Sunday, January 13, 2013

San Diego Trip Planner

San Diego Trip Planner/San Diego Attractions/San Diego TO DOs

Attraction Attraction Detail Cost Time Required
Sea World First on the list are SeaWorld’s aquatic shows. A “must-see” is Shamu’s Adventure (Hint: If you want a big splash, sit in the first 14 rows). Other SeaWorld institutions include Dolphin Discovery, Pirates 4-D, and Pets Rule, where dogs, cats, and pigs get into the act. Meanwhile, at Shark Encounter, you view hundreds of sharks in a huge habitat. Then visit a sea creature we all love—the dolphin—at Rocky Point Preserve, where you can learn about them, watch them play, and maybe even feed one. Other SeaWorld crowd-pleasers include Penguin Encounter (yes, there’s snow in San Diego) and Wild Arctic $60 USD per person for 1 day pass (check out craigslist or local news paper/costco for deals) 1 Day
San Diego Zoo The first exhibit you’ll see at the San Diego Zoo is the much-photographed Flamingo Lagoon. Also near the entrance is the Children’s Zoo, which features 30 child-size exhibits, the Petting Paddock, and a baby animal nursery. These are the best stops for children, along with the Wegeforth Bowl (home of the popular Sea Lion Show) and the Hunte Amphitheater shows. Then there’s the Giant Panda Research Station, home to the San Diego Zoo’s most famous residents. 35 for 1 day pass includes all rides and sky train ride as well(check out craigslist or local news paper/costco for deals) 1 Day
Wild Animal Park You know the city is far behind when you enter San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park! Experience a unique adventure at the Wild Animal Park’s 2,100-acre preserve, where animals wander freely in surroundings much like their native homelands. A quiet railway, pathways, and shows enable you observe both animals and exotic plants 29 for 1 day pass includes all rides and sky train ride as well(check out craigslist or local news paper/costco for deals) 1 Day Current Hours (through April 26): 9 a.m.–7 p.m. April 27–May 22: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. May 23–25: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. May 26–June 19: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. June 20–September 7: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Balboa Park the heart and soul of San Diego—is a verdant oasis situated minutes from downtown, the harbor, and Mission Valley. Imagine wide green lawns, tinkling fountains, Spanish architecture, lush gardens... Balboa Park’s 15 diverse museums span interests like aerospace, sports, fine art, folk art, history, and dinosaurs. Part with some cash or visit all day for free; Balboa Park’s offers a wide range of low or no-cost activities for the entire family. But be forewarned: You may just find yourself returning to Balboa Park’s 1,200 visitor-friendly acres again and again—just like a native San Diegan Free half Day (plan lunch here)
San Diego Natural History Museum Near to Balboa Park $13 USD 3/4 Hrs
San Diego Model Railroad Museum Features: World’s Largest Indoor Model Railroad Display $6 USD 1/2 Hrs
San Diego Air & Space Museum Nice to visit here $15 USD 1/2 Hrs
San Diego Harbor The Embarcadero (Spanish for wharf) along Harbor Drive covers the area from the Star of India to Seaport Village. Consider starting along the scenic San Diego Harbor and strolling from Embarcadero Marina Park, which borders Seaport Village and the San Diego Convention Center, to the Maritime Museum's Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship in the world and the pride of San Diego Bay. $18 USD Spend evening and take boat ride to enjoy sunset!
Avg Motel/Stay cost in SD is 60-65 USD per day.
2 Hrs drive from LA.

San Francisco Trip Planner

SFO Trip Planner/SFO Attractions/SFO TO DOs

Attraction Attraction Detail Cost Time Required
Golden Gate Bridge An engineering masterpiece, this bridge, built in 1937, towers with sturdy grace over the Golden Gate. Stretching over 4,200 feet Free Pedestrian Crossing: Daily 5:30a-9:30p; 24 hours daily for motorized vehicles; Roundhouse Gift Center: Daily 9a-5p, Summer: Daily 8:30a-7:30p
Lombard Street This picturesque stretch of Lombard Street has eight angles along a single block. They twist at very acute angles, making for very slow going if you are in a car, though, oddly enough, cars were the reason for designing the street this way back in 1922, the idea being that this design would make it easier for them to negotiate the steep 16-percent grade. The drive is usually bumper-to-bumper and in the summertime, there is almost always a line of cars waiting to take the drive down, so a stroll is a good option, especially when the hydrangeas along the sidewalk are in bloom. Free Open 24 hrs. 1 hr approx to roam around
Golden Gate Park In the late 1800s, a Scotsman named John McLaren transformed more than 1000 acres (405 hectares) of sand dunes into a wondrous haven in the midst of busy city life. Stretching from Stanyan Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscaping features ever-changing settings at every turn. There are trails for walking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, as well as a golf course, lawn bowling greens, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. Free 2 Hrs
Grace Cathedral This impressive neo-Gothic structure crowning Nob Hill was built on the site of the Crocker Mansion after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The interior features stained glass windows in celestial blues and vibrant reds and yellows. There are also frescoes depicting the history of San Francisco and scenes from the life of San Francisco's patron saint, St. Francis of Asissi. The gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the doors of the main entrance are cast from Ghiberti's original molds Free (parking 11 USD if went before 11 am) Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm On cathedral holidays, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Japanese Tea Garden(inside attraction 3) Located in Golden Gate Park , this garden is a marvel of the landscape architects art. This traditional Japanese garden covers five acres. Several paths take you by an authentic pagoda, a monumental Buddha, a miniature waterfall, and over an acutely arched bridge that no kid can resist. Overlooking the gardens Koi-filled pond is a Japanese-style tea house, which in spring is covered with a cascade of wisteria. The gift shop sells souvenirs with a Japanese flair. Free 1 Hr
Yosemite National Park various rides and hiking etc It's near to SFO not in SFO Has entrance fee cheap deal is to get national park pass 1 Day min.
Aquarium of the Bay Meet 20,000 amazing marine animals as you walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels. Touch sharks and rays. It's like skin diving without getting wet. Open daily except Dec. 25. Summer hours 9am-8pm. Most other times M-Th 10am-6pm, F-Su until 7pm. Admission $15.95 adults; $8 seniors (age 65+) and children (ages 3-11); $39.95 family (2 adults, 2 children). Children under 3 free. Prices and hours subject to change. $16 4 Hrs
PIER 39 There is something for everyone at Pier 39, one of San Francisco's premier Bay attractions: a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, 13 Bay view restaurants and a variety of fun-filled attractions for all ages, including the world-renowned sea lions, street performers and live daily entertainment. Free unlimited :) Best time is evening till late night
Coit Tower San Franciso's Coit Tower is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The 210-foot high, Art Deco tower sits majestically atop Telegraph Hill in the city's North Beach neighborhood and offers sweeping views of San Francisco Bay as well as Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and other area attractions. Free 1 Hr (sometimes it became too crowded and waiting time at elevator takes 20mins)
Alcatraz Island The Rock Film shooting happened here. The hours of operation vary with the season - departures are available about every half hour throughout the day beginning at 9:00am. Evening tours and combined Angel Island - Alcatraz Island tours are also available depending on the season. Alcatraz is open every day except Christmas and New Year's day. Alcatraz frequently sells out in advance, as much as a week or more in advance in summer and near holidays Free but need to hire ferry boat ride to reach there 4 hrs min including ferry time
Ride in Cable car Basically, there are three cable car routes in operation, and it helps to know their respective destinations. At Powell and Market streets, there is a cable car turntable which serves as the beginning stop for two lines, the Powell-Mason and Powell- Hyde lines. The Powell-Mason line begins at the Powell/ Market turntable, and the line runs from there up and over Nob Hill and down to Bay Street at Fisherman's Wharf. The Powell-Hyde line also begins at the Powell Market turntable and runs over Nob and Russian hills before ending at Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square. Both these lines end near Fisherman's Wharf, but at different areas, and the routes are significantly different. Paying close attention to the signs on the cable cars will help you distinguish where in Fisherman's Wharf you will find yourself. $3 a day As much as you can!
Mystery Spot 465 Mystery Spot Rd Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (831) 423-8897
For almost 60 years, this attraction has been puzzling its visitors with bizarre phenomena. Apparently, there are unusual deviations in gravity, mysterious inflections of light and altering perceptions of velocity and space. The staff takes you on a tour of the property, and you can witness all sorts of mysterious phenomena. It is a great place for the kids (and the adults who love them). This attraction is open every day of the year.
$10 USD Per person cash only Summer: 9a-7p M-Su, Winter: 9a-5p M-Su