With all of the talk going around about Richard Sherman as the Superbowl approaches, everybody seems to be obsessed with his levels of confidence. Richard Sherman actually grew up in Compton, one of the toughest parts of LA. Good for him growing up strong, pushing through, and becoming successful. California grown and now title holder bound, what do you think about Richard Sherman? Source: Fox Sports

San Diego Dreamin’

Experience San Diego and you will get to know California in a nutshell, as San Diego is the birthplace of the state. What’s fabulous about San Diego? America’s most amazing Zoo, USS Midway Museum where you can sit in the cockpit of a plane and talk to the veteran volunteers, beautiful beaches & romantic sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, mouthwatering seafood and Mexican cuisine and much more... See a list of the things you shouldn't miss when you go to San Diego.  

Point Loma: where you can get the best panoramic view of San Diego

…and watch a marvelous sunset over Pacific. You should take at least three hours for Point Loma, to enjoy the view of San Diego Bay, scout the small caves and enjoy the cool sea life – snails, crabs, fish, octopi mind their daily activities in tide pools. On your way to Point Loma, don’t forget about Cabrillo monument (honoring Cabrillo, discoverer of San Diego bay).  

USS Midway Museum: where you can fly like a pilot

… in a flight simulator, of course. After this cool, great experience you will get an idea about what pilots really do. You need at least four hours to enjoy this visit, as we know the real jets and airplanes you will walk into are quite impressive. After hearing real stories told by guides and volunteer veterans and seeing interesting exhibits and aircrafts from different years you’ll understand why Midway visit is a must.  

San Diego Zoo: because it is a Zoo like no other

Have you ever imagined that you can go o a safari in the middle of civilization? Well, at San Diego Zoo you can do it! You can meet and get a better understanding of giant pandas, koalas, cheetahs and other rare animals during a safari. Or you can opt for a classical visit at the Zoo, enjoy magic shows (like the Whale show) and discover a world-class botanical garden.  

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood: and you'll understand the full meaning of “scrumptious”

Whether you’re hungry or not, once you are there you’ll be craving for fresh seafood tacos, spicy shrimp tacos or the amazing octopus salad. When you are in La Jolla neighborhood, make sure you stop at 703 Turquoise St. and try a divine taco.  

Take a sunset cruise to seize the spirit of San Diego

San Diego’s strikingly beautiful skyline is best discovered while you sip a cocktail and listen to exquisite music. We recommend you to take an entertaining cruise, where dancing & dining add to breathtaking views of the city, taking close-up pictures of dolphins and sea-lions and, if you are brave enough, maybe even steering the boat!  

Useful tips:

- GoSanDiego Card gives you free admission to attractions, activities and tours and discounts to some restaurants. You can save up to 40% with this card.   - Don’t you just love those pictures with people standing on the edge of a “suspended” rock that looks like it will break? If you go to Potato Chip Rock and take a photo from the right angle you’ll have the memory of a lifetime. Looking like a chip (thus the name), the rock creates a spectacular optical illusion if photographed from a certain angle: you’ll be on top of the world, on a thin, suspended piece of rock that could break at any time.     Photo courtesy: swapnild, Jaganath Achari, Jan Wachtmeester

It may not be on top of the list for many travelers who prefer better known cities, but at a closer look California’s capital is definitely a fun, relaxing landmark on the map of holiday destinations. Sacramento offers attractions for everybody: families will be thrilled to meet cheetahs and jaguars at the Zoo, all visitors, regardless of their age, will feel the magic of the most creative chocolate shops, a train tour along the river is bound to become a lifetime memory and the culinary experience is absolutely unique in America’s ‘farm-to-fork capital’. Check out top 5 activities for the best vacation ever.    

California State Railroad Museum: travel in old times’ luxury & style

The museum draws 500.000 people every year. Need we say more? Maybe just a few words about the impressive old steam trains exhibited here, the dining carwhere railroad china are displayed and the Pullman style sleeping car. And the best part is you can actually visit the inside of several of them. After you visit the Museum, a ride in El Dorado will make your experience complete. The 1920s observation lounge car will take you in a luxurious and scenic ride along the Sacramento River.  

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: step into Hansel and Gretel’s sweet cottage

           While it is famous for the great collection of old fashioned caramel apples, granny style we might add, the Chocolate Factory has a wide range of delightful sweets: truffles, chocolate coated fruits, fudge and so much more… Once you dip into this chocolate gold mine, you won’t know what to try first: Zebra Caramel Apples, Chocolate Pecan Fudge or maybe Dark Chocolate Covered Red Licorice? Don’t buy everything at once, just grab a snack each time you come to Old Sacramento.  

Old Sacramento: where it all began

It is a pleasure to walk on the picturesque waterfront, do some shopping at the quaint specialty stores and eat an ice cream while you enjoy the live music played during the weekends. If you are a history passionate, we recommend the interesting Old Sacramento Underground Tours. You will explore excavated foundations, learn that ‘the net of tunnels’ underneath the city is just a legend and how the city was elevated 10 feet in the late 1800’s.  

Crocker Art Museum: fall in love with Art at one of the first art museums in America

Some of the visitors enjoy the oil painting collection the most. Some say the African and Oceanic art collection is highly educative. Others are fascinated with the European art exhibits. But everybody agrees on one thing: the museum is the gem of Sacramento when it comes to art, history and culture.  

The Kitchen: is it a fabulous restaurant, a theater or a socializing place?

  The Kitchen is an interactive culinary experience, where you can choose from menus with fixed prices, set in ‘acts’ and using local and seasonal ingredients. Although the menus are predefined, modifications are made if you don’t want one dish or another. The show begins with the Chef presenting himself and the dishes. That is the precise moment when your mouth starts to water. Besides eating the best trout tartare and caviar paired fabulously by the restaurants sommeliers with great wines, you interact with your ‘neighbors’ in the restaurant’s patio. By the end of the evening you will have made new friends and tasted divine sushi and sashimi, creamed blueberry tart and many other culinary delights.    

It may not be on top of the list for many travelers who prefer better known cities, but at a closer look California’s capital is definitely a fun, relaxing landmark on the map of holiday destinations. Sacramento offers attractions for everybody: families will be thrilled to meet cheetahs and jaguars at the Zoo, all visitors, regardless of their age, will feel the magic of the most creative chocolate shops, a train tour along the river is bound to become a lifetime memory and the culinary experience is absolutely unique in America’s ‘farm-to-fork capital’. Check out top 5 activities for the best vacation ever.

   

Try to imagine California without Walt Disney. A world without his magic, whimsy, and optimism. Walt Disney transformed the entertainment industry, into what we know today. He pioneered the fields of animation, and found new ways to teach, and educate. Here are 9 Walt Disney quotes to remind you what's important.

 

 

 

 

 

Beware! We recommend you read this post only if unusual, strange and even bizarre travel destinations is what you’re looking for.  

The Queen Mary: a “spooktacular” luxury liner and WW II transport ship

She’s almost 100 years old today and initially she should have been a cruise ship for the rich. But then the World War II came and Queen Mary became the Grey Ghost. The elegant and grandiose ship is now moored in Long Beach and awaits curious visitors. You can rent a room and stay aboard the Queen Mary or just take a tour and visit it. You will discover eerie stories and perhaps meet the ghosts of those who never got to leave the ship during the war. One of the scariest is the story of a little girl who broke her neck while she was sliding down the banister. Now she wanders the pool area along with other to women who found their death in the same area, but haven’t managed to find their peace though. About 50 deaths occurred on the ship, but the psychic Peter James says he communicated with more than 150 ghosts living on Queen Mary. So, if spooky is your thing, you’ll certainly enjoy one (or more) of the tours the ship offers: you get the chance to explore the Queen and meet the spirits in the “Haunted encounters” tour or take part in a paranormal investigation in “Fine dining and paranormal investigation” tour.  

Joshua Tree National Park: adetour in the Wonderland of huge boulders and amazing sunsets

Joshua Tree National Park, located in the Southern California Desert is loved by any traveler who enjoys off-the-beaten path destinations because it offers many sensational attractions. You can camp, climb, hike or simply take a one-day drive through the park. The star of the area is the Joshua Tree, of course.   The name was given by a group of Mormons in the 19^th century. The shape of the yucca trees reminded them of Joshua, the biblical character, reaching his hands to the sky for prayer. Let’s not forget about the Skull Rock, a magnet for children & grown-ups alike, but also a true delight for photographers. The dusk is the best moment to be there, as the Skull begins to look like an ancient impressive presence, creating a sense of doom.  

The Orange County Museum of Art: enjoy meaningful and unusual “art-surprises”

  It is more than a museum. It’s an experience. From the huge funny dog that welcomes you into the building to the 1000 Clocks room, the Blue Room (based on Picasso’s blue period) and the 2500 other objects comprised in the museum’s collection – everything gives you the feeling of a surreal atmosphere, of a new world recomposed by the most talented contemporary artists. If you wish to live a singular, captivating and memorable experience, we highly recommend a visit to the Orange County Museum of Art, located in Newport Beach, California.  

Forestiere Underground Gardens: a labyrinth of subterranean dreams and miracles

  “The visions in my mind overwhelm me” the young Sicilian immigrant said. And that was the moment when Baldassare Forestiere began to carve his ingenious dream: approximately 10 acres of bedrooms, passageways, patios, a bedroom, a kitchen, a chapel and a fishpond (almost 100 rooms) were built on three underground levels (approximately 10 feet deep, 22 feet deep and 24 feet deep).   An incredible fact should be mentioned: no plans were put on paper for the spectacular underground gallery. Each and every single idea was put into practice directly from Baldassare’s head. After 40 years of hard work, Forestiere endows the world with his marvelous underground Gardens of Eden. Today, everybody can visit them in Fresno, 5021 W. Shaw Avenue.  

Are you a fan of bizarre and unusual destinations? Have you visited any of the places we recommend above? Tell us about your experience and what you liked most!