The 9 Best Workshops & Classes in the USA

1.New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,000 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $43Our pick

At the New Orleans School of Cooking, a local chef prepares Creole favorites such as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffée, and pralines while you eat generous samples. Expect a two-hour demonstration, not hands-on cooking, with beer, iced tea, coffee, recipes, and plenty of Louisiana food lore.

“Absolutely recommend!! We did the demonstration cooking so we saw our meal being prepared live. Fantastic storytelling, very fun vibes, and overall wonderful experience. Food was delicious! Rene made our whole evening and set the mood for the warm new Orleans experience. Bring cash for tips!”

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2.Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 948 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Chef Forrest Parker leads a 90-minute walk from the Pineapple Fountain through Charleston’s historic district, linking architecture, slavery, crops, and Lowcountry cooking. Then watch him prepare three recipes at Bistro Au Vin before enjoying a three-course lunch with wine pairings. The group is limited to 11, and dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

“Fabulous way to spend the morning! Chef Forrest was full of knowledge and humor throughout our walk around the French Quarter. He shared culinary history as well, which was incredibly interesting. The food he cooked afterwards for us was absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try the recipe at home but there’s no way it will be as good.”

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3.Line Dancing Class with Keepsake Video

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 773 reviews · 1 hour · from $38Best value

You will learn two country line dances in an upstairs Broadway honky tonk, with step-by-step help from instructors such as Jason, Lisa, Lauren, Mallory, and Josh. Your group chooses the routines, and the class is filmed so you receive a free keepsake video. Expect music, laughter, stairs, and a good workout.

“Oh my gosh, so much fun!!! I would definitely do it again.”

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4.Cajun and Creole Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 730 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $40

Watch a chef prepare Cajun and Creole dishes in the New Orleans School of Cooking’s French Quarter kitchen. You’ll hear food stories and local folklore, eat a three or four-course meal with Dixie beer, iced tea, or lemonade, then take home the recipes. This is a demonstration class, not a hands-on cooking lesson.

“We learned a lot about local cooking. Got to taste the food that she demonstrated and bought things that would help us cool at home.”

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5.Brooklyn Graffiti Workshop with Local Artist

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 570 reviews · 1 hour · from $45

Meet a local artist at a Bushwick studio on Meserole Street for a one-hour, small-group graffiti lesson. Learn spray-can basics, lettering, shading, and line control, then create art on the studio walls. Choose the canvas option if you want a take-home piece. Instructors include Ghost, Leaf, and Ghost Face Mims.

“This was such an awesome experience. Could not recommend it enough. It was artsy and educational.”

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6.Surfing Lesson in Venice Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 2 hours · from $69

Meet your instructor at 20 Bicknell Ave, suit up, and learn the basics on Venice Beach. You will practice pop-ups, ocean safety, and board control on sand before heading into the water. Instructors including Kat, Ethan, Nico, Axel, and Melanie have earned praise for patient coaching and personal attention. Boards, wetsuits, storage, and an outdoor rinse are included.

“Fantastic experience and instructor! Really would recommend for first timers specially”

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7.Beginner-Friendly Waikiki Beach Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 425 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Meet Surfer Girl Academy for a two-hour Waikiki lesson with reef shoes, board, leash, rash guard, and optional wetsuit. You get 20 to 30 minutes of beach instruction, then about 70 minutes in the water with one instructor for every four students. English and Japanese instruction is available, and guides such as Noah, Yuko, Mito, Shuji, and John are praised for patient coaching.

“It was so so good. Would definetely recommend. Shuji was an awesome teacher and it was just the two of us. He‘s a pro at surfing and he made it so much fun. I was afraid, that i couldnt do it, but i made it! Thank you so much. Mahalo and arrigato.”

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8.Po’ipu Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Meet Hoku Water Sports at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach for a 90-minute beginner lesson. Instructors such as Kele and David teach paddling, pop-ups, and safety on land, then coach you in the water. Boards, booties, and rash guards are included. The group is capped at eight.

“David was awesome, my daughters had the best experience. They picked it up quickly with great instruction! He made them feel comfortable and made it a great experience”

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9.Private Hanalei Sandy Bottom Surf Lesson on Kauai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $118

Meet Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei for a private 90-minute surf lesson on the sandy bottom of Hanalei Bay. Your instructor covers board position, wave timing, ocean safety, and standing up. Instructors such as Nick, Luca, Jack, Patrick, and Tapu are praised for patient, clear coaching. Check in 30 minutes before your lesson.

“Our surf instructor, Luca, did an amazing job. He was very patient with my two daughter and me. His instructions were clear and on point which allowed us to “catch” waves with each set. The front office and shuttle drive were also kind and helpful. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn how to surf.”

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