Best Cheap and Fun Things to Do With Kids at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California
Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco, Ca
My husband and I just got back from a San Francisco getaway, and I can’t wait to go back with the entire family. As we enjoyed all the fun and inexpensive attractions that Fisherman’s Wharf had to offer, we keep finding ourselves saying “The kids would love this!”. There is so much to do and see in this area of San Francisco, you may not have to go anywhere else! Still, when you are ready to move on, the cable cars are nearby so you can hop on and explore the rest of this great City. Here are some of the best inexpensive attractions and restaurants on Fisherman’s Wharf :
Musee Mechanique, Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Best Place to Spend Your Spare Change:
Be sure to have your kids save some nickels dimes and quarters for their Fisherman’s Wharf adventure. The Musee Mechanique is a privately held collection of mechanically operated musical instruments and antique arcade machines. Lucky for us, the owner Edward Galland Zelinsky chooses to share these machines with the general public. Kids can play with machines that their great grandparents may have enjoyed as children. These range from the famous San Francisco Icon the animated clown Laughing Sal to vintage Atari arcade machines. Having spent several years in riding the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk I found the working roller coaster made out of toothpicks to be particularly fascinating.
Toothpick Roller Coaster, Musee Mechanique San Francisco
Best Place to Sit Down and Enjoy Some San Francisco Sourdough
Boudin's Bakery, Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
We were lucky enough to have a Boudin’s gift certificate, so we decided to enjoy the classic clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at Boudin’s out on the patio. Heat lamps and a fire place kept things toasty. Fellow diners were eating a wide variety of sandwiches, soups, and breads. Bistro Boudin is a great place to take kids.
Best Cheap Souvenir
Penny Machines, Musee Mechanique
When I go back with the kids I plan to purchase a penny book for our family and have the kids collect pressed penny souvenirs. The Musee Mechanique had a wide assortment of San Francisco attractions and historical events represented. I loved how these pennies preserve the memory of the kids visit, and in the case of coins like the Rosy the Riveter souvenir, give me a chance to teach my kids a little bit about US History.
US Pampanito, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
The USS Pampanito is a real World War II submarine docked at Fisherman’s Wharf. Admission is a little steep, $10 for adults, but you can purchase a family admission for $20. That would bring the price of our visit down to $4 a person for our family of five. The $2.00 audio tour is definitely worth the rental. It explains every facet of these extremely complex vessel and contains historical accounts from the real submariners who served on the Pampinito as well as a fascinating account of a submarine rescue.
You enter and exit the submarine by very steep stairs, and the audio tour is pretty long and complex so I think this attraction would be best for school age children. We didn’t have a chance to visit the nearby Jeremiah O’Brian but that larger ship might make a better visit for younger children.
Marine Historic Park San Francisco
Best Free or Cheap Way to Learn a lot about San Francisco History
I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the San Francisco Maritime Historical Park! This is truly the best attraction bargain in San Francisco. Admission to the historic boats is very inexpensive and good for seven days. Children visit free. The park offers an amazing number of tours and activities throughout the day as well as free cell phone tours that give a rich background to the boats you are visiting. Click here for more information.
I look forward to sharing more details of my Fisherman’s Wharf adventures in a future post. If you are heading to San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place for your kids to have fun and learn about the history of the City of San Francisco as well as our nation.
*All photos taken by Bridget Smith from Family Adventure Guidebooks
Redwood National Park, California
Redwoods and ferns in Redwood National Park, California
Redwood National Park, along the northern coast of California, is often grouped together with the state parks in the area and referred to collectively as Redwood National and State Parks. Many of the resources highlighted on the National Park Services site include reference to nearby state parks, including Jededish Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. One of the few national parks that allows biking on back road logging trails, Redwood National Park offers many options for all types of visitors.
Famous for: Tall redwood trees, the world’s tallest trees.
Admission: Redwood National Park is free to visit!
Visitors will enjoy: Set out on one of the many hikes through the Tall Trees Grove. Enderts Beach off the Coastal Trail, takes visitors down to the tidepools and include interpretive signs to help identify plants and trees.
Easy site seeing: During the summer, visit one of the 5 visitor stations in the park and enjoy a ranger-led program or evening campfire. Or, take one of the paved or unpaved scenic drives through the park.
Best campground in the park: Both developed and backcountry campgrounds are available within the park. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is the most interesting option, offering easy access to the beach, as well as hiking and biking trails nearby. Reservations are not accepted for this campground, it is first-come, first-served.
Best months to visit for weather: The coastal areas of Northern California experiences thick fog much of the year. With these wet conditions, be sure to wear layers and bring a rain jacket. Summer is an ideal time to visit, when temperatures warm up.
Best months to visit to avoid crowds: Late fall or early spring are the best times to avoid crowds in Redwood National Park.
Nearest major cities: Crescent City is the nearest city with an airport, near the border with Oregon.
Visit the National Park Services website for more information about Redwood National Park.
Related posts:
Motel Trees near Trees of Mystery in Northern California
New RV Park in Eureka, California
Photo courtesy of National Park Service photo gallery.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
A Joshua Tree at sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, lies between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in southeast California. In the spring, beautiful wildflowers are everywhere in this dramatic park, and throughout the rest of the year, desert views, hiking trails and historic ranch houses provide visitors a peek into the history of the area. Many folks day-trip from nearby Los Angeles to hike and rock climb in Joshua Tree.
Famous for: The Joshua Trees, which are not actually trees, but giant Yucca plants, grow as high as 40 feet. They thrive in high desert terrain, at elevations above 3000 feet. A funny looking (or ugly, depending on your view!) tree, the plant starts with a single stalk, then branches out when the tree flowers in the spring. The trees are a valuable part of the ecosystem in Joshua Tree National Park, providing shelter and food to many of the desert animals.
Admission: Vehicle permit is $15 for 7 days. An individual entry permit is $5 for 7 days.
Families with young kids will like: When visiting National Parks, we always stop by the ranger station and pick up the Junior Ranger guidebooks. They help lead us through the park in a very child-friendly way, and by completing a number of activities as we explore the park. In Joshua Tree, the Junior Rangers are asked to identify plant species, draw pictures of the desert terrain, and pick up trash!
Families with teenagers will like: Rock climbing is very popular at Joshua Tree National Park. Take your own equipment, or hook up with one of the many climbing outfits in the area.
Easy site seeing: Join up with the Keys Ranch Guided Walking Tour, and hear about the history of the park as you visit this National Historic Register Site.
Best campground in the park: In addition to backcountry camping, the park also offers 9 campsites, including two where advanced reservations are possible. No matter where you camp, enjoy the wide-open celestial views in the evening and count stars to your hearts content.
Best months to visit for weather: Because Joshua Tree National Park is in the high desert, the weather is actually mild most of the year. In the winter, the temperatures can drop quite a bit, but the summers rarely get too hot, unlike nearby Death Valley. The best time to visit (IMHO) is the spring to view the wildflowers and witness the influx of transient and summer nesting birds.
Best months to visit to avoid crowds: September to February
Nearest major cities: Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree are nearby towns, and serve as the main entrances into the park. Palm Springs is a major city to the west, about one hour from Twentynine Palms. And Joshua Tree is about 3 hours from Los Angeles.
Visit the National Park Services site for more information about Joshua Tree National Park.
Related posts:
Wildflower Wanderings: Joshua Tree National Park
Eco Friendly Ace Hotel in Palm Springs
The Living Desert: Palm Desert, California
Photo courtesy of Jarek Tuszynski / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 & GDFL
Something for Everyone in Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park
When our Pacific Northwest road trip brought us near our final destination of Seattle, we took a left and headed instead for Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Olympic National Park is home to tiny tidepools, enormous drift wood, rain forests, snowy peaks and stunning views. You can see a little of a lot in a day’s drive through or you can discover all the details spending days exploring this wonderland. Yes, it is wet. How do you think things grow so tall and get so green? But on the clear days, you can see across to Canada. If you can keep your eyes off of the wildlife.
Famous for:
Wilderness. To appreciate Olympic National Park you need to hike away from your car. Nearly all of the park is forest, mountains, rain forest, seashore, rivers and valleys requiring varying durations of hikes to get there.
Admission:
$15 per vehicle. $5 for motorcyles, pedestrians or cyclists (free under Age 16). Pass is good for 7 days. Additional costs for overnight wilderness stays and camping.
Families with young kids will like:
Short walks through Hoh Rain Forest or discovering tidepools along Rialto Beach.
Families with teenagers will like:
Choosing from a variety of hiking trails in the Staircase region surrounded by enormous fir trees.
Other travelers will like:
Catch & release fishing on the Quinalt River or in many other lakes, rivers and shoreline spots.
Easy site seeing:
Drive up to Hurricane Ridge to take in the snow capped peaks of mountains all around and coast below.
Best hotel in the park:
Kalaloch Lodge boasts beautiful sunset views, situated on the Pacific Ocean in the park with full amenities.
Best campground in the park:
Well that depends on where you want to be. There are 16 different campgrounds covering all regions. Mora is in the woods but near the ocean, open year round with running water and plentiful sites.
Lodging experiences:
Everything from primitive campsites to RV accommodations, cabins, and hotels. Plentiful lodging options nearby the park as well.
Best months to visit for weather:
July, August & September (unless you are looking for winter activities).
Best months to visit to avoid crowds:
June & October have less visitors with better weather.
Nearest major cities:
Port Angeles is closest, Seattle is largest.
More info from the National Park Service:
http://www.nps.gov/Olym/index.htm
Related posts:
Beaches of Olympic National Park
By Molly G. @ The Bumbles Blog
Photo credited to Molly G. @The Bumbles Blog
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Bumpass Hell thermal area, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, at the base of the Cascade Mountain Range, is not very well known, and thus, not very crowded. This area of California is full of lakes of all sizes, and most vacations include time spent on the water, fishing, swimming or picnicking. Throughout the park, visitors can experience much of the continued volcanic activity through thermal areas and evidence of the last eruption. Winter snowfall still dictates entrance into the park, and it is wise to check the National Park Services website for road updates.
Famous for: Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915. Still active today, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) constantly monitor seismic activity and measure volcanic gas emissions.
Admission: Vehicle admission fee is $10 for 7 days. Individual fees are $5 for 7 days.
Families with young kids will like: Our family enjoyed the self-guided 1 mile walk around the Lily Pond Nature Trail near Manzanita Lake. We bought one of the leaflets at the trail head to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area.
Families with teenagers will like: Floating on Juniper Lake in an inflatable tube. So much blue water will relax everyone before your return to civilization.
Easy site seeing: Drive the 30-mile State 89 roadway and view many of the more interesting features of the park, including the shoulder of the volcano. Stop in at Bumpass Hell and explore the largest of the Lassen Volcanic National Park thermal areas.
Best hotel in the park: Bridge House Bed & Breakfast in Redding, California.
Best campground in the park: Eight campgrounds in the park, including 4 with reservation-only sites, are available from early-June through mid-September (weather permitting). Juniper Creek is one of the better sites, since it is less crowded, although entrance into the site is via an 8 mile rough-road. For something a little different, consider the Drakesbad Guest Ranch, in the middle of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This rustic lodge (read: no electricity in the bedrooms) offers guests horseback riding, hiking, swimming and fishing within the park. Evenings are set aside for campfires, games and books.
Best months to visit for weather: June – September
Best months to visit to avoid crowds: First two weeks of June, or late September, depending on the weather.
Nearest major cities: Redding, California, is the nearest major city, about 50 miles away. The nearest airports are Sacramento, California (165 miles), and Reno, Nevada (180 miles)
More information about the Lassen Volcanic National Park can be found on the National Park Services website.
Related posts:
Premiere RV Resorts in Redding, California
Photo courtesy of Junmon603 on Flickr.
Death Valley National Park, California
Wildflowers in bloom in Jubilee Pass, Death Valley National Park
In the spring, with all the wildflowers in bloom, the name bestowed upon Death Valley National Park in California seems inaccurate. New life is everywhere! Death Valley, east of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, is a winter destination, when the temperatures are moderate. Spring is the most ideal time to visit the park, to view the gorgeous wildflowers of the desert. No matter when you go, Death Valley is sure to delight with over 1000 species of plants and trees, 14 miles of dunes, 200 square miles of salt flats, and 11,000 feet mountains.
Famous for: Being the hottest and driest place in North America. Oh, and Scotty’s Castle, a desert mansion built in the 1920’s by Walter Scott and Alfred Johnson, at a cost of $2 million! Definitely worth a tour, to view the working museum the house has become.
Admission: Vehicle entrance fee is $20 for 7 days. Individual entrance fee is $10 for 7 days.
Families with young kids will like: Take a moonlight ranger tour of the desert, and view all sorts of critters who sleep during the hot, hot, day.
Families with teenagers will like: Exploring Rhyolite, a ghost town, and check out the Rhyolite Bottle House, built from 51,000 beer bottles.
Easy site seeing: Join a ranger-led walk or talk for the best overview of Death Valley National Park. Great programs are available throughout the week, including Desert Photography, History of Japanese-American Internees in Death Valley and Archeology of the Park. Tours and talks meet at the Furnace Creek and Scotty’s Castle Visitor’s Centers.
Best hotel in the park: Furnace Creek Inn gets the top rating from TripAdvisor, and features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and stables. The Inn is open mid-October through mid-May.
Best campground in the park: Most of the good camping is available in the valley floor, including Texas Spring and Furnace. Furnace is open year-round, but can be quite hot in the summer. The best sites are in the Wildrose campground, at 3,500 feet on the west side of the Panamint Mountain range. Backcountry camping is permitted; check the NPS site for details on planning your trip.
Best months to visit for weather: November through April. Springtime is the best to see the desert wildflowers.
Best months to visit to avoid crowds: In the hot summer, the crowds fall away, but it is also more difficult to travel during the day, with average temperatures exceeding 100F.
Nearest major cities: Death Valley Junction and Furnace Creek are both mid-sized towns, the latter with a small airport. Las Vegas, Nevada, is about a 3-hour drive.
Visit the National Park Services site for more information about Death Valley National Park.
Related posts:
Death Valley’s Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch
Camping at Calico Ghost Town in the Mojave Desert
Photo courtesy of National Park Services and Alan Van Valkenburg
Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands National Park
When visiting southern California, the beaches in the areas of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Oxnard may be your idea of a perfect vacation. For a different kind of natural beauty, however, you may want to head off shore to visit the unique things that Channel Islands National Park has to offer. This national park is made up of five islands (Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel) that are accessible only by charter or private boat. The islands, and their surrounding ocean environment, offer a preserved state of coastal California.
Famous for: Plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth.
Admission: No admission fee to enter park, but if you don’t have your own boat, you’ll have to use a private company for a ferry or tour to the islands. Tour prices vary. Visitor centers are located in Santa Barbara and Ventura.
Families with young kids will like: Boat tours that showcase the unique things about the islands.
Families with teenagers will like: Exploring the tidepools; surfing.
Other travelers will like: Whale watching tours.
Easy sight seeing: Choose one of the many tours available from the list of approved concessionaires.
Best hotel in the park: There are no hotels on the islands.
Campgrounds in the park: There is one campground on each island. Each is primitive, and all gear and supplies must be carried from the boat landing. Backcountry camping is available on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands. Camping costs $15/night.
Best months to visit for weather: Summer and fall.
Best months to visit to avoid crowds: Spring or fall.
Nearest major cities: Ventura and Santa Barbara, California
More information from the National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm
Related posts:
Photo courtesy of: National Park Service
Post written by: Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children
Disneyland – Magical But Unaffordable?
- Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
This past weekend I took a short trip to visit one of my college friends who lives in Los Angeles. Once she picked me up from the airport she suggested that we spend a day at Disneyland. Disneyland will always be that magical place that used to entrance me when I was little, and even though I am in my twenties, I was very excited to visit. So, we woke up early on Saturday morning, put on our comfortable shoes and took the forty minute drive from Hollywood to Disneyland.
When we arrived at the park my happiness quickly diminished when we found out that the entry ticket to both parks was an outstanding $97! This ticket, which is also known as the Hopper Pass, allows you to visit both the Disneyland and California Park so it is expected to be more expensive. But even if you were going to visit only one park, the adult ticket is still $87. I think this is ridiculous! And I was just paying for one ticket, what about the parents that have a few children with them? And it isn’t only the entry fees that families have to consider because there is also food, drinks, souvenirs, etc. to calculate in.
So, is the trip worth the cost?
If your answer is ‘yes’ here are some tips that I feel are good to consider before visiting. First and foremost, I recommend taking kids that are old enough to enjoy the rides. Babies will have free admission into the park, but then you have to consider that one parent will have to sit on the side while the rest of the family goes and it will just become more of a hassle. So, I figure if you bring kids that are five or older it will be the perfect trip. Secondly, go during the weekday and definitely avoid any big holidays so the lines are shorter. When the lines are longer (which they were this past weekend) you are only riding a fraction of the rides so it wouldn’t be worth the outlandish ticket price. Thirdly, if you are not a local, take the time to look for cheap hotels near Disneyland so you don’t go over your set budget.
So, if you take my recommendations into account and look at other helpful budget saving tips, Disneyland once again becomes the “happiest place on earth”.
- Night Fireworks
My last word of advice it to take the time to look through the Internet for any deals that may be happening during the time of your visit.
Here is one I found recently: “Give A Day. Get A Disney Day.”
This is a great program that Disney is doing where you can volunteer in your local community in exchange for free admission to the park. So, take a day with your family where you can all participate in a good cause, and in return, you can avoid the large fee of the entry tickets! But there are only one million tickets in total so if you are interested, do it soon!
Even though I do not agree with the prices they have stuck on the tickets, I do feel the trip is worth your time and money to bring your children to experience all the magic and wonder that Disneyland has to offer.
Related Posts:
Disneyland Family Vacations: The Happiest Place on Earth
Photos (in order of appearance):
“Sb Castle” by myjedilightsaber
“Disneyland Fireworks” by myjedilightsaber
Feeding Your Family at Disneyland
Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
Last November, I packed up my wife and kids and headed off for a whirlwind ten-day vacation in Southern California. Our base of operations was Disneyland, where we would be spending most of our time and money.
I found deals everywhere I could, from the airline tickets to the online park hopper passes to the wonderful hotel around the corner from Disneyland’s main gate. In fact, I can’t recommend the Candy Cane Inn more highly. Our nine nights at this highly-rated, but inexpensive, hotel were perfect, from the quiet rooms to the morning breakfast by the pool.
So, we saved a lot of money on these items.
One of the more important things you have to budget for is food. I mean, you gotta eat. Usually three times a day, plus a couple of snacks. Walking around Disneyland really speeds up the metabolism.
Here is my recommendation for those of you with hungry families traveling to Disneyland for an extended stay.
Screw the food budget.
Seriously, you’re on vacation! One of the biggest pleasures of getting away from home is being able to eat well. Why ruin your vacation with a mouthful of cardboard pizza and a regretful stomach ache?
There are plenty of places in and around Disneyland where you can enjoy some delicious meals for lunch and dinner, and most of them aren’t as expensive as you’d think. Here are my recommendations for must-eat restaurants with your family.
PB&J creation at the Carnation Cafe
Most people walk right by the Carnation Cafe. It’s tucked away in an alley halfway down Main Street, and it’s easy to think it’s nothing special.
But the Carnation Cafe is our favorite eatery in Disneyland, simply because the food is so good and the staff is the friendliest in the park. My kids have a real soft spot for the PB&J Artist’s Palette, which comes with a mix of ingredients for the making of an epic peanut butter sandwich. For the grown-ups, the Croissant Chicken Club and the Cafe Chef Salad are fresh and delicious, and each around $11.
A similarly casual restaurant is the Cafe Orleans, situated near the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square. The outdoor eating area can’t be beat, with views of the entire square and the Rivers of America. Most fun is simply watching the people go by as they hurry to the Haunted Mansion or Splash Mountain. It’s another restaurant that most people miss because they’re focused in on the rides and forget there’s more to eat in Disneyland than just burgers and pizza.
Monte Cristo Sandwich at Cafe Orleans
At Cafe Orleans, there’s really only one thing you should order. Their legendary Monte Cristo Sandwich is a mouthwatering combination of sliced turkey, ham, and swiss cheese fried in a light batter and served with berry purée and dusted with powdered sugar. Oh sure, they have other items on the menu, but I don’t know what they are. We always get the Monte Cristo, a bargain at $15.99.
Not far away, across from the Indiana Jones Adventure in Adventureland, is the quick and easy Bengal Barbecue. This is a walk-up counter that offers a variety of shish kebabs. We tried the spicy beef, the veggie, and the bacon-wrapped asparagus. The Bengal Barbecue also offers the yummiest grilled bread sticks in the park, as well as pretzels shaped like Mickey Mouse. This is definitely the best of the “fast food” locations in the park.
My last recommendation inside the park is the most expensive, but also the most memorable. The Blue Bayou Restaurant is located inside the same building as the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It’s this unique setting that makes it such a fun place to dine. As you eat, you watch boats full of people drift slowly past. Some visitors might even think you’re part of the ride. The perpetually moonlit night creates a magical atmosphere, and as you look out over the water at the flittering fireflies in the trees, it’s not difficult to imagine that you’ve just sat down on the patio of a Louisiana restaurant.
Prime rib at The Blue Bayou
But what about the food? Dinner entrees begin at $28 for adults, around $10 for kids. But beware, children 10 and older must order from the adult menu! For a family of four, it’s most likely going to run upwards of $100, and you’ll be asking yourself if it’s worth the experience. I’m happy to say the food is well worth it. The Blue Bayou should be the one meal you really splurge on. Not just for the atmosphere, but for the most excellent Five-Pepper Prime Rib and the Cajun-Spiced Salmon. We didn’t stick around for dessert, but I hear they have the best sweets in the park.
These four suggestions should keep your stomachs satisfied for a couple of days or more. If you’re at Disneyland longer, I suggest heading to Downtown Disney, just outside the main gate, for a few meals. I highly recommend the gumbo at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, as well as the Sonoma Valley Chicken at Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian Hotel. In fact, the dinner buffet at Storytellers is the best you’ll find in the area. And you’ll pay for it at $28.99 for adults (again, anyone over 9 years old).
Dinner buffet at Storytellers Cafe
Other restaurants in Downtown Disney are also of very high quality. There’s really not a bad one in the bunch. The only one that comes close to offering mediocre food is Rainforest Cafe, but you don’t go there for the food. The Rainforest Cafe is all about the atmosphere, and dazzling your kids with the sounds and sights of a tropical jungle.
Again, if you’re planning a major vacation to Disneyland, find your savings anywhere but in the food budget. Eating well, and not worrying about it, will make a big difference in the enjoyment of your time there.
All photos by Phil Corless
NYC, LA and Orlando Among America’s Top 5 New Year’s Eve Travel Destinations
What are the top New Year's Eve travel destinations in the USA?
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and the entire world will be celebrating with fireworks and oversized clocks counting down the last few minutes of 2009. Where will you find the best New Year’s Eve parties and most unique celebrations in the United States? Check out these top New Year’s Eve travel destinations in America.
Top 5 New Year’s Eve Travel Destinations in America
Fireworks at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
5. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a great place for families to celebrate New Year’s Eve together. The amusement parks will be packed, but Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios are each sure to give you your money’s worth in terms of fireworks displays and celebratory parades. Do, however, consider spending the night in a very nearby hotel if you want to avoid spending the first several hours of 2010 sitting in traffic.
Floats in the Rose Bowl Parade
4. Los Angeles, California
What makes Los Angeles stand out as one of the top New Year’s Eve travel destinations is not the celebrity residents, but rather the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade that coincides with college football’s Rose Bowl. The parade comes complete with floats made of roses, marching bands and a celebrity Grand Marshal that leads the way. After the parade, you’ll find an over the top party at hundreds of world class nightclubs all over Los Angeles, and of course, a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
New Year's Eve On Bourbon Street
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
You’ll find the New Orleans locals heading to Frenchmen Street for New Year’s Eve, but Bourbon Street is sure to be overflowing with partying tourists. No matter where you get started, you’ll want to be at Jackson Square by midnight to see the ball drop. This year, the Sugar Bowl teams (Florida Gators and Cincinnati Bearcats), alumni and students will also be in New Orleans for New Year’s Eve, which is sure to add to New Orleans’s infamous party atmosphere. Expect dancing in the streets, impromptu brass bands parading through, eccentric costumes, and tailgate style madness.
Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s no surprise that Las Vegas is a top New Year’s Eve Travel Destinations. Sin City is notorious for knowing how to throw a good party, and New Year’s is no exception. The strip is pedestrianized for one giant outdoor party, complete with fireworks, sound and light shows. Of course every casino, nightclub and hotel in Las Vegas will be offering specials and over the top parties of their own. And who knows – maybe you’ll ring in the New Year with a jackpot win!
Times Square - a New Year's Eve tradition
1. New York City, New York
Of course, the most famous New Year’s Eve event in the world is the celebration in New York City’s Times Square. Dick Clark’s big ball drop is watched by a million people in the flesh, and a billion more on television. Yes, that means you’ll have to fight an unbelievable crowd, but star-studded musical performances, pyrotechnics and the sheer notoriety of the event put New Year’s Even in Times Square on many “must do once in your life” lists.
Photo credit: Bob Jagendorf, d4rr3ll, erinbrace, Gary J Wood, eyeliam, Paul Mannix on Flickr
