I just visited Stanford University, and it was an incredible experience. Walking through the Main Quad, visiting the Hoover Tower, exploring the Cantor Arts Center, and strolling around the Arizona Garden made the campus feel alive with history, art, and natural beauty. Every corner of Stanford inspires learning, creativity, and exploration—it’s a place I’ll never forget.

One of the top universities in the world and in the Ivy League university of the United States. It has a very distinct architecture that attracts a lot of visitors from around the globe. The campus is quite large and very pleasant to walk around on a weekend. There are plenty of tourist in the area along with the students as well. Plenty of historical significance of the buildings and signage around the area. There are many pictures spots in the campus. A nice place to visit.

Stanford University is one of the most beautiful and prestigious campuses in the U.S. We visited as a family and were amazed by the blend of historic architecture, open green spaces, and peaceful courtyards. The Main Quad, Hoover Tower, and Memorial Church are all must-sees. The campus is clean, well-organized, and perfect for walking or biking. Tip: Start at the Stanford Visitor Center for maps and tips, and wear comfortable shoes—it’s a large campus. Whether you’re a prospective student or just sightseeing, it’s an inspiring place to explore.

Stanford absolutely lives up to its reputation as one of the most gorgeous campuses in the US! The 8,000-acre grounds are stunning, starting from the iconic Palm Drive entrance lined with Canary Island palms. Hoover Tower is a must-do for $8 - the 360-degree views from the 14th floor observation deck overlooking the entire campus and Bay Area are incredible! The Main Quad with its Richardsonian Romanesque architecture is breathtaking, and Memorial Church is definitely worth stepping inside. The biggest surprise was the Cantor Arts Center being completely free with the world's second-largest Rodin sculpture collection outside of Paris - art lovers shouldn't miss it! Parking is coin-operated at $1.50/hour but free on weekends which is nice. They offer guided tours on weekdays (need to book ahead) but self-guided with the free map works great too, taking about 1-2 hours. I'd recommend visiting on weekdays for a more authentic academic atmosphere and fewer crowds. The whole campus feels like a beautiful park - no wonder so many tech leaders came from here!

A top prestigious university with a beautiful, spotless campus — truly vast and breathtaking. It's such a dream; I might never have the chance to study at a place like this in my lifetime❤️

Stanford University is such a beautiful and prestigious campus! It’s open to the public, and you can freely walk around and explore. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes since the campus is quite large. Make sure to visit the art museum too it’s full of fascinating history and definitely worth checking out

Stanford University and Campus is open to the public and like us tourists. I first came here when I was still in Highschool one can't help but feel the history of the place as it is one of the premiere schools in the U.S. There are history etched inside the Church. The whole area is very picturesque and has that academe feel to it while roaming around. I highly recommend visiting Stanford whenever you're around the area.

Winchester mystery house is a must for anyone into the paranormal. The energy is so surreal inside the house. My daughter and I could feel and hear sounds no others could while on tour. The price is very affordable. If you visit California this is definitely something to see. The gardens are beautiful with wonders at every turn. One of the great California mysteries lies within these walls.

I have been coming to the Winchester house off randomly since the 1970s. The tours have morphed over the decades and are great. This is the first time we did a basement tour though. It was not worth the cost. All you really see is lots of bricks, concrete and low hanging pipes. The only thing of interest down there is the old boiler. The staff were great. We got there a couple of hours before our scheduled tour, and they nicely got us in an earlier tour.

Know this famous house for long. Finally be there. A bit different with I thought. Have to join in a tour group (around 15-20 ppl) to get in the house. Sarah was a tiny lady, so I guess the house was designed to fit her needs. All rooms are so small. Feel really packed with the group. Not a lot to see. Not scary. Good to know the history. Wish could have seen more due to the ticket price.

After travelling from the UK to visit, we were disappointed in a rushed and poor tour experience. Half of the group had barely time to look around a space before the tour guide moved on, and leaving half the group behind. We were then chided for being slow, as well as missing out on the information given for the next spot. It would have been nicer having the chance to explore alone. Everywhere was signposted, so it wasn’t hard to follow a route. The building is beautiful though, and worth a visit - just a shame about the tour experience.

The guided tours of the Winchester Mystery House are all fun and entertaining while you gain insight into the history of the house and the area. Our guides have always been fun! We went in early October when their Halloween themed night decorations were up which made it more spooky and fun. The "self guided" basement tour is a bit of a letdown now. Years ago we paid for a "guided tour" of the basement and stables. That was worth it. This year we added the extra $$ for the basement tour only to find it was self guided with a few plaques and some arrows on the ground. Take the tour but skip the basement add on and save some $$.

Saw the movie and didn’t know it was in SJ. Going to SJ every year and stayed about 10 blocks away. It’s amazed that it’s still standing and with an incredible story, especially ran by a woman. Really admired for what she had done for her staffs and the community. The house is very odd, weird and everything you can think off. But it had been keeping up well just like the stories behind it.

The Winchester Mystery House is absolutely fascinating! We had a wonderful time exploring all the strange features and learning the history. It was a great family outing - the kids were intrigued and enjoyed every unique detail of the house. Highly recommend it for a memorable experience!"

Summer Nostalgia at Its Best 🎡🌭✨ So many great summer memories of coming here with my family — and even from when I was a kid myself! While a few things have changed (no more darts to pop the balloons and the games are now cashless), the magic is still there. Who Can forget going on the carousel and getting the ring that you tossed to the clown to make his eyes light up The corn dogs and funnel cakes are just as amazing as ever, and the people-watching? Still unbeatable. 🎠💛

The Boardwalk and the entire beach is such a fun place to visit with friends or family. The beach is great to relax and play some sports. Lots of arcades and rides for young people and kids. The walk is long with lots of shops and restaurants to dine in, and of course, the seals make a lovely side attraction. Best to visit in the morning to beat the traffic and find parking a little more easily.

A perfect mix of fun, food, and ocean views! The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is such a lively and nostalgic place full of energy, music, and that classic seaside charm. The rides are fun for all ages, the food stands have everything from churros to garlic fries, and the beach right next to it is beautiful for a sunset walk. It’s a bit crowded on weekends, but that’s part of the fun vibe. Definitely a must-visit spot if you’re in Santa Cruz

This is a really cool spot to walk, people watch, and have a little fun, but our feelings were mixed on our visit. First, parking across the street is $20 flat rate. So even if you’re there 30 minutes you’re in for $20. Second, rides are extremely expensive. They REALLY want you to buy wristbands but the lines can be very long so it wasn’t worth it for us. The fair style food was good but the other options seemed mediocre at best. The arcade was actually outstanding and had reasonable rates, which my family enjoyed quite a bit!

Had a blast!! Been going here since I was 12! Seen lots of changes thru the years. This is one of the best visits. Ride and attractions and food options improved. Love the addition of the tables and benches to eat!! Overall it was a great experience Thank you!!!

Amazing place to visit! The family had so much fun waking along the boardwalk. The food and games were awesome! The only downside is that everything closed at 5pm. We went on a Saturday and it was disappointing to see it close so early! I know it’s off season but 5pm on the weekend is wild!

We had so much fun! Family of 4 with a 12 year old and a 3 year old. There was stuff for all ages. Key height was 36" that allowed the 3 year old to go on some rides unattended and some with us. Plenty of options for him. And the big kid had a blast as well. It's free to enter and just walk around and enjoy sites or cross through to the beach. You buy an unlimited pass for rides (worth it if you have 4+ hours and a big kid wanting to go on everything) or a card you fill with credit and tap at the rides of various amounts. We started with one card which we could tap multiple times for # of rides. But ended up getting a second card, so one parent took the big kid and one took the little. Parking is crazy if you are wanting to arrive at opening on a Saturday give yourself plenty of time to wait to get into the parking lot (extra fee), or just come a few hours after opening. You'll still have plenty of time and the park is magical after the sun sets. The pier is not too far and a lovely walk with shops and food.

Free entrance.open only weekdays. There is a gift shop but it's kind of hidden. No restaurant. MANY bathrooms on every floor. About 1/2 the rooms aren't accessible but they have the others set up as they were for their their period theme. If you like this kind of stuff definitely worth visiting. Top floor has portrates of the previous governors of the state.

A must-visit when you’re in Sacramento! The California State Capitol Museum is beautifully preserved and full of history. The architecture is stunning, from the marble hallways to the grand dome, every corner tells a story. The exhibits are well curated, offering a fascinating look into California’s political and cultural past.

Its free and a lot of information if you choose a tour guide. It was lovely to hear the music as we walked in the Capitol; they are having musical selections which varies during the week. It was very nice visit. The capitol is beautiful and regal. Im glad they decided to keep it just as it was. The attendee (forgot her name: curly hair and beautiful spirit) at the gift shop was so welcoming and amazing 👏 🤩. We had a nice time

This is a really interesting space and could be worth a stop if you’re in town — it’s free to enter (brief security checkpoint accessible on 2 sides), and takes just a few minutes to cruise the palatial halls and get some breathtaking neoclassical architecture! The millwork is spectacular, with carved bears on the bannisters and rich filigree on nearly every surface. If you appreciate nothing else, the craftsmanship is next level. It’s almost perpetually under construction, so be aware that not all areas are always accessible and the space is actively being used for government functions — so be respectful around the more private sections while cruising around inside. The ground floor plays host to a few historical rooms preserved for your viewing pleasure, and a small exhibit or two depending on construction. The elevators are full of gorgeous art-deco metalwork and operate relatively quickly. You can also climb the elegant stairs on one side of the main rotunda. There’s a cute gift shop and restaurant in the basement as well. This is quite a structure. If you like epic structures you’ll probably enjoy a quick stop in as I mentioned before. Grounds outside are good for photo ops too.

Interesting free self guided walk through of historic portions of the Capitol building. Current exhibits focus on historical photography in and of California. Some impressive architecture and craftsmanship to be enjoyed.

One of the most beautiful capitals I've visited! There is a lot of construction going on currently but you can find paid street parking. They give tours. There's a robotic coffee shop nearby that's really neat too!

Being at the capitol felt meaningful as someone from Maine to visit the Capitol of another state. They have scheduled tours during the week, usually every hour from ten in the morning until four in the afternoon. You can sign up at the information desk right inside the rotunda. Downstairs there is a small museum with exhibits and a short film about the building's history. They also have a few restored offices that show how things looked in the past. It was good. I learned a lot. Outside is a large park area, about forty acres, with guided walks available on certain days. There are trees from all over the world, war memorials, and plaques that give a sense of the state's past. It felt quiet and informative, not flashy, but steady and respectful. More than anything, it made the idea of state government feel a little more real.

I went to this place not reading anything about it and I was very impressed by its natural beauty. We went on a Saturday and it was unsurprisingly busy. The hiking was great. Lots of good views of this jagged part of the coastline. Not a shortage of Instagrammable shots. The cypress trees among rocky cliffs and bluffs were a unique sight for me in California. Only wished that there were more picnic tables and picnic tables built on shaded/covered areas. Also, parking can be quite difficult if it's a busy day in the reserve and the amount of street parking available (along the main highway) can make you park wayyy far from the reserve's entrance (they close it if the lot is full). Alot at least 3 hours for this state reserve if you plan on taking a break for a picnic/snack. I liked that there were park rangers at the entrance and information areas, ready to help you with questions. Lastly, take care on the trails - there are lots of poison oak. Just make sure not to touch them! The guides can help you identify what they look like.

Thoroughly enjoyed my hike at Point Lobos. I was pleasantly surprised that such stunning views didn’t have a strenuous hike attached to it. Most hiking trails are easy to moderate for the average person. And some are super short with great views (good for those just wanting to get in and out). I can in mid-October on a weekday. Arrived one hour after opening and there was still ample parking. I left close to lunch time and there were still parking spots available. I’d say come early if you are coming during peak season (summer), holidays, or a weekend.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is an absolute treasure! The park’s breathtaking beauty—from dramatic coastal cliffs to crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife—never ceases to amaze. The staff and docents are exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to share fascinating information, making each visit both enjoyable and educational. I’ve visited multiple times, and it’s no wonder this park has become so popular. Weekends can get busy, so arriving early for parking is highly recommended. Whether you’re seeking stunning scenery, peaceful hikes, or a chance to connect with nature, Point Lobos is simply unforgettable!

Point Lobos was easy to find and entrance/parking had clear signage. We parked outside of the park as their lot was full. Free to park outside, just as long as you pay attention to the posted signs otherwise, expect a ticket. We appreciated the park rangers and volunteers sprinkled throughout the reserve offering information and direction. Easy to spend hours at the reserve as everything, whether it’s closer to the ocean or within the greenery, was absolutely stunning; beautiful and peaceful. Plenty of wildlife to observe as well. We will definitely come back. We spent only $5 for an area map.

Did a 7 mile loop that covered most of the main attractions, was very gentle and did it with 5 children! We parked down the road and got there too early, hikers can't walk in until 0800! So that's good to know, figured that was just for vehicles.

Great State Park. Hiking is awesome with trails for all ability. Please note that parking is scarce. Get in early to grab a space in the park, otherwise plan on parking on the highway. Alternatively, wait till after 2pm and you should be able to enter and find a spot. $12 per car, $9 for seniors. Worth it! Recommended!

Beautiful park with stunning scenery. Very exposed on the cliffs so you get great views but I wouldn’t want to be there in a storm! We saw sea lions, otters, and pelicans! Worth a visit and don’t forget your binoculars!

My girls friends and I came into town and bought tickets in advance because we knew this was a must see and it did not disappoint. We started with the feeding of the sea otters which was so cute. Then we stopped for a quick coffee at the cafe. Everything in their cafe looked delicious. We enjoyed the many exhibits and enjoyed the touch tanks. There was do many things you could touch and see up close. I would highly recommend going. Couple tips buy your tickets online in advance and get there early it gets really crowded!

This aquarium boasts an incredible variety of species and is a perfect spot for quality family time. The kids were absolutely enthralled by the environment! It truly is a must-see destination in California. My personal favorites were the mesmerizing Sea Otters, Jellyfish, Penguins, and the immersive aquarium theater. A practical tip: The aquarium is huge, and you might feel rushed trying to see everything in one day. We highly recommend buying an annual pass—it's excellent value for money if you plan to visit multiple times a year and want a more relaxed experience.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolutely world-class institution that I believe is well worth the visit, offering a truly immersive window into the Pacific Ocean's ecosystems. I found that it excels not just as a display of marine life, but as a dedicated center for conservation and education. The standout exhibits, which I saw are beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, showcase the region's unique biodiversity. I think the Kelp Forest exhibit is a breathtaking, three-story spectacle, featuring towering fronds that create a dynamic, lush habitat for leopard sharks, wolf-eels, and schools of fish. Equally impressive to me is the massive Open Sea exhibit, where I was able to watch tuna, sea turtles, and dazzling schools of sardines swim past a spectacular 90-foot viewing window, which really emphasized the vastness of the open ocean. A newer, must-see addition is the Into the Deep exhibition, which successfully brings the mysterious creatures of the dark abyss to light. Beyond the major tanks, I noticed the Sea Otter exhibit is consistently a visitor favorite, allowing you to watch the playful, charismatic otters romp and groom. The mesmerizing Jellyfish exhibit was also an ethereal highlight for me, using controlled lighting to showcase the delicate beauty and graceful pulsing of various jelly species. The aquarium is perched right on the edge of the bay, and the Great Tide Pool and ocean-view decks provided a wonderful opportunity for me to spot wild marine life, including sea otters and sometimes even whales. While I know admission is on the higher end, I feel the quality of the exhibits and the aquarium's non-profit conservation mission justify the cost. Be aware that the aquarium can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To make the most of your trip, I recommend buying tickets online in advance and aiming to visit on a weekday or arrive right at opening time to experience the most popular exhibits, like the Kelp Forest and Sea Otters, before the large crowds arrive. I would plan to spend at least four hours to fully appreciate the two main floors and attend one of the informative animal feedings or programs. I can say this is more than just an aquarium; it's an unforgettable educational experience and a vital force in ocean protection.

Great place! When I went there there was a bit of a line, but it move quick. The animals were so interesting a wonderful and I learned a lot about the animals that like in the near by sea. Would definitely recommend for all ages.Great fun for everyone!

Informative and interactive exhibits. Bit pricey for how big it is. Membership is worth it if you visit twice a year. Feeding schedule is different and the fish doesn’t eat everyday so we missed the feeding of the tuna and sharks. They also didn’t feed crabs or clams to the otters but only put food in some toys. I was hoping to see them strike the clams with rocks and see how they’d eat. Saw a free educational center in Santa Cruz that’s sponsored by the aquarium right near the pier.

Hands down the best aquariums. It was incredible. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here. Highly recommend catching the otter feeding. Went on a weekday during the day and didn’t feel too crowded.

oh my God. Best aquarium I've ever been to. I typically don't care about places like this but as we passed by the exhibits I was freaking GASPING. mesmerizing displays and fun little presentations and just a beautiful sea to go outside and watch. AUGH. highly highly highly recommend. ESPECIALLY if you love otters like I do <33

AMAZING 🤩!!! We did the morning tour at the end of July, and saw so many whales! Captain Kate and her crew were excellent!! Never felt nauseous. So glad we chose this tour! It was a small group of us plenty of space on the boat. Highly recommend!!

Amazing experience! We had great clear weather in early November and saw 20+ humpback whales. Saw risso’s dolphins (a pod of at least 50), sea lions, a fish feeding frenzy, and lots of different birds. Our tour guide Bryan was enthusiastic and very informative. Huge props to the crew and highly recommend!

I got super seasick and it was still worth it! We saw mola mola eating jellyfish, we saw black footed albatross, we saw a handful of humpback whales, we saw Risso’s dolphins and an egg yolk jellyfish. We also saw Harbor seals and sea otters in the harbor. The captain was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot. I did rent one of the wristbands for sea sickness, and it did not work for me. I did not know I was going to get seasick so I would recommend taking Dramamine no matter what just to be safe, it was not fun being sick off the back of the boat but right before I did a whale tail surfaced right in front of me so I can’t say I regret it lol

Eric and Captain Kate were both very kind, polite and knowledgeable. We were lucky with the weather and the whales. We saw 3 separate humpback whales many times and a large pod of Risso’s Dolphins as well as sea lions and lots of birds. Moss Landing is a charming, working harbour.

Went on a 4h trip last month and it was amazing! Firstly Captain Kate can turn the boat on a dime and it’s almost worth going just for the seamanship. The whole crew were super knowledgable and friendly. We had been further out on an 8h trip from Monterey and this was the perfect follow up. Less diversity as not as far offshore, but super focussed on quality of sightings. We had amazing close views of Humpbacks breaching, blowing, fluking up and even a bit of young males fighting a little. When they go past a Humpback saying there’s better ones up ahead, trust them, they know what they’re doing. This was one of the most enjoyable wildlife boat trips I’ve done, and I’m lucky enough to have done quite a few.

Had a great time with Chase and his wife Captain Kate. The boat had plenty of room and was a big and stable. We saw a lot of whale action and Chase's commentary was spot on. We'll come back one day. Thanks

We had an amazing morning tour with Blue Ocean! Our marine biologist was Brian and i can’t say enough good things about his enthusiasm, education and ability to create such a fun outing! On top of that we saw over 100 whales ! Literally could not count ! Humpbacks and even Orcas were found! In addition, we saw a rare shark, birds, sea lions galore, and 3 species of dolphins. The number of people on the boat is minimal and i so appreciate that this company keeps it small. I cannot wait to go again some day!!

Absolutely 💯 percent awesome! I loved everything about the castle and the grounds. Your tour guides are very informative and so are the bus drivers. It's a lot warmer at the top of the hill then at the visitors centers, so dress accordingly. Yes, you can bring bottled water. I would suggest u bring your own or it's $4.85 in the gift shop.

One of the best places I've ever visited. Did two hour Julia Morgan tour during the day and two hour art under moonlight tour at night. Both tour guides were patient, highly knowledgeable and excellent hosts, soliciting questions from tour members and gave expansive answers to all questions, some of which were way off topic. The place itself is historic, artistic and design overload, way too much to take in during the course of your visit. Don't have a fear of missing out--trust the process, the guides and enjoy what you are seeing and experiencing in the moment. My visit sparked a desire to learn more, which I plan to research so when I revisit will have a more solid foundation about the historic art in the collection. The rules in place are there for a reason and have succeeded in ensuring the place is maintained immaculately. Visitors center is spacious and educational, definitely recommend the movie before you head to castle. I dreaded the bus ride but it was way better than it sounds, bus driver acted like tour guide, pointing out artifacts and wildlife. The zebras were a nice surprise! The evening tour was a fantastic contrast to the daytime tour, allowing a perspective of what it was like to be an overnight guest. The change from sunlight to manmade light shifted focus on artwork and design aspects, allowing a more complete appreciation.

It gets 5 stars just for the magnitude of it and what it takes to keep this place tour worthy! It's absolutely massive, everything about it from the sprawling buildings to the huge decor. Columns everywhere, giant statues, church pews, fire places, pools, everything is over the top! We did the Grand Rooms tour, the one suggested for first time visitors and it was wonderful. Our tour guide was amazing, funny and very engaging. We knew very little about William Randolph Hearst before we arrived and we left knowing more than we should!! I highly recommend visiting if you get the chance, it's definitely a bucket list item and we'll probably go back some day for another tour!

Really enjoyed the upstairs tour, cost $35.00. There were only 4 people on the tour, our guide, she was very knowledgeable and nice. We then took the grounds tour, there were about 45 people on this tour, saw the grounds, pool table, movie theater and both pools. Upstairs tours was worth visiting

What an amazing site to see. This castle was so strikingly gorgeous. As you turn into the property the first thing you see is the zebras wandering the property. At the welcome center you purchase the type of tour you want to see. A tour bus drives you up to the property. The castle is jaw dropping. The whole property is filled with amazing art. Learning its rich history was amazing. So worth the trip to see it. I highly recommend!

The castle is absolutely beautiful. I would love to come again because the tour is so limited in what you see. It’s definitely worth checking out, very grand and interesting. Cons: The tour is rushed, the tour should be 1 hour not 45 minutes. The guide talked with a pretty bad mumble (maybe trying to rush) so I couldn’t understand most of what he was saying. Side note: The group of people we were with in the tour (not the castles fault) were super rude and aggressive- you could tell the tour guides were used to it. It was mind blowing.. full grown adults nearly pushing each other over to get a first look, arguing with the guides, cutting each other off, continuing to ignore the guides instructions to help with preservation, etc. Don’t be these people. Enjoy yourself. Relax. Don’t be rude.

Hearst Castle This information comes from websites that provide details about the castle. On the central coast of California, USA, Hearst Castle is located on Route 750 in San Simeon, near Los Angeles. The castle was designed by architect Julia Morgan as the residence of William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947. After his death, it became a National Historic Landmark in California. The castle sits atop a hill overlooking the stunning Big Sur, a popular tourist destination on the California coast. The castle has 165 rooms, including grand rooms and penthouse suites with luxurious interiors where William Randolph Hearst and his guests spent time. It also features attractions such as flowing water features, pools, and landscaped gardens with colorful trees, plants, and flowers. There are also beautiful walkways and scenic views, among other things.

The beach is absolutely stunning as was the water! The rocks are perfect for rock hounds and treasure hunters alike! However, I want to say, there has to have been a ship that ran ground recently or something because there was oil throughout the rocks as well as in the sand (you couldnt see it) but the smell was strong. I was barefoot and that's when I noticed all of the oil stuck to the bottom of my feet. Made it a challenge to clean off. BUT BUT BUT the park was cool and the squirrels were AWESOME! I know the sign said don't feed them, but she was pregnant(not pictured) and kept saying "please ma'am, can I have a crumb". The bathrooms are clean and stocked with TP. Clean. Will stop again but won't likely go down to the sand.

Such a nice place. Fresh food, fast service. Beautiful scenery.

Very peaceful place!

Pleasant and quiet place , beautiful & colorful tiny rocks

Wonderful beach! Tjis is one of our favorite travel stop. There is parking along the hill of the beach. No dogs are allowed on the beach. Beautiful views and sunsets. There are several lookouts along the boardwalk. All of the lodgings face the beach. We walk our doggies on the boardwalk which is about a little over a mile each way. They love the walk. Lots to sniff around and greet squirrels. Its a relaxed calming atmosphere. Not crowded at all. It's very quiet. All you hear is the ocean. People are very friendly and polite.

Nice Sunset Views

Beautiful beach with lots of beautiful pebbles

Oh my gosh, I was absolutely blown away by this! It was like seeing a cartoon character’s jaw drop in awe. The contrast between the water and the scene was just breathtaking. You absolutely must stop by and check it out. You can dip in the water, stroll along the charming beach town, or just take in the stunning views. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Escaping the heat at home, Morro Bay was perfect in every way. The temp was warm, breeze was gentle and soothing. The water but my feet like a perfect pedicure.... soothing and relaxing. I am reborn this evening, on this hot California day

Very beautiful place to visit . Lots of delicious restaurants and stores nearby . So Morro Bay's history spans from ancient indigenous settlements to a thriving coastal town. Initially inhabited by the Chumash and Salinan peoples, the area later saw European exploration and settlement, with Franklin Riley founding the town in 1870 as a trading port. The iconic Morro Rock, a volcanic plug, has played a significant role, even being mined for Port Construction.The Spanish Portolá expedition camped near Morro Bay in 1769, with Father Juan Crespí noting the distinctive "morro" (round rock). Later, Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named the landmark "El Morro". Franklin Riley is credited with founding the town in 1870, establishing it as a port for exporting dairy and ranch products. He also played a key role in building the Embarcadero. Morro Rock,The 576-foot volcanic plug, Morro Rock, has been a prominent feature throughout Morro Bay's history. It was mined for harbor construction and was once separated from the mainland, with the north channel later closed by dumped rock. The rock is now a California Registered Historical Landmark and a bird sanctuary. A U.S. Navy base, Amphibious Training Base Morro Bay, was established on the north side of Morro Rock during World War II. The city incorporated in 1964 and has become a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, harbor, and iconic Morro Rock. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company's power plant, nicknamed "Three Stacks and a Rock," also played a role in the town's development.

I love Morro Rock, I come visit here every single time I’m in the area. I have years worth of photos of the rock and with me in front of the rock. I don’t know why it’s just one of my favorite things. I love to get food at Lil Hut and just park here with my fiancé to eat and talk. my favorite spot

Great photo op, beach, and bathroom. Free parking. Small tour boats in area. Nearby strip of waterfront restaurants with shopping.

This was a Bucket list Road trip with my sister. Very beautiful day. Also surfboard competition going on, that was something new for me.

Had an amazing time at Morro Rock today! The view was breathtaking, the ocean breeze was perfect, and the wildlife made it even more special. Can’t wait to come back and enjoy this beautiful spot again!

Lots of great little restaurants to eat Fish and Chips. The pier gears more towards tourists.

Really nice pier to go for a walk, watch the surfers, and do some good people watching. Clean, well-kept, and the ocean views are amazing. Great spot to relax and take in the vibe of Pismo Beach

Visited here for the second time, this time took the boardwalk. It was really good to watch people fishing and surfing from the top. It was sunny and chill windy. We spent like an hour in the beach area.

It’s a busy place but it’s worth checking out. Limited parking close by but there is lots to do here. The place to beach comb if that’s your thing.

Clean less crowded beautiful overall no pets

Great pier, weather, activities, and food. Surfing 🏄 competition for youth was active during our visit. Parking can be difficult and a bit pricey.

Really sweet spot. Plenty of beach & open space. Caught a stunning sunset across a clean empty beach. Quiet & just few people out during early February.

Had a really great time checking out the animals at the zoo. Been quite a few years since I was last here, but it definitely has a cool vibe. Not too hot for an August day but definitely has plenty of shade for when it did start warming up. Definitely recommend checking out the zoo is you're nearby.

I love coming here, the lion cubs a growing so fast! The food here is good, I enjoy the chicken stips at the African Safari Restaurant. Also the cleanest restrooms are located here at the African side. I made sure to get the Zoo souvenir cup for my fountain drink. Refills for the life of the cup are only $1! Yes just $1 for a 32oz refill! I really enjoy the animal chats, during which you can get up close to their training time! My favorite ones are the tiger and the sea lion talks! This is great for the whole family! Keep I mind if you have a EBT Card and can show a valid government ID that matches the name on the EBT Card you and 4 others can get in for just $5 each every Wensday! This can be a great savings for some! Please go and support our local zoo!

Great little zoo! You can feed the Giraffes, pet the sting rays, hang out with the butterflies, and see a lot of great animals! The staff are knowledgeable and friendly! The food at the Kopje spot wasn't very good though, expensive for cold and dry food. We had a great time and the weather was perfect!

This zoo was great! Good value and the atmosphere was great. The close proximity to some of the animals was outstanding as you weren't straining to look over a barrier to catch a glimpse of an animal. There was a good variety of animals and some I'd never even heard of before. There was some construction going on so we didn't get to see everything but it was still worth the price of admission. The staff we talked to were all very helpful, plenty of restrooms and benches as well as a good variety of food options. I'd say you're definitely going to get your money's worth. We'll be back for sure!

We loved the zoo boo lights and idea but trying to get in there was insane. We had to park so far away. They oversold the tickets. If I had known it was that crowded I would not have spent as much money as I did for tickets. The booths were set up very nicely and it was nice the reptile exhibit was open but most of it was just people networking with the parents. I want expecting to have have live advertising, which is nice if that was what you intended to go for I guess. We wanted to go for our kids, candy, and expecting more. The shows were overcrowded and there was nowhere to sit. We couldn't even see what was going on. It was nice to get out with the family and see the lights but I wouldn't do that ever again

We arrived at opening and there were no lines. We loved the giraffe feeding experience on the lower level. Definitely worth the extra $15. The kids enjoyed stingray bay. It took extra efforts to get their hands low enough into the water to actually touch them. The stingrays seemed to swim right towards us and breach a little then dive just out of their reach! There is lots of shade in the Asia exhibit which provided a nice break as the day heated up. The park was very clean, as were the restrooms. The dining experience in Africa was definitely worth it. There were lots of options for traditional kid friendly meals as well as light sandwiches, salads and vegetarian options. While we didn't use it, there is a mobile app so you can order ahead and just go in and grab your food. Finally, bring an extra set of clothes for the kids. The splash park was a perfect way to cool off and the kids LOVED it! The only hiccup we had was the Park Mobile App required for parking. I entered the lot number but the transaction would not process due to lack of internet access. As a result, we ended up with a parking ticket for $40 instead of the $6 if the app was working. It ended the day on a little bit of a sour note. Not necessarily the fault of the Zoo, more of Park Mobile experience that happens in a number of locations.

If you go often, look into the family membership. It's a great value. I suggest walking straight to the back of the zoo where the Elephants or Giraffes are, and then working your way forward to the entrance/exit area. Make sure you visit stingray bay, and the reptile room.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is hands down one of the most stunning elopement and wedding locations I’ve ever photographed. The Spanish-style architecture, lush gardens, and warm California tones make it feel straight out of a fairytale. It’s elegant yet intimate, and there’s magic in every frame taken here. Highly recommend it for couples dreaming of a classic Santa Barbara celebration!

Such a beautiful and historic gem! The Spanish Colonial architecture, tile details, and views from the clock tower are breathtaking. The courtyard and gardens are perfect for photos — especially weddings or quinceañeras. Definitely a must-see in Santa Barbara! It’s also walking distance to major shops at Old Town Santa Barbara. Be there on Saturdays when they close the streets so you can freely walk without the traffic.

I’ve been to a lot of different cities and the last thing anyone recommends me to go checkout is the courthouse. When I read online that the Santa Barbara courthouse was a must while I was in town, I figured why not go and check it out. I did not know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by it all. I mean just from outside, it looked really different from the superior court of Los Angeles as it was a lot smaller, but what caught my eye was how antiquated the building looked. I liked seeing the big murals on the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. I found it interesting that despite its older structure, it’s still in use. Walking around inside was a lot of fun but the highlight was the tower with views of the city and everything. You can take an elevator or go up the stairs to get there. One other thing that really stood out to me about this place was the gardens right outside. There was a lot of people taking photos there or just hanging out on the lawn. I mean, they are really beautiful and well kept and seem like a great place in town to hang out and kill time. Also, the older woman at the information booth was really helpful. She narrowed down some activities for me to do while I was in the city and even recommended me places to go and eat food. She was sweet and took her time showing me a map of the city with all the points of interest. Give her a raise!

Amazing views from the Clocktower and the Mural Room is a must see! There were a handful of weddings taking place so we also witnessed multiple brides and grooms coming and going, further adding to the scenery.

I visited the Superior Court of California in Santa Barbara and honestly didn’t expect it to be this interesting. The building itself is beautiful, clean, and full of history and character. It feels almost like a museum with how nicely everything is designed. You can walk around, explore different areas, and there’s always something to see — from the classic architecture to the peaceful courtyard outside. The atmosphere is calm and respectful but still open enough that you can really take in the space. It’s definitely worth visiting, even if you’re not there for official business. Super cool experience, I totally recommend checking it out.

This is the best tour spot in Santa Barbara downtown. The garden is very beautiful and we happened to see a wedding on that day. We also went to the top of tower to have a view from all 4 directions of the city, it seems that the tower is the highest point of the city. You'll need to pass a security check when going to the tower, so leave you guns behind you.

Probably one of the most beautiful buildings you can find in this part of California. The architecture is so iconic of Spanish colonial times, but it looks even more impressive inside with the murals. Artistically, it is so impressive. You can visit it for free and spend as much time as you want. You can also go up the tower to get a 360 view of Santa Bárbara and the mountains.

It’s a pretty nice outdoor outlet mall with a good mix of stores to shop from, even though a few have moved out recently. The food court isn’t anything to get excited about, but luckily there are better spots to eat nearby like Finney’s and a couple of other restaurants. It’s a good place to walk around, especially on a nice day, and you can usually find some decent deals too.

It’s really hard to find parking on the weekends. They need more maps. This place is huge. And they keep adding on all the time. Bring water and sunscreen screen. Stay for the day. We had lunch at. Nice restaurant that serves Pancakes all day. We had a salad it was huge. We split it my grandson had a burger n Fries . Look so good !! Go during the week if you can. That’s what we did. Found lots of parking 😎😊👍

Great place to shop at, they have great prices and great selections

All outlets were having Sales! Best time for shopping. Adidas rocks! 5 items under 100. I would recommend. Lots of parking.

Wow! What a terrific outlet mall and it's huge. Great stores including American Eagle outlet, Guess, Michael Khor, Banana Republic, Levi Strauss and so much more. A great please to walk and get your steps in while shopping for good deals and selection. The customer service is stellar and they have a food court and a few restaurants. Highly recommended

Best premium brands at one place with discounted rates

It is a really nice location. It was rather quiet on our visit. Many many brand stores around.

I recently had a rare and wonderful opportunity to visit this inspiring and educational site with two good friends What an incredible place! The library is tucked back into the hills of Simi Valley with breathtaking views of beautiful Eastern Ventura County. Upon entering the premises of the Ronald Reagan Library, I had the special opportunity to view the Scrolls. Very informative and educational . The docents and the staff at the Library did an incredible job of making me feel welcomed. The Library is also a tribute to a wonderful and great human being, Ronald Reagan. There is a large gift shop as well as a cafeteria that has a pretty good selection of burgers, pizzas and salad. I had a delicious hamburger outside and had the wonderful opportunity to dine outside overlooking the hills of Eastern Ventura County. If you ever have a chance to visit the Ronald Reagan Library, please do, you won’t regret it.

What an amazing experience! We came specifically for the Deas Sea Scroll exhibit while it was here. And it did not disappoint. But for that matter the all of the exhibits throughout the facility we're great. Getting to walk through the Air Force 1 display was pretty cool. I would absolutely recommend a visit!

I am glad I bought the year long pass & I recommend it to anyone that can make the visit twice or that plans a visit to any of the other Presidential libraries. My first trip here was mostly visiting their temporary exhibit but I plan to make another trip this month. I love how the exhibits are set up in different rooms and it is like walking through a timeliness of Reagans life. Getting the opportunity to walk onto Airforce One was a highlight of this trip. Make sure your phone is charged if you take a lot of pictures. 😀

First visit and the experience was amazing in several different ways. The extensive exhibits on the life of the president and the political moments during his terms in office are thorough and well documented. Since it is his presidential library, there are very few references to negative decisions made during his years in office including long term effects of economic decisions. The aircraft exhibits for Air Force One are stunning and the tour of the aircraft is excellent, although I found the design of that portion of the exhibit space to be confusing and difficult to find the exit path from the bottom level of the aircraft exhibits.

Never been to a presidential library before. Learned about a former president. Walked through Air Force One and Marine One. Experienced history in the best way. Do something different and go see a presidential library if there is one near you.

While visiting LA this was a must visit. We spent close to 3 hours and could have spent even more. Make sure to bring your Presidential passport to get it stamped. Wonderful place and really honors the legacy of in my opinion one of the best presidents ever.

Such a beautiful library with great exhibits (Dead Sea Scrolls now through beginning of Sept 2025)! Amazing scenery! My favorite is the Oval Office and Air Force One. Extremely friendly and helpful staff and docents as well! There’s a reason why this is the most visited presidential library - a real must-see!!!!

My daughter and I went for fright night. The staff was amazing and we enjoyed watching them scare. 2 of the rides we were waiting for broke down so the wait times were pretty long. I was also recommend being careful when you purchase a meal deal. This is yhe second time I've had an issue with it. It included a meal, drink, and snack. We usually get the snack first earlier in the day then go back for dinner. 2x now the staff marked the wrong item and tried to say we used the meal when we had only used the snacks. They did still end up giving them to us but it was a hassle both times.

Great place to go, they open 10.30am and close at 9 but you can hang out a bit more after that. The Flash pass is an amazing upgrade once you get a hang of it, we saved more than 3 hours of wait time! Truly recommend it! You have burgers, pizza, sandwich, chicken tenders and more! All that we tried was delicious! Rides we Amazing specially X2 and Colossus!

Best park I have ever been to. I got to race a car and then got my spine broken on a wooden coaster right after. Then I failed the riddlers riddle so I had to stand up on his ride then I wondered why the train wont stop on Wonder Women (seriously guys like, it dosent even stop at the loading station so you have to jump in and hope you lock in in time) but I rode it like 6 or 7 times anyways. Then Batman turned me upside down and in the procces I got kidnapped by Lex Luther and got dropped from 400 feet onto the biggest pendulum ride in the world. As I stumbled away I suddendly got a green cup that let me get a free refill. Idk what that ment so I stepped onto a orange coaster because I thought there would be some Fanta there but instead it made me Scream on Scream. After that I tried something else that was orange and instead got strapped onto a ride that used to hold the title for worlds tallest ride and into a tunnel on Goliath. Ready to give up hope I sit in a nice green colored seat... only to race a blue coaster train in Teisted Collosis. When I thought the ride was over it faked me out and went for a 2nd loop around the track. Then I spotted a coaster with a loop and I remembered something, "This is a great begginer coaster called the New Revolution, to get a good warmup in you should ride this ride to eliminate the fear of hights" (Random Youtuber). So I step on and instead i get a launch at 80 mph while hearing "Wait I forgot the shoulder straps" and got put into the worlds highest top hat loop on Full Throttle. I later found out what a top hat loop was when i went on top of the loop into a near vertical 160 ft drop at the end. By then I found a cool red coaster called Viper, after mistaking it for a Coca Cola (its an honest mistake anyone can make) I broke my neck in 12 deffrent locations (please dont ride it it will hurt, goos layout though a refurbishment would be great for it) It started to get dark so I got into line for something called Tangy since I thought it was a food center for tangy foods. Instead I got on a ride where I hung allmost 200ft above the air and went on the worlds biggest pretsal loop. Then I thought I found the exit. But then I got strapped into a ride. After all the rides I went on that day I knew this cant be much worse. My first tip off that it was worse was when the train started to move backwards out the station. After reaching the peak at around 200ft I go on the first drop backwards. After screaming my lungs out the train bobs up and turns out that was a 10 ft dip. Then music starts playing and I fall backwards at 200 ft while doing a backflip at a 90° straight down angle then forced into a 180ft tall raven loop and doing a turn to see the whole park lit up. Then I do a flip again and get blazed with flamethrowers on a smaller loop before flipping again and pulling into the station. It was so good I got everything in the store related to it (I dont have pictures of it right now but it wasent a lot just a patch and a shirt) and rode it again because that was the best experience in my life. Then I finally exited and I was sad because even though every ride sounded like some sort of extreme tourture you would go through for commiting a horrible crime... it was still fun in the end. 67/10, I will be coming back here as soon as possible to ride X2 again. Cant wait to see what else you guys cook up. Thanks :).

Amazing theme park. If you're looking for intense rides, this is the spot. Many types of roller coasters and attractions. Drinks are a bit expensive, so I just recommend to bring your own water bottle and fill it up. The food they sell there is pretty good. Heads up though, the lines are long to rides if you don't have a flash pass, so it's also a good idea to get one if you're a frequent guest.

Major shout out to all the Six Flags magic mountain staff especially the ADA staff you guys are truly setting the bar for excellence when it comes to regards to the customer service our family had a lot of fun and your park was very accommodating with ADA passes shout out to the ADA department at Six Flags you guys are awesome absolutely setting the bar no breaking the bar for excellence with regards to customer service. I appreciate all the help that you offered my family and I as a disabled veteran I feel accommodated. Looking forward to many more visits at Six Flags, Magic Mountain and Valencia, California.

Major shout out to Six Flags Magic Mountain had a lot of fun with family there very grateful to the ADA staff members who went above and beyond to help me and our family. We greatly appreciate all of the service that they provided at the ADA accommodation building thank you Six Flags Magic Mountain for providing such an awesome experience looking forward to visiting again.

Love Magic Mountain, great as always. Lines were better than ever and most rides were open. Only complaint is they HAVE to figure out having to stand in the did line just to get a re-fill! It's insane to wait 30 min to over an hour just for that, when other parks have figured it out. Otherwise this place is amazing.

This is my first time visiting this beautiful museum. I'm happy they protected the museum from the recent wild fire. The artifacts were in exceptional condition. I think next time I attend a group or semi private tour. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. This is a place to relax outside and walk into the museum at your own leisure. It is so serene with the view of the Pacific Ocean in the background.

This place is unreal. The setting along PCH just east of Malibu close to the ocean is amazing. Went late September on a Thursday. Got there at 10 AM as they were opening and stayed a little over 1.5 hours. Parking was easy and $25. Admission is free so the overpriced parking didnt feel that bad. The museum is excellent and has lots of good Greek and Roman paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts. Had an Egyptian exhibit while I was there that was nice as well. But where this place shines IMO is in the building and the gardens. Impressive replica of an ancient Roman palace. So many details done right from the courtyards to the gardens to the galleries to the fountains. All amongst the back drop of the Pacific Ocean. Absolutely incredible. I didn't want to leave! Went to the Getty as well and thought this was even better, which speaks highly of this place. Was less crowded when I went compared to the Getty Center (went to both on same day).

I first visited the Getty Villa back when it was called the J. Paul Getty Museum, during my freshman year of college. What struck me most was how it felt—like stepping into a wealthy person’s private home rather than a typical museum. The antiquities were displayed in this gorgeous villa setting with gardens and marble halls, all located on the Malibu cliffs. It had this eccentric quality that reflected J. Paul Getty’s personal vision and made ancient artifacts feel completely at home. Coming back decades later, I’m impressed by how they’ve improved the place while keeping that special atmosphere intact. The renovation back in the early 2000’s brought all the modern museum conveniences—better signage, clearer organization, smarter educational materials—without losing the villa’s charm. They’ve also made it more resilient against Malibu’s wildfire threats after the Palisades fire in early 2025. The best part is that it still has that quality where you feel like you’re actually in a different time, just with better amenities and a more thoughtful presentation. If you haven't been there since 2005, I would recommend you going back to see the differences and enjoy the fresh Malibu air. Bring others in your family to enjoy too.

The Getty Villa: An Ancient Roman Escape in Malibu The Getty Villa is arguably one of the most uniquely themed museums in the world. It is the perfect destination for anyone interested in Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, but the main draw for many visitors is the stunning environment itself. Modeled after the ancient Roman Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, the property transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. The Architectural Experience (5/5 Stars) The architecture is the undisputed star of the show. The sprawling villa features magnificent courtyards, stunning mosaics, frescoes, and reflective pools that perfectly capture the essence of a first-century Roman estate. Walking through the Outer Peristyle with its 300-foot-long pool, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and bronze statues, is an experience in pure escapism. It’s hard to remember you are just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles. While some critics view the detailed recreation as leaning toward "theme park," the sheer beauty and atmospheric quality of the design are compelling. The architecture is a powerful educational tool that provides context for the art housed within. The Collection and Exhibits (4/5 Stars) The collection is specialized, focusing exclusively on ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art dating from 6,500 BC to AD 400. While the collection may not be as expansive as the world’s largest art institutions, its intimate focus allows for a deeper appreciation of the works. Highlights include beautiful black and red-figure vases, intricate jewelry, everyday household wares, and, most famously, a highly debated statue known as the Getty Kouros. The way the galleries are designed—often using natural light—allows the antiquities to be viewed beautifully, providing an immediate connection to the past. Gardens and Amenities The four distinct gardens—each styled after a different ancient Roman prototype—are delightful, offering tranquility and gorgeous photo opportunities. The Herb Garden is particularly fragrant and well-labeled. The museum is very visitor-friendly. General admission is always free (though a timed reservation is required), and the café offers reasonably priced and fresh food with a spectacular view of the amphitheater. The staff is knowledgeable and available for guided tours, which are highly recommended for understanding the context of the architecture and the art. Final Verdict The Getty Villa is more than a museum; it’s a beautifully realized piece of immersive architecture. It is an essential visit for anyone in the Los Angeles area, particularly those who appreciate ancient history, stunning views, and architectural grandeur. Plan to spend as much time outdoors enjoying the gardens and courtyards as you do inside the galleries. Tip: Book your free tickets well in advance, especially during peak season, and don't forget that parking requires a fee.

Visiting the Getty Villa is like stepping into another era—the museum perfectly captures the elegance and grandeur of ancient Rome and Greece. Every gallery is a treasure trove of meticulously preserved artifacts, from intricate sculptures to everyday objects that bring the ancient world to life. The attention to detail in both the collections and the villa itself makes the experience immersive and unforgettable. Walking through the gardens, surrounded by classical architecture and stunning ocean views, adds another layer of awe. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious, the Getty Villa offers a journey through antiquity that feels both intimate and monumental. Truly one of the finest museums for experiencing the beauty and sophistication of ancient civilizations.

The Getty Villa in Santa Monica is one of the better day-adventures we have done in the greater Los Angeles area. The cafe has good Mediterranean food at a decent price (yes, they have beer and wine, too), and the photo opportunities here were endless! If you dig ancient history, architecture, and relaxing environments, this is should be on your bucket list.

I came to this museum during an unplanned short trip. You can reserve your visit date and time on the museum's website and get a free ticket. I went by car, so the only cost was parking. It was a very charming and cute museum. I enjoyed the sculptures and paintings, and the beautiful, carefully-decorated courtyard was amazing. It's also a great place to stop by and relax after enjoying Malibu Beach.

We can say we walked the pier. It was a bit busy and there were people fishing. Enjoyed seeing the sights looking out from the end of the pier. We didn't go to the amusement park but the kids would really enjoy it i'm sure. Lots of places to eat and drink there.

The Santa Monica Pier is such an active and lively place — there’s always something going on! You’ll see people preaching the gospel, families grabbing food, crowds waiting in line for rides, and vendors selling everything from snacks to souvenirs. Toward the back of the pier, there’s even a store offering discounted Santa Monica merchandise, plus a restaurant that’s relatively affordable compared to other beachside spots. Before you even enter the pier, you’ll notice a cool boat and dragon display. When you step onto the boat and pedal, it makes mist come out of the dragon’s nose — super neat and a fun surprise for kids and adults alike! One thing to keep in mind: there are no foot-washing stations nearby. So if you spend time in the sand, just know your feet might stay sandy for a while. There’s also a workout area if you want to burn some energy or just enjoy the fun beach fitness vibes. Overall, this is definitely a full-day experience and a great spot for family fun. Lots to see, lots to do, and a classic California adventure! 🌊🎡🌴

The Heart of the California Coast! 🌴🎡🌊 Santa Monica Pier is one of those places that just never gets old. Every time I visit, it feels like a mini vacation the ocean breeze, the views, the lights, the music… everything about it gives that perfect California energy. The pier is beautifully maintained and super easy to get around. You can find everything right in one spot fun rides 🎢, games, great food, and of course, that breathtaking ocean view. The sunsets here are unreal watching the sky light up over the Pacific is something everyone should experience at least once. 🌅 What really stands out, though, is how welcoming the atmosphere is. The staff at the restaurants, shops, and attractions are always friendly and patient, even when it’s packed. You can tell the management keeps things running smoothly because the whole area feels organized and clean despite the constant crowd. There’s also something for everyone families, couples, solo travelers, or friends just hanging out. Whether you’re taking photos, grabbing funnel cake, riding the Ferris wheel, or just sitting by the water, it’s pure good vibes all around. Santa Monica Pier isn’t just a tourist stop it’s a full experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel happy and relaxed no matter how many times you’ve been. 🌊💙 Definitely a must visit when you’re in Los Angeles the energy here is unmatched! GTA 5 in real life

Santa Monica Pier was nice to see once, but nothing too special. It’s a classic boardwalk vibe, but if I had to choose between here and Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, I’d pick Rehoboth. We visited in November, so parking was easy and only $7. The water was cold, as expected that time of year, but it was still a beautiful, sunny day and a fun quick stop.

The Santa Monica Pier is one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal landmarks, offering a perfect blend of seaside fun, entertainment, and history. Extending into the Pacific Ocean at the end of Colorado Avenue, the pier features a lively amusement park with its famous solar-powered Ferris wheel, roller coaster, arcade, and classic carnival games. Visitors can enjoy oceanfront dining, street performances, and breathtaking sunset views over the water. Originally built in 1909, the pier has become a symbol of the laid-back California lifestyle and a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. With its vibrant atmosphere, ocean breezes, and timeless charm, the Santa Monica Pier captures the spirit of the Pacific coast.

Enjoyed a nice walk around the pier. Caught the walk before some rain, but that made for a cool breeze and minimal people. A few spots were open along rhe pier but nothing too exciting. All in all made for a good scenic view, a comfortable walk and a location visit checked off. Oh and apparently the seagulls dont mess around.... look at my picture of the seagulls ;p

Nice to walk around and lots of people from all backgrounds. We were entertained and were able to take lots of photos. Having Pacific Park in the pier was cool. We went there with an 8month old baby and found it a bit hard to navigate as pier itself is not pram-friendly and couldnt find any family rooms. If there were, I wish there was signage.

We went on a Sunday in late October. There were minimal lines to get on the rides and the weather was nice and cool. Got to ride all of the rides, enjoy the studio tour, have lunch, a few snacks, and enjoy our time together. We definitely will be back. Keep in mind that the park closes early during the Hollywood Horror Night season & that is a separate entrance fee.

PERFECT 2-Day Weekday Trip - We Did It ALL! Just got back from a fantastic 2-day trip to Universal Studios, and going on a weekday was the absolute best decision! The crowds were so much more manageable than on weekends. We were able to ride every single major attraction, some of them even two or three times without breaking a sweat. The attention to detail here is incredible. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (butterbeer is a must-try!) to the mind-blowing Studio Tour and the intense Jurassic World ride, every area was immersive and so much fun. The new Super Nintendo World is a total game-changer, it feels like you've literally jumped into the video game. If you can swing it, I 100% recommend the 2-day weekday strategy. It felt relaxed, we saw everything we wanted, and it was worth every single penny. An unforgettable experience!

It was great! We purchased the daily express pass, and within 6 hours, we completed all the rides, including the studio tour. We were a group of four, and we had a blast. We went on a Saturday. The park was not really busy, and the weather was fantastic (74°F). Even the parking was easy; we parked in the general parking area, which cost $35, and the walking distance was not bad. Of course, the whole cost of the day was high, but we had a lot of fun and no regrets.

Universal Studios is an incredibly fun and well-designed park with tons to enjoy. The rides are exciting, immersive, and full of great special effects—definitely a highlight of the visit. The themed areas are impressive, and it’s easy to spend the whole day exploring without getting bored. The only downsides are the long lines during peak hours and the higher prices for food and drinks, which can add up quickly. Even so, the overall experience is fantastic. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is lively, and the park offers something for all ages.

Amazing place for a full day of fun! The rides, shows, and movie sets are exciting and entertaining for all ages. The staff is friendly, the park is clean, and every visit feels like a new adventure. Highly recommend for families and tourists!

A great park. A lot of fun to visit. The wizarding world is fun if you're into Harry Potter, and the whole park has some great rides. My son loved Nintendo world. He had a great time on the Mario Kart ride, and we got him a power band so he could play all the interactive stuff. I really enjoyed the backlot tour, and seeing some of the sets and locations from Hollywood History. Overall, this was a one-day park for our family. We had a fun day, and we enjoyed it, but more than one day would have been too much. Be warned that you should check the hours before you visit. Some days it opens at 8, some days it opens at 10.

This place has grown since i last visited and all for the better. So worth the price of admission and can't wait to go back. The Simpsons, Harry Potter, Nintendo, Transformers, Jurassic World; where can ya go wrong? Harry Potter and Nintendo was the highlights attractions and loads of time could be spend there. Can't wait to see the new coaster in play, looks amazing!

Definitely needs to be cleaned. One of the areas that we stopped by was smelling like pee. The stars also looked like they were being maintained. It seems like the stars around the Chinese theater is well taken care of but the rest are ignored. Over it was trying to find the classic ones.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an iconic and unforgettable experience that beautifully captures the magic and legacy of the entertainment world. Strolling along Hollywood Boulevard, you’re surrounded by history — each star represents the achievements of legendary artists, actors, musicians, and filmmakers who have shaped global culture. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of life, with street performers, shops, and cafes adding to the excitement. It’s amazing to spot your favorite celebrities’ stars and take memorable photos along the way. The area is well-maintained and easy to explore, especially near the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre. Whether you’re a movie lover, a first-time visitor, or simply curious about Hollywood’s history, the Walk of Fame offers a fun, inspiring, and truly iconic experience. It’s a must-see attraction that celebrates the timeless spirit and creativity of the entertainment capital of the world.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is definitely something worth seeing at least once! It’s fun spotting all the different stars and realizing how many famous names you recognize. There’s always a lot of energy, street performers, and interesting people watching, which makes it a unique experience. Parking can be a little tricky, especially on busy days or weekends, but if you’re patient you can usually find a spot in one of the nearby lots or side streets. I’d also recommend looking up the exact address of any specific celebrity’s star you want to see before you go — the Walk stretches for quite a few blocks, and this makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for. Overall, it’s a fun piece of Hollywood history and a great stop if you’re visiting LA!

Have been several times but just recently went for the first time in 17 years. Still as entertaining as ever. Especially people watching. Went to Hard Rock Cafe and had a couple martini’s, loved the ambiance

Los Angeles feels like a city stitched from sunlight and ambition. Walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you can almost hear the stars beneath your feet whispering their old stories. The air smells of palms, ocean breeze, and something unmistakably cinematic. Everything here moves fast, loud, and full of restless energy — as if every corner dares you to dream bigger. LA isn’t perfect, but that’s part of its charm. It’s dazzling, gritty, creative, and endlessly alive — a place that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than itself.

Unfortunately, the place is so run down. Filled with street vendors, litter, and souvenir shops. Has not been upkept well and has lost the gleam and shine of what Hollywood walk once used to be. Depressing. Give it a miss

It was amazing I seen stars from my childhood to 2Pac to today’s stars I found Luther Vandross. Be ready to walk, walking shoes is needed. They are bars along the way. You’ll find good parking on Vine St.

An absolute must-see in LA! We visited on a clear weekday afternoon and it was an unforgettable experience. The views of the Hollywood Sign and the sprawling LA basin are simply breathtaking, definitely bring your camera! We explored the free exhibits inside which were both fun and educational, perfect for all ages. But the real highlight was staying until sunset. Watching the city lights begin to twinkle on as the sky turned orange was pure magic. The atmosphere was so peaceful, with everyone just soaking in the incredible scenery. The best part? Admission to the grounds and exhibits is free, which is amazing for a landmark of this caliber. Parking can be a bit tricky, but it's absolutely worth the effort, you can also choose public transit to get there! Whether you're a tourist or a local, the Griffith Observatory offers a perfect blend of science, nature, and iconic views. A true Los Angeles gem!

The view was beautiful from the roof of the observatory. You can see the whole city of Los Angeles as well as the Hollywood sign on the mountain. There is a telescope structure that you can carry in with no charge. You can see the telescope inside, and the roof of that telescope structure can spin, so the telescope goes through the whole roof, which is really cool. I would suggest walking around the rooftop and having a good look at that mountain and also the city from above. The weather is good. You can also see the downtown Los Angeles from far away. Transportation is simple. You can either drive there and pay $10 for car parking, or take a bus.

I visited the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, and it was an incredible experience! The view from the terrace is absolutely stunning — you can see the entire city skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and on a clear night, a sky full of stars. Inside, the giant pendulum is mesmerizing to watch as it marks the Earth’s rotation, and the telescopes are a real highlight — especially the public telescope on the rooftop, where you can see the moon and planets up close. The exhibits are fascinating, the atmosphere is inspiring, and the sunset view is unforgettable. A must-visit landmark for anyone exploring LA!

After living in LA for 9+ years I've finally decided to go inside this building. I had always view this place as a tourist trap; was I right? Yes. But it has its charms. The view of La is amazing. This place is filled with international tourists. The line to the main telescope is very long and may or may not worth the wait. The parking situation during peak is incredibly bad. Highly recommend to park below and hike up if you don't mind a bit exercise. Great place to take a date.

In my almost 7 years of living here in SoCal (moved from Florida in March of 2019), I've had the pleasure of witnessing the splendor of this great Observatory in person several times (at least 3 or 4 times). If it's your first time checking it out, your best bet is to undertake the Ferndell Nature Trail (you can Google Map that name, or you can also put 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Hollywood, CA and you should be able to have the precise address on where to drive to). Entering Griffith Park from the south corner of Los Feliz Blvd and Fern Dell Drive will give you plenty of street parking options. Then the actual trail is about 1/4 of a mile up (sloped on certain areas) and 1/4 of a LOT EASIER mile down (sloped down, so gravity helps a lot). Griffith Observatory has a lot of free Exhibits, including the Foucault pendulum, a Tesla Coil, and several Halls displaying how telescopes work, how they have progressed over the years, technology-wise, and lots of exhibits about celestial skies. It's an incredibly rich and fulfilling experience, especially if you have family in town and want to show them one of the highlights of L.A. This observatory was also featured in Rebel Without A Cause, so a bust in honor of James Dean is on the West side of the observatory. 10/10 experience. Will definitely be back.

We were visiting LA for the first time this summer and this was on our list of main attractions. Some say the views are what makes this place a destination to visit, I would say its because of GTA V. Anyways, glad we came, super busy and packed (as expected). We visited towards the evening to catch the sunset. Parking can definitely be a hassle but we got lucky and found a spot in the parking located at this location. We werent sure if food was allowed but it appears people take food an have picnics. Not sure if thats allowed or they just don't tell you anything (and it's not allowed). Anyways, recommend coming here if you are a tourist, and locals should be proud they have such nice locations to go on a date or simply to catch views of the city.

It was amazing place for adults and children. And free!!! You will see very much model sytem related with universe such as seasons, solar sytem order and their speed… Btw you can see a real telescope at the roof but you will probably wait al least 20-30 min. And of the story you can see amazing LA view at night. Some exhibits need extra payment but most of the area visiting is free. You give at least half day for this place.

View and ride up was spectacular. Did a 2 mile hike. Be aware it's much colder up there than where you park. After our hike the tram had electrical issues. Luckily we weren't stuck on it. It was down for several hours. Luckily it was back online that evening to take us down.

The tram is a fun experience and lifts you 8500 feet above the desert to a much cooler environment. We hiked to the summit of San Jacinto. We moved fast but if you are going to hike be prepared with water and some food. Also be prepared to scramble up some boulders at the summit! The mountains are covered with a forest providing some shade. Wear good shoes for hiking

This was an awesome experience, and Gil, our tram operator, was fantastic. My friend was having issues with vertigo, and he handled it wonderfully. There was music playing, the view was magnificent, and even though it was quite a bit colder up top, the views made it more than worth it. The dine option with the ticket was okay. The food was basic, but for a few dollars more, it's good. I have a milk allergy, so I was unable to get the mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or lasagna, but they had chicken. It had a good flavor, but was very dry. The veggies & salad were pretty tasty, and the potatoes were just OK. No rave reviews, but for the price okay. Overall, with the tram, hike, ambiance, and friendly staff, I would definitely recommend trying this.

The experience was excellent. There was no wind to speak of and the ride was super smooth going both ways, but steep and perhaps no ideal for people who are sensitive to heights. The views in the car and ontop of the mountain are spectacular. The food was well above average. The hike opportunities are nice and not very strenuous, although the high altitude and the thinner air will exert your body disproportionally. Would recommend the ride to anyone who is not fazed by heights.

I went on a business meeting and had one spare day so decided to and see the tramway. It was an amazing experience specially that tramway rotate while climbing using wires and pulley. Huge difference in temperature on top of the hill so always bring a good jacket. Ticket was 35 USD, but you have to wait minimum 1 hour. There is no public transportation so us UBER.

What an incredible experience. The tram ride itself was fun. Parking is designated. The place is clean and well maintained. And the staff were all great. The hike and views in the area is easy even kids enjoyed.

This is a must do in Palm Springs. The tram has a rotating floor that continuously rotates which gives you a 360⁰ view. If you have a fear of heights, stay towards the middle of the tram and away from the windows! Once you make it to the top, there are restrooms and a restaurant available. The temperature is significantly cooler than at the bottom of the mountain. There are several overlook spots offering great photo opportunities!

Don Laughlin was an avid car collector and anyone who appreciates classic cars will enjoy visiting this place. There are plenty of classics from the 50’s and 60’s and rides that go as far back as the early 1900’s. Some of the vehicles have considerable history as mentioned on the plaques. Everything in here was well organized and cared for. It was a nice, quiet area to get away from the flashing lights and noise of the casinos.

Free with the players card. Regularly five dollars. You can see Don Laughlin‘s personal Rolls-Royce ghost on display and several other cars, motorcycles and other things somewhere his others were donated or on loan a really great collection and a beautiful setting.

This place completely blew my mind! They have vehicles I’ve never even heard of. My son loved it! Totally recommend it! This is one of very few cool things to do in Laughlin. Trust me!

Kent, thank you!!! 💯 all the way on answering my questions and giving me some good info on the cars and what it takes to keep these beauties nice! Very clean, great staff and some really cool cars! Check out for yourself! 👍😁

$5 entry fee worth every cent. Many awesome classic cars!

Phenomenal cars on display. I fancy myself a car person, but he had cars in there that I have never even heard of. Teared up a little reading the 911 Memorial Car. Fell in love all over again seeing the Corvette's from the 60's. Just so many beautiful American machines. The staff here were so great. They let you know that you are allowed to take plenty of pictures, the answer all questions you have, and we had a lot, lol

Beautiful collection of maliciously curated classics. Wonder ful job. Worth the visit. If your a motor head and in the area, take the time and appreciate this fine collection. Takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much you read and drool. 😆 A+

It was my first time there. The photos of the London Bridge that I've seen make it look bigger then it actually is. But a nice spot for dining out with friends. And if you enjoy water sports its great for that. I don't know if I would make a special trip. If I would go again, I would stay overnight by the water so if I had a few drinks I wasn't driving.

So very very touristy, carnival like atmosphere. Even has cotton candy and dippin' dots vendors. Plenty of junk food options. The actual bridge is pretty cool, and the setting is nice, great for kids and people of all ages, this is the quintessential American tourist trap.

Loved seeing this bridge again. The last time was 40 years ago and how things have grown. Well worth the side trip. The museum tells it all and great items to buy.

Wish I could have seen it at night all lit up. Limited time to enjoy. Up there on business. Just played tourist and crossed over and back. Took less than 20min with taking sev pics but it was a fun way to take my lunch break.

Decided to make the trip out to the London Bridge at night and it was so worth it! Very pretty at night and not as hot to walk around the little village. We were able to cruise around the bridge, check out the old bullet holes. Super cool!

Our tour of Lake Havasu on board of the Dixie Belle was magnificent. What a great view of the bridge at dusk! No lightning at night, make sure you have a light to see.

We had to add this to our trip mainly because it was on my bucket list. My wife as unaware of the significance of Lake Havasu but was thrilled about the town the shops and the bridge. She was so intrigued she watched the video and look a all the display photos And walked the bridge twice to soak in both views. We shopped, dined, and to many photos. But we need to return. I can't believe I forgot to drive over the bridge. Just a beautiful little community. Everyone was smiling. Especially us.

If you’re in Vegas and you want to make a day trip to the Grand Canyon this is perfect. It took us about two hours to drive there and the cost for the skywalk and the general admission was about $60. That might seem a bit steep but I can tell you that I felt it was worth it. Though I was scared to death to walk around the skywalk I was blown away by the incredible views of the Grand Canyon. I would suggest this place as a day trip for anybody that doesn’t have time to make the 4 Hour Dr. to the actual park.

No hours posted or if it is open

Great place to visit

Skywalk at Grand Canyon West I recently visited the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, and overall, the experience was disappointing. While mobile phones are allowed, the professional photographers stationed along the Skywalk tend to block the best viewing spots, making it hard to enjoy the view or take your own photos freely. It felt more like a sales setup than a scenic experience , with constant pressure to step aside so they can take photos to sell you later. The Skywalk itself is much smaller than expected, and although the view is nice, it's not significantly better than other areas of the canyon that are free and far less commercialized. For the high ticket price, I expected something more immersive and less restricted. Crowds, limited time on the platform, and overall poor value made this a low point in an otherwise amazing Grand Canyon trip. If you're planning to visit, I’d recommend skipping the Skywalk and heading to the South Rim or other less tourist-heavy viewpoints, you’ll get better views, more freedom, and a more authentic connection with the canyon.

Absolutely breathtaking experience! The Skywalk at Grand Canyon West was unreal — totally worth the trip. They give you slippers to put on before you enter the skywalk. Standing on that glass bridge and looking straight down into the canyon is wild… it honestly feels like you’re floating in the sky! Even if ur afraid of heights, by the time you go around the 3rd time(15 min allowed for each time), it’s not so scary and is even thrilling! The views are beyond words — endless layers of red rock, the Colorado River running through, and this peaceful, powerful energy all around. I spent a few hours exploring the area — there are great photo spots everywhere, places to sit and take it all in, and the staff were super friendly and helpful. Everything felt really organized, and the whole experience was smooth. I’d 100% recommend going early because the light hits the canyon in the most magical way. It’s one of those bucket-list places you just have to see in person — no photo can do it justice! The skywalk closes at 5 pm, so there’s really no chance of seeing the sunset, unless it’s deep into winter, but hopefully soon, they will extend the hours. Free parking on site.

I enjoyed the skywalk! It was interactive and more fun than I thought it would be. I went early AM on a Sunday and the crew working at that time was very laidback. Everyone was allowed to take pictures and the camera crew didn’t force their services on anyone unless they asked. I would definitely suggest going early if you can and going offseason. I went in mid-October. It was nice because I felt like I had some parks of the canyon to myself! Not sure if it would be something I’d ever do again just due to cost and time restrictions, but I do think it’s worth checking out at least once! It was pretty close to Vegas. I drove out in the early AM and I would estimate it’s a half day trip if you start somewhat early.

I’ve always wanted to visit GCW since the Skywalk opened and finally got there today and it was an amazing experience. Awesome views of the canyon from around the property and directly down some 3,000’ below along on the Skywalk loop. The Skywalk is a cantilever design with nothing supporting it underneath as it hangs precariously over the canyon edge. There are also authentically correct replicas of several different Indian homes from different Tribes indigenous to this area of the Grand Canyon. There also locals selling jewelry, a snack shop; dancers; restaurant, and gift shop. PS: Some trails can be rugged…

100% worth a visit... Very well run, clean throughout and all staff are super friendly. Stunning photo opportunities of the Grand Canyon West, Eagle Point and the Skybridge

So amazing!!! To be walking on glass almost a mile over the Grand Canyon floor is amazing. The only negative about visiting here and Guano Point was that it cost 100 dollars plus taxes a person. But worth doing it once. The views are amazing and worth it. As I have recommended on the other stop, I would go in the late fall or early spring. It was so hot when we visited in the summer. Staff is very kind. The shuttle comes every few mins so it’s very easy navigating around.

Breath taking views from both Eagle point (skywalk) and Guano point. It is a long drive down a single lane highway which is poorly sign posted. You can purchase your ticket 🎟 at the gate. All access pass is about $100 USD and will give access to Skywalk and Zip lining. Well worth the trip, suitable for all ages.