San Luis Obispo Lighthouse

The Port San Luis Obispo Lighthouse was completed in June 1890, and the light was officially lit for the first time on June 30, 1890. Perched on a cliff overlooking the San Luis Bay the lighthouse is only accessible through a docent led 3.5 mile round-trip hike along the Pecho Coast Trail. Pre-registration online is required for these hikes. The trip to the lighthouse is open to 20 hikers on Wednesdays until October 28th with a departure time of 3:30 PM. Weekend hikes are on Saturdays, the trail is open to 40 hikers for starts at 9 AM. Parking is at the Port San Luis Harbor parking lot located at the base of the pier. Adults $5, Family rate, parent(s) with children under the age of 18 $10, and children 12 and under are FREE. Lighthouse items, light snacks and bottle water are available for purchase at the gift shop.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center Santa Cruz

Seymour Marine Discovery Center is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, California. The center is part of the Long Marine Laboratory and is open to the public every day except Monday. Inside, the center offers a look at the marine world surrounding the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. One of the most striking exhibits at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a huge 87-foot long Blue Whale skeleton.
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center has four different exhibits: looking, testing, puzzling, questioning. These try to show the visitors what scientists do, and how they go about their research.

The Looking Exhibit: This exhibit “offers thematic interactive experiences and adventures in a wide variety of scientific fields for visitors of all ages, and in nine different languages.” These displays try to give the viewers a “hands-on” experience, and try to show how a scientist does his or her research out in the field. There are three different parts to this exhibit:

Elephant Seals field studies
Coastal Geographical Processes
Tidepool Ecology: Long-term Observations
The Testing Exhibit: At this exhibit there are three displays and instruments used by scientists to collect data and samples for a variety of things: investigating life on Earth, they are used in the depths of the oceans, with marine mammals in water and air, and to sample the environmental toxins that accumulate everywhere. The three displays are:

Ocean Drilling Project (ODP)
Pinniped Sensory Abilities
Heavy Metals in the Environment
The Puzzling Exhibit:

Marine Snow Studies
Otter and Killer Whale Interactions
The Questioning Exhibit: The questioning aspect of the center is incorporated with the aquarium. On each tank, which houses an animal, there is a question relating to that animal which the scientists have to ask themselves. Some examples of these questions are: “How smart is an octopus? What does this crab do when it outgrows its shell? What survival techniques do sand dabs use to escape hungry predators?”

Days and Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday, noon to 5 PM
Closed Monday
Admission:
Adult $6
Student or Senior (64+) $4
Child (4-16) $4
First Tuesday of each month free admission

Located at the End of Delaware Avenue
100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

New Brighton State Beach

New Brighton State Beach is located south of Santa Cruz California in the town of Capitola. The beach is very popular during the summer months for both day use and beach camping. The 111 campsites are on a bluff overlooking northern Monterey Bay. Nearby is Seacliff’s famous fishing pier which has a concrete tanker at its end, the SS Palo Alto. It was built during World War I, when wartime steel shortages created a demand for alternate shipbuilding materials. However, when the war ended, so did the desperate need for ships, and the Palo Alto was never completed. In 1930 the Seacliff Amusement Corporation bought the ship and turned it into an elaborate amusement center. Once positioned at the beach, the Palo Alto was brought to rest on the ocean bottom and the pier was built leading to the ship. Camping at New Brighton and Seacliff beaches is very popular during the summer. Most of the time campsites are sold out months in advance. Picnicking, fishing, camping, hiking and
swimming are favorite family activities at these State Beaches.Location is four
miles south of Santa Cruz, off Highway 1 at the intersection of Park and McGregor Drives. New Brighton State Beach

Caswell State Park Camping Trip

Caswell Memorial State Park is an oasis of oak trees in a sea of farm land in the California central Valley. The Stanislaus River runs through Caswell State Park and during the summer campers can cool off in the slow moving waterway. There are 65 campsites most of which face the river. During the week you can have the park to yourself. Weekends Caswell State Park is full of campers from the San Francisco bay area. There are miles of hiking trails that twist there way through the oak trees or you can hop on an inner tube and float down the river. Location - Directions From 99, take the Austin Rd. exit. Head South on Austin Rd. and you will run into the park at the end of the road. Latitude/Longitude: 37.7005 / -121.1243 Year-round day use 8:00am to sunset Entrance station open Spring and Fall weekends, most days May through September. 28000 South Austin Road Ripon CA 95366 209-599-3810
Caswell State Park Camping Reservations

Dr. Seuss Traveling Sculpture Garden San Diego

The Dr. Seuss Traveling Sculpture Garden is on display at the Hotel del Coronado, across the bay from downtown San Diego. You can view the statues from now until June 30th on the grounds of the historic hotel. The 5’ and 8’ bronze sculptures are on a tour of California with stops in San Diego, Pleasanton, and the Fresno Metropolitan Museum. This exhibit is in recognition of Seuss’ creative talent and gives the to enjoy the life principals expressed and memories associated with his books and art.
About The Art of Dr. Seuss

Ted Geisel wrote 44 books between 1937 and 1990, changing the way generations of children learned to read. While his most prominent legacy is in children’s literacy, his artistic legacy continues to cross over generations and genres impacting the worlds of art, literature, pop and high culture. Many of today’s top talents pay tribute to Dr. Seuss as a key influence in their own artistic development. For over 60 years, Dr. Seuss’s illustrations brought a visual realization to his fantastic and imaginary worlds. However, his artistic talent went far beyond the printed page to his collection of Secret Art. Seuss always dreamed of sharing these works with his fans and had entrusted his wife, Audrey, to carry out his wishes once he was gone. In 1997, this dream was realized when The Art of Dr. Seuss project was launched.

Dr. Seuss Touring Sculpture Garden – California Touring Schedule:
Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, CA -(Now – June 30, 2009)
Stephen Clayton Galleries, Coronado, CA -(July 1, 2009 – August 30, 2009)
Studio 7 Fine Arts, Pleasanton, CA -(September 2, 2009 – October 21, 2009)
Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Fresno, CA -(October 31, 2009 – January 17, 2010)


About Hotel Del Coranado

The Hotel del Coronado (also known as the The Del to local residents) is a beachfront luxury hotel in the city of Coronado, just across the San Diego Bay from San Diego, California. It is one of the few surviving examples of an American architectural genre: the wooden Victorian beach resort. It is one of the oldest and largest all-wooden buildings in California and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
Across the bay from downtown San Diego

Things to do Fathers Day Los Angeles

Fathers Day is just around the corner, what do you have planned for dad? Breakfast or maybe brunch. Well this year give dad something a little extra and take him somewhere special. Take Dad hiking or biking. Go on a Bay cruise or travel on a train. Whatever you decide Dad will appreciate that you have taken the time to spend Fathers Day with him. Here is a list of Los Angeles area things to and places to see on Fathers day.

Griffith Observatory - One of the best places to visit in LA for free. Take Dad up Mount Hollywood to see the sights. Maybe even splurge and see the Planetarium show for a few bucks.

Fillmore and Western Train Ride - Special Fathers Day BBQ train leaving at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Fun for the whole family any time of the year. Fillmore is about an hours drive from Los Angeles.

Magic Mountain - If dad likes roller coasters then Six Flag Magic Mountain is the place to take him. Ride the Terminator® Salvation™ and give dad a day he will not forget. Tickets only $27.00 bucks when you buy online, a great deal.

Palm Springs Tramway - Going to take a couple of hours to get there, but when you do, the ride is well worth it. Might still be a few patches of snow to throw at Dad.

Farmers Market Los Angeles - Great for breakfast or lunch. So many places to eat it will be hard to pick which place to fill dad up at. Next door is the Grove Shopping Center where you can get a last minute Fathers Day gift.

Los Angeles Zoo - With nearly 1000 animals living at the zoo dad will feel right at home. From 6-9 pm a variety of musical acts will perform at different locations throughout the Zoo.

Orange Empire Railway - Ride the Big Red Cars of the Pacific Electric and enjoy a Father's Day BBQ. The largest group Trolley Cars of the year are out to ride on for dads day.

Los Angeles Sol Home Depot Center Carson - Professional women’s soccer team will have events during the game including promotional giveaways, basketball shooting, football throw and putting. Before the game in the morning there will be a 5k/10k race.

L. A. Roadsters Car Club Show - 45th year Los Angeles Roadsters Club world-renowned show and the 30th year it will be held at the L. A. County Fairplex, located in Pomona, California. This year the show will be held on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st.

Things to do On Fathers Day San Diego

June 21, Fathers Day is just around the corner. Don't settle for a necktie or six pack of beer, take dad somewhere special this year. Out to breakfast is cool, a healthy bike ride or hike is invigorating, seeing the latest action movie should keep dad happy. If these Ideas are not quite what your looking for here is a list of things to do on Fathers Day in San Diego.

USS Midway Museum - Every dad should love going to the Midway. Jets, helicopters and a massive warship. Dad will get a kick out of visiting this historic ship in downtown San Diego.

La Jolla Kayak Tour - Take dad on an adventure to the sea caves at La Jolla. Plan on getting a little wet. Book early all tours will fill up fast.

San Diego Zoo - You belong in the zoo and so does dad. This fathers day trip will take all day but is surprisingly affordable.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm Fathers Day Barbecue - Celebrate the First Annual Harvest Festival. Enjoy live music, tasty BBQ for purchase, Keys Creek Lavender Plant Sale and Essential Oil Demonstration - plus much more.

Balboa Park - Free parking and lots of free things to do. For people on a budget Balboa Park is a great place to visit on Fathers Day.

Gaslamp Quarter - Downtown San Diego's historic heart. Pull up a to one of the sidewalk bars and restaurants and have lunch or dinner with your favorite father figure.

San Diego Wild Animal Park - The wild animal park is another surprisingly affordable place to spend the day. For a real adventure try the parks new zip line.

Mission Trails Regional Park - Tell dad to take a hike. Mission hills has lots of trails to work off that Fathers day breakfast.

Chula Vista Nature Center - This is a fun place for a Fathers Day outing. Not too far away and a nice place for family time.

Harvey House Railroad Depot Barstow California

On your next trip to Las Vegas Harvey House Railroad Depot in Barstow is a great place to get out of the car and stretch your legs. At one time the Harvey House was a stooping off point for passengers on the Santa Fe Railroad. Full service dining and overnight lodging were provided to hungry and tired travelers on their trip across the desert. After trains started providing on board meals Casa Del Desierto went into decline and was abandoned. Today the restored building houses a train museum and a route 66 museum. More about Barstow Harvey House Railroad Depot.

Things To Do On Mothers Day Los Angeles

Skip the box of chocolates and take Mom out for the day on Mothers Day. There are unique places to go in the Los Angeles area and mother will appreciate spending the day with her family. A short day trip in the morning and an early dinner will keep mom smiling all day long. Here is a list of things to do on Mothers Day in and around Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles Farmers Market - Have breakfast or lunch at the original 1934 Los Angeles Farmers Market. Shopping at the specialty shops and then head next door to the Grove to check out the upscale stores and take in a movie.

Temecula Valley Wine Tasting - Many of the wineries are having special Mothers Day events including brunches and concerts. Temecula is about an 90 minute drive form Los Angeles.

Santa Catalina Island Take Mom on a trip to Catalina and she will have a very special day. Lots of things to do and see plus some really great restaurants in Avalon.

Mother's Day Festival on Olvera Street Live music, festive food, carnival rides and games, free health screenings for women and free gifts for Moms. Arrive early this place gets busy.

Crystal Cove Beach One of the few places left in Orange County where you can walk for miles along the coastline and see it in its natural state. Have lunch at the Beachcomber Cafe on the beach at Crystal Cove.

Griffith Observatory Here is a treat for Mom and the kids plus its free. Great views on a clear day, lots of hands on things to do for kids, and there is even a Cafe at the End of the Universe (operated by Wolfgang Puck) for lunch.

Point Dume Nature Preserve one of the best views you will find anywhere along the Southern California coast. On a clear day you can see the Malibu coast and Santa Monica beyond. Take Mom on a Sunday drive to this wonderful place.

J. Paul Getty Museum The beautiful gardens and spectacular architecture will dazzle Mom and make a memorable Mothers Day. There is a full service restaurant with views of the Santa Monica Mountains for Mothers day lunch. Admission is free to Getty Museum. parking is ten dollars.

Free Places To Go On a tight budget then here is a list of free places to go in Southern California. Mom won't mind if its free as long as she gets to spend the day with family she will have a great day!

Things To Do On Mothers Day San Diego

Make Mothers Day a day to remember by taking mom out for day trip. Restaurants will have lines, flowers soon fade and chocolates have too many calories. Mom will be happy with any of these gifts but spending the day with family she will a gift she will never forget. Here are some suggestions on unique places and things to do on Mothers Day in the San Diego area.

Julian Historic Gold Town - Julian is famous apple pies and apple orchards. Located In the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains east of San Diego this 1870s gold rush town is about a two hour drive from San Diego. Getting there is half the fun on this Mothers Day Drive.

Quail Botanical Gardens - Lush gardens located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Encinitas. Features rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rain forest and California native plants. Kids Seeds will enjoy the Seeds of Wonder Children's Garden. The lookout tower has a great view of the coast.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm Mother’s Day Special. Mom’s receive a free gift. One per mom. While supplies last. The lavender fields are nestled in a serene valley described as "at the end of nowhere", provide a picturesque setting for Mothers Day. Birds chirping, babbling brooks and row upon row of lavender and rosemary.

The Flower Fields (Carlsbad) Final day the season the Flower Fields honor Moms on this special day. You won't want to miss this colorful display of flowers in Northern San Diego County.

Hotel del Coronado Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch buffet is available in the oceanfront Ballroom and in the magnificent Crown Room from 9am – 3pm. The elegant buffet will feature a variety of culinary delights, live entertainment and a rose for each mom. A special children’s buffet will be available for the little ones. Cost is $74 for adults and $32 for children ages 6-10 (not including tax and gratuity). Children 5 and under eat free.

Hornblower Cruises San Diego Bay Breathtaking views of the San Diego harbor. Come aboard a Hornblower Cruise and create the perfect gift for mom… excellent cuisine, superb service and a luxury cruise with some of the most beautiful views in the country.

Mother's Day Sleepover San Deigo Zoo Mothers are given a first class ticket to meet Zoo animals from around the world. A buffet dinner with wine will be served, while a musician playing classical guitar entertains you. The following morning, you’ll awaken to a champagne mimosa delivered to you. After a hot breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to take an early morning walk to visit an animal behind the scenes before ending your whirlwind around-the-world tour.

Wine Tasting Mothers Day Many of the local wineries in Temecula and Escondido are having Mother's Day Celebration with brunches, live entertainment and of course wine tasting. Take a drive out to Southern California's wine country and make this Mothers day a special one.

Mother's Day Brunch At the Wild Animal Park Celebrate Mom’s special day with family and friends at the Zoo’s Mother’s Day Brunch. Enjoy the casual elegance of the Treetops Room as you make selections at the omelet bar or choose the pepper-dusted smoked salmon from the generous entree choices. The cost is $34.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 3–11

Mother's Day That's The Spirit Get in the spirit this Mother’s Day, with a 4-course brunch and champagne pairing at Harrahs Rincon San Diego. 1pm Brunch in the Bordeaux Room, featuring LIVE entertainment. $75 per person (tax and gratuity included)Reservations Required

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is loacted 50 miles east of San Diego and 5500 feet above sea level. Popular activities today include camping, hiking, picnicking, snow play, horseback riding, scenic driving, photography, and nature study.

Hiking trails within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area are:
Pacific Crest Trail - 37 miles (foot & horse)
Horse thief Trail - 1.2 miles (foot)
Espinosa Trail - 6.4 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)
Noble Canyon - 10 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)
Desert View Nature Trail - 1.2 miles (foot)
Kwaaymii Cultural Trail - 0.5 miles (foot)
Lightening Ridge Trail - 1.3 miles (foot)
Indian Creek Trail - 9 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)
Big Laguna Trail - 5 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)
Wooded Hill Nature Trail - 1.5 miles (foot)
Sunset Trail - 4 miles (foot)
Pioneer Mail Trail - 3 miles (foot, horse & mountain bike)

Located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. Take I-8 to Sunrise Highway Exit. Go approximately 13 miles to Laguna/El Prado Campground, just beyond the 26 mile marker. Stop at entrance for campground information and site location.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

If your looking for a total escape Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is the place for you. This unique California State Park has no roads and is only accessible by boat. "Where the waters come together" is a translation of the native American word Ahjumawi. The waters which come together are Big Lake, Tule River, Ja-She Creek, Lava Creek, and Fall River. Together they form one of the largest systems of fresh water springs in the country. Boaters, canoeists and hikers can explore the waterways, pools and lava flows. The park is also an excellent site for wildlife viewing, photography, picnics and overnight camping.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
P.O. Box 2430
Shasta, California 96087-2430
Phone: 530-225-2065

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is a great place to for a day trip or a weekend off-roading adventure. The Hollister SVRA has over 6,000 acres of oak, grasslands, and chaparral to drive around. The SVRA is divided into two areas: Lower Ranch for motorcycle and ATV use and the Upper Ranch for 4x4s.
REGISTRATION
Current California off-road vehicle registration (green and red stickers) or highway registration are required at all times when operating OHVs on public lands. Funds generated from OHV registration along with a portion of the state gas tax are used for the acquisition, development, and operation of OHV areas throughout California.
CAMPING
Facilities: The Upper Ranch has two family campgrounds, Sycamore and the Obstacle Course Camp. Each campground accommodates about 60 people. The Lower Ranch has five campgrounds. All camp sites have flush toilets. Walnut Camp in the Lower Ranch and Sycamore Camp in the Upper Ranch have showers. Camping at Hollister Hills requires no reservations and all sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you are planning going to the Upper Ranch call ahead to make sure there are no special events going on during that time.

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
7800 Cienega Road
Hollister CA 95023
+1 (408) 637-3874