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Featured Attraction
Yosemite National Park
Glacier Point Road and Mariposa Grove
Glacier Point Road
Glacier Point Road usually opens in late May (later in years of heavy snow fall) and closes in November. It is a 32-mile drive from the visitor center to Glacier Point itself (the end of the road). Plan for many stops and hikes though, as you will have some of the most spectacular views from up here. You could also hike up here, on the four-mile trail. Believe me, you don't want to try this. The elevation is not to be underestimated. If you don't have wings, you should be here by car anyways and if the road is not open so be it, but don't take my word for it.
Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove is Yosemite's largest grove of giant sequoias. In winter it is not easy to reach, as the 2-mile road into the grove is closed. You have to hike on the snow.
Mariposa Grove is divided into upper and lower Grove. The largest tree (Grizzly Giant) is about 1800 years old and has seen the rise and fall of empires.
If you ever wanted to feel like an insect standing next to a tree, this is the place to go....read more »
Alcatraz - Pier 39 and Hyde Street Pier
Before jumping on the boat to Alcatraz Island, head over to the non-commercial water side of Pier 39 and you will see the harem of seals that have taken over the docks. Though a few bay touring boats continue to use this high rent "marina" to take off from, the majority of tenants are the very entertaining and charming seals.
The Alcatraz trip can double as your "get on a boat on the bay" trip filling two not to be missed regional activities. When you get to Alcatraz, be certain to rent headsets in your native language and take the self paced tour. This island in the middle of the bay is absolutely rich with interesting history, politics and intrigue, not to mention the setting for several popular movies. Birdman of Alcatraz, Escape from Alcatraz and more recently The Rock.
Backtrack your walk past the Fish Market and little fishing boats bobbing as they await their next departure. Pass the popular blues bar where you are likely to hear live music at 9 in the morning. The right side of the street has a great art gallery with something new and always original every time we enter. Watch for the talented street performers, Buskers, some mime, some shock, all entertain!...read more »
Getty Museum - Brentwood California
When the Getty Museum first opened in 1997, the museum's parking and transportation system were quickly overwhelmed to the point that anyone thinking about visiting the museum had to make parking reservations months in advance. Those unwilling to wait hoofed it for miles and then waited up to four hours just to take a tram ride to the museum's spectacular hillside setting west of downtown Los Angeles.
What a difference a decade makes. Today no reservations are required and it's possible to drive right to your parking spot, grab a tram and be on top of the mountain just a few minutes after your arrival....read more »
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