Fun Fridays
This week's fun Friday post takes us through the beautiful state of California. This is a state I wish I had more time to explore so together we will take a trip thru some of the amazing sites and things to do on a budget.
1.) Alcatraz Island- Park rangers conduct tours by recounting the prison's thrilling history along with intriguing anecdotes about Al Capone and other legendary figures that made a "home" here.
2.) Golden Gate Bridge- Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco. There are multiple ways to enjoy/explore this bridge
3.) USS Midway Museum(San Diego)- Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway (Museum) was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Today, the interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family as guests walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 young men who served on Midway. Visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater, included with admission. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French and German. Visiting Midway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in San Diego, known around the world as "Navy Town, USA."
4.) The Getty Center- Located in Los Angeles this spectacular museum boasts a most impressive collection by such luminaries as Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne, along with the architectural triumph of its six buildings and gardens.
5.) Griffith Observatory- A public observatory owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles for the benefit of all. Located in Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory offers a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, cafe, bookstore, and the best views of the Los Angeles basin. Admission is free, and visitors may drive directly to the Observatory and park in its lots and roads.
6.) La Jolla Cove- San Diego's most desirable spot for swimming, diving and snorkeling. The water is calm and the cove is ecologically protected. There is also a world famous dive site that is located in the La Jolla ecological preserve.
7.) Cable Cars of San Francisco- Since 1873, cable cars have run up and down the hilly city, though after the 1950s, these cars have been kept in operation more out of historic nostalgia. Seventeen miles of track remain and have been deemed a historical landmark.
8.) Balboa Park- One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
9.) Pier 39- From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39. Kick off your visit by exploring two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay. Take it from the world famous sea lions: a visit to San Francisco starts at The PIER.
10.) Santa Monica Pier- This bustling wooden wharf is the place to be, with its eateries, shops, high-tech arcade, roller coaster, giant Ferris wheel and other rides, famous 1922 indoor merry-go-round and fantastic views of the bay and the mountains.
11.) Muir Woods National Monument- Muir Woods has a rich and varied history, from its use by the Coast Miwok people, to its early days of tourism and the Mount Tamalpais Mill Valley Scenic Railway, to an era of conservation, to modern preservation. In each era, the forest has been affected by the actions of humans, for better or for worse. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this coastal redwood preserve features majestic redwoods and scenic hiking trails that draw more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
12.) Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park- A number of areas for visitors along Lake Tahoe, with the most popular being Sand Harbor. While we are talking about Lake Tahoe we can't forget about the amazing Skiing that takes place here every year.
13.) Yosemite Valley- Many climbers consider Yosemite Valley among the world's very best climbing sites and we can't forget the amazing waterfalls that you can find here.
14.) Coronado Island- A mere two-mile drive from cosmopolitan, downtown San Diego, across one of the world's most distinctive bridges, is Coronado Island - a world away. Developed in 1888 as a beach resort town, and home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, the island is blessed with one of the finest beaches in the world and bathed in endless sunshine. Coronado today is a vibrant beach community loaded with charm.
15.) California State Railroad Museum- Come along for the ride. Stand in the shadow of a 150-year-old, 40-ton monument to innovation, engineering and history. Take a ride along the rails that played a key role in the development of the Golden State. See the history of the California railways come to life in engaging exhibits. A visit to the California State Railroad Museum is a not-to-be-missed experience for persons of all ages.
16.) The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens- A popular tourist stop, this 207 acre complex houses a library, art collection and stunning gardens. The library and art gallery contain rare books and one of the most complete collections of 18th century art outside of London.
17.) The Getty Villa( Malibu)- Special Holiday Hours: Sunday, December 25, 2016 - Getty Villa will be closed Tuesday, December 27, 2016 - Getty Villa will be open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday, January 1, 2017 - Getty Villa will be closed Tuesday, January 3, 2017 - Getty Villa will be open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM This museum is dedicated to the art of the ancient Greeks, Romans and other classical civilizations.
18.) Santa Barbara County Courthouse- Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse has been called, "The most beautiful government building in America.” It is open to the public 8:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 10AM to 5pm weekends, and all holidays except Christmas. Visitors are not admitted after 4:45. Free docent-led tours are offered daily except Christmas Day. No reservation is required. For current tour schedules, please visit the Docent Council website, https://sbcourthouse.org. Self-guided & virtual tours are also available on the website or by using the QR codes at various locations in the Courthouse. Visit the website for information about private group tours.
19.) Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see Southern California tourist attraction. Walk onboard Air Force One, act in a movie with Ronald Reagan, touch a piece of the Berlin Wall, and so much more.
20.) Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial- this wall is something that everyone needs to see if you support our military
21.) Battleship USS Iowa Museum- . Battleship USS Iowa served our country proudly in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. Today, the historic U.S. Navy ship is an iconic Los Angeles landmark and considered one of the region’s best outdoor museums for families and visitors of all ages. Follow in the footsteps of sailors and our mischievous mascot Vicky the Dog and experience first hand why she is known as the “Battleship of Presidents”, “The Grey Ghost”, and “The Big Stick”. Add-on a behind-the-scenes guided tour to explore areas off-limits to the public and hear first hand accounts of service, commitment, and bravery. You and your family will make lasting memories during your visit to the Battleship USS Iowa. You are able to enjoy the museum with both virtual and in-person tour options. The in-person options comply with current health department guidelines for Covid-19. Admission for this one is about $23 a person
22.) Zabriskie Point- Geologic Formations A dramatic look-out point in Death Valley.
23.) Palm Springs Air Museum- Rated by CNN as one of the top 14 Air Museums in the World. This facility Gives visitors an up-close look at the legendary fighters and bombers of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
24.) Lions, Tigers and Bears( Alpine)- Nature & Wildlife Areas here is the link to check them out https://www.lionstigersandbears.org/
25.) Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park- Part of the Redwoods National and State Parks system, this state park was established in 1929. Don't forget to check out all the other amazing locations where you can see more of these amazing redwoods. LIke the General tree.
With so many amazing things to do throughout the state of California I hope that you will take the time to go visit and enjoy the natural beauty.
Written by: Beautifulchaos318
