The Tech Museum of Innovation 201 South Market Street San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 294-TECH (8324)
The Tech Museum is located in downtown San Jose. It is fun for all ages! It offers background information and allows you to explore technologies that affect our everyday lives. The museum tries to motivate the innovator in everyone. The museum is 132,000 square feet and is divided into galleries that focuses on innovation, the human body, internet, and exploration. In addition to the galleries offered, the Tech Museum also has the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater, and area for workshops and labs, cafe, and retail store.
Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road Twin Bridges, Ca. 95735 Phone (530) 659-7453
Sierra at Tahoe offers several different activities during hours of operation. Activities include snow skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and tubing. The resort offers rentals of all snow clothes and equipment needed for a fun filled day on the mountain. In addition, the resort has an adventure zone for children which includes: rollers, mini jumps, and banked turns that keep children entertained for hours upon hours. And most importantly for the beginners, Sierra at Tahoe offers lessons to adults and children on the beginner terrain of the mountain. Surely, an activity that the entire family would enjoy!
California is famous for its Redwood Trees, but did you ever looked at them really close? If not you should definitely visit the Muir Woods National Monument on a nice day. Muir Woods is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, known as one of the largest urban national parks in the world.
Muir Woods is located just a 11 mile drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marine County. For just $5 per person you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the woods. The National Park Service offers six different walking trails through the area. I would suggest at least to take the 1,5 hour loop because they will bring you even at busier weekend days to some quiter places of the woods. You will be surprised how tall trees can become: The tallest tree is about 260 feet high and some of them are already 1200 years old.
But be careful: Even on hot summer days it can be quite cold in the woods, so don't forget to bring warm clothes with you.
More information, directions and a schedule of tours you can find on the website of the National Park Service at www.nps.gov/muwo.
Budweiser is owned and created by Anheuser-Bush. The process to make Budweiser takes several interesting steps. The first step starts with miling the barley and rice. Second step consists of the malt and water that are carefully mixed in the mash which is like a cooking pot. The special ingredients are stirred and heated at a controlled temperature and time. Third, they are brought to a rolling boil and the brewers add hops. For those of you who don't know what hops are, they are oils and resins. Fourth, the beer is sent to ferment and age. The liquid is first settled before beginning the fermentation and cooled. The liquid is cooled to approximately 29 degrees and is then ready for taste tests.
Complimentary tours guide you through the unique process of making Bud. These tours take place with a guide that shows you the modern technology and heritage that produces the world's greatest beers. Guests 21 years of age or older, are welcomed to sample our products in the Hospitality Room. You can choose from a variety of beers including traditional, seasonal, and new products.
Hours of operation are as follows: June - August Monday thru Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. September – May Tuesday thru Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Paramount's Great America is an amusement park that has a theme park as well as a water park (Boomerang Bay)! It features several roller coasters (featuring Invertigo) as well as other rides. There is also a carnival setting where you can play games. There are live shows and plenty of fun for kids (as a kids park is also available). Kids can meet there favorite Nickelodeon characters too!
Tickets prices are as follows: right now Season Passes are available for just $49.99 (this includes admission into the park all season long), regular pricing includes adult admission for $53.99, junior/senior admission for $35.99, 2-day tickets for $59.99 (this is for admission 2 days in a row and must be used by the same person), and there is also a ticket available for $29.99 that includes admission after 4 p.m. that is only available at the front gate.
There are also group rates. Opening day for the regular 2009 season is March 29th, 2009. The park returns to opening for weekends only on August 29th, 2009.
The Oakland Zoo is located just off highway 580 and lays on a beautiful 525 acres of Knowland Park. The Oakland Zoo is home to more than 440 animals. Some of the animals include: birds, mammals, reptiles, arthropods, and amphibians. The zoo was founded in 1922 by Henry Snow. Since 1936 the Zoo has been located in Knowland Park. The Zoo is open weekdays and weekends from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. However, the rides area is open daily from 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Please check weather conditions before visiting the Zoo because it might be forced to close in the event of rain.
The Marin Headlands is an excellent place to go if you are interested in relaxing. It features a tour of the headlands that includes a viewing of the lighthouse located on the premises (you must be sure that you are not scared of heights though; for the bridge you have to walk across to reach the lighthouse is very high over the bay waters). There are hostels you may rent to stay in as well. You may do fishing, hiking, sunbathing on the beach (with a portion that has black sand), horse back riding, and much, much more! There are also places to take great photos including an old military base and the Golden Gate bridge.
The headlands are open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day (the lighthouse tour is not open if it is raining severely). The best part about this location is that it is absolutely free admission!
The Marin Headlands are located in Marin just off of the Golden Gate bridge. For more info such as directions, etc. please call (415)331-1540 or go to http://www.nps.gov/.
9th Ave & Lincoln WayGolden Gate Park San Francisco, CA 94122(415) 661-1316
Whether you have ten minutes or a life-time, there's always something new to see & do at the Botanical Garden. They are open every day of the week and offer access to beautiful grounds packed with a huge variety of plants of varying species, ranging from our famous redwood grove to tracts of plants from all over the world. Some of which are no longer found in their native homes. They also have plant sales that give the public a unique opportunity to acquire plants seldom found in garden centers.
The park was established in 1940. The development of Golden Gate Park, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden was due to John McLaren's vision, skill, and long lifespan. McLaren chose the site for the present Garden in 1889. In 1926 the Garden became a reality with start up funding from Helene Strybing. John McLaren hired Eric Walther as a gardener in 1918. Walther took the initiative of becoming a student of botanist Alice Eastwood, and by 1924 McLaren gave Walther the responsibility for compiling the plant list included in the Golden Gate Park's annual report. In 1937 Walther was placed in charge of the Garden and together he and McLaren developed the original plan. Walther remained the Director of the Garden until his retirement in 1957. During his tenure he emphasized education, guided tours and arranging displays of ornamental plants that could be grown successfully in the area.
San Francisco's most popular vacation destination Fisherman's Wharf offers many types of activities. Fisherman's Wharf offers different attractions, lodging, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, tours, and services.
Attractions include:
Anchorage Square Address: Jefferson and Jones Streets Phone: 415-775-6000 Anchorage Square offers biking, touring, shopping, and dining. Some of the most popular places to visit are Bike and Roll, Bay Quackers, In-N-Out Burger, Coldstone Creamery, Starbucks, Hidden Plunder, Crazy Shirts, Courtyard by Marriott, Hertz, and Avis. Anchorage Square has convenient validated parking available on Anchorage Square Parking Garage located on Beach Street.
Aquarium of the Bay Address: Pier 39, The Embarcadero at Beach A marine center full of over 20,000 aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay. The aquarium has 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels just inches from sharks, skates, octopus, bat rays, and other aquatic animals. This aquarium is open year round except December 25. Summer and holiday hours of operation are: 9am to 8pm and other times of the year the aquarium is open 10am to 6pm.
AT&T Park Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza Phone: 415-972-2400 AT&T park is home to the baseball team San Francisco Giants. At this stadium home runs become splash hits as they hit the Bay water. Also, you can take behind the scene tours of the AT&T Park. You get to visit the dugout, indoor batting cage, and possibly the Visitors' Clubhouse. Tours last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and run almost everyday at 10:30am and 12:30pm.
The Cannery Address: 2801 Leavenworth Street Phone: 415-771-3112 The Cannery at Del Monte Square is one of San Francisco's most treasured places. The Cannery was originally built in 1907 and was the largest peach cannery in the world. Today, The Cannery is a waterfront marketplace with shops, restaurants, offices, and live entertainment.
Ghirardelli Square Address: 900 North Point Street Phone: 415-775-5500 Ghirardelli Square offers wine tasting, dining, shopping, and delicious chocolate treats. If you'd like a breath-taking view of the Bay, Ghirardelli Square is the place to be.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum Address: 175 Jefferson Street Phone: 415-771-6188 San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Address: Bldg. E, Room 265, Lower Fort Mason Phone: 415-561-7006
The Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf Address: 145 Jefferson Street Phone: 415-202-0402 The Wax Museum has more than 250 life-like personalities. The museum has different scenes including horror and disbelief, religion, and the most popular Gallery of Fame. The Gallery of Fame has sports heroes, royalty, scientist, U.S. Presidents, historical personalities, and entertainment idols. The most recent personalities to be added to the museum are Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney. Hours of operations are weekdays 10am to 9pm; and weekends from 9am to 11pm.
Pier 39 Address: Beach Street & The Embarcadero Phone: 415-705-5500 Pier 39 is located at the northern end of The Embarcadero, with stunning San Francisco views. Pier 39 is a two-story marketplace with about 110 shops and 13 restaurants with Bay views. Also, there are several street performers and musicians performing daily. Other attractions at Pier 39 are Carousel, game arcade, Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruises and more.
Sea Lions Located at Pier 39 behind the two-story shopping marketplace lies my favorite part of Fisherman's Wharf, the sea lions. These sea lions lounge on these floating wooden platforms daily at almost anytime of the day. This attractions is amazing, you won't believe your eyes as you see hundreds of sea lions on platforms laying, playing, groaning, sleeping, and even sometimes fighting. At night time they fight for a place on the platforms to sleep. This attraction is simply mind blowing, you must see it for yourself. Adults and children will love it!
Club Wet 396 South 1st Street San Jose, Ca. 95113 (408) 282-8938
Age Restrictions: 21 and over only Cover Charge: $20 or Free Guestlist before 11pm
Club Wet is a brand-new premiere nightclub and live performance club located in downtown San Jose. Wet is over 16,000 square feet where live performers and DJ's perform weekly. This nightclub is designed to give you a sense of luxury and style while dancing and drinking the night away. Wet offers extravagant multi-leveled VIP areas that over look the dance floor. Also, Wet has a seperate ultra-lounge, elite-access bottle service tables, four bars, and four levels. Some other exceptional amenities include: explosive sound and lighting, and International DJ's flown in to rock the perfect dance floor.
Bar None 1980 Union Street (At Buchanan) San Francisco, Ca. 94123 (415) 409-4469
Age Restriction: 21 and over only Cover Charge: Free
Bar None is a World Famous New York City watering hole. Bar None includes pool tables, darts, beer pong tables, a jukebox, and food. The atmosphere at bar none is cozy, the music's loud, and drinks are served ice cold and strong. They have a world famous POWER HOUR, every night, from 9 till 10pm. This bar offers numerous drink and food specials daily. Bar None offers two private rooms where you can throw private parties.
Nothing to do at the weekend? NorCal Tourist Spots provides you with exciting ideas about activities, places, bars and restaurants.
You know a great spot? We're happpy about new ideas for this blog. Just send us an email to: catouristblog@gmail.com
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