Things to do in North America (2024 Guide)
North America, the world’s 3rd largest continent, is a land of diversity that houses two of the largest countries in the world and 23 sovereign states.
With its pulsating cities, exceptional cultures, fascinating history, and spectacular scenery, North America is a popular tourists’ destination worldwide.
North America offers a kaleidoscope of landscapes, adventures, culture, cuisines, and entertainment to make a holiday here one of the best experiences of your life.
To list all of the impressive things in one article would be an impossible task. So, we’ve limited ourselves to the top 20 things to do in North America (not an easy task!).
1. Explore the Natural History Collections at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)
Located in the National Mall in Washington, DC, NMNH is the third most visited museum in the world. It houses over 140 million specimens of animals, plants, rocks, minerals, and cultural artefacts to promote the knowledge of the natural world.
Also, the museum contains almost 185 professional natural-history scientists. This place has an interesting variety of natural history displays to leave kids and adults wonderstruck.
2. Enjoy the Magical Dining Experience at The Bazaar by Jose Andres
The Bazaar South Beach, Miami branch of this world-famous restaurant by the award-winning chef Jose Andres offers a striking blend of sophisticated cuisine and alluring indoor-outdoor spaces.
The Bazaar menu combines Andres’ Spanish culture and tastes with influences from South Beach’s local Latin flavours.
Be it lip-smacking food, smoking cocktails, or heavenly desserts, The Bazaar puts a combination of national and international flavours on the dining tables.
3. Discover the Best Spa Experience in New Jersey
If you’re in need of relaxation, then consider pampering yourself at some of the top spas in New Jersey.
This region contains an extensive array of spa hotels and wellness resorts to offer high-end spa and relaxation services such as deep massage, therapeutic pools, body treatments, facials, fitness facilities, scrub sessions, etc.
With so many lavish relaxation services, these spas are sure to relax any exhausted traveler.
4. Meet Your Favorite Celebrities at Hollywood Wax Museum
A highly visited attraction of Los Angeles, Holloywood Wax Museum features the countless wax figures and replicas of the world’s most renowned performers, celebrities, and characters.
You can stand right next to the life-like sculptures wearing costumes and props to have the right look for your pictures with the famous stars.
If you have ever dreamed of meeting a celeb hero then add this iconic star-studded place to your trip to North America.
5. Meet the World’s Dangerous Predators at Shark Reef Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
One of North America’s largest aquariums, Shark Reef offers a fantastic underwater experience where the earth’s most impressive predators lurk.
Its main tank, called Shipwreck, houses the most deadly animals such as piranha, Komodo dragon, and green sea turtles. In the jungle section, you’ll find unusual golden crocodiles, Green Tree Monitors, and a Burmese Python.
It is a perfect place to get up close with sea creatures and watch them drift through the tank.
6. Chill Out with your Friends at The Gingerman Tavern in Chicago
While traveling in Chicago, you can stop off at the Gingerman Tavern bar to get served with top-quality drinks each and every time. It serves some of the best beers and cocktails in the whole town.
Moreover, you can also play pool and pinball here to increase the fun of your stay. With a pretty cool atmosphere and amazing jukebox, it is a perfect place to enjoy leisure hours with your friends.
7. Visit San Francisco’s Iconic Symbol, the Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco
One of the world’s largest suspension bridges, the Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and, is perhaps the most beautiful commute in the whole world.
It is widely regarded as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. People can stroll along the walking path, drive over it, or stop to photograph it from different angles.
So, if you are planning to visit North America, don’t forget to visit this most photographed place in the world.
8. Step into the Oldest Chinatown San Francisco
San Francisco’s Chinatown is a world full of vibrant colors and sights that can instantly move you around the earth. It is one of the largest Chinese communities found outside China.
The city has plenty of things like temples, museums, exotic shops, food stalls, and street murals to let people immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
Whether you want to taste the real Chinese cuisines or enjoy the Main Chinatown culture, don’t miss out the chance of visiting this place.
9. Admire the Beauty of Toronto from the CN Tower
The third tallest tower in the world, CN Tower is an iconic landmark offering the perfect views of the Toronto skyline.
Its observation levels include LookOut with floor-to-ceiling panoramic Window Walls, world-famous Glass Floor, and outdoor SkyTerrace as well as the SkyPod.
It offers the world’s highest ‘hands-free’ outside walk, EdgeWalk around its roof. At over 553 meters, guests can enjoy the award-winning Canadian cuisine and breathtaking revolving views at the 360° restaurant. This iconic building is the aptest place to visit for adventure lovers.
10. Celebrate the Caribbean Tradition at the Fire Festival Cuba
Every July, Santiago de Cuba erupts in an extensive celebration of Caribbean culture and history. This lively festival brings together artists, partiers, and hoofers from all over the globe.
The streets flood with partygoers, pop-up bars, and food stalls while the dance, theatre, and music performances, art exhibitions, and religious ceremonies take place at different locations across the city.
The festival features a Fire Parade that begins with a ritual salute to a religious entity and ends with the burning of an effigy of the Devil. This year, enjoy Cuba’s mysterious customs through the Fire Festival.
11. Explore the Beauty of Nassau Paradise Island Bahamas
Located offshore from the New Providence Island in the Bahamas, Paradise Island is a 685 acres land of tropical amusement in the Caribbean. It is fringed with marvellous beaches, resorts, restaurants, pubs, and casinos, making it almost impossible for anybody to get bored.
Its most famous landmark is the Atlantis Resort that features superb water-focused amenities, swimming pools, the world’s largest open-air aquarium, and a water park.
Whether you want to swim in the clear turquoise waters, shop at the finest markets, or eat the best foods, this place has everything to offer.
12. Play at the Splash Island Water Park, St. Lucia
Situated on the famous Reduit Beach, Splash Island is the first open-water park in the Eastern Caribbean. Made up of a set of walkways and rafts, bouncy obstacles and castles, swings, rope bridges, climbing walls, and trampolines, the attraction adds a touch of spirit and entertainment to a day at the seashore.
In the surrounding area, there is Rodney Bay Village that is full of shopping, dining, and nightlife options. So, if you are searching for things to do in North America with kids, then plan a full-day trip to splash around at this water park.
13: Stop off in Jamaica’s Stunning Overwater Bungalow
One of Jamaica’s best hotels is Sandals Resorts South Coast that features over-the-water bungalows to give visitors a floating villa experience.
With twelve overwater bungalows forming a shape of the heart, these striking amenities feature see-through glass floors, over-the-water hammock and tranquility tub for two, personal infinity pool to enjoy the water with complete privacy.
Also, Sandals Resorts offer Butler Elite and Water Taxi services. If you are looking for things to do in North America with your loved ones, then get yourself ready to explore this remarkable place.
14. Visit the World’s Best Little Zoo Belize
Belize Zoo is more like a haven for wild animals who can’t survive outside. It covers almost 29 acres of land and houses over 170 animals that are unlikely to be found elsewhere.
Most zoo residents are the rescued animals who have been attacked, injured, or donated from some other zoos.
The resident animals include scarlet macaws, pumas, tapirs, jaguars, margays, ocelots, raccoons, snakes, bush rabbits, and jungle birds of all kinds.
If you are looking for things to do in North America with family, then visiting this little zoo is a great option.
15: Discover the Caribbean Culture at the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival
From 31st October to 3rd November, some of the world’s exceptional jazz musicians will meet to perform on the stages of Caribbean’s longest-running jazz fiesta.
The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is a fun festival that features live performances at fantastic locations over the Constitution Day weekend.
To experience the Latin Jazz music at its best, make sure to attend this festival with your friends.
16. Enjoy Superlative Shopping at Galleria Dallas
Situated in the city centre, Galleria Dallas is a popular place for shopping, entertainment and dining.
It is the most happening mega-mall that has an international collection of shops by Louis Vuitton, Thomas Pink, Tiffany & Co., Sephora, etc. to set the standard for the best shopping in Dallas.
Besides high-end shopping outlets, it houses exclusive restaurants offering tasty fusion food. Whether you are looking for a scrummy burger or a Gucci perfume, this premium shopping destination has it all for you.
17. Get the Supreme Views of Chicago from the top of Willis Tower
Willis Tower, the 2nd tallest building in Western Hemisphere, is a 140 ft. modern building that offers remarkable and vertigo-worthy views of Chicago.
Visitors can take the elevators to the 103rd floor Skydeck to check out the viewing platform and the mini-museum.
The Skydeck has a ledge with glass floors to let the visitors look straight down. One more point to offer panoramic views of Chicago is the 360° Restaurant.
Take the time to walk on the glass floors and look down at the ground for the city’s exceptional sight.
18. Welcome the Spirits at Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City
Also called Dia de Los Muertos, this festival is celebrated from 31st October to 2nd November in Mexico to remember and honor the deceased people.
Mexicans visit the cemeteries, set up altars in their houses, and decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers, candles and their favorite foods.
It may sound like a gloomy event. Instead, it is celebrated joyfully throughout Mexico as they believe that spirits of their deceased loved ones descend from heaven to celebrate this event with them.
So, on your trip to Mexico, don’t forget to be a part of the true celebration of life.
19. Find Interesting Things in Randolph Street Market Chicago
Chicago’s Randolph Street Market is a European style, outdoor-indoor shopping destination having different themes each month.
Over 300 vendors sell their artwork, furniture, clothing, jewelry, bakery goods, spices, vintage & modern objects, and more! This fancy street market comes with something for everyone at the end of each month.
20: Spin like a Wheel at Virginia Beach Busch Gardens
With a bunch of breathtaking rides and attractions, Busch Gardens is a ticket to the world’s best adventure. One of the world’s most beautiful theme parks features roller coasters, water slides, lazy rivers, kids’ play areas, and a wave pool.
Besides fun activities, the Busch Garden offer world-class dining options and seasonal offerings for a fun-filled outing. Prepare yourself to experience one of the globe’s best theme parks.
Conclusion
Bordered by oceans on every side, North America is a true smorgasbord of enlightening experiences just waiting to get explored.
From verdant tropical rainforests to outstanding road trips and from excellent cuisines to thrilling festivals, this contemporary and exciting continent has everything to dazzle your imagination.
Hope this article helped you to plan your trip to explore North America.
