Enslaved Africans in Galveston, Texas, learned on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, that slavery was officially over in America. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated nationwide with historical reenactments, African-inspired programming, music and dance performances, and so much more. Philly offers many ways to celebrate Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in America in 1865. For the third year in a row, the City of Philadelphia's official Fourth of July celebration — known as Wawa Welcome America — includes Juneteenth events in partnership with The African American Museum in Philadelphia, kicking off a season of independence in Philadelphia starting on June 19 and continuing through July 4. In addition, major festivals in West Philadelphia, Germantown and Chester County, as well as events at attractions and venues like Longwood Gardens, the Betsy Ross House and more, also offer robust programming to commemorate the anniversary. Read on for ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Greater Philadelphia in 2023. Illuminated Fountain Performances: Freedom Three nights a week from late May through October, Longwood Gardens lights up its spectacular fountains for special themed nighttime shows. Back for 2023, the Freedom programming — featuring music from Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Beyoncé, Curtis Mayfield and more — honors Juneteenth and highlights the themes of freedom, hope and strength. Juneteenth Festival at the Johnson House Historic Site When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 | Noon-7 p.m. Historic Germantown celebrates Juneteenth during its 17th annual Juneteenth Festival. Hosted by the Johnson House Historic Site, the annual (and free!) fest celebrates the 158th anniversary of the Black emancipation from enslavement with joyful music performances, historical reenactments, community conversations, food trucks, a cultural marketplace and much more. Philly's First Juneteenth Mural: Unveiling & Dedication When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 | 2 p.m. The Germantown ArtHaus hosts an unveiling of Philadelphia's very first official Juneteenth mural, Absolute Equality – Juneteenth. Designed by ArtHaus founder and Custom Arts Studio Creative Director Keisha Whatley (and painted by volunteers including nearly 400 high school students), the 1,100-square-foot mural faces the Johnson House Historic Site, an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Storytime with Harriet Tubman at Christ Church Historic Christ Church in Philadelphia by Dan Mall - Unsplash When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 | 2-3 p.m. Bring the littles to this special Juneteenth storytime outside historic Christ Church — performed by none other than Harriet Tubman herself. The event is free and tickets are required. Juneteenth at Washington Crossing Historic Park When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. Bucks County's Washington Crossing Historic Park hosts a slate of Freedom Day events with Juneteenth at Washington Crossing Historic Park, highlighting the contributions of Black soldiers during the American Revolution. The day kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at the Visitors Center with a lecture on the experience of Black soldiers from historian Noah Lewis and African American Museum of Bucks County President Linda Salley. The day wraps up at 5 p.m. with a jazz concert on the riverbank from Joyce Simpson & The Quake Band, during which reenactors share short presentations. Both events are free, but lectures require registration. Food vendors are available during the concert. Freedom Market at NextFab When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 | Noon-5 p.m. Celebrate a day of culture and community at this indoor-outdoor shopping fest. The family-friendly event showcases handmade products by local vendors, pay-as-you-go food trucks, live music, raffles supporting Philly youth organizations and tons of events for kids — games, hands-on art activities, face painting and more. General admission is free. Concert at the Betsy Ross House When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 | 3 p.m. Celebrate freedom at the Betsy Ross House with a powerful concert by the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale. Guest composer Ruth Naomi Floyd takes you through significant moments in Black history with poetry and expression, while the chorus music spans the solemn refrains of historic slave songs to the uplifting joy of gospel. The ROOTS Art Show at Pentridge Station Pop Up When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 | 6-11 p.m. Experience a taste of Black art at this special Juneteenth art stroll in West Philly. Look for Black and African art showcases, outdoor vendors, live performances, food and drink (available for purchase at the Penridge Station beer garden), and more experiences to come. RSVP for free tickets, and any donations go toward supporting future art shows. Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival Downtown Philadelphia by Nick Fewings - Unsplash When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival & Parade is one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. The all-day event kicks off in West Philadelphia with a parade, performances and floats from noon to 2 p.m. After the parade, kids can join in the fun with a carnival, games, arts and crafts, and more at the Children's Village. A music festival pumps up the crowd with a lineup featuring Fatman Scoop, Lil Mo and DJ Cupid from 3 to 7 p.m. And all throughout the day, a marketplace of over 250 Black- and Brown-owned businesses, vendors, nonprofits and Philly entrepreneurs line Malcolm X Park with treats, artwork, free food, yoga classes and more. Voices Underground Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square; The Creamery, 401 Birch Street, Kennett Square; Lincoln University, 1570 Baltimore Pike Chester County's Voices Underground returns with a fresh list of Juneteenth events this year. This year's lineup: Fashioning Freedom at Longwood Gardens: This celebration of Black fashion and its role in American freedom features talks by the host of The Invisible Seam podcast Kimberly Jenkins, Grant BLVD founder Dr. Kimberly McGlonn and more, followed by a Black-curated fashion show and a music performance by Madelyn Brené (June 16, 2023).Juneteenth at The Creamery: Honor Juneteenth with a night of food and wine, including a talk about barbecue cooking and human connection by pitmaster Russ Whitfield, a wine tasting with a curated selection of Black-owned wines, and a live music performance by the local band Group Therapy (June 17, 2023).Freedom's Table at Lincoln University: This barbecue feast — hosted by a prominent Black chef — celebrates freedom and reconciliation (June 18, 2023). Liberation Rising: Juneteenth Block Party at The African American Museum in Philadelphia When: Monday, June 19, 2023 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This daylong block party outside of The African American Museum in Philadelphia features performances from legendary DJ Spinderella (of Salt-N-Pepa fame), a marketplace highlighting Black-owned businesses, food trucks, hands-on activities and free admission to the museum with online registration. Wine & Arts Festival at Cherry Street Pier When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 | 1-6 p.m. The Women's Empowerment Coalition is teaming up with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation to host Philly's first-ever Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival. Expect art exhibits, live musical performances, craft vendors and wine tastings by Black-owned wineries. General admission is free to the public, but you'll need to buy tickets to try the wine. Landmarks and Historical Attractions Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia by Phillip Goldsberry - Unsplash In addition to the events and celebrations planned during the annual holiday, Philadelphia is also home to significant landmarks and museums dedicated to African American history in the US. Some of these include The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion, Historic Fair Hill, Johnson House Historic Site, the Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery, and The President's House. Philadelphia has a long list of museums, historical landmarks, churches, art galleries and public spaces exploring Black history and culture. Many of the historic homes and museums do have special programming during the month, too. The historic Hatfield House in East Fairmount Park hosts an annual outdoor Juneteenth party with live jazz music, a DJ, games, giveaways and plenty of activities for kids. Stop by for water ice and pretzels or step inside the impressive house to see the new photo exhibit, Healing Through the Land: Black Faces in Green Spaces. Explore the lesser-known Black history of South Coventry — at the border of Chester County and Montgomery County — with two historic presentations examining the community roots of the Black ironworkers of Coventry and the preservation efforts of the Friends of the African Union Church congregation. The event is free to attend, but donations are welcome. Visit the National Constitution Center (free admission) on Juneteenth and enjoy special tours of the Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality exhibit, as well as additional programming highlighting Reconstruction-era freedom fighters like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and more. Free Juneteenth tickets also include access to the rest of the center's permanent offerings. Additionally, at the Historical Society of Philadelphia, visitors this year can get a crash course on Juneteenth and why we celebrate it with a community event and documentary film screening. Juneteenth: Exploring Freedom's Stories examines America's link between freedom and citizenship and, following the film, historians share stories about Juneteenth's recognition in Philly and discuss how local groups have expanded the narrative of Black freedom. Also on display: historic documents and prints from the Black community of pre-Civil War Philadelphia.

Hawaii is the ultimate tropical paradise vacation—a dream destination for almost any kind of trip, from romantic getaways and wellness retreats to outdoor adventures and big family trips. While nothing beats a day at one of the many gorgeous beaches or hiking through beautiful forests to other-worldly waterfalls, there's plenty more to do when it comes to exploring the islands. If you're headed to the islands in the near future, check out some of the newer attractions below. See What's Blooming on Kaua'i Flowers bloom on Kauai by Colter Olmstead - Unsplash Anaina Hou Community Park started a new Culture to Canvas, Paint Pā'ina class every Thursday from 6pm-8pm. Hosted in collaboration with native Hawaiian artist and kumu hula, Kehaulani Kekua, Culture to Canvas is a paint and sip journey inspired by the pulse of Kaua'i's wahi pana, or special, celebrated places. Price includes instruction, materials, supplies, one glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink of choice, and light snacks. Take a New Tour at Iolani Palace on O'ahu ʻIolani Palace offers multiple new tours for visitors. The palace represents a time in Hawaiian history when King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked the halls and ruled the Hawaiian Kingdom. The Palace complex contains beautiful memories of grand balls and hula performances, as well as painful ones of Liliuokalani’s overthrow and imprisonment. Since the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy, the Palace has undergone many changes as it once served as the Capitol for almost 80 years and was later vacated and restored to its original grandeur in the 1970s. Hear Hawaiʻi Workshops bring Hawaiian voices and stories to life every second Saturday He Mele Lāhui Hawaiʻi program offers live performances by Kuʻuipo Kumukahi each second and fourth WednesdayFashion Fit for Royalty specialty tour highlights wardrobe and jewelry of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. Enjoy Live Hula Performances on Waikiki Beach A hula performance is a classic attraction for anyone visiting the islands. Now, visitors can enjoy authentic live hula performances on Waikīkī Beach at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Performances showcase both ancient and modern hula traditions and offer audiences an entertaining immersion in Hawaiian culture. Step Back into Time with Virtual Reality at Pearl Harbor An American flag flies at Pearl Harbor by Luke Scarpino - Unsplash One of Hawai'i's newest and most advanced virtual reality centers is located just inside the main entrance at Pearl Harbor National Memorial and seat up to 25 visitors simultaneously. Once inside the new center, visitors can experience one of four virtual-reality tours, including “Air Raid Pearl Harbor,” “Skies Over Pearl,” “Walk the Deck” and “Explore the USS Arizona Memorial Today.” After enjoying the virtual reality experience, head over to The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. The museum recently opened the Ford Island Control Tower to the public for the first time. The World War II icon is part of the new Top of the Tower tour that includes access to the historic Operations Building, the Firehouse Exhibit, historic pictures and videos of the upper cab, and an elevator ride to the upper cab of the control tower – the pinnacle of the tour with 360-degree views of the Pearl Harbor. Have Tea in Maui's Upcountry A rainbow over Maui by Look Up Look Down Photography - Unsplash Situated in Upcountry Maui's Kula district, Maui Tea Farm welcomes visitors to stop by as they head to Haleakalā National Park. Just off Haleakalā Highway on the way to the Haleakalā volcano summit, the farm's tea plants grow alongside native Hawaiian koa, 'ōhi'a and māmane trees, as well as coffee, citrus, olive and other fruit trees, flowers and exotic botanicals. With the farm's spring tea-harvest season around the corner, now is one of the best times of the year to visit or take a guided tour and tea tasting. Scale a Ropes Course and Ziplines over Maui Whether you're looking for a fun family activity while visiting Maui, an outing for the kids or a date night for two, make sure to visit The Adventure Park Maui Hawai'i! Comprised of both low-ropes courses and high-ropes courses plus exciting ziplines, the park is ideal for all ages. Guests ages 7+ can enjoy six elevated trails with more than 60 elements. At this adventure park in Lāhainā, there's truly something for everyone at every fitness level. See Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at Night Lava from Kilauea on Hawaii flows into the ocean by Marc Szeglat - Unsplash Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues to offer more programs, improvements, and upgrades to park facilities and services. New programs include opportunities to enjoy Hawaiian games, After Dark in the Park programs, and ranger talks. If you can't make it there in person, though, try out one of their virtual programs: The Language of the Land, Cultural Resource Preservation, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, ʻIke Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work), and Moʻolelo.

If you needed another excuse to plan a summer vacation, Father's Day is fast approaching (this year, it lands on Sunday, June 18th). Look no further than the fun ideas below to plan a getaway (or two) this season for the history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or mechanically-minded dad in your life. Explore the Old West in Wyoming Cowboy Bar in Wyoming by Makenzie Cooper - Unsplash Whether he gets to release his inner child while digging for dinosaur bones Jurassic Park-style, surf the sand dunes, ghost hunt, or hike, bike, and more—the Star Valley (southwest) corner of The Cowboy State has experiences that are hard to find anywhere else. Killpecker Sand Dunes are the second largest active sand dune field in the world, encompassing approximately 109,000 acres and stretching 55 miles east from the Green River Basin across the Continental Divide into the Great Divide Basin. Rent an ATV and get out on the 11,000 acres of designated play space - Novice riders learn the ropes on flatter areas and smaller dunes while the experts show their skills on mammoth dunes that reach 100 feet high. Or surf down the dunes on a sled or skis! Descend 50 Million years into the past at the American Fossil in Kemmerer, which offers scheduled fossil digs between May and September. This dino dig area is located outside of Kemmerer, in the northern part of the Green River Formation and perfect for any dad wanting to experience a childhood Jurassic Park dream. You can expect to uncover fossils of various species, like turtles, fish, birds and insects. It’s one of the few places in the country you can take home some of your favorite finds or purchase fossils others uncovered. Complete with old graveyards, original log structures and worn-out wagon trails, Old West ghost towns in Wyoming feed the imagination with actual artifacts from this transformative piece of American history. Fort Bridger State Historic Site is renowned as one of the most haunted places in Wyoming and is a stop on the Oregon Trail. But it isn’t just the soldiers you may encounter wandering around Fort Bridger. A dog named Thornburgh is reported to have earned a medal of honor after saving a child. When he died, he was buried at the fort. He now stands guard over the cemetery. Master the Art of Sailing in the Finger Lakes Sailing on Canandaigua Lake - courtesy of Mower / The Lake House on Canandaigua This Father’s Day, why not skip the shirt and tie and gift dad an experience he’ll never forget: the art of sailing. He’ll learn to harness the wind and trim the sails from an experienced captain and crew on the seemingly endless Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. This exclusive sailing adventure at The Lake House on Canandaigua promises a unique blend of relaxation, exploration and lifelong memories for dad and his loved ones. During a Lake House sailing excursion, guests become part of the crew. Participants will assist the captain and learn the ropes of navigating a sailboat firsthand – providing for both an educational and empowering adventure that will leave dad with new skills and a sense of accomplishment. See Vintage Motorcycles at the Harley-Davidson Museum Motorcycle by Harley-Davidson - Unsplash Make Father’s Day an unforgettable experience with a trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum. Start your day with a trip through the unrivaled collection found in the H-D Museum – including the new, special exhibit, “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together.” Dads get in free all day! After your tour, come spoil the #1 Dad in your life and shop our newest arrivals at the Harley-Davidson® Shop. Finish it off at MOTOR, where Dads and Grandads can score a free grill special including a Usinger's hot dog or bratwurst served with potato salad and coleslaw when you purchase a beverage! Go up against dad with lawn games like giant Connect Four and more on our sun-splashed patio. On Saturday, June 24th, the museum is also hosting Wild Ones: Vintage Motorcycle Rally. Come celebrate Harley-Davidson’s unrivaled motorcycle heritage with a vintage 1940s-style motorcycle rally at the H-D Museum. In partnership with The Knucklehead Company’s Annual Reunion, this family friendly event features an antique motorcycle ride-in show and the AMCA Badger Heritage Chapter hosts authentic motorcycle field games with proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. The museum also has regular programming all summer long. All wheels unite every Thursday from 5 to 9 pm at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Join riders (and non-riders) for free live music from some of our favorite bands, fun, drool-worthy rolling sculptures and outdoor food and beverage specials from MOTOR. Visit the museum campus on Saturdays to experience the fun and freedom of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Riders with their motorcycle endorsement/license will be able to choose from a dozen of the latest and greatest #FreedomMachines from Harley-Davidson, including Touring, Softail® and Sportster® models. A pre-determined scenic route through the Menomonee Valley will give riders the chance to explore the H-D Museum’s surrounding neighborhoods. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Riders and passengers must be at least 18 years of age. All riders (and passengers) must wear a helmet, eye protection, shirt, long pants and closed-toe shoes with heel strap. All riders and passengers must bring their own riding gear.

Los Angeles is an ever-evolving destination full of fresh concepts and new experiences to discover. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning friend, the City of Angels has seen countless exciting new offerings emerge in recent years. Across the region, new places to stay, award-winning dining experiences, vibrant attractions, advanced infrastructure and more make up “LA 2.0” offering all-new places to explore. Celebrate 100 Years of These Landmarks Hollywood sign by Martin Jernberg - UnsplashThe Hollywood Sign – Throughout this year, the iconic Hollywood Sign will celebrate 100 years of larger-than-life lettering perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains. Originally reading “Hollywoodland” in its early days, the Sign is now an enduring symbol of Los Angeles as a place where magic is possible and any dream can come true. For spectacular views of the cityscape and the Sign itself, travelers can hike through the Mt. Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail and Cahuenga Peak Trail or even ride horseback on the Mulholland Trail. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and drinks at rooftop venues such as the Highlight Room atop the Dream Hollywood Hotel or Mama Shelter Los Angeles with the Hollywood Sign as a backdrop. Step into Hollywood history with a stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel, a martini at the 100-year-old Musso & Frank Grill or a show at the Pantages Theatre. From past to present, there are so many exciting ways to experience the evolution of Hollywood beneath the century-old Sign.The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – The beloved Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum celebrates 100 years of hosting major sporting and entertainment events as a key LA venue in Exposition Park. The Coliseum is an icon of the sports world having served as the home field for Los Angeles professional sports teams including the Rams, Raiders, Chargers and Dodgers in its storied past, and has been home to the USC Trojans since the Coliseum's opening. The venue has also hosted two Super Bowls, three NFL Championships and one World Series, and is the only venue to host two Summer Olympics—soon to be three in 2028. Sports are not the only major events the Coliseum has seen within its walls, hosting concerts by some of the world's most famous artists including the Rolling Stones, Prince, U2 and Metallica. The Coliseum also plays a part in key historical events, dedicated as a memorial to LA County WWI veterans upon opening in 1923. Martin Luther King Jr. also spoke at the venue less than a year after giving his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. Warner Bros. Studios – A global icon of Hollywood moviemaking, Warner Bros. Studios celebrates its 100th Anniversary on April 4 with a year of exciting centennial celebrations. From fan favorites like When Harry Met Sally and Friends to masterpieces of cinema like Casablanca and Gone With the Wind, Warner Bros. will share the magic of film with audiences in special ways throughout the year. Film fans can join the celebration through several commemorative experiences, including centennial museum exhibits and screenings at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, a special 100th anniversary exhibit at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and a celebration of key films and major talent from Warner Bros. Pictures' history at the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. The centennial exhibit explores 100 years of Warner Bros.' impact on storytelling, recognizing a range of classic and contemporary productions, including Casablanca, DC Comics, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Abbott Elementary, and beyond. The new exhibit is located in the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Welcome Center, which is open to the public, offering guests a photographic exploration of where it all began.The Millennium Biltmore – The Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles celebrates its 100th anniversary with a centennial logo, a series of anniversary events and updates to maintain the Biltmore's longstanding grandeur. With previous lives as a prohibition nightclub, Academy Awards venue and feature film set, the Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles was recently declared a “Los Angeles Historic-Culture Monument” dazzling guests since 1923. The centennial celebrations will include an elegant 100th Anniversary Ball in October 2023, thematic speakeasy events, An Evening with Mermaids event, high teas at the Rendezvous Court and a soon-to-be-announced fashion show, showcasing the Biltmore's impressive history, ornate design and Old Hollywood style. The “Grande Dame” will also see a restoration of its original fresco ceilings and all new windows and fixtures, and the hotel's entrance will return to its original location on Olive Street paying homage to the guest experience of the 20th century. Visit These Emerging Neighborhoods A sign in LA's Arts District by Welton Gite - UnsplashThe Vinyl District – With a long, rich history as the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood has welcomed film-lovers and star searchers to its iconic landmarks such as the Walk of Fame and Grauman's Theatre for close to a century. There's a reason travelers are drawn by “Old Hollywood,” but the Vinyl District is setting out to breathe new energy into the neighborhood while preserving its storied past. Situated around the intersection of Selma and Wilcox just blocks away from Sunset Blvd., this emerging neighborhood was recently named the “Vinyl District” as a tribute to the area's long history in the music industry with recording studios, record shops and entertainment labels making their home on its blocks throughout the years. The Vinyl District has witnessed a major development boom, with several glamorous hotels reminiscent of Hollywood stardom such as the Thompson Hollywood and Dream Hollywood, new dining concepts from famed LA chefs like Mother Wolf and Ka'teen as well as venues that pay homage to old Hollywood's music scene while spinning the latest tracks. The Vinyl District is about paying tribute to Hollywood's storied history while revitalizing the area for a new generation of Angelenos and visitors, with a multitude of ways to spend your day all in one exciting neighborhood.The Arts District – A creative neighborhood flourishing with hubs for the arts, award-winning dining experiences and unique shopping, the Arts District in Downtown LA invites visitors to discover an area rich with cultural gems. A haven for artists in the 1970s, the neighborhood's artistic landscape today includes murals around every corner by famed street artists such as Shepard Fairey, RETNA and WRDSMTH as well as curated galleries like Hauser & Wirth. Culinary experiences are also a jewel of the Arts District with a variety of restaurants opening in the neighborhood. Several have been recognized on a global stage with French bistro Camphor receiving a MICHELIN Star and Brazilian restaurant Caboco receiving Bib Gourmand distinction, as well as LA Cha Cha Chá, Girl & the Goat, kodō, Yangban Society and Yunomi Handroll receiving MICHELIN recommendations. Just blocks away, ROW DTLA transforms industrial buildings into over 30 boutique shops, a weekly outdoor market and dining offerings including MICHELIN-Starred restaurants Hayato and Kato as well as Bib Gourmand award recipient Pizzeria Bianco. Slated to open this year, Kensho Ryokan will turn a historic firehouse into a thoughtfully designed Japanese-style hotel, offering an all-new home base for experiencing the neighborhood. Explore New Cultural Attractions Palm trees in Los Angeles by Shot By Joe - UnsplashLA's arts and culture landscape continues to thrive with more museums and performing arts venues than any other city in the US. An exciting addition will be Destination Crenshaw, the largest public/private Black art program in the nation, stamping a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard with an infrastructure project that includes beautifully designed community spaces, landscaping and newly planted trees, and 100 commissioned works by Black artists. While elevating Black culture, Destination Crenshaw will also boost the community through economic development, job creation and environmental healing. The Hammer Museum also completed its two-decades-long project transforming the building with a new entrance experience, 60% more gallery space and an outdoor sculpture courtyard in March 2023. True to Los Angeles' ever-evolving nature, there is even more to come for the arts in LA with the new NHM Commons wing at the Natural History Museum in 2024, LACMA's renovations in 2024, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art slated to open in 2025 and an exciting revamp of the La Brea Tar Pits taking visitors on a journey from prehistoric times to today expected in 2028. Immerse Yourself in Super Nintendo World SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a highly anticipated innovative and immersive themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood, just debuted in February. This all-new, dynamic land is a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood, sweeping guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. Super Nintendo World features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge” ride seamlessly fusing augmented reality with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces to take guests on through creative courses inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series to compete for the Golden Cup in a repeatable attraction with a variety of outcomes. In addition, the signature restaurant Toadstool Café serves a gourmet menu by Chef Toad including Super Mushroom Soup, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger and Princess Peach Cupcakes. Guests can commemorate their visit with a trip to 1-UP Factory for collectable memorabilia from apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters. Dine at World-renowned Restaurants LA has also established itself as a global dining capital with 26 Angeleno restaurants receiving MICHELIN Stars across the city in neighborhoods such as Downtown LA, the Arts District, Hollywood and beyond. 10 Los Angeles restaurants also made their debut on the Bib Gourmand list, recognized for their exceptional food at a great value. LA's unique culinary offering spanning over 400 food trucks to high-end dining experiences is a result of the 140 different nationalities that call Los Angeles home, with many cultures reflected in LA's dining scene. From modern French at Camphor and Southern-inspired American at Hatchet Hall to European-style Gwen and contemporary fare at Manzke, Los Angeles continues to captivate the imagination of the culinary world, offering world-class cuisine from our ever-evolving street food to fine dining in iconic settings. The dining landscape of Los Angeles continues to shine as The James Beard Foundation Awards announced their 2023 finalists and LA's world-renowned restaurant scene is well-positioned for a variety of big wins. The diverse group of nine finalists include n/naka's Niki Nakayama for Outstanding Chef, Bridgetown Roti's Rashida Holmes for Top Emerging Chef, and Republique's Margarita Manzke for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Book a Room at a New Hotel Downtown Los Angeles by Owen Lystrup - Unsplash Los Angeles has added over 5,000 new hotel rooms in the last two years with options at virtually every price point, and the city has also seen a boutique hotel boom featuring unique new hotel concepts. Some exciting new properties across the region include The Conrad Los Angeles, Fairmont Century Plaza, Thompson Hollywood, The Shay and Downtown LA Proper. New properties continue to open their doors in many different areas of the city including the Moxy & AC Los Angeles in Downtown LA which opened in April 2023 and the upcoming Kensho Ryokan in the Arts District, welcoming guests to stay across LA's 30 diverse neighborhoods.