What an incredibly wonderful secret, hidden in plain sight. I’ve loved four miles away from the Elkhorn Slough Reserve for over fifty years and have never stepped foot inside. Why did I wait? Why did I waste so many precious years not enjoying the beauty and serenity? I’ll never know. But I am so glad that today, I decided to take my three year old toddler out for a walk to burn some energy. Burn some, we did. If you’re just into fresh air and exercise, you’ll love it. If you’re I to bird watching or nature photography, you’ll love it. If you want to learn about the Slough’s ecosystem and animals, you’ll love it. If you’re allergic to beauty and awe, you’ll hate it. Sincerely, I’m not even sure I want to post this review because I’d love for this absolutely 100% free hidden jewel remains so. But God didn’t make beauty like this for just a handful of people to enjoy. There are picnic areas and even restrooms along the trails. So there’s no excuse not to make your day better and visit Elkhorn Slough Reserve.

Great spot for an easy walk to see some wildlife. There are many ticks, so be sure to wear long pants and bring bug repellent. The visitor center has a public restroom and very informational.

A quaint place and definitely hidden gem. Walking trails are fairly easy and the views are great! Staff was friendly and the park is fairly clean. Lots of wildlife and not a lot of people (just the way we like it 😊)

Take the safari boat tour! Its fantastic! Seals, harbor seals, and otters! We saw 31 species of birds! Don’t miss this opportunity! Its so much fun and the Guide is awesome and naturalist is very informative! Its worth the cost to see so much in natural habitat !!

Returned again to check out some of the other trails, and down to the water's 💦 edge. Enjoyed the peaceful walk. Very nice Slough, not crowded and easy trails. Went at low tide, lots of birds at a distance. Will be back to check out other trails and high tide perspective.

Amazing trip to the slough highlighted by the sea otters, sea lions, pelicans, cormorant, and other assorted water fowl. The weather was perfect and our guides knowledgeable.

Great place to hike! There are a couple of different trails with different sights and animals. See the park's website for the different sights. We did the South Marsh Loop Trail and highly recommend it! We did it clockwise and stopped by Hummingbird Island. Most of the trail is stroller friendly, apart from the train tracks and stairs by Hummingbird Island. The north side of trail is not shaded but the south side is mostly shaded. There is a slight elevation change at the beginning and end of the loop.

My son and I totally enjoyed the trip. Excited to see otters, seals, “piles” of noisy sea lions, and so many birds. John the naturalist and captain Roberta were very knowledgeable and amiable. Hot chocolate with oatmeal cookie on boat was an extra delights! Highly recommended!

I love marine wildlife and especially whale watching but my mom not so much. The boat and swells are to intense for her. The Elkhorn Slough Safari was a perfect slow and relaxing cruise for her and I, it also created a new way for both of us to appreciate the beauty of the marine ecosystem. We both loved the tour and were ecstatic to see 20+ sea otters on our tour and tons of harbor seals. Our naturalist John was also very informative and fun to engage with. I can't wait for the next time we visit the area because the Elkhorn Slough Safari is a must and we will be more than happy to experience it again.

My husband and I had the pleasure of being a part of the Elkhorn Slough Safari this past weekend for my 62 birthday. This was our third time on the Safari over the past ten years but this tour was Sea Otter focused and it did not disappoint. The tour is fantastic, the boat is so comfortable and accommodating. The boat captain is wonderful as was the talented and highly educated Marine Naturalist. We highly recommend this tour and the wonderful company that runs it!!

Had a fantastic time on a slough safari, took thousands of photos during the two hours , tons of otters, cormorants, sea lions and other wildlife. The naturalist on board was funny and informative and had a great rapport with the driver and guests, the driver was clearly having a good time too.

I can’t recommend this safari enough. This is a must for anyone visiting the area and who enjoys wildlife. My son said all he wanted to do is see otters on our vacation. Well this safari is the place to see them. The wildlife is abundant on this safari. The Elkhorn Slough Safari staff were exceptional and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend for kids and adults alike.

Best way to see and photograph the otters and birds in the slough. Comfortable ride in the pontoon boat. Naturalist and driver point out all the wildlife and get as close as possible. Even serve hot drinks and cookies. Great trip.

Great tour with our guide Zane. We booked the 1 ½ hour safari and the crew worked hard at describing to us all the nature in the Slough. Sea Lions, seals, otters, and a million types of birds. Zane was always very informative and answering question as the guests inquired. The captain would slow the boat down so everyone on board, had a chance to view the sighting being discussed. The Safari is on a small open catamaran, so everyone has a good view! We are in the bay, so there is only a little rocking. There is no roof, so bring a hat. They supply binoculars (one per each two-person bench seat). Also, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies were provided. Since this was a midday cruise, it was a little too warm for us to try, but it would have been perfect for a evening or cooler day trip.

Absolutely incredible! Went out at 11:30am one day and decided to join the next day at 8am because it was such a great trip. The crew is fantastic and gets you the best experience possible. The first day we saw a baby breach right next to us and the second day we had a group of 9 whales feeding together including a few mom and calf pairs. I definitely recommend!

Whale watching with sanctuary has been the best summer experience ever! We’ve been there 3 times and each time we got to see very active humpbacks jumping, breaching, or lunge feeding! The crew is a dream local team. Chase is a marine biologist and wildlife photographer, and he knows the best angles to take photos or videos of these amazing mammals; Captain Joey is very experienced, and he knows whales so well that he can always get us to see the most cooperative and active ones! Unlike big tours that have many passengers and can be quite standardized, Sanctuary offers intimate and unique experiences. This has been an amazing summer and we will definitely come back whenever we can! For photographers, Sanctuary offers customized workshops in the fall with limited seating. Don’t miss it!

We went out with Sanctuary Cruises on a late morning whale watching tour in mid-July 2025, and it was absolutely unforgettable. The tour lasted almost four hours and was worth every minute. Our guide, Chase, was fantastic—super knowledgeable, passionate about marine life, and made the entire experience engaging from start to finish. We were lucky enough to see around 15 humpback whales, including a mother and her calf, which was such a special moment. We also saw about 10 Risso’s dolphins cruising through the water. The boat was comfortable and not overcrowded, which made it easy to move around and get great views from every angle. Snacks available for purchase on board plus a bathroom. This was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip to Monterey Bay. If you’re considering a whale watching tour, Sanctuary Cruises is the way to go. We’ll definitely be back!

I attended the cruise on July 4th (11:30 am). The conditions were a (little) rough but manageable. The crew was easy-going, entertaining and customer oriented. I learned a lot about whales. But most important they know the area and got us to pretty good spots. We spent 3h on the water and saw lots of whale activity. All in all it was a very nice experience.

My husband and i came out for our 1 year wedding anniversary. We loved it so much Saturday morning, we came back today. Chase and the team are passionate about the animals, and care about your experience. Thanks team. Until next time!

Captain Joey is amazing! He knows just where to go to make the experience epic for everyone! Seeing the Risso Dolphins was super awesome, the Orcas where breath taking and the Humpbacks were absolutely incredible!!

My dad absolutely loves whale watching and ever since I moved to the Monterey Peninsula, we've gone whale watching with Sanctuary almost every year for the last 5-6 years. They're really professional, really knowledgeable and we've always gotten some good whale sightings in. We also used their personal charter services to lay my Aunt to rest at sea. They will forever have a special place in my heart and that of my family.

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!!

Our experience was so wonderful! We loved every second of it!! The crew were super nice and knowledgeable about the wildlife and so I learned a ton!! The crew also made sure we were all following safety rules which made us feel safe just in general. I felt like we were in good hands as the crew were very confident. One of the crew members came by and talked to every passenger and I thought that was super classy. The other gentleman was super kind yoo!! It made us feel that they really care. I would recommend your services to anyone, hands down. Thank you for the ability to see my favorite animals in the world, and for helping with my reservation snafu without any trouble. That was greatly appreciated!! Thanks again for a really great time enjoying the ocean with my family!

First of all, I would like to say the whale-watching tour was awesome. Orcas, Humpback Whales, sea lions were all spotted in one tour. The captain took us to watch how orca pod practice hunting for fish nearby. Then the boat drove further offshore for the humpback whales. Meanwhile, a group of sea lions swiftly swam away afar maybe due to the proximity of the orcas. Chris, our tour guide, not only provided educational fact on these beautiful creatures but also promptly point out where the whales popped out of water. We were also lucky enough to observe a jumping humpback whale but it was too quick to be captured on camera. Beside the tour, their customer service is also very efficient and friendly. I double-booked accidentally the tour via Groupon and a regular payment. They quickly issued a refund for the regular payment. I would highly recommend a tour with Sea Goddess if this is your first time to visit Monterey Bay for whale watching. And I already look forward to another tour in the future with them for great white sharks.

Excellent experience. Emily ~ one of the naturalists was fabulous. She spent a good amount of time with us and other guests answering questions and sharing information. Saw some whales and seals. Maybe a bit decreased post tsunami warning … cool and cloudy out. Overall a great trip. Checkin seamless. Look for Groupon rates!

Lots of big humpback whales. Saw a breach and a tail flip. First in over 2 weeks according to the guide. Covered boat with two restrooms. Bit rocky so if you are prone to seasickness then be aware. The upper deck was closed for some reason. Private party or did we miss that option? Traffic there from the Bay Area was a mess on Labor Day Sunday. Took twice as long as usual.

Hands down one of the most informative and interesting experiences while visiting family in monterrey. Recommend booking in advance and getting there early for parking and bring a jacket. Although sunny, in the water its very cold.

We had an amazing experience whale watching! The wildlife absolutely spoiled us with incredible sightings. The crew was energetic, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. They hey made the entire trip even more enjoyable. They were always ready to answer questions and shared fascinating facts along the way. Truly a memorable and breathtaking adventure! Some of the animals we saw on this trip were Orcas and humpbacks.

We had a wonderful time on the boat. The guide was knowledgable and the crew was friendly. It was was am amazing day!!

As someone who loves shopping, I was really looking forward to visiting the Gilroy Outlets. With three separate shopping areas and a wide variety of stores, there’s definitely potential for a great shopping experience especially if you're looking for good deals. However, a few things made the visit frustrating. I was disappointed to see that most of the stores had signs saying “no public restrooms,” and unfortunately, none were available throughout any of the outlet sections. It became a hassle to leave the shopping area just to find a restroom at a nearby fast food place. Another issue was the limited store hours. Opening at 12 p.m. and closing by 6 p.m. just doesn’t feel reasonable, especially when there are long lines to try things on or check out. Extending the hours would really help, particularly for weekend visitors and out-of-town shoppers who want to make the most of their trip. I also noticed a lack of visible security throughout all three sections of the outlets. With how busy it can get, having a stronger security presence would help shoppers feel safer and more comfortable. Lastly, I wish there were more dining options nearby. After hours of shopping, it would be great to have convenient places to eat without having to leave the area entirely. Overall, while the Gilroy Outlets offer a wide range of stores and deals, the experience could be improved with better amenities, longer hours, visible security, and more food choices.

Shopping so close to home is perfect! A few favorites are Lululemon, Converse and Coach stores. I treat myself to a road trip 1-2 times a month!

We all know buying at renowned outlets is the way to go to save money. This place has everything you need and then some, always at great prices. All kinds of food near. Spend a whole day there. You won't regret it.

Something for everyone. Shopping is in 3 large sections, so you can stroll for hours. Public restrooms. Some restaurants. Loads of free parking.

@Columbia So, I love a good deal as much as the next girl, but this visit? Not it. From the second I walked in; the energy was off. I felt WATCHED instead of WELCOMED, which if I'm being honest, killed my shopping mood. As if that wasn't enough, my card decided to act up at the checkout (love that for me lol), so cue me feeling even more stressed and awkward as the same employee that was following my partner & I was hovering. That being said, everyone has their days, but I did want to drop a gentle PSA for retail folks: customers can feel when we're being treated as problem instead of a person. Maybe next time, less surveillance energy, and a little more "Hey, how's your day going?"

Gilroy outlets definitely changed over the years, not as much selections as they used to as far as options in the stores they have. Other than that its still a good time to go out and enjoy time with family.

Definitely a place to visit when around. It easily takes a day to Rome around. There are 145 Brand outlets spread across this area. Lookout for a deal over there portal so you can avoid so much walking but then miss the deal in the next brand. They have huge parking space spread across the premises so just look for around if you even don't find instantly. They have public toilet, look for the Guide board for one nearest to you.

We had a good time today with family at Gilroy Gardens. The trees and focus on nature and food is great. The landscaping is beautiful. They have a couple different water play areas one more for toddlers, another for bigger kids. It's ideal for little kids through day 10-12 years. They have swan boats and a train that runs around the perimeter. Unfortunately, some of the rides weren't working. Still we had a good time and will be back again for a couple more days.

Buy Tickets in Advance! Went for the Boo Bash. It was fun and they did a good job decorating and the theme of Halloween. Fires are for 6 and under. Lots of the same ride style but repurposed. Great price if you live in the area and do the annual pass. Food choices are a little sparse. It they do include Chick Fil A. The water park was closed but looked like it would be great for young families.

We went to Glory Garden during the Halloween season, so it was even more fun! There were a few designated spots for Trick or Treating, and the kids had such a great time with just that!

We used our Great America Gold pass to go to the Big Boo. You need to reserve your Boo ticket online using your Gold Pass on Gilroy Gardens website. There were about 8 candy stations and several shows to watch. The candy stations gave out 1-5 pieces of candy each and had 0-5 kids in line. The lines were very short for rides. We got dinner around 5pm and the wait was really long at Castroville corners. Plenty of tables! We will come again when it’s not raining.

It was a great experience visiting the park with my 3 years old. It was a Halloween evening and the park had a complete vibe of it. Loved the rides (carousel, Strawberry ride, banana ride, train, pumpkin patch, Hotair balloon ride and many). Time just flew by and we couldn’t complete everything in this first visit, but had good time. Will come back soon. Plenty of parking. First stop is parking ticket, then after you park, it’s the entry ticket booth, after crossing that there is a security check and then it’s all fun stuff. The souvenir store is near the exit and had some good stuff. I felt there is not many food options inside the park.

Such great family fun. The park is awesome and I love seeing the same familiar faces when I bring my son here. He likes to bug the ride operators and ask them how everything works. Often times they know the answers to his questions which are pretty elaborate for an eight year old. I recommend getting a season pass because that's what we've always had and it just seems worth it especially since I live in Gilroy. The employees went above and beyond to help me locate my son's friend who has a bad habit of slipping away and hiding as a "joke". The employees handled it quickly and I spoke with a couple of men who work to keep the rides going, they are the real backbone of this park. I always fascinate over how such a large place can operate so smoothly. I can't stand the big amusement parks like Disney. This is a real non profit and education is around every corner if that is what you seek! Big shout out to Jess who saved my new iPhone last year when it slipped from my hand on timber twister AND Jess, once again saved the day when we got stuck on sky trail I was nervous and he quickly calmed me and had us off the ride in a jiffy! I buy all my friends and family with children tickets every year. I love that my kids get to grow with this as their big treat several times a year. Even better that is basically in our back yard! Thanks GG and team. You guys are pros and rock! Thanks for keeping the children safe and smiling!! P. S. Christmas is my favorite time of year at the park, summer can get sooooo hot, it's a good thing they added the water features for summer time!! I loved ice skating with my kids for their and our first times trying to ice skate!!

This place was a blast! We went for the pumpkin patch, but there was so much more. Great corn maze, great food, cider was good, and the haunted house was genuinely wonderful! Excellent spot for a family day, but make sure you do your waivers prior to going!

Beautiful views, clean trails and campsites, knowledgeable staff!Backpacked overnight for the first time. About 7 hrs round trip hiking to and from China Hole for me. Awesome manzanita groves. Saw frogs, deer, quail, woodpeckers, poison oak, vulture, and a red and black bug but can't figure out the name. Perfect temp swimmable water there (July '25) but getting more murky. Nights get pretty cold, even in peak July.

An incredibly beautiful park well worth the drive up in a car or truck for hiking or tent camping. Hikes take you all over through forests and wheat fields from the old COE Homestead with tons of wildlife because there is a no dog policy. Dogs terrify wildlife and they are not allowed on the trails. In the campground there are primitive campsites some with a built shade arbor (that allow dogs on leash), very few that are level. In addition there are many beautiful primitive walk in sites and quite a few backpackers on the weekend. What this all means is tons of wildlife, no generators, dark skies full of stars and birds in the morning. Manny and John were a wealth of knowledge, really appreciate the time and information they imparted. Last thing is be very careful and slow on the road going up there is a lot of wildlife. Saw one large accident, hoping no one was injured.

Henry Coe State Park is an excellent destination for day hikes or overnight camping. It offers over 250 miles of trails and old ranch roads suitable for all seasons. Hikers can choose from various routes, from easy 1.5-mile loops featuring minimal elevation changes to more challenging backpacking loops exceeding 50 miles. We completed several trails here. We hiked the 15-mile Mount Sizer Loop with about 3,500 foot elevation gain that took us almost 7 hours to finish. If you are going there, get ready to tackle rivers along the way, with water levels reaching up to your knees in some areas and even your bellybutton in others. But don't worry, the water isn't freezing cold 😀. Recently, we explored the 9.5-mile Wilson Peak Loop on our recent trip, which we completed in 3.5 hours. Both trails were sun-open, had no shadow, but were well-maintained and were well marked. Still, it is a great idea to carry a paper map due to limited cell service in the area. Be prepared for steep sections along certain trails. During our hikes, we observed a variety of wildlife, including a bobcat, a coyote, and a tarantula. We also spotted numerous bird species, such as California quail, acorn woodpeckers, and wild turkeys. The Coe Ranch Main Entrance has a visitor center for parking where credit card payments are accepted. Alternatively, the Hunting Hollow entrance requires a $6 cash payment through a self-registration envelope system.

It was a cloudy and cold day in the Southern Bay Area, so we decided to go hiking. When we drove up the mountain, the sun was shining brightly, and the mountains in the distance were shrouded in clouds and mist. It looked very beautiful. We had a wonderful afternoon hiking here, and it was very relaxing. We like it here.

3 day/2 night backpacking trip. It was unseasonably cool for a late July weekend. Set camp at Skeels Meadow both nights. Very serene stay. Lots of water at Coyote Creek and at all springs along the way. Summitted Mt. Sizer late AM and it was already quite hot. Coe seems to prefer long, steep slopes over switchbacks in the north-western part of the park so get good at the stairmaster. All in all it was a great trip.

Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails. At all. Signs posted everywhere, no dogs. Dogs disrupt nature. "Karen's" in the parking lot reminding you of the rules. Fences everywhere. No trespassing signs everywhere. No parking signs everywhere. Itr beautiful but not very welcoming. After making the long journey to get there. Mucho disappointed.

We did a hike from the visitor center to frog lake. Secluded trail. Frog lake is quiet and peaceful. We saw frogs , wood peckers and butterflies along the lake. Very nice hike in the fall season.

Great experience! It had one of the cleanest restrooms and showers in a public campsite. We stayed there for two nights, and the employee's were helpful and friendly. However, some campers did not respect the 10 PM - 7 AM quiet policy, and music played until 2 AM. The campsite was conveniently located near the walking path to the waterfall. We had a great time, but not much sleep.

Gorgeous trails! Reservations are required but because we were there during a slow season, we were able to make our reservation and pay for parking online when we arrived. Restroom facilities are very clean and there are lots of trails depending on what you’re looking for. We opted for the 1 mile loop waterfall trail however the posts weren’t always clearly marked so unfortunately we ended up on a different trail. Nevertheless, the trails are well maintained and there is no shortage of wonderful things to see.

We have been coming here for many years and were surprised on our last trip to learn you needed to book a reservation online in advance. Still, this is a favorite out of the way park with great hiking and beautiful waterfalls in the rainy season. Uvas Canyon is well suited for families as well as avid hikers. It may be too challenging for people mobility issues. During the winter rains the waterfalls make this a 5 star park, maybe 4 stars in the dry season. Hikes range from fairly easy with some elevation changes to moderately difficult with extended sections of steeper climbing.

We believed the reviews and came here. There are quite steep slopes to reach the waterfalls, and contrary to the pictures, there isn't much water, making swimming difficult. I searched for hours and finally found a small pool, but it was difficult to reach. You'll see reservation signs along the way before arriving here. Don't be fooled; reservations are made at the entrance; the staff is helpful. The first parking lot to the right of the entrance is for day visitors; the others are for campers. It's not worth it if you're coming from afar. It's one of those classic parks you can find anywhere. If there's water, they'll definitely charge you a fee. The entrance fee is $6 for a standard car.

Timed entry reservation seems to be working well. There was no need for circling around looking for parking spots. The hike was also pretty nice, first section runs along the creek with several water falls along the route, easy access for all, some families bathing in the water falls. Later section climb up the hills, which will get a bit strenuous but as elevation gains, there will be occasional view down below.

You need advance parking pass purchase online. It is $6 for a car and it is timed for an entry hour. The hike is great. Not too long or strenuous. Nice water stream running next to you and you keep hearing the water. Additionally there is shade so the sun doesn't bother much. Very clean and well maintained.

The hike was beautiful. The street close to the park was not well maintained and had several pot holes. So be careful. There was a community as well close to the park. So you might see some people as you go closer to the park. The trail was beautiful and we came across several waterfalls. Would love to go there again and recommend others.

This was my first time clay shooting and it was a blast! I thought this was just going to be an area just to shoot in one position, but it's like miniature golf. Would highly recommend and I would return. You can rent a gun there and also buy ammunition or bring your own.

Super! Arrived with a friend from out-of states, got welcomed in. Friendly staff. The facility offers multiple options for clay-shooting. plenty of stations were available even when they had closed part of it for event. Payed ~420$ for 12 boxes of 12gauge, gun rental, and a golf-cart. Dont remember the amount of clays.. :) It was a great experience and would defiantly go back on my next trip, and highly recommend for others.

Wow! I am completely hooked on clay shooting. This was my first time at a shooting range and I had a blast. Very beginner friendly. I went with a group of 5 people and we all shared a rental shot gun. At first I thought we all needed a gun but honestly one was enough. We basically stayed all day and just kept buying rounds. At first it took some time to adjust but once we got some quick pointers from the staff we were on our way. The clay machines are easy to use and there are tons of different stations with different difficulties. They have a nice shaded patio. Prior to shooting they allowed us to eat our bagels and donuts. They also serve drinks and snacks. I can’t wait to go back. Oh! everything is walkable but honestly renting a golf kart from them would add to the fun.

My brother and I had a lot of fun shooting clays at Coyote. Staff are really friendly and facilities are super nice. Would advise practicing during mornings as the afternoons can get pretty hot! Many stations are shaded which does help out We plan to come back! Super blessed to have this clay range so close to Silicon Valley.

Our instructor, Tom is super awesome. Very knowledgeable, patience , and gregarious. Book him for precise training if you can. Facility is nice and clean.

We went for the First time experience package and it was fantastic. Instructor takes you to five different stations and each one of them has the clays thrown at different heights and angles. Our Instructor Dave was great at making sure we had the correct stance and techniques. This is a must try experience if you like guns

Went here with my cousin 2 weeks ago and we had a blast all thanks to our wonderful instructor Chris. His passion and dedication to his job is just above and beyond. Will def recommend this place to my coworkers and friends. 💯👌

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.

The most intimate place to safely watch charismatic sea lions up close! The pier is a long series of seafood restaurants, with a couple of souvenir stores, & otherwise is just a huge pay parking lot. But it juts out surprisingly far out into the water, giving unique views of the sea, the cliffs, & the Boardwalk. I met several fisherman scooping up tons of anchovies out of the water below. Very limited metered parking immediately outside the pay gate. Several public restrooms along the wharf.

Been coming here since I was a teenager. Lots of foods choices. Gift shops and fishing. Sea lions are a cool thing to watch. Relax on the pier for the day is a good getaway

We did bingo pumpkin hunt this year and it was really easy! I enjoy the zombie shake (not as impressive as last year, last year I got two eyeballs and blood!) and mummy marshmallow and a chocolate bone Oreo! For the rewards of pumpkin hunt you get: ducky, candy, mochi squishy, or other Halloween themed trinkets.

As wharf go, this one is very long and has a few good restaurants and a few stores. If you go to the Boardwalk it would be a nice add on.

Old pier under renovation with excellent restaurants and shopping. Nice views of Sea Lions too!!! #california #pacificcoast #pch

There are restaurants and a few souvenir shops along the pier. Good views of the nearby beaches and amusement park

Iconic place in Santa Cruz, I like the restaurants and sea lions. The view of the fair are also great.

It’s a beautifully clean and tidy beach. Not too big in the area but good for anyone who loves the beach. If you love the beach and want a peaceful place to enjoy your beach time this is a must-visit place. Washrooms were okay, not bad not too good. But the overall experience is good and the view is just mesmerizing.

Love the Visitor Center. Also, has bathrooms and picnic tables.

It was freezing and really windy the day my cousin and I went to visit. Because of the cold weather, we looked down onto the beach and took in the salty air and the coolness of the wind, instead of walking down to the sand. The view from up top was clear, a bit grayish, and really crisp, but it was still refreshing, just to be at a beach. It wasn't very crowded, some cars were using the upper lot as a turn out space. If I had a better camera or if the day wasn't so hazy, a better clearer picture of the two rock formation bridges would be visible. It really is a nice pleasant calm beach, the waves are low and smooth and parking was really easy, the day my cousin and I visited. We found parking really quick. There's a paid lot, a free lot with a small handful of spaces that overlook the beach, so you can stay in your warm car and still enjoy the view, and there's plenty of free street / residential parking. It's also a nice drive along the shoreline. If I still live in the Bay Area, I'd like to be able to return to the beach on a warmer sunnier day.

Nice place to walk and enjoy the peace. But the beach will close from 11am to 5pm, the parking lot was closed. But you may find a place along the street. Biking here is so fun with the different sceneries.

⛱️🌊🏄🥾🌼📷 💡Here's a tip: walk off to the right of the beach, climb the ridge (it can be slippery at some points) and keep walking. You'll find a more secluded beach section down a bit Popular beach spot, with surfers and sail boats right off the shore. This beach is known for its natural stone arch. If you head towards the back you can find some nice trails with boardwalks through the park.

Beautiful formation of the rock...so photogenic...the walk along the Coastline to the lighthouse is very scenic. A good 4 mile easy walk round trip. Absolutely gorgeous coastline!

Thankful for this small visitor center! Get some good facts and a good souvenir shop inside too. I would say this is a part of visiting this beach. Stop in!

Fun and unique place to visit! 🌲 Buy tickets online ahead of time (we waited 3½ hours because we didn’t know). No cell service, but we enjoyed a beautiful hike while waiting (watch little ones — steep drop-offs!). Downtown Santa Cruz and the boardwalk are only about 10 minutes away, so you can explore while you wait. Tour was short but our guide Megan was hilarious and made it great. Overall, awesome experience and worth checking out!

Finally visited The Mystery Spot after 10 years in the Bay Area and numerous trips to Santa Cruz. First impression: it’s just a dilapidated house - I expected much more from the area than that. But honestly, that’s more than enough. The marketing of this place is on another level. The tour guide’s presentation alone is worth more than the $10 ticket - they put in so much effort, and you really fall for their presentation. Plus, they’re hilarious. Definitely a fun experience. I don’t believe it’s otherworldly; it’s just an optical illusion at its best, presented the right way. Book your tickets online ahead of time - we did, and we were in and out in an hour. Enjoyed the experience.

This place was so cool. It was such an amazing experience. I am very sensitive to everything around me and I really felt an odd feeling whenever I entered into what they call the 'Mystery Spot'. It wasn't just because everything looked cockeyed, but it was literally a feeling in my body. I felt like I was carrying around an additional 50 lb on each of my legs. It was the weirdest feeling. It was really cool how everything in this place seem to defy physics. Our guide was super knowledgeable and made it even more fun just because of her great personality. Highly recommend checking this place out and if you can buying your tickets online beforehand especially if it's going to be during a busy time.

Wow this is definitely a very cool and trippy experience nestled in the beautiful redwoods. There’s a few demonstrations which are cool and some photo opportunities as well. Whole tour takes about 45 minutes and the tour guides are always interesting. The gift shop is great too and totally worth the 10 bucks. Buy advance tickets if you plan on visiting during a busy weekend.

I grew up around the Santa Cruz area and have always wanted to come to the mystery spot since I was a kid. Since I had to move out of state, on vacation 23 years later, I got to bring my family with me to enjoy this small but great attraction. We had fun and enjoyed every moment. The tour guy was awesome, too! Great memories!

Cute little side adventure to take kids on. Tour is roughly 45 min. If you have bad knees or ankles def not a tour for you sadly as it is very angle heavy and when coming down the grade is rough. But overall tour guides run on dad jokes and it was a nice odd spot to visit.

The mystery spot is tucked away in the gorgeous spot in the woods. I love their little sitting area to relax while you wait for your tour time, and the gift shop was fun to look through as well. The waiting area and the bathrooms were kept clean, and the weather was just right when we went. The drive into/out of this spot can be a little sketchy in certain spots depending on how big your vehicle is as some spots of the road are a bit narrow for two cars to be going side by side. This was a fun spot to visit with my family, our tour guide was energetic and did a great job. The Mystery spot itself is neat, it was pretty crazy to see the demonstrations because they really do seem to defy gravity and how you perceive what is 'normal'. I honestly can not remember how long the tour was, but it was a decent amount of time and they allow you enough time to take some fun photos. This spot is not handicap or stroller friendly. The slope up to the little shack which is the mystery spot is quite steep and with the slanted angles your ankles/body will be in while walking through the shack will be hard on certain people.

We had an enjoyable reunion tasting and hors d'oeuvres there. Nice site in Bear Creek reserve. Pinot was good, unoaked chardonnay interesting, and team gracious. We got good prices on shipments from the winery. Forests of nature preserve would be better appreciated if outdoor patio didn't overlook the parking lot, and if surrounding trees could be thinned. Takes a bit of a drive up a windy road; suggest if you have a group to get as small a bus as possible to navigate those turns.

The greatest winery experience you could dream of. I made a reservation to do a winery tour and tasting and actually when we showed up, we were told there was a private event that was to be taking place there and were offered a complimentary tour and tasting for the following day. When I told Justin, the GM and gentleman I was conversing with that I unfortunately couldn't do that since I was flying home the next day, he was gracious enough to do a private tasting for me and my girlfriend and shared a wealth of knowledge about the wines, pairings and the wine making processes. On top of this, he even comped our whole experience. I genuinely haven't experienced customer service this good ever at all. Their wines were fantastic and I cannot say enough about their GM Justin. He is awesome and I can see why the winery is awesome. I will be sure to return on following trips out there!

Fantastic place for wine tasting and lovely wines! The sommelier was very attentive, knowledgeable and kind. The view is superb and you can walk around the place to sip your wine while enjoying the view. We had a very pleasant Sunday afternoon, thank you!

I absolutely love photographing weddings at Byington Vineyard & Winery. This location is such an amazing gem of the central California coast and Santa Cruz Mountains. This vineyard and winery goes to great lengths to create an amazing and high quality wine. The estate is so serene and scenic and provides countless gorgeous backdrops for weddings. There is a perfect spot to get married called Wedding Hill and the staff is so great and helpful. I highly suggest getting married here.

Beautiful views, delicious wine, great staff, awesome picnic areas. What not to love? It’s on the top of a mountain, fun drive from the Bay Area. Picnic places are well maintained, got shade and umbrellas. You can walk around, estate is beautiful.

I want to thank Pam and her team for their efforts in trying to accommodate us, but unfortunately, our experience at Byington Vineyard was not what we had hoped for. I had confirmed via email a week prior regarding the day, time, and an estimate of 30 guests in my bridal party. Despite this, the vineyard was not prepared for our group. We were expecting a food truck and live music, but both were cancelled without notice. When we arrived, only three small charcuterie boards were available—enough for just 1–2 people each, which was not nearly sufficient for our party. Additionally, there were no employees on-site to assist us. Overall, while I appreciate the effort from Pam, the lack of preparation and communication left us disappointed, especially given the importance of the occasion.

Very nice and accessible vineyard. When you arrive, the view of the vineyard is like a picture, so beautiful. The wines are excellent and served with a short presentation of each wine. We tasted five fine wines that we all liked. We also had nice cheese and charcuteries. A walk around the vineyard is highly recommended. The view over the canyon is spectacular. Thanks a lot Byington Vineyard, we will be back.

We had great time here. The whole experience was very enjoyable and fun for both kids and adults. There are many cool exhibitions. My personal favorite was the new exhibit, Dream Garden, where we got to play with the animation with our whole body. The IMAX dome theater is also a must-visit even though you already get a free one-time admission when purchasing the tickets to the museum. We love the Blue Whale documentary. Very educational and entertaining!

Super fun place to explore if you're even a little bit curious about how things work. Tons of interactive exhibits, and the robotics and VR stuff really pull you in. Some parts felt a little dated, but it’s still one of those museums where kids and adults can both have a good time without it feeling too “educational.”

The Tech Interactive I've been here in high school during a field trip. Back then, it was called "The Tech Museum of Innovation." This place is great for Elementary students and above. The Ai was cool and the arcade was fun. Alot of learning about the environment. The Body Worlds exhibit are from Institute for Plastination. They preserved real humans here. It really isn't for the fainted heart. The bodies used are for science-based. Either way, it's crazy to see. All the staff's there are super friendly and helpful. I would go back just for that.

Best tech museum in Silicon Valley for kids. Probably the most well respected tech museum for kids with a sublime imax done theater which is one of a kind. Best to go during the week or early on weekends. It can get quite crowded. Parking is easy with plenty of massive parking lots nearby and the museum validates it so parking is almost free. A nice healthy cafe at the entrance. Plenty of clean toilets. A clean museum for kids with anti bacterial lotions spread throughout and wide clean spaces. The exhibits are very kid friendly and encourages them to play with it and experiment and engage their curiosity. The imax theater is to die for. A dome theater that’s massive and gets you deeply into the movie despite lots of excited noisy chatter from kids. The museum is spread across three floors and the body worlds exhibit is one of the special exhibits that my kids loved. A bit scary for the young ones but very informative and life like.

One of the coolest places . We had another great visit during a school field trip. Staff is friendly and so enthusiastic. Leading is so much fun. Thank you for another great visit.

If you are in downtown San Jose, take the opportunity to visit the interactive museum. You can spend a few hours and have fun, even better if you are with your children, as it is guaranteed fun.

A really wonderful place with amazing staff, and the IMAX theater was awesome! Something for everyone of all ages!🔬

I absolutely love going to the game with family and friends. The atmosphere and food selection is wonderful. Arriving and leaving considering it's an arena is easy and doesn't take forever to get in or out. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

The SAP Center in San Jose, affectionately known as “The Shark Tank,” is a premier venue that offers a memorable experience for both sports and entertainment events. Its modern design ensures that there isn’t a bad seat in the house, providing excellent sightlines for attendees. The arena boasts a variety of food options, including local favorites like Smoking Pig BBQ and Umai Sushi, catering to diverse tastes .  Attending Disney on Ice at the SAP Center is a delightful experience for families. The show features a captivating lineup of Disney characters, with performances from favorites like Frozen, Moana, and Toy Story. The skaters’ energy and the engaging music create an enchanting atmosphere that resonates with both children and adults .   However, it’s worth noting that some attendees have expressed concerns about the high prices of concessions and merchandise during the event. Items like cotton candy and toys are priced significantly higher than average, which can add up quickly for families .  Tips for a Great Experience: Seating: While front-row seats offer proximity to the action, some parents have found them too close for young children. Opting for seats a few rows back may provide a better viewing experience . Arrival: Arriving early can help you avoid parking hassles and give you time to explore the arena’s offerings. Budgeting: Be prepared for higher-than-average prices on food and merchandise. Setting expectations with children beforehand can help manage spending.  Overall, the SAP Center provides a comfortable and engaging environment for events like Disney on Ice. With a bit of planning, families can enjoy a magical evening filled with cherished memories.

Getting there at a reasonable time and willing to pay a $50 parking fee, definitely worth it. If you're looking for a restroom, you could walk five minutes due east, go to a whole foods and grab a bite to eat after. It was funny, there was a delay for the Ado concert they happened July 13. But that didn't excuse how much they themselves lagged behind. They didn't set up the metal detectors/evolve machines. The lines were insane and at one point to insane in any direction. It was easy to get out of the venue as well. Take your time going to the bathroom after the concert, most of the traffic is already gone. I'm coming back on Friday, park in the same spot and check out the for at whole foods as well!

Had an absolute blast! First time at this venue and I was really impressed. K-pop concerts can sometimes get a bit chaotic if things aren’t well organized, but this one felt smooth and well put together from start to finish. Great energy, great crowd — definitely a good time all around!

This was our first time to the SAP center for a TXT concert. We have been to the BMO stadium in Los Angeles and the Giants Stadium in San Francisco, but I like the SAP center better. The music was better because it's indoors, you could feel the base. Don't forget to bring your ear plugs. Great Concert !!!

SAP Center is great venue for Sharks hockey games, and concerts. They say that it will be renovated/ updated, but I think it is still great the way it currently is. GO SHARKS!

Came here for a concert in September and we had a great experience. The staff was wonderful from start to finish, always nice and friendly. The lines for entry were well organized and didn't run into the merch lines or cause confusion. During the show the staff around me also seemed to be enjoying themselves. Some of them were even kind enough to grab handfuls of confetti to pass along to the first row so they could pass back to others. Please keep doing whatever you guys are doing because the people that work here seem to really enjoy their jobs, and it makes the concert experience even better for us attendees!

Pretty good if you can get past where the money and artifacts came from for this place. The Rosecrucian ARORC order in the US has funded this place with old money, so the entry fee is quite modest for the artifact they have. The building itself is also a bit of a wonder, with a nice small garden around it. It takes a good couple of hours for a good look through all the wings. The faux temple is a bit cringy, especially with the over-the-top narration from the guides. I guess it makes there day a bit more fun. Great for the kids though.

If you’re even remotely interested in ancient Egypt, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss. Tucked away in a serene part of San Jose, the museum offers one of the largest collections of authentic Egyptian artifacts on display in Western North America - from mummies and sarcophagi to everyday tools and religious relics. The standout feature? A walk-through replica of an ancient tomb that gives you a real sense of how the ancients honored their dead. The layout is thoughtful, the signage is educational without being overwhelming, and the architecture of the building itself, inspired by ancient Egyptian design, adds to the immersive feel. It’s not a huge museum, but that’s part of the charm. You can easily explore everything in 1.5 to 2 hours, making it perfect for a half-day visit. There’s also a peaceful garden outside that’s worth a quiet stroll. Tips: • Visit during weekdays to avoid school groups. • Great for families, history lovers, and photographers. • The gift shop has some surprisingly cool finds. Overall, it’s a quirky, well-curated museum with genuine passion behind it. A great way to time travel without leaving Silicon Valley.

Free parking is around the back, they have free tours and sometimes workshops. They have a passport you can buy for $1 where you go around and collect stamps. No gift shop though- we wish they had one. The gardens are beautiful with a labyrinth! Full days worth if you actually read all the information in the museum.

A solid small museum experience. Plenty of descriptions of the pieces that are in the museum. Ok for children, but better suited for older children/adults given there isn't really an interactive experience to it. Be sure to also tour the outside as there are gardens surrounding as well (that part and parking can be done free of charge).

Awesome architecture and lots of interesting exhibits. Wish it were slightly bigger, but I really enjoyed the outdoor area!

We got up early on our way to Gilroy Gardens from Temecula, so that we could visit the museum. It's been a staple favorite for a long time! Amazing artifacts treated with the utmost respect. Beautiful grounds and ambiance. I feel they could inject so much life and funds into the place by hosting more events that align with their principles. Having local artists come in and create art based on the grounds and artifacts, having merchandise for sale, Egyptian, Esoteric and Rosicrucian would bring more revenue into the place and provide much needed funds for restoration of the almost 100 year old grounds. So much potential for community and beauty in this space made so beautiful by the combination of grounds and buildings. If available I'd be bringing home pieces to remind me of one of my most favorite museums in the country!

I really enjoyed this museum. Many interesting exhibits and the outdoor area was really beautiful to walk around. Fyi: the planetarium is closed due to renovations

This place is beautiful and really clean. The roses are at the end of its bloom but still really pretty. Many areas to take photos. We saw a lot of people sitting on the lawn having a picnic. Very quiet park and located in a very fancy neighborhood.

Multiple varieties of colorful roses plus a central fountain, some shady spots for picnicing, an open green space, and restrooms! Loved wandering through and smelling the flowers. There's plenty of street parking around the perimeter of the garden. Be aware the garden does host events. During my Saturday visit around 1pm, some staff were walking around notifying those who were seated under the trees in the green space that event staff would be arriving in the next hour to start setting up for a wedding and that we would need to move.

Beautiful rose garden with an amazing variety of roses and long blooming season, usually peaking in late spring but lasting well into summer and fall. Free to the public, well-maintained, and a peaceful spot to stroll, relax, or take photos. A true San Jose gem!

This striking Garden has been one of the best tose gardens. The roses are in several areas around the fountain. I found unique roses including the ketchup and mustard rose and several others there are bushes with red roses. White roses, yellow roses and multicolor roses. The park has several redwoods I. The center and large open fields for picnics and informal games and running around The park is enclosed by a high fence. An accessible wimens restroom sits at one gate and the mens accessible restroom is at the other gate. Free accessible street parallel parking. Pay phone by women’s restrooms

I am strolling along sipping on my chocolate milkshake, and I smelled this sweet essence in the air while I wait at a traffic light to cross the street. To my surprise I happen to walk along a street with a rose garden. The bonus is it is free to visit. It was a beautiful Autumn day to stroll, meditate, people watch, and enjoy the blooms. How lovely!

A really lovely garden filled with beautiful roses! I visited just before summer, so some plants were already past their peak bloom, but it was still such a charming and peaceful place. It’s a great spot for a morning or afternoon stroll, with picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the view.

This is actually the second time I visit this garden. It splits into two sections where the first half is the rose garden and the second half is a picnic area. It was quiet today compared to my last visit, but I took plentiful of pictures. It’s also very hot since it’s Summer now, which is why I didn’t want to stay here for too long. You can also host events in this garden. During my last visit, someone held a graduation party or ceremony and it was really loud. I guess it gets quiet because either it’s not Saturday or no one held an event. There weren’t many people at the picnic area because most people came here for the garden. Also it’s really hot now. Of course people will go to the shade.

Winchester Mansion was such a beautiful and fascinating find. My husband had watched a documentary on it, and I had always heard about this house, so visiting in person was really exciting. We both appreciate vintage furniture and history, so this tour was right up our alley. Our tour guide was vibrant, fun, and incredibly knowledgeable, which made the experience even more engaging. I’m usually the one in the group asking a ton of questions, and I definitely gave her a run for her money with a few she hadn’t heard before. I actually loved that — it gave her something new to think about after all her years of doing these tours. If you enjoy architecture, history, or anything a little odd and mysterious, I highly recommend visiting. From windows in the floor to doors that don’t open, stairways to nowhere, and all the quirky details in between — it’s such an interesting and unique place to experience.

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.

What a thrilling experience it was to finally visit The Winchester Mystery Mansion.bit had always been on my list and I finally made it. The tour was absolutely amazing so informative and the place was spooky but filled with so much history. The masquerade was the best Haunted mase, party I've been to. Walking inside the house being able walk around the house was an incredible experience . The staff and everyone was kind and friendly so worth the trip.

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 $$ for the basement tour only to find it was self guided with a few plaques and some arrows on the ground. Take the tour but skip the basement add on and save some $$.

If you’re anywhere near San Jose, The Winchester Mystery House is an absolute must-see! 🕸️ We decided to check it out while in town for my brother’s cancer treatments at Stanford — and I’m so glad we did. Yes, the tickets were a little on the pricey side (around $45 per person, plus extra for the basement tour), but it was absolutely worth it. We were literally the last group to leave that night, and it made the whole experience feel extra special and just the right amount of spooky. 👻 Before the tour even started, my brother crushed it at the shooting gallery game — and got a full-on ovation from everyone watching! 🥳 It set such a fun tone for the visit. Once inside, the house itself is a wild, twisting maze of rooms, staircases, and secrets. You’ll see stairs that lead to nowhere, doors that open to 8-foot drops, and windows built into the floor — it’s like stepping into a Victorian puzzle box that never ends. Learning about Sarah Winchester herself was just as fascinating — she wasn’t just wealthy; she was an innovator and inventor, creating designs and systems way ahead of her time. My brother, who’s a plumber and pipefitter, was completely captivated by the old plumbing work throughout the house — each pipe was custom built and welded together back in the 1800s! The level of craftsmanship and creativity is mind-blowing. Highlights for us included the Séance Room, the easy-riser stairs (built to ease Sarah’s arthritis), the intricate spiderweb designs, the repeating number 13, and standing in Sarah’s bedroom, imagining her wandering those halls by lantern light. A huge special shout-out to Frannie, who went above and beyond — showing us some extra hidden gems, sharing even more stories about Sarah, and taking a moment to pray over my brother for healing as he faces a difficult road ahead (it meant A LOT to my brother). That kindness meant more than words can say. ❤️ And a big thank-you to our tour guide, Alexis, who infused the entire tour with humor, personality, and energy — she made the history come alive in the best way possible! Whether you’re into architecture, history, craftsmanship, or a touch of the paranormal, this place has it all. It’s weird, wonderful, and totally one-of-a-kind — 100% worth it!

Del Valle Regional Park really lives up to its nickname—“Little Switzerland” of the Bay Area. The trail offers stunning views of rolling hills and the lake itself is absolutely beautiful. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a perfect spot for a relaxing hike. Along the trail, I spotted some lovely wildflowers that added a nice touch of color to the path. The only downside? The public toilets were honestly pretty horrible—definitely something the park could improve on. But if you’re prepared for that, the rest of the experience is totally worth it.

Beautiful park, lots of wildlife. The drive up there is lovely as well. Great place to go if you want to get away from it all.

Great place for a hike and walk. You do have to pay for the main parking lot, so please be aware. There are other trail heads that doesn't require payment.

Great space for a variety of activities. Hiking/Cycling trails for every skill and fitness level. Staff are knowledgeable and make every effort to ensure the best visit. Will definitely return!!

🏞️ Serenity in Livermore at Lake Del Valle. 😌 So many opportunities to connect with nature & ground yourself through hiking🥾, biking 🚴, swimming 🏊, fishing 🎣, walking 🦮, camping 🏕️, boat rentals 🛶 , picnicking 🧺 🍗 , and much more. 😎

Beautiful natural area sadly ruined by humans. When I was there, EBRPD had 4 lifeguards in one tiny cordoned off swimming area. But they can't pay for maintenance apparently, there was garbage everywhere. Dangerous stuff for kids too, metal cans and even a needle

I went camping for 2 nights this August and it was so nice! The facilities are well maintained and they have a good amount of t of activities for families with kids. The lake is awesome too. Lifeguards on duty, free flotation devices to borrow. Clean and not extremely busy. The water was refreshing too! Not cold at all.

It could be that I'm a southern girl, Falcons fan, and season ticketholder to the Benz, with great food options, but the food looked good at Levi's stadium but was pretty awful. Chicken nuggets tasted like sawdust from organic chicken. The tater tots were soggy and old. Stick with adult beverages!

Levi’s Stadium is a modern, spacious, and impressive venue the home of the San Francisco 49ers and host to many great events. The design is sleek, with comfortable seating, great visibility, and an excellent sound system. The atmosphere during games and concerts is energetic and exciting, and the large screens make it easy to follow all the action. The stadium is very clean and well maintained, with good food and drink options throughout. Parking and entry are well organized, though traffic after events can be slow, as expected for big venues. Overall, Levi’s Stadium is a top-notch sports and entertainment arena that offers a fantastic fan experience modern, comfortable, and full of energy. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in the Bay Area!

Great stadium. Access to get in was easy and pretty quick. The app did a good job telling you what you can and cannot bring. The stadium was clean and plenty of friendly security staff. The food on the other hand hlwas not so! The chicken tenders were okay but the fries were like cold cardboard. I would have asked for new ones but when you order for 4 and it piled on, didn't notice till seated! Over priced. The staff taking orders were cool but the staff serving food were a bit not friendly, but not unfriendly.... just meh?. We had. Great time at the 9ers game though! Will go again. Just find better places to eat I guess. Oh ya paid $70 for 2 whiskey mules from Joe Montana's Whiskey! What? I guess if they dont list the price, be prepared to pay!

Great big stadium! Loads of fun and good food as well as great drinks choice! Our seats were sec 120, row 29 - great view

Levi stadium is always a lot of fun. Especially when the Niners win!!! The food is very high price it was $18 for a little brisket sandwich and $20 for one tall can of beer. I suggest to pregame it before you even enter the gates. Security is all around so it is pretty chill. It is a nice stadium. In fact one of the nicer ones I've ever been to.

Levi Stadium is nicely built. We went for a 49ers game and I loved the layout and that their sound system is so great. Usually in stadiums, you can’t understand what they’re saying but glad it was different here. Such a cool place for the game with a nice variety of food & drinks! Can’t wait to go back!

We went to see Morgan Wallen and it was AMAZING!! I had nose bleed seats but I could see very well and the sound was excellent. After the concert so many people were trying to exit the stadium and even though it looked intimidating it wasn't bad at all. I'm looking forward to my next event at Levis stadium whether it be a concert or a football game.

Came by on Saturday after July 4th. Pretty busy, but still had openings. A bit awkward at FOH with some disorganization. Nonetheless, we were able to get sat outside. Chair's cushion kept falling through for some reason so that was a bit annoying. Tasting cost is $30/per head. Decent weather. Parking available on-site.

Probably the best wine tasting experience within a short driving distance of the Bay Area without going to Napa. This place is simply excellent with fantastic wines, indoor tasting rooms, outdoor patio seatings, a large grassy field where you can buy a bottle of wine and picnic with friends, and an outdoor wine bar. This is an excellent place to visit with friends. I recommend making reservations if you wish to sit inside or on any of the tables that are covered. However, the outside uncovered tables and the entire grassy field are completely open! When we came, we bought a bottle of white wine, brought a blanket, and just hung out and had a picnic. It was a great time. The facilities are super clean and the staff are really nice. Just be aware that sometimes people will book events here and you might not be able to stay as long as you want without a reservation, so take note of that and call ahead. There is plenty of parking here and it's pretty easy to get to. I'd recommend bringing sunblock if you plan on being outside. Also, bring a camera because there are some fantastic places to take pictures and you are welcome to walk around the immediate property to take photos!

We had a great tasting experience with Ashely. My dog was welcomed and comfortable. Lots of shade. Great atmosphere and ambiance. Thank you!!!

Concannon Vineyard is situated in Livermore CA founded by James Cannon in 1883. Excellent vineyard supposed to be the 2nd biggest in California. Went there on 16th April on weekend. Is huge but at the time of my visit there was no grapes crop, may be not the season however the vinery was functioning. You can taste their wines and also purchase. Excellent wine to taste but if you are in a group of 8 or more then you have to take prior reservation or else you can walk in for tasting and purchase. There was a discount of up to 40% in purchase of 6 or more bottles of wine. Lots of place for sitting to consume your wine both inside and outside the billing. There's a big lawn with chairs and table for that. Excellent Vineyard.

Busy busy busy. At the wine tasting room no one was there to tell us where to start, finally found a place by the counter and it was just several empty glasses no one was cleaning up. We moved from there because again no one helped us, by the third counter a lady told us somebody else will help us because she was waiting for a group, the guy tried to help but the cashier register didn’t work. We decided to go outside and more than 1/2 of the tables where reserved. We got a bottle of Chardonnay and it was ok not great. By the time we left it was extremely busy.

That's a solid winery and I would recommend going. Beautiful grounds for a picnic or some Instagram stuff if you're into that. I am not a wine connoisseur, so I won't pretend to know what I'm talking about. We got a bottle of white wine cause it was real hot out and I didn't hate it at all, that's a win!

Enjoy the wine selections they have but you can't get a hold of anyone to speak to on the phone EVER. Can you normalize answering the phone during the normal biz hours, please...?

Very nice park. There are plenty of parking spots. Many restrooms. Beautiful view of Lake Elizabeth. Huge amount of wild goose. About 1.9 miles to circle around the lake. Most parts are exposed.

Huge Park with tons of parking and space for picnics or relaxing on the lawn. Even play structures for kids and bathrooms at multiple spots. The trail around the lake is pretty cool and offers some nice photo ops. There are a ton of geese and ducks... so you will see tons of droppings everywhere.

Nice park with various facilities and play areas. Very good place to visit with family. Lots of facilities for recreation and parties. Well maintained and restrooms at multiple locations across the park. The view from here is wonderful.

This was a delightful park for the kids. The Elizabeth lake was serene and full of ducks and swans. There was a nice path for walking or jogging and so was the well maintained play area for kids. Parking can be a challenge but being patient would help..

Fremont’s Central Park never fails to surprise me! Every visit feels different. Today, I was lucky enough to see pelicans hunting for fish, mallard ducks relaxing by the shore, and even a huge rainbow stretching across the lake. Lake Elizabeth is about a 2-mile loop, making it a perfect spot for an easy walk while enjoying views of migratory birds and peaceful scenery.

Beautiful park with a walking trail around the lake, playgrounds, picnic areas, and occasional outdoor concerts. There's so much wildlife and scenery to observe while walking around.

It was a lovely 4 km around the lake 'Walk in the Park' with my brother who works on his fitness daily. It was a great evening. Need to plant more trees. A 🚂🚋🚃🚋🚃🚋🚃 passing by was a bonus. The hills nearby completes the bounties.

It's a good place to shop for clothes, shoes, wallets, and other accessories. But it's not a place for guys and children looking for electronics, game shops, anime goods, or similar items. Anyway, I liked this place's warm summer day shopping vibe. There's a food court that provides different kinds of food that will keep you fueled for a long shopping spree. I recommend this place.

An outlet mall that features large stores from almost all major brands. The mall is quite large and involves a lot of walking. There is a proper food court along with smaller coffee and ice cream shops, as well as vending machines spread across the mall. The pricing at all stores is considerably discounted, while majority of the stores have further larger discounts available. Not much tech available in this outlet mall, however definitely a good place for shopping clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. The free parking lot circles around the mall, and for short trips it’s better to find the store and park closer to

Place is big , clean, restrooms are in good shape, lots of parking, really just went to sole & laces this time, but lots to choose n shop from

This outlet mall has a great selection of large stores from nearly all major brands. It’s quite spacious, so be prepared for a bit of walking. You’ll find a full food court, smaller coffee and ice cream shops, and even vending machines conveniently located throughout. Most stores offer significant discounts, and many have additional sales that make the deals even better. While there aren’t many tech stores here, it’s an excellent place to shop for clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. Parking is free and surrounds the entire mall. If you’re planning a quick visit, it’s best to find your store first and park nearby for easy access.

Update: I had a great experience in San Francisco Premium Outlets! All the stores were well maintained, stocked, and clean, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The decorations as I walked through many different brands felt like a mall but outside, and it had many sitting benches and resting places plus restrooms which were convenient. Overall, it’s a great place to visit if you are looking for apparel and shoe stores near you in Livermore/Pleasanton area. (Comment originally posted a year ago from: “Pretty good.”)

Great shopping experience! Huge selection of top brands with amazing discounts. The outlet is clean, well organized and easy to get around. Perfect for finding deals on clothes, shoes and accessories. Brazilians will love it too as there are many favorite brands with much better prices than back home. Totally worth the visit!

I luv a bargain and I do not find particular joy in clothes shopping. So I try to maximize my time, energy, and dollars when I do. With that in mind, I planned a shopping excursion out to the San Francisco (SF) Premium Outlets. I purposely did not go on a weekend. I did that to avoid the crowds and lack of sufficient parking. Overall my first ever experience at the SF outlets was a success ... I survived! I was able to purchase clothes, in my hard to find size, at bargain prices. These outlets include a good mix of brands (designer , luxury, and mid-range). The luxury brands include Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, Prada, Tory Birch, Zegna... just to name a few. There was a food court and food stalls scattered about the outlet. The outlet is beautifully designed and landscaped with art sculptures and plants; adding to a more pleasant shopping environment. But my gripes are the parking lot and the lack of janitorial staff. The parking lot has only one exit/entrance. The flow of traffic gets logged jammed and it becomes the Wild West of line merging. Regarding the janitorial needs, I spent practically the entire day at the outlet and do not recall seeing any janitorial staff. The women's restroom closest to the food court was atrociously dirty and got more so during the day. Trash bins were overflowing and there was a strong sewage smell. The other restrooms were not as worse, but not clean either and less likely f a strong odor. Plus the food court dining area was a hot mess as well. Tables needed to be cleared and cleaned.

Very nice place to hike in the East Bay. Trails are well maintained and there are lots of intersecting paths. This allows hikers to easily customize the length of the hike. Views of the bay are really beautiful and there are plenty of great breezes, even on a hot day. One star off for the limited access to bathrooms and water refill stations, given the $5.00 entry fee.

Visited on August 30, 2025. The weather was amazing. I only walked .5 miles of the Bayview Trail off the first parking lot with a stroller, my wife and our 2 year old grandson, but it was very nicely graded, paved until it opens up to a view of the Bay and an easy walk or bike if you just want a nice place to exercise or take in views of the Bay Area. There are picnic areas and places to sit along the way if needed. I’ll be back with a bike to do a more comprehensive tour. The views from the hills and trails above are presumably spectacular. I was with family and we had other obligations, but it was perfect for a quick stroll before heading to dinner.

​This park offers a truly rewarding hiking experience with beautiful, panoramic views of the bay. The trail system features a great mix of terrain, with paths winding up and down the grassy hillsides. ​For those looking for a challenge, there is a steep section that provides an excellent workout. While the overall elevation gain is moderate (likely under 1,000 feet), the varying slopes offer plenty of opportunities to get your heart pumping. ​A highlight is the marsh area, which is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. You can often spot a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl here. ​The views are stunning in every direction: you get a clear look at the west side of the bay and a beautiful, sweeping landscape on both sides of the ridge.

Wonderful time. We'll worth the stop. Beautiful views of bay and San Francisco skyline from afar. Perfect trails, dog friendly and a cool visitor center with exhibits. Plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains. An awesome butterfly garden. Great to hike with tons of options for trails. Five dollar parking for all day. Season regional park passes are available.

It's one of the best trails in Fremont. It's stroller friendly and has a lot of parking space. Tip: Either try to come early in the morning so you get a parking spot or later when the sun is shining. If you come at the perfect time it would be hard

Have good hiking options for all types of hike. Weekend they have certain ranger led activities, we went for the captivating cattails tour. Ranger was friendly.

Only walked the marsh, saw so many ducks, including but not limited to coots, griebs, and teals in addition to kites, hawks, egrets, night herons, turkeys and deer. Great wildlife watching . Plenty of parking, can't wait to be back.

The Blackhawk Museum is absolutely amazing! We've already been there twice and every time we are blown away. The animals inside are so realistic — it feels like you're seeing them in real life! Even though we are big animal lovers, we discovered so many species we had never even heard of before. It's such a fun and educational experience. Outside the museum, there are plenty of food options with restaurants and stores nearby, plus a great playground for kids. It’s the perfect place to spend a whole day with family. Highly recommend!

The Blackhawk Museum is truly a hidden gem! The exhibits are absolutely stunning, from the incredible classic cars to the unique cultural displays that make you feel like you’re stepping into another world. Everything is beautifully curated and presented with such attention to detail. The museum is spotless, well-organized, and easy to explore, whether you’re a car enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for an inspiring day out. The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. It’s the kind of place you can come back to again and again because there’s always something new to discover. Highly recommend for families, friends, or anyone who loves learning and seeing something extraordinary.

My son heard about the Blackhawk Museum from a friend, I was a little skeptica to visit since we had to drive an hour and 15 minutes, thankfully I was pleasantly surprised. What a fun place! The had a variety of displays. There is a car display, privately owned the owners are sharing with the museum. There are rare cars to see ip close,what a treat. There's an exhibit on China, the wild west, nature something for everybody. We didn't give ourselves enough time to explore the wild west, we need to go back. The staff were all very professional and helpful.

The museum hosted the San Ramon and Danville Chambers of Commerce for a fantastic networking mixer. It is a beautiful location for any event, and its exhibits are unique—no other museum in the East Bay can compare! Thank you for a really fun evening!

Absolutely amazed at the size of this museum, beautifully designed with incredibly detailed displays. Very clean , extremely friendly staff . There is a plaza with Plenty of little shops and restaurants and a playground for kids adjacent to Blackhawk museum.

Nice Place to visit. Special Concession for Senior citizen. Ticket once Purchased is valid for whole day.Personal collection made available to the public. The car section, China section and the wild west section are amazing. The African wood carvings section has a small collection, but it's also beautiful.

Amazing excellent spent 3 hours and could have spent more time. Obfuscation placards and friendly staff

This place is hidden inside a City that most people haven't heard of. But if you're from Hayward, you know how beautiful this place is. This is a must-visit when you're around Hayward. They have limited street parking. Take an hour or two to walk around and enjoy this hand-carved garden. This an amazing spot to take photos and spend a quiet time with friends and family.

This is a beautiful cute little Japanese Garden hidden in the city. There's a side free parking next to the theatre and senior. We came to check it out and it was so hot. I wish they had more shades from the trees and the pond was more clear to see the kois. I would say this is a cute date area! This Japanese Garden is free entrance and parking compared to San Francisco/San Jose.

Tucked away inside a larger public park, the Hayward Japanese Garden is a perfect example of a hidden gem—a beautiful, peaceful space that feels like a genuine discovery. Admittedly, it's not a sprawling botanical garden like some of its more famous counterparts, and its modest size might be overlooked by a casual passerby. The setting, nestled within a broader recreational area, gives it a quiet, understated quality that could easily be missed. But to walk past it would be a mistake, because once you step through its gates, the entire atmosphere changes. The sound of a gentle waterfall immediately soothes the senses, and the vibrant colors of the koi swimming in the pond are a delight to watch. The perfectly placed red bridges and traditional stone lanterns create a serene and photogenic landscape. It’s a place where you can find a moment of true tranquility, escaping the hustle of the surrounding city without having to travel far. In the end, the Hayward Japanese Garden proves that beauty doesn't have to be grand or flashy. It is a quiet, stunning escape that truly earns its title as a gem in the rough. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a moment of peace, a scenic spot for a walk, or a wonderful place to just sit and reflect.

A peaceful escape in the middle of the city. The garden and pond are beautifully maintained, with no unpleasant smells—just the fresh scent of nature. Sitting in the shaded pavilion, watching turtles and koi swim around, brings a calming sense of serenity. ✅ Long Review Despite being in the heart of the city, this place feels like a peaceful retreat into nature. The garden and pond are exceptionally well maintained—clean, quiet, and filled with the refreshing scent of trees and water, without any unpleasant odors. In the pond, turtles, koi, and small fish swim freely. One of the videos I took shows two turtles playfully interacting while a graceful koi glides by, creating a soothing and delightful scene. Even though the sun was strong, sitting in the shaded pavilion while overlooking the garden and pond brought a deep sense of calm. It's a perfect spot for meditation, a slow walk, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

A small Japanese garden tucked away in Hayward. Variety of plants, a lake with lilies and other flora. There is a senior center adjacent to it. Great place to visit with your kids.

Still so lovely! Peaceful, beautiful oasis smack dab in Downtown. Every visit is just as nice as the last time! Thankful to have this space in our community

This was a beautiful place to stumble upon! It’s connected to a senior center but the garden access is for all. It’s smaller than I expected and you could walk the whole loop in maybe 8 minutes, but it is beautifully maintained and a very peaceful place to stroll. My kids loved the koi pond and seeing several deer across the riverbed.

The trail is fine, neither the best nor the worst walking trail through a suburban neighborhood that you will find. The bordering trees keep early evening temperatures comfortably low. The entire trail is 40 miles long and used to belong to the Southern Pacific Railway. The section in Walnut Creek is not something you would come from out of town to walk, but if you are visiting friends or staying in a nearby hotel it is a pleasant path to stroll along.

Great, easy trail that takes you from Walnut Creek to Pleasanton/Livermore. Thought it was completely cemented but parts in Pleasanton along the 680 are dirt/rock so be careful! Afternoons there a ton of walkers so if you bike I suggest early morning. Nice to cycle without cars whizzing by next to you!

Flat, great for biking long boring stretches of paved roads. Wouldn’t say there’s beautiful scenery. Easy going!

Great long stretch of pavement and grass - great for morning or evening runs and ling walks, great for bike riders, dog walkers and little ones on their scooters🙌 Safe and clean place with easy access

Great trail for biking with little kids

ReaL awesome clean site

Great Trail to ride bikes or walk/run. Lots of animals to watch and trail goes very far.