The Best Travel Experiences In 15 U.S. Destinations

A quiet, cobbled lane in the historic French Quarter of Charleston, S.C., is just one of several hidden pathways in the city. This narrow alleyway is just 10 feet wide and 540 feet long and it's called Longitude Lane, even though it’s not longitudinal. It offers one of the most picturesque views in the city, giving pedestrians a glimpse back in time to what Charleston must have looked like before the modern age of transportation, according to Charleston’s public library.

How the alleyway got its name is just one of the mysteries and curious historic tales you can learn about a walking tour of this historic city’s hidden pathways and secret alleys.

Charleston is a top tourist destination, according to Tripadvisor, and great for ghost tours, historical tours, food and cultural tours. Its rich history makes it a interesting destination for visitors from both the U.S. and abroad.

When you visit a new city, sometimes a guided tour is a good way to go, especially if you’re short on time and don’t know where to begin. It might be worth it to budget $50 or $100 for a short or half-day tour or even $200 to get a full-day excursion. Guides who know their way around can tell you about the history of an area, where the best food is, and get you to the best sights without you having to worry about admission tickets, lines, or finding transportation. It can make for a richer travel experience.

Viator, a marketplace for booking travel experiences such as tours and activities, came up with 20 of the best experiences in U.S. cities. Their ranking is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings on the site over a 12-month period from travelers around the world, culling through thousands of experiences for the best things to do and see.

Here are their top travel experiences in 15 U.S. destinations.

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