A Couple’s Weekend in San Diego for $350
A Seaport Village Sunset
Looking for a getaway to warmer climes this winter, for you and your significant other? Consider San Diego, California! You can have a FANTASTIC time for around $300! That includes lodging, meals, and entertainment – if you drive, you’ll have to figure in the price of gas. If you fly, you’ll have to figure in the price of airfare and vehicle rental. This is for a two-night stay, including two breakfasts/lunches/dinners, and two days of activities.
Here’s where you stay:
I used Expedia to find hotel rates at around $80 per night – trust me, there are a TON of them. The Best Western Mission Bay and the Wyndham Garden San Diego are each a couple of blocks from Mission Bay, and fifteen minutes from the Gaslamp District or the ocean. The Pacific Shores Inn is a mere 100 yards from the Pacific ocean and San Diego’s famed boardwalk.
Total Cost: about $175
Here’s where you eat:
Breakfast:
Each of the hotels above offer complimentary breakfast – for this budget to work, you need to count on eating a free morning meal at your hotel of choice.
Lunch:
Day One: The Boardwalk Bistro (on Mission Beach) – grab two lunch combos (salad, soup and 1/2 sandwich) and a drink for $10.00 each.
Day Two: Greek Island Cafe (Seaport Village) – share a Combo Platter which includes Gyros, Souvlaki, Salad, Pita, Dolma, and Spanikopita. Add a couple of drinks and get out of there for under $20.
Dinner:
Day One: Split a pizza and a house salad at the Sidebar in the Gaslamp District. Throw in a couple of glasses of wine and spend about $35.
Day Two: Time to spoil yourselves a little bit! Indulge in dinner at the Coronado Boathouse – seafood entrees are about $25 per person, so if you add drinks you’ll probably spend about $65.
Breakfast = $0
Lunch = $40
Dinner = $100
Total Cost: about $140
Here’s what you do:
Day One: Hit Mission Beach and the Oceanfront Boardwalk. People watch, wander shoeless in the sand, soak up the sun, and be lulled by the sound of the waves. In the evening enjoy the culture and vivacity of the historic Downtown Gaslamp Quarter.
Day Two: Check out Seaport Village during the day – watch the boats meander about, window shop, and enjoy the fresh sea air. In the evening cross the bridge over to Coronado Island and experience the energetic yet serene island atmosphere.
Total Cost: The $35 you have left in spending money! The perfect amount for some San Diego themed souvenirs!
Photo credit:
- Seaport Village by Jay Martinez on Flickr Creative Commons.
A Tale of Two Portlands
Both are “coastal” cities (one on a river, one on the ocean), both are enjoying sweater weather at this time of year, and both are relaxed and lively with culture but without pretense. The two cities are on opposite sides of the country, a whopping 3,215 miles apart. If you have the chance, check out Portland Maine and Portland Oregon and compare your experiences!
The view from our table at McCormick and Schmicks, Portland Oregon.
Portland Oregon
Best place to eat: McCormick & Schmicks Harborside at the Marina. The shot above was taken directly to my right as we sat at our table on a lovely summer day. I had the steamed clams and the rare Ahi nicoise salad, and both were excellent.
Best place to sleep: The Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland is such a neat, atypical place to stay. It’s downright cozy, yet has a young and upbeat atmosphere. It’s certainly one of the more stylish hotels I’ve ever seen. Since you’re within walking distance of so much you probably won’t want to eat in, but their on-site restaurant/bar is great for a quick cocktail or full-menu room service.
Best thing to see: Washington Park sits high atop a hill above the city and offers spectacular views. Visit the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum all in one lovely day.
Entrance to the Portland Regency Hotel, Old Port district of Portland Maine.
Portland Maine
Best place to eat: J’s Oyster, right on the Portland Harbor, is a true Maine dining experience. The wait staff have the classic friendly yet brusque Maine manners, the seafood is pulled right off the boats at the back of the restaurant, Maine-accented conversation around the oyster bar is fast and entertaining, and the place is PACKED all the time. If you go mid-week for a late lunch you should be able to get a table right away, but on the weekends expect an hour wait. I have only one thing to say to you: HAVE THEIR KING CRAB LEGS. Wait, two things: HAVE THEIR LOBSTER ROLL TOO.
Best place to sleep: The Portland Regency Hotel is, in my opinion, the PERFECT place to stay while in Maine. In fact, it’s one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at, and I’ve been all over this blessed country. Tasteful decor, more than attentive service, and an on-site restaurant that serves the best breakfast around (hit their Sunday brunch if you can).
Best thing to see: View some of the most famous lighthouses of Maine via Lucky Catch Cruises. Catch your own lobsters for dinner, learn about the scattering of Civil War era forts, and flirt with the seals. Private charters and regularly scheduled “Special Excursions” (including bird watching, Fort Gorges and the Lobsterboat and Tugboat races) are also available.
All photos copyright Tiffany Joyce.
3 Vacation Destinations for Beer Lovers
Home brewing — the fine art of making your own beer in your garage or basement — has been gaining in popularity in suburbs across America over the last several years. Also gaining ground? Family vacations focused on finding the best beer, or at least the best brewery. Make the rounds of the samplers at local breweries in these three destinations.
Portland, Maine – your grandparents might have come for the leaf-peeping, but today Portland is making a name for itself as a hotbed of fermentation. Half a dozen craft breweries are found in this New England town, including the Peak Organic Brewing Company. Book your visit for February and you can catch the Bartenders Bash.
Portland, Oregon – same name, different coast, an equally impressive collection of microbreweries to tour. The beer scene is hopping in the Pacific Northwest and wannabe brew masters can often find local events centered around tastings and competitions. Check out PortladBeer.org before your trip to get current updates.
Denver, Colorado - home of the Great American Beer Festival each fall, Denver is the domestic holy land for beer lovers. Take the Denver Microbrew Tour to take in all the sights with a designated driver. Reward the kids for good behavior (and patience) by taking them on an epic bike ride along Denver’s miles of gorgeous trails before heading home.
Halloween Fun at Disneyland
The day was not crisp. In fact, it was rather warm. There was a light rain in the afternoon. It could have passed for spring.
The end of September was the winding down of whirlwinds and the precipice of a free fall into holiday excitement and the trappings thereof. We decided to blur the line all the sooner.
We took a trip to Disneyland for Mickey’s Halloween Party and suddenly fall was in the air.
The event requires a separate ticket, but don’t fret — admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party actually allows ticket holders to enter Disneyland a few hours prior to the park closing (the Halloween event happens after the park is closed) so that they can enjoy a bit more of the magic. For dates, times and pricing please visit Disneyland.com/halloween. (Walt Disney World offers Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
While kids are able to wear costumes to Disneyland whenever they please (assuming it also pleases their parents), adults are usually not allowed to do so. I know, we’ve all seen some adult characters in the parks, but that’s actually their normal thing. Don’t judge. The beauty of Mickey’s Halloween Party is that everyone can dress up, and they do!
Families dress as the characters from their favorite Disney movie, superhero team, television show, etc. — the originality and cleverness that people put into their costumes is pretty darn impressive. However, you don’t need to be a costume designer to enjoy the fun. You don’t even need to dress up, but come on, why wouldn’t you?
Mickey’s Halloween Party offers the opportunity to take photos with your favorite Disney Villains and other Disney characters in their own Halloween costumes. There are special treat stations (candy and healthy options) throughout the park for all of your trick or treating needs (Disney doesn’t run out of candy!), live music and dance parties (Buzz Lightyear’s Intergalactic Space Jam in Tomorrowland Terrace, and Piratepalooza in the Ranch del Zocalo Restaurante), plus lots more fun for boys and girls of all ages.
There is also a Halloween parade called Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade, and holiday-themed attractions like the very awesome Haunted Mansion Holiday with a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay (not scary) and the Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (pretty scary!). Most of the other attractions in Disneyland are also open for guests to enjoy.
The highlight of the event, as far as my family was concerned, was the Halloween Screams Firework Spectacular (below). It was one of the best fireworks displays I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a few.
We left Mickey’s Halloween Party and headed back to our room at the Disneyland Hotel (which I can’t recommend enough) because the kids were too tired to continue. They changed out of their costumes, washed their faces and fell asleep somewhere between recaps of the evening and failed candy negotiations. They woke mid-sentence, and their words were full of magic.
Photos and video: W. Honea
Disclaimer: My family and I were guests of Disneyland for the Mickey’s Halloween Party event. We would have gone anyway (but don’t tell Disney that!). I paid for the room myself.
New Destination Guide Website With a Twist
“Travel guides for major tourist destinations are a dime a dozen on the Internet. We focus on the not-so-major destinations… the true undiscovered gems!” says the new website, 511Destinations.com.
511destinations.com is a different kind of travel guide. While most vacation guides on the Internet concentrate on the major tourist destinations, this new website presents smaller market and off the beaten path destinations… with a twist.
Rather than being bombarded with local information to sift thru, each 511destination is a snapshot. Where to stay, eat, go and how to get around are the basics, presented in a clean, well designed layout with eye-catching graphics and great functionality.
What’s more, users are encouraged to build their own destination guide simply by submitting a brief overview. Right now, there are no limits. You can be a proud resident that wants to tell the world about your town, a traveler that’s itching to share a destination they’ve discovered, or a business looking to promote themselves via a little local information.
It’s a great little website loaded with information that you often just can’t find anywhere else. 511destinations.com is also built to accommodate viewing on smartphones and mobile devices!
Disneyland Resort — New Rides Open Today!
Under the Sign
There is a lot happening today at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Disneyland is launching their version of Star Tours 2.0 and Disney’s California Adventure is continuing its expansion with the debut of a new Little Mermaid ride.
That’s right, visitors at the Disneyland Resort are going to explore space and the deep, blue sea all in one day. That’s adventure, people!
The updated Star Tours ride will have the same amazing modifications as the Walt Disney World version at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’re talking 3D and multiple Star Wars experiences in each journey! I’ve heard good things.
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is a dark ride featuring some of our favorite scenes from the movie BROUGHT. TO. LIFE. Believe it.
If you’re going to the parks today you should be prepared for some pretty big crowds, but as someone that has attended plenty of big events and special occasions at the Disneyland Resort, I can assure you that it is worth it!
Churros not included in the price of admission.
This post is part of our Friday Family series.
Photo from The DisneyParks Blog
Waste a Day in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park
An aerial view of Golden Gate Park (Photo Flickr: Telstar Logistics-Todd Lappin)
When traveling to San Francisco, most people limit their touring of The City (this is how San Franciscans refer to their home) to the iconic, “San Franciscoey” places: Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cable Cars, Alcatraz, Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower and Lombard “the Crookedest street in the world” Street. Others will head to its famous neighborhoods, such as the Haight-Ashbury District, Chinatown and North Beach. But if you have an extra day or two, and if you are blessed with good weather, you need to spend a day in and around Golden Gate Park.
The Park, an east-west rectangle of 1,017 acres of public grounds, splits the western half of the city and stretches to the Pacific Ocean. While its shape is roughly similar in shape to New York City’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park is about but 20-percent larger. It is more than three miles (5 km) long and about half a mile wide. If you make the trip to the park, you’ll be one of 13 million people who visit the park every year—making it third-most visited city park in the U.S. (Central Park in New York City and Lincoln Park in Chicago are first and second)—although they are not all tourists, as city residents put the park to use all year round.
Many people get surprised by the summer weather in San Francisco, and while quoted ad nauseum, Mark Twain was right about it being downright cold during June, July and August. The best time to visit Golden Gate Park, in this former resident’s view (I lived in San Francisco from 1988 to 2003), is in May, September and October. The weather is gorgeous, the large expanses of lawns in the park are usually dry, and the people-watching is world-class.
If you decide to go to Golden Gate Park, these are just some of the highlights:
Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
415.379.8000
The living roof of the new California Academy of Sciences.
One of the largest natural history museums in the world, the California Academy of Sciences is enjoying its second life. Damaged during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the museum reopened in 2008 in a breathtaking new building, designed by Renzo Piano. The complex is home to the Steinhart Aquarium and the Morrison Planetarium and features exhibits of reptiles and amphibians, astronomy, prehistoric life, various gems and minerals, earthquakes and aquatic life. If anything, stop by to see the building’s roof, which looks like rolling hills from some fantasy movie.
AIDS Memorial Grove
Bowling Green Drive and Middle Drive East
415.750.8340
The only national AIDS memorial in the United States; offers numerous trees, waters, meadows, and tributes. The idea for the National AIDS Memorial Grove (NAMG) was conceived in 1988 by a small group of San Francisco residents representing a community devastated by the AIDS epidemic, but with no positive way to express their collective grief. They envisioned a serene place where people would come alone or in groups to hold memorial services and to remember loved ones lost to the disease. The Grove is an award-winning example of civic beautification, combining both public and private sectors in urban-park restoration and promoting AIDS awareness. The Grove has become a model project for like-minded groups throughout the world.
The Beach Chalet
1000 Great Highway (at Fulton)
415.386.8439
A WPA-era mural on the wall of the Beach Chalet.
The two-story Beach Chalet, which faces the Great Highway and Ocean Beach at the far western end of the park, is another Golden Gate Park venue enjoying a new lease on life. Originally opened in 1925 as a city-run restaurant, it sat shuttered for several years before a renovation in 1996 that led to the building housing the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant on the second floor. A second restaurant, the Park Chalet, is in the rear of the Beach Chalet facing the park and features outdoor dining. Something to note while waiting for a table is the intricate Works Progress Administration murals painted on first-floor walls in 1936 depicting the people of San Francisco. The San Francisco Visitor’s Center (415.751.2766) is also located on the first floor.
Bison Paddock
John F. Kennedy Drive between Chain of Lakes Drive and Spreckels Lake
In the late 1800s, when the population of the North America bison had dwindled to an all-time low, San Franciscans endeavored to breed them in captivity to help stem the species’ decline. Because of that effort, bison have lived continuously in Golden Gate Park since 1899, when the paddock in the park’s western section of the park was created. The animals today are cared for by staff from the San Francisco Zoo.
Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum
1199 Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way
415.661.1316 ext. 312 (Tours)
http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/
The San Francisco Botanical Garden was laid out in the 1890s, but was unable to find funding until Helene Strybing willed funds in 1926. Planting began in 1937 with WPA funds supplemented by local donations and today the arboretum covers some 55 acres and features more than 7,500 plants. The arboretum also houses the Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library.
Conservatory of Flowers
JFK Drive
415.666.7001 (Information)
http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org
The glass-and-wood Conservatory of Flowers.
The Conservatory of Flowers is one of the largest conservatories of its kind in the world. Built of wood and glass panes, the prefabricated conservatory was originally intended to be built at the Santa Rose estate of a local entrepreneur, but the man died in 1867 before beginning the project so the building sat, unassembled and sitting on pallets, when a group of San Franciscans bought it and offered it to the city. The conservatory’s grand opening was held in 1879, but seems to have had a cursed existence, catching fire after a boiler explosion in 1883, surviving the 1906 earthquake only to catch fire again in 1918. It was closed between 1933 and 1946 because the construction was deemed to be unsound, and after repairs, 100 mph winds blew out 40 percent of the windows and damaged the structure again. After painstaking remodeling and repairs, it reopened in September 2003. All the work has been worth it as the building is beautiful and the greenery inside offers an amazing variety, including a really cool carnivorous plants display.
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
415.863.3330
http://www.thinker.org/deyoung
Another of the facilities in Golden Gate Park that needed retrofitting after the 1989 quake, the de Young was rebuilt from the ground up. Named for M. H. de Young, the San Francisco newspaper magnate, the De Young Museum is filled with international displays of fine art and creativity. The museum houses collections of American art from the 17th through the 20th centuries, and art of the native Americas, Africa and the Pacific. Along with the Academy of Sciences and the Japanese Tea Gardens, the de Young is a near-standard field trip stop for elementary school children from around the Bay Area.
Dutch Windmills and Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden
West end of Golden Gate Park
Campaign to Save the Golden Gate Park Windmills
415.668.0763
The Dutch windmill and Queen Wilhelmina tulip garden.
In 1902, the parks commission authorized construction of two windmills to pump subterranean water to supply the park. The first one, on the north side of the park facing the Pacific Ocean, was completed in 1903 and became known first as the North Windmill and later as the Dutch Windmill; it is now paired with the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, a gift from the Dutch monarch. The gardens are planted with tulip bulbs for winter display and other flowers throughout the seasons. The second, Murphy’s Windmill, on the south side of the park, began operation in 1908. The pair operated for several decades, but fell into disrepair after the park switched to electric water pumps. The Dutch Windmill was restored in 1981, but, as of 2009, Murphy’s Windmill’s restoration is still in progress
Golden Gate Park Golf Course
47th Avenue between JFK Drive and Fulton Street
415.751.8987
http://goldengateparkgolf.com/
A nice little pocket gold course, the GGPGF offers a nine-hole pitch-and-putt course. It is advertised as “the place San Franciscans learn to golf,” an in my case, I can say this is true. The par-3 course is ideal for beginners but challenging enough for those who know their way around the links. The course features a practice range, tournaments, special events, golf lessons and the Ironwood BBQ restaurant
Japanese Tea Garden
Tea Garden Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
415.752.4227
The Japanese Tea Garden (Photo Flickr http2007 – Thierry)
If you are looking for a place to take a little time off or for a little Zen, these five acres of calming surroundings, relaxing natural scenery and teahouse is the place to do it. The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, designed by Makoto Hagiwara for the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. Of all the original structures built in the park, the Tea Garden’s Drum Bridge and the tea house have stood solid through the two major earthquakes and more than a century of harsh weather.
Picnic Table Reservations
415.831-5500
While you can park just about anywhere along the many roads snaking through out the park, throw down a blanket and have a picnic, actual picnic tables are sometimes scarce and usually reserved in advance. If you’re going to want a table, call ahead and try to grab one, especially on a good-weather weekend day.
Post and photos (unless otherwise noted) by Gregory Watkins.
Last Minute Tips For Happy Holiday Travel
Chicago
It’s estimated that about 43.6 million people will get on a plane between now and January 3rd. While this actually isn’t the busiest time of year for airports (the summers typically see more fliers), the surge of “amateur” travelers and flight delays can make for stressful trips through the terminals. Follow these simple tips to make your trips less stressful.
8 Tips For Happy Holiday Air Travel
1. Play by the rules with carry-on luggage.
We’ve all seen the woman with two bags and a purse or the guy who completely ignores the airline’s size restrictions for carry-on bags. Don’t be that person. Even if you’re not concerned with being a courteous traveler, hoping to skate past the rules is a good way to wind up delayed at security or at the gate. You may even delay your flight’s takeoff if your luggage has to be gate checked. Make sure your carry-on meets size restrictions before you leave home.
2. Plan for the security line.
You will have to go through the security line. Everyone does. And yet I never fail to get behind someone who is completely unprepared for this experience. Wear shoes you can remove easily. Be prepared to remove all medal from your person and your pockets. Put your liquids (only 3.4 ounces of each) in a clear bag that can be easily removed from your carry-on bag. Put your laptop in a pocket that’s easy to reach so you can quickly take it out and put it back before and after the scanner.
3. Get to the airport early.
Speaking of security lines, expect them to spend more time than usual in them. A lot of people who don’t normally travel decide to take to the skies – often with small children – during the holidays, and they tend to slow down the security process. Get to the airport two hours early for domestic flights. It’s much better to be reading a book at your gate for an hour before boarding than stuck in security 15 minutes after the doors have closed.
4. Check in at home.
Taking advantage of online or mobile phone check in can save you a lot of time at the airport, especially if you don’t check bags. If you only fly with carry-on luggage, you can print your boarding pass at home and head right to the TSA lines when you get to the airport, which may save you an hour at the front check-in counters during busy times.
5. Don’t wrap your presents.
If you’re taking gifts with you to your destination, wrap them when you arrive. Wrapped gifts can throw up security flags in both checked and carry-on luggage. Flags mean headaches for you and the person behind you.
6. Weigh your bags at home.
Just because your gifts and clothes and shoes all fit into your huge suitcase doesn’t mean they’ll meet the weight restrictions. If you don’t want to avoid paying extra baggage fees OR rearranging your items on the airport floor (have done it!), weigh your suitcases at home and compare them to your airline’s weight limits. Most airlines will charge an additional fee for bags over 50 lbs.
7. Bring snacks and books.
If you’ve been a good traveler and arrived at your gate early, snacks and books will keep adults and children happily entertained until it’s time for boarding. Of course they’ll also be convenient on your flight if you’re not content with the limited snack varieties offered in coach these days.
8. Chill. Out.
You probably spent a lot of money to be able to fly during the holidays, which suggests that where you’re going is some place pretty important to you. In other words? The minor annoyance of a few hours in an airport is worth what’s waiting for you at the end of your trip. Focus on that, expect a few delays here and there, and relax. Check the type-A attitude at the curb and resolve to enjoy the journey.
3 Recommended Slopes For First-Time Skiers in California
We are thinking about taking a family ski trip this year, but as a non-skiing unit, we have no idea where to start! Fortunately, my Facebook friends helped me out with three Northern California spots to try skiing for the first time. Our criteria are simple – good ski program for the kids, alternatives to skiing (tubing, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing) and places for mom to hang out while waiting for the troupe to emerge from the icy wilderness.
Ski Northstar at Tahoe, photo courtesy of tibchris at Flickr
Northstar at Tahoe
Several friends gave this resort a BIG thumbs up. We visited this summer, for hiking and geocaching, and Northstar at Tahoe has really changed their image from the last time I visited (circa 1900, it feels). Now a winter destination, everything has been designed so you never have to leave the property – downtown Northstar is full of shops, restaurants and even a Starbucks outlet. With an ice skating rink, tubing and s’mores around fire pits, there is something for even the non-skier in your group. And be sure to check out the apre ski options, including a signature cocktail, the Dirty Snowman. Supposedly well worth a day at Northstar!
Ski and snowboard lessons for kids 3-12 and adults start at $99, with packages including lesson, rental and lift tickets. Private lessons, as well as the special Burton Snowboard Academy, are also available. Reservations can be made online, or by calling 1-800-GO-NORTH.
Alpine Meadows, photo courtesy of chika at Flickr
Alpine Meadows
One friend said Alpine Meadows is a great place to learn – special ski school parking right in front; small and intimate program with nice instructors; and all around easy and stress free. She has even gone during ski week and not found it too crowded.
The Mountaineers program for kids 7-12, offers a full or half-day package which includes full-day lift ticket, equipment rental (including helmet), flaik GPS, lesson, and for the whole day program, a kid-friendly, healthy lunch. Prices start at $93, higher on holidays.Take a break from skiing on Alpine Meadows Tubeville, good for adults and kids.
Other cool programs? How about for Women by Women Ski and Snowboard Clinic? Held a couple times a year, in either 1 to 3 day formats, this program provides a safe and welcoming environment for skiers of all levels, with morning yoga, small group size and video analysis. Sounds like the perfect girl’s getaway!
Off road trail in Badger Pass, Yosemite, photo courtesy of snickclunk
Badger Pass at Yosemite
Several friends agreed that Badger Pass at Yosemite was a great place to learn how to ski, with the bonus that the ski resort is located INSIDE Yosemite Park! What a bonus. With 85% of the slopes devoted to beginner and intermediate levels, this does sound like an ideal learning environment. One friend remembered skiing Badger Pass as a kid, and all commented on how Badger Pass is only 4 hours from the Bay Area, similar in driving distance to Tahoe, but with less traffic. Sounds great, especially after this weekend’s mess on I80!
For young kids, ages 4-6, Badger Pass offers the Pups program, which includes lesson, rental equipment and beginner lift ticket. These packages start at $49 for one lesson, $69 for two. For the older child, Badger Pass has a Guaranteed Learn to Ski or Snowboard Program, which, as the name implies, guarantees that you will learn to ski, otherwise you may come back as many times as you need for lessons! This package includes equipment rental, beginner lift ticket and morning and afternoon lesson.
Other non-skiing options include snowshoeing, on your own or with a guided hike; snow tubing; and ice skating on the rink at Curry Village.
Photo credits: Northstar at Tahoe by tibchris, Alpine Meadows by chika, Badger Pass by snickclunk.
Visiting the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito
Bay Area Discovery Museum
All I can say is that I wish we had visited the Bay Area Discovery Museum when my kids were a little younger. It is that awesome. And it is that age specific.
Located in near Fort Baker in Sausalito, right across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is an outstanding educational resource geared towards kids 2-8 years old. My son was over the age guidelines, but still managed to find entertaining activities, especially around the Lookout Cove outdoor creative play space. But in certain exhibits, he was asked to limit his time and make sure the younger kids had a chance to participate. Which frankly, is a good idea no matter what your age!
Potty in Space Exhibit
And creativity is what this museum is all about – from clever ways to interact with local marine life, to creating art and exploring the day-to-day operations of a San Francisco wharf, the Children’s Discovery museum brings resources together to provide engaging interactive experiences for young children.
I was really amazed at the setting, among the retired Fort Baker buildings. Kids had lots of space to run around outside, and inside the Bay Hall and Discovery Hall, thoughtful exhibits were set up. Highlights of our visit included the Wave Workshop, where kids can make their own vessels to tackle big, kid-created waves, and the Discovery Hall, which has rotating exhibits. When we visited, the exhibit was all around space and we had much fun with the “Potty In Space” display!
Word of warning – it can be very chilly up at Fort Baker and the museum. You do need to travel between buildings and exhibits, so be sure to bring a sweatshirt or jacket just in case. There is an on-site Cafe, if you get hungry, and I also saw many groups who had brought their own lunch and snacks. And as you exit, there is a small gift shop to take home a souvenir.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd
Sausalito, CA 94965
Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays, except when noted.
$8: Children (1 – 17)
$10: Adults
$8: Seniors (62+ years)
Children under 1 and members: FREE!
Free on the first Wednesday of each month
Additional posts of interest, if traveling in San Francisco with young children:
San Francisco Weekend: Plan appropriately with a toddler in tow
Kids’ Suite at Hotel Union Square
Great Children’s Museums in San Francisco to visit on a rainy day
Photos courtesy of Gudrun Enger, Kitchen Gadget Girl.