Things to do in Arlington

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, officially named "Liberty Enlightening the World." It was a gift from the people of France to the United States, created to commemorate American independence and completed in 1886. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, its internal steel framework was crafted by Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower. She holds a torch aloft in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with "July 4, 1776" in her left, with broken chains at her feet. The seven spikes on her crown symbolize the seven continents and seven seas, while the theme of breaking free from*********and embracing liberty is woven into every detail. Reaching the crown is the signature experience here: ascend via the narrow double-helix staircase inside the statue to overlook New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline from the crown's observation windows. Crown access has limited availability and requires advance reservations. The staircase is steep and narrow with no elevator, so travelers with acrophobia or limited physical stamina should assess their capabilities. Opting for the pedestal observatory still allows close-up views of the statue and panoramic harbor vistas. The original torch replaced in 1984 is now displayed at the Statue of Liberty Museum on the island, which opened in 2019, fully presenting the statue's construction history and symbolic significance. The adjacent Ellis Island Immigration Museum recounts the stories of millions of immigrants who entered the U.S. here to begin new lives, often combined with a visit to Liberty Island. △Statue of LibertyCrown visit: one of the must-do experiences is climbing up to the statue's crown. Travelers can access the crown via a narrow spiral staircase and enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline. △: Closely connected, the visit is a fascinating experience. This museum tells the story of millions of immigrants who passed through to start new lives in the United States. △Statue of LibertyPedestal access: Travelers can also enter the pedestal to observe the statue and its intricate details up close. The pedestal also houses a museum showcasing the history and significance of the statue.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is a historic estate with a museum that displays the history and artifacts of Lincoln and his family, including the family's genealogy, letters, photographs, and furniture. Visitors can also tour the estate's farm and gardens to learn about local agriculture and horticulture.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Empire State Building

• Iconic Landmark – The Empire State Building is one of the most recognized skyscrapers in the world and is ranked #1 top attraction in NYC. Its Art Deco design and cinematic fame make it a true New York icon.​ • Breathtaking Panoramic Views – Enjoy 360° views that stretch up to 80 miles on a clear day. From the open-air 86th Floor Observatory or the glass-enclosed 102nd Floor Observatory, spot Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and neighboring states.​ • Immersive Exhibits – Explore the interactive museum on the second and 80th floors, with immersive galleries that bring the building's story to life from Opening Day in 1931 to its role as a pop culture icon. Meet Kong, snap photos with celebrity moments, and admire the building's innovative construction. • Famous Filming Location – From "King Kong" to "Sleepless in Seattle" and countless others, the Empire State Building has been featured in more than 250 films and TV shows.​ • Art Deco Masterpiece – Marvel at the restored Fifth Avenue Lobby with its iconic gold leaf ceiling mural, bronze finishes, and two-story architectural model.​ Other notes for the listing. △Sustainability Exhibit: The Empire State Building has a sustainability exhibit on the 2nd floor that showcases the building's commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870, with its main building adjacent to New York Central Park. It is an encyclopedic museum that encapsulates over 5,000 years of global art history under one roof: Egyptian statues and painted sarcophagi, European classical oil paintings, and Asian calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain are displayed together here, making its collection breadth exceptionally rare among similar museums. In addition to the main building, the museum also operates The Cloisters branch in Upper Manhattan, dedicated to medieval art. △The Metropolitan Museum of ArtIt showcases over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The museum is located at two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions also engage onlineThe Metropolitan Museum of ArtExperiences. △Since its establishment in 1870,The Metropolitan Museum of ArtIt has always been committed to being a treasure trove of rare and beautiful items. Every day, art comes alive in the museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and activities, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and cultures. △The Metropolitan Museum of ArtTo collect, study, preserve and exhibit significant works of art across time and cultures, connecting all people to creativity, knowledge, ideas and one another. Egypt exhibition hall Located on the first floor, the highlight here is the Temple of Dendur, which was relocated from Egypt in its entirety. Lehman collection gallery Located on the first floor, this independent circular pavilion houses exquisite European paintings and various decorative arts from the 14th to 20th centuries. China exhibition hall Located on the second floor, in addition to porcelain from various periods, a life-size replica of a Suzhou garden makes you feel like you're in Suzhou. European painting exhibition hall Located on the second floor, you might as well sit down and quietly admire the masterpieces after taking photos.

Green Mountain National Forest

Green Mountain National Forest is located in Stratton Mountain and features trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. With its shaded trees and beautiful scenery, it is a great place for hiking.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The Museum of Modern Art

▴The Museum of Modern Art, abbreviated as MoMA, is a cultural icon of New York. It houses masterpieces such as Monet's Water Lilies, Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Matisse's Dance, and Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, as well as modern artworks including sculptures, prints, photography, furniture, and installation art. ▴The Museum of Modern Art houses a cinema that screens art films, and the sculpture garden designed by Philip Johnson serves as an important space for outdoor sculpture displays and relaxation, where the scattered sculptures form a unique dialogue with the surrounding modern architecture.

Mount Equinox Skyline Drive

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Central Park

Central Park is located in the skyscraper-filled Manhattan urban area, covering an area of 3.4 million square meters. With over 90 km of walking paths, it serves as a tranquil retreat in the bustling city of New York. The park features lakes and forests of various sizes, along with a zoo, sports facilities, and recreational amenities, offering more than a day's worth of exploration. Recommended routes and attractions 1. There are two large lakes in the park, the slightly larger one is Reservoir, and the smaller one isThe lake, two large lawns including the Great Lawn located between the two lakes and the one atThe lakeThe sheep meadow on the south side. 2. The entrance at the southwest corner of the park is famousColumbus Circle; The southeast corner entrance of the park is the Grand Army Plaza. 3. To the north is the zoo, which mainly displays animals from three climate zones, including tropical rainforests and California. 4. The more famous attraction in the central part of the park is the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain by the lake. On the western side of the lake lies Strawberry Fields Forever, a teardrop-shaped hill purchased by John Lennon's widow in memory of her late husband. It has now become a popular destination for many music fans, with frequent flower tributes and large memorial activities held annually on the anniversary of Lennon's death. 5. Near the heart of the park stands Belvedere Castle, the highest point in the park and a great spot for panoramic views. 6. The northern part of the park is mainly composed of lawns and woods, offering a quieter and more pleasant atmosphere compared to the southern area, with fewer visitors.

2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

• Enjoy open-air terrace views of Manhattan and beyond. • Experience Transcendence from above, taking your perspective to a new level. • Join us for a bite and a drink in our Nordic-themed café. △ Awaken your senses with three levels of immersive space that will challenge, inspire, and thrill. △ Be ready to surrender to new perceptions of what is possible. △ Thrilling perspective of the city in the external glass-bottomed elevator.

2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Rockefeller Center

▴Enjoy the stunning views of New York at Rockefeller Center.New York has a thousand faces, all different. Rockefeller Center, which stands in a prime location in Manhattan, New York, is a living history of the development of New York City. The center integrates city sightseeing, free art exhibitions, specialty dining, shopping and entertainment. ▴Top of The Rock Observation Deck, located on the 69th floor of the main building of the center, has a 360-degree unobstructed panoramic view. The Beam:The Beam invites visitors to recreate “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” the iconic 1932 photo depicting 11 ironworkers lunching on a steel beam, 69 stories high, during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Follow in their fearless footsteps by buckling up for an exhilarating 12-foot ascent that rotates a breathtaking 180-degrees. Here you'll experience astonishing views of NYC's famous Central Park and beyond.