Things To Do In San Diego

Stocked with classic beaches, the country’s most famous zoo and acting as the ersatz gateway to the splendors of Mexico, the list of things to do in San Diego California could last for pages. But here are some of the highlights.

Explore the Gaslamp Quarter

Covering sixteen blocks of downtown San Diego, this quarter is a national historic district, and includes unique specialty shops, an impressive array of exquisite Mexican restaurants, and the majority of the city’s better bars and nightclubs. If you are looking for things to do in San Diego CA, this is a great place to start.

Sunbathe along Pacific Beach

San Diego is well-known for its beaches, and here is where the young and beautiful congregate on a sunny day. A visit Pacific Beach is a must on any list of things to do in San Diego CA, and wandering the surrounding streets are a perfect way to get acquainted with this seaside city. Featuring seafood restaurants and surf shops dotting the streets, Pacific Beach is also another mainstay of the city’s nightlife, meaning there’s always something going on near the coast, day or night.

Go Whale Watching

The winter months bring these majestic creatures to the waters surrounding San Diego and Baja Mexico. From December to March, this is one of the most popular things to do in San Diego California – not only will you see whales, but the equally lovable dolphins that call these waters home.

Visit nearby La Jolla

Taking the highlights of San Diego and distilling them into a small and romantic seaside town, La Jolla is a laid-back suburb, an unconventional shopper’s paradise, and home to hundreds of sea lions, who laze around the shores during the day and make their sandy beds there at night. If you are looking to get away a little bit, this is one of the best things to do in San Diego CA.

Take a Side Trip to Mexico

Sure, most people leaving San Diego don't venture further south than Tijuana - but you don’t have to stop at this border town to enjoy Mexico. Whether you are going to party, explore, or it’s your first glimpse into our neighbor to the south, there are many coastal towns along the Baja Peninsula that are well worth your time. Cities like Ensenada and Rosarita are only a short drive away, and getting in the car and heading south is one of the best things to do in San Diego California.

Head to Sea World

A city famous for its aquatic life, you can do little better than stop at Sea World. Dolphins, seals, orcas, penguins and others are here to entertain, enrapture and enlighten you. Especially if you have kids, this is one of the most popular things to do in San Diego CA – and even if you don’t, this water park holds some of the most adorable creatures on the face of the earth.

Things To Do In Sacramento

Whether it’s your first or tenth time, there are numerous things to do in Sacramento California. The state capital offers a wide variety of activities for both young and old, for those seeking the future, or the past.

Old Sacramento

The soul of the city is located in the Old Town. Millions of visitors make the trek into the city’s historic district – it is without a doubt one of the most popular things to do in Sacramento CA. Once the epicenter of the 19^th century gold rush, it is now 28 acres of cobblestone roads and antique buildings, displaying the rustic beauty that used to epitomize the Old West.

California State Railroad Museum

Always a bit hit with children – whether they are train buffs or not – the Railroad Museum is the largest of its kind in America. The detailed restoration of aging locomotives is the high point of the museum, and the careful attention the museum pays to recreating an era when railroading was a new and fascinating form of transportation makes the Railroad Museum one of the top things to do in Sacramento CA.

McKinley Park

Full of picturesque trails, winding brooks and enthusiastic aquatic wildlife – McKinley Park is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. You can tell you are not the only one with this idea, however, by its popularity with picnickers, joggers and generally everyone else you’d expect to be enjoying a park on a warm day. The twilight hours are especially kind - watching the dusk settle into night in McKinley Park is just another of the great things to do in Sacramento California.

Sutter’s Fort

If you are looking for fascinating things to do in Sacramento CA, look no further than Sutter’s Fort - another throwback to the days of the Gold Rush, it is one of the city’s defining monuments. Constructed in 1839, visitors can relive the old days here, the fort strives to re-enact the past with a collection of costumed docents acting out a typical day during the fort’s heyday. This informative slice of American history makes it one of the best things to do in Sacramento California.

Old Ironsides

A renowned spot for touring bands, Old Ironsides is a great place to take a break from the city sights. Whether you are coming in for the tasty lunch menu, taking advantage of happy hour or looking to experience a little bit of raucous nightlife, Old Ironsides will be perfect. The stage is sectioned off from part of the bar, so even if the band is not your thing, Old Ironsides makes its case as one of the necessary things to do in Sacramento CA.

Downtown Plaza

For all your shopping needs, the Downtown Plaza will provide. Located just yards away from the city’s main historic district, the rapid move from the old-fashioned section of the city directly into the modern world is a testament to American progress. Complete with marketplaces alongside specialty shops and clothing boutiques, the Plaza feeds into an enormous mall that makes a visit here one of the most popular things to do in Sacramento California.

Things To Do In Palm Springs

Palm Springs first achieved notoriety as the “Playground for the Stars” in the mid 1930s. It was during this time that most glamorous of Hollywood icons flocked to the desert to bask in the luxury of the resorts and the surrounding natural beauty that the area had to offer. Today is no different, and there are plenty of things to do in Palm Springs California to entertain both the rich and illustrious, along with everyone else.

Tahquitz Canyon

If you are the outdoorsy type, this place if for you. Located in the Indian Canyons, a climb up Tahquitz Canyon is one of the most rewarding things to do in Palm Springs California – and since its main hiking trail is only a gradual ascent, travelers of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the picturesque beauty that typifies the area. Palm Springs attractions are everywhere, but the waterfalls, rock art and intricate guided tours puts Tahquitz Canyon at the top of the list.

Aerial Tramway

Another great way to explore Palm Springs is by its aerial tramway. Over the course of 15 minutes, you will be lifted 8,500 feet into the San Jacinto Mountains, a sharp contrast to the desert floor where the tram picks up. In the winter, you can move from the heat of the desert into the snowy terrain of the mountains in mere minutes, and a trip is always one of the most popular things to do in Palm Springs, so expect a line when you get there. After 3pm, the tram ride is cheaper, plus you’ll get to take in the sunset from the city’s highest vantage point – if you time it right.

Le Donne Cucina

This city is well-noted as one of the culinary capitals of the West Coast, and Le Donne Cucina serves up some of the best Italian cuisine this side of Bologna. If authentic Italian food is your thing, this will be one of your favorite Palm Springs attractions.

Casablanca Lounge

Still rich with the old-time glamour still remains within the city’s most popular nightlife, follow in the footsteps of luminaries like Frank Sinatra and Humphrey Bogart at one of the most popular bars in Palm Springs. Whether you are looking to recapture old glories or are just curious to see where the stars use to go to recharge (and occasionally still do), the Casablanca Lounge will be one of the highlights of your Palm Springs vacation.

Classic Club Golf

Glitzy resorts. Natural beauty. These are all well and good, but many visitors head out to Palm Springs for the world famous golf courses. They don’t call if the “Golf Capital of the World” just for fun. And the Classic Club Golf course, home to the annual PGA Tour Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, is the pinnacle of things to do in Palm Springs California if you are anything approaching a golf aficionado.

Elite Land Tour

Heading out at dusk, this is the best way to see the natural splendor of Palm Springs at night. Spanning both Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, this adventure tour is one of the most popular things to do in Palm Springs California for vacationing families. You get to see all kinds of wildlife and anything else the desert has to offer from the comfort of a fully stocked Hummer, and even get to scour the desert with your very own pair of night vision goggles.

San Jose Tech Museum

Once upon a time, the San Jose Tech Museum was just a mere dream. In 1978, enthusiastic members of the Junior League of Palo Alto joined with the San Jose League to collaborate on their vision of an exciting learning center that would be devoted to science and technology. The first 20,000 square foot temporary exhibit made its debut in 1990. In October of 1998, the San Jose Tech Museum opened its doors. The facility was 132,000 square feet. That day 2,800,000 visited the San Jose Tech Museum.

Tech Museum Today, the Tech Museum in San Jose is also known as the Tech Museum of Innovation or simply The Tech. The Tech Museum in San Jose is located in Silicon Valley, in the downtown section of San Jose. The major focuses of the Tech Museum in San Jose is technology and its effects on who we are and how we live, work, play and learn. The Tech has become both a research center as well as an educational and cultural venue for visitors and local alike. The museum serves as a showcase for latest high-tech gizmos and gadgets that are the essence Silicon Valley. Because of its versatility, it has become a major San Jose tourist attraction.

The San Jose Tech Museum is composed of three fascinating floors. Each of these floors has its own special significance. Like any other San Jose museum, the ground floor is where you will find the main entrance, a unique gift shop and cafe, the IMAX Theater, and a recreational area that is set aside for special events. The Hackworth IMAX Theater is named after Mike and Joan Hackworth. This popular San Jose tourist attraction shows a variety of 3-D movies such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Batman Begins. Sport films are phenomenal on IMAX. If you could not make it to the Tour de France, you’ll love to see Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France. While you may have seen these films at the theaters on television or on video, it is quite amazing to watch them with crystal clear images ranging up to eight stories high. With 13,000 watts of wrap-around digital surround sound, you will believe that you are truly part of the film.

The second floor of the Tech Museum in San Jose is where you can find most of the permanent exhibits. Occasionally, many of these exhibits become modified. The lower level of the San Jose Tech Museum contains the areas for temporary exhibits which are often changed. Since there is always something new at the museum, it remains a popular San Jose tourist attraction.

The Board of Directors of the San Jose Tech Museum has a definitive mission. They believe that future of the well-being of the United States is dependent innovation and development in advanced technologies. With this in mind, they strive to inspire students with interactive exhibits, empower teachers with training in the current technological applications and enable visitors from parts of the world to explore and enjoy the wonders of technology.

Fairmont Hotel San Jose

The Fairmont Hotel San Jose combines the wonders of modern technological innovation with the timeless elegance of old world charm. Perhaps this is why many heads of state and royalty stay at the Fairmont when they visit San Jose California. From the moment you enter the luxurious lobby, you will be dazzled by the glamorous chandeliers that hang in their grandeur above the large, tempting sofas. The Fairmont Hotel San Jose is conveniently located in close proximity to the Convention Center and the Center of Performing Arts. This highly impressive San Jose Hotel is in a landmark building. The Fairmont Hotel in San Jose is a popular spot to relax and enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails. The lobby itself attracts many who are just passing through, especially those who are staying in the cheap San Jose hotels, but wish to experience the opulence of the Fairmont.

The guest rooms of the Fairmont San Jose offer many of the modern, high tech features you would expect of a San Jose hotel in Silicon Valley. These include fax and high-speed modem lines and a dataport. Other amenities include 24-hour room service, terry cloth robes, ultra-fine bedding and top quality fragrant bath products.

The beautiful rooftop swimming pool is gracefully surrounded by tropical foliage. If you are attending a technology convention, at the end of the day, relax your mind at the Fairmont San Jose spa, or invigorate your body at the gym. Personal trainers are available. Unlike the typical gyms at the cheap hotels in San Jose, the fitness center at the Fairmont San Jose features free weights, Life Cycles, Cybex Strength Equipment, Stairmasters and Treadmills. After your workout, you can relax in the steam or sauna.

The Spa at The Fairmont Hotel San Jose features some excellent treatments. Massages include Swedish, Sports and La Stone. The “Ultimate Experience” treatment combines a hand, shoulder and foot massage with a facial especially designed for your personal skin type. The Deep Cleansing Treatment includes deep cleansing and exfoliation, hydrating steam, revitalizing mask, skin reconditioning and a heavenly massage of the face and neck. Other treatments include a Gentleman’s Facial, an Acne Skin Treatment, a Glycolic Skin Treatment and a Moisture Boost Treatment.

After your workout, swim and spa treatment, you will want to experience the wonderful dining choices that this marvelous San Jose Hotel has to offer. Do you like Chinese food? Why not enjoy it a restaurant that is located in an area that has a strong Asian heritage. The Bamboo Lounge at the Pagoda Restaurant has an enticing selection of Asian appetizers and entrees.

Given that you are in seafood country, it would be a shame to be in a San Jose hotel and not savor the joys of coastal California seafood. McCormick & Schmick's at the Fairmont San Jose is a renowned seafood authority. The restaurant is known to combine the best aspects of California cuisine by serving awesome seafood selections with the best of California wine.

San Jose

San Jose is the capitol of the high tech world and the Mecca of Silicon Valley. This clean, modern city is home to cutting edges museums and near perfect weather.

San Jose California also used to be the first state capitol of the state of California, and today the city exceeds San Francisco as the biggest city in the Bay Area.

While it may not be home to major attractions when you compare it to cities like Los Angeles, San Jose California is a significant population center in the San Francisco Bay Area. San Jose is south of San Francisco, a short 45-minute drive north. Many travelers get cheaper plane tickets when they fly into San Jose International Airport, since flights to California often cost more if they’re landing in San Francisco.

San Jose California has some of the most innovative museums, so it is a leader in a cultural aspect in addition to the technological. The Discovery Childrens Museum is a fun, interactive museum where kids and adults can learn in a fun way. Over 3 million visitors have come to the Discovery Childrens Museum since it first opened in 1990. The excitement of visiting this San Jose CA museum never ends, since there are whole new interactive exhibits every year at the Discovery Childrens Museum. The museum was expanded in 1997, and today, more visitors than ever come to visit this interesting purple building.

The San Jose Tech Museum has been around about the same time. The idea for this high-tech learning center was first born in 1978. You can see technological innovations that are now an everyday part of life, and the latest software gadgets showcased in fun interactive exhibits. There is a Tech challenge every years that more that 8,000 kids have come to over the part eleven years that this event has been held. It is obvious that San Jose California is a forward thinking city. It is also ethnically diverse, clean and safe, making it a model city.

There are also pieces of history alive in San Jose CA, such as its Mission. This church was rebuilt on it original site in 1982. When its was rededicated in 1985, The San Jose Mission looked a lot like it did when it was first erected in 1809. You can see the beautiful church interior which takes you a time long past.

Some San Jose hotels have just as much significance, and the Hotel De Anza is no exception. A tranquil courtyard and elegant lobby set the Hotel De Ana from other San Jose Hotels, along with its reputation of being a local landmark as well as a luxury boutique hotel that is right in the center of downtown. One of the fun perks is the late night deli buffet, so guests are welcome to raid the pantry, and feel right at home here since they are welcome at this complimentary benefit that any other Hotel San Jose California wouldn’t provide.

The hotels Valencia has one of the most visually impressive rooms that compare well to any other Hotel San Jose California you can find. The dark colors of the carpet and fine mahogany furniture contrasts pleasantly with the bright gleaming restrooms. Every bed is covered with a sumptuous faux-fur cover, so you can rest in style and luxury that is a notch above other Hotel San Jose California has to offers you. You won’t sacrifice convenience when you stay at the Hotel Valencia, since it has high sped Internet in every guests room, along with a Cisco IP phone. You will be hard pressed to find this winning combination of luxury and understated technology at other San Jose Hotels.

These hotels and attractions reflects the flavor of San Jose CA; a city with an irresistible mix of innovation, luxury and technology, with a dash of history.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a city known for its views, cuisine, and historic attractions. With its resident sea lions, antique Cable Cars, vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown, San Francisco California is one of the most interesting and enjoyable places to visit with a mryiad of things to do.

Archeologists suggest that the Ohlone Indians settled in the region at about 500 A.D and San Francisco was the population center. Back then, its natural beauty, plentiful wildlife and abundant fish, made it a natural choice for the Ohlone Indians. The first Europeans to visit the area were the Spanish in 1776. San Francisco then began to take on the shape of a larger population center. Landmarks like the Presidio and Mission Dolores church were built after the Spanish found the entrance to San Francisco Bay and began to colonize the area.

It wasn't until the California Gold Rush that San Francisco grew from a small town to a teeming city that was quickly growing. From all parts the world people flocked to California. Inevitably, they stopped in San Francisco, which had a large shipping port. The Barbary Coast was filled with a menagerie of people and cultures, which would converge on the saloons and bawdy houses that sprung up almost overnight.

Within twenty years, thousands of Chinese had arrived as laborers. Irish, French, Italian, Germans, Russians, and Jews all arrived here as well, and all of these cultures have a large community in San Francisco California.

1906 San Francisco Earthquake Over the next 50 years, the city would undergo changes and in 1937 the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge put the city on the map. Historical landmarks like Mission Dolores and the Cable Car let you view the history of the city when you take one of the San Francisco tours. There are walking tours, as well as a motorized replica of a Cable Car that will take you around the city. The Ferry Building was recently renovated and now has an excellent farmers market that sells quality foods from the region.

Attractions like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman's Wharf are fun, but when you stop to think about how old they are, you will get a sense for what San Francisco is famous for. With its incredible views from the top of steep hills, rows of well-kept Victorian homes, and historic neighborhoods filled with quaint Italian eateries, visitors in San Francisco soon realize that this city has a charm unlike any other place. Grey Line, on the motorized red Cable Car, or on foot, does San Francisco tours. Since the city is filled with history, it's helpful to have a guide giving you historical information on the things you see, so you can appreciate the sights.

Coit tower, Twin Peaks, and the colorful San Francisco neighborhoods gives a tourist more to do once you've been to the tourist attractions like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. San Francisco vacation packages save you a great deal of money on airfare, hotel, and tickets to area attractions. Whether you take a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy a sourdough bread bowl filled with fresh chowder or take the Cable Cars up to North Beach and immerse yourself in one of the premiere districts in the country for Italian food, San Francisco California can accommodate you.

There are many different attractions, and so many hotels and travel agencies will offer San Francisco vacation packages to help you save time and money during your trip. You can tailor your trip to include anything you like and avoid the hassle or waiting in long ticket lines in the summer sun when you book one of the many San Francisco vacation packages. If you're inspired to visit the city by the bay, talk to your travel agent today, to take a trip you will never forget.

Things To Do In Hollywood

Whether you’re staying in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, or in Southern California, or even right in Hollywood, this star-studded area is full of history and glamour to explore. Here are some of the top things to do in Hollywood:

Hollywood Sign

An icon since 1923, the Hollywood sign is a must for any visitor simply because it is so well known. Viewing the sign is possible from several spots around town, but one of the easiest is the intersection of Hollywood and Highland near the Chinese Theatre. The best part is that this is one of the free things to do in Hollywood.

Graumans Chinese Theatre

The most desirable place in town for red-carpet movie premiers is also a great place to go catch an evening movie. Formerly known as Mann’s Chinese Theatre, this is a great jumping off spot for other fun things to do in Hollywood such as viewing the sign or touring the Walk of Fame.

Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard

Another must-see is the Walk of Fame. Just outside the Chinese Theatre are the most iconic names of stage and screen, but the stars traipse up and down Hollywood Boulevard. Along with the stars, an elaborate self-guided walking along the Boulevard is among the free things to do in Hollywood, leading anyone interested through this historic town’s past.

Watch a TV show live

Lots of TV shows tape elsewhere, but there are still enough around to add this to your list of things to do in Hollywood. Check online for studio audience tickets or ask at your place of lodging in town for a ticket vender.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Where San Jose has the Winchester Mystery House, Hollywood has the Forever Cemetery. Among the fun things to do in Hollywood for those who love a good ghost story (check out legends online or in a book before you go), beautiful design, or want to pay respects to great actors and actresses, visiting the cemetery is by tour only.

Universal Studios

An amusement park and more, Universal Studios is one of the fun things to do in Hollywood for the whole family. Rides, sets from famous movies, shows, shopping, and food make sure you can’t go wrong. After you’re done, check out CityWalk for more food, shopping, and fun.

Hollywood Entertainment Museum

Memorabilia, costumes, and actual sets from Cheers and Star Trek make this a good choice of things to do in Hollywood.

Paramount Pictures

The last major studio still working in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures offers a tour giving a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of movie making.

Los Angeles Zoo

If all the things to do in Hollywood get to be too tinsel for you, take a break by visiting this nearby world-class zoo with 1,200 animals from around the world and a large botanical collection as well.

The Original Farmer’s Market

Another way to step away from the glimmer of fame is to visit the Farmer’s Market on Third Street. Bringing together an array of restaurants, shops, and fresh produce, the Market is another of the sometimes rare free things to do in Hollywood.

Things To Do In Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is a hotspot of fashion and star spotting, but don’t think that’s all there is here. From luxury boutique shopping to tours to surprisingly interesting museums, this relatively small area near Los Angeles, Westwood, and Hollywood is full of things to do.

Rodeo Drive

Perhaps the best known of Beverly Hills attractions, this strip of shopping and dining hotspots is home to tourists, shopping aficionados, and stars alike. All the top stores are located here either on Rodeo Drive itself or cross streets. One particular cross street to watch for is Via Rodeo, a more modern addition to the area that will make you feel like you’re strolling down a European avenue. Window shopping is no crime here, but don’t miss the people watching either. Free parking is available, and avoid Sundays as many stores close down.

Trolley Tours

Like San Francisco, Beverly Hills has an open-air trolley to whisk you along a narrated tour route. One of your best options for Beverly Hills tours, these trolleys stop by well-known sites such as Rodeo Drive as well as historical and architectural spots around town. Tours depart from the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way for most of the year, but not all of it. Tours do not run in the rain.

Segway Tours

Another more unique option for Beverly Hills tours is to ride a Segway through town and see all the Beverly Hills attractions from your very own two-wheeled, gyroscope-balanced vehicle. Currently, a company named Segwow operates the tours, but ask at your hotel or at a tourist office for help locating a tour company or contact information.

Greystone Mansion

Built in 1928 for the son of an oil tycoon, Greystone Mansion today is one of the best things to do in Beverly Hills and remains the largest home ever built in this city. While visitors cannot go inside, several outdoor areas of the nearly 20 acres surrounding the Mansion as well as an inner courtyard are open to the public for free. Find a list of how many movies have been shot on the grounds and inside the home and be astounded.

Barakat Gallery

Perhaps your list of things to do in Beverly Hills does not yet include visiting a gallery filled with some of the finest ancient treasures anywhere, but it should. Located on Rodeo Drive, the Barakat Gallery has a collection of antiquities from Egypt to Asia to the Far East that rivals most museum collections.

Sunset Strip

Running between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip is another excellent area for shopping and people watching, including the occasional celebrity sighting since many of them live in the area. Many Beverly Hills attractions can be found along the Strip, including nightclubs such as the Viper Room and Whiskey A GoGo.

J. Paul Getty Museum

With a collection started by oil millionaire J. Paul Getty, this museum has grown to include so many pieces of fine art that it takes this 9-building complex (4 exhibition pavilions) on 750 acres of land to house it. Inside, view artwork by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and other well-known artists; outside stroll through 24 acres of gardens. The museum is free, but there is a charge for the parking garage.

George Page Museum

Just a few miles away from Rodeo Drive, the George Page Museum offers just about the complete opposite of Beverly Hills—the La Brea tar pits. The tar pits have yielded over one million fossils, on display at the museum. If you need a break from designer stores and fashionable restaurants, try spending the day with mammoths, saber tooth tigers, or giant sloth fossils.