CA State Railroad Museum
Photo by: Marcin Wichary, Creative Commons

Railroads have been around since the mid-16th century. Trains and railroads first made their mark in the United States in 1753, when a shipment arrives in the country from England. The complete history of railroads is captured at the California State Railroad Museum. The museum started its operations in 1976 and has accommodated no less than 500,000 guests every year!

The Railroad Museum is a 100,000 square foot structure that is dedicated to everything about railroads. There are six buildings that house the different exhibits, steam engines, vehicles, and railroad cars. All museum guides, or docents, have extensive knowledge about the exhibits, so visitors can ask different types of questions while on tour.

The museum wouldn’t be complete without a real train ride. The Railroad Museum also has seasonal train rides which can take guests on a scenic ride of the area. The Sacramento Southern Railroad starts from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot and makes its way along the Sacramento River. The entire ride lasts for 40 minutes and guests can choose to stay in the El Dorado. This 1920 train car has been equipped with an air conditioning unit and guests are served with cool drinks and cookies. This train ride is available every Saturdays and Sundays, from April to September.

The museum store sells a variety of items, from Rosie the Riveter memorabilia, t-shirts, baseball caps, and posters. There are souvenirs especially for kids, such as a small model of a Streamliner train, an engineer kit for boys and girls, and a small wood whistle which has a picture of a train etched on it.

Visitors are allowed to take photos while inside the museum, but they are refrained from using tripods or other bulky camera equipment. The Museum is open every day from 10AM to 5PM, save for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

MacArthur Park in Downtown Los Angeles
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The MacArthur Park is the 100th historic cultural monument of the city. It was previously called Westlake Park when it first opened during the 1880s. The park’s namesake is General Douglas MacArthur, who led the Philippine troops during the Second World War. He received the Medal of Honor after the war ended because of his military services in the Philippines.

One interesting feature of the MacArthur Park is that it is divided into two by the Wilshire Boulevard. The northern portion of the park has a rather innocent and uneventful history compared to the southern portion of the park where a lake is located. Sometime during the 1980s, the park was the site of gang fights, shoot-outs, and even a few murders took place within the grounds. It was reported that when the park lake was drained in 1978, there were hundreds of firearms found at the bottom. These were thrown in the lake by gang members and other individuals to dispose of incriminatory evidence of any crime or gang fight done in the park.

In an attempt to lower the amount of violence and crime being committed in Los Angeles, surveillance cameras were installed and more and more public activities were conducted there. Soon enough, the crime rate and shooting incidents have significantly decreased over the past years. One incident related to crime was when the park was used as a setting for some scenes in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a 2005 movie starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Val Kilmer. The movie was about a criminal who ends up landing a role in a Hollywood movie.

The northern portion of the MacArthur Park is where visitors can find an amphitheatre, a recreation center, and a playground, among others. Here, more than 50 concerts are hosted every summer. Visitors can easily reach the park by taking the subway and getting off at the Westlake/MacArthur Park station, which is located opposite the park.

Office of the Secretary of State at the Museum
Photo by: David Monniaux, Creative Commons

The California State Capitol Museum continues to gain popularity for featuring a display of art collections from mid-1850’s and beyond. The various art collections which are currently on display at the museum include portraits of the historical accounts in American history. One of the most notable portraits is those of the 35 governors from ancient American history. The portrait of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were helmed by famous historical artists Jane Stuart and William Wynstanley.

The State Capitol Museum is where the famous mural art walls are displayed in the museum’s capitol room. Arthur Frank Matthew’s “The History of California” is one of the murals which are currently on display. Matthew’s masterpiece is said to be a set of mural artworks that were commissioned under the legislative law in 1913. The mural features 12 different paintings depicting the historical events in California. Lucile Lloyd’s “The Origin and Development of the State Of California” is also currently displayed in the capitol room. Lloyd’s artwork was repainted under the “Federal Art Project” by Claude Van Zant and Ben Messick in 1937.

The 18th century murals that were displayed at the Museum were commissioned by the Los Angeles State Building in 1936. The museum was once torn down five years after the 1971 earthquake in California. The murals were temporarily removed from public display during the early 1980’s for the museum’s renovation, which took place months after it was torn down. The Senate Rules Committee authorized a law that will ensure the safe restoration of the murals in 1991. Few of the 18th century murals were displayed at the Senate Room in 1992. Today, the museum displays murals from modern American artists. The capitol state museum is located between Sacramento’s L and 10th street.

Little Tokyo Mall
Photo by: digitizedchaos, Creative Commons

Little Tokyo isn’t a small version of Japan’s capital – it’s a district in Los Angeles which serves as the cultural center of Japanese Americans who live in the city. Little Tokyo was once used as the living quarters for the Japanese Americans after the Second World War ended. The district is also referred to as Lil’ Tokyo and J-Town, and it is one of three “Japantowns” in the United States. The other two are located in California as well, and are both named Japantown.

Little Tokyo was once a square mile of Japanese culture in the midst of Los Angeles. Nowadays, the district has been whittled down to 5 city blocks. Nevertheless, visitors can still enjoy the different sights in the area, sample Japanese cuisine, and shop. The entire area serves as a business and shopping district and has churches, Buddhist temples, cultural attractions, and restaurants.

Tired travelers can book into the Kyoto Grand Hotel, which is the tallest hotel in Little Tokyo. Once one is settled in, he/she can now begin exploring the different tourist spots in the district. First up is the Japanese American National Museum, which outlines the entire history and culture of the Japanese Americans. A total of three exhibits can be found in the museum.

The Japanese Village Plaza is located in the very core of Los Angeles. Here one can find a handful of restaurants and more shops. Nearby is the Weller Court Shopping Mall, which houses a myriad of retail shops, and a Japanese bookstore which sells “manga” (the Japanese version of print comics and cartoons) and other reading materials in Japanese.

Most shops in the area sell only one type of product, such as video games. One popular video game company, Capcom, is the creator of a widely known gaming franchise, the Resident Evil series. Japanese cuisine such as Japanese noodles and sushi is offered by restaurants, and there are two sweet shops in the area as well.

Visitors can easily reach the district from subway lines; one of these is the Little Tokyo/Arts District station of the Metro Gold Line.

Universal Studios Front Entrance and Globe
Photo by: crabers.crab, Creative Commons

Who doesn’t know Universal Studios?

Universal Studios is a theme park where visitors are given the opportunity to explore the different movie studios where famous films have been shot. Some theme park rides have even been based after popular and successful films. One of these is the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster, where riders are whisked along at speeds of 45 miles per hour.
Another attraction is the Studio Tour. This tour takes visitors to different famous film and television sets, such as Wisteria Lane from the hit television series Desperate Housewives. Visitors can brave the infamous Bates Motel from Psycho and avoid the deadly jaws of the Great White shark from Jaws.

The King Kong 360 3-D is one of the newest attractions. One can experience the film using three senses: sight, sound, and touch. Aspiring directors and those who want to know how special effects are made will have a field day at the Special Effects Stage. Here, visitors are given some techniques used by filmmakers to create special effects in movies. There are 3 special effects techniques demonstrated in the stage: computer generated images (CGI), 3-D technology, and stop motion capture. The last technique was used by director Tim Burton on two of his animated films, The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Corpse Bride.

Visitors can avail of the VIP Experience, where they are given treatment worthy of a famous celebrity. The VIP Experience includes a continental breakfast and gourmet lunch, the best seats during performances and other attractions, and the chance to visit behind-the-scenes of some famous films which most visitors don’t get to see. The Universal Studios is open every day from 10 AM and sometimes closes at 9PM.

Staple Center along Spring Street
Photo by: Rina Laxa, Creative Commons

The Staple Center is fairly new, having been built in 1998 and opened to the public in 1999. The center is home to 3 basketball teams (the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Los Angeles Sparks) and 1 hockey team (the Los Angeles Kings). One can buy sports memorabilia from Team LA, which is the official store in the Staple Center which sells everything from basketball jerseys to sports jackets.

A handful of important sporting events, award shows, and concerts have been hosted at the Staple Center over the years. Celebrities and singers such as Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Lionel Ritchie, and Cher have graced the stage during their concerts or world tours. Even the world-famous singing competition show, American Idol, has used the center as a stop for auditions, and the concerts and tours of the contestants.

Up to now the Staple Center is still used as a location for concerts, sports competitions, conventions, and other important events. The most important rule to get into the center is to arrive early. The center can seat up to 20,000 people, so one can imagine the throng of people waiting outside if they arrive late. There are also 20,000 parking spaces near the center, so if one wants to get a good parking spot, he/she has to arrive early.

It is highly accessible to those with limited mobility. Guide dogs and other service animals are allowed inside, and wheelchairs can even be stored while the customer is inside. There are parking spaces for disabled visitors, and wheelchair escorts are on hand to assist visitors who require wheelchairs. Three exclusive restaurants are located in the center where one can eat a full course meal if he/she doesn’t want to eat hotdogs or drink soda. For those who need quick food fixes, fast food outlets and snack stops are also in the center.

A view of Coit Tower from afar
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San Francisco has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to tourist attractions. If you are planning to visit this city, you should include the San Francisco’s Coit Tower on your list. This is one of the most visited attractions in the city because you will get a chance to view the city in 360 degrees. The Coit Tower is a 210-foot tower atop Telegraph Hill and Pioneer Park. Lily Hitchcock Coit donated part of her estate for this tower, with the aim of of beautifying the city. Ms. Coit will be happy to know that her money was not wasted since the Coit Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks and attractive spots in the city.

Coit Tower is an unpainted concrete art deco structure that has a lobby in which a number of murals are displayed. There are 19 murals painted by various artists, some of them can be viewed without a charge. The murals show the depression era; most of them have progressive or socialist themes. They are a reminder of how the city survived the Great Depression.

The tower offers views of the city’s main attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Nob Hill, the Financial District, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Pier 39, Treasure Island, and Angel Island. This is one of the best places to visit if you want to have a view of the whole city.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

Getty Villa Display
Photo by: paulkhor, Creative Commons

During the 1950s, Forbes Magazine named J. Paul Getty the richest man in America. He was the owner and founder of the Getty Oil Company, which is now under the ownership and management of Lukoil. J. Paul Getty loved to collect different artworks and antiques, and most of his collections can be seen at the Getty Villa.

The Villa is one of two locations of the J. Paul Getty Museum. The other location is in Pacific Palisades, California, where Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artworks and structures can be seen. The museum in Los Angeles, on the other hand, is where visitors can view different artworks from Europe, America, and specific art collections taken from the Getty Research Institute.

Compared to its sister museum, the Getty Villa has adopted a contemporary architectural style. Aside from the museum there are gardens, cafes, a courtyard, and a museum store on the property. The museum restaurant allows visitors to enjoy a full course meal and chat a bit after the day’s activities, or they can buy a gourmet lunch and have a little picnic outside. There are two coffee carts located in the museums courtyard and the Plaza which can provide a quick caffeine fix or snack break.

Nearly every month, new exhibits are displayed in the museum. Some exhibits are displayed for six months, so there is plenty of time to visit the exhibit. Not only are paintings displayed but also sculptures and photographs. Visitors can enter the museum for free, and no advanced reservations are needed. Tourists, student groups, and even entire families are more than welcome to visit the museum.

The museum is easily accessible; the Metro Rapid Line 761 stops directly in front of the main gate. The entire museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, and is closed on Mondays and on Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Its operating hours are from 10AM to 5:30 PM from Tuesdays to Sundays, and 10AM to 9PM on Saturdays.

Mission Dolores
Photo by: Phillie Casablanca, Creative Commons

If you are fond of visiting different churches and religious temples, you will surely enjoy the lovely Mission Dolores, also known as the Mission of San Francisco de Asis. This church is one of the oldest buildings in the city that survived several calamities including 2 major earthquakes that struck the city. Mission Dolores is located in San Francisco Bay and can be reached by various forms of transportation.

It is one of San Francisco’s central sites when it comes to the religious, cultural and civic life. It was founded on June 29th, 1776 when the Spanish government sent many missionaries to the United States to try to convert the natives and pioneers of the state. Among the 21 California missions that the Spanish government sent during that time, Mission Dolores was the 6th religious settlement established.

The main attraction of the Mission Dolores is the 18th century chapel due to its history and antiquity. There is also a basilica beside the chapel that was established in 1918. The original chapel is made of adobe bricks and there were several renovations such as the addition and removal of wooden portion of the chapel. The interior of the chapel is a mix of Spanish culture and native styles and this makes the chapel very unique. The ceiling of the chapel has native patterns that were hand-painted and the chapel has a high, colorful altar in front.

Mission Dolores is the city’s only burial ground within the city limits. Most of the graves are that of California pioneers and Native Americans. Explore the chapel and feel the 18th century history of the Mission Dolores.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

Oakland Bay Bridge
Photo by: Allan Ferguson, Creative Commons

San Francisco’s Oakland Bay Bridge is one of the well-known structures in California. The bridge crosses the San Francisco Bay via the Yerba Buena Island and connects Oakland and San Francisco. This marvelous creation was opened to the public in 1936 and was designed by Charles H. Purcell. Daily traffic is approximately 270,000 vehicles that traverse the 10 lanes of I-80, 5 westbound lanes on the upper level and the other 5 eastbound lanes at the lower level. Two halves of the bridge are connected by a tunnel known as the Yerba Buena Tunnel, which is also the largest bore tunnel in terms of diameter in the world.

The Bay Bridge was first called the James “Sunny Jim” Rolph Bridge to pay homage to the city’s then mayor and governor. However, he was not able to witness the opening of the inauguration of the bridge as he passed away two years before construction was completed. Today, this important and historical landmark is owned and maintained by CalTrans or California Department of Transportation together with 6 others. This steel and concrete bridge has double-decked suspension, a truss causeway, a tunnel and a cantilever bridge.

Because of the beauty and splendor of the bridge, it has been included in several literary pieces and has been featured in famous movies. The busy lanes from morning till nighttime exude an aura of magnificence, thus making it one of the favorite tourist spots in the area. Couples stroll along the beaches under the bridge. Families spend their weekends enjoying picnics around the area, simply enjoying the view and the peacefulness. The Oakland Bay Bridge is undeniably worth visiting.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

Ocean View Green
Photo by: SD Dirk, Creative Commons

Torrey Pines Golf Course is named after a rare kind of pine tree which is the Torrey Pine, usually found along the shoreline of San Diego, California. The golf course is a rare beauty in itself; it is located near cliffs and mountains. Apart from these, what makes the course special is the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean which makes for a perfect location for golf. Because of these amazing sights, Torrey Pines Golf Course is one of the most preferred destinations for national tournaments. In fact, in 2008, Tiger Woods won the US Open Golf Championship which was held in Torrey Pines. The golf course is also home to the esteemed PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open and many other tournaments.

Torrey Pines Golf Course has two main golf courses – the South Course and the North Course. The North Course is more accessible and shorter of the two, while the South Course is home to various kinds of tournaments. The South Course is very long and is always considered as the hardest course in any PGA Tour event.

Apart from the sights, what makes Torrey Pines Golf Course the top location for golf tournaments is because of the challenging terrain and natural condition of the course. Because in front of it is the Pacific Ocean, expect for eventual gust of winds and sometimes fog and even rain. These “barriers” even add to the Torrey Pines Golf Course’s reputation as one of the best golf courses in America. Only the best ones can win in Torrey Pines.

Flocked yearly for the many golf tournaments happening in the area, it is considered to be one of the most recognizable and esteemed visitor spots in San Diego.

Cabrillo National Monument
Photo by: SD Dirk, Creative Commons

If you are visiting San Diego, California for the first time looking to explore the place or a resident or regular visitor wishing to delve deeper into the city’s history, San Diego’s Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma are must-see places for you. This national park covers 160 acres of protected land bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the west, San Diego Bay in the east and residential neighbourhoods up north. The vast space is full of rich natural resources and amazing views as well as historical and picturesque landmarks that are sure to give you a much deeper appreciation of San Diego.

Named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who was the first European to reach the west coast of the United States, the Cabrillo National Monument is home to the famed explorer’s statue sitting high above Point Loma amidst spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The monument is undoubtedly the national park’s main feature and is a perfect place for solitude as well as for watching ships and boats enter and leave the harbour situated below.

Though Cabrillo’s statue is the main attraction, the park also has a lot of cultural and natural resources to offer. Popular park activities include photographing and viewing the city from atop the hill, hiking, enjoying Point Loma’s tide pools, and visiting the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Because of its hilltop location and the presence of the Pacific Ocean the climate is generally sunny and mild all the year round making perfect for a good hike along the Bayside trail leading straight to the tide pools, which are the largest in San Diego.

With its perfect mix of culture, history, and fun activities, Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma are definitely great places to visit whether you are new to San Diego or not.

Beach Blanket Babylon Float
Photo by: stevendamron, Creative Commons

Many countries have beautiful theatrical plays that started decades ago. Many individuals really appreciate the art of theater, not only when it comes to the costumes, but the story lines as well. San Francisco’s Beach Blanket Babylon has contributed to the appreciation of theater arts in the area. The Beach Blanket Babylon is a cabaret performance being staged at Club Fugazi in the North Beach district of the city. Both locals and tourists enjoy the performance because of the changing satirical script that never fails to entertain the viewers.

It is one of the longest running musical performances and it is still going to this day. It has drawn the attention of both locals and tourists since 1974 and has been continuously played for over 30 years now. Many people enjoy the Beach Blanket Babylon. Many musical theaters cannot match the uniqueness of this cabaret performance. The show was started by Steve Silver, and when he died in 1995 his wife took over the directing.

Beach Blanket Babylon is the story of Snow White who is searching for her Prince Charming. Along the way, she meets different personalities and pop culture characters such as Lady Gaga, Barack Obama, George Bush, Tiger Woods, Beyonce, Oprah and more. The script is developed from time to time, and the trends and current issues that the world and the United States are inserted. There are also renditions of different popular songs to make the show up-to-date. The show is essentially a satire that spoofs the present popular and political culture.

In it, the characters wear huge hats, beautiful and colorful costumes along with the weird wigs. You really shouldn’t miss a show if you are in San Francisco. You will surely want to watch the show again.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

Paramount Pictures gate at Melrose Avenue
Photo by: Sarah_Ackerman, Creative Commons

The huge and iconic wrought-iron gates of Paramount Studios are probably one of the most recognized Hollywood landmarks, ranking along the large Hollywood sign on Mount Hollywood. Many film greats have walked through the grand gates of Paramount Studios in Los Angeles since their humble beginnings in 1912. Today, Paramount Studios is the acknowledged as the longest operating major Hollywood studio in the area.

History buffs who want to learn about the history of the American entertainment industry will find a treasure trove of information at the studios. Paramount has witnessed every major development in the film and television industries, including the rise of several of today’s legendary talents from directors to actors. Iconic personalities like Cecil B. DeMille, Alfred Hitchcock, Elvis Presley, and Audrey Hepburn have walked the studio lots of Paramount in the past. Today, the current crop of Hollywood superstars like Steven Spielberg, Angelina Jolie, Harrison Ford, and many more can be spotted threading the grounds and continuing the Hollywood legacy.

Paramount Studios had also ventured in the world of television in the mid-1960s. After they purchased the Desilu television studios from beloved comedian Lucille Ball, the studio immediately set to work and created some of the television’s most unforgettable series. The original “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible” television series were shot in the back lot of Paramount, along with “The Brady Bunch,” “Happy Days,” and “Frasier” among others.

A trip to Hollywood isn’t complete if you don’t get to experience a studio tour. Paramount has opened their doors to the public through guided tours of their studio back lots. You can also take sneak peek behind the workings of your favorite movies and television shows. With Paramount’s history in the industry, you’ll be sure to feel like a part of Hollywood history once you step past those famous gates.

Discovery Park
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Discovery Park is a 275-acre area that is famous for its greenish trees and grasslands. The park provides a panoramic view of the Sacramento River. Aside from its greenery fields, the park is also famous for its picnic areas, archery activities and horseback rides. During summer and spring season, the park serves as a venue for arts and music festivals in Sacramento.

The Park is currently undergoing series of renovations for the water boat and fishing activities in the city. The Sacramento officials decided to close the park in April 2010 for the said renovation. The “Water to Discovery Park” was formally launched to expand the park’s acre from 275 to 302. The park currently houses the “Sacramento Flood Control System”. The system is designed to regulate the pressure of water coming from American River which fronts the Sacramento River.

Discovery Park serves as the venue for arts and music festivals in the city and other neighboring towns. The festivals that are being held at the park every year include the following:

• “A Day in the Zone” is a one-night musical event that features performances of prominent musicians from California. Last year, the event featured performances from Sacramento-based artists such as Howie Day, Colbie Caillat, Hoobastank and Train.
• The “Sacramento Wine and Grape Festival” is a three-day event held annually at the park. The event showcases a collection of drinks made from wine and grape. Professionals from the liquor industry organize the Wine and Grape Festival.
• The “Annual Sacramento Jazz Festival” is held every February at the park. The festival is a two to three-day event which showcases Jazz musicians from California.
• The “Festival De La Familia” is held every April for families residing in Sacramento and other neighboring cities.

Welcome to the Sacramento Zoo
Photo by: L Wade Brown, Creative Commons

The Sacramento Zoo is managed by the Sacramento Zoological Society, which places great weight on the appreciation of the different species of animals. The zoo houses a plethora of animals which range from mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Each specific group of animals has its own “animal ambassadors”, or animal species which are considered to be endangered. There are at least five species representing mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Bobcats and African hedgehogs are two species which represent the mammals, the laughing Kookaburra stands for the birds, while the ball python and desert tortoise represent the reptiles and amphibians.

Children literally have their own little world in the zoo. Kid’s World is where they can learn more about the different animals in the zoo through a nifty online feature where they can browse through information about the animals. There are brochures and photographs of all the animals as well, so that kids know what’s in store for them as they venture into the 14.5 acre zoo.

Whenever visitors get hungry, tired, or need a place to rest their aching feet, the Kampala Café and Savannah Snacks are open to serve the public. The café is located in the center of the zoo while the snack bar is opposite the giraffe exhibit. The Zoofari Market Gift Store is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two. It is located near the zoo entrance.

The zoo is an interesting place not only because it is home to hundreds of animals, but also due to some of its fun features. One of these is the reptile house, which is in the shape of a snake. A desert tortoise named Herkimer is the oldest animal in the zoo – as of 2010, it is already 82 years old!

The Sacramento Zoo is open every day, from 9AM to 4PM. The zoo is along Land Park Drive, which can be reached from the I-5 freeway.

Aerial view of the Port of Seward
Photo by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual Library, Creative Commons

In 1867, then-US Secretary of State William H. Seward brokered the deal to acquire Alaska from the Russian Empire as part of the government’s plan to expand United States presence and influence in the Pacific. Many scoffed at the purchase because of the region’s barrenness, even openly mocking the newly acquired territory as “Seward’s Folly” and “Seward’s Icebox.” No one could have foreseen that more than 30 years later, Alaska would serve as a gateway to the Klondike gold fields that would figure prominently in US history.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the small coastal city located 125 miles south of Anchorage is named after Seward. Seemingly small and unassuming, the city of Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the most majestic parks in the state of Alaska. Here you can view the natural of beauty of Alaska like the park’s abundant glaciers and marine wildlife through various Kenai Fjord boat tours. Seward also features spectacular scenery comprised of impressive mountain slopes and the crystal clear waters of Resurrection Bay and the Fjords.

Tourism is particularly high during the summer season. Some of the popular summer celebrations that attract scores of tourists every year are the 4th of July celebration and the August Silver Salmon Derby. Aside from the fireworks display on hand, Seward’s 4th of July festivities include a footrace to the summit of Mt. Marathon just behind the town. By the time August rolls around, the halibuts and salmons make their presence felt in the waters of Seward. This might be your only opportunity to witness seeing a more than hundred pound heavy halibut in the flesh!

Other notable points of interest include Lowell Point where you can go kayaking and encounter eagles, harbor seals, and sea otters; Caines Head, a five-mile trail along the coast and widely regarded as one of the top 10 hiking trails in Alaska; and the Alaska Sea Life Center where you can get a closer view of the marine wildlife in their natural habitat.

Helsingborgs Rådhus
Photo by: borevagen, Creative Commons

Helsingborg is one of the most beautiful places in all of Sweden. It is a coastal city that is close to Denmark. You smell the sea air as you walk down the streets of Helsingborg. The day always seems beautiful when you are in Helsingborg.

The historic part of the city looks untouched by time. Its old buildings are reminiscent of those built in medieval times. You don’t need to pay for anything to enjoy the best parts of Helsingborg. It is like a historical trip back in time.

There are many things to see in Helsingborg. These sights look like they came straight out of a postcard. The Helsingborg waterfront is a marvelous view of the city. When you are on a ferry ride be sure to take a picture of this scene. The architecture of the buildings around Helsingborg is both modern and old fashioned. Be sure to visit the Church of Saint Mary and to take note of Helsingborg city hall. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks in Helsingborg.

Karnan Tower was once part of a castle. While the castle itself is no more, Karnan Tower still stands and is open to the public. When you walk through the doors and up to the stairs you can literally feel history. Once you are on the top of the tower there is a wonderful view of the city.

Because it is close to Denmark it is no surprise that some of their histories and culture are intertwined. You can learn more about the art and culture of Helsingborg by visiting the museums in the vicinity. The Dunkurs Kulturhus is a fine place to view the history and art of this wonderful city.

If you are tired of the indoor museums you can try something new. Fredriskal Museum and Gardens offers the largest outdoor museum in Sweden. Enjoy the sites while breathing the fresh air of Helsingborg.

Gyor
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Are you planning for a travel getaway where all your worries vanish? Start packing your bags and head to Gyor, Hungary! Just what is in Gyor that draws people all year round – mystery, history and fun? The moment you see a replica of Ark of the Covenant, this 26 foot tall monument would make your neck hurt due to its massive height but did you know that it is one of the attractions that had attracted other tourists this Gyor?

While you are at Gyor it is best to also visit the Bishop’s Castle. It is a museum that houses all the artifacts dating the 14th century. Basically, everything in Gyor speaks so much of the past. There are hundreds of churches or even cathedrals that display the Baroque manner of architectural design. Even their art deco will fascinate you all the more. There is this Cathedral of the Virgin Mary that houses paintings and different art collections.

Grab a map to go there but once you are in the place, do ask permission if you could take snapshots of their collections. Keep in mind that in some museums, the taking of photos is prohibited. Not that the flash of lights would deteriorate the painting but the copyright concerns that might harm the ownership of such collections. It might be reproduced and sold at large amounts when the real one is being contained at Gyor.

Are you a little curious about how the currency of Gyor evolved? Well, there is a coin collection museum called the János Xánthus Museum. It is not all coins since inside this beautiful museum are different art collections from different artists. This is a good sign that you will be in touch with the Arts. So you would call your travel to Gyor as an expedition of Art and Culture.

The weather in Gyor is a challenging 0 degrees Celsius so make yourself hot goulash for you to get by. Their temperature ranges from 0 to around 11 degrees Celsius so it would be best if you brought winter clothes.

Laguna de Ipala
Photo by: N3T1O™, Creative Commons

One of the most important places in a country is the capital. In the capital city, you will learn a lot of things about the country’s commercial, political, cultural, and even historical aspects. You will also be in the center of everything. There are bars and restaurants, museums and theatres, shopping centers and markets, commercial and political buildings, and so on. You will never run out of things to do and places to visit in a country’s capital city.

This is true of Guatemala City, Guatemala. Guatemala City is the cosmopolitan capital city of this country. And since this is the capital, this is also the place where you can find the major international airport, La Aurora. Because the place houses the major airport, Guatemala City is considered as the gateway or entry point of Guatemala.

If you love cultural activities, you will surely enjoy your stay in Guatemala City. All throughout the year, the city is teeming with fun and educational cultural events like theatrical plays and exhibition of arts like photography, paintings, sculptures, and engravings. Some cultural centers and museums that you should visit are Palacio Nacional, National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, and Museo Popol Vuh.

You can also go shopping for local handicrafts in Mercado Central and check out the local flora and fauna in Jardin Botanico and Zoologico Nacional La Aurora.

The place also has several churches and religious sites like La Merced, Iglesia de San Francisco, Union Church of Guatemala, and Mezquita Aldawa Islamica de Guatemala, to name a few.

Castle Garden in Uppsala
Photo by: uitdragerij, Creative Commons

Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden. Relatively quieter than cities such us Stockholm and Gothenburg, Uppsala charms tourists with its simplicity. It is the very center of religion in Sweden as this is where the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden holds seat. Uppsala’s landmarks take you back in time and let you appreciate the rich history of this humble town.

Uppsala is a forty minute train ride from Stockholm. The western part of this city is the historic part containing almost all of its national landmarks. The eastern part of Uppsala is the administrative and commercial areas of the town. The west and the east are divided by the Fyris River.

The Uppsala Domkyrka is the largest church in Sweden. The church is s big that you can see it from most anywhere in the city of Uppsala. Right beside the Church is Uppsula University which is the oldest university in all of the Nordic countries. It dates back to 1477—older than the oldest university in Asia.

The Uppsala University Library is the largest library in Sweden. Its collection is a staggering five million volumes and sixty thousand manuscripts. Visit Gama Uppsala for a trip to the town’s pre-Christian past.

Just like in other parts of Sweden, Uppsala is filled with parks. Numerous outdoor activities are also available for you and your family and/or friends. A popular activity in Uppsala is canoeing. Explore the Fyrisan River via canoe. The Fyrisan River is also a popular place to fish.

If you are bringing children to your trip to Sweden then you should definitely pass by Uppsala. There are many museums catering to every child’s inquisitive minds. Visit Biotopia, the biological museum of Uppsala and Gamla Uppsala Museum for knowledge and visit Fyrishov Water Park and Nicki’s Adventure Play for fun!

Uppsala’s quiet charm attracts tourists from all around the world. Your visit to Sweden is never complete without a visit to Uppsala.

Cathedral along the Rhine River at Cologne
Photo by: phototram, Creative Commons

Located in southwest Germany, Cologne is the fourth-largest city of the country that prides itself in its long but colorful history. But more than being a city of the olden times, it is considered to be an important media center with radio and television stations found in the city. Cologne is indeed the perfect example of how a collision between the past and the future could transform it into a bustling tourism hotspot.

One of the highlights of Cologne is it’s Romanesque churches spread across the city. But one of the most popular among them is the infamous Cologne Cathedral, which is the center of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. This cathedral has in fact been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Indeed, this cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world, is a stunning architecural structure that proves to be one of the most important must-see spot in the city.

With it’s lively and thriving arts scene, the numerous museums that houses ancient works of art raning from paintings to sculptures, are also what makes this city as interesting as it’s history. Several of the most-visited museums in the city are the Museum Ludwig which features important contemporary pieces of art and the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud which is the oldest museum in the city,home to ancient works of art and more. But without a doubt, it’s the city’s Chocolate Museum that somehow honors the country’s chocolate legacy that wins tourists’ hearts every time. It’s modern ship-shaped facade lures visitors in and once they enter the museum, they are greeted by the scent of chocolate in the air.

Of course, Cologne is not just a haven for history nuts, medieval lovers, and art buffs. With the cool weather of Cologne mostly prevalent throughout the year, no tourist visiting Cologne leaves without sampling the beer of choice among the locals, Kölsch. Germany is indeed, also known for its infamous beer festival, Oktoberfest. After you’ve had a sampling of this beer, you can explore the city’s vibrant and fun restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to have a look into the modern culture of the city.

Cologne is a city that is proud of it’s history. It’s architectural wonders that have stood the test of time and modernization are just one of the many attractions that make this city an important part of your Germany tour itinerary.

Sapporo at night
Photo by: Chi King, Creative Commons

Japan’s fifth largest city, Sapporo, was once a small fishing town that has been developed into a significant tourist destination. The world took notice of Sapporo when it hosted the 1972 Olympic Winter Games, the first winter Olympics to be held in Asia. Now, the capital of Hokkaido is famous in the world for three reasons: its beer, fresh seafood, and miso-flavored ramen. Sapporo is also well known for its extreme winter season, which explains the popularity of the snow festival held every year in this city.

Sapporo is a clean and peaceful city that’s full of parks, streets lined with trees, and shopping arcades. Tourists have plenty of attractions to visit and activities to enjoy in Sapporo. One of the major attractions in the city is The Clock Tower (Tokeidai), which is the symbol and major landmark of Sapporo. A very interesting tourist spot in the city is the Sapporo Brewery building where visitors can take a tour of the Beer Museum and taste the world-famous Sapporo beer.

Mount Moiwa, also known as the backyard ski resort of Sapporo, is a favorite skiing venue for tourists. Jozankei Onsen is a unique natural attraction with its hot spring. The century-old botanical garden in the Batchelor Memorial Museum is worthy of visit as well. For families spending their holiday in Sapporo, the Maruyama Zoo offers a fun and memorable travel experience.

Sapporo Snow Festival
This annual event, which draws an increasing number of local and international visitors, is one of the largest winter activities in Japan and is popular internationally. Every February, Sapporo transforms into a winter wonderland with its white snow and crystal-clear ice. Millions of spectators line up in Sapporo to view the numerous lovely ice sculptures and snow statues along the major street in Susukino, Satoland grounds, and Odori Park.

Sapporo has an active nightlife, thanks to the myriad of nightclubs and bars in the entertainment district of Susukino. So if you are in for a night of partying and clubbing, Sapporo won’t disappoint you.

A striking thing about Sapporo is its contrasting temperature between summer and winter. Its winter season runs from December to March, while the wet and hot summer season is from June to September. This city has a higher snowfall than other cities in the world, which peaks to 72 inches in January. Its thick snow makes Sapporo an unbeatable winter sports destination, and visitors usually enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the city.

Irish Town is the home of Chris Blackwell’s spectacular Strawberry Hills. It is a top spot for food and accommodation in the Blue Mountains. It is the place where Bob Marley was brought in for recovery after the failed assassination attempt against him. Other popular musicians like Mick Jagger, U2, and the Rolling Stones have performed in this area as well.

Right above Irish Town is a coffee plantation called Craighton Estate. It produces the Blue Mountain coffee which is a popular gourmet coffee found in Blue Mountain. This estate can be found several places away from Strawberry Hills and is owned by Japan’s largest coffee company, Ushima.

Located in Irish town is a village called New Castle which offers the finest view of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city. One of the famous spots in New Castle is Catherine’s Peak, a peak named after Lady Catherine Long, the first woman to climb it in 1760.

Attractions

Irish Town is filled with the most romantic spots in the world.

1. Strawberry Hill Resort. It is a romantic and breathtaking sight in the Caribbean. It gives a good view of the Blue Mountains and Kingston. It is regarded as a mountain top oasis and features twelve beautifully, hand made Georgian style cottages. It was originally owned by Horace Walpole which was transferred to him by the British Royal Family and was a coffee plantation before it came into the hands of Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records Label. It is a famous destination for the top music artists and entertainers among many others. It is truly a paradise for relaxation and recreation.
2. Craighton Estate Coffee Farm and Great House. It is considered as one of Jamaica’s most preserved Georgian houses. A national treasure of the country, the Craighton House is a privately owned estate which is a retreat house of the high ranking people of Jamaica.

Sisimiut in 1980
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Sisimiut, known as a coastal pearl on the Arctic Circle, is located immediately north of Arctic Circle. It is a town at the northern tip of Greenland where the harbour stays free from ice in winter seasons and Greenland’s southernmost town at the same time where you can be able to drive a dog sled in spring and winter. In the old quarter of Sisimiut, you can still find buildings that date back from the colonial era’s 1st one hundred years. An example is in the museum vicinity with the portal constructed of huge whale jawbones and a blue church, which is the second oldest church in Greenland dating back to year 1775.

At the base of a landmark in Sisimiut is the 2,572-foot (784 metres) high mountain called Kællingehætten, which literally means old woman’s cowl. The town offers great chances for alpine skiing in spring and winter and is also a primary site for dog sledding. In summer season, you can hike to the peak of the mountain and be returned with an excellent view of the mountains, the sea, the town and the deserted settlement in Assaqutaq. The ice-barren sea about Sisimiut and a number of Greenland’s deep fjords also draw tourists desiring to sail in the waters that are abode to a lot of seals and whales.

The meaning of Sisimiut is “the residents at the foxholes”. The municipality was founded in the year 1756 as a trading station and mission under the name of Holsteinsborg. There are 6000 residents that dwell in the municipality of Sisimiut and settlements of Itilleq, Sarfannguaq and Kangerlussuaq. An advanced factory, where crabs and prawns are processed, is proof of the truth that fishing goes on to be the primary industry in the town of Sisimiut.

How does one arrive at Sisimiut? Air Greenland travels to Sisimiut through the international airport located at Kangerlussuaq. There are customary flights into the other municipalities on the west coast of Greenland from Kangerlussauq. The passenger ship of Arctic Umiaq Line, which has a service scheduled between Ilulissat in the north and Qaqortoq in South Greenland, calls at Sisimiut as well.

Daredevils who have a lot of time on their hands and are physically fit can try the especially well-known hiking road between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq as well, which takes 8 to 10 days. Throughout the winter season, visitors can track the same course on a snowmobile or dogsled.