City Bucket List Archives » Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide https://localadventurer.com/tag/city-bucket-list/ Moving to a New City Every Year to Explore like a Local Mon, 12 May 2025 19:14:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 101 Things to Do in Vancouver BC Bucket List https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-vancouver-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-vancouver-bucket-list/#respond Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000 https://localadventurer.com/?p=60701 Looking for fun, new things to do in Vancouver BC? Here’s your ultimate Vancouver bucket list, so you can never stay bored. Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city, consistently ranking as one of the most livable cities in the world. The city has oceans and mountains and a perfect balance between urban life and outdoor […]

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Looking for fun, new things to do in Vancouver BC? Here’s your ultimate Vancouver bucket list, so you can never stay bored.

Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city, consistently ranking as one of the most livable cities in the world. The city has oceans and mountains and a perfect balance between urban life and outdoor adventures. What more could you ask for?

If you’re the type to follow your heart stomach, you can also find just about every type of cuisine in Vancouver. I won’t eat Chinese food anywhere else (not even China haha).

Your Ultimate Vancouver Bucket List

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: October 12, 2020

101 Things to Do in Vancouver BC Bucket List

We’ve visited a few times, but we had our local friend, Joyce, help us expertly put this list together so you can get more local insight.

Tourist Attractions

  1. Bloedel Conservatory

An indoor dome containing a tropical garden with exotic plants and birds.

  1. Vancouver Aquarium

Canada’s first public aquarium, now home to thousands of ocean species and aquatic life.

  1. Vancouver Lookout

Enjoy 360 degree views of Vancouver.

  1. Canada Place

Iconic landmark on Vancouver’s waterfront.

  1. Olympic Cauldron

This cauldron was first lit by Wayne Gretzky in 2010 to mark the beginning of the Winter Olympics.

  1. FlyOver Canada

Fly over Canada in this indoor ride with 360-degree video projections.

  1. Spinning Chandelier

Designed by acclaimed artist, Rodney Graham, this 26ft tall chandelier hangs under the Granville Bridge, spinning daily at 12pm, 4pm and 9pm.

  1. Gastown Steam Clock

One of 7 functioning steam clocks in the entire world.

  1. Christ Church Cathedral

Vancouver’s oldest surviving church, operating for over 125 years in downtown Vancouver.

  1. Dr Sun Yat Sen Garden

Serene cultural heritage site in the heart of Vancouver’s bustling Chinatown.

  1. Granville Island

Shop at the famous Public Market with over 50 independent food vendors.

  1. False Creek Aquabus

Take the Aquabus ferry from Granville Island or any of the other 7 dock locations at False Creek.

  1. Vancouver Public Library

The building is known for its resemblance to the Roman Colosseum. Enjoy the enormous collection of books and the garden rooftop patio.

  1. Robson Square

This square is a popular spot for locals to take their lunch break, with lots of food trucks and take-out spots nearby. In the winter, the ice rink opens for free skating.

  1. Mount Pleasant Murals

Take a walk through the vibrant neighborhood of Mount Pleasant, and you can find over 100 murals decorating the walls of buildings.

  1. Little Italy

Explore Little Italy, an eight block stretch on the lively Commercial Drive with over 60 years of Italian heritage.

  1. Chinatown

Discover Asian specialty stores and hip restaurants in North America’s third-largest Chinatown.

  1. Gastown

National historic neighborhood with old buildings, cobblestones and vintage lampposts, making it a popular spot for tourists and photographers. It’s now a trendy spot with great restaurants and cocktail bars.

  1. Yaletown

Take a walk through one of Vancouver’s trendiest neighborhoods, with chic restaurants and boutiques. Yaletown is a hot local spot for nights out and romantic dates.

  1. Olympic Village

Originally built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, this is now one of Vancouver’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Dine at one of the many restaurant patios or go for a walk along the False Creek seawall. Locals love walking their dogs here.

  1. Yaletown Roundhouse Centre

Train enthusiasts can visit the Engine 374 Pavilion and take a tour of the Canadian Pacific Rail’s Engine 374.

  1. Granville Strip

Not to be confused with the strip club with the same name, the Granville strip is the entertainment and nightlife district of downtown Vancouver.

  1. Horse-drawn carriage ride

See the sights of Stanley Park on an old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicle.

  1. Steveston Village

Buy some fresh seafood at Fisherman Wharf. You may recognize this historic fishing village as it was used as the filming location for hit show, Once Upon A Time.

  1. Boat Cruise

Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise while taking in the sights of the city from the water.

  1. Whale Watching

April to October is whale watching season, where you can see orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales.

  1. Seaplane Tour

Soar over Vancouver on a seaplane, with unbeatable views of the city and mountains.

  1. Richmond Country Farms

Shop for fresh produce at this family-owned farm, or enjoy a wine tasting at their winery. The farm grows sunflowers in the summer and transforms into a giant pumpkin patch in the fall.

  1. Lonsdale Quay Market

This waterfront public market features over 80 locally owned and operated businesses on the North Shore, including restaurants, a brewery and hotel.

  1. Maplewood Farm

Feed animals at this North Vancouver farm.

  1. North Vancouver Fun Alley

Take a photo at North Vancouver’s most colorful alley!

  1. The Shipyards

North Vancouver’s waterfront with restaurants, cafes, a boutique hotel, markets, and events year-round. It includes the region’s largest outdoor skating rink in the winter and a splash park in the summer.

  1. Sea to Sky Gondola

Take the Sea to Sky Gondola, a scenic 45 minute drive from downtown Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway. Enjoy the views during the 10 minute gondola ride taking you to the Summit Lodge, 885m above Howe Sound.

Granville Island BC

Outdoors & Urban Parks

  1. Stanley Park

Consistently named one of the best parks in North America. Run or bike 9km along the Stanley Park Sea Wall.

  1. Brockton Point

See the First Nations Totem Poles, Nine O’Clock Gun, and Brockton Point Lighthouse.

  1. Van Dusen Botanical Garden

Discover over 7500 plant species in this 55-acre botanical garden.

  1. Queen Elizabeth Park

This is a great picnic spot with beautiful foliage and views of the North Shore mountains.

  1. UBC Botanical Garden

Canada’s oldest botanical garden. Walk through suspended bridges and platforms in the Greenheart Treewalk.

  1. Grouse Mountain

Hike up the 2.9km Grouse Grind trail, otherwise known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”

Cross the Capilano River on the 460ft suspension bridge.

  1. Capilano Salmon Hatchery

See salmon and trout growing in the fish hatchery interpretive centre. Admission is free!

  1. Lynn Canyon Park

Hike one of the many trails or cross the 50 meter high suspension bridge.

  1. Larry Berg Flight Path Park

The perfect location for plane spotting! This park is right by the end of the Vancouver Airport’s South runway.

  1. UBC Rose Garden

Dozens of different types of roses are blooming here on the campus of the University of British Columbia.

  1. Pacific Spirit Regional Park

A 874 hectare park near the University of British Columbia with many hiking and walking trails. This park is a popular jogging spot for locals.

  1. Second Beach

Popular beach in Stanley Park with an oceanside, heated, outdoor pool.

  1. Third Beach

A long, sandy beach in Stanley Park with great views of English Bay.

  1. Kits Beach

One of Vancouver’s most popular and busiest beaches with volleyball courts and grassy areas.

  1. Jericho Beach

Beautiful sandy beach that makes a great spot for picnics. It also acts as the venue for Vancouver’s annual folk festival.

  1. Spanish Banks

This sandy beach is a popular spot for skim boarders!

  1. Wreck Beach

A secluded beach near UBC that also happens to be clothing-optional.

  1. George Wainborn Park

A secluded beach near UBC that also happens to be One of my favorite parks in the city by the waterfront, with expansive grassy areas and views of False Creek.-optional.

  1. David Lam Park

Located next to George Wainborn Park, thi

  1. English Bay Beach

One of the more popular beaches in West End area of downtown Vancouver, also the venue for the annual Celebration of Lights fireworks show.

  1. Sunset Beach

A quieter beach near the West End in downtown Vancouver with grassy areas and access to the sea wall.

  1. Morton Park

This West End park is well known for the “A-maze-ing Laughter” sculptures.

  1. Andy Livingstone Park

Urban park in Chinatown with large soccer fields.

  1. Crab Park

Hidden gem near Gastown and the Downtown East Side with views of the Port of Vancouver.

  1. Vanier Park

Located at the edge of English Bay with views of downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park. Vanier Park has ponds, open fields and a BMX bike park.

  1. Trout Lake Beach

Fresh water beach with swimming and barbecue areas.

  1. Nat Bailey Stadium

Batter up! The historic Nat Bailey Stadium is home to the Vancouver Canadians baseball team. On a regular day, you can take a stroll around the grassy areas or set up a picnic. You can even rent the ballpark for batting practice!

  1. Cypress Provincial Park

This provincial park has many hiking trails and campsites. In the winter, Cypress Mountain is popular for skiing and snowboarding.

  1. Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, with many hiking and mountain biking trails, and viewpoints overlooking Vancouver. The mountain opens for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

  1. North Shore Spirit Trail

Bike, rollerblade or jog along the continuous greenway that is the North Shore Spirit Trail, spanning across the North Shore.

  1. Deep Cove

Popular among locals for kayaking and paddle boarding.

  1. Ambleside Park

Located in West Vancouver, this park has sandy beaches, grassy areas and a seawall.

  1. Whytecliff Park

Beautiful, rocky park in West Vancouver with spots for scuba diving and swimming.

  1. Lighthouse Park

Well-known national historic site with walking trails and a viewpoint from the lighthouse.

  1. Arbutus Greenway

Jog or bike down the Arbutus Greenway, a 9km path transformed from an old railway corridor. The trail leads from False Creek to the Fraser River.

Whytecliff Park Vancouver To Do List

Museums / Memorials / Monuments

  1. Vancouver Art Gallery

The city’s most well-known art gallery with over 11,000 works of art representing.

  1. Science World

Ask anyone who grew up in Vancouver and they’ll have fond memories of playing at Science World as a kid. There are many interactive exhibits for adults as well, including an OMNIMAX Theatre.

  1. Museum of Vancouver

The largest civic museum in Canada and the oldest museum in Vancouver! My favorite exhibit is Neon Lights, featuring neon signs from Vancouver from the 1950s to the 1970s.

  1. Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia features world arts and cultures, in particular works by First Nation bands of the Pacific Northwest.

  1. Vancouver Maritime Museum

Ahoy matey! Nautical enthuasiasts will enjoy the exhibits dedicated maritime history.

  1. H.R. Macmillan Space Centre

Learn about the universe and space exploration! I have fond memories of staring at planets and galaxies in the Planetarium Star Theatre.

  1. Contemporary Art Gallery

An independent, non-profit public art gallery for contemporary art located in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

  1. Libby Leshgold Gallery at Emily Carr University

A public art gallery dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art, located within Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

  1. Polygon Gallery

A public art gallery in North Van with a focus on photography and media based art.

  1. BC Place

Check out the BC Sports Hall of Fame with interactive displays and an Olympic podium.

  1. Rogers Arena

Tour the home of the Vancouver Canucks!

  1. Roedde House Museum

Visit the city’s only heritage house museum, where you can learn about the life of an immigrant family in Vancouver at the turn of the twentieth century.

  1. Beaty Biodiversity Museum

There’s a giant blue whale skeleton in the atrium!

  1. Vancouver Police Museum

Learn about the history of policing in Vancouver, including true crime. My favorite room is the fake exhibit!

  1. Rennie Museum

A hidden gem in Chinatown showing private displays of art belonging to local real estate developer, Bob Rennie. Viewings are by appointment only.

  1. Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Canada’s only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast.

  1. Richmond Olympic Experience

Race down an Olympic track on a bobsleigh or ski jump like a pro on one of the state-of-the-art sport simulators at the ROX.

  1. Britannia Mine Museum

(Squamish) Tour this National Historic site and go for a ride on the underground mine train.

  1. International Buddhist Temple

(Richmond) North America’s largest Buddhist temple resembling Beijing’s Forbidden Temple. Entry is free but donations are encouraged.

Vag Vancouver Tourist Attractions

Spectate: Shows & Events

  1. Hastings Racecourse

Bet on a horse race at Vancouver’s premier thoroughbred horse racing track. In the summer they have special events, including Corgi Races, Wiener Dog Races and the Deighton Cup.

  1. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

The Juno and Grammy-award winning Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at the Orpheum Theatre.

  1. Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Watch the opera or ballet at this 2765-seat theatre.

  1. Vancouver Playhouse

Catch a live show at this civic theatre, the city’s prime venue for dance, chamber music and film events.

  1. Stand-up Comedy

Vancouver is home to many comedy clubs, including Yuk Yuk’s, the Comedy Mix and TheatreSports League on Granville Island.

Hastings Corgi Race + 101 Things to Do in Vancouver Bucket List

Shopping & Food Experiences

  1. Robson Street

One of the most popular spots in downtown Vancouver for shopping, with lots of international brands.

  1. Sushi

You can’t leave Vancouver without experiencing the fresh seafood and authentic Japanese cuisine.

  1. Eat the Dumpling Trail

(Richmond) Vancouver and Richmond are home to some of the most delicious and authentic Asian restaurants in North America. Eat your way along the self-guided Dumpling Trail, with 12 different kinds of dumplings and over 20 participating restaurants.

  1. McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver

(Richmond) This outlet mall features big-name brands like Jimmy Choo, Stuart Weitzman, Armani, Coach, Ted Baker and more.

  1. Aberdeen Centre

(Richmond) Explore one of North America’s largest Asian malls, with an 800-seat food court and Japanese dollar store Daiso.

  1. Brewery Tours

Discover the many craft breweries in Vancouver! Take a tour with a local company or embark on a self-guided tour by following BC’s Ale Trail.

  1. Vancouver Flea Market

Open all year round, this is the largest covered market in the lower mainland. The market has 40,000 sq ft with up to 360 vendors under one roof. Admission is $1.50.

  1. CF Pacific Centre

Shop at the largest mall in downtown Vancouver, with big fashion retailers like Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, H&M and more.

Seasonal Things to Do in Vancouver

Experience unique street food and vendors at North America’s largest night market. The Richmond Night Market typically runs annually from May to October.

  • Vancouver Christmas Market

Annual outdoor holiday marketplace modeled after traditional German Christmas markets with 80+ vendors.

Map to Help You Get Around

Essential Tips for Visiting Vancouver

  • When to Visit: Summers in Vancouver are beautiful and generally the most popular time to visit. Vancouver is known for being very rainy and grey, so many people visit when it’s the driest, typically between June to September. Because this is the most popular time, it is also when hotel bookings tend to be the most expensive. Spring in Vancouver is also stunning (but rainy), with cherry trees blossoming in March and April. Winters are wet and cloudy, but in comparison to other Canadian cities the temperature is mild. Just remember to pack waterproof shoes and a rain jacket!
  • Landing at Vancouver International Airport (YVR): The fastest and cheapest way to get from YVR Airport to downtown Vancouver is taking the Canada Line Skytrain. It’s just a 20 minute skytrain ride. Taxis leaving from the airport have fixed prices that vary depending on your destination. Typically it’s around $35 CAD to get downtown, excluding gratuities.
  • Getting Around: For visitors who are staying in downtown Vancouver, renting a car is not necessary and parking can be expensive. Most attractions are within walking distance or a short bike ride. Mobi Bikes is a bike share service with many rental stations around the city. Buses serve most parts of the city. Another way to get around is with Uber and Lyft, recently introduced to the city.
  • Downtown East Side: If you’re not from Vancouver, you may find parts of the Downtown East Side alarming. Near Gastown and Chinatown, there is a concentration of drug addicts and/or homeless people. You may notice people doing drugs at all times of the day or see needles on the ground if you walk through this area. However, Vancouver is very safe and there is always a police presence in the DTES.
  • Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre: During your visit, if you find yourself at the waterfront and aren’t sure what to do that day, stop by Tourism Vancouver’s Visitor Centre at 200 Burrard Street. The volunteers there are very helpful and knowledgeable, plus they often have discounted rates for attractions.

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101 Things to Do in Vancouver BC Bucket List

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101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA – The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-atlanta-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-atlanta-bucket-list/#comments Thu, 09 May 2019 12:00:00 +0000 http://localadventurer.com/?p=21642 Visiting Atlanta? Here it the ultimate bucket list to help you plan your trip. The vision for Local Adventurer first came when we moved away from Atlanta in 2013. Jacob was born and raised in ATL, and I had lived here since high school. It’s a place we both call home, but we realized while […]

The post 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA – The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

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Visiting Atlanta? Here it the ultimate bucket list to help you plan your trip.

The vision for Local Adventurer first came when we moved away from Atlanta in 2013. Jacob was born and raised in ATL, and I had lived here since high school. It’s a place we both call home, but we realized while living there we had both gotten so comfortable that we had only explored a small fraction of what the city had to offer. 

The month before we left, we decided to play tourist in our own hometown and see as many of the spots we had taken for granted.

101 Things to Do in Atlanta Bucket List

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: September 9, 2024

The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (101 Things to Do in Atlanta)

We created the ultimate bucket list for LAVegasSan DiegoPortland, and NYC, but we’re finally getting our act together to write one out for Atlanta. I have a running list in my head, but it’s always nice to get it down on paper (or in this case on the interwebs :P). Plus, if you’re headed to Atlanta, I hope you find this helpful during your trip! You can click on the links to find full posts.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.
    Atlanta Beltline

22 miles of unused railroad tracks turned bike trails and walkways that circle the core of the city’s in-town neighborhoods.

  1. 2.

Amazing flora and permanent Chihuly collection on display.

  1. 3.
    Callaway Gardens

Don’t miss the Butterfly Center!

  1. 4.
    Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the Olympic Games as part of the 1996 Summer Olympics.

  1. 5.

Ride the longest freestanding escalator in the world to the entrance of the studio.

  1. 7.
    Georgian Terrace Hotel

Grab a drink or stay the night.

  1. 8.
    Korg Street Tunnel

Known for its street art that is constantly changing. The tunnel links the Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, and Inman Park neighborhoods.

  1. 9.

Learn to make a puppet here!

  1. 10.

Adults must be accompanied by a child, with the exception of Adult Night events.

  1. 11.
    peachtree Dekalb Airport

Great for kids to play and watch airplanes.

  1. 12.
    Porsche Experience Center

Drive a Porsche on a world renown race track and also see the space that serves as the Avengers HQ in Marvel films.

  1. 13.
    Skyview Atlanta

20-story Ferris wheel w/ scenic views of downtown Atlanta.

  1. 14.
    iFly Atlanta

Indoor skydiving inside a 175 mph vertical wind tunnel.

  1. 15.
    Jackson Street Bridge

You’ll recognize this view as the opening scene in The Walking Dead.

  1. 16.

We just call it the Coke museum, and every time we go, we overdo it and feel sick from trying every Coke-brand soft drink around the world. Get tickets here.

  1. 17.

One of the only zoos in the United States that hosts giant pandas from China. Get tickets here.

  1. 18.
    Six Flags over Georgia

Our favorite rollercoaster is Batman: The Ride.

  1. 19.
    Be an Extra

Tons of movies are being shot in Atlanta now. Or just tour filming locations.

See More: 25 Best Instagram Spots in Atlanta

Museums + Memorials + Monuments

  1. 20.
    At&t Telephone Museum

(Midtown) Reservations only. Be sure to call ahead to schedule a tour.

  1. 21.
    Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple

Traditional Hindu temple that will transport you to India.

  1. 22.
    Scad Fash Museum of Fashion & Film

Various exhibits of Hollywood gowns and other designer garments made for the cinema.

  1. 23.
    National Center for Civil and Human RIghts

Dedicated to the achievements of both the civil rights movement in the US and the broader worldwide human rights movement.

  1. 24.

Senior, students, and military tickets are only available at the box office.

  1. 25.
    Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Exhibits designed for and geared toward children under the age of nine.

  1. 26.
    Delta Flight Museum

All visitors ages 18+ need to present photo identification at the Security gate to check in.

  1. 27.
    Ebenezer Baptist Church

(National Park Unit) MLK’s church.

  1. 28.

Martinis & IMAX or salsa / swing nights.

  1. 29.

Free admission every second Sunday of the month.

  1. 30.
    Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, Library, and Museum

(National Park Unit) Learn about the 39th president of the United States. Free admission for kids under 16.

  1. 31.
    The King Center

(National Park Unit) MLK related photos & artifacts, plus rooms on Gandhi & Rosa Parks.

  1. 32.
    Apex Museum

Museum of history presented from the black perspective.

  1. 33.
    Margaret Mitchell House

(National Park Unit) The structure was home to Gone With The Wind author.

  1. 34.
    MLK’s Home

Visit early in the day on weekdays. Long waits on the weekend.

  1. 35.
    Museum of Design Atlanta

(Buckhead) Only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to all things design.

  1. 36.
    Michael C. Carlos Museum

Check out the Mummy Exhibit.

  1. 37.
    Historic Oakland Cemetery

Final resting place for Bobby Jones and other famous Atlanta residents.

  1. 38.
    Swan House + Atlanta History Center

You might recognize this from the movie, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

  1. 39.
    Trap House Museum and Escape Room

Hybrid art gallery and exhibits that celebrate trap museum, which originated from Atlanta.

  1. 40.
    CDC Museum

Admission and parking are free.

  1. 41.
    Georgia State Capitol

A National Historic Landmark, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  1. 42.
    The Wren’s Nest

Storytelling every Saturday 1pm.

See More: Top Free Things to Do in Atlanta

Outdoors + Urban Parks

  1. 43.

It’s considered one of the best climbing gyms in the US by Climbing Magazine, and their newest bouldering location just opened up in Midtown Nov 2017!

  1. 44.
    Arabia Mountain Hike

Don’t forget to look from all the vantage points along the way, great views of the area.

  1. 45.
    Bicycle Tours of Atlanta

Prices include bicycle, helmet, bottled water, and snacks.

  1. 46.
    Chattahoochee Nature Center

Check out their butterfly garden.

  1. 47.
    Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park

First public skate park in Atlanta.

  1. 48.

Be sure to check out the Japanese maple garden, especially in the autumn season.

  1. 49.
    Cascade Springs Nature Preserve

Tons of shady trails, waterfalls, and streams, perfect for picnics.

  1. 50.
    Lake Lanier

For all the water sports.

  1. 51.
    Lullwater Park

Explore ruins of a 1920’s powerhouse/ water mill.

  1. 52.
    Piedmont Park

Tons of outdoor activities and festivals throughout the year. Conveniently attached to the Beltline.

  1. 53.

(National Park Unit) Learn cultural history of Civil War where over 67,000 soldiers died in Atlanta.

  1. 54.
    Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
  1. 55.
    Stone Mountain

Hike to the top or take the skyride.

  1. 57.
    Westside REservoir Park / Quarry

Opening late summer 2021 – Massive green space and quarry made famous in movies and shows such as The Hunger GamesThe Walking Dead, and Stranger Things.

See More: How to Shoot the Hooch

Spectate: Shows + Events

  1. 58.
    Alliance THeatre or True Colors Theatre

See a show before it goes to Broadway.

  1. 59.

Threee venues that feature musical acts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances.

  1. 60.

Go see an Atlanta Braves games.

  1. 62.

For an Atlanta Falcons Game or Atlanta United Game.

  1. 63.

Atlanta’s oldest outdoor music venue.

  1. 64.

Catch original plays and improv shows.

  1. 65.

Watch a show. We saw wicked here for the first time.

  1. 66.

For select performances, student tickets are available for $10, plus a $2 box office fee, by showing your student ID.

  1. 67.
    Inman Park Festival

Parade, live music, and tour some of the old Victorian homes in the neighborhood.

  1. 68.
    Starlight Six Drive-In Theater

BYO food and a cool flea market on the weekends.

  1. 69.

To see up and coming music talent. We saw Muse here before they got huge.

  1. 70.

Watch up-and-coming talent (John Mayer was discovered here).

  1. 71.
    Northside Tavern

Great spot for blues.

Shopping or Food Experiences

  1. 72.
    Dekalb Farmer’s Market

Spacious grocery store, cheap, organic produce and specialty foods from around the world.

  1. 73.
    Krog Street Market

Free parking at Lake Avenue & Krog Street and on the corner of Irwin Street and Krog Street.

  1. 74.

Built in the old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, which dates back to 1926. You can do a food tour here.

  1. 75.
    The SHops Buckhead Atlanta

World-renowned luxury brands along with today’s contemporary designer labels.

  1. 76.
    Atlantic Station

Open air mall with several dining options and seasonal festivals.

  1. 77.

The quintessential special occasion dinner spot.

  1. 78.

(Decatur Square) Great beer selection and pub food.

  1. 79.

The original location.

  1. 80.

Authentic German cuisine prepared in true German tradition and over a dozen draft beers.

  1. 81.

Very popular southern BBQ with Asian flare. Standing room only.

  1. 82.

The best burgers in Atlanta.

  1. 83.

Multiple locations, handmade popsicles. Inman Park walk up window serves doggy ice cream.

  1. 84.

Chic spot serving single-origin coffee drinks, craft beer & wine.

  1. 85.

Southern fried enthusiasts in Atlanta voted their fried chicken as the best in the city.

  1. 86.

Won the James Beard award for Best Chef SE 2017.

  1. 87.

Classic brewery that’s a local fave.

  1. 88.

Craft beers, pub fare, bocce, shuffleboard, darts, and pool tables.

  1. 89.

Drinks, lawn games, views of the Atlanta skyline.

  1. 91.

Super touristy, but the views are nice. You can skip dinner and opt for drinks.

  1. 92.
    Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Historic artisinal market circa 1918.

  1. 93.
    Brewery Tour
  1. 94.

Cider made in-house for an orchard to glass experience.

  1. 95.

Not the best fast food but very iconic.

  1. 96.

Opened 24/7/365. We recommend All Star Special.

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Atlanta GA

Day Trips

  1. 97.
    Dahlonega

(65 mi / 1 hr 30 min away) Famous for the discovery of gold in 1828.

  1. 98.
    Amicalola Falls State Park

(71 mi / 1 hr 30 min away) 729-foot waterfall that is the highest in Georgia.

  1. 99.
    Callaway Gardens

(80 mi / 1 hr 20 min away) Be sure to check out their butterfly garden.

  1. 100.
    Toccoa Falls

(93 mi / 1 hr 40 min away) Easy hike, magnificent waterfall.

  1. 101.
    Tallulah Falls Hike

(96 mi away) Pets are not allowed on the gorge floor, sliding rock trail, and Hurricane Falls staircase to the suspension bridge. Leashed pets are welcome on rim trails.

See More: 15 Best Day Trips from Atlanta

amicalola falls hike

Seasonal or Special Events

  1. Atlanta Film Festival

(late April/ early May) USA Today’s top ten film festivals 2020.

  1. Atlanta Dogwood Festival

(mid April) Fine Artist Market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography in Piedmont Park.

  1. Sweetwater 420 Fest

(late April) Live performances, local brews, all in Centennial Olympic Park.

  1. Inman Park Festival

(late April) Arts & crafts, street market, and more.

  1. Decatur Arts Festival

(late May) Kids activities, artist market, live music.

  1. Atlanta Jazz Festival

(late May) Weekend of jazz culture and performances in Piedmont Park.

  1. Atlanta Food & Wine

(mid Fall) Celebrate food & beverage traditions of the South and other regions.

(early June) Artisan craft market, local foods, and more.

  1. Atlanta Summer Beef Fest

(mid June) 200+ beers, live music in Historic 4th Ward Park

  1. Peachtree Road Race

(July 4th) The largest 10k in the world.

(late July) Beat the heat with dozens of ice cream vendors and fun activities.

  1. Dragon Con

(late Aug – early Sep) Largest multi-genre and pop culture convention in the South.

  1. Music Midtown

(mid Sep) Weekend of great music and well known headliners in Piedmont Park.

  1. One Musicfest

(early Sep) Southeast’s largest 2-day, urban progressive music festival.

  1. Taste of Atlanta

(Oct) 3-day food festival with local cuisine and drinks.

101 Things to Do in Atlanta City Map

Essential Tips for First Time Visitors to Atlanta

  • How to Save on Atlanta Attractions – If you’re planning on going to a few of Atlanta’s popular attractions, don’t forget to pick up a CityPASS. We did it before we moved and saved a lot of money.
  • Best Way to Get Around -Atlanta is a sprawling city, and public transportation is not convenient, so a car is a must. If you’re looking for a Rental Car, check here.

Best Places to Stay in Atlanta

See More: 15 Best Places to Stay in Atlanta

Planning Checklist

Anything else I’m missing? Have you been to Atlanta? How many of these have you been to? What’s next on your list?

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Esther and Jacob

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA – The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

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Ultimate San Diego Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Diego CA https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-san-diego-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-san-diego-bucket-list/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0000 http://localadventurer.com/?p=17128 Visiting San Diego? Don’t miss these spots! Can’t believe it’s already been 2 weeks since we moved to San Diego. It’s probably our favorite city in California with San Francisco at a close second. We made a decent dent on our city bucket list for Las Vegas during our 15 month stay, but getting through our San […]

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Visiting San Diego? Don’t miss these spots!

Can’t believe it’s already been 2 weeks since we moved to San Diego. It’s probably our favorite city in California with San Francisco at a close second.

We made a decent dent on our city bucket list for Las Vegas during our 15 month stay, but getting through our San Diego list will take a lot more strategic planning. Food is always high priority on our list, but we know not everyone travels for food, so all the food and breweries are listed towards the bottom.

101 Things to Do in San Diego - San Diego What to Do // Local Adventurer #sandiego #california

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025

TLDR

📍 Location – San Diego is a coastal city in Southern California, near the border of Mexico, known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back vibe. Visit its world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo, vibrant neighborhoods like Gaslamp Quarter, and stunning coastal spots like La Jolla and Coronado.

🏛 Our Fave AttractionsCarlsbad Flower Fields, San Diego Zoo, Cabrillo National Monument, Torrey Pines State Beach

📸 Photography Spot – Scripps Pier, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Ho Chi Minh Trail (Saigon Trail)

🍽 Where to EatCarnitas Snack Shack, Shawarma Guys, Tacos El Gordo

🛏 Where to StaySan Diego Hotel Deals

The Ultimate San Diego Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Diego

This list will continue to change and evolve as we discover new and better things to eat, see, and do in San Diego.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.
    Balboa Park (Botanical Building)

Balboa Park has a ton of attractions. Be sure to see the lily pond and a botanical building built for the 1915-1916 Exposition. You can take a Segway Tour too.

  1. 2.
    Gondola Ride at Loew’s (Coronado)

Go on a 50 minute long Italy-inspired ride through the Coronado Cays. It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego for couples. Reservations required.

  1. 3.

These beautiful flower fields are open once a year in spring from March 1 through May 10. Stop by for great photo ops.

  1. 4.

Largest comic convention in the world. Even if you don’t go, you can walk the downtown San Diego streets and see all the cosplay.

  1. 5.

This cool sea cave has about 150 steps to the bottom. Do you see anything in the shape of it?

See More: 11+ Beautiful California Flower Fields You Must Visit

  1. 6.
    Belmont Park

This historic amusement park is located on Ocean Front at Surfrider Square.

  1. 7.
    The Gaslamp Quarter

Lively downtown neighborhood with nighlife, theaters, restaurants, and more. Horton Plaza Park is a great spot to hang out.

  1. 8.

If you’re looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, check out the first Legoland outside of Europe!

  1. 9.

If you’re looking  unique things to do San Diego offers ice skating by the sea. If the conditions are right, you can even find the Sunken Ship nearby.

  1. 10.
    Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Open to the public as a museum. The entire area is a beautiful place to spend the day.

  1. 11.
    Old TOwn San Diego State Historic Park

Many historic buildings from the period 1820 to 1870. Be sure to check out the Whaley House Museum.

  1. 12.

This is probably the most famous tourist attraction here and rated one of the best zoos in the United States.

  1. 13.

Called the Wild Animal Park by locals and definitely should make your San Diego fun things to do list. We fed giraffes and rhinos while we were there.

See More: San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park – What You Need to Know

  1. 14.
    Birch Aquarium

The interactive tide pools and exhibitions are great for kids.

  1. 15.

The best time is mid-December through April to see migrating gray whales.

  1. 16.
    Heritage County Park

See some of San Diego’s old original houses from the late 1800’s. One house is open to the public, as well as a gift shop and tea rooms.

  1. 17.
    Keys Creek Lavender Farm

You can go glamping by the lavendar fields and wake up to the scents of lavendar all around you.

  1. 18.
    Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

It’s a short walk across the bridge, but be careful because it’s does sway quite a bit.

  1. 19.
    Coronado Ferry

Try a cocktail cruise at sunset. It’s great for a romantic evening out.

  1. 20.
    Del Mar Fair Grounds

The fair usually runs at the beginning of June through early July. This is always fun for the whole family.

See More: 15 Best Places to Whale Watch in the US and When to Go

Outdoors and Urban Parks

  1. 21.

This is the highest peak in San Diego and gives you great panoramic views.

  1. 22.
    Pacific Crest Trail Hike at Cleveland National Forest

Ever since reading Wild, I’ve been thinking if she can do it, maybe I can too! I’d love to check out portions of the hike this before attempting the full thing.

  1. 23.

This is one of our favorite activities and we always see families here. Also explore the secret sea cave.

  1. 24.

Jet Ski from Shelter Island to Coronado Bridge. It’s a great way to see the city from the water.

  1. 25.

Get quality private lessons that are great for beginners. It really helped us learn how to stand up on the board.

  1. 26.

We’ve visited a lot of bouldering gyms, but we love the folks that run this gym, and they have a lot of creative routes too.

See More: Best Beginner Spots for Rock Climbing in San Diego

  1. 27.

Our favorite beach hike has to make our San Diego best things to do list.

  1. 28.
    Imperial Beach Pier

Great view of the sunset and a cool spot to watch surfers.

  1. 29.
    Mission Bay Beach

You can wake board and parasail here.

  1. 30.
    Grunion Run at Pacific Beach or at Mission Beach

Watch grunions spawn on the beach in the middle of the night. It’s definitely one of the unique and cool things to do in San Diego.

  1. 31.
    Kayaking Through La Jolla Caves

You’ll be able to see harbor seals, sea lions, birds, and even whale spouts in La Jolla cove. If being on the water doesn’t sound appealing, it’s still worth exploring the La Jolla shores.

  1. 32.
    Stonewall Peak Hike

This is an easy, shady trail.It does get windy at the top, so wear layers!

  1. 33.
    Camp / Hike Mount Laguna

They have a clean campsite, great for RVs, too. Be cautious of wildlife, such as snakes.

  1. 34.
    Hike the Santa Margarita Trail

You can also go horseback riding on this trail.

  1. 35.
    Palomar Observatory Hike

Short 2.2 miles hike with views of the Upper French Valley and Mendenhall Valley.

  1. 36.
    Los Penasquitos Canyon Hike

11.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail that features a waterfall. It’s accessible year-round.

  1. 37.

Our favorite short hike and something we always recommend when people ask about what to do in San Diego.

  1. 38.
    Cedar Creek Falls

Be careful! The rocks are slippery around the waterfall.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in San Diego

  1. 39.
    Scripp’s Pier

Stop by for that perfect shot of the pier at sunset. Tons of engagement, wedding, family photographers shoot out here so don’t expect to have it to yourself.

  1. 40.
    Pacific Beach

Trendy hotels, bars and cafes line the boardwalk, popular amongst younger crowds.

  1. 41.
    Solana Beach

Several art galleries and boutiques, surfing outfitters, and other unique shops.

  1. 42.
    Windansea Beach

Known as an expert surfing spot. Due to rocks and strong currents, it’s not a great beach for swimming.

See More: Complete List of San Diego Beaches

Scripps Pier + 101 Things to Do in San Diego Bucket List // Local Adventurer

  1. 43.
    Silver Strand Beach

You can try land sailing here.

  1. 44.
    Oceanside Beach & Pier

Nice fishing pier and good for casual walks.

  1. 45.
    Moonlight Beach

Beach volleyball and bonfires are popular here.

  1. 46.
    Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

You can jump off the arch at your own risk. Otherwise, it’s our favorite spot to watch sunset.

  1. 47.
    Carlsbad Beaches

Try skin diving and go camping by the beach.

  1. 48.
    Jump into the Devil’s Punchbowl

Do this at your own risk. Otherwise, it’s still worth checking out and watching other people jump in.

  1. 49.
    Hang GLide at TOrrey Pines Gliderport

Try a 20-25 minute flight with a certified pilots. We enjoy watching everyone float through the air.

  1. 50.
    tubing at La Jolla Indian Reservation

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, head up here. Tube rentals are just $10 for an entire day.

  1. 51.
    Split Mountain Hike

This is a tougher hike and only recommended for very experienced hikers.

  1. 52.
    Hike Mission Trails

Mission Trails Regional Park has 38 moderate trails right outside of San Diego so there is plenty to choose from.

  1. 53.
    Hike CUyamaca Peak

A great hike if you love views. You can even spot Mexico from this peak!

  1. 54.

One of the most popular hikes in San Diego County for the ‘gram. Expect crowds and lines waiting for their chance to take a photo.

See More: What You Need to Know about Potato Chip Rock Hike

Museums

  1. 55.

A great museum for anyone who loves all things flying. Check out their Max Flight Simulator.

  1. 56.
    SD Museum of Art

Hundreds of Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings, and more.

  1. 57.
    San Diego Museum of Man

Learn about California native peoples, Egyptian, Mayan, man’s relationship with animals, etc.

  1. 58.
    USS Midway Museum

Check out America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century.

  1. 59.

We loved seeing the old submarines and war ship at this museum. They do some fun demonstrations too.

  1. 60.
    Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala

Dates back to 1769 and heavily restored mission.

  1. 61.
    Reuben H Fleet Science Center

Free admission on the first Tuesdays of each month.

See More: Most Popular Instagram Spots in San Diego

Shows and Events

  1. 62.

One of the most popular things to do in Downtown San Diego. The stadium itself is pretty cool. It’s made of Indian sandstone and stucco. See our tips here.

  1. 63.

A copy of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. See upcoming events here.

  1. 64.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Diego, go watch some bad-ass roller derby.

Food and Drink

  1. 65.

Grab a drink, play with cats. Maybe even adopt one and bring them home.

  1. 66.

Their ceviche is a must-try.

  1. 67.
    Mutual Friend Ice Cream

(South Park) We used to go to Hammond’s for their 32 Flavor Ice Cream Flight but they’ve closed. Mutual Friend is owned by the same folks as Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, another local favorite.

  1. 68.
    San Diego Harbor & Hops on the Harbor Dinner Cruises

Beers from local breweries and various food selections on a fun cruise ride.

  1. 69.
    Little Italy Farmer’s Market

More than 200 vendors supplying fresh produce, artisan breads, and more.

  1. 70.

Even if you’re not looking to buy any product, stop by to try the fresh uni! 

  1. 71.
    La Jolla Open Air Farmer’s Market

Live music, food trucks, shopping, and more.

  1. 72.

Dine at a restaurant San Diego bay view or peruse the shops.

  1. 73.
    Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Afternoon tea service is available Friday-Sunday from 2-4pm.

  1. 74.

Pair it with the jalapeno muffin and you’ll thank us later.

  1. 75.

Get a big ol’ rack of ribs!

  1. 76.

On the 38 Essential San Diego Restaurants Winter 2020.

  1. 77.

Go early. They’re always busy.

  1. 78.

Speakeasy type bar. Reservations required.

  1. 79.

The lobster taco is our go-to.

  1. 80.

Innovative new American dishes.

  1. 81.

Beautiful desserts and coffee.

  1. 82.

Super popular food truck!

Carnitas Snack Shack North Park (Best Eats in San Diego). 

  1. 83.

(La Jolla) We loved their brunch servings and their laid back vibes.

  1. 84.

Flavorful Mexican food and fun decor in their dining room.

  1. 85.

Oven fired pizzas, red pepper hummus, and a only a short walk from Balboa Park.

  1. 86.

Try the carne asada fries.

  1. 87.

They have super cute buns called Kawaii Buns.

  1. 88.

Try their super popular Maple Donut and Fried Chicken.

  1. 89.

Great views!

  1. 90.

(La Jolla and Seaport Village) Artisanal tacos and bowls.

  1. 91.

(Chula Vista) San Diego tacos with a cult following.

  1. 92.

Try their Unicorn Donut.

  1. 93.

(University Heights) Patio games, cocktails, and snacks.

  1. 94.

Breweries are one of the big San Diego attractions. Stone Brewing has 32 specialty craft beers on tap, plus 100+ bottle selections.

  1. 95.

Dog friendly tasting room. Their beers are categorized into four subcultures – Old World, Out West, Stygian, and Feral.

  1. 96.

We liked their barrel aged brews.

  1. 97.

Cool tasting room and outdoor patio, great IPAs.

green flash brewery tour. green flash brewing company san diego. green flash brewing co san diego ca. san diego breweries. san diego brewery. breweries in san diego. san diego beer. san diego craft beer. microbreweries in san diego.

  1. 98.

Great for large groups and dark beer and stout lovers.

  1. 99.

Gluten free beer that actually tastes good!

  1. 100.

Try the Peanut Butter Stout.

  1. 101.

Try a flight with the same beer but different yeast strains. It’s crazy how just changing the yeast strain makes the beer taste totally different.

101 Things to Do in San Diego Map

Taken Off the List + Honorable Mentions

  • Alforon (Mediterranean / Lebanese food in Rolando) – this was on yelp’s 2014 top 100 places to eat in the US. Maybe we overhyped it, but we were underwhelmed.
  • Nomad Donuts – great if you like cake donuts in general but not so much if you like yeast ones. I have, however, tried some cake donuts that have been that so good it could change your mid. These didn’t.

Reader’s Favorites

Best Places to Stay

Planning Checklist

Anything I’m missing that you feel belongs here? What would be at the top of your Ultimate San Diego Bucket List?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

Esther and Jacob

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post Ultimate San Diego Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Diego CA appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

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Ultimate Asheville Bucket List (101 Things to Do in Asheville NC) https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-asheville-nc-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-asheville-nc-bucket-list/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0000 http://localadventurer.com/?p=28281 Visiting Asheville, NC? Here is your ultimate bucket list. Caroline’s been living in Asheville since 2001 and Erin has been visiting since 2006, so we have a sizable list of things we’ve done on our bucket list. Like Esther and Jacob, trying new restaurants is one of our favorite things to do but we know […]

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Visiting Asheville, NC? Here is your ultimate bucket list.

Caroline’s been living in Asheville since 2001 and Erin has been visiting since 2006, so we have a sizable list of things we’ve done on our bucket list. Like Esther and Jacob, trying new restaurants is one of our favorite things to do but we know not everyone feels that way, so we’ve grouped similar activities together at the top and listed food at the bottom.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: February 17, 2025

TLDR

📍 Location – Asheville, North Carolina, is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and historic architecture, including the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the U.S. Outdoor enthusiasts love its scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway views.

🏛 Attractions – Blueridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate, Hikes, Smoky Mountain National Park

101 Things to Do in Asheville NC – THe Ultimate Asheville Bucket List

This is an evolving list that will continue to change as we find new things to see, do and eat in Asheville so keep checking back.

Tourist Attractions + Local Attractions

  1. 2.
    Asheville Urban Trail

Take a walking tour and learn about Asheville’s history.

  1. 3.
    Pritchard Park

Drum circles on Friday nights.

  1. 4.
    French Broad River

Tube float (zen tubing).

  1. 5.

Amazing showcase of Appalachian folk art, from metalwork to textiles. See live craft demonstrations.

  1. 6.
    River Arts District

Shop or browse art.

  1. 7.
    Grayline Trolley Tours of Asheville

Fully narrated tours. See historic homes, hot-spots, and points of interest.

  1. 8.
    Chicken Alley

Popular photography spot, cool street art and murals. It’s also the most haunted street in the city.

  1. 9.
    Foundation Walls

Unique graffiti walls, popular Instagram spot!

  1. 10.
    Asheville Yoga Center

Lots of events and workshops.

  1. 11.

Bring your own bike!

  1. 12.
    Rent Bikes at Liberty Bicycles

Gravel bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, and more.

  1. 13.

One of the best spas in the country, with various contrast pools, scent-infused steam rooms, and fireside lounges.

  1. 14.

(UNCA) Free admission, donations are welcome.

  1. 15.

Very pretty cultivated gardens. Come around Christmas to see the arboretum covered in lights. Check out the bonsai exhibit too.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in Asheville NC

  1. 16.

One of the top 10 tattoo shops in America according to USA Today.

  1. 17.

Take their free tour.

  1. 18.
    Forage for Fungi

Take a foraging walk.

  1. 19.

All-you-can-play arcade and pinball machines for purchase.

  1. 20.

Beginner skateboarders are welcomed.

  1. 21.

Family owned metal recycling facility that has been serving the Asheville area for over 70 years.

  1. 22.

Ever wanted to try glass blowing? Take a class here.

  1. 23.

Use military-issue night vision equipment to explore in the dark.

  1. 24.

Contra dances, English country dances, and more.

  1. 25.

Japanese inspired spa, massages, outdoor soak tubs.

  1. 26.

Friday night barn dance during the summer.

  1. 27.

Designed by Rafael Gustavino when he came to Asheville to work on the Biltmore Estate.

  1. 28.

The City Comedy Tour was our favorite.

  1. 29.

All tours are BYOB beer and wine. No liquor is allowed on the bike.

  1. 30.

Stay in a Vintage Trailer.

Stay in a vintage trailer at Asheville Glamping (101 Things to Do in Asheville NC) // localadventurer.com

National Park Units

  1. 31.
    Blue Ridge Parkway

Just minutes from downtown Asheville. Our favorite view is from Black Balsam Knob.

  1. 32.
    Great Smoky Mountain National Park

July is the busiest time of the year. We love visiting and seeing fall foliage, but expect crowds. Check out the synchronous fireflies (late May, early June).

Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville NC + 15 Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta GA

Outdoors + Hiking in Asheville

  1. 33.

Long-distance trail for hiking and backpacking, starts in Great Smoky Mountains and end in Outer Banks.

  1. 34.

(12 miles / 21 mins away) Great spot for swimming and camping, especially during the summer.

  1. 35.

(18 miles / 25 mins away) Scenic hike, lots of easy to moderate trails.

  1. 36.

(19 miles / 40 mins away) Tons of picnic tables, beautiful hike across the bald.

  1. 37.
    Fly Fish the Ivy River

(19 miles/ 22 mins away) Try using barbless hooks. If you use a net, use one made of rubber.

  1. 38.
    Mountain Bike in Brevard

(34 miles / 44 mins away) We recommend this for more intermediate bikers.

  1. 39.

(35 miles / 59 mins away) You can slide all the way down the waterfall into the plunge pool below.

  1. 40.

(37 miles / 1hr 9 mins away) Perfect spot to catch the sunset.

  1. 41.

(37 miles / 1 hr away) Easy 2.2-mile roundtrip trail. Great colors in the fall.

  1. 42.
    Looking Glass Hike

(38 miles / 53 mins away) Bring snacks and plenty of water. Enjoy a picnic with an amazing view at the top!

  1. 43.

(39 miles / 1 hr 7 mins) Multi-use trails. You can go horseback riding here.

See More: 15 Best Hikes Near Asheville

Looking Glass Hike (Asheville Bucket List - 101 Things to Do in Asheville NC) // localadventurer.com

  1. 44.

(52 miles / 1 hr 16 mins) Hikers like to play frisbee and kite flying here.

  1. 45.

(60 miles / 1 hr 26 mins) Third largest wilderness area in North Carolina.

  1. 46.
    Bridge at Grandfather Mountain

(70 miles / 1 hr 24 mins) America’s highest suspension footbridge, breathtaking views from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak.

  1. 47.
    Camp at Mount Pisgah

(35 miles / 53 mins) Peaceful and quiet campsite, RV friendly.

  1. 48.
    Sup on the French Broad River

(Asheville Outdoor Center) All SUPers must be at least 13 years old.

  1. 49.
    The Smoky Mountain Adventure Center

Great indoor climbing with tons of space to grab a beer and hang out.

  1. 50.
    Wedge Run

(Thursday nights) Flat and fast 10k, kid-friendly.

  1. 51.
    Zip-Line with Navitat Canopy Adventures

(21 miles / 28 mins) Zipline through the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  1. 52.
    Bent Creek

(10 miles / 16 mins away) Great spot for trail running.

  1. 53.
    Run the Shut in Trail

(10 miles / 17 mins away) Originally built by George W. Vanderbilt to connect the Biltmore House to his hunting lodge.

  1. 54.
    Wolf Ridge Ski Reosrt

Ski or snowboard in the winter.

Race your bike at the Carrier Park Velodrome (Asheville Bucket List - 101 Things to Do in Asheville NC) // localadventurer.com

Memorials + Museums

  1. 55.

No attached parking facility. There are several parking decks nearby, as well as metered and free street parking.

  1. 56.

Check out how this college played a big part in progressive, responsible activism in the mid 20th century.

Black Mountain College Museum & Art Center (101 Things to Do in Asheville NC) // localadventurer.com

Shows + Venues

  1. 57.

Great spot for live music.

  1. 58.
    UNCA Basketball Game

Catch the Bulldogs in the Big South Conference game.

  1. 59.

Usually held in May. Tons of live music, arts, and cultural community.

  1. 60.

Quirky venue with a unique bar. Be sure to check out the curiosities, taxidermy, and other memorbilia.

  1. 61.

Women’s flat track roller derby league.

  1. 62.

Great independent films shown in an art deco theatre.

  1. 63.
    Isis Music Hall

Stop by for bluegrass night. (Temporarily Closed)

  1. 64.

One of the longest standing venues.

  1. 65.

The oldest venue in Asheville, formerly known as the Civic Center.

  1. 66.

One of the most beautiful venues in Asheville.

Shopping

  1. 67.

For shopping and dining.

  1. 68.

They even have binoculars and telescopes. Rent one for your hike.

  1. 69.

Books about North Carolina, American History, the Civil War, the American South, etc.

  1. 70.

Outdoor apparel, gear, food, and more. We love their old school candy barrels.

  1. 71.

Also known as the Pisgah Market. Check out their craft workshops.

  1. 72.

Independent bookstore with a cozy cafe.

  1. 73.
    Buy an Eno Hammock

It’s locally made!

  1. 74.

Buy or sell used gear.

  1. 75.

Unique vintage items, consignment, and more.

Flea for Y'all Outdoor Antiques (101 Things to Do in Asheville North Carolina) // localadventurer.com

Food + Drink

  1. 76.

Grab a drink and stay for the awesome city and mountain views.

  1. 77.

You’ve got to try their walnut and apple strudel!

  1. 78.
    Do a Brewery Tour

New Belgium, Highland, Catawba, Hi-Wire, Green Man, etc. We’re known as Beer City with 30 breweries to date. You could make this the focus of your whole trip if you wanted to. There are brew tours, brew buses, etc.

  1. 79.

Bohemian style tearoom with teas from all over the world.

  1. 80.

Great for beer outdoors.

  1. 81.

Monday nights are Burger nights.

  1. 82.

Innovative, global eats. Menu changes daily.

  1. 83.

Unusual, but delicious tacos. Try their breakfast tacos.

  1. 84.

The restaurant space is a former 1927 bus depot.

  1. 85.

Their menu changes based on Italian regions.

  1. 86.

We absolutely love the Basil eggplant.

  1. 87.

If you love BBQ and sandwiches, you should check out this spot.

  1. 88.

This cute shop is great for plant lovers. They serve organic coffees and teas, and fresh baked goods.

  1. 89.

We love the dancing shrimp roll and the Asheville roll.

  1. 90.

When you’re looking for tasty chicken tenders, they serve the best in town.

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Asheville

Burger night at The Bull & Beggar (101 Things to Do in Asheville NC) // localadventurer.com

  1. 91.

Multi-level bar, craft cocktails.

  1. 92.

It gets busy here, but their ribs are worth the wait.

  1. 93.

Get the Huevos Rancheros.

  1. 94.

Huge portions of authentic Vietnamese food. Try the Chicken pho.

  1. 95.


Eclectic brews, fresh oysters. What’s not to love?

  1. 96.

Popular dive bar in a charming old building.

  1. 97.

Best Dessert in the country (Bon Appétit, 2016).

  1. 98.

Loved their Drops of Juniper Latte.

  1. 99.

A Chocoholic’s dream! Tons of hand-crafted artisan chocolates and pastries.

  1. 100.

Sounds crazy, but try the smoked shrimp pizza with fermented chiles.

  1. 101.

Their ice cream is full of flavor and not overly sweet. Strawberry and coffee ice creamare our favorites.

Eat Bon Appetit's Best Dessert in the Country (101 Things to Do in Asheville North Carolina) // localadventurer.com

101 Things to Do in Asheville Map

Essential Tips for Visiting Asheville

  • Shoulder season is March to May / September to November and is the best time to visit because there’s less traffic and the temperatures are ideal.
  • Bring layers! In the summer, the days are often hot, but when the sun goes down most people are reaching for another light layer.
  • Best way to get around is by getting a rental car (Book a RENTAL CAR here). You can also Uber or Lyft, but it starts getting pricey.
  • Street parking is pretty congested year-round. If you’re lucky enough to find a spot you can save a little time by downloading the PassportParking app before you arrive or carry some quarters for the meters (there are more than 700 on-street meters downtown.)
  • Metered parking is really only for short-term use (2 hours or less) and costs $1.25 an hour. They’re enforced from 8 am to 6 pm every day except Sundays and a few city holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving and 3 days at Christmas.
  • Other parking options include three garages downtown: Civic Center, Wall Street, and Rankin. The Civic Center Garage is free for the first hour and then $1.00 per hour for each hour or fraction thereof. The daily maximum is $10.

Best Places to Stay in Asheville

See More: 15 Best Places to Stay in Asheville

Planning Checklist

What are your goals in 2024? Do you have any goals we can work on together?

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Caroline + Erin

They are entrepreneurs and creatives who are good at finding adventure, both big and small, everywhere they go. The two have made a daily practice of sharing vulnerabilities, truth telling, and side splitting laughter. Both value being able to spend time getting to know a place but understand that life doesn’t always allow one to really settle into a place. So, they’ve honed the art of traveling fast and seeing and doing all of the things that an adventurer can do in a day or two. The couple lives in Asheville, North Carolina and spend as much time as possible in the mountains.

Follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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The Ultimate NYC Bucket List (101 Things to Do in NYC) https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-nyc-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-nyc-bucket-list/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0000 http://localadventurer.com/?p=28285 Whether you live here or you’re visiting for the 10th time, here is the ultimate list of 101 things to do in NYC. While we had a love-hate relationship when visiting NYC, we absolutely loved the city when living here. We spent most of our visits eating our way through the city, and later realized […]

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Whether you live here or you’re visiting for the 10th time, here is the ultimate list of 101 things to do in NYC.

While we had a love-hate relationship when visiting NYC, we absolutely loved the city when living here. We spent most of our visits eating our way through the city, and later realized that we hadn’t seen much of the city other than the insides of restaurants.

I’ve always had an extensive list of things we wanted to do, but with the help of our friends who’ve been living here for over a decade Charlene, Ted, Caty, and Debbie who was born and raised, we were able to narrow down the options and put together the ultimate NYC bucket list for you.

The Ultimate NYC Bucket List - 101 Things to Do in New York City

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: April 22, 2025

TLDR

📍 Location – New York City is located in the southeastern corner of New York State, at the mouth of the Hudson River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s worth visiting for its iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, plus its vibrant arts, culture, food, and endless energy that truly make it the city that never sleeps.

🏛 Our Fave AttractionsGrand Central, Rockefeller Center, The Met, Broadway Shows

📸 Photography SpotTop of the Rock, Central Park, 27+ Most Instagrammable Places in NYC

🍽 Where to EatLucali, Alimama, Somtum Der, The Ultimate NYC Food Bucket List

The Ultimate NYC Bucket List (101 Unique Things to Do in New York City)

It’s easy to make an entire 101 list for each borough, but we’ll start with the city as a whole.

This list will continue to change and evolve as we find new things to see, do or eat in NYC so keep checking back. We focused more on experiences than food in this post, but we know how important food can be too, so you can check out our full food bucket list.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.
    Bronx Zoo

The largest metropolitan zoo in the US.

  1. 2.
    Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across or bike across or take in the views of one of NYC’s iconic symbols from Brooklyn Bridge Park.

  1. 3.
    Chinatown

Pick up some Eggloo waffle ice creams and eat the chicken over rice at Taiwan Pork Chop House.

  1. 4.
    Chrysler Building

(Midtown) Art Deco skyscraper that’s an iconic part of the skyline.

  1. 5.
    Classic Harbor Line

(Chelsea) Take the sunset cruise to see the Statue of Liberty and views of the NY Skyline from the water.

  1. 6.
    Columbia University

(Morningside Heights) Alexander Hamilton, Barack Obama, and many other notable alumni.

  1. 7.

(Hudson Yards) Great views of the city from the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere. See your ticket options here.

  1. 8.

(Midtown) The most photographed building in the world and the tallest of its time until 1970.

  1. 9.
    Flatiron Building

(Flatiron District) another iconic and historic landmark

See More: 25 Best Things to Do Indoors in NYC

  1. 10.
    Gospel Church

(Harlem) or Gospel Brunch

  1. 11.

(Midtown) Go upstairs and set up a long exposure shot.

  1. 12.
    Mahayana Buddhist Temple

(Chinatown) This temple houses the tallest Buddha in NYC.

  1. 13.
    New York Public Library

(Midtown) No photos are allowed in the main reading room.

  1. 14.
    The Oculus

(Financial District) The World Trade Center Transportation Hub and popular photography spot.

  1. 15.

(Financial District) Not our favorite view but they still have nice views of the city. Also, the reveal is epic.

  1. 17.
    St. Patrick’s CATHEDRAL

(Midtown) popular for its Neo-Gothic style architecture

  1. 18.
    Staten Island Ferry

Have you tried a Staten Island? 🥂 The ferry is free.

  1. 19.
    Summit One

(Midtown) The 360 views of the city. You can see ESB, Central Park, Chrysler, and more. They also have these instagrammy exhibits, art from Kusama, and a bar.

  1. 20.

(Midtown) The crowds are part of the experience and it’s worth witnessing once, but for locals this is their least favorite place to be. If you want to take photos without crowds, your best bet is around 3 am or during a snowstorm.

  1. 21.

(Midtown) They have one of the best views of the city. Check out our guide here and get tickets here.

  1. 22.

(Hudson Yards) New NYC landmark made of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs.

See More: 9 Amazing Things to Do in Rockefeller Center NYC

Spectate: Shows + Events

  1. 23.

(Harlem) Jacob is actually in an episode he gets boo’d off stage!

  1. 24.

Watch the Brooklyn Nets.

  1. 26.

(Williamsburg, BK) High-tech lanes, live music, and good food.

  1. 27.

(Midtown) Home to some of the most legendary performers – NY Philharmonic, NBC Symphony Orchestra, The Beatles, Billie Holiday, Simon & Garfunkel – just to name a few.

  1. 28.
    Comedy Cellar

(Greenwich Village) One of our favorite comedy clubs in the US.

  1. 29.
    Cellar Dog

Previously known as Fat Cat Jazz Club. Diverse venue, open late, offers live music, pool, Ping-Pong, board games, art exhibits, and more.

  1. 30.
    Film Forum

(South Village) An absolute treasure for indie films and other rare, classic movies.

  1. 32.
    Las Chicas Locas

Salsa Dancing, great music, newcomers and beginners friendly.

  1. 33.
    Late Night Show Taping
  1. 34.

(UWS) Includes New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera.

  1. 35.

(Midtown West) We did the All Access Tour, but you can also go see the Knicks.

  1. 36.

(NJ) Watch a New York Giants game.

  1. 37.

(Flushing, QNS) For the US Open. They also hold big pickleball events here.

  1. 38.

(UWS) Amazing environment, concerts with rich histories.

  1. 39.
    Nitehawk Cinema

(Williamsburg, BK) dine-in independent movie theater – perfect for date night.

  1. 40.

(NoHo) An iconic theater and is famous for their logo design. We went and saw the play, Office Hour, which our friends were in.

  1. 42.

(Bronx) Be sure to check out the famous “ball wall” and the museum located inside the stadium. Get tickets here.

Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular ( Rockettes NYC )+ What to do in NYC at Christmas / Christmas Time in New York | LocalAdventurer.com

Museums + Memorials + Monuments

  1. 43.

(Financial District) National Park Unit – The largest colonial-era cemetery for people of African descent.

  1. 44.

(UWS) One of the largest natural history museums in the world. We loved the planetarium.

  1. 45.
    Brooklyn Museum

(Prospect Heights, Brooklyn) Over 1.5 million works of art to peruse.

  1. 46.

(Battery Park) National Park Unit – Free Admission. They’re open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

  1. 47.
    The Cloisters

(The Heights) Part of the Met. Large collection of medieval artworks shown in the architectural settings of French monasteries and abbeys.

  1. 48.
    Chelsea Galleries

David Zwirner Gallery to see Yayoi Kusama’s exhibit.

  1. 49.
    Ellis Island

The United States’ busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 to 1954.

  1. 50.

(Financial District) National Park Unit – A statue of George Washington marks the approximate site where he was inaugurated as President.

  1. 51.
    Frick Collection

(UES) Children under 10 are not admitted.

  1. 52.

(Morningside Heights) National Park Unit – Final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant.

  1. 53.

(Governors Island) National Park Unit – Free guided tours, first-come, first served.

  1. 54.

(UES) Landmark work of 20th-century architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

  1. 55.

(Harlem) National Park Unit –  Home of a founding father, Alexander Hamilton.

  1. 56.

Great museum to see jets, planes, and an aircraft carrier.

  1. 57.

(LES) National Park Unit – An estimated 15,000 people, from over 20 nations, lived here between 1863 and 2011.

  1. 58.

(Central Park / UES) Fourth most visited art museum in the world.

  1. 59.

(Free Fri 4-8PM) We recognized so many more pieces of art here than at the Met.

  1. 60.
    MOMA PS1

(LIC, QNS) One of the largest art institutions in the United States dedicated solely to contemporary art.

  1. 61.
    Morgan Library and Museum

(Murray Hill) Short walk from Grand Central and Penn Station.

  1. 62.
    Museum of Moving Image

(Astoria, QNS) We loved how interactive it was. You can learn how to make a. puppet and puppeteer, do a voice over, etc. Kids will love playing the video games.

  1. 63.

(Financial District) All tours are intended for adult and teenage visitors. It’s really well done but very heavy to see everything.

  1. 64.
    New York Transit Museum

(BK) We loved the vintage trains and buses on display.

  1. 65.
    The Noguchi Museum

Salsa Dancing, great music, newcomers and beginners friendly.

  1. 66.

(Liberty Island) National Park Unit – Tickets can be purchased at Castle Clinton or at the Communipaw Terminal.

  1. 67.

(West Village) National Park Unit – The site of the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969 start of modern LGBT rights movement in the US.

  1. 68.

(Flatiron) National Park Unit – Reconstructed home of the 26th President of the United States.

  1. 69.

(Meatpacking District) A fun museum great for the whole family. Lots of mind-bending and interactive exhibits plus fun photo ops. Use code ADVENTURER15 for 15% off your tickets.

  1. 70.

(Meatpacking District) Every Friday evening from 7pm until 9:30pm, admission is pay-what-you-wish.

Outdoors + Urban Parks

  1. 71.
    The Battery Conservancy

(Financial District) Great views of the harbor, skyline, and Statue of Liberty.

  1. 72.
    Brooklyn Botanic Garden

(BK) 52-acre garden holds over 14,000 taxa of plants.

  1. 73.

One of the best bouldering gyms in the US imo. These are the best climbing gyms in NYC.

  1. 74.
    Brooklyn Bridge Park

Waterfront park with tons of rolling hills, great city views.

  1. 75.
    Coney Island Boardwalk + Brighton Beach

(BK) Be sure to grab a Nathan’s Famous hotdog.

  1. 76.
    Bryant Park

(Midtown) Thousands of free activities throughout the year.

  1. 77.

See the Bethesda Fountain, made even more famous by the show, Friends.

  1. 78.
    Conservatory Garden

(East Harlem) The only formal garden in Central Park.

  1. 79.
    Dumbo View of Manhattan Bridge

Best time to go is early morning before the crowds.

  1. 80.
    Gantry Park

(LIC, QNS) Our favorite park with great views and it has more locals than tourists.

  1. 81.
    The High Line

(Chelsea) Iconic path that was built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets.

  1. 82.
    Little Island

(Chelsea) Artificial island park on the Hudson River and is free to visit.

  1. 83.
    New York Botanical Garden

(Bronx Park) The historic stone mill is one of our favorite structures in the garden.

  1. 84.
    The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

(Staten Island) Especially beautiful and worth seeing in the Spring.

  1. 85.
    Prospect Park

(BK) Degsinated a New York City scenic landmark in 1975, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  1. 86.
    Rockaway Beach

(QNS) Easily accessible by the A train or NYC ferry at Pier 11 Wall Street.

  1. 87.
    Socrates Sculpture Park

(LIC, QNS) Really cool art exhibits, sculptures, and multi-media installations on display

  1. 88.
    Washington Square Park

(Greenwich Village) One of NYC’s most iconic public parks. Watch out for hoards of pigeons.

Shopping + Food Experiences

  1. 89.
    Afternoon Tea at the Plaza

(Midtown West) Plus, here are some other great spots.

  1. 90.
    Arthur Ave

(Bronx) Apparently the real Little Italy if you want real Italian.

  1. 91.

This is a photographer’s heaven and was high priority on my very first NYC trip. Before you go make sure it isn’t a Jewish holiday. There are so many! P.S. You can pick up your free gift using this voucher or online code: LOCALADVEN

  1. 92.
    Brooklyn Flea Market

(DUMBO) Antiques, repurposed furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, local crafts, and more.

  1. 93.
    Chelsea Market

Housed in the former warehouse of food manufacturer, Nabisco.

  1. 94.
    Coffee

Try Birch Coffee, A Little Taste, or Piccolo Cafe.

  1. 95.
    Eataly Market

(Flatiron) Famed Italian market, offering counters, restaurants, and cooking demos.

  1. 96.
    Fifth Avenue

One of the most expensive shopping streets in the world.

  1. 97.
    New York Bagel
  1. 98.
    New York-Style Pizza

At any of these iconic spots.

  1. 99.
    Smorgasburg at East River State Park

(Williamsburg, BK) The largest open-air food market in the US.

  1. 100.
    Strand Bookstore

(Union Square) Iconic bookstore with tons of rare books and gifts.

  1. 101.
    Union Square Farmer’s Market

The market runs every Saturday, from May 18 – November 23, 9am-1pm.

Seasonal

(May + July) The sunset perfectly lines up with the east-west streets in Manhattan.

  1. Victorian Gardens Amusement Park

(Central Park) Open May to Sept. Great for families and kids.

(April) One of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms.

(June) New York City’s official celebration of the past, present, and future of its music scene.

  1. Shakespeare in the Park

101 Things to Do in NYC City Map

illustrated map of nyc

Essential Tips for First Time Visitors to NYC

  • When to Visit: Fall and Spring are the prettiest times to visit for fall foliage and cherry blossoms. December until New Years is crowded but has all the Christmas decor. January and February are the least crowded seasons but frigid cold. Summer is crowded and hot and humid.
  • When you’re planning your trip, book a rental car at JFK or LGA.
  • Best Airports: LGA is the easier airport to get in and out of. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many direct flights, but we always try to fly here if it’s available and the prices are comparable.
  • Best Way to Get Around? Take the train. NYC hands down has the best public transportation we’ve seen in the US. If you’re planning on taking more than 12 rides then get the unlimited 7-day pass. You can uber, but traffic sucks.
  • Always pack flip flops and high boots for rainy days. When it’s really pouring, the rain has gotten into my waterproof shoes.
  • If you’re planning on visiting a lot of attractions during your visit, pick up a New York Pass. There are multiple-day options and it gives you access to a ton of spots. We did a 2-day pass and visited over 11 spots saving us a lot of money.
  • If you’re a first time visitor, don’t forget to read 21 Things You Should Know Before Visiting NYC, and if you’re about to move here, check out our Local Tips for Moving to NYC.
  • If you’re visiting in the winter, check out our NYC winter packing and survival guide.
  • Want to take a day trip from NYC? Here’s 21 Best Things to Do in Upstate NY and 15 Incredible Weekend Trips from NYC.

Best Places to Stay in NYC

Planning Checklist

Have you set foot in all five boroughs? Anything on this list you weren’t impressed with? Anything you think we missed?

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Esther and Jacob

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

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Ultimate Austin Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in Austin TX https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-austin-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-austin-bucket-list/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0000 http://localadventurer.com/?p=33415 Visiting Austin? Here is a bucket list to help you plan your trip. I floated on my surfboard under the beating sun as Joel, my instructor, told me a few adjustments to make on the next wave. I glanced over at Jacob on the shore, as he waved and shot a few more photos. As […]

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Visiting Austin? Here is a bucket list to help you plan your trip.

I floated on my surfboard under the beating sun as Joel, my instructor, told me a few adjustments to make on the next wave. I glanced over at Jacob on the shore, as he waved and shot a few more photos. As I readied my board, I looked back to watch the coming wave, and for a moment I thought to myself “I never thought I’d be surfing in Austin!”

After living in Portland for a year, we were excited to spend a few days exploring Austin. The two cities are often compared and like to compete on which city is weirder. We found ourselves cliff jumping at a swimming hole, eating BBQ, watching hundreds of thousands of bats flying around, and even taking a surf lesson.

Your Ultimate Austin Bucket List + Click through to see 101 Things to Do in Austin Texas // Local Adventurer #atx #austin #texas

Thank you Visit Austin for hosting our trip and sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: September 21, 2024

101 Things to Do in Austin TX – Your Ultimate Austin Bucket List

We’ve organized our bucket list by categories. Use the the menu above to skip to each section.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.
    Austin Helicopter Tour

Spectacular aerial views of the city and two-way communication with your pilot so you can learn more about Austin from the skies.

  1. 2.
    ATX Sculpture at Whole Foods

Take a selfie with the beloved sign at Fifth Street and North Lamar Boulevard.

  1. 3.
    Austin Aquarium

See thousands of marine animals, reptiles, and exotic birds.

  1. 4.
    Austin Brewery Tour

All-inclusive tours including a tour guide, tastings at each stop, and one behind the scenes facility tour.

  1. 5.
    Austin Zoo

Bring a reusable water bottle, especially for hot, summer days, and cash for snacks.

  1. 6.
    Cathedral of Junk

Unique and eclectic art structure.

  1. 7.
    Circuit of the Americas

Auto Race Track.

  1. 8.
    Driveway Austin Motorsports

Drive experience.

  1. 9.
    Hope Outdoor Gallery

The grounds are open to the general public but you need a permit to paint.

  1. 10.
    Horseback Riding

Lots of local ranches and riding trails that are perfect for all ages.

  1. 11.
    Lake Travis Zip-Lining

Longest zip-lines in Texas.

  1. 12.
    Lone Star Riverboat Cruises

Take a sunset tour on the Colorado River. If you come in the summer, you can do a bat watching tour.

  1. 13.
    Murals

I love you so much, You’re my Butter Half, Love from Austin, Greetings from Austin, SprATX Art, and more (full post coming soon!)

  1. 14.
    George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center

Learn about George Washington Carver and African American history.

  1. 15.
    The Oasis

Dining over Lake Travis. A beautiful restaurant that’s all over Pinterest.

  1. 16.
    Pennybacker Bridge

Local Tip: best photos are from the NE cliff or NW cliff.

  1. 17.
    Pinballz Arcade

Personal pinball collection turned into an arcade.

  1. 18.
    Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue, Auditorium Shores

Auditorium Shores is a nice place to shoot the skyline too.

  1. 19.
    Texas State Capitol Building + Visitor Center

Really beautiful architecture.

  1. 20.
    University of Texas

Littlefield Fountain + UT Tower in the backdrop is picturesque. You can also see a UT home football game in the fall.

See More: Best Free Things to Do in Austin Texas

Museums & Memorials

  1. 21.
    Austin Nature and Science Center

Free to visit, lots of activities for kids.

  1. 22.
    Blanton Museum of Art

Small collection of art and sculptures. Live music and events throughout the month. Free admission every Thursday.

  1. 23.
    Bullock Texas State History Museum

Great place to learn about the history of Texas.

  1. 24.
    Harry Ransom Center at UT

Archive, art, library, and museum.

  1. 25.
    LBJ Presidential Library

It is one of fourteen presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

  1. 26.
    Mexic-arte Museum

See a collection of art and free standing sculptures by Mexican and Mexican-American artists.

  1. 27.
    Museum of the Weird

Shrunken heads, weird animals, unique bugs, and more.

  1. 28.
    Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata

See some unexpected sights, oddities, and other strange curiosities.

  1. 29.
    O. Henry Museum

Artifacts and reading room that exhibits the life of O. Henry and his various written works.

  1. 30.
    Radha Madhav Dham Temple

The largest Hindu temple in North America.

  1. 31.
    Sitagu Buddha Vihara Temple

Come and medidate, see statues of Buddha from around the world.

  1. 32.
    Sparky Park

Electrical sub station turned into eccentric art.

  1. 33.
    Texas State Cemetery

A beautiful cemetery for notable Texas icons.

  1. 34.
    The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria / The Jones Center / THe Contemporary Austin Jones Center

Your $5.00 admission also gets you into the Laguna Gloria.

  1. 35.
    Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum

At Zilker Metropolitan Park – look for the bamboo forest.

  1. 36.
    Xiang Yun Temple

Also called the International Buddhist Progress Society / IBPS.

  1. 37.
    Zilker Botanical Garden

At Zilker Metropolitan Park.

Urban Parks + Outdoors

  1. 38.
    Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail

Trails run along the lake and take you through Zilker Park, Butler Park, Auditorium Shores, and Long Center for the Performing Arts.

  1. 39.
    Austin Bouldering Project

Great climbing routes for climbers of all ages.

  1. 40.
    Barton Creek Greenbelt

Great for hiking, bouldering, and climbing. You can also swim at Twin Falls, Campbell’s Hole and swimming holes along the Gus Fruh Trail. Sculpture Falls is a one-mile hike and used to be more hidden but is now packed. Check out Seismic Wall aka Maggie’s Wall and see other popular climbs here.

  1. 41.
    Commons Ford Ranch

Lakefront park on Lake Austin.

  1. 42.
    Deep Eddy Pool

It’s the oldest swimming pool in Texas. It’s a spring-fed pool, not as crowded as Barton Springs Pool.

  1. 43.
    Barton Creek Spillway

Free alternative to the popular Barton Springs. Local Tip – water is rushing sometimes, which means you want to be a strong swimmer. Bring river shoes and goggles.

  1. 44.
    Barton Springs Pool

Natural spring fed swimming pool. Local Tip: Upper Barton Springs is free and way less crowded. It’s 1200 ft upstream from Barton Springs Pool.

  1. 45.
    Bob Wentz Park

A popular spot for scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, and swimming in the summer. See park fees here.

  1. 46.
    Bull Creek Greenbelt

There are lots of great secluded swimming holes, hiking trails, and a short, wide waterfall.

  1. 47.
    Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Swimming hole with a true beach off Lake Austin. See entrance fees here.

  1. 48.
    Hippie Hollow Park

Great swimming and the only legally recognized clothing optional public park in Texas. Must be 18+. See park fees here.

  1. 49.
    Mount Bonnell, Covert Park

Great photo spot and a view of the city. It’s 102 steps from the parking lot but overlooks Downtown, Lake Austin, and hill country. Best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset.

  1. 50.
    Lasy Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Pretty blooms amongst walking rails.

  1. 51.
    Lady Bird Lake

Aka Town Lake by locals, also the former name. Go on a cruise, kayak, or SUP. It’s illegal to swim, and there is a $150 fine. If you want to photograph Lady Bird Lake and the skyline, popular spots are at the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, the Hike-and Bike trail boardwalk near Joe’s Crabshack entrance, and the Lamar Street Bridge.

  1. 52.
    Longhorn Cavern State Park

(Limestone Cave) Enjoy a cavern tour and learn about the geology.

  1. 53.
    Mansfield Dam Park on Lake Travis

Popular boating and swimming spot. See park fees here.

  1. 54.
    Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Look for the peacocks!

  1. 55.
    McKinney Falls State Park

(Swimming Hole) Has a waterfall, 700 acres of hiking trails, and camping. Travel channel it one of the top 10 swimming holes in the US.

  1. 56.
    Red Bud Isle Park

Let your dog off-leash here! It’s a great place for dogs to swim in Lake Austin but not dog owners.

  1. 57.
    St. Edwards Park

For more swimming hole fun, hiking, biking, and running.

  1. 58.
    West Lake Beach

Great for families. It has a roped off swimming area of Lake Austin. Local Tip: Call ahead. It’s often rented out for private events.

  1. 59.
    Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Check out the very popular natural grotto and the stunning 40 ft. waterfall.

Lady Bird Lake + 101 Things to Do in Austin TX // localadventurer.com

Shopping

  1. 60.
    Allens Boots

Has more than 4000 boots on display plus cowboy hats and clothing.

  1. 61.
    Antonelli’s Cheese Shop

They carry over 100 different types of cheese.

  1. 62.
    Big Top Candy Shop

Circus style sweets, old-school confections, and a classic soda fountain.

  1. 63.
    Bookpeople

Huge selection of books of every genre and a cozy cafe.

  1. 64.
    City Wide Garage Sale

Austin’s famous vintage market.

  1. 65.

Popular open-air cacti and succulent nursery.

  1. 66.

Women’s vintage items, from various clothing to jewelry and shoes.

  1. 67.

Women’s boutique in a non-assuming little house.

  1. 68.
    Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds

Costume shop.

  1. 69.

Classic and modern clothing for men, numerous accessory options, and books.

  1. 70.
    Tesoros Trading Company

Folk arts and crafts.

  1. 71.
    Texas Custom Boots

Design your very own custom-made cowboy boots here.

  1. 72.
    Toms Austin + Cafe Serving Toms Roasting Co

Large shoe collection as well as a small cafe with coffee and pastry offerings.

  1. 73.
    Uncommon Objects

Eclectic items curated by over 20 antique sellers.

  1. 74.
    Waterloo Records & Video

Catch an in-store performance here, too.

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Austin Texas

Shows + Events + Venues

  1. 75.

A must stop for blues enthusiasts!

  1. 76.

Great acoustics in a small, intimate venue.

  1. 77.

Old-time drive-in that offers classic and art-house movies.

  1. 78.
    Broken Spoke

Last of the true Texas Dance-halls.

  1. 79.
    Carousel Lounge

Circus-themed lounge.

  1. 80.

Legendary South Congress club with local rock, country, jazz, and blues acts.

  1. 81.
    Donn’s Depot

Piano Bar with Live Music

  1. 82.
    Ego’s

Karaoke.

  1. 83.
    The Elephant Room

Underground Jazz bar.

  1. 84.
    Esther’s Follies

Comedy

  1. 85.

Live Music – usually eclectic indie bands.

  1. 86.
    Little Longhorn Saloon

Play Chicken Shit Bingo

  1. 87.

Home to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera, Ballet Austin, and more. It frames downtown nicely for photos.

  1. 88.

Multilevel bar with rooftop area and indoor/outdoor stages for live performances.

  1. 89.
    One World Theater

Music + Theater

  1. 90.
    Paramount Theater

Very underrated. They play a classic movie series in the summer.

  1. 91.
    White Horse

Live Country Music

Day Trips

  1. 92.

(Dripping Springs, 29.6 mi NW / 38 mins away) Has a nice beach area to swim and sunbathe plus good limestone sport-climbing. See popular climbs here and park fees here.

  1. 93.

(Dripping Springs, 30.7 mi NW / 43 mins away) A natural grotto and swimming hole with a waterfall. Reserve ahead of time ($12 fee) and bring hiking shoes.

  1. 94.

(Spicewood, 36.4 mi NW / 46 mins away) There are 32 springs on their private property. See fees here. Since it’s private, 21+ can drink here.

  1. 95.
    Pace Bend Park

(Spicewood, 35 mi NW / 54 mins away) Pale Face is a popular cliff jumping spot. You can also find great camping, lake recreation, mountain biking, deep water soloing or water bouldering. See popular climbs here.

  1. 96.
    Jacob’s Well Natural Area

(Wimberley, 36.4 mi SW / 48 mins away) It’s a popular swimming hole with the biggest underwater cave system. Recreational diving is no longer allowed. Local Tip: Make reservations ahead of time. If they’re already booked, keeping checking back since there are cancellations.

  1. 97.
    Blue Hole Park

(Georgetown, 28.5 mi N / 33 mins away) Another popular swimming hole.

  1. 98.
    Blue Hole Regional Park

(Wimberley, 37.7 mi SW / 46 mins away) Scenic swimming hole with green foliage, clear water, and grassy areas for picnics. open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. See admission fees and hours here.

  1. 99.

(Johnson City, 41.9 mi E / 1 h away) Great photography spot. See fees here.

  1. 100.

(Burnet, 68.7 mi NW/ 1 h 22 min away) Known for its cliff jumping and swimming. See entrance fees here. Local Tip: water is deep, so bring floaties.

  1. 101.

(Spring Branch, 78.3 mi SW / 1 h 30 min away) Great tubing, swimming, canoeing. See entrance fees here. Local Tip: The Guadalupe River can feel like a giant frat party, whereas San Marcos River and Comal River are less crazy.

See More: 15 Best Day Trips from Austin TX

Seasonal + Special Events

  1. Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Flight

(Summer around Sunset) There are 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats living under the Congress Ave Bridge. Local Tip: It’s easiest to see the bats if you’re looking up at them from the river level versus on the bridge. You can rent a kayak or go on a sunset Bat Cruise with Lone Star Riverboat (what we did), Capital Cruises, or sunset kayaking. If it rains, they will come out before or after to avoid the rain. Watch out for guano! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

  1. SXSW

(Mid-March) Annual film, media, and music fesitval.

  1. Bluebonnets in Austin

(Spring) Peak of bloom season is usually around the first weekend of April but can vary year to year. These are the best places to see them.

Congress Bridge Bats + 101 Things to Do in Austin Texas - The Ultimate Austin Bucket List // localadventurer.com

Essential Tips for First Time Visitors to AUstin

  • Peak season is spring and fall because you get the best weather and there are plenty of festivals. If you’re visiting in peak season, plan ahead and book your hotels early. If you want to avoid the crowds, December to February is a great time to visit with mild temperatures.
  • The Capital Metro is easy to use and has routes all over the city.
  • Parking options are limited to metered parking or parking garages. Meters are generally $1 per hour with a 3-hour limit but read signs carefully. Parking garages average at around $3 per half hour or $18 a day.
  • Topo Chico Mineral Water is popular in Austin! You see them everywhere, and we tried our first one at the Visit Austin offices.
  • On Fridays, you can find free art hidden throughout to the city and it truly is a finders keepers.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle (these are our current favorites for travel)
  • If you’re looking for a Rental Car, check here for prices!
  • Looking for the best food spots? Check out our Austin Food Bucket List here.

Best Places to Stay

Planning Checklist

Did we miss anything? What would your ideal trip to Austin include?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

Esther and Jacob

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

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Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List (101 Things to Do in LA) https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-los-angeles-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-los-angeles-bucket-list/#comments Fri, 09 Mar 2018 13:00:00 +0000 http://localadventurer.com/?p=16165 Visiting Los Angeles? Use this bucket list to plan your trip. We lived in LA last year, and while we didn’t think it was a place we wanted to settle down, we still loved that there’s always something to do in LA (and eat). We’ve still been staying in LA one week out of every […]

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Visiting Los Angeles? Use this bucket list to plan your trip.

We lived in LA last year, and while we didn’t think it was a place we wanted to settle down, we still loved that there’s always something to do in LA (and eat). We’ve still been staying in LA one week out of every month since we moved to Las Vegas. The funny thing is (and I’m sure most people who live in LA agree) when we lived in LA, we didn’t want to drive anywhere. Now that we moved away, we’re exploring much more of the city. Now that we’re coming in from out of town, our friends are also more likely to meet us too.

Just like our Las Vegas bucket list that we’re quickly checking off, we created one for LA with a mix of both touristy and off the beaten path activities.

The Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List // Local Adventurer

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: January 8, 2025

101 Things to Do in Los Angeles – Your Ultimate LA Bucket List

We’ve broken up the bucket list into a few different categories: tourist attractions, museums, entertainment, outdoors, and shopping + food.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.
    Union Station

(DTLA) The largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States.

  1. 2.

(Griffith Park) Our favorite view in the city.

  1. 3.

(Anaheim) The O.G. of Disney theme parks.

  1. 4.
    Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood

(North Hollywood) Tour the iconic studio.

  1. 5.
    Angel’s Flight Railway

(DTLA) The world’s shortest railway! It’s right across from Grand Central Market.

  1. 6.

(San Pedro) Allow yourself at least 2-3 hours for the round-trip hike. Lake Hollywood Park gives you the best view without hiking)

  1. 7.
    Hollywood Walk of Fame

(Hollywood) Take a picture with your favorite celebrity’s sidewalk star. You may be disappointed if you expect this to be glamorous, but it’s an iconic part of LA.

  1. 8.
    MULHOLLAND Drive

The road made famous by many movies.

  1. 9.

(Pomona) Various competitions (culinary, DIY, etc) and classic fair rides.

  1. 10.
    Six Flags Magic Mountains

(Valencia) Pulse-pounding thrill rides. We’ve heard the X2 rollercoaster is crazy scary.

See More: 39 of the Best Food at Disneyland You Need to Try

  1. 11.

(Long Beach) 1930’s ocean liner turned hotel and tourist attraction.

  1. 12.
    LA City Hall Observation Deck

(DTLA) Beautiful 27th-floor observation deck.

  1. 13.
    Paramount Studio Tour

(Hollywood) Go on a studio tour!

  1. 14.
    Hollywood Bowl Overlook aka Jerome C. Daniel Overlook

(Hollywood Hills) Great view of the iconic venue.

  1. 15.
    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

(Culver City) Breathtaking views.

  1. 16.

(Burbank) Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the oldest film studios.

  1. 17.
    Chateau Marmont Hotel

(Hollywood Hills) Popular amongst celebrities. Modeled loosely after the Château d’Amboise in France’s Loire Valley

  1. 18.

Allow at least 30 minutes for parking and security.

Museums

  1. 19.

(Westside) Admission is always free, but parking isn’t. Be sure to check out the view from the gardens.

  1. 20.

(Pacific Palisades) Over 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities to check out.

  1. 21.

(Pasadena) Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. One of my favorite LA experiences is the afternoon tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room.

  1. 22.
    Los Angeles County Museum of Art / LACMA

(Mid-Wilshire) This is where you’ll find the Instafamous “Urban Light.”

  1. 23.
    DTLA Art Walk

(DTLA) Take a guided walking art tour of galleries and exhibits.

  1. 24.
    Santa Monica Camera Obscura

(Santa Monica) Take a guided walking art tour of galleries and exhibits.

  1. 25.
    Bergamot Station Arts Center

(Santa Monica) Served as a railroad station for the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad. Free parking and free admission.

  1. 26.

(Santa Clarita) Home to more than 40 highly endangered gibbon apes.

  1. 27.
    Wildlife Learning Center

(Sylmar) Small animal center, great for young kids and families.

  1. 28.
    Museum of Jurassic Technology

(Culver City) We loved the micro mosaics and 3D x-rays.

  1. 29.
    Watts Towers Arts Center

(Watts) Public art sculpture that is a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

  1. 30.

(Long Beach) Check out one of their VIP animal encounters.

  1. 31.

(Santa Monica) Full of music history, hands-on and interactive exhibits. You can even record your own tracks.

See More: 7 Fun Things to Do in Santa Monica If You’re a First Timer

  1. 32.
    La Brea Tar Pits aka Page Museum

(Mid-Wilshire) Faux mammoths trapped in tar pits.

  1. 33.
    Korean Friendship Bell

(San Pedro) Huge bronze bell housed in a stone pavilion.

  1. 34.

(Exposition Park) Largest historical museum in the western US.

  1. 35.
    Carolwood Barn

(Griffith Park) Model train museum with memorabilia from Walt Disney’s life.

  1. 36.
    Night Gallery

(DTLA) We love their unique art expos and events.

  1. 37.

(DTLA) Contemporary art museum.

  1. 38.
    California Science Center

(Exposition Park) The West Coast’s largest hands-on science center.

  1. 39.
    Museum of Neon Art

(Glendale) Dedicated tot he preservation, collection, and interpretation of neon art.

  1. 40.

(Mid-Wilshire) One of the world’s largest automotive museums with a unique architectural exterior.

  1. 41.

(Miracle Mile) Learn more about the history, science, and culutral impact of the film industry.

  1. 42.
    MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art

(DTLA) Only artist-founded museum in LA.

  1. 43.
    Bates Motel by Vincent Lamouroux Projection at Sunset Pacific Motel

(Silver Lake) Quick stop to check out the exterior.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in LA

The Broad Museum + 25 Best Instagram Spots in Los Angeles California // localadventurer.com

Entertainment and Shows

  1. 44.
    Show Taping

Check out any of the talk show’s live tapings.

  1. 45.
    Magic Castle

(Hollywood Hills) You need a magician friend to invite you.

  1. 46.

(Hollywood) World Heritage Site.

  1. 47.

(Hollywood) The venue for a majority of the Walt Disney Studios’ film premieres.

  1. 48.

(Hollywood) a public park when there are no performances (usually Winter and Spring).

  1. 49.

Alternative comedy troupe founded by Amy Poehler and other comedians.

  1. 50.
    Hollywood Forever Cemetery

(Hollywood) Lots of community events, live music, and summer movie screenings.

  1. 51.

(DTLA) For a Lakers Game.

  1. 52.

(Elysian Park) If you’re not going to a Dodgers game, they also run stadium tours.

  1. 53.
    The Room at the Landmark Westwood

(Westwood) Tommy Wiseau occasionally shows up in person. Bring plastic spoons. (I would recollect them afterward and reuse them.)

  1. 54.
    Vineland Drive-In Theater

(City of Industry) Old school drive-in with concessions.

  1. 55.
    Whisky a Go Go

(West Hollywood) Vibrant nightspot with live rock bands and other musical performances.

  1. 56.
    Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater

(Highland Park) The oldest children’s theater company in LA.

  1. 57.

(DTLA) Even the exterior is amazing!

  1. 58.
    Lucha Vavoom Burlesque Show

(DTLA) Lucha libre meets burlesque.

See More: Best Filming Locations in Burbank California

Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall + 25 Free Things to Do in LA // localadventurer.com

Outdoors and Beaches

  1. 59.

(Malibu) Dog-friendly, with many tide pools for kids to play in.

  1. 60.
    Redondo Beach

(Redondo Beach) Grab seafood and take a seaside walk.

  1. 61.

(Malibu) Beautiful white sand and very few rocks.

  1. 62.
    Eaton Canyon Trail, Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park

(Pasadena) 40 ft. waterfall and views of the San Gabriel mountains and Santa Monica mountains.

  1. 63.

(Malibu) Overwhelmingly beautiful ocean views.

  1. 64.

Moderate hike to see hidden green plants against a small creek and a walkable makeshift bridge.

  1. 65.
    Sunken City

(San Pedro) Aka the “Atlantis of California”

  1. 66.
    Venice Beach

(Venice) Outdoor skate park, BoHo boutiques, and trendy restaurants.

  1. 67.
    Venice Canal Historic District

(Venice) Man-made canals built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney.

  1. 68.

(Hollywood Hills) Avoid going in the afternoon, since you’re exposed to a lot of sun.

  1. 69.

(Griffith Park) Free to visit, you can even picnic up there.

  1. 70.

(West Hills) Short hike to the caves, be cautious of some steeper parts and prickly plants.

See More: 37 Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles

  1. 71.
    Silver Lake Meadow

(Silver Lake) Come for a peaceful stroll or a picnic in the meadow.

  1. 72.
    Hermosa Beach

(Hermosa Beach) Clean pier, limited fishing allowed. Great neighborhood bars.

  1. 73.
    Descanso Gardens

(Pasadena) Admission is free every third Tuesday of the month.

  1. 74.
    El Matador State Beach

(Malibu) Beautiful beach with stunning formations.

  1. 75.
    Point Vincente Lighthouse

(Rancho Palos Verdes) Historic lighthouse, not open to the public, but can be seen from shore.

  1. 76.
    Exposition Park Rose Garden

(Exposition Park) 7-acre sunken garden that is known as one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

  1. 77.
    Echo Park Lake

(Echo Park) Rent a paddle boat.

  1. 78.
    Pacific Park, Santa Monica Pier

(Santa Monica) Oceanfront Amusement Park!

  1. 79.
    South Coast Botanic Garden

(Palos Verdes) Every third Sunday of the month you can bring your pets.

  1. 80.
    Bike the Strand

22-mile bike bath that follows the coastline. Pedestrian-friendly spots can be found in Santa Monica, Venice, and Manhattan Beach.

  1. 81.
    Wisdom Tree

(Hollywood Hills) Find the trail map here.

Shopping + Food

  1. 82.

(Corona) Before you shop, get a Korean color analysis by certified professionals, so you know what colors work best with your skin tone. I’m a true Spring, and Jacob is a true Autumn. Check out our experience here.

  1. 83.
    Farmers Market DTLA

(DTLA) Fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy prepared foods in a historic marketplace.

  1. 84.
    Grand Central Market

(DTLA) Been here since 1917. Our favorites were the For the Win burgers and the strawberry donut from Donut Man, my favorite West Coast donut.

  1. 85.

(DTLA) Check out their amazing tunnel of books.

  1. 86.
    Book Soup

(West Hollywood) Featuring over 60,000 books, authors, and celebrity events in a small storefront on the Sunset Strip.

  1. 87.
    The Grove

Tons of stores, dining, and pop-up shops.

  1. 88.
    Rodeo Drive

(Beverly Hills) Did you know that a lot of designer stores have personal VIP rooms in the back where they bring you all the clothes? The Dior one is amazing! They wouldn’t tell me the minimum spend, but we’re guessing it’s 100k+.

  1. 89.
    Millennium Biltmore REndezvous Court

(DTLA) Afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays. Call ahead for reservations.

  1. 90.

(Pasadena) Stunning building with great restaurants. The Royce was delicious!

  1. 91.
    Amoeba Music

(Hollywood) Largest Independent Record Store

korean color analysis california

  1. 92.

(Fairfax) Sunday open-air market where you’ll find antiques, vintage goods, and collectibles.

  1. 93.
    Rose Bowl Flea Market

(Pasadena) Second Sunday of every month.

  1. 94.
    Wacko Soap Plant

(Los Feliz) Art space, gift shop, and other interesting goods.

  1. 95.
    Brennan’s

(Marina Del Ray) Turtle races on Thursdays.

  1. 96.
    Original In-n-Out Replica

(Baldwin Park) Check out a replica of what started In-n-out.

  1. 97.
    Yamashiro

(Hollywood) Popular filming site where you can dine.

  1. 98.
    Citizen Public Market

(Culver City) Food hall with great bites.

  1. 99.
    Third Street Promenade

(Santa Monica) Shopping and restaurant district.

  1. 100.
    Smorgasburg

(DTLA) Huge open-air food market.

  1. 101.
    Randy’s Donuts

(Inglewood) The big donut is iconic.

Map for the Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List

Best Places to Stay in Los Angeles

Planning Checklist

What’s the first thing you would do if you visited LA? Anything I’m missing on this list?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

Esther and Jacob

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List (101 Things to Do in LA) appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

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The Ultimate SF Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Francisco https://localadventurer.com/best-things-to-do-in-san-francisco-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/best-things-to-do-in-san-francisco-bucket-list/#comments Mon, 05 Feb 2018 13:00:00 +0000 http://localadventurer.com/?p=33881 This is our ultimate San Francisco bucket list. SF is one of my favorite cities and one that I keep going back to. I love the vibrant color of the city. We’ve talked about living in SF for a year, but so far it was hard for us to stomach the rent cost. Maybe after […]

The post The Ultimate SF Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Francisco appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

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This is our ultimate San Francisco bucket list.

SF is one of my favorite cities and one that I keep going back to. I love the vibrant color of the city. We’ve talked about living in SF for a year, but so far it was hard for us to stomach the rent cost. Maybe after a year in NYC though, it might soften the blow.

With the help of our friends Hsiao (lived here for 4 years) and Young (lived here for 10+ years), we put together the ultimate San Francisco bucket list for both first-time visitors and those living in the city who need a little extra inspiration to get out and explore.

101 things to do in San Francisco

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: October 7, 2024

Your Ultimate San Francisco Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Francisco

There’s so much to see and do within 49 square miles. On my personal list, I still have 300+ things I want to check out, but it does get overwhelming to look at. As we go back to visit, we’ll continue to update and modify this list. We also tried our best to group them not just by category but by location too. There’s a map at the bottom, to help you see what’s nearby.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.

You can do the audio tour or the night tour to make it spookier (only a few hundred available per night) or try to win the lottery for an Alcatraz sleepover – only 18 overnights per year. Photo Tip: Inside you can get a view of SF from a window in a cell block. (map)

  1. 2.
    Golden Gate Bridge + Marin Headlands

Walk across or bike across to Sausalito. It’s not for inexperienced bikers and a lot farther than you think. The Bridge itself is 1.7 miles. They have bike + ferry packages. There is vehicle traffic-free Sat April through Sept where you can run, ride, walk on the bridge.

  1. 3.
    Sausalito

It’s a nice spot to take photos with cute houseboats and a great view of the skyline.

  1. 4.
    Fisherman’s Wharf

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) It’s the tourist thing to do to visit Pier 39, see sea lions, and have clam chowder in a bread bowl at Boudin at the Wharf. You gotta do it at least once.

  1. 5.
    Ghiradelli Square

(Russian Hill) According to our local friends, the food isn’t good and this is the dumbest attraction in SF (think M&M store in Times Square), but most tourists still do it.

  1. 6.
    Lombard Street

(Russian Hill) Crookedest Street of San Francisco with 8 hairpin turns. The best photo opps are from the bottom since you can only see the first two turns from the top.

  1. 7.
    Japantown

Go to Peace Plaza and Pagoda for your photo opp, eat ramen and Shabu Shabu, play Japanese arcade games, get your Japanese nail art done, and end the night in a karaoke room.

  1. 8.
    Painted ladies

(Alamo Square, Western Addition) This park is a nice place to picnic and imagine you’re part of the intro in Full House. The houses are often mistaken as the Full House house, but the actual house is down the street (1709 Broderick – purchased by the show creator). Photo Tip: go mid-morning after the sun peeks over the buildings across the street or on a cloudy day.

  1. 9.
    San Francisco Cable Cars

You can ride the entire 2.1-mile route or portions of it. Bring exact change. The best views are along Hyde between Chestnut and Bay St and California and Drumm is less touristy. Best photos are from the front-left side and on the outside runner. Another option is the Historic Street Cars for $2 you can get on the F-Line and see Civic Center, Downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf instead of paying for Grayline Bus.

  1. 10.
    Chinatown

The country’s largest Chinatown. The tourist side is Dragon’s Gate and the local side is towards North Beach on Stockton St (SF’s “Little Italy”). The local side is mainly made up of small groceries, herb shops, and old school divey Chinese bars that have strong pours (go at your own risk). Golden Gate bakery has famous egg tarts and China Live has one of the best Sheng Jiang Bao in SF.

  1. 11.
    Cupid’s Span at Rincon Park

(Embarcadero / SoMa) It’s a quick stop 5-10 min walk from the Ferry Building.

  1. 12.
    San Francisco Ferry Building

(Embarcadero / SoMa, map) Pick up some blue bottle, sample or buy some McEvoy Ranch lotions (formerly 80 acres), stop by Humphry Slocombe for the famous Secret Breakfast Ice Cream. Also, if you go on a Tues, Thurs, or Saturday, you can also check out the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market.

  1. 13.
    Bay Bridge

(San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge) The walking/cycling path. You need a car or it’s a long trek to get to the start on the East Bay.

  1. 14.
    49-Mile Scenic Drive

49-Mile Scenic Drive – Starts and ends at City Hall. It’s a PITA to drive around the city though. Be warned.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco

painted ladies alamo square + 101 things to do in san francisco bucket list

Murals and Photo Spots

  1. 15.
    16the Ave Tiled Steps

(Inner Sunset, map) You can actually find three tiled stairs in San Francisco. On our first visit, we mistakenly went to the wrong one.

  1. 16.
    Murals in the Mission

Balmy Alley Murals, Cypress St, and Lilac St are close together then Clarion Alley is 1 mi north. The Mission can be a choose your adventure. Stay in Valencia to see the gentrified “nice” stuff or you can go up and down 24th st and see a lot of the old school Mexican owned businesses. Artists offer cultural guided mural walks on weekends starting from Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center.

  1. 17.
    San Francisco City Hall

(Civic Center) Popular with photographers. During lunch on weekdays, you can see Off the Grid food trucks.

  1. 18.
    Transamerica Pyramid Building

(Financial District) Not impressive to go to, but it’s a landmark that photographers like to shoot (the best shot is arguably from the Mandarin Oriental).

Mosaic Stairs San Francisco

Museums + Monuments + Memorials

  1. 19.

(Golden Gate Park, map) Has more than 2000 species of plants and flowers.

  1. 20.

(Golden Gate Park, map) World’s greenest museum with a planetarium, natural history museum, aquarium, scientific research program and a four-story living rainforest with 1.7 million native plant species. Check out: 21+ adventure on Thursdays and Yoga class in the aquarium.

  1. 21.

(Golden Gate Park, map) Hamon Observation Tower and Gift Shop give you 360 views of the city for free. Friday Nights in June there are after-hour art programs, cocktails, lectures, performances, and workshops.

  1. 22.

(Golden Gate Park, map) Free before 10 am on MWF. It’s smaller than I thought it would be.

  1. 23.

(Golden Gate Park, map) Admission is free on the second Tuesday of every month.

  1. 24.

(Land’s End, Sea Cliff, map) Part of Fine Arts Museums of SF

  1. 25.

(Presidio, map) – great for Disney lovers especially if you’re interested in behind the scenes. You need 3-4 hours if you don’t want to rush through it. 

  1. 26.

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) National Park Unit

  1. 27.

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) The only museum in the Western US dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of all forms of cartoon art.

  1. 28.

(Pier 45, North Beach/Telegraph Hill) A National Historic Landmark from WWII.

  1. 29.

(Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach/Telegraph Hill) More than 300 items, ranging from orchestrions, coin operated pianos, antique slot machines, and more.

  1. 30.

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) Feed The Sharks Tour on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 2:30pm.

  1. 31.

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) The learning lab with 600 hands-on exhibits, feel around the Tactile Dome. Exploratorium After Dark on Thurs Nights 18+, cocktails and music. – fun for all ages. so much to do. regular visits allow a couple of hours. it can get crowded so popular areas will have a line.

  1. 32.

(Nob Hill) Learn about the the history and ongoing efforts to save the cable cars of SF.

  1. 33.

(Union Square / SoMa) Fascinating and sometimes controversial exhibits on Jewish history and culture.

  1. 34.

(SoMa) San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has 7 floors of museum to explore, closed Wednesdays.

  1. 35.

(Civic Center) Artworks from all the major cultures of Asia. Free admission first Sunday of the month.

  1. 36.

(The Mission) SF’s LSD Museum – schedule a visit with Mark McCloud, who has collected over 30k sheets of acid tabs (also read this interesting article on how LSD came to SF through the CIA)

  1. 37.

Better than San Francisco Zoo, which is covered in fog 90% of the time.

  1. 38.
    UC Berkeley Campus

Sather Tower gives you good views of the campus and city. They started charging.

  1. 39.

(Alameda) $15 for unlimited play

  1. 40.

By Frank Lloyd Wright’s, Stanford. One of his first works in the Bay area. Reserve ahead of time. Tours fill up fast.

  1. 41.
    Stanford University Campus

Hoover Tower gives you a good view of the campus and city.

Outdoors + Urban Parks

  1. 42.

(Tiburon) Take a ferry ride to find 13 miles of hiking trails. Hike to the highest spot Mt Livermore for 360 view of SF skyline. Camp here with unbelievable views. Popular with kayakers that launch from SF or Sausalito. Beware of currents. Take a guided tour for beginners.

  1. 43.

(Glen Park) View of the whole city

  1. 44.

One of the largest man-made parks in the world. It’s California’s Central Park but 20% larger. Points of Interest: Paddle boating in Stow Lake, the Buffalo Field, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Lawn Bowling + Archery (Sunday at Noon), Lindy in the Park (free swing lessons between Richmond and Sunset districts), Casting Pools (practice fly fishing here), and don’t forget to Find the Faery Door (there are more throughout SF. You can read messages left for the fairies and their answers here).

  1. 45.

They have the best setting! Also check out the other notable indoor rock climbing gyms in the bay area.

  1. 46.

(Golden Gate NRA) Lands End Trail is a popular and easy hike that takes you to Sutro Baths, the Labyrinth, and Eagle Point. Sometimes you spot sea lions, dolphins, and migrating grey whales. Wear sneakers. Get drinks or food afterward at Cliff House.

  1. 47.

(Golden Gate NRA) Former US Army military fort turned into a park. There are 11 miles of hiking trails and you get views of the Bay, Alcatraz, the city, and Golden Gate. The park encompasses Baker Beach, Marshall’s Beach, Crissy Field, Fort Point and more. Walk Lovers Lane, Hike to Inspiration Point (views of SF Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Presidio forest), walk the Golden Gate Promenade, Batteries to Bluffs Trail, and see 3 installations by Andy Goldsworthy – the Spire, Wood Line, and Tree Fall. Presidio Picnic os on Sundays with food trucks and games.

  1. 48.

(Golden Gate NRA) SF’s longest beach and most reliable surfing spot. Skimboard, bike, skate the esplanade, fly kites. Adjacent to Land’s End. swimming is not recommended due to strong riptides. Bonfires are first come, first served and fun with a group of friends. BYOB.

  1. 49.

(Presidio, Golden Gate NRA) Up-close view of Golden Gate, great at sunset. Popular spot with portrait and wedding photographers.

  1. 50.

Crissy FieldPresidio, Golden Gate NRA – view of the skyline and Golden Gate. Great place to barbeque and fly kites.

  1. 51.

(Golden Gate NRA) Camp or go to the nude beach. It’s a whole day thing and can be difficult to get to if it’s a nice day with so many cars.

  1. 52.

(Telegraph Hill) 210 ft tower with views of the entire city, bay, and Transamerica Pyramid is framed by tower’s arches. Lots of stairs that take you through cool parts of the area – Climb the Filbert Steps or Greenwich street stairs to get there. Check out the free views first. It’s a great view but not sure if the price is worth it because there is a fence all around the top. Allot more time if you want to find the famous Parrots of Telegraph Hill. They’re also at Cole Valley and Fort Mason.

  1. 53.

(Nob Hill) Two hills at 925 ft in the center of SF. You can drive to the top and get the best view of the city at sunset. It’s super windy so pack layers. Tourists have also gotten mugged here, so be aware of your surroundings.

  1. 54.

(Twin Peaks) Can’t beat the downtown views. You’re not allowed to the top of it though.

  1. 55.

(Castro & Corona Heights) Panoramic views of the city.

  1. 56.

(Alameda) See SF skyline from the East Bay

  1. 57.

(Presidio) Southern side just under Golden Gate and is very photogenic. There are ranger-led candlelit tours for free but reserve in advance. Also, high five hopper’s hands on the fence and surf here when the conditions are just right.

  1. 58.

(Sherwood Forest) The highest point in the city at 928 ft. It gives you views of Twin Peaks and downtown.

  1. 59.

(Marin Headlands, Sausalito, Golden Gate NRA) The “secret” swing is no longer there. Great camping spot and recreational area with a view of Golden Gate.

  1. 60.

(Pacific Heights) Run, walk, enjoy the view from the top for a workout.

  1. 61.

(Castro) Pick up a burrito, a cone at Bi-rite, Pizzeria Delfina, or Tartine Bakery and bring it for a picnic. The view NE over Dolores park offers a great view of the greenery and urban skyline.

  1. 62.

(Mill Valley, Marin County, North Bay, 14.1 mi / 30 min no traffic) Hike or mountain bike over 100 miles of trails. It’s the highest point in Marin County. Mt Tam is sometimes referred to as the mountain biking birthplace. It’s also great for beginner rock climbing with views of the Bay Area.

  1. 63.

(Golden Gate NRA, Mill Valley) Check out the Dipsea Trail. It has some of the last remaining coastal redwoods.

  1. 64.
    Go Boating Under the Golden Gate Bridge

Go boating in the Bay and see the Golden Gate Bridge from under it.

  1. 65.

(Bernal Heights) Lovely view of the city, and there are secret slides (Esmerelda Street Slides).

  1. 66.

(Berkeley, 19.3 mi / 49 min by car) Hike or drive up to the lookout to see the entire Bay Area. Another great sunset spot. Get AllTrails+ for offline maps.

  1. 67.

(Point Reyes, Olema, 32.2 mi / 1 h away) Drive up to watch the sunset

  1. 68.

(Golden Gate NRA, Lakeshore) Popular for hiking, horseback riding, and one of the top hand gliding launch points in the US.

  1. 69.

(Diamond Heights) In town bouldering.

  1. 70.

(Clayton, East Bay) The highest point in the Bay Area at 3849 ft. On a clear day if you bring binoculars you can see Half Dome. You can also find trad, top rope, and sport climbing routes.

  1. 71.

(Pacifica) Go to the fanciest Taco Bell and surf. Mori Point Trail is a cool hike and not crowded. It’s far from the city, so it’s more worth it if you’re into surfing or really into Taco Bell, since the beach isn’t much diff from Ocean Beach.

  1. 72.

(Inverness) Take your gram at the tree tunnel, kayak, hike to Alamere Falls, bike, camp. Other points of interest: Point Reyes Lighthouse, Tomales Bay – Oyster Farm, Point Reyes Shipwreck.

  1. 73.
    Treasure Island

An artificial island with great skyline views.

  1. 74.
    Whale Watching Cruise

Near the Farallon islands, which are called California’s Galapagos. Not great for swimming, but you can see the islands on clear days. Also, it’s known to be a popular Great White Shark feeding grounds.

Lands End Labyrinth + Your Ultimate San Francisco Bucket List with 101 Things to Do in SF

Shows + Venues

  1. 75.

(South Beach) Take a tour, watch a Giants Game, and eat the famous crab sandwich. Bring Layers.

  1. 76.

(Lower Pacific Heights) 49 seat theatre of sound-sculptured space.

  1. 77.

(Castro) Big independent theater that shows lesser-known films. Participate in sing alongs to a movie (with lyrics on screen) and enter the costume contest. Also has an organist who plays on stage before each show

  1. 78.

(Marina District) Visit the swans and take photos.

  1. 79.

(Western Addition) Historic music venue which hosted performers like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Pink Floyd.

  1. 80.

(NoPa, Alamo Square) World-renowned concert venue. It’s medium-sized venue but all the best bands come here.

  1. 81.

(Mission Bay) Golden State Warriors Game

  1. 82.

(Tenderloin) Close-up magic and comedy in an intimate Morrocan speakeasy.

  1. 83.

(Civic Center) Low key jazz spot.

  1. 84.

(Hayes Valley) You can bring your own cocktails.

  1. 85.

(Civic Center/Hayes Valley) A memorial to WWI soldiers and also home to San Francisco Opera and Ballet.

  1. 86.

(Civic Center, Hayes Valley) Home to the San Fransisco Symphony and occasionally, non-orchestral contemporary musicians.

  1. 87.

Buy tickets and then they’ll give you instructions. Dress code – 1920s or you can rent them there. You Follow 35 characters on a choose your own adventure during the Prohibition Era – similar concept to Sleep No More.

  1. 88.

(Russian Hill, North Beach) – Young or Punch Line San Francisco in the Financial District hosts bigger acts, but Cobb’s has same owner, but it’s where you can catch up and coming comedians.

palace of fine arts theatre

Miscellaneous Activities

  1. 89.

(Marina District) A sculpture that interacts with the waves of the bay and creates sounds.

  1. 90.

They’ve had our favorite escape rooms across the country with immersive escape games for everyone, from beginners to seasoned vets.

  1. 91.

(Lower Haight, Hayes Valley) 120-year-old former Catholic church turned into a burning man type roller skating rink. Fri and Sat nights are adults only. Wear your costumes.

  1. 92.
    Seward Street Slides

(Castro) Slide down. bring cardboard, or there’s some there at the bottom.

Escape Game Special Ops Mysterious Market - Best Escape Rooms in Las Vegas

Shopping

  1. 93.
    Union Square

Popular shopping area.

  1. 94.

(Chinatown) Largest collection of banned books

  1. 95.

(The Haight / Haight-Ashbury) Not many remaining. They’re known to be great for thrifting. Other great areas for shopping are Pacific Heights and Hayes Valley.

Food Experiences

  1. 96.

(Chinatown) They’ve been making custom fortune cookies by hand since 1962. They have free tours.

  1. 97.

(Union Square) Sunday DJ sets and watch the sun set.

  1. 98.

(Financial District) Go for Afternoon Tea

  1. 99.

(Bernal Heights) Take a brewery tour. More brewery tours at Lagunitas Brewing Company, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, and Trumer Pils Brauerei.

  1. 100.

(Alameda) See their tours here.

  1. 101.

(South Berkeley) Thai Brunch at a small Thai Buddhist Temple. Every Sunday the temple hosts a communal Thai brunch. You make a donation, get tokens, then buy food with your tokens.

San Francisco Bucket List Map

Seasonal Things to Do in San Francisco

(late Jan to early Feb) Film festival celebrating classic from all over the world.

(mid-Feb) Who loves beer?

(Easter Sunday) Bomb down a hill in your own big wheel.

(Apr) Annual film festival.

(3rd Sunday in May) Run in a fun costume or just party!

(mid-June to late Sept) A favorite movie every week.

(end of June) Largest LGBT Parade and festival in the US.

(mid-June to mid-August) Music festival for all.

(late July) The world’s biggest leather event.

(early Sept) Anyone else love chocolate?

(Sept) Cycling fest.

(early Oct) Support our service men and women.

(first weekend in Oct) Perfect for fans of bluegrass.

Bay to Breakers + The Ultimate SF Bucket List - Best San Francisco Activities // Local Adventurer

Essential Tips for First Time Visitors

  • If you’re heading out of the city, it takes a lot more effort and time than the mileage seems. Traffic is bad. Getting to East Bay can take over an hour. If you’re leaving the city, you’ll need at least half a day to get there, so plan a few things to do when to make it worth it.
  • Get a GoCity Pass to save money on multiple attractions.
  • In SF, uber/lyft/cabs and public transit is much better than driving yourself. Last time we visited, we talked about leaving our car in South Bay and taking public transport into the city.
  • Dress in layers. San Francisco can still be cool in the summer. Layers will help you stay prepared for whatever weather you get.
  • Need to store your luggage while you’re exploring town? Check out Luggage Hero to find a convenient and secure spot.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. We love Vessis because they are waterproof too.
  • Locals don’t like to hear ‘Frisco’ or ‘San Fran’. They are the uncool nicknames that tourist gave the city.
  • Expect fog, and be pleasantly surprised to get clear days. It took Esther a decade of consistent visiting to finally see the Golden Gate on a clear day.
  • Pack a reusable water bottle – these are our current favorites for travel.

Where to Stay

Planning Checklist

Can you think of anything else that should go on our San Francisco bucket list?

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Esther and Jacob

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

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101 Things to Do in Las Vegas Bucket List https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-las-vegas-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-las-vegas-bucket-list/#comments Sun, 21 Jan 2018 13:00:00 +0000 http://www.estherandjacob.com/?p=12048 Looking for new things to do in Las Vegas? Whether you’ve been before or you’re a local, never run out of things to do with our ultimate Las Vegas bucket list. We spent a year in Vegas in 2014, but now we’re back! We started climbing the year after we lived in Las Vegas and […]

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Looking for new things to do in Las Vegas? Whether you’ve been before or you’re a local, never run out of things to do with our ultimate Las Vegas bucket list.

We spent a year in Vegas in 2014, but now we’re back! We started climbing the year after we lived in Las Vegas and had to come back to experience a different side of the city. After the pandemic, we decided to make it our home base for exploring the southwest.

This is an evolving list that continues to change as new things to eat, see, & do pop up in Las Vegas. Don’t forget to check the date at the bottom to see when this post was last updated.

101 Things to Do in Las Vegas - Your Ultimate Vegas Bucket List // Local Adventurer

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: January 24, 2025

The Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List (101 Things to Do in Las Vegas)

You can check out what there is to do by category or use the map at the bottom to see what’s in your area.

If you want to see what’s going on monthly, check out these posts:

VEGAS IN Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Click the links to see full posts with more info and photos.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.
    Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

(Southeast) With the lines at the sign, it’s hard to miss. There’s also a new Las Vegas sign in downtown Las Vegas.

  1. 2.

(The Strip) See fountain show times, songs, and local tips here and our TikTok/Reel. Times vary on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. 

  1. 3.

(The Strip) There are two rides, and we liked the ride outside better than the one inside. See our Venetian guide here and TikTok/Reel.

  1. 4.

(The Strip) They have the best seasonal decorations and floral displays on the Strip. See our TikTok/Reel.

  1. 5.

(Paris, The Strip) You get a view of the Strip, the Las Vegas Valley, and the Bellagio Fountain show. See our Reel/TikTok.

  1. 6.

(The Strip) They set up a rink in the winter overlooking the Strip with fake snow showers.

  1. 7.

(The Strip) The nighttime tours are prettier than the daytime. We haven’t done sunset though.

  1. 8.
    Mandalay Bay Beach

(The Strip) 11-acre aquatic playground with a lazy river, ride pool, lagoon, and more.

  1. 9.

(The Strip) You can feed sharks, go diving, or simply visit the aquarium. Get tickets here.

  1. 10.
    Silverton Hotel Aquarium

(Southwest) Kids love the mermaids here.

  1. 11.

(Henderson) A wildlife sanctuary where the MGM lions went after the exhibit closed.

  1. 12.
    Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

(Flamingo, The Strip) A flock of Chilean flamingos live here plus some other feathered friends. Pelican feedings are at 8:30am and 2pm.

  1. 13.
    Hand of Faith at GOlden Nugget

(DTLV) It’s the biggest golden nugget in existence. It’s kind of underwhelming but worth a quick stop if you’re walking around DTLV.

  1. 14.
    Binions Million Dollar Photo

(DTLV) Take your Million Dollar Photo here. Also underwhelming but another quick stop.

  1. 15.

(DTLV) From the show Pawn Stars. Book a VIP tour.

  1. 16.

(DTLV) A 90-minute guided tour that tells the story of the company. It costs $10 now, and you need to email support [ at ] zapposinsights.com to book.

  1. 17.

(The LINQ, The Strip) Go for Happy Half Hour for an open bar in the sky. See the TikTok/Reel and get tickets here.

  1. 18.

(DTLV) Nightly light shows on the world’s biggest video screen. In 2019, they got a $32 mill upgrade which made it even brighter.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Adventure + Bucket List

  1. 19.

The largest lantern release in the world and you can see our complete guide here.

  1. 20.

Did you know Las Vegas is a world-class climbing destination? If you prefer indoor climbing or it’s been raining outside (don’t climb wet sandstone for at least 48 hours), check out our guide to the Best Las Vegas Climbing Gyms.

  1. 21.

(Chinatown) Get your aggression out by destroying things. So much fun! See our reel.

  1. 22.
    TopGolf Las Vegas

(MGM Grand, The Strip) Takes golf to the next level with drinks, lights, and music. It’s more for socializing over serious golf.

  1. 23.
    Get Married in a Vegas Chapel

They can perform a ceremony just for fun without a marriage license or you can legit get married. We had Elvis marry us.

  1. 24.

(The Strip) It’s a lot of fun, but if you’d rather take it easy, you can hang out in the observation decks. There are also other rides on top of the Stratosphere.

  1. 25.

(The Strip) Where indoor skydiving first began. Book your experience here and see our Reel.

  1. 26.

(NYNY, The Strip) We haven’t ridden it yet, but it has a reputation for being a rough ride.

  1. 27.

(The Strip) Don’t miss the Canyon Blaster, Chaos, Disk ‘O, Inverter, and Sling Shot.

  1. 28.

See a unique side of Valley of Fire on an ATV tour with Adrenaline ATV Tours.

  1. 29.

(The Strip) The only zipline on the Strip. There’s also Voodoo Zipline just north of the Strip and Slotzilla in DTLV.

  1. 30.

You can test drive a lambo or ferrari on a racetrack or you can opt for a fun drifting ride along with a professional driver. One of them was a stunt driver for the Fast and the Furious movies.

See More: 15 Las Vegas Bucket List Experiences You Can’t Miss

  1. 31.

(The Strip) Watch shows like you’ve never seen before with their 160,000 sq ft curved screen and audio system made for concerts. See upcoming shows here.

  1. 32.

What’s even better than being a passenger in a helicopter or plane? Learning to pilot one. Jacob learned to fly a Cirrus, and we chose to fly over Red Rock. The time also counts towards your pilot license.

  1. 33.

(Lake Las Vegas) Feel the sensation of flight with a flyboard. You can also kayak, SUP, and other water sports. They no longer do flyboarding, but you can learn to e-foil!

  1. 34.

(Westside) You learn to drive a bulldozer, dig, and even play precision games with it. See the TikTok/Reel.

  1. 35.

Our favorite escape room in Las Vegas. Here’s your essential guide on Las Vegas escape rooms.

  1. 36.

We went to Pro Gun Club, where you can even choose to shoot exploding targets.

  1. 37.

(DTLV) Indoor axe throwing. You can also throw knives, ninja stars, and more.

  1. 38.
    Kiss by Monster Mini GOlf

(Rio, North of the Strip) KISS-themed glow-in-the-dark mini-golf. They also opened a second similar mini-golf course in Horseshoe called Twilight Zone.

  1. 39.
    Pioneer Saloon

(Goodsprings) Try their burger and hunt down some ghosts.

  1. 40.

Take a dune buggy tour over sand dunes.

  1. 41.

Explore different terrains and see a different side of Valley of Fire. Check out our Reel here.

See More: 15 Best Las Vegas Escape Rooms

Museums + Memorials

  1. 42.

Area 15 is an art, food, and shopping complex. Don’t miss Meow Wolf, Lost Spirits Distillery (closed now), and fun seasonal events like Rocky Horror!

  1. 43.

(DTLV) Learn about the history of the mob in Vegas. We’re both not huge on museums but found this place interesting. See the TikTok/Reel and get tickets here.

  1. 44.

(Eastside) History of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site.

  1. 45.

The newest museum in Vegas is dedicated to punk rock. They have both general admission and tours guided by punk rock legends. We did a tour with Fred Armisen!

  1. 46.

(Boulder City) Favorite part was the observation deck. It had a great view of the dam, river, and lake.

  1. 47.

(Westside) Learn about Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage.

  1. 48.

(The Strip) A fun museum for all ages. Lots of photo ops and mind-bending illusions. Use code ADVENTURER15 for 15% off your tickets.

  1. 49.

(DTLV) Featuring exhibits about dinosaurs, marine life, and ancient Egypt.

  1. 50.

(The Strip) The Arte Museum features 14 exhibits that are visually stunning and envelops you in soundscapes and tailer made aromas.

  1. 51.

(Henderson) It’s a quick self-guided tour, but you get a free chocolate sample at the end. It’s especially pretty with holiday lights in December.

  1. 52.
    Seven Magic Mountains

(Sloan, NV) Art installation by Ugo Rondinone or those colorful piles of rocks all over instagram.

See More: 15 Best Museums in Las Vegas + Local Tips

  1. 53.

(Venetian, The Strip) Take your selfies with celebrity wax figures. A lot of them eerily look like the real thing. Get tickets here.

  1. 54.

(TI, The Strip) Great for die-hard Marvel fans. There’s usually a Groupon available.

  1. 55.

(Luxor, the Strip) Over 250 artifacts recovered from the Titanic.

  1. 56.

(The Strip) Rotating exhibit of legendary artists.

  1. 57.
    Aria Campus FIne Art Collection

(The Strip) Featuring works by Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Frank Stella, Henry Moore, and more.

  1. 58.

(Crystals, the Strip) Walks you through the life of Princess Di with over 700 artifacts. Also covers the history of the royals and the modern-day royals.

  1. 59.
    James Turrell Installation

(The Strip) Crystals Shops has the Akhob, an installation hidden inside Louis Vuitton, and Shards of Color, which you can see from the Monorail station and one floor below.

  1. 60.

(The Strip) Real Bodies exhibits 20 real human body specimens and 200+ organs. There is also Bodies the Exhibition at Luxor showcasing 13 real human body specimens and 260+ organs.

  1. 61.

(DTLV) A collection of eerie artifacts and paranormal activity.

  1. 62.

(DTLV) A museum dedicated to the art of burlesque.

  1. 63.

Also called the Pinball Museum houses nearly 1000 pinball machines from the 1950s all the way to present day.

  1. 64.
    Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health / Frank Gehry Building

(DTLV) This research center was designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Our friends got married here!

  1. 65.

(DTLV) Where old neon signs go to retire. It has a lot of great photo opps, but make sure you read all their strict photography rules before.

Shows + Entertainment

  1. 66.

(The Strip) You can’t go wrong with a Cirque show. We’ve seen them all, and these were our favorites (See our TikTok/Reel):

  • O, Bellagio – beautiful and most impressive.
  • Ka, MGM – Jacob loved the set design.
  • Mystere, TI – classic and original Cirque show in Vegas
  1. 67.

(Luxor) We’ve seen it 3 times, and it’s always a good time for the whole family. Get tickets here.

  1. 68.

(Caesars, The Strip) Modern-day circus with adult humor. We saw this several years ago when our friends were in it. Atomic Saloon is also by Spiegelworld, and our favorite of their shows.

  1. 69.

Matt Franco and Penn and Teller are fan favorites. We’ve seen both and enjoyed the Matt Franco show more.

  1. 70.

We saw BritneyMariah Carey, Lady Gaga, and Kelly Clarkson, but there are so many more coming through.

  1. 71.

(MGM Grand, The Strip) The winners of the first season of ABDC. There isn’t another show in town quite like it.

  1. 72.

(The Strat, The Strip) Not only is he an incredibly talented singer, he does so many spot on ventriloquial impersonations​.

  1. 73.

We loved the set we saw at Comedy Cellar. It was even better than the one we saw in the original location in NYC. We also saw John Mulaney and Joel McHale when they were here since there are plenty of comedians that come through.

  1. 74.

(LINQ, The Strip) We love how you can bowl and watch live music at the same time.

  1. 75.

(T-Mobile Arena) You can also watch them practice for free at the City National Arena first come first serve.

  1. 76.

(Planet Hollywood, The Strip) A burlesque show… by zombies. See our Reel here. If Zombies aren’t your thing, check out the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at the same spot.

  1. 77.

(Excalibur, The Strip) Dinner and jousting show. Check for groupon deals.

See More: 15 Las Vegas Shows You Can’t Miss

Outdoors + Urban Parks

  1. 78.

(Westside) 180 acres of nature, exhibits, and attractions great for families.

  1. 79.

Our favorite hot springs of the two near Vegas. Also check out the Hot Springs at Goldstrike Canyon.

  1. 80.
    Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail

(Boulder City) 3.4 mile easy hike.

  1. 81.

(Boulder City) Go boating or enjoy other water sports. Pick up an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan on visiting more than one National Park within one year.

  1. 82.

Attend a star party or go rock climbing.

See More: 15 Fun Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas If You Love Adventure

Food Experiences, Drinks, & Shopping

  1. 83.
    Las Vegas Buffet

Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace and Wicked Spoon are the top ones but also pricier. M is also quite popular. It’s Off-Strip which means you don’t have to pay the Strip prices. If you want the ultimate gluttonous experience do the Buffet of Buffets where you get 24-hour access to Caesar property buffets. Paris and Rio are the better ones. Bacchanal costs extra to upgrade.

  1. 84.

(DTLV) Shopping and food complex with a large praying mantis sculpture that shoots fire. See our full guide here.

  1. 85.
    Eiffel Tower Restaurant

(Paris, The Strip) Definitely a touristy experience but worth trying at least once.

  1. 86.

(DTLV) Vintage rundown motel turned into curated shops from local artists. Check out our full guide.

  1. 87.

(Centennial) U Pick farm that’s popular during pumpkin patch season. Get their apple cider and apple cider donuts. They also have sunflowers in September.

  1. 88.
    The Golden Tiki

(Chinatown) Tiki themed bar. The drinks are strong and didn’t taste the best, but our friends love this spot.

  1. 89.

Uncommons is one of Vegas’s newest shopping and dining areas located in the Southwest. It has yummy restaurants and beautiful outdoor areas and has quickly become a local fave.

  1. 90.
    Skyfall Lounge

(Delano, The Strip) Drinks with nice views.

  1. 91.
    Tea Lounge at Waldorf Astoria

(The Strip) Used to be the Tea Lounge in Mandarin Oriental. SkyBar is the bar next door, with overflow seating and views.

  1. 92.
    Clubbing on the Strip

We’ve only been to Hakkasan, Marquee, and Zouk, but people also love XS. Day Clubbing is good at Marquee, Encore, Wet Republic.

  1. 93.

(Resorts World) Cat-themed speakeasy inside Resorts World’s Food Hall. They change decor throughout the year.

  1. 94.
    The Whisky Attic

They have the largest selection of whisky in the US.

  1. 95.
    Hello Kitty Cafe

(Park MGM + Fashion Show Mall) They have the cutest desserts, but they’re more for the eyes than your stomach.

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas

Day Trips

  1. 96.

Technically, it is still part of Vegas, but many consider this a day trip. There’s great hiking and climbing.

  1. 97.
    Mount Charleston

Where the locals go when it’s too hot in the summer. You can climb or hike here almost all summer and ski in the winter.

  1. 98.

(Searchlight, NV) 45 mins away. They have mine tours, a crashed plane, and great photo ops. Popular for weddings and engagements.

  1. 99.
    Crystal Springs Boardwalk Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

(Amargosa Valley, NV) 1 hr 4 mins NE of the Strip.

  1. 100.

(Arizona) Visit via Helicopter or bus. It really should be a longer trip, but if you’re short on time and have never been, you can still day trip.

  1. 101.

(Overton, NV) Valley of Fire is an hour away. You can visit the famous Fire Wave and explore other beautiful rock formations. Explore on your own or book a tour here.

See More: 15 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

101 THings to Do in Las Vegas Map

Seasonal + Special Events

VEGAS IN Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Taken Off the List / Permanently Closed

  • Alibi Las Vegas – it has been temporarily closed since the pandemic, but I’m not sure if they’re coming back.
  • Arcadia Earth – closed. This space is now the Stranger Things store.
  • Banger Brewing, DTLV – permanently closed.
  • Jersey Boys – so sad to hear that this show ended. It was one of our favorites.
  • Lost Spirits Distiller – so bummed this spot closed!
  • Polaroid Museum and Polaroid Fotobar at the LINQ closed down.
  • Serendipity – permanently closed.
  • Joseph James Brewery Tour – permanently closed.
  • Roos-n-More Zoo (Moapa) – was our favorite thing to do in Vegas, and it’s currently closed.

Essential Tips for First Timers

  • Want to avoid crowds? Avoid holidays, festivals, and massive conferences.
  • Pack layers. In the winter, it gets cold in Vegas, especially when the sun sets. In the summer, the AC is always pumping indoors so a light jacket is still nice to have.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, or any other gear for sun protection if you’re doing outdoor activities.
  • Visiting on a budget? Here are the top 25 free things to do in Las Vegas.
  • Buy tickets early to popular shows and events. They can sell out quickly!
  • Save money on last-minute tickets at Tix4Vegas booths at Bally’s Grand Bazaar Shops, Showcase Mall, and Casino Royale if you’re flexible with shows (they rarely have the popular shows). Tickets on Demand has permanently closed.
  • Read all the fine print before you head to your show. Some shows have limitations on what you can bring in (for instance, no large bags).
  • Stay on the Strip if you want a quintessential touristy Vegas experience. Here are the top things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.
  • Stay in Downtown Vegas if you want to hang out with locals in East Fremont. Here are the top things to do in Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV)
  • Arrive early at the shows/events. Casinos can be a maze to navigate. In addition, it usually takes longer than you think to get from one spot on the strip to another.
  • Save money on multiple attractions with the All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass.

Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas

We’ve stayed in most of the hotels on the Strip and several off-Strip. Our favorites are the Venetian or Palazzo on the Strip and Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa in Henderson, but you can see below for more accommodation options:

Planning Checklist

Anything we’re missing that you feel belongs on the list? What would be at the top of your Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List?

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Esther and Jacob

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

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Ultimate Washington DC Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in DC https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-washington-dc-bucket-list/ https://localadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-washington-dc-bucket-list/#comments Tue, 26 Dec 2017 13:00:00 +0000 http://localadventurer.com/?p=37048 Check out our Washington DC bucket list. In the same day, you can see government in action, and also enjoy the lively art, music, and food scene.

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Visiting Washington DC? Here is a bucket list to help you plan your trip!

Washington, D.C. has the distinct honor of being the nation’s capital. There is evidence of power and politics all over the city. Look no further than the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court, all of which are located here. If you want to see government in action, you’ve come to the right place. Many government buildings offer tours. But it’s not all business. D.C has a really lively art, music, and food scene.

Your Ultimate DC Bucket List - 101 Things to Do in Washington DC

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025

TLDR

📍 Location – Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, located on the East Coast between Maryland and Virginia along the Potomac River. Visit for its rich history, iconic landmarks like the White House and U.S. Capitol, world-class museums (many of them free), and vibrant cultural scene.

🏛 Fave Attractions – National Mall, Library of Congress, U.S. Capitol, International Spy Museum, Smithsonians

🍽 Where to Eat49 Best Places to Eat in Washington DC

🛏 Where to StayWashington DC Hotel Deals

101 Things to Do in Washington DC Bucket List

There are tons of museums and memorials for you to explore and many of them are free. You could spend days exploring the Smithsonian museums alone. As if that wasn’t enough, there are many different venues where you can see a live show. Below is a list of our favorite things to do in DC.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.

It’s the largest Christian church in the U.S. and in North America and the second-largest church in the world.

  1. 2.

Learn about US currency and see how millions of dollars are printed.

  1. 3.

See views of the Potomac River from 180 feet above.

  1. 4.

Americana-themed carousel with a children’s playground & picnic tables, right by the Capital Wheel. (currently closed)

  1. 5.
    Chinatown Arch

A traditional Chinese gate constructed in 1986.

  1. 6.

(Georgetown) See pre-Colombian and Byzantine art and artifacts and the mansion gardens.

  1. 7.
    Embassy Row

See ornate buildings for each foreign embassy.

  1. 8.
    “The Exorcist” Steps

(Georgetown) Cool to see if you’re in the area. Free to visit!

  1. 9.

(Penn Quarter) Be sure to contact your congressional representative to be cleared first.

  1. 10.

(Brookland) Take a stroll through the grotto and gardens.

  1. 11.

(Capitol Hill) Has great views of DC.

  1. 12.

You can do a dinner cruise too.

  1. 13.

(aka the Castle) + Enid A. Haupt Garden

  1. 14.

Must make reservations at least 14 days in advance.

  1. 15.

Part of Martha Washington’s family’s estate.

  1. 16.

Great architecture, several shops and restaurants. You can also take the free circle bus at the station to the Mall.

  1. 17.

Grab a coffee and walk by the waterfront.

  1. 18.

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington – Woodrow Wilson’s Marble Tomb and Helen Keller’s Ashes.

Washington DC Attractions + 101 Things to Do in DC // localadventurer.com

Monuments + Memorials + Historic Sites

  1. 19.

A bridge connecting the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.

  1. 20.

(Arlington) Be sure to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

  1. 21.

(NPS) This house was once the headquarters of the National Women’s Party.

  1. 22.

(NPS) Home to the first African American to document the history of African Americans.

  1. 23.

Lots of events throughout the year within the park.

  1. 24.

(NPS) Established in 1807. Walk through both local and national history.

  1. 25.

(NPS) The actual gun used by Boothe is on display in the basement museum.

  1. 26.

(NPS) Open air memorial of FDR, located between the Jefferson and Martin Luther King Memorials.

  1. 27.

(NPS) Tours are available by reservations. We suggest you make the reservation before visiting.

  1. 28.

(NPS) Memorial of those served in the Korean War. Don’t miss the lief size statues of soldiers.

  1. 29.

(NPS) A must-see in D.C. Enjoy a break on the steps as you look out at the Reflecting Pool.

  1. 30.

(NPS) Small memorial and green space.

  1. 31.

(NPS) Take a night tour and learn about MLK Jr.

The United States Capitol Tour + 101 Things to Do in DC // localadventurer.com

  1. 32.
    Mary Mcleod Bethune Council House

(NPS) House is open for tours from 10am – 2pm, Thursday through Saturday.

  1. 33.
    National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Located by section of the Pentagon where the plane hit.

  1. 34.
    National Mall

(NPS) About 2 mi, stretch by most of the monuments and memorials.

  1. 35.
    Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site

(NPS) Six presidential funeral processions had traversed this area.

  1. 36.
    President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home

Where he lived and worked for over a quarter of his presidency.

  1. 37.
    President Woodrow Wilson House

Well preserved home, reservations are recommended for house tour.

  1. 38.
    Senate and House Office Buildings

You need your government STAR ID to enter.

  1. 39.
    Supreme Court

Walk around the public areas and take in the sheer magnitude of the marble hallways.

  1. 40.
    Thomas Jefferson Memorial

(NPS) There is a museum below the memorial.

  1. 41.
    The U.S. Capitol Visitors Center / Capitol Tour

Be sure to book your tour time online before visiting.

  1. 42.
    Vietnam Veterans Memorial

(NPS) Located right by the Lincoln Memorial.

  1. 43.
    Washington Monument

(NPS) Tickets are required to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck.

  1. 44.
    World War I Memorial

(NPS) Located in Pershing Park.

  1. 45.
    World War II Memorial

(NPS) A grand monument steps away from the Washington Monument.

  1. 46.
    White House + President’s Park

(NPS) White House Visitors Center

See More: Your Complete List of 400+ National Park Units in the US

Museums

  1. 47.
    Arts and Industries Building

(Smithsonian) Interior is closed, but you can appreciate the architecture and explore the area around the building. (temporarily closed)

  1. 48.
    Dea Museum and Visitors Center

(Arlington) Go see their bong collection.

  1. 49.
    Folger Shakespeare Library

(Capitol Hill) Catch a play at the small stage inside the library.

  1. 50.
    Freer Gallery of Art / Freer and Sackler Galleries

Part of the National Museum of Asian Art. Don’t forget to check out the Peacock Room.

  1. 51.
    The Fridge DC

Art gallery specializing in street art –  murals are in the alley behind the oyster shop on 8th St SE.

  1. 52.
    Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

Check out the world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative art, all curated by Post Cereal heiress, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

  1. 53.
    Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

(Smithsonian) A short walk from the Capitol, eclectic statues and art exhibits.

  1. 54.
    International Spy Museum

Very informative and interactive museum. Great for both kids and adults alike.

  1. 55.
    The Mansion On O Street

Get tickets online to save $5.

  1. 56.
    The National Archives Building

See the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta.

  1. 57.
    National BUILDING Museum

Learn about architecture, design, engineering, and more.

  1. 58.
    The National Gallery of Art + Sculpture Garden

See sculptures by Henry Moore, Rodin, Kusama, and more.

  1. 59.
    National Geographic Society – Grosvenor Auditorium / Museum

Tons of photographs on display, as well as rotating exhibits on scientific expeditions and explorations.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden + 101 Places to Visit in Washington DC - Your DC Bucket List // localadventurer.com

  1. 60.
    The National Museum of African American History and Culture

(Smithsonian) This museum is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.

  1. 61.
    National Museum of African Art

(Smithsonian) Small, yet captivating, African art collection from various African countries.

  1. 62.
    The National Museum of American History

Anything and everything American. We really liked seeing flag that flew over Fort McHenry that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner.

  1. 63.
    National Museum of the American Indian

Exhibits are grouped by tribe.

  1. 64.
    The National Museum of WOmen in the Arts

See the contributions of women in the arts, through permanent and rotating exhibits. They also have several events throughout the year.

  1. 65.
    National Portrait Gallery

The presidential portraits are located on the second floor.

  1. 66.
    The National Postal Museum

The volume of stamps on display is enormous! Cool to see, especially if you’re a collector.

  1. 67.
    Newseum

Learn about the first amendment and importance and evolution of a free press.

  1. 68.
    Smithsonian American Art Museum

Open until 7pm, which is later than most Smithsonian museums.

  1. 69.
    Renwick Gallery

Also part of American Art Museum but at a different location.

  1. 70.
    Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM)

(2 locations) One in DC + Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center aka Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

  1. 71.
    National Museum of Natural History

(Smithsonian) Awesome collection of very rare, real dinosaur fossils.

  1. 72.
    Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Free admission, don’t miss the giant pandas!

  1. 73.
    United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

There’s also a room where you can listen to audio recordings of survivors telling their stories.

See More: Complete List of National Parks by State

The Outdoors + Urban Parks

  1. 74.
    Anacostia River

Kayaking, SUP, and even hydro-biking.

  1. 75.
    Constitution Gardens

(NPS) Several quiet walking paths and pleasant gardens.

  1. 76.
    Georgetown Waterfront Park

Calmer and much more quieter part of the city.

  1. 77.
    Gravelly Point

Great place to see planes take off.

  1. 78.
    Great Falls Park

(NPS) The entrance fee is $20 per car.

  1. 79.
    LAFAYETTE Square

(Downtown) Ideal spot for a good view of the White House.

  1. 80.
    Meridian Hill Park

Great to visit in the spring and summer when the fountains are on.

  1. 81.
    Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

(NPS) Easy walk for kids to enjoy nature.

  1. 82.
    Tidal Basin

Paddle boating.

  1. 83.
    Theodore Roosevelt Island

(NPS) Enjoy nature and the great statue of Theodore Roosevelt.

  1. 84.
    United States National Arboretum

More locals go here and bigger than the Botanic Garden – free for visitors.

  1. 85.
    United States Botanic Garden

Very pretty, especially during Christmas time.

  1. 86.
    The Yards Park

(Navy Yard) Lots of restaurants by the park and various kid-friendly activities throughout the year.

Shows + Venues

  1. 87.

Standing room only!

  1. 88.
    Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater

Not a bad seat in the house! Great, high quality productions and performances.

  1. 89.

The Wizards and Capitals both play here.

  1. 90.
    Madams Organ

Come for a speciality drink at their quirky bar and see the interesting decor.

  1. 91.

(Foggy Bottom) Catch a free concert.

  1. 92.

See a perforamnce in this historic theatre.

  1. 93.

Washington Nationals Baseball Game

Shopping + Food

  1. 94.
    Brewery Tours at Port City Brewery

Tour is $12 and includes a flight of 6 6 oz tasting pours, DC Brau Brewing Company (free brewery tours on Sat), Atlas Brew Works (free brewery tours on Saturdays, 100% solar powered), Capital City Brewing / Cap City (give tours upon request, or you can do a brewery tours through a third party).

  1. 95.

Live music, cheap drinks. Where most of National fans gather.

  1. 96.
    Capitol Hill Books

(Capital Hill) Used bookstore.

  1. 97.

Local food, fresh product and meat.

  1. 98.
    The Fish Market

Oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the US. Southeast Fish Market / Maine Avenue Fish Market.

  1. 99.
    Georgetown Flea Market

Fun place to browse for random trinkets and gifts.

  1. 100.
    M Street

(Georgetown) Several boutiques to peruse and restaurants to try.

  1. 101.
    Union Market

One of the best food halls in America by Bon Appetit.

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Washington DC

Map of Washington DC

Seasonal + Special Events

(July) Fringe theatre, music, art, dance.

(April/May) See independentand international films.

  1. H Street Festival

(Fall) 11 blocks long and has 14 staging areas for musical performances, art, poetry, and more.

(Winter) Skate rentals are available for just $4.

  1. Jazz in the Garden

Every Friday at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art 5:30-8:30.

  1. National CHerry Blossom Festival

(Spring) One of the prettiest places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S.

Calling all art lovers! Stroll through these galleries for free on First Fridays.

See More: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the US

Essential Tips for First Time Visitors

The Best Time to Visit DC

Visiting DC in the spring is great because the weather is really pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-fifties to the mid-seventies. I’ve always loved going there in the fall when the temperatures are milder as are the number of tourists. If you can’t get away then though and want to travel in the summer, be prepared for the heat – it ranges in the mid to high 80’s but has been known to creep even higher on occasion.

The city was once a swamp and though it looks a lot different than it used to, if you come in the summer, be prepared for the humidity! The winters can be unpredictable and brutal (ice, snow, sleet) but hotels tend to be a little cheaper in the winter because this is the off-season.

The Metro

In DC, the locals call the train the Metro. If you say Subway, people will think you’re looking for the fast-food restaurant. Oh, and when you’re on the Metro, stay to the right and let people pass on your left. Otherwise, you may be in for some aggravated locals.

Lines are referred to by color: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Look for tall brown columns with a large “M” identifying the station entrances. Colored stripes around the column show which lines serve the station. Train service is from 5 am on Weekdays to 12 am and 7 am on Weekends to 12 am. The city is in the midst of upgrading the system and we rode on several brand new railcars while we were in town.

To use the train, purchase a SmarTrip® card. It’s $2 to purchase a card and is rechargeable so don’t throw it away after you use it; keep on reloading it. You can use it for the bus (most of which are $2 per ride) and the Metro will help you plan the most efficient route and also tell you exactly how much it will cost.

Parking

If you can avoid having to drive into do DC, do just that. We recommend using public transportation (WMATA) whenever possible. Most locals use a combination of the bus, train, walking or a bike. It can be really busy in the morning and evenings when people are going to work but using public transportation can save you time and a headache because you won’t have to hunt for parking. There are 91 stations located in Virginia, Maryland and DC.

Best Places to Stay in Washington DC

Planning Checklist

Are we missing anything? What would be at the top of your Washington DC Bucket List?

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Caroline + Erin

They are entrepreneurs and creatives who are good at finding adventure, both big and small, everywhere they go. The two have made a daily practice of sharing vulnerabilities, truth telling, and side splitting laughter. Both value being able to spend time getting to know a place but understand that life doesn’t always allow one to really settle into a place. So, they’ve honed the art of traveling fast and seeing and doing all of the things that an adventurer can do in a day or two. The couple lives in Asheville, North Carolina and spend as much time as possible in the mountains.

Follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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