstate suburb with an artsy flair. It’s only about 45 minutes without traffic, and easily accessible by train or car service.

The Time Nyack is a hotel in the region, and it’s worth visiting just to spend a day by the pool there. The hotel is a short walk from the main street that’s lined with cafes, restaurants and bars and overlooks the Hudson River. 

I especially liked visiting the ivy-covered stone Nyack Library and stopping for a morning treat at Gypsy Donuts. And if you’re a cyclist, make sure to bring your bike: the Hook Mountain trails are especially popular.

3. Avalon/Stone Harbor

• Distance from NYC: 2 hr 21 min (145.1 mi) 
• Where to stay: Sunny 3BR condo two blocks from the beach

Located on the beautiful beaches of New Jersey, the neighboring towns of Avalon and Stone Harbor are nothing like the Jersey Shore stereotypes you might be imagining.

Instead, these small towns have a nostalgic feel to them: must-do activities include getting a scoop at Springer’s Ice Cream at night (prepare to wait in line!), getting a sticky roll at Kohler’s in the morning (also prepare to wait in line), playing mini golf at the myriad courses and picking up your sunscreen and beach toys at Hoy’s 5&10. 

And, of course, the beach! The waves are perfect for boogie boarding and body surfing, and they’re full of surfers in the early morning and at dusk.

Renting a house with a big group is really the way to go, but there are lots of hotels and vacation rentals there too.

4. Bucks County

• Distance from NYC: 1 hr 24 min (69.7 mi)
• Where to stay: Charming cottage in New Hope

Bucks County is actually one of my favorite places to spend a weekend, although I feel like it’s super underrated, especially by the New York City set. Located in Pennsylvania, it’s a collection of adorable towns and quintessential Main Streets. You can even take a scenic driving tour of covered bridges!

And if you’re more interested in beers than bridges, there’s an “ale trail” (and places to go wine tasting, and a few distilleries).

One thing that I haven’t done but that’s on my list – a hot air balloon ride when the fall foliage is at its peak! Although we stayed in a cute B&B called Ashmill Farm, not far from Peddler’s Village, I think it’d also be fun to stay in the little town of New Hope – it’s full of great restaurants and bars (also very gay and family-friendly).

5. Mystic

• Distance from NYC: 2 hr 20 min (134.5 mi) 
• Where to stay: Houseboat in Mystic

Although a weekend in Connecticut doesn’t usually spring to mind when you think of great oceanfront and aquariums, Mystic is doing its best to change that.

This tiny seaport town is bursting with small town New England charm and is best known for being the backdrop to Julia Roberts’ breakout role in Mystic Pizza (yes, there is a Mystic Pizza, and yes, you can have a great pie there), but it’s also home to a world-class Mystic aquarium and some gorgeous oceanfront.

Be sure to check out the Mystic Seaport museum which offers an interesting glimpse into the history of the town. Don’t miss having a lobster roll at Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in the next town over, but note that it’s only open in the summer.

6. Windham, Hudson Valley

• Distance from NYC: 2 hr 36 min (139.4 mi)
• Where to stay: Cozy townhouse in Windham

The Hudson Valley is the perfect weekend getaway from NYC for nature lovers! Spanning over Albany, Troy and through to Westchester County, the region boasts incredible natural beauty, from majestic mountains, rolling countryside hills, and stunning river views, the landscape is a dazzling contrast from the city of New York.

One of the most popular attractions in Hudson Valley are the numerous wineries scattered throughout the valley. Spend a day tasting local wines and exploring the vineyards before heading to one of the many unique restaurants which offer some of the best farm-to-table cuisine in the US.

You can also explore shops selling local artisanal products such as cheese, olive oil and specialty meats – perfect gifts for friends back home!

The Hudson Valley has also been home to many influential figures throughout history. Take a tour of homes owned by founding fathers such as George Washington, who’s Hasbrouck House is located in Newburgh, or visit a museum dedicated to their legacy such as The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum located in Hyde Park.

If outdoor activities are more your thing then you won’t be disappointed either; there are plenty of trails leading through lush forests and open fields where you can take part in cycling, hiking or horseback riding activities as well as camping trips along rivers and lakes.

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to understand why Hudson Valley is a top visited weekend destination from New York City!

7. Lake Placid, The Adirondacks

• Distance from NYC: 4 hr 54 min (288.5 mi) 
• Where to stay: Big Spruce Lodge right by Lake Placid

Lake Placid is a 5-hour drive from NYC but is definitely worth the trek, since it offers an abundance of things to do no matter what time of year you visit. It’s a small, sleepy village in the Adirondack Mountains in Essex County and while many people think it’s the setting of the 1999 horror movie, don’t worry, that movie was actually referring to the Lake Placid in Australia – you won’t find any crocs here!

If you’re looking for winter getaways from NYC, this is the place to go. It was the home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics and has world-class skiing amenities. There is around 22 miles of trails to explore!

If you visit in the summer, you’ll find the ski trails have turned into incredible hiking opportunities. You can go hiking in 22 acres of High Falls Gorge nature park which takes you to several beautiful waterfalls, or go swimming in the town’s Mirror Lake, which sits in the middle of town.

Head over to the nearby Saranac Lake for some cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the winter. Here you’ll also find an annual winter carnival in February, which features a fireworks display and parades.

If you’re travelling with kids, then they will love riding on the Adirondack Carousel in downtown Saranac.

8. Lake George

• Distance from NYC: 3 hr 31 min (209.4 mi) 
• Where to stay: Waterside cabin on the shores of Lake George

Lake George is a picturesque and vibrant weekend destination from New York City that has something to offer everyone with its array of activities, sights and attractions. With the majestic Adirondack Mountains as its backdrop and beautiful crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder that Lake George has become a popular tourist hub.

In the summer, you can enjoy fishing in some of the best lakeside spots or take part in exciting water sports such as swimming, kayaking and boating. In the winter, the lake is often frozen over with ice which makes it a great spot for ice fishing.

For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there are plenty of scenic trails for hiking or biking and an abundance of cultural sites to explore. From visiting the 18th century Fort William Henry Museum to riding the Lake George Steam Boat – there will never be a dull moment in Lake George!

9. North Fork Peninsula, Long Island

• Distance from NYC: 1 hr 26 min (82.2 mi) 
• Where to stay: Modern home in Mattituck

If you don’t have time to spend driving, then a short weekend getaway near NYC is the 30-mile long North Fork peninsula on Long Island. The North Fork has some small towns that are all about beaches and being on the water. There are also several vineyards, wineries and tap rooms – so if wine is your thing, this is the place to go!

There’s also a few apple orchards in the region, so its the perfect place to try some local wines or apple cider in the Autumn if you’re looking for weekend getaways from NYC in fall. After visiting the vineyards, head to Town Beach or South Jamesport Beach for a quiet sunset spot and an evening swim.

10. Woodstock

• Distance from NYC: 2 hr 1 min (107 miles)
• Where to stay: Cute home with a pond in Woodstock

Woodstock in New York State is a beautiful countryside destination with rolling hills and gorgeous scenery, showcasing the best natural beauty of upstate New York.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the year, such as visiting cultural attractions such as the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and biking in the summer.

In the winter, head to the nearby Hunter Mountain Ski Resort for some incredible skiing, or visit nearby Catskills for more snow adventures. The town also offers a variety of arts and cultural attractions, with music festivals, art galleries and museums featuring some of the most talented artists in the area.

For those interested in shopping and dining, Woodstock has some unique stores and restaurants to explore. There’s something for everyone to experience in Woodstock – from its vibrant culture to stunning nature – making it a great place for an unforgettable getaway from NYC.

11. The Finger Lakes

• Distance from NYC: 4 hr 36 min (253.3 mi)
• Where to stay: Lakeside home with a firepit

The Finger Lakes are a group of 11 lakes in the Lake Ontario area of New York State. They are so-named because of their long and narrow shape, which looks like a finger. The most famous lakes are Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, which are some of the deepest lakes in the country, with Lake Seneca being the largest lake.

The most popular thing to do in Finger Lakes is go hiking. The Watkins Glen State Park has a beautiful gorge to explore, and the Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park are filled with incredible cascading waterfalls and dense woodland.

For nature lovers, you’ll find a flock of migrating birds at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Don’t miss the region’s top historic attractions such as Harriet Tubman’s home, the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park and the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, and of course, Yale University.

You may even want to do some goat yoga in the Finger Lakes.

12. Harriman State Park

• Distance from NYC: 53 min (41.2 mi) 
• Where to stay: Lakefront cottage in Monroe

Another great option for those who don’t like to travel far for their weekend away from NYC is the Harriman State Park. Boasting over 11,000 acres of pristine wilderness and more than 200 miles of trails, it is one of the best outdoor destinations near New York City.

It offers plenty of activities for all types of visitors from camping and picnicking to fishing and boating at Lake Welch or Tiorati Lake.

Go hiking along scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of Harriman State Park from one of its 58 named peaks (Fingerboard Mountain is the highest) or simply taking the time to admire nature’s beauty while birdwatching or wildlife viewing.

There are also cultural sites like Trailside Museums & Zoo and an extensive network of historic sites from colonial times. The park is open all year round with a variety of events planned throughout the seasons. This makes Harriman State Park an amazing place to explore and experience something new every single time you visit!

13. Nantucket

• Distance from NYC: 6 hrs 15 mins by ferry (283.0 mi)
• Where to stay: Quiet cottage near the beach

Although quite a journey, a ferry ride over to Nantucket is a great idea for a long weekend away from NYC. Located just off the coast of Massachusetts, it’s an easy trip from many East Coast cities, and there’s a direct ferry leaving from Seastreak Ferry Terminal in New Jersey.

From its breathtaking beaches and rolling waves to its iconic cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, Nantucket has something for everyone.

Tour Sankaty Head Light, one of the first lighthouses in America to receive a Fresnel lens, or take a leisurely bike ride along one of Nantucket’s picturesque beaches.

There are also plenty of opportunities for fun on land such as golfing, tennis, kayaking and more. No matter how you choose to spend your time there, you’ll fall in love with this magical island.

14. Cape Cod

• Distance from NYC: 4 hr 15 min (254.2 mi)
• Where to stay: Quiet cottage in Dennis

Cape Cod is a picturesque peninsula in Massachusetts and is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country, boasting miles of beaches, lush wetlands and forests, and plenty of open space.

There are plenty of activities available as well; from exploring the historical lighthouses, experiencing world-class local seafood cuisine, or visiting the John F. Kennedy Museum, and of course, Princetown University.

For a more laidback experience, you can stroll through quaint coastal towns and villages, paying visits to local galleries and boutiques. With its mix of culture, history, wildlife and rugged landscape, Cape Cod promises something for everyone.

15. Rhode Island

• Distance from NYC: 3h 13m (181 mi)
• Where to stay: 3BR apartment in the heart of Newport

A New Yorkers favorite weekend escape is to Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S. Though it’s small, it’s packed with things to do and see!

The state is home to some stunning beaches and historical sites such as Newport Mansions, Fort Adams, and Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark where visitors can explore the rich culture of New England.

Visitors can also explore and experience outdoor activities like kayaking and biking in Narragansett Bay, to a cliff walk in Newport, touring the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, or visiting the pristine beachfront at Misquamicut State Beach.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway from NYC or an adventure with family, Rhode Island has something special waiting for you!

16. The Hamptons, Long Island

• Distance from NYC: 1 hr 37 min (83.1 mi) 
• Where to stay: Bungalow steps from the beach in Southampton

Another destination close to New York City is the Hamptons on Long Island. They are made up of Southampton and East Hampton, and offer a quiet escape to the seaside where the more affluent New York City residents come for their summer vacations.

It’s famous for its long stretches of beach and vast farmlands, and sleepy villages with 18th-century shingle buildings.

East Hampton is more high-end with luxury bars, spas and designer stores. For a more casual atmosphere, head to Southampton.

Relax on Coopers Beach or check out modern art pieces at Southampton Arts Center. For golfing enthusiasts, check out the driving range at Southampton Golf Range.

17. Montauk, Long Island

• Distance from NYC: 2 hr 25 min (117.9 mi)
• Where to stay: Seaview cottage in Montauk

Our last weekend getaway destination from NYC is Montauk, also located on Long Island at the very tip of the island. Montauk is for anyone looking to experience a picturesque coastal getaway.

With its white sand beaches and glimmering waters, it’s no wonder why many flock to its shores. Have a go at surfing, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and if you visit at the right time, even whale watching.

If you’re looking for more relaxing activities, you can wander the quaint streets of downtown Montauk and explore local attractions such as the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum or wander through the Montauk Point State Park and see if you can spot some migratory birds.

There’s so much to love and enjoy, it’s the perfect nature lovers retreat.

More NYC Travel Tips

Are you thinking of visiting NYC and need some more inspiration? Then check out these other resources!

• Best places to stay in NYC
• Tips for a girls getaway in NYC
• Things to do in Central Park
• Places to eat in NYC for iconic food

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This quaint coastal city is famous for its beaches which are a surfer’s paradise, but without the crowds of places on the Central Coast like Santa Cruz or Huntington Beach in Orange County.

It’s also famous for is historic Mission San Buenaventura and easy access to the Channel Islands National Park, one of the most underrated national parks in CA, as well as being a spot for whale watching, hiking, windsurfers and so much more.

We knew nothing about Ventura County before we embarked on our Southern California road trip, and I had only ever heard of Ventura Boulevard in a few song lyrics. Ventura County, California is about an hour north of LA and 30-minutes south of Santa Barbara. Be sure to leave your pretence and busyness on the highway out of LA, because it doesn’t belong in Ventura County. It’s slower paced and less crowded, and although it’s a city, has a small town feel.

After visiting, I can’t believe it’s not more popular as a tourist destination, which is why I’ve prepared this guide on what to do in Ventura so you can discover the best attractions of this hidden gem in California and make the most of your experience!

Things To Do In Ventura, California With Kids

I’m glad we know about Ventura County CA now and can share with you the many amazing attractions there. It’s full of unexpected surprises and adventures. Keep reading down below for all our best tips on things to do in Ventura…

1. Explore Ventura Harbor Village

Ventura Harbor Village is located on a small strip of land in the middle of the beach and the harbor.

The beach, Surfers knoll, has a popular surf break at the Santa Clara River Mouth on the Pacific Ocean, and the harbor is one of the largest harbors in North America for offloading squid.

It is a working harbor and fishing marina, which also has shops, galleries, restaurants and waterfront activities.

Just wandering around this harbor will elevate your happiness with the bougainvillea laden paths, places to do some outdoor shopping, and the brilliant blue water filled with sailing ships with the stunning Topatopa mountains in the background. Don’t miss out on a stroll through Marina Park for amazing coastal views.

Their magnetic power kept pulling my eyes back to gaze in wonder. In the moments between gazing, there are these fun things to do in Ventura Village Harbor.

2. Soak Up Harbor Life On A Pedal Boat Ride

We were a little wary to take out the pedal boats, not because we didn’t think it would be a fun way to explore the harbor, but because the last couple of times we’ve taken out pedal boats they’ve been an excruciating workout.

We swore we’d never take out another pedal boat again, but we could not resist the lure of sea lions resting on the wharves and swimming in the waters.

Thankfully, these pedal boats were really easy to peddle! We had a fun half hour adventure peddling between the young children sailing and the sea lions resting on the wharves. One sea lion had taken over the back of someone’s parked boat for a little sunning, the other was resting out on a jetty.

You can rent the pedal boats from Ventura Boat Rentals. They also offer harbor tours, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, electric boats and jet skis!

3. Enjoy A Seafood Lunch With A View At Brophy Bros Restaurant

You can’t beat the views from this second story restaurant on Ventura Harbor. Aim for a table on the enclosed patio.

At Brophy Bros you’ll find any kind of seafood dish that you like. We went for some local pan blackened Cajun sea bass and Mahi Mahi with a mango and papaya relish. A steamed mussels in broth starter was the perfect accompaniment to the stunning views. Those mountains!

Friday nights are the popular time for locals to come sit at the full length bar facing the marina to eat oysters and enjoy happy hour drink prices.

4. Treat Yourself With Fish Cone At Coastal Cone Ice Cream

Have you ever had Taiyaki ice cream cone before? Taiyaki is a popular street food found in Korea, Japan, San Francisco, LA and New York.

Coastal Cone is the one of the only places between LA and San Fran to offer Taiyaki Fish Cones. It’s a fish shaped cake turned waffle, which is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside like a dessert pancake, making ice creams extra delicious. Now to choose from the 46 ice cream flavors for a great pairing.

We ate a lot of ice cream on our Southern California Road trip. No wonder the girls loved the Kidifornia adventure so much.

5. Sea Cave Kayak Adventure At Channel Islands National Park

A definite highlight of our family road trip to Ventura California was our day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, which is about an 80 minute ferry ride from Ventura Harbor.

It is America’s least visited National Park and is full of natural beauty, wildlife and plenty of adventure. The Channel Islands National Park is made up of five separate islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara.

You can visit any of the islands by boat with Island Packers, by plane with Channel Islands Aviation, or your own private boat. The boat trip over is just as spectacular as the Channel Islands. The odds are high that you’ll see sea lions, dolphins and whales.

We enjoyed a sea cave kayak adventure tour with Santa Barbara Adventure Company on Santa Cruz Island. We spent close to three hours paddling through the various sea caves such as Elephant Belly, In and Out, and the Painted Cave.

We learned a lot about the islands, saw plenty of nesting birds and even had a sea lion pop up next to us out of the kelp forest.

Speaking of which, we went snorkeling through the kelp forest once we finished our kayaking tour. It was a special experience, and one that’s well worth doing if you can. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Ventura California with kids.

6. Play Vintage Games At Village Carousel And Arcade

Whenever I travel with my kids, I do my best to steer them to adventures in the Great Outdoors, frowning over staying inside to play games, but if there’s one exception to this rule – it’s for Village Carousel and Arcade in Ventura.

We popped into the Carousel and Arcade Games in Ventura Harbor Village for a few games of basketball toss and car races, collecting a few tickets to trade in for prizes as we went. We ended up having a fun time. It’s vintage fun in Ventura!

7. Explore Downtown Ventura

Downtown Ventura is perfect for a relaxed afternoon of shopping (window or not) and soaking up the Ventura vibe.

Main street is several blocks long and filled with boutique stores, antique shops, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, entertainment spaces, and a large collection of second-hand stores. Downtown Ventura is gorgeous and funky! We instantly liked it when we drove into town.

Amongst the shopping and eating, be sure to stop and marvel at the beautiful Ventura City Hall and the mission.

For all you travel addicts, do not walk past Passport Habits. It’s a store created for travelers by a traveler. The owner has lived and traveled all over the world and continues to hand pack items from her adventures for her store.

I loved it and could have bought one of everything. You’ll find jewelry from Bali, colorful Moroccan and Turkey carpets, luggage and all sorts of travel related knick knacks. Get lost in there for a while.

For the men, Iron & Resin was a store with swagger. They have a small, hand built collection of goods that draws heavily upon the founder’s own lifestyles and experiences.

They’re focused on local sustainability: crafting clothes in the US, reducing their footprint on the planet, and making clothes that last! I like them.

We also passed by a couple of cool looking breweries and wine tasting rooms. You have plenty of choices for places to eat and play in Downtown Ventura.

The good news is they are all situated on the main street and in easy walking distance from each other (and the Ventura Pier and Crowne Plaza Hotel).

8. Check Out San Buenaventura Mission

San Buenaventura Mission was created in 1749 with the intention of converting the native Chumash people into the Spanish way of living and Catholic religion. It’s had a turbulent past of earthquakes, fires and pirates, yet is still a working church today for Catholics and non-Catholics.

The Mission is opened to the public to explore. It’s only small so you won’t need a lot of time, but it’s one of the historic things to do in Ventura California.

We arrived right near closing so had a few minutes to walk round the serene mission gardens. It’s a wonderful spot to get away and contemplate what ever you want to reflect on.

9. Play At Ventura Pier And Ventura’s Promenade

We didn’t get to spend much time exploring Ventura Beach and Ventura Pier. The pier is at the bottom of Downton Ventura and is the 8th longest in California and a favorite for fisherman. On both sides of the pier is the popular San Buenaventura State Beach.

There is a sand playground at its base with kids’ swings and the boardwalk along the beach is great for walkers, skaters, bikers, you name it. And we heard the tacos on the pier are yummy and cheap!

There is a great surfing break just to the north of the pier as well at Surfers Point Beach. It’s located next to the Seaside Park at the mouth of Ventura River. I enjoyed watching the surfers of a morning from the balcony of where we were staying, the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The waves were consistently good every day.

Spencer Makenzie’s Fish also came highly recommended to us by the locals as one of the best places in California for fish tacos. Let me know!

10. Enjoy A Seafood Dinner At Lure Fish House

Locals’ favorite, the Lure Fish House, is an elegant (and reasonably priced) seafood restaurant in Downtown Ventura. It has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and feels like the kind of place where everyone will know your name.

You can sit at the booths inside, the patio deck outside, or if you don’t want to wait for a table, grab an empty seat at the bar or high tops.

Lure is one of the most popular places to eat in Ventura and can get very busy so you might want to reserve a table. Don’t worry about dressing up though, you’re in Ventura, come as you are!

The menu at Lure Fish House features fresh and sustainable seafood locally caught, organically grown local produce, and wines from local vineyards whenever possible.

We both ordered the local wild Pacific Rockfish with local brussel sprouts and almond pesto cauliflower #delish

11. Be Waffle Wowed At Harvest Café

Wow! We discovered Harvest Cafe as we were leaving Ventura and were looking for a quick breakfast spot. It was the perfect end to our time in Ventura.

Harvest Café promises to be a true farm-to-table restaurant, serving only the freshest produce, arriving daily from farms in the Ventura area.

All of their ingredients are organic, and grown as close to our location as possible. How can you not support such a socially responsible local company who cares about your health and delicious food?

Waffles are rarely on my agenda so I could not resist ordering a serve of the gluten free vegan buckwheat waffles topped with berries and cashew nut cream and maple syrup. The combination of flavors were superb.

I don’t have a sweet tooth so don’t order pancakes much, but this had just enough sweetness to be delicious without making me feel ill, and combined with the berries, and the cashew nut cream, it was total heaven. I could eat them every day.

The coffee was pretty good too and I was delighted with the healthy breakfast options for kids.

Seriously, do not miss Harvest Café when you are in California! They even have games the kids can play even while you eat your breakfast.

12. Have A Sunset Dinner at La Cosecha Modern Cochina

After our Channel Islands adventure, we decided to go back to our hotel in Ventura and eat dinner at the restaurant so we could relax around the fire pit with views of the islands we had just sailed back from.

I’m always a little cautious eating at hotel restaurants as they can be so hit and miss, but we were just ready to relax. I forget that we were in California so of course the food was going to be good.

La Cosecha proved to be a winning choice for our final meal in California and probably our last great Mexican meal we’ll have for awhile. You just can’t find great Mexican anywhere else in the world like you do in SoCal.

La Coscha has award winning innovate Mexican dishes created from ingredients that honor the local agriculture as well as sustainably sources seafood. We ordered Chile Relleno for me and more shrimp tacos for Craig.

It was a wonderful space to watch the sunset and relax around the fire chatting with other visitors staying in the hotel.

And the girls were happy as they could run around safely on Ventura’s Promenade in front of us.

13. Wander Around Ventura Botanical Garden

You can never go wrong with a picnic in the botanical gardens whenever you need to escape the chaos of city life.

The Ventura Botanical Gardens was founded by a group of local residents, who wanted to preserve the native plants and fauna of the region and create an educational space for the local community.

Located in Grant Park, it has a beautiful 360-degree view of the coast, mountains, and city below. Unfortunately, much of the park was damaged in a forest fire in 2018, but is has now reopened and has been lovingly put back together.

14. Slow Down On A Gondola Ride

Time for a little Venetian flavor on your Ventura County vacation. And why not? The Channel Islands Harbor in nearby Oxnard, a 15-minute drive away, is the perfect place for a gondola ride. Unlike Venice in Italy, you will mostly have the canals to yourself, which makes this gondola ride experience even more special.

As our guide, and owner of Gondola Paradiso, Mark Schooling explained to us, “we live fast paced lives, something our bodies (and spirit) are not actually wired to do. It’s vital for our health that we take the time to slow down and do not much else but sit in a gondola and move at the pace of a human paddle stroke.” I felt that return to myself only just a few strokes in.

Apart from our conversations, all I could hear was the gentle lapping of the paddle, and the only other movement we were witness to was the group of kids paddling by on their stand up paddle boards.

Their music broke the serenity a little, but their laughter only added to the joy of experiencing local living.

The gondola ride is a loop around the canals of Coral Island where you get to see the beautiful mansions on the water. In Oxnard, California they run cheap at an average of about 2 million.

Mark has everything set up for a comfortable gondola ride; warm blankets to offset any cool breeze. And that’s all you need for your gondola ride.

There was also plenty of space for us to sit and relax. You are more than welcome to bring your own food and drinks as well.

We have penciled in a sunset gondola ride with wine and cheese for our next visit to Ventura County. Don’t forget yours!

And remember the gondola rule for passing under bridges – you have to kiss your partner. Pucker up, you’ve two of them ahead. This was one of our favorite things to do in Oxnard California.

16. Dine At The Annex Food Hall At Riverpark, Oxnard

The Annex is a culinary focused, community minded marketplace. It’s the first Food Hall in Ventura County and has a collection of eateries and shops around a central common eating area.

The Annex is a collection of global cuisine ranging from burgers, Mexican, Italian, crepes, Vietnamese, Hawaiian Poke and Latin American Ceviche bowls, and even healthy smoothies.

And perhaps a little of the unhealthy: ice cream that had a line wrapped around the annex, and a small bar (Bottle & Pint) showcasing craft beer from around the world. My pineapple cider with my bowl of steaming Vietnamese pho (from Love Pho) was a winner!

When you have finished you can wander around The Collection, which is an outdoor mall with plenty of major retailers and smaller boutique stores.

17. Bike the Ojai to Ventura River Bike Trail

Another popular activity to do in Ventura is to cycle along the Ojai-Ventura bike path. This is a 15 mile path that offers beautiful views of Ventura and the surrounding mountains. Although it’s quite an easy route, you should allow for a full day to complete it, as you will want to stop several times to take photos and have breaks. It’s a beautiful trail that’s open year-round.

Where to stay in Ventura California

Now you know what to do in Ventura, you might be wondering where is a good place to stay. Below is where we stayed on our trip to Ventura…

Crowne Plaza Hotel

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. As one of the Ventura Beach hotels, it has prime beachfront location and some of the rooms have ocean views. As mentioned earlier, I loved sitting on my balcony of a morning watching the surfers.

The rooms, although a little small, were modern, clean and comfortable. The fitness center was well stocked with everything you need to maintain your workout.

For those who want to relax around the hotel, the Crowne Plaza has a pool facing the beach. And we loved the firepit to sit around at night. It was relaxing, warm and quite social. And you could easily walk into downtown from the Crowne Plaza.

Final thoughts

Ventura was the last stop on our family road trip from San Diego to Ventura, via Orange County. We spent three days there to enjoy the coastal living, and to see one of the main tourist attractions in Ventura, the Channel Islands National Park.

We were pleasantly surprised by how much there was to do here, and we instantly fell in love with this quaint destination in CA. We hope this guide helped you plan some attractions to add to your itinerary and gave you some inspiration for things to do.

There is a reason that after 25+ years of travel to over 50 countries, living in 5 of them, we settled on Raleigh as our permanent home – there’s just so any things to do in Raleigh!

It’s incredible how many people now want to visit Raleigh because we’ve raved about it for so long. It’s an approachable, walk-able, lovable city that is both cutting-edge and cool filled with a youthful vibrancy and entrepreneurial, welcoming spirit.

Known as the City of Oaks for its abundant oak trees lining the streets, it also has the ubiquitous pine trees filling its parks and forest and bordering lakes. Although it’s a city, many of the top attractions involve getting outdoors!

If you don’t know what to do in Raleigh, in this guide we share with you our local highlights. These are the places, attractions, restaurants, cafes, and bars we take all our visiting friends and family too.

For even more tips on things to do in Raleigh NC and in-depth content, reviews, and highlights, check out our website, ThisIsRaleigh.com, where we also share our favorite getaways from Raleigh for the local readers. You can grab our uniquely Raleigh checklist over there as well.

1. Walk or bike around Lake Johnson Nature Park

Lake Johnson Park comprises more than 300-acres of land surrounding a 150-acre lake. There’s a lovely paved three-mile greenway loop walk around the lake, plus a separate two miles of unpaved trail. 

There’s also a 700-foot-long boardwalk across the lake, a boat house, small beach area, and picnic shelters. It’s our favorite lake in Raleigh, especially for standup paddle boarding. When we first moved to Raleigh, we lived on this lake and it was a lifesaver for afternoon de-stress walks after a hard day.

2. Bike around Umstead State Park

If you love nature trails through the forest, biking, trail running, picnicking, camping, canoeing, and horseback riding, then don’t miss Umstead State Park with its more than 5,000 acres of forest.

This is North Carolina’s most visited state park. It’s a natural oasis surrounding three man-made lakes and located just 15-minutes from downtown Raleigh with easy access from I-40 and I-70. 

There are several hiking trails in Umstead that we love to do on a warm, sunny day. Our favorite is the Sal’s Branch hike, but the Company Mill Trail, Loblolly Trail, and Sycamore Trail are also good ones and very family friendly. Here is our in-depth guide to Umstead State Park.

3. Throw a frisbee around Dorethea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park is Raleigh’s largest city park, and right on the edge of downtown. The 308-acre site blends historic architecture and rich landscapes into a unique destination in the heart of Raleigh. 

It’s the place to enjoy the wide-open fields, rolling meadows, and shady tree groves for picnics, and solitude. Grab a frisbee or a football and throw it around on the sprawling lawns with the high rises of downtown popping over the trees as your backdrop.

Dorthea Dix is also a popular spot for festivals, events, and sunset city views. If you time it right, you may want to do the free monthly guided history walking tour of Dix Park. It’s fascinating and beautiful!

4. Watch live music at an Outdoor Venue

Raleigh is not short on music venues, but more than that, it has open-air music venues that can seat 6,000-20,000 people. They regularly have big-named acts on the bill and allow you to watch a concert on a warm summer’s eve while enjoying a picnic on a lawn.

My favorite outdoor, open-air music venue in Raleigh is the Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary. Picture this, sitting on a picnic blanket in the forest beside a lake to the tunes of Jack Johnson, or other globally recognized artists. Koka Booth is just so pretty and serene. They also have nighttime movies and festivals throughout the year.

Red Hat Amphitheater right in downtown is equally beautiful – especially with sunset colors in the sky at night, and like Koka it has a a Southern chillaxed vibe. This is one of our favorite things to do in Raleigh with teens.

5. Enjoy the coffee shops in downtown Raleigh

Raleigh’s cafe scene is getting better, and as Australians, we’re quite fussy when it comes to coffee. Every week it seems new coffee shops are opening, and since we often frequent these joints to work on this blog, we’ve discovered our fair share of them. So we tend to stick to a few favorites and take all our friends there. These are our favs:

Heirloom Brewshop

Located in the Warehouse District, Heirloom Brewshop is a specialty coffee shop, premium tea house, and sake bar with an Asian-inspired menu and aesthetics.

The wood slat ceiling, pink chairs, green foliage and large windows create a bright, sleek venue.

It’s located around the corner from our co-working spaces so we are regular visitors. They have the best lattes in Raleigh, which is best paired with their gluten free mochi donuts! Read our full review of Heirloom here.

Jubala Coffee

From the coffee, to the cafe vibe, to the location and their food offerings, Jubala Coffee is our second go-to coffee shop in Raleigh.

It’s located across the road from NC State University so has a college like atmosphere with students madly typing at their computers.

Everything is made to order from their specialty coffees to their waffles and breakfast biscuits.

The girls go crazy for their banana nutella waffles. Read our full review of Jubala here.

The Morning Times

The Morning Times is another of our favorite Raleigh coffee shops and one we’ve been going to for years, and a staple coffee shop with the locals.

We like to sit at one of the tables in the space upstairs that has a cozy laid-back atmosphere and also doubles as a mini art gallery. Or sit at one of their tables on the sidewalk in the sun.

If it’s busy and there’s nowhere to sit, its location in the heart of downtown Raleigh also makes it a perfect place to grab-and-go and explore downtown on foot whilst sipping on your cup of Joe!

Other coffee shops we like

• 42 & Lawrence
• Sir Walter Coffee
• Black & White Roasters (inside Videri Chocolate Factory)

Read our guide to the best coffee shops in Raleigh – we’re fussy so you can trust these will be good!

6. Enjoy craft beers at one of the breweries in Raleigh

When we first moved to Raleigh, there were only a handful of craft breweries in and around the city. Since then, it has grown to over 30 breweries and quickly gaining popularity across the USA for its brews, as well as receiving international recognition for a top craft brew destination.

One of the top things to do in Raleigh is brewery hop around the city – there’s even a Raleigh Beer Trail, and if you visit Raleigh during spring, don’t miss the Brewgaloo Festival.

We haven’t even checked off half the breweries because we keep going back to the ones we love (Remember to leave your favorite in the comments). Here are our favs:

Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewery

Wye Hill is a brewery and our favorite place to eat and drink in Raleigh. We have somewhat of an attachment to it as it was once Boylan Bridge Brewery, which used to be one of the only breweries in the city.

We have many happy memories drinking here with friends, admiring the Raleigh skyline views, and dreaming of one day being able to live here forever. In 2019, it was taken over by husband and wife team Chris Borreson and Sara Abernethy and turned into Wye Hill.

The awesome views are still the same, but the outdoor patio is now covered, the beer is even better and matched with delicious mezcal cocktails, and outstanding food. In fact, I’d say it has some of the best food in the country.

I don’t even know what it’s a fusion of – excellence, innovation, cultural diversity. It’s an enigma. Even if you don’t eat here, come for their brews and then stay for the incredible views of the downtown Raleigh skyline. 

On their drinks menu is refreshing craft beers, signature cocktails, and wine. There’s a casual fun atmosphere that’s perfect for a group of friends or a date.

They have indoor seating and a lounge area and a bar. But their outdoor patio has to be one of the best places in Raleigh to sit and have a drink and overlook the skyline! Read our full review of Why Hill Kitchen & Brewing.

Bond Brothers Beer Company

Named best new brewery in America by USA Today in 2017, I can stand by this 100%. I’m gluten free, and Bond Brothers is the only beer I test those dangerous waters with.

They brew exceptional high-quality artisanal beers – mostly ales and sours. I’ve never had one that I didn’t like. They are also one of the few breweries that have gluten free beer.

It’s a popular local hangout with its beer garden and annual events like the Mid-town Square Summer Fest and the Guinness Book of Records 1km Flip flop run which we participated in.

Watch: The Flip Flop World Record

Raleigh Beer Garden

With over 400 craft beers on tap – a Guinness Book of Records – this is the place to come if you are a beer lover. I love it as they have so many options for tasty ciders.

Most Raleigh breweries or bars in the city have horrid options like Angry Orchard – Miller’ Lite’s best friend.

Raleigh Beer Garden is a 8,500-square-foot venue spanning three levels, each dedicated to a different location brews, i.e. state vs international.

I also love their beer garden – it’s enormous and with their colorful umbrellas, combi van bar, and white pebbles you’ll think you have been whisked away to an oceanside tiki bar.

Other Raleigh breweries worthy of a pint

• Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewery
• Crank Arm
• Lynwood Brewing Concern
• Clouds Brewing
• Raleigh Brewing Company
• Big Boss
• State of Beer (bottle shop, gourmet sandwiches)

7. Explore historic neighborhoods in Raleigh

Raleigh has several historic neighborhoods in and around downtown, and we love to explore them on foot or drive through them slowly.

You will see charming and beautifully restored Southern homes, plus craftsman bungalows, Queen Anne/Colonial Revivals and Dutch Colonials sitting along oak tree lined streets.

Some of our favorite neighborhoods include:

• Historic Oakwood – dates all the way back to the 1800’s that rose after the Civil War.
• Boylan Heights -one of Raleigh’s first planned suburbs.
• Mordecai – Raleigh’s oldest neighborhood.
• Cameron Park – one of Raleigh’s most attractive family neighborhoods.
• Hayes Barton – built in the 1920’s in the post World War I era.

8. Take the kids to Pullen Park

If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Raleigh, one place we’ve been going to since we first moved here with kids in 2008 is Pullen Park.

Located next to NC State University on 66 acres of land, this is the first public park in North Carolina, and the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. and 16th oldest in the world. 

What our kids like to do here is rent a pedal boat, ride the carousel and miniature train, and run free on the playgrounds. We’ve also had many a picnic and grill out here on the open grass area or under the large picnic shelters.

9. Or take toddlers to the Marbles Kids Museum

When our kids were younger, they enjoyed going to Marbles Kids Museum in the Moore Square district of downtown. There’s two levels of kid-focused museum activities with dozens of hands-on exhibits and the state’s only 3D-capable IMAX theater. So if you have kids 10 year and under, I would suggest this as a great place to go on a rainy day.

10. Indulge at the Videri Chocolate Factory

If you love chocolate, then visit the Videri Chocolate factory. You can tour the fully-operational factory and retail space on a self-guided tour and witness all the chocolate-making from start to finish. Sample some chocolates, then take home your favorite bar! They also have soft serve ice cream, and the attached cafe has an outdoor patio and serves up great coffee by Black & White coffee roasters!

11. Explore the free museums in Raleigh

Raleigh has been referred to as the “Smithsonian of the South” because of the quality and the amount of free museums in Raleigh. Here are our favorites:

North Carolina Museum of Art

The NC Museum of Art is one of the most popular Raleigh attractions, and admission is free!

Th Raleigh art museum has more than a dozen gallery spaces showcasing art from around the world. You can self-explore, take an engaging tour, and see performing arts. Our favorite thing here is taking a stroll through the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, a 164-acre park and trail system through natural areas featuring commissioned works of art.

And if you time it right, see the amazing sunflower field! And the Art to Heart trail that takes you 6 miles along the greenways to Downtown Raleigh is worth doing!

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The Museum of Natural Sciences is North Carolina’s most visited museum and the Southeast’s largest natural history museum. It’s one of the most popular things to do in downtown Raleigh.

The museum has over 4 floors of exhibits featuring live animals, education and research centers, and so much more. If you love natural history and sciences. Read our review of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

North Carolina Museum of History (closed for renovations until 2028)

Located right next the natural sciences museum, the Museum of History was founded in 1902 and welcomes more than 400,000+ visitors a year, including 80,000+ school groups. On display is 14,000 years and 150,000 artifacts of North Carolina history, from a full-size replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer to the lunch counter from a 1960 sit-in in Salisbury, and much more.

12. Relax in JC Raulston Arboretum

One of the cool things about Raleigh is you’re never short of green spaces, parks, and forests to explore.

The JC Raulston Arboretum is a free botanical garden at NC State University and is one of the largest collections of adapted plants in the southeast United States.

The gardens feature exotic and international plants from around the globe, and is used to study how they adapt to the Piedmont climate in North Carolina – the evidence is then used to find superior plants to use in other southern landscapes. It’s free to visit and open every day of the year, though Spring and Fall are my too favorite seasons.

13. Stick your fork into Raleigh’s foodie scene

The food scene is just so good in Raleigh and continues to get better, and most people who visit Raleigh come for the culinary scene! It’s made our list of NC’s top food destinations.

Some of the best chefs in the country have moved here and restaurants such as Heirloom Brewshop and Benchwarmer Bagels who were recognized as one of the best new restaurants in America in 2019. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh:

Irregardless Cafe

This is ‘old school Raleigh.’ Irregardless Cafe has been a Raleigh staple since 1975 as the city’s first vegetarian restaurant. But it offers so much more, including meat and seafood dishes and a kid’s menu.

What we love about this restaurant is that’s there’s something to eat for everyone, and if you love a good brunch, it’s one of the most popular brunch spots in Raleigh and has a huge selection fo gluten free and vegetarian. Their gluten free chicken and waffles are delicious!

We love the strong sense of bringing the whole community to the table here vibes, the healthy and innovative meals (and good portions too), served up in a fun atmosphere with artsy and eclectic decor and live music in the background.

Morgan Street Food Hall

Morgan Street Food Hall is in the thriving Warehouse District and the first of its kind in Raleigh – 22,000 square feet of space inside a repurposed warehouse. 23 different food concepts showcasing local eateries housed in food stalls or free-standing kiosks. Lively atmosphere and a popular place for the community to hang out. There’s something for everyone!

Parkside Restaurant

Located on the edge of the Warehouse District across from historic Nash Square, Parkside is a retro-industrial restaurant serving traditional American comfort food and filling Southern dishes the locals love!

You get character and charm from the warm red brick and reclaimed barn wood clad bar, 25+ draft beers, and personable service. 

Consider their chicken and waffle sandwich, the prime rib, or their station burger is awesome too! Parkside is another popular brunch spot in Raleigh!

Other Raleigh restaurants we love include:

• The Fiction Kitchen (vegetarian/vegan)
• Big Ed’s City Market (Southern breakfast)
• Oakwood Pizza Box (best pizza in Raleigh)
• The Pit (BBQ)
• Lilly’s Pizza
• Hayes Barton Cafe (classic Raleigh staple – incredible cakes)
• MoJoe’s Burger Joint
• Boulted Bread (bakery)
• Whiskey Kitchen (Southern/American)
• Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern (fine dining)
• See the full list of best restaurants in Raleigh here.

14. Enjoy the nightlife in Raleigh

Back in 2004, pre-kids, you would find us bar hopping on Glenwood Ave every weekend. It is the place to go for nightlife, and back then, it was pretty much the ONLY place to go.

Raleigh has blossomed with options since then and you’ll find great bars all over the city and the smaller neighborhoods. We rarely go to Glenwood Ave anymore as it’s more for the younger crowd and we’re just not that way anymore!! However, here are some bars in Raleigh we love:

Watts & Ward

My personal trainer recommended Watts & Ward to take my girlfriend who was visiting from Australia.

We had walked past the dingy doorway entrance underground protected by bouncers on multiple occasions wondering what seediness was done there.

Kimmy and I walked down into the hallway expecting to see one room, and then it opened up to one classy room of leather seating, vintage artwork, rustic tables, dim lighting and bookshelves full of history, which lead to another, and then another, and then right down the end another secret room where Jazz music was playing. And there was a beer garden. It’s enormous and full of class and fantastic cocktails.

It’s a very cool place founded upon the underground spirit of 1920s America. Looking for things to do in downtown Raleigh at night, don’t miss this bar!

Whiskey Kitchen

Another bar we love that also does excellent and inventive Southern food in a great location on the edge of the Warehouse District.

Whiskey Kitchen is part whiskey bar, part Southern kitchen featuring a beautiful open space and hip venue with over 300 whiskies and craft cocktails.

We love the repurposed industrial feel and and atmosphere here. Inside are tables, couches and bar seats – and you can’t miss the impressive mural behind the bar. 

During the warmer month’s, there’s a garage door that opens to the outside patio which is great, and they have heated lamps for the chilly weather. 

Come try a whiskey flight, plus there’s great beer options, wine and cocktails – a fun place for couples or with a group of friends! Their NC pork chop meal is absolutely delicous.

The Raleigh Times

This is a timeless watering hole and was named after the former newspaper that occupied this 100 year old building with multiple levels and an open rooftop.

The Raleigh Times would be the most famous bar in the city – even Obama had a campaign beer here – and they serve a great selection of local craft beers and Belgian beers, plus quality American pub grub.

Come chat over a few pints whilst taking in the historic building vibes and memorabilia on display!

Greenlight Bar

Walk down from Watts and Wards on E. Hargett St and look for the green light above the doorway to the Architect Bar.

If it is on, you can make your way upstairs and try to find your way into this speakeasy located in a former architect’s office.

I don’t want to spoil the fun of finding the entrance for you, so I won’t tell you how to get in to the Greenlight Bar.

Once you figure it out, you’ll enter a room big enough for about 30 people —the bar is clad with reclaimed wood, vinyl records play in the corner, and elaborate craft cocktails like the Eastern Medicine and Smooth Mamba await. Thrillist named the Greenlight one of the “23 Best Secret Bars in the World.”

The Player’s Retreat

The Players Retreat (or PR as the locals call it) is one of the storied sports bars in Raleigh and a true landmark for NC State students and alumni.

Established in 1951, this is the oldest continuously operating tavern between Atlanta and Washington D.C.

Located near NC State University’s north campus off Hillsborough st, you’ll be drinking (and eating) with an eclectic mix of people.

This is the kind of local neighborhood bar I like to find when we travel – old school sports bar with booths, bar stools, tables on the sidewalk, pool tables, and lots of TV screens for sports. And the PR boasts the largest collection of single malts in North Carolina!

Other cool Raleigh bars we like:

• The Haymaker (killer cocktails)
• Dram & Draught (whiskey bar + beer, cocktails)
• Fox Liquor Bar (underground – inventive cocktails)
• C. Grace (cocktails & jazz)
• Carolina Ale House (sports bar)
• Vita Vite (wine bar)

15. Attend a sporting event

Sports is huge in Raleigh, and you will always find a sporting match on somewhere in the city. In Raleigh, the NC State teams are the Wolfpacks, and college football is probably the biggest sport here, as well as ice hockey.

You can cheer on the Wolfpacks at the Carter–Finley Stadium, a 56,000+ seater stadium where the college football team play, or the Lenovo Center, home to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team. Check the events calendar to see who’s playing when you visit:

• North Carolina State Wolfpack (football)
• North Carolina Tar Heels (basketball)
• NHL Carolina Hurricanes (NHL team)
• North Carolina FC (soccer)
• North Carolina Courage (women’s soccer)
• Carolina Mudcats (minor league baseball)

Some other places to catch a sporting event is:

Attend a Durham Bulls Game

We love to go out to Durham to watch the iconic Durham Bulls play to watch the minor league games each baseball season. The Bulls are a Triple-A minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League.

Durham Athletic Park was built in 1994 so it’s modern and fun-filled. All seats have pretty good views and you can walk around bar hopping or to watch the game from different angles.

As for kids, there is plenty of entertainment and a cool kid zone section set up for the kids to shoot basketballs, run through mazes and jump around.

The stadium even has it’s own craft brewery, Bull Durham Beer Company.  It’s the only brewery in the country based in a minor league baseball park.

It’s a cheap, fun family night out. Durham is only 30 minutes from Raleigh and a worthy destination.

See a Game at UNC – Chapel Hill

Any devout college basketball fan knows of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) – it’s where Michael Jordan went to college!

They probably also know about the legendary thing to do here – jump over the bonfires on Franklin St after a national championship win – checked that off our USA bucket list twice, ha ha. Go Tar Heels! Yep, we’re big fans. We love Chapel Hill, this college town.

Go see a live college basketball or football game. We also love to go and watch the women’s soccer. Be sure to eat and drink at the Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (TOPO). Especially on game day if you can get in. Enjoy an Old Well White craft beer wile overlooking Franklin Street.

The university is an exceptionally beautiful campus to wander through. Okay, our arch rival Duke University just 8-miles from Chapel Hill way in Durham also is worth walking through. Their Gothic style campus is probably more beautiful. And Duke Gardens is beautiful too!

If you wanted to stay in Chapel Hill, we can’t recommend the iconic Carolina Inn on UNC campus enough!

16. Take a day trip from Raleigh

Raleigh was built in the center of North Carolina on purpose – it was supposed to have a strategic location, allowing you to connect to other parts of NC easily and quickly.

It’s location is perfect for vacations. It puts you under 3 hours from the coast, 3.5 hours from the mountains, 1.5 hours from the border to Virginia and less than 2 hours from the border to South Carolina.

So if you have time on your hands, be sure to take a day trip. Here are some of our favorite nearish destinations where we’d take our family and friends.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a 2-hour drive from Raleigh and is known for its laid back, small town surfie vibe which is so like our home Australia.

It’s one of the best day trips from Raleigh but we recommend staying a few days and visit nearby Wilmington too which we love! We share more about it in these posts:

• Which is better: Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach
• 2 Day itinerary of things to do in Wrightsville Beach

Camping at Kerr Lake

Kerr Lake is Raleigh’s biggest hidden secret. It’s only an hour away and is full of natural beauty and scenery.

This is the largest lake in North Carolina and includes 3,376 acres of woodlands along its shores. We love to escape for a few days of camping, boating, swimming, tubing, and s’mores. It is never too busy as there are ample places to choose from. Read more about Kerr Lake here.

Looking for accommodation in Raleigh?

Looking for a place to stay for your visit to Raleigh? We’ve stayed in a few Raleigh hotels thanks to our local site, thisisraleigh.com. We have a few reviews and recommendations over there for you. Click the following links:

• For 5 star luxury (and I mean the the only hotel in North Carolina to have earned a Forbes five star rating, and one of the only hotels in the world to earn triple five star status) stay at the Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary. It’s possibly my favorite hotel of all time and I feel so blessed that it’s only a 10 minute drive from my house!
• The Casso Hotel is a fun boutique hotel in Downtown Raleigh representing Raleigh’s personality.
• The Residence Inn is perfect for those who want more spacious rooms, downtown Raleigh location, and a fantastic rooftop bar with sunset views. This is a great hotel in Raleigh for families!
• The Stateview Hotel is tucked away in a forest on hidden gem, Lake Raleigh. We love the serenity of this Raleigh hotel, while still only being a short drive from downtown.
• See vacation rentals in Raleigh here. We recommend you either stay in downtown or along Hillsborough St so you can be close to the action.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you plan your own trip to Raleigh and gave you a good idea of what to expect from our home. This is not a city where you’ll find endless attractions like you would in New York or Los Angeles. This is a place that is about community and experiencing a richness of culture through food, music, and live events in a setting that is picturesque.

It has a beautiful blend of urban and rural for me, although as it gains in popularity the urban side is quickly overtaking the rural.

I mean, if an Australian family who have and could chose almost anywhere in the world to live, chose here, it must be pretty good right? Well, we love it. You may or may not, but that’s okay. Just be sure you say hi to us when you visit and put this list on your itinerary! Once you get a taste of this thriving Southern city, you just might end up living here like us!

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