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More Backstage Adventures
Yesterday, I only hinted at the special activities available on Disney's Backstage Magic Tour, but you may want to know more. Here's a hint: when you own a movie studio, a cool engineering company and the home of the Muppets, you can take your guests to some pretty fun places. Read the day-by-day tour description to get a better idea of what you can do and see. Adventures by Disney: Backstage in Southern California
You may have heard about Adventures by Disney, the new travel company they started a couple of years ago. They offer trips in locations around the world, but since California is my territory, I was most interested in their Backstage Magic tour, which takes place in Hollywood and at the Disneyland Resort. I can't say enough good things about it.
I've been writing about California travel for over 10 years, logging dozens of trips to Hollywood and Disneyland, but Backstage Magic was unlike any other trip I've ever taken. Any one of several experiences would be enough to make a person want to go back again, but taken as a package, this is one extraordinary trip that you'll never forget - and couldn't arrange on your own. Read the detailed review to find out more.
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Lake Tahoe is Cool in Summer
Lake Tahoe is a popular summer travel destination, a respite from the heat of the central valley or foggy San Francisco summer evenings. With almost-perfect daytime temperatures and cool nights, it's a great place to go for the weekend. In fact, despite its reputation as a skiing destination, Lake Tahoe is busier in summer than in winter.
Among the fun things you'll find there only in summer is the Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, a pleasant night out even if you're not a big fan of "The Bard."
Keep Cool at California's Seaside Amusement Parks
Pacific Park, on the Santa Monica Pier is the only California amusement park on a pier. You may recognize it from television and movies. Take a look at our pictures.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has also seen its share of time on film, including Clint Eastwood's Sudden Impact and Dangerous Minds. The boardwalk is over 100 years old (see photos) and over 50 million riders have experienced its 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster.
In San Diego, you'll find Belmont Park near Mission Bay.
Beat the Heat: Big Bear
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest northeast of Los Angeles, Big Bear, California centers on a fresh-water lake seven miles long and a mile wide, at an altitude of 6,750 to 9,000 feet. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, winter snow and moderate summers, it's a favorite Southern California vacation spot. Our Big Bear Visitor Guide has all the essentials you'll need to plan a trip.
California's Best Beaches for Bird Watching
If you have a favorite bird-watching beach that's not listed, just click "Comments" below and tell us where it is. We'll read everything you have to say. We promise.
Herons and Egrets in California
They're a common sight around California's wetlands: tall, long-legged, long-necked birds wading in the shallows, looking for fish. If they're white, they're probably egrets. The gray ones are herons. Right now, it's nesting season and we've got some great places you can go to see them.California Condors: B-I-G Birds
Coming back from the brink of extinction, California condors are once again soaring above our landscape. In fact, in 2008 the wild population of the magnificent birds exceeded the captive ones for the first time in over 20 years. If you'd like to get a look, our guide to seeing California condors summarizes all your options.Free Weekends in the National Parks
Participating California parks include: Cabrillo National Monument, Death Valley, John Muir National Historic Site, Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lava Beds, Muir Woods, Pinnacles, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Sequoia and Yosemite.
If you live in another state, here's the list of all 100 participating parks.