Honolulu Hal’e Frontal View
Photo by: Joel Bradshaw, Creative Commons

The seat of government of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii is the Honolulu Hale, located on number 530 South King Street. It is the site of the Mayor’s Chamber and the Honolulu City Council.

In the native language of Hawaiians, hale, pronounced as hah-leh, literally means building or house. Honolulu Hale was formerly called the Honolulu Municipal Building. It was included in the National Register of Historic Places in the year 1978 as a contributing property within the Capital Historic District of Hawaii. (more…)

Inside a Wells Fargo Museum
Photo by: Marcin Wichary, Creative Commons

In Old Town San Diego, be prepared to travel back in time when you enter the San Diego’s Wells Fargo Museum. This museum is a re-imagining of an old Wells Fargo agent’s office. Wells Fargo is a bank which was established a long time ago, and this recreation acquaints the history of San Diego through the agent’s old work. The office is most often referred to as the Colorado House. A man named Cave Couts built the Colorado House was built in 1851 which was an important establishment at the time. This house has held a number of flourishing businesses such as a salon, inn and recreation center.

Nowadays, the Colorado House is now home of the Well Fargo museum which exhibits topics on how banking was done back in the day. You can also discover Wells Fargo’s most significant deposit – gold and gold dust!

Apart from banking, several interesting topics are also being presented such as how the mining industry has changed San Diego through the years. As a tourist, you will be amused to learn about how the travel industry has fared throughout the years. Back then, travel is only done on land. Discover the transport being used back in the 1800’s which is usually done by automobiles. The exhibit also features a stage coach by Abbot Downing Concord which was first used as early as 1867!

Not only that, the museum also has a gallery where you can discover various papers and files that marked San Diego history. Also, you can marvel at relics such as old coins used by San Diego natives. To add to the whole experience, you can also look at old photographs of the city and its inhabitants complete with old-fashioned dresses and styles of the time. Other items in exhibit are old telegraph machines, classic gold watch, an authentic painting of San Diego in 1885 and a lot more.

It is located at 2733 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, California. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with free admission.

Red Trolley to Old Town
Photo by: prayitno, Creative Commons

California is a modern state. Clearly, progress has set in, with a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment districts all around, that have mostly become visitor attractions. What most people are not aware of is that, much like anything else, California has a history. However, unlike anything else, California’s rich history can still be experienced through a unique place in San Diego’s Old Town.

Museums, tours, and culinary experiences are sure to be found in Old Town. This is mainly the reason why this location is frequented not only by the residents of the San Diego area, but also by visitors from other states and other nations. The Old Town, being a celebratory spot for the history of California, serves as a unique venue for many special events. But every night is an event in the Old Town because of the entertainment brought by the many restaurants located here.

Most cuisines available in the area are Mexican and Spanish, brought on by the historical value of the place. You cannot help but just marvel at the distinct architecture and ambiance of Old Town as it takes you back to the day when Spanish settlers once inhabited the space.

Tours are available, both free and paid, when going to San Diego’s Old Town. Guided tours are amazing as they show visitors around wearing costumes for that authentic feel of a forgotten era. For those who get tired walking, there is a trolley tour that lasts for two hours, with engaging hosts on the bus, providing additional entertainment alongside the culture brought by the Old Town itself. One last area not to be missed is the Tequila Museum where you can learn about not the commercial kind of tequila, but the real deal. Come to the Old Town and experience an authentic San Diego, California experience!

Chavez Plaza
Photo by: sacramento scoop, Creative Commons

Cesar Chavez Park is a 90-acre park located in the heart of the city of Sacramento. The park can also be found at the East shore State Park in San Francisco. The park is said to provide the panoramic view of Sacramento and the neighboring states as well. The landscape of the Cesar Chavez Park was adapted from the open grassy fields of the San Francisco area, which became a famous site for community gatherings and kite-flying activities.

Named after union leader Cesar Chavez, the Park started as a landfill in 1957. The park was used as a site for reconstruction of waste materials coming from California cities and towns. In 1969, the City of Sacramento government adapted the “Marina Master Plan” to develop the park as a venue for social events and community-led activities. In 1991, the city government officially conserved the landfill area. The park was originally named “Waterfront Park” and was soon opened to the public. In 1996, the city government re-named the Waterfront Park after Chavez founded the “United Farm Workers of America.”

The Cesar Chavez Park today is the official venue for various traditional events in the city today. Activities of the “Solstice and Equinox” event are quarterly held at the park. The event features occasional activities such as spring, Passover, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays which are rooted on the Solstice and Equinox. The park is also the city’s venue for American Independence day celebrations. Every 4th of July, families and friends visit the park for a day of gatherings and enjoy picnics, kite-flying, jogging and toy rocket-launching. The “Sacramento Kite Festival” is also held at the park every year. Hundreds of kites ranging from various sizes and designs are flown by young amateurs and professional kite-flyers.

Orlando skyline
Photo by: Sterlic, Creative Commons

Orlando is one of the major cities in the state of Florida and is the fifth biggest in terms of area. It was known as a citrus producing area back in the 1900s before industrialization took place and made Orlando one of the most highly urbanized cities in Florida. Today there are different industries situated in the area making it a home to more than 150 international companies, which serve up a host of jobs for the people of Orlando. These industries cover a number of fields such as entertainment, technology, and agriculture.

Aside from the availability of jobs, what makes Orlando such a popular place to visit among Americans and even tourists are the different amusement centers and resorts situated in the area. In fact, Orlando gets most of its income from the tourism section greatly capitalizing on its being the third most visited American City. Tourism began to be a major thing for the city back in the 1970s and has continually improved from then on. Top tourist destinations in the area include the Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World, and Walt Disney World Resort.

Both Universal and Walt Disney World are resort theme parks that offer hotel accommodations for guests aside from the many features that each entertainment company is known for. Walt Disney World draws in the most people with its Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Typhoon Lagoon among others, while Universal Orlando isn’t far behind with its main attractions of City Walk, Islands of Adventure, and Wet n’ Wild. Sea World on the other hand is a huge complex of different adjacent theme parks that feature live marine animals as well as creatures on display alongside an amusement park with well loved rides such as roller coasters and a water park.

Busy Border Crossing
Photo by: skalas2, Creative Commons

San Diego’s Border to Tijuana is considered to be the busiest international border all over the world. With more then 300,000 individuals crossing the border everyday, the border to Tijuana in San Diego is considered to be a unique set up because it is considered to be a bi-national urban area or what is referred to as conurbation.

This conurbation between the two cities is brought about by their very close proximity to one another. Both San Diego in the United States and Tijuana in Mexico are located near the Pacific coast and both are metropolitan areas. However, San Diego is less dense compared to the border in Tijuana’s side. The area is called the San Ysidro border passing which is the last gateway of Mexico to the United States.

The border is significant as workers from Mexico come to work in the more developed areas of San Diego in the United States. San Diego county is a very diverse county with many businesses and source of employment that is why it is not uncommon to see Mexican workers who commute daily from Tijuana to San Diego.

On the other hand, Americans who live in San Diego often cross the border to Tijuana for a get away and vacation. The border is the gateway to Mexico and many Americans find Tijuana a diverse city with very distinct Mexican culture. Apart from that, what makes the border a tourist destination is the cheap and easy crossing to another country. You don’t need to fly to be able to reach Mexico.

Within Tijuana, countless automobile shops, medical services and plastic surgery clinics are established in the area offering extremely cheaper rates compared to the rates in the United States. Most Americans cross the Border to Tijuana to be able to avail of these cheap services which will otherwise cost a fortune in the US. From the United States, the San Diego Trolley’s blue line crosses the San Ysidro Border Crossing.

Crocodile Mummy at the Hearst Museum of Anthropology
Photo by: stefanbanev, Creative Commons

The Hearst Museum of Anthropology was formerly called the Lowie Museum of Anthropology. With Phoebe Apperson Hearst as its benefactor, the museum was founded in 1901 to support the efforts of archaeologists and ethnologist in the University of California in their systematic collecting efforts. Its original location is in San Francisco from the year 1903 to 1931 before it was moved the university campus in Berkeley. On campus, its original site is at what used to be the Civil Engineering building and was transferred to the Kroeber Hall in 1959. (more…)

Miramar Speed Circuit Indoor Kart Racing
Photo by: Miramar Speed Circuit

San Diego’s Miramar Speed Circuit Indoor Kart Racing provides a service unique in so many different ways compared to other speed circuits or cart racing venues. The Miramar Speed Circuit only has a track located indoors in Southern California. The track is laden with protective instruments keeping its patrons safe all the way while enjoying carting activities. However, safety does not equate to a boring track.

The track in the Miramar Speed Circuit provides a challenging course, proving to improve the skills of even the most seasoned carting professional. Part of the improvements to the carting area is the timing system, which is able to provide more information regarding how the driver is doing in terms of time. Friends and/ or family who choose to watch will be able to understand the speed at which the cart is going because of this timing system.

It is also a venue for parties and events. Conference and meeting rooms are available for rental at an affordable price, which may also include some catering services that the Miramar Speed Circuit has partnered with for the needs of its customers. The company has also tapped into the provision of other team building activities that may or may not include actual racing activities. If the customers will prefer to include racing in the activities, there is a crew available to assist and instruct participants for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Nowadays, a speed circuit is no longer just that. There are more activities to provide better service to a larger market. The Miramar Speed Circuit might just be what is needed to change the forefront of the carting business.

San Francisco Sunset
Photo by: Digon3, Creative Commons

San Francisco, California is best known for its warm climate and foggy weather. In addition, it is a popular tourist destination because it is an exciting place with unforgettable sights. One of these is the ever famous Golden Gate Bridge, which is known to be the world’s second longest. The federal prison, Alcatraz can also be found here.

As a city well loved even by foreigners it is considered to be a second home to many including the Chinese. Excluding China, San Francisco has the world’s largest Chinese community. Not only that, it is a famous den of the rich and famous. It has every right to be called The City of Billionaires.

One can never be bored with such a colourful city. If you’re in for a long joyride, you can take a the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. If you love coffee, you’ll be sure to find your favourite brew among the many coffee shops here. This is the birthplace of Irish coffee. So if that’s your thing, you won’t be disappointed. If you are fond of wine, you’ll find a bit of paradise in the San Francisco’s Wine Country. This is home to some of the best wines in the world. So taking a side trip while you’re here is worth it. For those who are on a low budget, there are plenty of things you can do here. You could take a stroll on the waterfront of Pier 39 along Fishermans Wharf, or perhaps take a visit to the San Francisco’s Botanical Garden or maybe go to the Fort Point National Historic Site, all for free.

Summer is the busiest season for this city while autumn is the least busy except during Thanksgiving and Christmas. So if don’t want to fight your way through a thick crowd during your visit, you may decide to schedule your stay around this time.

Shoreline of Monterey
Photo by: Urban, Creative Commons

Once the capital of California under the Spanish and then the Mexicans, the city of Monterey is now known as “California’s ‘First’ City”.

Located on the shore of Monterey Bay in Central California, Monterey was first established by the Spanish to lay claim to the land now known as California. They built a fort, called the Presidio of Monterey, to defend against invasion from foreign powers. The city and the fort changed hands from the Spanish to the Mexicans and then ultimately to the United States at the conclusion of the Mexican-American War.

Besides being one of the first cities to be founded in California, Monterey was also the site of many ‘firsts’ in California history. California’s first theater, brick house, and printing press were built here, as well as the first public library and school. The Californian, the state’s first news paper, was first printed here. Until the fishing industry collapsed due to overfishing in the 1950s, Monterey had been well known for the abundant fisheries in nearby Monterey Bay. Vestiges of this once powerful industry remain in the city’s Cannery Row – the city’s waterfront – and in downtown Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

Today, the once booming fishing industry in Monterey Bay has been replaced by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a protected area stretching 444 kilometers along the coastline. Endangered species such as the California sea otter and a number of birds make this area their home. The city and the surrounding area enjoy a mild climate throughout the year, making the beaches along Monterey Bay some of the best in the state.

One attraction that should not be missed by visitors to the city is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Considered as the top aquarium in the United States, visitors will experience above and below surface views of the many animal and plant species that can be found in Monterey Bay.

Pueblo County Courthouse
Photo by: Billy Hathorn, Creative Commons

The city of Pueblo is currently the most populous city situated in the Pueblo County of Colorado. The average population was estimated at 105,879 based from the 2009 US Census Bureau record. Pueblo City is famously known as the hometown of the legendary columnist Damon Runyon who often made use of the city in his writings. The city is also the hometown of NFL Hall of Famer Dutch Clark and former US President Dwight Eisenhower.

Pueblo City originally started out as an initial construction site in 1842. American traders Matthew Kinkead and George Simpson were among the few people who conceptualized the idea of constructing a small plaza in Colorado called “El Pueblo”. The name “El Pueblo” was said to be based from Simpson’s marriage to Juana Maria Sasso in 1842. In December 1854, a group of Native Americans called the “Jacarilla Apaches” and “Utes” raided the El Pueblo plaza after the discovery of illegal trading Native American utilitarian goods to other countries.

The Apaches and Utes allegedly attacked 19 men, two children and one woman during the raid. The “Colorado Gold Rush Of 1859” put a stop to the natives’ attack in El Pueblo. Since the 1870’s, Pueblo City was divided into four communities which includes the Bessemer and Southern Pueblo.
In 1981, critically-acclaimed French novelist Louis L’Amour made use of Pueblo City as his inspiration in the English Language novel “Milo Talon”.

West Palm Beach Evening Skyline
Photo by: Andyxox, Creative Commons

Dreaming of a perfect weekend getaway with your family – with sunny skies, strolling on the beach, and going around other outdoor sites for the kids? West Palm Beach, Florida is definitely the perfect choice!

While West Palm Beach is first and foremost an industrial and commercial center, there are also several outdoor and cultural attractions that everyone can enjoy. West Palm Beach can be found on the shores of Lake Worth.

Aside from the dazzling beaches, West Palm Beach has a host of other places that you can visit and have fun in.

If you love to see animals, there is the Palm Beach Zoo located at Dreher Park with more than 400 animals from Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. Kids will surely enjoy riding on the carousel featuring exotic and wild animals like tigers, sea dragons, jaguars, and a hummingbird. The zoo is open all-year round.

One of the popular attractions in the Palm Beach County is the Lion Country Safari where you can take your car to tour the entire facility. Both kids and adults will enjoy touring the natural habitats of lions, giraffes, elephants, African Chimps, even the endangered Southern White rhinoceros, and other wild animals.

West Palm Beach also has a dog track for dog races, the Palm Beach Kennel Club. It also has a large poker room if you want to play a round of poker. There is also a restaurant inside the facility. The facility is open all-year round.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens located along Barcelona Road is actually the house of the famous sculptor and widow of industrialist Ralph Hubbard Norton, Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The sculpture gardens features more than 100 pieces of Ann Norton’s works. The place also houses more a collection of more than 300 rare species of tropical palms.

If you want to see more artworks, you should visit the Norton Museum of Art in South Olive Avenue. The museum features the collection of Ralph Hubbard Norton. You will see the works of Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin, Georgia O’Keefe, and Edward Hopper among the 5,000 pieces of paintings and sculptures.

There is no other place like West Palm Beach where you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities as well as experiencing and knowing the arts! Plan a visit before going into the Christmas rush, you’ll never regret it!

From the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Photo by: DeaCerte.com, Creative Commons

If you wish to visit places rich in history, you need not go out of the country, there is a place in the United States that you can go to and enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage. Saint Augustine, Florida is known as the US’ oldest city, having been founded in 1565. It is also popularly called the Ancient City.

Saint Augustine is situated between North East and Central East Florida. It has an all year round mild climate that is perfect for site-seeing and touring the city’s historical district. There are a lot of things to do in this old city that will not strain your budget; here are just a few of them:

Saint Augustine Beaches – Over at the Bridge of Lions, there is the Anastasia Island and Saint Augustine’s beautiful beaches. This area is very different to the beaches in southern Florida because there has been very little development here and you will not find towering residential buildings. If you want some peace and quiet at the beach, this is a great destination. You will only need to pay a small entrance fee to enjoy its pristine waters.

Vilano Beach Fishing Pier – Just near the Matanzas Bay, this place is great for fishing or just relaxing. The view of the city and the surrounding waterways is quite amazing. The best time to go is around late in the afternoon, just before sunset.

San Sebastian Winery – If you are into wines, you will definitely enjoy a visit to this famous winery. It offers daily tours to the whole facility and you get to taste their wine for free!

Mission Nombre de Dios – This is the oldest Catholic Church in the US. The grounds are perfect for a family picnic. You cannot miss this old church with its giant cross that measures more than 208 feet tall.

Old Jail – No visit to this historical city is complete without touring Saint Augustine’s Old Jail. The place is part of Saint Augustine’s most popular tour, called the Old Town Trolley.

If you are planning on a little R&R for the whole family, consider Florida’s Ancient City!

The Serene beaches of Naples
Photo by: Massimo Catarinella, Creative Commons

Naples, a city located in Collier County of Florida, is a region that has become popular for both its serene beaches and rich natural reserves, something that people can hardly experience in just one city. This balanced mix of land and water has attracted a lot of tourists in the area particularly those who want diversity in their vacation activities. People hardly get bored when they spend their time in Naples because there is always something new to discover and a new and fresh sight to behold.

For starters, the beaches in Naples offer calm and serene waters that are a perfect spot for anyone who just wants to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the gentle lapping of the waves on their bodies. The coast is 10 miles long, offering plenty of areas where people can set up their blankets or seats and just marvel at the beauty of the blue waters while they are seated on the clean white sand that is becoming rarer and rarer now in crowded beaches.

If you are tired of the beach, there is always the wilderness to explore. You can ride a boat and explore the back country of Naples as well as the uninhabited islands that make up the Everglades. The tour of the rich natural surroundings of Naples doesn’t stop there thought because there are also excursions offered through the wilderness where you can see panthers, tigers, bisons, birds, and wild alligators in the flesh.

All these activities will surely get you tired, so Naples also offers a retreat from all the nature trips and gives you a taste of something that is much closer to home. There is a district where all the shops, restaurants and other usual city sights can be found, giving you a much needed breather for your next grand Naples adventure.

Downtown Northport
Photo by: OEP, Creative Commons

Northport is a city in the Tuscaloosa County. It is located in the west-central part of Alabama, just across downtown Tuscaloosa, and situated on the Black Warrior River. Currently, it is considered as the 24th largest city in Alabama, with a population of about 23,500. Northport is part of the Tuscaloosa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city has a subtropical climate and goes through four distinct seasons.

The city is noted for its cultural activities. One of these is the Kentuck Festival of Arts. Every year, in the month of October, hundreds of artists get together at the Kentuck Park to showcase their art works and pieces in front of thousands of visitors. The festival is celebrated to honor folk and contemporary art as well as traditional crafts. Demonstrations of craft making are held throughout the weekend including pottery making, quilt making and basket weaving. There’s also food and music.

Another notable and longstanding tradition of Northport is the Art Night. This is held every first Thursday of the each month. Northport art galleries are where demonstrations of art and crafts are featured.

Another much-awaited event which is celebrated every year is the Dickens Downtown. This holiday is held on the first Tuesday of December. The holiday attracts thousands of participants who come to see the period setting of 19th century England. The streets and shops of downtown Northport come alive with music, children’s activities and holiday decorations. This holiday promises traditional fun for everyone.

You must not also miss the Northport Heritage Museum, which is home to a collection of artifacts and photographs which documents the history and evolution of the city.

So if you’re up for fun and a taste of culture, then by all means don’t miss the various activities that Northport City has to offer!

Rollercoaster at Sunset at Belmont Park
Photo by: Foxtongue, Creative Commons

Ever gone for a weekend getaway where not everybody had the time of their lives? How about seeing an amusement park and wished to be a kid again to enjoy the place, specifically the rides? At San Diego’s Belmont Park, there is something for everybody – for the young and for the young-at-heart.

For adult and teen thrill-seekers, Belmont Park may be the best one yet! Awesome rides include the Vertical Plunge that rises to about the height of a three-story building and suddenly drops the riders like a hot potato! There is also the famous Giant Dipper, which is a roller coaster. What makes this ride so unique? The ride’s location is at the beach front, with exciting twists and turns designed for those seeking an adrenalin rush. The only limitation is that those who want to enjoy these rides must at least be 48 inches in height, and this precaution is taken for safety purposes. That’s about four feet to be measured prior to getting in the ride.

Those who will be bringing younger children or friends under 48 inches or four feet in height can enjoy rides such as Tilt-a-Whirl, Speedway Bumper Cars, and Crazy Submarine. These are safer, and can be accessible to those under the required measurements when accompanied by a chaperone. Again, the requirements are for safety purposes, and there’s nothing ever wrong with taking extra precaution.

A ride that anyone will be able to experience, or a family to enjoy together is the Liberty Carousel – an old style carousel that is so authentic, it might just bring tears to the older folk to be able to see something so unique in an amusement park. The Thunder Boats is another attraction that everyone will be able to enjoy; just ride the boat and imagine being at sea, with real water under the ride.

The best about the park is that admission is free! Even the car gets free parking! Pay only when accessing rides, joining activities and watching events or shows.

Downtown Los Angeles
Photo by: Pintaric, Creative Commons

Glamour is probably the best word associated with Los Angeles, California. The most desired place to be, Hollywood is America’s second largest city. Not only that, the Sunset Strip and the glittering homes of the ultra rich in Beverly Hills, can also be found here. Los Angeles is the heart of tourism, trade, banking and commerce. It is a chic, very modern city that is nothing but sheer absolute luxury. This is where the world’s best dining and shopping can be experienced. When you’re here, you can’t help but be mesmerized and be enveloped in the luxurious feel of the LA atmosphere.

Los Angeles is home to many visitor attractions, the most famous of which is Disneyland in Anaheim, about a half hour to whenever (depending on the traffic) from downtown L.A. There are also a number of museums like The Broad Contemporary Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and The Museum of Contemporary Art. The La Brea Tar Pits, known for Ice Age fossils, has attracted curious visitors from all parts of the globe. In addition, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, which is a few miles south of Los Angeles.

It is busy city; literally glittering from day till night. Despite its seemingly perfect facade, it has its own problems like high unemployment rates, excessive population growth, and unending political conflict. Of course, there is no perfect city. Over the years, Los Angeles lived through its problems and still managed to maintain its reputation as a city of entertainment. In fact, many people see LA as a land of endless opportunities.

Maybe that is why immigrants from all over the world are lured to it, thinking it is a door to enter the United States. It is a popular city for those who have huge dreams and who wish to make it a reality. Many believed it to be the City of Angels. Maybe it really is.

USS Arizona Memorial
Photo by: jebvision, Creative Commons

The Arizona Memorial is part of the Pacific National Monument dedicated to the heroes of World War II. It is built over the remains of the fallen USS Arizona, the American battleship that sank after the Japanese Naval Troops bombed Pearl Harbor where it was docked on December 7, 1941. Some of the 1, 177 crewmen who perished in the attack had the USS Arizona as their final resting place. (more…)

Hotel Del Coronado
Photo by: jlantzy, Creative Commons

San Diego’s Hotel Del Coronado was one of the first grand resort hotels built in California and in the United States. It was fondly called The Del, and has earned a reputation for being the hotel resort for the opulent and the old Hollywood. This beachfront luxurious hotel opened as early as the 1800s and was considered to be the largest resort hotel in the world. In the 1970’s it was designated as a National Artistic Landmark in California.

In the old days, building landmark hotels are a sure way to attract real estate investors and visitors. San Diego enjoyed the real estate boom especially after The Del is built. Because of the sprawling exteriors and the clean and amazing beachfront, The Del naturally became an instant favorite of the elite. In the 1920’s during the Golden Days of Hollywood, this was the chosen party place of Hollywood Stars. Despite more being more than one hundred years old, the estate still remains to be a favorite destination for the upper crust.

Perhaps what made the Del a favorite destination for visitors is because of its distinct architecture which marks the American architectural genre of a beautiful and decadent Victorian architecture. The entire building is made of wood, with panels and courtrooms which are gleaming with dark wood. The hotel is also the very first to have electricity making it the home for the powerful and the wealthy. In fact, scientist Thomas Alva Edison even oversaw the installment of electricity although out the hotel

The Del has been featured in so many works of art, literature and film. In fact, legend says that the Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum was written in Hotel Del Coronado and that the design of Emerald City was based on the Del. Indeed, if you want to get transported back in time of opulence, you should visit The Del and experience history the minute you step inside. Despite its history, Hotel Del Coronado embraces the future with such relish as new improvements has been installed in the Del, restoring its reputation as the most luxurious hotel in California. You can find Hotel Del Coronado across San Diego Bay.

Del Mar Fairgrounds
Photo by: Intersofia, Creative Commons

A beautiful community with mansions overlooking the Pacific Ocean, San Diego’s City of Del Mar is a beautiful seaside town which is inhabited by the rich and the privileged. Del Mar thrives because of its luxurious exclusivity. Not everyone can build a residence in Del Mar mainly because of the high cost of land surrounding the area.

Del Mar has a geography which is considered as highly suitable for first class living. The town has a sub tropical climate which is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Wide expanse of sandy beaches suitable for swimming and water sports are privately owned by the individuals whose mansions were erected to face the sea. The luxurious seaside living of Del Mar makes it a coveted land for real estate.

Ever since the area of Del Mar was developed for residential living, it was already envisioned to be inhabited by the elite. Colonel Jacob Taylor who purchased an entire 338 acres expanse of what soon to be known as Del Mar once envisioned to build a resort for the upper class.

Apart from the exclusive residential mansions, the town also boasts of various restaurants, organic stores which can be found in the city centers. The Torrey Pines State Beach can also be found in Del Mar.

Del Mar is also home to the Del Mar Racetrack, which is being visited daily because of the races. Because of the beautiful greenery and fresh seaside breeze, Del Mar is also suitable for race horsing. Apart from these, Del Mar becomes a center of attention during the yearly San Diego County Fair held every summer. The fair is held on the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Commencement Exercises at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley
Photo by: Monica’s Dad, Creative Commons

Experience concerts and plays like never before at the Berkeley Greek Theater. Located at the University of California, the place is quite similar to the ancient Amphitheater of Greece. It can seat up to 8,000 people, making it the perfect venue for graduation ceremonies, plays and other special events. (more…)

Entrance to Funderland
Photo by: funderland.com, Creative Commons

Funderland is considered as one of the biggest recreational parks in California today. Located near the Sacramento Zoo, the park is notable for its popular rides for 12-year-old kids and below such as the tea cup ride, airplanes, dragon coaster and the iconic “Funderland Train.” The park is also notable for its specially designed bumper car and carousel rides.

It is said to be a 2-acre amusement park originally constructed for roller coaster and steam train rides. The park was also constructed for rides suitable to toddlers less than 2 years of age. Established in the early 1960’s, the amusement park started its initial years of construction during the 1940’s. The park was called “Land Park Kiddie Land” until the new ownership took place in 1984 and was finally named “Funderland Park”. The first and oldest rides that were opened to public is “The Carousel” and “Oscar the Fish” in 1947.

The Funderland underwent series of renovations during the past three decades to further ensure the safety of the rides among children. The amusement park currently serves as venue for many family-oriented activities in the city. Located along the corner of William Land Park Drive and Sutterville Road, the Funderland is open to public during the months of February to April and September to November. The park also operates during holidays such as Labor Day and Spring Break in a limited time only. The park provides a snack bar where families and friends can enjoy snacks such as fries, nachos, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, chicken nuggets as well as drinks such as hot chocolate and fountain soda. The park also provides a set of ride restrictions which include assistance from ride operators and adult accompaniment for the roller coaster, “Log Flume,” “Himalaya” and airplane rides.

Point Loma Harbor Point – fishing charter boats
Photo by: Lee Coursey, Creative Commons

Point Loma in San Diego is a seaside community whose name is Spanish for hill. This hilly peninsula is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the south and west and by the San Diego Bay in the east. This unique location provides the area with a tourism that’s based mainly on marine activities although the main attractions in the area are the Cabrillo monument situated on the town’s hilltop and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Marine activities are an attraction for the area with activities such as yachting and sport fishing.

The bay side of the Peninsula is where you will find three yacht clubs as well as various businesses that cater to the yachting and fishing crowd such as supply stores, repaid yards, hotels, and restaurants. San Diego’s Point Loma Fishing is participated in not only by visitors, but even by some locals who have taken in sport fishing.

Visitors can arrange for Fishing trips that take them to the Pacific Ocean. These trips are varied and may last from half a day to a good 21 days depending on which trip you wish to take part in. Half-day trips begin in the morning at Imperial Beach and lasts for six hours ending in Point Loma. Full day fishing trips head out to Coronado Islands while touring over Point Loma and targets fish like White Sea Bass, bonito, yellowtail and barracuda.

For longer Fishing Trips there is a choice of heading out to the Baja Peninsula Tuna and Dorado are the main species caught or crossing over to the islands of Guadalupe where Albacore, big eye tuna, and bluefin are the main species caught during the trip. These can be arranged for any size of groups and different preferences in fishing experience.

Lanikai Sunrise with China-mans hat to the left
Photo by: kevin1024, Creative Commons

Lanikai Beach Park is two beaches in Oahu which are considered “sisters”. The beaches are perfect for swimming and relaxing, although one can also enjoy kayaking and windsurfing at Lanikai Beach. The waters are crystal clear and calm, making it ideal for families with small children. Although there are hardly any facilities in Lanikai Beach, the view and its location to a handful of islands off the coast can certainly make up for this shortcoming.

Kailua Beach, on the other hand, is better equipped than its “sister”. Here visitors can rent surfing gear and other safety devices, and there are lifeguards who supervise and watch over the swimmers and other beachgoers. When combined Lanikai should be added to your itinerary. Kailua Beach has been named as the best beach in the world many times, while Lanikai Beach lives up to its name as “heavenly sea”.

Basic safety guidelines are paramount to ensure one’s safety while at any one of these Beaches. Kailua Beach can be full of dangerous Portuguese Man-of-War (a type of jellyfish), and there are certain shallow areas which can cause a person to break his/her neck if they dive in. Swimmers should stay in areas which have lifeguards, so that they can be easily reached in case anything goes wrong.

An additional feature near Kailua Beach is a pond. Parents are cautioned against leaving their children alone, since they might wander into the pond and fall in. in Lanikai Beach, visitors can go to the two islands nearby which serve as a sanctuary for birds. Moku Nui and Moku Iki can provide people with a whole new experience in seeing different species of birds. They can then see different species of fish as they snorkel off Lanikai Beach.

Cochran-Africatown Bridge in Mobile, Alabama
Photo by: Altairisfar, Creative Commons

Mobile is a city located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. It is the third most populated city in Alabama (with a population of about 198,900) and is the county seat of Mobile County. Mobile is the largest municipality on the Gulf Coast between New Orleans, Louisiana and St. Petersburg, Florida.

Its geographical location leads to a mild subtropical climate—the city experiences hot, humid summers and mild, rainy winters with infrequent snowfalls. According to a study by WeatherBill, Inc., Mobile City is the wettest city in the adjoining 48 states. Mobile experiences an average of 120 rainy days each year.

The city is known across the world for its unique attractions. Mobile City features outdoor adventures, Delta excursions, fascinating museums, white sandy beaches, beautiful historic homes, and 21 world-class gold courses.

You can head over to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and get a taste of history. The memorial park is a home to the USS ALABAMA Battleship, winner of nine World War II battle stars. And while you’re out there, you can also take a look at the Submarine USS DRUM and twenty other historical aircrafts.

And if you’re up for exciting outdoor adventures, you can start by taking a boat tour. Mobile has five boat tours: Alabama Cruises-Southern Belle, Delta Explorer, Airboat Express, Five Rivers Delta Safaris and Alabama Cruises’ Kingfisher. Each of the boat tour offers relaxing and informative sightseeing and discovery cruises. The swamp tours will give you a view of the unique natural resources of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The area is inhabited by 250 species of birds, 230 species of fish, alligators, bald eagles, black bears and other wildlife. Not only will you be having fun, you’ll also learn a lot.

Mobile has so much more to offer. You can view artifacts which details the city’s history at innovative museums. Or you can choose to enjoy nature and visit one of the city’s beautiful gardens. Any time of the year, this city is bursting with life and energy so you’re assured to have a great vacation!