Iolani Palace Facade
Photo by: cliff1066™, Creative Commons

If you think of Hawaii as only beautiful beaches and cliffs, think again. Somewhere in there is a majestic palace that once housed monarchs and has now turned into a nice tourist destination on the island. This in none other than the Iolani Palace. (more…)

Lake Anza is found in the Tilden Regional Park, one of the three oldest preserves in the East Bay Regional Park District. The laidback ambiance compliments the more pro-adventure ambiance of the park that is a favorite venue of nature lovers and adventure seekers. (more…)

Triceratops fossil at the Museum of Paleontology
Photo by: Orin Zebest, Creative Commons

Paleontology is the study of fossils and how they show history through past ecologies, evolution of various species, and alterations in the world. Paleontology also exhibits the formation and destruction of different species in Earth. This type of study is the main feature of the Museum of Paleontology in the University of California at Berkeley.

The museum aims to explore life from the past and to help people appreciate the diversity of species in Earth. Its collections also help geologists, historians, biologists, anthropologists, archeologists, ecologists, and other scientists to understand the study of life. In addition, the Museum of Paleontology expects to create understanding about life in the past and how it is in the present.

Having the largest collection of fossils in the world, the museum shows the history of life and the descendant connection within groups of creatures. The exhibits inside the museum were classified according to the presumed path of evolution.

The Museum of Paleontology features various collections of microfossil holdings, vertebrate fossil collections, invertebrate holdings, historical archives, and paleobotany holdings. The museum owns more than 190,000 collections of vertebrate holdings from various eras and places around the world. The invertebrate collection contains more than 15,000 type specimens, over 500,000 mollusks, and more than 10,000 fossil samples. Their paleobotany collection consists of more than 33,400 samples of algae, fungi, and fossil plants. Specimen images can also be found in their online archive.

Aside from fossil samples, documentation is very important for paleontological research. This Museum of Paleontology maintains a compilation of images, memorabilia, and printed images for reports and documentation. Their archival collection contains photographs, drawings, news clippings, field maps and notes, and original journals created by the scientists affiliated in their university. Moreover, most of the museum’s specimen and archive collections were donated by scientists, faculty, and staff members of the University of California.

Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama and the seat of Jefferson County. With a humid subtropical climate, Birmingham experiences hot summers, gentle winters and abundant rainfalls. This stunning and pulsating city sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Birmingham offers its visitors amazing dining experiences, world-class entertainment and so much more. There are many places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Birmingham.

Birmingham Zoo, known as Alabama’s Number one visitor attraction, is home to more than 700 wild animals. Visit the alligator swamp or have lorikeets and parrots land on your hands as you feed them. The zoo also features giraffes, ostriches, gazelles and so much more. Featuring food and gift shops, train and picnic areas, Birmingham Zoo brings the Africa Safari experience into the heart of Birmingham.

Another attraction you shouldn’t fail to see is the Vulcan Park and Museum. The museum accommodates the world’s largest cast iron statue. Located at the top of Red Mountain, the museum features a scenic view of the city. The museum tells not only of Birmingham’s history but also of its present and future.

Now if you’re up for a bit of water action, you should head over to the Alabama Adventure Water and Theme Park. This popular theme park and water playground offers a new and exciting experience.

Yearning for a taste of fine arts? Go straight to Birmingham Museum of Art and satisfy your hunger. The museum is the largest municipal museum in the Southeast and holds over 24,000 works of art from different periods of time and from different places and cultures across the globe.

And of course, you shouldn’t miss the Talladega Superspeedway—the biggest, fastest and most competitive motorsports facility in the world. Talladega has seen records for both speed and completion broken in its tracks. The Superspeedway is able to hold more than 143,000 seated guests and more in the 212-acre infield. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is also located just beside the Superspeedway.

Aside from the places mentioned above you should also visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, McWane Science Center, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Riverchase Galleria and Barber Motorsports Park. Of course, these are a just a few of what Birmingham in Alabama is all about. With what Birmingham has to offer, there is no doubt why it’s called “The Magic City.”

California Auto Museum and Classic Cars
Photo by: Marcin Wichary, Creative Commons

The construction of the California Auto Museum was established in 1982 by a group of volunteers working at automobile industries in Sacramento. The volunteers gathered to conceptualize a museum where they can exhibit various car models. The museum was formally launched in 1983 by a non-profit organization in Sacramento. The museum opened after the establishment of the California Vehicle Foundation (CVF) in October 1983.

The Museum was named after the slogan, “On the Road to Car Museum” by the volunteers. CVF conducted weekly meetings to further discuss the development of the auto museum. The first automobile donated for the exhibit is the 1938 Buick Sedan by Golden One Credit Union chairman John Joyce. In 1985, a banker based from Montana named Edward Towe sent a letter to the CVF regarding the interest of his company to donate Ford model collection of cars for exhibit. The museum was re-launched in May 1987 under the ownership of Towe. In 2009, the CVF Board of Directors changed the museum’s name after finding out that the place no longer houses the Ford collection by Towe. The directors officially named the place as “California Auto Museum.”

The Auto Museum currently displays a wide variety of eye-catching automobile models from different generations. According to the museum’s executive director Karen McClafin, 25% of the vehicles being displayed at the museum are owned by the CVF, while 40% of the other vehicles were donated by unnamed professionals, prominent public figures and ordinary citizens in California and other places. The auto museum is opened daily to public from 10 AM to 6 PM and it is closed during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The museum recently hosted the “Going Green on Earth Day.” The event featured a wide display of environment-friendly automobile models.

Manoa Falls
Photo by: rjones0856, Creative Commons

The adventure never ends when you are on the Island of Oahu. You can swim, surf and bathe in the sun for as long as you want when you are spending your precious vacation on this state. It is definitely home to many sites that are close to nature, like nature parks, mountain ranges and bodies of water other than the sea and ocean. The Manoa Falls in Oahu is one of these alternative places to visit when you seek more adventure in Hawaii. (more…)

RainbowFalls Glen of Pools
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If you’re looking forward to being spellbound by the magnificence of the Finger Lakes State Parks, then Watkins Glen State Park is the place to go.

The park is the most famous among the Finger Lakes State Parks. If you travel two miles, you will find that the glen’s stream goes down 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs. Adding to its awe-inspiring magnificence are the 19 waterfalls along the course. (more…)

Yuma Landscape
Photo by: duanephoto99, Creative Commons

The city of Yuma, Arizona has had a long history of being a trendsetter of sorts.

When the Pilgrims started to establish settlements all over Arizona, the Europeans had already beat them to the punch in Yuma. In fact, numerous 16th century military expeditions were relying on the natural crossing at Yuma to get past the Colorado River. Yuma Crossing quickly garnered a reputation as the safest way to cross the Colorado River. All travel routes aiming for safe passage led to Yuma for the Spanish explorers and fleeing Okies. A town was eventually established by the Arizona side of the Colorado River where Yuma City now stands today. Yuma Crossing, now known as the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, is one of the two state parks located in the city along with the Yuma Territorial Prison State Park. When the railroad people started to develop their routes all over the country, Yuma’s Pivot Point was where the first train ever entered Arizona.

The state of Arizona has always been renowned for its warm weather conditions that last all year-round and abundant sunshine. But Yuma has one thing over all the other Arizona cities: it has the honor of being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as, literally, the sunniest place on earth what with Yuma clocking in approximately 4,050 hours out of the possible 4,456 daylight hours in a year or 93%.

The warm desert climate of Yuma is one of the reasons why so many visitors make their way to the city once the winter season rolls around. During the summer, Yuma is a popular destination for people who want to enjoy the cool waters of the Colorado River from canoeing to waterskiing. It also helps that Yuma has a variety of accommodations, from RV spots to luxury hotel rooms, for its visitors.

A visit Casa del Herrero takes you back in time to the era of great Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in America. It is among the few legendary estates in Montecito that survived many years of alterations, still bearing most of its original features, and stands today as a historical marker in the area. (more…)

Waikiki Beach
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Waikiki Beach is one of the favorite destinations of both local and foreign visitors who want some relaxing time by the seashore, under the heat of the sun. It is definitely one of Hawaii’s best attractions visited by thousands every year. (more…)

That famous street corner
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Once upon a time, on the high desert plains of scenic Northern Arizona, there was a community situated by the Little Colorado River Valley. Like most of Arizona’s cities, the city of Winslow initially had Native American tribes inhabiting the area. After they left, settlers started to come in and establish informal settlements. It wasn’t until 1881 when the Atlanta and Pacific Railroad Company chose to establish a stop due to the location’s proximity to the Little Colorado River and the thriving trade. (more…)

Montauk Point Lighthouse near the park
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Rounding off the long stretch of Long Island’s South Fork at the east is the village of Montauk. This small hamlet is home to some of the Empire State’s best beaches and state parks, a beautiful and relaxing respite from the hectic city life. From east to west, there are six popular state parks in Montauk: Hither Hills State Park, Shadmoor State Park, Montauk Downs State Park, Amsterdam Beach State Park, Camp Hero State Park, and finally Montauk Point State Park. (more…)

Reuben H Fleet Science Center
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San Diego’s Reuben H Fleet Science Center is a Science Museum located in Balboa Park. The museum was built in 1973 and since then has lead the way when it comes to the being the most interactive and best Science museum in the United States. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center has established itself as a pioneer when it comes to museum technology, fusing the planetarium with State Of The Art IMAX Theater for its scheduled presentations. This technology is called the OMNIMAX Theater which has set the bar among fun and entertaining Science museums all over America. And because of this, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center has maintained its spot among San Diego’s Top 10 Attractions.

The IMAX theaters feature amazing and out of this world exhibits such as interplanetary expedition experience and other interesting showcases which feature the mysterious entities of the universe. Since the year the museum was established, it was already famous for these amazing presentations which were even enhanced because of the amazing advancement in today’s technology.

The Science Center was named after Reuben H Fleet, who was an aircraft master whose company manufactured the aircrafts that were used during World War 2. The museum was established by his family and soon developed into the leading science museum that it is today.

The Reuben H Fleet Science Center opens at 10 am and closes until 8 pm on weekdays (except Mondays which closes at 5 pm). Guided tours are available for a nominal fee (discounts for seniors and children).

Julie Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts
Photo by: hyku, Creative Commons

Auburn, a city in Lee County, Alabama, is unofficially nicknamed “The Loveliest Village on the Plains,” a nickname so rightfully given as Auburn City is among the top ten of the United States’ list of the best places to live in. Auburn has a typically warm climate, experiencing hot, damp summers and short, mild winters and moderate autumns and springs.

Auburn is probably best known for Auburn University, Alabama’s largest university. But aside from housing the largest university in the state, Auburn also offers opportunities for fun and recreation for you and your family.

Are you up for a nature trip? You can head to Chewacla State Park. The park is 696 acres of scenic beauty with facilities such as a 26-acre lake, playgrounds, swimming area, picnic areas with tables, hiking trails and newly renovated cabins. Aside from Chewacla State Park, Auburn also boasts of 15 other parks including Kiesel Park and Louise Kreher forest Ecology Reserve.

Donald E. Davis Arboretum, another attraction in Auburn, is located on the campus of Auburn University—it features 150 different tree species found in Alabama and the southeastern United States as well as other native plants.

Want to get in touch with the artist within? You can head to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The museum showcases American and European Art from the 19th and 20th century. The exhibits include the Advancing American Art Collection, featuring art pieces by Jacob Lawrence, Ben Shahn and Georgia O’Keeffe among others. The exhibits also features works by Dali, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse and Chagall. Major sculptural works are also shown in the museum.

And if you’re up for a little bit of music, you can drop by Telfair Peet Theatre. The theatre performs plays and musicals each year including musical productions from the Auburn Community Orchestra, Auburn High School Honors Band and bands of Auburn University.

At Auburn you’ll never run out of things to do or places to see. So whatever it is that you feel like doing, Auburn is the place to be.

Angel Island State Park
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A visit to California would not be complete without a tour of San Francisco’s Angel Island State Park. Vacationers need not look hard for accommodation, shopping, dining or clubs as the park already has everything that the majority of travelers need. There are several types of hotels in the area. There are romantic hotels, family hotels, pet-friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts and, of course, world-class hotels. Visitors will never have a dull moment while they are in the park since there are several things to do and places to check out within the location. There are beaches, parks, zoos, museums, theme parks and specialty stores for shopping.

Angel Island State Park is definitely a must-see for people who would want to spend quality time with their loved ones. Some of the well-known stops here include the Sands Spring Beach, Alcatraz Island, Telegraph Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Harbor Light Building, Rodeo Beach, the Monadnock Building and Queen Anne Victorian style architecture.

People can also walk around, ride a bike, hike and jog at the park. After a day full of activities, the night can be spent by eating at restaurants or bar-hopping. For those who would prefer a quiet night out with friends, then story-telling by the beach is also a wonderful activity. If you love taking pictures, then this place is perfect not only during the day but most especially at night when the city lights surround the park. Next time you have the opportunity to visit California, tour around Angel Island. Not only can you escape the busy and stressful city-living, but you’ll also have quality time with people whom you value most.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

Entrance to the Botanic Garden
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The Botanic Garden at Tilden is one of the most famous and tranquil botanical garden in California. It is home to various endangered and endemic plant species. The garden features beautiful landscapes with various species of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees. The park also provides activities and garden tours for tourists and eco-lovers. (more…)

Albany’s Palace Theater
Photo by: Skunkworks Photographic, Creative Commons

New York has always been a favorite destination of aspiring artists and performers, as evident by the number of theater and movie houses that are scattered throughout the state. There are three Palace Theaters in New York City. Of the three, the Albany Palace Theater has the distinction of being recognized as a national historic site and deemed as one of the finest examples of early 20th century atmospheric theater architecture by acclaimed architect John Eberson. (more…)

Museum of Man
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San Diego’s Museum of Man is a museum of anthropology that is the only one of its kind in the city. Located at Balboa Park within the California Quadrangle, the museum draws much of its legacy from this historic setting which dates back to 1915 during the Panama-California Exposition. The Quadrangle complex is a landmark in San Diego and houses buildings of architectural styles that lend the place an air of opulence and magnificence most popular of which is the California building which is designed in the style of a Spanish-colonial church complete with its polychrome tile dome and ornate tower.

Beginning in the 1980s, the Museum of Man has invested a lot of money in the renovation and rehabilitation of the area opening up more gallery space to house their priceless collections for the public to enjoy. The Museum has vast collections on the Pre-Columbian history of Western America with over 100,000 documented ethnographic items drawn from the Native American cultures of Southern California, Mexico, and western South America. Comparative collections from a worldwide assemblage of early weapons can also be viewed as well as physical anthropological collections as represented by skeletal collections of early and modern bone diseases and casts documenting human evolution.

These exhibits are a major resource for the San Diego community and have served to entertain visitors as well as educate students in the area on matters such as local history, indigenous cultures, and health sciences. Alongside these permanent exhibits are a series of changing exhibits on display throughout the building that all contribute to main goal of creating and brining to people a dynamic and educational exhibits about people and places throughout the Americas and the rest of the world.

Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial
Photo by: Anosmia , Creative Commons

When you say Honolulu, Hawaii people imagine grass skirts, girls doing the hula, and sunny days at the beach. But there is a part of this state that can instantly bring out emotions and memories of one of the saddest events in American history that had a great impact not only on the Americans but also on people all over the world. This is Pearl Harbor. (more…)

Tucson sunset
Photo by: RickC, Creative Commons

With the scorching sun glaring at you from above and the numerous tall saguaro cactus littering the Sonoran Desert landscape, you might think that, somewhere along your road trip, you got sucked into a time shift that brought you back to the days of the Old West. You’re even waiting for the cowboys to come galloping from the horizon any minute now. But as you approach the junction of Interstate 9 and Interstate 10, the city of Tucson in Arizona comes into full view. You expect to see vintage saloons and inns, but instead you’re greeted by skyscrapers and posh hotels set against a backdrop displaying the five mountain ranges surrounding the city.

Welcome to one of North America’s oldest inhabited areas and the second largest city in Arizona, Tucson City.

A vast modern-day metropolis, Tucson attracts visitors of all kinds, from adventure seekers, foodies, culture enthusiasts, to sports lovers. Tucson has something to offer for everybody with their numerous top notch shopping malls, museums, golf courses, spas, and hiking trails among others. Relive the old town Tucson feel by taking a trip to downtown Tucson where most of the city’s oldest buildings and businesses are located like the Rialto Theatre, St. Augustine Cathedral, Pima County Courthouse, and the El Charro Cafe.

As you make your way to midtown Tucson, be sure to check out the shops along Fourth Avenue and Main Gate Square which sell unique local merchandise. Reid Park, the largest park in the city, is also located here along with Reid Park Zoo and Hi Corbett Field.

With Tucson’s signature warm summer days lasting for an average of 350 days a year and temperate winters, you can be sure to enjoy the different year-round attractions and events Tucson has to offer. Some of the annual celebrations you mustn’t miss include the El Tour de Tucson, New Year’s Competition Powwow, Tucson International Mariachi Conference, and the Southwest Wings Birding Festival.

9/11 fire engine at the museum
Photo by: Skunkworks Photographic, Creative Commons

Today, New York is known for its diverse culture and fast-paced lifestyle. No other place in the world epitomizes city life like New York with its sky-high infrastructures, bright lights, and its ever changing cultural trends. But can you ever imagine massive mastodons once roaming the bustling streets of New York? Or the skyscraper-dominated skyline filled with 170 native New York birds flying about? Have you ever wondered how each of the famous neighborhoods immortalized in books, movies and songs started out? (more…)

California State Indian Museum
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The California State Indian Museum is one of the most frequently visited ancient museums in California today. The museum features a wide display of exhibits which illustrate the historical accounts of the early American discoveries. The museum also features a display of pre-historic records of California’s population. During the ancient years, the early California Indian population was 500, 000 prior to the arrival of explorers and historians from Europe.

The Indian Museum is the only museum in the city that displays various Indian cultural items ranging from clothing, beadworks and basketry. The museum currently exhibits special California Indian traditions, which include a cultural showcase of dance and musical numbers. A certain section of the state museum features a display of Indian survival tools such as pump drill, mortar, soap boat brush and pestle. The materials were used for grinding acorn items and making shell beads and Indian accessories.

Located along the intersection of K and 26th streets, the Museum features a current display of contemporary Indian artworks by Harry Fonseca. Many of the artworks are said to be imaginative interpretations of the cultural traditions during the European discovery in California. Fonseca is one of Sacramento’s celebrated artists belonging to the “Maidu” tribe. The Maidu were the first early inhabitants of California. The museum’s basketry exhibit corner recently featured three one millimeter-sized baskets specially designed by Mabel McKay, a well-known basket maker from the “Pomo” tribe.

The state museum is open to public daily except for legal holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year celebrations. The museum serves as the venue for Native American cultural events in Sacramento. The events include the “Annual Indian Arts and Crafts Holiday Fair, “Gathering of Honored Elders,” “Indian Arts And Crafts Market Fair” and “Native American Day.”

Image Description
Photo by: Owen Geronimo, Creative Commons

San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum is one of the largest Asian museums in the West that aims to display various Asian art and cultural pieces. Asian art has a lot to offer when it comes to fabric, paintings, and rare materials that the Western world does not have. The artwork is also very unique and aesthetically pleasing. Many pices showcase the intellectual achievements of the early Asian civilizations. This location helps people from all over the world to appreciate the uniqueness of Asian traditions. The museum is located in the Civic Center Plaza, and there are various ways of getting here.

The Museum houses approximately 17,000 artifacts and artworks; some of the treasures are more than 6,000 years old. Guests will surely learn a lot and appreciate the development of Asian art. The collection includes sculptures, furniture, paintings, basket art, textiles and ceramics from South and Southeast Asia, Old Persia and the Middle East.

Taste Asian cuisine by eating at the cafeteria in the museum that offers pan-Asia menu like curry, different sandwiches, miso soup and Asian-style salads. The cafeteria has indoor and outdoor seating and you will experience a little bit of Asia in this restaurant. There is also a museum store that has souvenirs to remember your trip by. Aside from the artifacts and Asian treasures, there are also special events that you can enjoy that will give you an Asian experience like the tea ceremony, various performances and lectures. The Asian Art Museum is definitely one of the must-see attractions in the city.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

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Landing View at DL Bliss State Park
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One of the great nature spots in California is the DL Bliss State Park. It is one of the best sites where people can see the depths of Lake Tahoe, distant shores of Nevada, and various cliffs and mountain sceneries. (more…)