
Explore San Francisco’s Japantown: Must-See Attractions and Activities
Japantown San Francisco is a vibrant enclave bustling with Japanese culture, providing an array of shops and restaurants for visitors to explore.
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Japantown San Francisco is a vibrant enclave bustling with Japanese culture, providing an array of shops and restaurants for visitors to explore.
China Beach is a picturesque, north-facing beach that offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Historically, it served as a campsite for Chinese fishermen during the Gold Rush, which is the origin of its unique name.
The Exploratorium is a hands-on destination for exploring and enjoying science. It offers a unique experience as it embraces simple, interactive exhibits rather than relying heavily on modern technology or elaborate displays. This straightforward approach makes it accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages, establishing it as a top contender among California’s science museums.
For the purpose of this list, a “bus tour” is defined as a tour in vehicles that seat 30 or more passengers, where the tour routes are fixed, and you will be touring with other people you don’t know.
Films and television shows set in San Francisco capture some of its best views and most famous sights. This short list will tell you where to find them.
June Lake’s surroundings are the epitome of high mountain beauty with granite mountains that wear snow caps in winter, clear blue lakes, and — best of all — not as many people as Lake Tahoe or Yosemite.
Plan a Getaway to Mono County, California
Summer is the most popular time of year in Yosemite National Park. As the wildflowers fade and the waterfalls start to slacken, vacationers arrive by the thousands.
Long-time Yosemite naturalist Carl Sharsmith was once asked what he would do if he only had a day to see Yosemite. “Madam,” he replied, “I’d sit by the Merced River and cry.” However, instead of weeping by the waterside, there are many exciting activities to enrich your experience in this iconic national park.
1. Plan Your Trip Like a Pro
Tuolumne Meadows is perhaps Yosemite Valley’s best-kept secret, overshadowed in size and popularity by the nearby famous valley. Many Yosemite visitors spend all their time in the Valley, neglecting to explore Tuolumne Meadows.
Mirror Lake is a shallow, seasonal pool that fills with water in the spring and early summer. The rest of the year, it can be completely dry. However, it remains a favorite place to hike, especially for families, providing a close-up view of the iconic Half Dome.
Yosemite National Park is vast, but a short visit can be centered around Yosemite Valley and its nearby attractions. This stunning national park is an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers. Moreover, families can enjoy camping during their visit, and off-season guests can partake in delightful food and wine events.
Yosemite Valley is what most visitors think of when they say “Yosemite.” Seven miles long and one mile wide at its broadest, its glacier-carved granite walls are near vertical, hemming it in with mile-high cliffs.
Naturalist John Muir referred to them as Lunar Spraybows, and while some individuals may call them lunar rainbows, the most common term is “moonbow.” Regardless of the name, it represents an extraordinary phenomenon with a relatively simple explanation.
Most Yosemite visitors want to camp inside the national park. This is a good idea, and camping in the national park campgrounds saves time on driving around. However, the sad truth is that Yosemite doesn’t have enough campgrounds to accommodate everyone who wants to stay there.
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse was constructed after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to guide ships carrying lumber away from the dangerous coastal shoals. This beacon illuminated the rocky coastline of Mendocino County, and many historic buildings from that era are still intact today.
Bears can pose significant challenges for campers in Yosemite National Park and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, where these animals frequently break into parked cars. In fact, over 1,300 vehicles were damaged by bears in Yosemite in 1998. Although incidents have decreased to only a few dozen each year, following safety precautions remains essential for a safe camping experience.
Since 1977, movie fans have been enjoying theStar Warsfilm series. If you’re passionate about the franchise and wish to explore some of the filming locations in California, this guide presents an overview of significant places associated with theStar Warssaga.
The map above shows California divided into eight areas. There’s no standard definition of these areas, and you may see the state divided up differently elsewhere. This map was created for California visitors and California residents who want to explore more of their state, grouping things that are easy to visit in one trip or as part of a road trip.