Museums · THE USA
New York alone stacks three world collections inside a few miles, and Washington charges nothing at all. These 15 cover the ticketed ones worth booking, priced and timed, with the observatory and memorial tickets separated out.
Book timed entry to New York’s 9/11 Memorial Museum, then visit the memorial pools, Survivor Tree, and Memorial Glades at no extra cost. Explore three permanent exhibitions, including the last column, slurry wall, personal stories, and more than 10,000 artifacts. Plan on at least two hours.
“reflective day. respectful tribute to the events of 9/11. Remember watching it on TV on the day.”
Visit the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, explore its museum and Art Deco spaces, and add the 102nd floor for wider views. Choose a standard or Express ticket, plan for airport-style security, and allow 45 minutes to 2 hours.
“it was a nice experience, i find it very worthy but i went at night so i had amazing pictures but i would love to go in daytime as well to see the view there. but overall it was a very pleasant experience”
Explore more than 40 permanent halls, the Rose Center, and the new Gilder Center at your own pace. Add one or more timed special exhibits, such as Impact, the butterfly vivarium, a space show, or a giant-screen film. The Explorer app helps you find your way.
“Overwhelming exiting day! Price paid, only allowed access to one themed entry, which was disappointing. Fantastic day out just a great learning experience 😀”
Enter MoMA at 11 West 53rd Street with a barcoded voucher and explore six floors of modern and contemporary art. See Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and Pollock, then use the free multilingual audio guide, film screenings, art labs, and included MoMA PS1 access.
“Finally got to see, Starry Night. Traveled to Amsterdam to see this painting-was in NYC all along. So many thought provoking pieces of art.”
Meet outside the Oculus for a small-group walk with guides such as Sean, Paul, Amy, and James. Visit St. Paul’s Chapel, the FDNY Memorial Wall, Ten House, and the memorial pools. Add a timed museum ticket or one-hour VIP museum tour.
“The tour description did not say the museum was CLOSED on Tuesdays! I get it said walking tour only - however in my mind it includes the museum. I can do a “walking” tour only my own…right? Ridiculous to not see the museum!! I feel it was Not explained well. I’m very disappointed in how this was portrayed and how it worked out. I mean $79 for what?? Doesn’t even include the museum!”
Use a timed mobile ticket to enter the 9/11 Memorial Museum beneath the memorial pools. Explore artifacts, first-person accounts, multimedia displays, and memorial exhibits at your own pace. Plan at least two hours, and expect a serious, emotional visit rather than a quick sightseeing stop.
“This was an unforgettable experience in many ways. The view from the boat was extraordinary and kept everyone out of the winter cold. We saw many iconic buildings and the December tour was given by Santa Claus, nice touch! The tour added to everyone's experience. Additionally, I got the upgraded package, and it included a beautiful souvenir book with pictures to guide and memorialize the trip. I had access to a less crowded seating area with the best view, and a private deck at the front of the boat. It was freezing cold and windy, so that was the best way to get incredible pictures but not be waiting in…”
Walk Ground Zero with guides such as Rob, Megan, James, or Tony, hear personal 9/11 stories, then enter the museum and One World Observatory. Choose a self-guided museum visit or a one-hour VIP tour. Plan for outdoor walking, security lines, and several hours on site.
“Emphasize that tour is conducted almost entirely outside. Also, mention that group is led by a single tour guide.”
Walk four decks of the USS Intrepid, inspect historic aircraft on the flight deck, see Enterprise in the Space Shuttle Pavilion, and visit the Cold War-era Growler submarine. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours, or most of a day if you want time for every exhibit.
“Was good to see the changes over the life of the ship. Access to the engine room and lower decks would be interesting as I expected to see these areas and was disappointed”
Spend three to four hours exploring the USS Midway in downtown San Diego. Use the audio guide in six languages, visit aircraft, crew quarters, the engine room, flight deck, and bridge, and talk with docents who served aboard the carrier.
“Amazing tour and former military members who serve in it. Great job.”
Enter the Museum of Ice Cream on Broadway for a 90-minute, self-guided trip through playful rooms, ice cream tastings, a pink subway, a three-story slide, and a giant sprinkle pool. It suits families, couples, and anyone who enjoys colorful photo spots and hands-on fun.
“It was so much fun! The ice cream was delish. 2 nd time there and had an even better experience this time.”
Follow the road to the American Revolution with costumed guides, multimedia scenes, and hands-on history at Boston’s Tea Party Ships and Museum. Board the replica Eleanor and Beaver, throw tea into Boston Harbor, see the Robinson Tea Chest, and finish with tea time at Abigail’s Tea Room.
“So much fun. The actors were so into it and we had a really good time. If you like history it’s definitely a fun silly informative experience. They’re literally dressed as Sam Adams lmfao i loved it”
Follow the events of November 22, 1963, from Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll to Oswald’s rooming house and Texas Theatre. Your guide, possibly Dan, Preston, Anna, Tim, or John, adds maps, photographs, and clear context before you explore the Sixth Floor Museum on your own.
“Anna was our tour guide. She did an excellent job and was very informative. Would definitely recommend her to anyone.”
Enter New Orleans’ National WWII Museum at your own pace with general admission. Follow the American experience from the Home Front to D-Day, Berlin, and the Pacific, with aircraft, personal stories, interactive displays, and wartime artifacts. Add the 4D film or submarine experience for an extra fee.
“Go early and plan to spend the whole day, at the very least. There is so much to see! The museum is curated excellently. Definitely worth the price of admission.”
Visit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on Fifth Avenue with access to every open exhibition, the Thannhauser Collection, and a downloadable audio guide in 11 languages. Take your time with Picasso, Monet, van Gogh, and changing contemporary art inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous spiral building.
“Great set up, the plants in the spiral looked great. Improvement would be a better audio guide as it was difficult to navigate, we have been to the national gallery in London where the guide takes you around each exhibit individually which was better than this one which gave more general information.”
Board the USS Midway on San Diego’s Embarcadero and explore its flight deck, aircraft, living quarters, engine room, and 65 highlighted areas at your own pace. Your ticket includes an audio tour narrated by former sailors, plus access to exhibits, volunteers, and panoramic harbor views.
“Definitely recommeded. The ship was impressive and my mum and partner wete really happy. I suggest coming in early then have lunch onsite and continue the tour of the ship in the afternoon as the ship was massive!”
Pick a collection, a city or a kind of ticket.
