Obviously, you can spend a week exploring a city and still find fun attractions, hidden gems and unique restaurants to try. But what if you only have a day to explore an awesome city?
Especially when taking a road trip, you might only have a short time to explore a city full of entertaining options.
Find out how to explore each of these cities in just a day:
Pittsburgh, PA in a Day
If you want to see Pittsburgh in a day, there are a few must-sees in this City of Bridges.
Start off your day with a visit to Point State Park, where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers meet the Ohio River. This park features a beautiful fountain and river views, walking trails and a boating trail.
Next, choose between a visit to Phipps Conservatory and the Cathedral of Learning, just a few minutes away from Point Park. Phipps Conservatory offers 17 botanical gardens to wander and explore. The Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus is one of the most beautiful buildings in America. Its gothic main reading room is like Hogwarts-meets-Notre Dame Cathedral, and all around it are the Nationality Rooms, classrooms whose interior designs are inspired by the many ethnic cultures represented in Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods.
Take a lunch break at Primanti Brothers. A Pittsburgh favorite, this iconic restaurant loads their “almost famous” sandwiches with French fries and coleslaw.
Check the Pirates’ baseball schedule to see if you can catch a game at PNC Park. If you’re traveling with kids or looking for fun attractions, consider an afternoon trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo or other family favorites in Pittsburgh.
End your ultimate Pittsburgh experience with a ride on the Duquesne Incline to the top of Mount Washington. At the observation deck, you’ll get the most spectacular views of the city – you know, the ones you see on postcards. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset or see the city lights. And check out one of the great restaurants up there, for a late supper or drink with a view.
Denver, CO in a Day
See Denver, Colorado in a day with these suggestions for what to do in the mile-high city. Check out these awesome attractions in this rocky mountain city.
Take a free guided tour at the U.S. Mint facility in Denver, where you’ll learn how U.S. coins are made – it’s really cool. Just two blocks away, you’ll find the Denver Art Museum, one of the largest art museums west of the Mississippi River. Here you’ll find art from cultures across the globe in varying styles, plus collections of architecture, photography, graphic design and more.
Spend the afternoon at one of the two awesome attractions in Denver’s City Park: Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Each of these popular destinations are highly rated by visitors. If those aren’t up your ally, the Denver Botanical Gardens are truly breathtaking.
For breakfast, lunch or dinner, make sure you stop and try some Mexican food smothered in authentic green chile. We recommend Jack-n-Grill, which offers an unbelievable 7-lb. burrito (featured on Man v. Food).
In the evening, try one of the many local bars and restaurants in Downtown Denver. This city has a mixture of laid back and upscale nightlife options.
Las Vegas, NV in a Day
You may be skeptical about seeing Las Vegas in a single day, but it can be done! The most popular attractions in Las Vegas await, so whether you’re staying for a day or a week, you won’t want to miss these sights.
Start your day exploring the Las Vegas Strip. Traffic can be pretty intense on this busy road, so consider walking along the Strip or take the monorail, which runs from the MGM Grand all the way to the Sahara. Shorter trams run between the frequented casinos on the west side of Las Vegas Blvd.
We suggest playing a few slots at some of the exciting casinos you pass. Each has its own personality, but we love the Luxor, New York-New York and Caesars Palace. Thrill seekers must try The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. If shopping is more your style, you should head to the Fashion Show Mall at the north end of the Strip.
If there’s only one thing you see on the Vegas Strip, the Bellagio Fountain Show is a must-see. This incredible display of music, light and water runs afternoons and evenings every day of the week.
You don’t want to miss the Viva Canopy at the Fremont Street Experience, the largest TV screen in the world, playing weekday nights from 6 p.m. – midnight and weekend nights until 1 a.m.
To top off your evening, see a show! There are plenty of shows to choose from in Vegas, from music and magic to comedy and theater. Finally, spend the night in one of the many fabulous hotels in Vegas.
Seattle, WA in a Day
When it comes to Seattle, Washington, there’s no where else quite like it. To discover what Seattle has to offer in just a day will be a fun challenge for you and your companions.
We recommend a morning visit to Pike Place Market so you can browse local produce, crafts and seafood vendors while soaking up the friendly Seattle atmosphere. This incredible public market has be in operation since 1907! Don’t forget to stop at the first Starbucks location, situated right at the entrance to Pike Place Market, to fuel up for the day.
You could choose to explore one of the great attractions in Downtown Seattle like a museum or the aquarium, but for a unique activity we suggest visiting the Seattle Waterfall Garden. This 22-foot waterfall in the city offers a breathtaking spot for a picnic or break.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Seattle without seeing the iconic Space Needle. You’ll see the entire city from the observation deck – 520 feet high! Expert tip: if you choose to eat at SkyCity, the Space Needle restaurant, admission to the elevator ride and observation deck is included.
To top off your visit, a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel will give you an idea view of the city or even Seattle at sunset. Typically open until 10 p.m. or midnight, you’ll have no problem fitting the Great Wheel into your Seattle In A Day itinerary. And you won’t have to worry on your ride – each gondola is completely enclosed.
Check out even more tips for visiting Seattle in just one day!
Los Angeles, CA in a Day
The key to experiencing LA in a single day is to see multiple attractions at your first stop.
If you start your tour of LA at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, you’ll be able to see the impressive Walk of Fame, where hundreds of stars have placed their hands. If you climb the escalators in the shopping area at Hollywood and Highland Ave, right next door, you’ll have a great view of the Hollywood Sign. This is the perfect LA photo opportunity! Lots of LA city tours depart from the Chinese Theater, so if you’re interested in a Studio Tour or Tour of Celebrity Homes, you’ll want to catch one here.
After a quick lunch, you’ll want to hop in the car or cab and visit some of the nearby attractions, including Rodeo Drive, Griffith Observatory and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
In the evening, drive to the Santa Monica Pier, making sure your route includes the fabulous Sunset Boulevard. At the pier you’ll find tons of great restaurants to choose from, the famous Pacific Park, and a beautiful stretch of beach along the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to end your day in LA.
Miami, FL in a Day
There’s no better way to experience Miami than with a day at the beach! For the ultimate Miami experience, head to South Beach to sun bathe. For a more tranquil day at the shore, choose the nearby Key Biscayne. The best time to visit the beach (especially during the summer) is in the morning. That way, you’ll avoid the hottest temperatures and busiest crowds.
Cool off with a lunch break, then visit one of our favorite Miami attractions. We love the whimsical and lesser-known Coral Castle, build by one man over a period of about 30 years. To get up close and personal with some wildlife, choose a visit to Miami Seaquarium, where you’ll see your favorite sea creatures like dolphins, orcas, sea lions and more.
When it comes to the evening activities, Miami has no shortage of options. Grab some great food at a local eatery in Little Havana or visit the sophisticated clubs of Miami Beach and Downtown. If that’s not your style, take an evening walk on the beach to top off the night.
Image Credits: Pittsburgh, Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, Miami
