Emerald Bay- Topaz Lake- Tioga Road

San Francisco, California, United States 2016

This is our first time here. Pier 39 is a fun, touristy locale - snacks, candy, touristy stuff to gawk at and buy. The little carousel is charming. Great food. From late summer to late spring (mid May), there are typically hundreds of sea lions.

 California sea lions have chosen to haul out at PIER 39’s K-Dock because there’s plenty of food nearby in the bay and ocean, their natural predators (white sharks and orcas) do not typically feed in the bay and there is plenty of space. Also, the docks are easier to haul out on, more comfortable and more protected from storms than a rocky beach.

Pacific Coast Highway - Route 1.This trip was something I have wanted to do for quite some time.

I can't say enough about this truly amazing drive and scenery. This was my first trip to CA and the Pacific Coast Highway has been on my list for many years. I'm so glad I finally got to see it. We took it slow and kept stopping to view the scenery and take pictures. It was absolutely amazing. You are driving right along the ocean with the most amazing views - the ocean, the cliffs, crashing waves, flowers - it was great. The road is so narrow and winding in places that the speed limit has to drop to 25mph and even this feels fast on some of the turns. It was really beautiful. I was barely able to drive1 mile straight through without stopping. 

 A truly beautiful part of the world that everyone should experience!

Yes, I would do it again and we can't wait to go back and spend more time.Don't miss out on this adventure. You'll never forget it.

Moreton Bay Fig Tree.Historical landmark in Santa Barbara, California

Ragged Point Inn & Resort

We found Ragged Point by accident. Ragged Point Inn is a lodge situated on cliffs to the south of Big Sur, with lovely views of the Pacific and a calm and isolated feel.
The view was so beautiful I can't put it in words. Enjoyed everything about it.
Clean, quiet and awesome ocean views. Excellent restaurant.

Friends Of The Elephant Seal

What a wonderful surprise to find this on our coastal highway trip! Awesome to see the elephant seals in their natural habitat. It was really cool seeing them swim from the water and then flop around on the shore. Plenty of photo opportunities at close proximity.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery- Military Cemetery in San Diego, California

This is a very peaceful spot. A true place of respect with a majestic view. Exceptionally well-kept grounds and beautiful views.  

One side of the hill faces the bay and San Diego and the other side faces the Pacific. Spend some time on your way to the Cabrillo Monument to walk around here and soak in the beauty, peacefulness, and honor of those resting here. Even if you don't know anyone buried here, it is an important place to visit and pay respects to those who have fought and died for us. 

Thank you to all those who gave their life for our freedom.

God bless America!!

Sun Buggy. Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve.We have made so many wonderful memories in the Pismo Dunes.

This is something I've always wanted to do! It's really exciting and thrilling!  We had fun going down the faces of these huge walls of sand... super scary but we did it! My husband had an amazing time and he said he would love to do it again.We would definitely return to sun buggy if we choose to go to the sand dunes again.

Santa Barbara Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch

https://goo.gl/maps/kWrSgLM83Aq

WELCOME TO SANTA BARBARA

State Street.

It is a fun street to walk up and down.

Lovely wide clean sandy beach with fairly cold sea water. 

Moreton Bay Fig Tree.Historical landmark in Santa Barbara, California

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

We happened on this place by accident, trying to get to the Pacific and so glad that we did!
This place is wild and wonderful. You drive over the dunes on a paved road to get to the beach.
The dunes are magnificent! A photographer's paradise!
We arrived on a  windy May day to find something quite unexpected...an empty beautiful beach as far as the eye could see. The ocean there is so pristine.
If you're looking for a secluded beach with very few people around and lots of ocean sound, this is a wonderful choice!
This place is well worth the effort to get to.

American entertainment at its best! Universal Studios Hollywood,Los Angeles

Omg!!!This park is awesome. American entertainment at its best! Fun place for all ages.Spend a day here. Take 2 days to get all the stuff in.You will not regret it. I will definitely go back here again next time I visit Los Angeles. All in all a magical day. Thanks, Universal, for such a great time!!!!

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Madame Tussauds Hollywood 2016 Museum in Los Angeles, California

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Hollywood is located next to Grauman Chinese Theater and Walk of Fame, so it's conveniently located when visiting Hollywood. It is a very fun museum, and the wax figures are so lifelike it's almost creepy: you think they will come alive anytime! I've been to other wax museums before and this one was the best by far!Lots of fun for all ages! You can make fun photos with them, sit with them etc. Also, I liked that it was interactive with different props you can use and put on to really make your pictures that much more fun.
It was definitely worth the money... I would recommend everyone to try it at least once!

Walk Of Fame 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

It's fun to walk down Hollywood Blvd to see the famous stars on the sidewalks. I love the energy of Hollywood Blvd- all the people and street performers and the famous places to eat!
Great to visit day or night something always going on and something always filming on Hollywood Blvd check it out. This is a tourist spot not to be missed.

Crystal Cathedral. Quite a spiritual "journey". :)

What a great find for me! My husband knows how much I love architecture so he surprised me by bringing me here to show me around.
The Crystal Cathedral is very unique and well worth your visit. And it's FREE. The unique part about it is that it's one of those modern churches made entirely of glass including the bell tower. The Crystal Cathedral also has a big pipe organ. The architecture and statues around the grounds are truly amazing. Even the cemetery was unique with beautiful landscaping. 
The address of Christ Cathedral is: 13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840.

Calico Ghost Town 2016

A quaint little wild west mining town well worth the visit on your drive to or from Las Vegas. 

We had enjoyed wondering the streets, reading the history, and seeing all the historical buildings and furniture.So glad we paid a visit.This was a fun experience.  It's a fab way to spend a few hours and get an insight into what towns like that would have been like.

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San Diego. Mormon Temple.

One of the most beautiful temples I have ever seen. It looks like a castle from a fairy tale.   I love just looking at it! A wonderful place! There is a certain calm and peaceful feeling just being near it.
Of course, if you're not Mormon, you will not be allowed to go inside, but the outside is very impressive and makes for some great photos.
So, so, beautiful. It is lit at night, and you can see its beauty as you drive òn Interstate 5 near La Jolla.
Love this place.

Death Valley National Park,California

I never thought I would enjoy the desert so much. We spent the entire day touring Death Valley.

Spectacular!  I didn't know a view like this existed on this planet! It was pretty surreal. It is something you will never forget.

Nice little Island to spend the day!

We visited Coronado Island while staying in San Diego in May.
I like Coronado Island for its quiet, laid-back simplicity and for its beautiful views of the downtown San Diego skyline. It's the white, sandy beaches that have earned it numerous ratings as one of top ten beaches in the U.S.
The grounds of the Hotel are beautiful, and we were able to see its private villas on the beach. Also, the residential beach homes of the island were nice to look at. There is a contrast of Victorian and Contemporary styles.
It was one of the most relaxing places I have ever been! Paradise!