Places to Play: Olompali State Historic Park
Before it was one of the Bay Area’s prettiest state parks, the oak-strewn mountainside of Olompali saw thousands of years of Coast Miwok culture, the indulgences of a wealthy ranching family, and the highs and lows of a counterculture commune. Olompali State Historic Park is in Marin County, just off US-101, 3 miles north of […]
Places to Play: Modesto, California
Check out the Central Valley city of Modesto for the almond blossom cruise, cool downtown murals and more By J.C. Thomas [Note: This post was originally published in March, 2021 and was updated in March, 2023. Due to this year’s unusually cold, wet weather, Modesto’s almond blossom season is later than average. You might still […]
Places to Play: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Since its founding in 1926, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has been one of the city’s top attractions. It feels safe to say that locals and visitors have never been so appreciative of such a safe, scenic and peaceful outdoor space. At this time, the garden is open to the public seven days a week, and […]
Places to Play: Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area
California’s Stay at Home Order is still in place. Please enjoy our travel content but remember to recreate responsibly and only in your local area. At the time of publication, outdoor areas of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area are open to the public for day use, however the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway […]
Places to Play: The Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco, CA
The first thing to know about the Walt Disney Family Museum, which occupies a prime spot in the Presidio of San Francisco, is that it’s not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company. The museum was founded by Diane Disney Miller, the late daughter of Walt Disney, with the mission to chronicle the life and life’s […]
Places to Play: Santa Barbara Zoo
As a destination blessed by an abundance of loveliness, it’s no surprise that Santa Barbara has a superb zoo. The AZA-accredited Santa Barbara Zoo covers 30 acres and is home to more than 500 animals. Among them are giraffes, western lowland gorillas, a flock of flamingos, and this year’s new arrivals (and brand-new parents!), African […]
Places to Play: Calistoga, California
By J.C. Thomas It’s easy to fit all of California’s wine country into a single vision, certainly a charming one. Picture miles of gentle rolling hills covered with neat rows of grape vines, interrupted only by chic cities offering tasting rooms, luxury resorts, spas, and some of the finest dining anywhere in the world. Spend […]
Places to Play: Copperopolis, California
In the serene Sierra foothills of Calaveras County is Copperopolis, a small town with a lot of stories to tell. Visitors come for the beautiful scenery, the lakes and rivers prime for fishing, hiking trails across rolling hills, top-notch golf courses and a burgeoning wine scene. Local attractions include Calaveras Big Trees State Park with […]
Places to Play: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, England
At the mouth of the River Mersey in Liverpool is one of England’s top tourist attractions – the Royal Albert Dock. The historic complex of red-brick warehouse buildings is bustling with visitors who come for its restaurants, shops and excellent museums. Among those are The Beatles Story, dedicated to Liverpool’s most famous sons, and Tate […]
Places to Play: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Fish Camp, California
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a delightful family-friendly attraction just outside Yosemite National Park. Every day from April through to the end of October, passengers of all ages ride in open-air cars pulled by genuine vintage steam trains. The trains chug along 4 miles of narrow-gauge tracks through the scenic Sierra National Forest, […]
Places to Play: Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California
A historic landmark, architectural masterpiece and cultural institution with the mission to bring astronomy to the people, Griffith Observatory means a lot to the people of Los Angeles. It’s a top tourist attraction too, with visitors from all over the world ascending the south slope of Mount Hollywood to take in unmatched views of the […]
Places to Play: OstrichLand USA in Buellton, California
On the side of Route 246, just minutes off Highway 101 near Buellton, is a curious sight indeed. Hundreds of ostriches and emus roam an enormous enclosure with a scenic mountain backdrop. Pull over at OstrichLand USA, and you can see these impressive birds up close as well as feed them. OstrichLand USA is one […]