Looking for a day trip outside of San Francisco? Just on the other side of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge is the north part of Golden Gate Recreational Area. This group of parks includes the area north of the Golden Gate and the southern end in San Mateo County, as well as Alcatraz, and Point Lobos. This park at the opening of the San Francisco Bay is rich in wildlife, things to do and history.
The Point Bonita Lighthouse is a nice half mile hike along the rocky cliff coastline. Along the walk, you can see seals lounging on the rocks below in the sun. Getting to the Lighthouse is not for the claustrophobic or people with a fear of heights -you must go through a tunnel and across an old suspension bridge, where only two people can be on it at once because of the cold blasting winds from the coast. Once on the other side however, the lighthouse offers spectacular views of the ocean, as well as providing information on its role in the safety of ships entering the dangerous San Francisco Bay, where over one hundred and forty ships have sank on the rocky coastline.
Throughout the park, you can explore the World War Two defense structures, such as base-end stations, that were built into the side of the hills overlooking the ocean. These structures were made as lookouts and for defense in case of an invasion. With the invention of radar and new airplanes, they were abandoned before completion. In addition to the concrete structures, you can visit Fort Cronkhite, one of the World War II military bases that is still standing today.
Other things to do include whale watching off the coast, hiking or driving through the gorgeous Muir Woods Redwood forest.
Wondering what it would be like to travel around Europe with small children? Start by traveling in London- this historic city has plenty to offer for both kids and parents alike!
All the major museums are free, so money is not lost even if you can just squeeze in an hour of your child’s attention span for art. The British Museum is huge and almost impossible to see in one day, but focusing on specific areas your child might be interested in cuts down on time. The mummies in the Egypt exhibit are sure to please, as will the British Museum’s family features such as the Hamlyn family trails through the museum or the free activity backpacks with puzzles, games and activities to do through the galleries.
The Tate Modern and Britain also offer family-fun activities. Modern Art is also incredibly accessible by everyone - while you might not get the artist’s point of the lobster phone, suspended basketballs in a fish tank, etc, these pieces are sure to spurn family discussions. The boat ride between the two galleries is also a fun way to see London from the Thames River. These boats leave about every forty minutes at each gallery and cruise along the river between the two galleries stopping at the London Eye in route. There are family discounts for boat fares and children under five ride for free; this boat ride is also considerably less expensive than other Thames cruises ( £10 for families compared to £24 on other cruises). Read the rest of this entry »
Looking for a unique travel destination with a musically historical significance? Head to Liverpool, England, otherwise known as the birthplace of The Beatles.
Legendary Beatles hotspots are located throughout the city. An informed traveler, perhaps with the aid of a decent Liverpool map, should have no problem locating the famous Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane for which the songs are named, as well as the homes, schools, and birthplaces of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Tourists can also explore the Cavern Quarter, home to the Cavern Club at which the Beatles performed 292 times. For a more educational experience, travelers can pay a visit to “The Beatles Story,” (a museum chronicling The Beatles’ rise to fame) or they could seek out a Beatles tour, which takes visitors past various Liverpool landmarks, and often includes admission to the museum. Read the rest of this entry »
Looking to plan a weekend getaway with friends? This week we’ll be sharing some destinations that are fun for getting some of your friends together for a vacation you won’t forget.
Hey fellas, need a break from the everyday grind? Then take a trip to Dublin with a few of your favorite lads to enjoy some pints of Guinness, swing some golf clubs, or wander around historic castles. Dublin is both the largest city and the capital of Ireland and offers a variety of activities that can keep you busy all day long.
Start the trip off by seeing one of the top international visitor attractions in Ireland, the Guinness Storehouse. This impressive building in the shape of a giant pint of Guinness has seven floors of beer, beer, and more beer. RealTravel blogger Angus had the chance to visit the store house last winter. Read the rest of this entry »