Castles n' Coasters

Experience the raw history and wild beauty of this iconic island, where you'll discover stories of Native American activism, notorious criminals, and the West Coast's first lighthouse. Beyond the dramatic past, Alcatraz reveals hidden gardens, thriving seabird colonies, and some of the Bay's most stunning winter views. It's a place where history comes alive against the backdrop of crashing waves and crisp San Francisco air.

Spend your day wandering through hillside animal habitats nestled within the sprawling greenery of Griffith Park. You'll encounter creatures from across the globe—tigers prowling through recreated Asian landscapes, flamingos wading in winter sunlight, amphibians and reptiles in climate-controlled exhibits, plus majestic elephants and exotic birds. The botanical gardens weave through the grounds with rare plant collections that create natural corridors between animal zones. Even on crisp winter days, the park's elevated location rewards visitors with sweeping city views from multiple vantage points. The combination of wildlife viewing and walking trails makes this an accessible outing that won't drain your wallet, perfect for families looking to spend a full day together outdoors without traveling far from home.

Step inside this Hollywood icon that's been captivating audiences since its legendary 1927 debut—a venue that made history the moment its doors opened to thousands of star-struck crowds. The theatre's opening day turned into pure pandemonium as fans flooded Hollywood Boulevard, desperate for a glimpse of the A-list arrivals that night. That same electric energy still pulses through the building today as it continues screening films and hosting events throughout the winter season, when the cozy glow of the marquee becomes a warming beacon along the boulevard. The theatre weathered the January 2025 wildfires without incident, remaining fully operational despite the scary proximity of fires that threatened other nearby landmarks. Check their official channels for the most current showtimes and event details as you plan your visit to this timeless Hollywood destination.

This iconic natural amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills has weathered the recent January wildfires without structural damage, though the venue has temporarily closed its doors as a precaution due to lingering air quality concerns following the Sunset Fire. Staff were safely evacuated during the emergency, and firefighters protected the grounds while the community recovers. With seating for just under 18,000 guests, this open-air venue has anchored Los Angeles' summer concert season since opening in 1922, serving as the longtime summer base for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, established in 1991, continues to bring performances tailored to the region's musical tastes. During winter months like now, the hillside setting takes on a quieter quality, but come warmer seasons, the venue transforms into a beloved gathering place where thousands gather under the stars. Check back for updates on when performances resume and the venue reopens to the public.

When flames swept through the Hollywood Hills this past January, this iconic 1908 mansion in the heart of the entertainment district emerged unscathed—a resilience that echoes the building's entire century-plus legacy. The Magic Castle promptly mobilized support efforts for fire recovery, gathering essentials and funds with a collection drive that ran through mid-month. Step inside these historic walls and you're transported into a world where illusion and craft take center stage. The venue draws world-class magicians both polished and experimental, who perform for guests enjoying dinner in rooms that have hosted generations of performers perfecting their art. The castle's roots run deep—originally established as a proving ground for emerging magicians, it has evolved into one of Hollywood's most coveted experiences, complete with instruction programs for those curious about sleight of hand, whether they're seasoned enthusiasts or first-timers. There's one twist to gaining access: you'll need a member's invitation. That exclusivity is precisely what makes securing a spot feel like winning something genuinely special in this town.

SeaWorld San Diego is a theme park located in San Diego, California. The park is owned by Busch Entertainment Corporation, a division of Anheuser-Busch.<br> Journey to Atlantis: Passengers begin their ride by climbing up the conveyor belt in a boat. As the boat nears the top, it enters a tower and pauses. It then retracts its roller coaster wheels, and drops down the first shaft. The passengers also get water poured on their heads as they drop to the plunge pool. The boats then travel by water in a loop-shaped course to the main tower. Inside, the boats enter an elevator, similar to the one in Disney's California Adventure park's The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It shudders and climbs to the top. The wheels then slide out and the final drops and curves are revealed. The boat travels along the tracks and then return to the station. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org" target="new">Source</a>

In 1884, a wealthy widow named Sarah L. Winchester began a construction project of such magnitude that it was to occupy the lives of carpenters and craftsmen until her death thirty-eight years later. The Victorian mansion, designed and built by the Winchester Rifle heiress, is filled with so many unexplained oddities, that it has come to be known as the Winchester Mystery House.

The center span was the longest among suspension bridges until 1964 when the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was erected between the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. The Golden Gate Bridge also had the world's tallest suspension towers at the time of construction, and retained that record until more recently. In 1957, Michigan's Mackinac Bridge surpassed the Golden Gate Bridge's length to become the world's longest two tower suspension bridge in total length between anchorages. The longest center suspension span in the world and the longest two tower suspension bridge between anchorages is currently the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan. <a href="http://www.wikipedia.org" target="new">Source</a>

AT&T Park, with its breathtaking views and classic design, was chosen as the 2008 Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily as part of the inaugural Sports Business Awards program. The first privately financed ballpark in Major League Baseball since 1962, the Giants' home has many incredible features.

Come and experience the wonder of the underwater world at Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Established by Major General William Lyon, the Lyon Air Museum, located just west of Orange County's John Wayne Airport, captures the remarkable, groundbreaking history of World War Two aviation. The museum features an operational fleet of historically significant, authentic aircraft. These are airplanes that are one of a kind -- you simply will not find them anywhere else. At the Lyon Air Museum, stories of aviation's past touch the lives of it's visitors: and this is the perfect family day, for grandmas and grandpas, moms and dads, teens, and children alike!

The iconic Hollywood Sign remains unaffected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. While the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills prompted evacuation orders, the sign itself was not damaged. WIKIPEDIA</br> It's important to note that AI-generated images falsely depicting the Hollywood Sign engulfed in flames have circulated online, causing confusion. These images are fabricated; the landmark has not been impacted by the fires. REUTERS</br> In summary, despite nearby wildfires and misleading online images, the Hollywood Sign remains intact and undamaged. </br> It’s more than just nine white letters spelling out a city’s name; it’s one of the world’s most evocative symbols – a universal metaphor for ambition, success, glamour.

The Hollywood Bowl is a natural amphitheater in the heart of Los Angeles. Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this theater offers some of the best acoustics in the entire world. It is one of the best places to listen to and watch musical performances, from operas and symphonies to rock n roll and soul, the Hollywood Bowl also displays some of the finest 4th of July fireworks displays in the entire world. One of the special aspects of the Hollywood Bowl is that, since it is located in the heart of the city, thse living in the surrounding neighborhood are able to hear the sounds that come from the ampitheater; certainly a nice touch to a walk through Hollywood.

The intense early January 2025 windstorms with gusts up to 60 mph affected the stadium. These winds caused a tree to fall on a car in the parking lot and led to visible swaying of the foul poles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the structural integrity of the stadium was not compromised. DODGERS NATION</br> In response to the wildfires, all 12 Los Angeles-area professional sports teams, including the Dodgers, have united to donate over $8 million to support relief efforts. Additionally, they are organizing distribution events for evacuated victims, scheduled for January 17 at Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium, and BMO Stadium. YAHOO SPORTS</br> Centrally located in the hills of Chavez Ravine, just minutes from Hollywood, Echo Park, Silverlake, and Downtown, Dodger Stadium is the home of the winning-est team in the history of the National League! In the past two years, the Dodgers have reinvigorated and become as competitive as any team in baseball. Led by Loney, Kershaw, and Hanley Ramirez, the Dodgers are a team of young, rising talent. As can be expected, Dodgers memorabilia is some of the hottest merchadise in the entire sports world! Remarkably, tickets to Dodgers stadium are very affordable, especially compared to prices around the league. For under $35 dollars, one can purchase a box seat. With the sun shining and cool breeze blowing, what can be better but a Dodgers game? The answer: a Dodgers game along with a Dodgers Dog!

Broadway Bar has the posh feel of an elegant 1940's supper club, with a 50 foot centerpiece circular bar, multi-tiered cocktail lounge, sumptuous décor, and smoking patios with unrestricted views of Historic Broadway. The mezzanine, complete with it's own bar, lush lighting and separate smoking balcony is a coveted setting for private parties and special events. <br> Dress code is strictly enforced. No shorts, flip flops, baseball hats, athletic wear, including jerseys, or overly baggy clothing will be allowed.

Disneyland is a theme park that is located at 1313 South Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim, California, USA. It opened on July 17, 1955. The park is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. Currently the park has been visited by more than 515 million guests since it opened to the public, including presidents, royalty, and other heads of state.<br> The park is divided into realms, which radiate like the four cardinal points of the compass from Central Plaza, and well-concealed backstage areas. On entering a realm, a guest is completely immersed in the environment and is unable to see or hear any other realm. The idea behind this was to develop theatrical "stages" with seamless passages from one land to the next. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org" target="new">Source</a>

Perched right on the Santa Monica Pier, this waterfront amusement park delivers the thrills you'd find at a full-sized venue but with the salty air and crashing waves as your backdrop. It's a uniquely Californian experience—the only amusement park of its kind built directly over the ocean on the West Coast. Year-round crowds flock here to spin through a dozen different rides, test their skills at midway games, grab food from oceanfront vendors, and browse seaside shops. Winter brings a quieter, more intimate atmosphere to the pier, with cooler breezes and fewer crowds making it an ideal time to experience the park's charm without the summer crush. Even during challenging times, the park remains a cherished gathering spot where families come together for classic seaside fun and unforgettable views.

Step into a sprawling wonderland where plastic bricks come alive across sprawling acres in Carlsbad. The resort pulls families into immersive zones packed with over 60 experiences—rides that twist through Lego-built landscapes, live performances, and hands-on attractions that blur the line between play and imagination. The attached Water Park lets you splash through slides and pools without leaving the grounds, while the on-site Sea Life Aquarium brings underwater creatures inches from your face. Guest rooms themed around pirates, kingdoms, and daring expeditions give kids (and their parents) a chance to stay fully immersed. Winter visits hit differently here—cooler temps mean shorter lines and a crisp atmosphere perfect for exploring without the summer heat wearing you down. It's the kind of place that sticks with you long after you've packed away your souvenirs.

Picture yourself strolling through a neighborhood where the pavement beneath your feet tells stories of entertainment history. Bronze stars embedded in the sidewalk celebrate the achievements of actors, musicians, directors, and cultural icons—from John Wayne to Madonna to Walt Disney. Visitors arrive from every corner of the globe seeking out their heroes' tributes, camera in hand, ready to capture that perfect commemorative photo. The Walk stretches for miles through the heart of Hollywood, creating an electric atmosphere that pulses with nostalgia and star-struck energy. Winter brings a crisp, pleasant clarity to the experience—cooler temperatures make the lengthy walk more comfortable, and the season's softer light adds warmth to those iconic bronze emblems. Beyond the stars themselves, the legendary Hollywood sign looms in the distance, framing your journey. Nearby attractions like Ripley's Museum offer deeper dives into entertainment lore, though simply wandering these historic blocks and soaking in the unmistakable Hollywood vibe proves plenty memorable on its own. Few places capture the spirit of American celebrity culture quite like this, and most who visit once find themselves planning a return trip before they've even left.

Founder Michael Bonfante's vision - his love of plants and trees, and his commitment to pass this appreciation on through the generations - continues to inspire everyone who works and volunteers at Gilroy Gardens. <br> The trustees aspire to make use of the extraordinary beauty of Gilroy Gardens to attract students to the science of horticulture and environmental studies. We aspire to demonstrate and measure our success in becoming the best center in California for attracting and educating students in the critical importance of becoming good stewards of the natural environment. We aspire to be the best promoters of careers in horticulture and environmental studies in the United States.

A nonprofit marine nature center that creates experiences that inspire conservation of the San Francisco Bay and its watershed. The Aquarium is an affiliate of The Bay Institute, a nonprofit organization that has successfully developed and led research, science, education and advocacy programs to revitalize San Francisco Bay’s imperiled ecosystems for nearly 30 years. Together, these two nonprofits protect, restore and inspire conservation of San Francisco Bay, from the Sierra to the sea.

A not-for-profit organization that operates the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, and San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research. The Zoo was founded on October 2, 1916, by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D. It currently has a 12-member Board of Trustees headed by Berit Durler; Douglas G. Myers is the Zoo's executive director.

California's native garden, offering panoramic views, beautiful native plant displays, and special exhibits that can be seen here and here alone. Come to the springtime Big Bugs exhibit or the Butterfly Pavilion! Come and see the Majestic Oak, which is more than 300 years old!e Rancho Santa Ana botanic Garden is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to California native plants. What a perfect place to explore with the entire family! Or, a romantic Valentine's Day, in which a lucky date is surrounded by flowers!

Balboa Park is made up of more than 1000 acres and offers fifteen museums, various gardens, arts and international culture associations, as well as the San Diego Zoo, making it a place that offers something historical, horticultural, educational and recreational for everyone. Approximately 14 million visitors come to the park each year. Displays of internationally significant art treasures, exotic animal species, unique model railroads, world folk art, sports memorabilia and rare aircraft–to name a few–are on view in the Park's museums.

California’s oldest amusement park PLUS a State Historic Landmark. The home to two National Historic Landmarks: 1911 Looff Carousel and 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster. Owned and operated by the Santa Cruz Seaside Company since 1915, the Boardwalk remains a family style amusement park creating memories that last a lifetime.

With a seating capacity of 70,561 Qualcomm Stadium is located in the heart of Mission Valley, minutes from downtown San Diego. The Stadium is host to San Diego Charger and SDSU Aztec football, the Holiday Bowl, the Poinsettia Bowl, Street Scene and more.

Petco Park is an open-air ballpark in downtown San Diego, California, USA. It opened in 2004, replacing Qualcomm Stadium as the home park of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. Before then, the Padres shared Qualcomm Stadium with the NFL's San Diego Chargers. The stadium is named after the animal and pet supplies retailer Petco, which is based in San Diego and paid for the naming rights. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org" target="new">Source</a>

Perched high above Los Feliz on Mount Hollywood's southern face, this dome-shaped landmark rises 1,134 feet and draws visitors from across the region to experience the night sky without leaving the city. The building's striking architecture and commanding position make it visible from many vantage points throughout the LA basin, creating a beacon for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike. Millions have passed through its doors over the decades to catch planetarium shows, explore the exhibits, or simply stand on the terraces and take in views toward the coast and the stars above. What began as one man's vision—Griffith Jenkins Griffith's dream of democratizing astronomy—grew into a working observatory staffed by scientists and educators committed to making celestial observation available to everyone. Currently, the facility remains temporarily closed due to ongoing fire and weather impacts affecting the region this winter season. The Observatory's cultural and scientific significance to Los Angeles runs deep, blending public education with the romance of stargazing in ways few institutions manage to achieve.

Waters of Kapolei, LLC doing business as Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. We are a limited liability company with several investors who help finance and manage the park. <br> Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park is an $18,000,000 water themed amusement park. Open in May 1999 we offer a safe and exciting family-oriented experience for kama‘aina (Hawaii residents) and visitors. We are the first attraction of its kind in the islands and in the Pacific Rim. <br> Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park is designed to appeal to all ages and features a unique variety of age-appropriate rides and amenities from a Keiki Kove to a thrilling 6 story drop in a lush resort-like atmosphere. The park, which can comfortably accommodate 6,000 guests at one time, is one of the larger water theme parks in the world. http://www.hawaiianwaters.com/

Laie has been a special place for a very long time. With the world-famous Polynesian Cultural Center, Brigham Young University Hawaii as an international focal point of education and the LDS Hawaii Temple as a spiritual apex, our community encompasses a unique confluence of Latter-day Saint heritage and potential. Whether here for an afternoon, a few years, or a lifetime, modern Latter-day Saint prophets, leaders of nations, thousands of students and millions of visitors have recognized that a special spirit permeates this small community and radiates far beyond our wave-swept beaches.

Over 750,000 people visit the Honolulu Zoo annually. It is the largest zoo within a radius of 2,300 miles and unique in that it is the only zoo in the United States originating from a King's grant of royal lands to the people. King David Kalakaua, Monarch of Hawai`i from 1874 to 1891, made lands of the Leahi Land Holdings available in 1876 to the people for a thirty year lease. That year, a "Kapiolani Park Association" of two hundred subscriber members assumed the administration of the three hundred-acre park. The marshy parcel was a muddle of fishponds, lagoons and islands where King Kalakaua maintained his collection of exotic birds. In 1877 the area was named after the King's wife and opened as Queen Kapiolani Park.

"The Moondog gift shop, located in the center of the park carries souvenir T-shirts(including T-shirts with our mascot), suntan lotion, and a variety of sun and gift items."

Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino - One of the best values on the Las Vegas Strip. From exciting casino action and luxury accommodations, to fine dining and fun entertainment, to the world’s most insane thrill rides, Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is the one place that you can’t miss – literally. <br> The 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower is a true Las Vegas landmark and home to some of the world’s most original attractions. The Stratosphere thrill rides are the world’s three tallest: the Big Shot, X-Scream, and the new Insanity – our scariest yet! If a culinary adventure is more your style, try the 360 degree rotating Top of the World Restaurant & Lounge. And for you lovebirds, The Chapel in the Clouds, over 100 stories above Las Vegas, is an ideal place to tie the knot or renew your vows.

Water World, one of America's largest family waterparks, is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Denver, Colorado, on 64 beautifully landscaped acres. Water World is celebrating it's 26th year of operation.<br> We feature the biggest variety of attractions (42) in America, from Wally World for the tots, to Voyage to the Center of the Earth for the entire family. Water World has more family tube rides than any other park in America. Thrill rides are in abundance also, like the Red Line speed slide. Plenty of picnic areas are available, from covered pavilions to beautifully landscaped grass areas.<br> Picnics are welcome at Water World and the parking is free. Please see our Pricing/Guidelines page for what picnic items are allowable to bring in to the park. <br> Water World offers a wide variety of food and beverage choices, and at a very reasonable cost, along with a gift shop ,with everything you need to enjoy your visit! Our operating season is generally from the last weekend in May through Labor Day, with some school days excepted.

Bring Your Curiosity, Your Camera… And Prepare to Be Awed!<br> Cave of the Winds literally makes your jaw drop in wonder and astonishment. It is geology and adventure rolled into one—a true, unique Geo|Venture! Located in scenic hills above historic Manitou Springs, the caves are one of America’s most important show caves. Visitors have shared in the stunning beauty of Cave of the Winds for over a century.

The Bat is Lagoon¹s first suspended coaster that promises fun the whole family can enjoy. Riders will be suspended - feet dangling - below 1,120 feet of twisting track that will bank and weave through the trees creating an exciting sensation of flying. The Bat is unlike any other ride or coaster at Lagoon and is included with each Ride and Season Passport.