40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (2024)

The top stops along the way from Pasadena to Eugene (with short detours) are Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco Cable Car Museum. Other popular stops include Six Flags Magic Mountain, Castello di Amorosa, and Old Sacramento.

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Zuma Beach

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Beach

Outdoor Activities

Located in Zuma County Beach Park near Malibu, California, Zuma is one of the region's most popular surfing destinations. With gentle waves and plenty of lifeguard towers throughout the beach to protect visitors at all times, it's perfect for first time surfers or families looking for a safe spot to enjoy the ocean. The large beach is also great for swimming, bodyboarding, windsurfing, and fishing.

Malibu’s best beach. It’s clean and well maintained with public restrooms and showers to rinse off sand. You can take a 5+ mile walk. Porpoise often visit the surface of the glossy waves. There is a medley of birds that inhabit the beach including green parrots.

Gena V — Google review

Nice clean and quiet beach to see the sunset. Miles and miles of sand with nobody around you it's like a private beach almost it has lot of parking available we paid 3 $ but you can easily park on the roadside for free.

Ahmed C — Google review

Pretty nice, very windy at the time.Some garbage, but it's of season.Nice treat to see a Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter run drills in front of us.

Chris B — Google review

Great sandy beach. Saw dolphins nearby to beach, didn't swim, water was cold. The beach is amazing and was not so crowded. $6 for parking but you can do free parallel parking for checking the beach.

Muge B — Google review

Hands down the most beautiful public beach in Malibu. It was clean, there aren’t many people there, and very peaceful. Do not pay the $15 for parking. You can park in the street and just walk over the barrier onto the beach.

fabixn — Google review

Been going here since the 80s! Great beach with lots of room!

Matt D — Google review

This is a fabulous place to visit during the weekdays when it is truly more secluded. A great place to take to take a break, meditate, read and write, or just do nothing.

Jojopahmaria N — Google review

I would currently not at all recommend that beach. We had to pay 8$ for the day and got really nothing apart from closed restrooms, dirty and not working showers, trash cans which were more than full.I can definitely understand why people park outside next to the highway, it's a shame to charge money for the current situation. Seems like they are renewing some things, but can't tell how long that will take.Safe your money and go somewhere else.

Lara S — Google review

What can you say about this beach besides the SoCal jewel. The sunsets, the mountainous backdrop, the perfect surf. Only drawback is all the people and struggle to find parking, but what can you expect at one of the best beaches in California. Zuma Beach will always have a special spot in my feels.

TheLeakingGenius — Google review

Today, amidst Topanga-bound travel, I wenthere and had QUITE THE TIME swimming inthe ocean. Water was cold yet the contrastbetween water temperatures and daytimeheat was wonderful. I got way out until myfoot could no longer touch the bottom fora while, easily navigating waves without alot of them causing any problem for me atleast. Only downfall is lack of natural shadeso it's best to bring some of your own if youwanna spend a lot of time here while the sunhappens to be very bright. Even saw one fish.

None C — Google review

Beautiful beach in Malibu off the PCH that gets crowded in the summer but nice during the fall/winter with less people. I was there recently when a big storm was coming in & caught these waves.

Akiko A — Google review

Clean restrooms and some parking by the sand for free. We also had a nice view of the sunset. I also saw some volleyball courts.

Joshua G — Google review

Very relaxing beach with plentiful free street parking on weekends. It was not crowded at all when we came. Took a nice long walk down to the cove and saw several seagulls and pelicans. Beautiful area with unique rock formations. Great beach for laying out in the sand or getting in the ocean.

Aliza B — Google review

Great beach, quiet, clean. Worth the visit. Few waves. Good parking, easy access, paid ($8 a day) with bathroom.

Keli A — Google review

Beautiful, clean, and not crowded at least in March. Took a scenic ride up here on my motorcycle. I only stopped because I wanted to take a pee break, unfortunately as I was getting to the restrooms, maintenance workers were finishing their Restroom cleanup and had locked it up. There's plenty of parking and the views are just beautiful.

Danny J — Google review

Beautiful beach with scenic views and tons of parking. The beaches are clean and well maintained as well. They also have volleyball nets.When you enter the first area even has another body of water with ducks and seagulls. You are more likely to see marine life there.

Mahwish N — Google review

Great beach, very picturesque. Sand here is very good. Plenty of parking, although expensive. One item to know is that the waves here are pretty big, so if you're visiting the area and want a more swimmable beach - Santa Barbara or Santa Monica would be more advisable.

Alexander B — Google review

4.7

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4.5

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Malibu, CA 90265, USA

2

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

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Library

Museums

Specialty Museums

Presidential history displays, a former Air Force One, a replica Oval Office & Reagan's burial site.

We hadn’t been to the Reagan Library for a few years. It was nice to return. All of the docents are very helpful and friendly. In addition to their regular impressive historical displays, they had the World War 2 Exhibit which was was so moving and large. There are multiple displays on two floors. There was so much to see. Not to mention the outside views were beautiful. Cannot wait to go back!

BEp P — Google review

My wife and were in the Los Angeles area recently and we decided to go and visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I always considered Ronald Reagan as on of the greatest Commander in Chief we have ever had. The Library locations is just beautiful and understand why they picked this place to build it. Great views, nice people and a great testament to a great leader. We had a great time. We are now members !

Rafael ( — Google review

Great Food!!! $28 with a drink. And the place was awesome and very educational. It took us 4hrs to walk through everything, counting the eating lunch. We went through 2 exhibits on the 4th of July.

Benny A — Google review

One of my favourite museums!!! It's so well made. Very nice exhibition, with a lot of old photos, everything is well explained, loved seeing and visiting Air Force One, and some other nice planes! I'd recommend it 150%, it's so cool. Plus it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere so the view around is great! 10/10

What P — Google review

Amazing Museum bringing us back to an important era of history. The museum does a great job of telling the story of Ronald Regan from childhood through his many experiences, which prepared him for leadership of this country during a time somewhat similar to today. Exhibits also recount the story of the love story between the former president and Nancy. The exhibits are interesting, and the highlights for me were the replica of the Oval Office containing actual Regan artifacts, Airforce One and the piece of the Berlin Wall which you will see at the end when you go outside. I highly recommend fitting this museum into your travel plans with its beautiful backdrop of rolling hills with incredible views.

K G — Google review

Review for April 26th 2022. The Ronald Reagan Presidential library is located in Simi Valley california. It is a very well taken care of museum. There is so many original artifacts including Air Force One that are authentic. There is just so much to see here. This month of april, they have a special exhibit which is the world war II exhibit. There is so much influence that President Ronald Reagan had in the United States of America as well as the whole world. This was definitely an excellent experience, the staff here are exceptionally great. From the moment I entered I was greeted with the warm welcome. I definitely recommend this place for anyone to come and visit and check out the Ronald Reagan presidential library.

Annuit C — Google review

I visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library this weekend and it was good. Very informative and interesting. They have a replica of the oval office. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to tour. Arrive in the morning parking does fill up fast.

Saramay B — Google review

If you go you need to spend time in the air force one gallery. The views are unbelievable. They have recently installed the Sally Ride statue outside which is cool. They have an F14 an Abraham's and a F117 outside which if you are into military hardware is definitely a must see. Parking is a little tough so if you get there later in the day except to park on the road and take a shuttle up. We are at the upstairs cafeteria and it was pretty good quality.

Kevin J — Google review

It was my dream to see President Reagans Presidential Library in person. What an experience you have to come see the oval office and to relive history. I loved going on Air Force one and marine one and seeing all the personal stories and many personal belongings of the president a must see. I even bumped into Michael Reagan what a treat!!! It's about one hour from lax airport area and I took an Uber cost me 70 dollars each way.

Joshua R — Google review

President Reagan's library is the fourth of 13 presidential libraries on my bucket list, and by far, the one i was most looking forward to visiting. It was fantastic!Aside from re-visiting the 80s again -- my favorite era -- being able to walk through Marine one and Air Force One and BE where history was made was SUPER cool!Had I known the Auschwitz display was in residence the day we visited, we would have come earlier and did both. Regardless, it was a great visit to a beautiful museum on a picture perfect day. Five stars easy!

Chris R — Google review

This place was very humbling. President Reagan was one true Champion. The view was beautiful. Everyone should visit this unique destination to remind us how truly blessed we are. So beautiful and peaceful. Parking is free. The outside exhibit is free.

Ellen M — Google review

This museum is fantastic! A lot of history of Reagan and his legacy. An Air Force One is on display inside and an F-14Tomcat on display outside. I lucked out and got to enjoy a WW2 exhibit on display when I visited. This place is huge and you will definitively get plenty of walking in. The staff is friendly and gift shop has plenty to choose from. Admission was not expensive. They have several photo pass type areas that was a nice add in for the whole experience. I had a great time here and would highly suggest it to others.

Brian B — Google review

Amazing experience! Learning all about President Ronald Reagan and all that he has done while he was the President Of The USA. Learning about his life and what he had been through is extraordinary. I am personally a history junkie and I throughly enjoyed this visit. I will intend to go to other Presidential Library and learn the history of that President and the "Ins and Outs" of that President had to go through when he was in office and that particular time in US History

F&I — Google review

Went there with my wife,daughter, and her boyfriend to view the Auschwitz display. It was very somber to view such tragic living in the prison camp and how all the people were treated with such disregard. The library was very interesting to see how President Reagan worked with congress and world leaders in an effort to make the world a better and safer place to live. So much accolades from world leaders to his presidency.

Kino J — Google review

Absolutely excellent!! Wow! Took me 5 hours but I stopped at each and every thing. The Oval Office is so cool and Air Force One is spectacular!

Jim B — Google review

My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves at the library. This was my first time visiting. They don’t make presidents like Ronald Reagan anymore. We also visited the Auschwitz exhibit. Absolutely amazing!I’d highly recommend this as a place to visit. 👍🏾

Dwayne S — Google review

This was our second time visiting the library. It is always an emotionally moving experience to witness President Reagan's accomplishments as both Governor of California and as President of the United States.He was definitely a man of his word.The staff working as ushers and tour guides are all pleasant and ready to assist everyone.Security staff are all visible providing a safe environment.Highly recommend a visit.

John S — Google review

Brought my 19 yo daughter to Ronald Reagan Presidential library. This month they have Star Wars in rotation, so an extra fun bonus while learning about our history and all of Ronald Reagan's and Nancy's adventures. The location in Simi Valley is gorgeous, the gardens were beautifully maintained, the many employees were informative and guided us through each area. There is plenty for pre-teens and teens to enjoy;a platform for speeches given was neat to see how the words moved depending on how fast you spoke, there is a photo op area where you can sit on a fake horse with Reagan in the background, a replica of the Berlin wall you can read the inside while crawling behind the wall, a tour through the retired Air Force One and the helicopter and there is jets on the grounds outside the library.The current Star Wars gives history of the director, the filming itself and some authentic pieces from the films plus it ties our military Star wars to the displays.The food in the cafeteria was surprisingly good for cafeteria style. Lots of choices, soup. Pizza, burgers, salad, sandwiches, etc. We chose to eat outside on the deck to enjoy the scenery.

Melissa T — Google review

I absolutely loved my visit here and will be back as soon as possible! There are a lot of very knowledgeable volunteers located throughout, all giving great information about everything in the immense museum. There's so much to love about the Reagans, and about all his life contributed to this country. I can't wait to come back!

Vesta P — Google review

This is a beautiful museum! The grounds are beautiful and emasculate.All the staff is super friendly and helpful. Inside is very nice and exhibits are done very nicely.We also saw the Auschwitz exhibition. Which was put together beautifully for something that was so horrific.I didnt take to many pictures it didn't feel right but did take some pics of the art that was pretty moving.Second time I have visited this museum and not disappointed. Will definitely go back.

Laughter H — Google review

This a mammoth facility with impressive grounds and amazing exhibits. I literally ran through it and it still took two hours! Anyone who actually reads the placards and listens to the audio offerings should count on 4 to 5 hours. The view from the library overlooking Simi Valley out to the ocean is worth the price of admission alone. Navigating the complex can be tricky, so take a look at the brochure’s map before embarking or you will miss something. Also note that you can walk inside Air Force one and the helicopter. I would skip the audio tour, which costs extra and relies on a device that you must place next to your ear; this needs to be updated to headphones/earbuds.

Wayne C — Google review

Beautiful Museum with incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. They often have special exhibits which usually require a special ticket but always well worth it. Ample parking and a really good Cafe to have a bite while visiting.

Nuclearwally — Google review

Today we visited this beautiful place with my family who traveled from Arizona to this place the weather was beautiful we loved the food area we were served by a very kind lady who helped me with my salad, my pizza wow we loved her attention to the pizza It was very Delicious, it was a Hawaiian pizza. She was really very attentive and helped us well in our choice of food. We tried to tip her but she didn't accept it. Nice lady 👍We loved everything. Thank you.

Ernesto G — Google review

We enjoyed our experience at the Reagan Library. The staff are very warm, helpful and informative. The exhibits were well done and provided plenty of context and information about the life and impact of our 40th President. The highlight of the tour was walking through Air Force 1 and the Marine 1 helicopter.

Andrew — Google review

Way more than we were expecting. It's amazing how many different rooms and displays there are to help us learn more about this good man. Airforce One and Marine One are a highlight, of course. I wanted to buy everything in the gift store LOL

Teresa A — Google review

What a remarkable museum! There are lessons to be learned at every corner of this stunning site. Although I was very familiar with the Regean presidency, and many historical milestones referenced throughout the extensive experience, I left feeling enlighten and educated about the type of people both Ronanld and Nancy Reagan were. Regardless of political parties, there is much to appreciate about history, beauty, and the inspiring lessons to be learned while visiting here.Also, the outdoor picnic area is ideal if you want to enjoy some birdwatching while savoring a meal. During our visit, we were privileged to see both hummingbirds and California Scrub-Jay.The audio tour added some additional insights and context to the physical exhibits. Also, the chance to walk through a retired Air Force One plane is pretty amazing.

Sabrina C — Google review

4.7

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5.0

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40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA

(805) 522-2977

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40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (15)

3

Six Flags Magic Mountain

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Theme park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

Six Flags Magic Mountain is a popular amusem*nt park with many adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. It's perfect for thrill seekers of all ages, with something for everyone. In the summer, fireworks light up the sky over Valencia in celebration; in October, Fright Fest features dozens of Halloween-themed rides and attractions.

Great experience! Roller coasters were awesome and completely worth the wait. It was an incredible day with lots of fun! I would recommend buying tickets in advance online, Because if you buy them in person it is more expensive. There was no wait to get in, but of course the rides had a wait time from 10 minutes to almost 3 hours. The one coaster that had a long wait time for the entire day was the X2. They were only running one cart, so it was packed all day and moving very slowly. It was still awesome and I highly recommend it! 😎

Payton P — Google review

Haven't been here in years, and it definitely did not disappoint! So much fun! Only about 3 rides weren't operating today, which was great! We got on all of the others! The longest line we waited in was 45 minutes! I will admit the wait times on the app were RARELY accurate. West Coast Racers was AWESOME! Great concept and even better ride!It wasn't an insane scorcher today but it was definitely hot, and for some reason the misters in the lines weren't on or working. That would've put our experience over the top, but that could be due to the drought. Make sure you remember sun screen AND reapply! Stay hydrated! They have a great deal for 2 bottles of water for 8 bucks. We bought 3 of those deals because the water from the water fountains weren't cold, so filling up the bottles didn't help cool us off or quench our thirst. This park is so much fun, but I would recommend holding off bringing the kids until they are old enough to ride the big rides, you will finish with the kiddie zone super quick with the little guys. Highly recommend Six Flags for all adults and middle school/teenage kids.

Kristen A — Google review

Absolutely amazing! I loved the park so much. Many attractions were closed, yet it was still phenomenal. World class coasters, different from any other park you'll find in the world. If you're looking for something to do: somewhere to go, go to Six Flags Magic Mountain. I promise it's worth it.

Brayden ( — Google review

Beware Magic Mountain is going down hill!! I have been visiting this park the last 20 years and am shocked how bad it has gotten, cleanliness, efficiency and prices. It's not too expensive to get through the gates but once in get ready to spend, spend, spend. You will spend a lot of time waiting for rides and food and a lot of money! We went this past weekend and waited hours for rides just to break down. Wonder Women ride broke down multiple times a day. Parts of the park are extremely run down and are not maintained well. Refill water stations not functioning and bathroom cleanliness a big issue. You'd expect better upkeep when charging $17 a beer and $18 hamburgers. An employee told us they plan to charge $20 a 12 oz beer this summer. Oof! We ended up making the most of it and enjoying our time together as a family. Good thing we spent time together because now I have to work overtime just to cover the expenses visiting this park. Magic Mountain CEO.... you can do better!

Kristen L — Google review

This park is 100% recommend for adrenaline junkies. It holds some of the best coasters in the U.S. however, for those of you that prefer a park with more varied rides like simulators and shows then this one isn't for you. There is absolutely nothing here for adults other than white knuckle rides. Also It's built on a mountain so if you have any mobility issues go to Florida.

Dean L — Google review

Great place for family fun! Our family goes several times throughout the year. They have the best stage shows. The rides are super fun! They accommodate all ages so lots of fun for everyone. We have of course had one bad experience, an employee got into a verbal altercation with a guest and used some choice words. As anywhere You can not judge the park off of one person or one bad incident and I’m sure the employee was handled appropriately. So while the parks got a few flaws overall it’s a great place full of fun.

Wyona A — Google review

I always enjoy my time here. The rides are so much fun. I have a lot of favorites. The decorations for the different events are always well done. I had a good time getting on rides as well as walking around seeing the different areas. I would highly recommend visiting.

Fernando J — Google review

My kids always have fun here. I remember going as a kid during my summer break with my family and taking my kids now on their summer break is something to look forward to. We enjoy the water park first then go to the theme park in the evening. It's always fun, and on weekdays it's not as crowded. The only bad thing is that the refill station is always broken or very dirty.

Mayra M — Google review

A bit different than what I remember. Fun time riding big roller coasters. I miss some the old ones, but new ones were thrilling. Didn't feel to crowded walking around, but most lines were over an hour. Overall, great time!

Debbie F — Google review

We were there on a Friday at the end of September, it was quiet during the day with a maximum wait of 30-40 minutes but most roller coasters only 5-10 minutes. In the evening, it was fright night, it got busier but with the express pass, we got in everywhere quickly. Super fun park, many roller coasters (3 closed) and really much better than fright night at Walibi Netherlands.

Thomas O — Google review

Really great time at Magic Mountain. For a guy who loves coasters this is like the go-to park. The rides were amazing, as well as the food. Although quite expensive its usually how it is at every theme park. I recommend buying tickets before hand that way when the park is open you can get on some of the rides you spotted on the way in first. Died down around dinner time though. Thank you Magic Mountain for an amazing experience and will 100% come back when I'm back in L.A!

Jakes — Google review

Amazing place to go with your family and friends. So enjoyable rides. Went there many times to enjoy those super cool rides and to watch the amazing stage shows. My favorite thing there is the Hall of Justice. I would definitely visit again. ❤💥

Dina F — Google review

Six flags was awesome. I definitely recommend using the extra money to buying flash passes. Group of 3 we rode 12 rides within one day and also had time 2x out of the day to sit down and eat. I recommend bringing your own flask or water bottle (empty). The rides were awesome as always! I will say this.X2 was a really rough ride to be on. There's some serious whiplash into the ride. The timing where the seats spin and when the coaster is dropping is off. I slammed my leg into the side of the seat at the end of the ride.

Adonis L — Google review

Amazing selection of roller coasters. I went twice within a year, and there were different ones opened or closed depending on circ*mstances. Food service is alright, sometimes you will have to wait a while just to get to the window to order. It's much faster to order via the Six Flags app and pickup at the window.Deducted a star due to quality of cleanliness. Bathrooms, refill stations, and the rides themselved would become very dirty throughout the course of the day. Would be better if staff could periodically clean over the day to keep it looking good.

Jacob D — Google review

This park was a dream come true for me. I do not live in America but every coaster was bigger, faster and better then I’m used to.The park has a few downsides as well though. A lot of the coasters were riding with 1 train. The queues were all above an hour (we’ve seen 190 minutes), in summer season you really need the highest capacity you can get. The food was good but very expensive.Overall, we spent 2,5 days here and I would go back again.+ it’s real pretty with a lot of greenery

Naomi _ — Google review

This place is so much fun! We come here every year for our family vacation. We come for 2 full days so we can make sure we have maximum time at the park to do everything. We always go on Tuesday and Wednesdays because those are the least busiest days of the week. We will get the Flash Pass on Wednesday (because it’s busier than Tuesday). If you plan on riding as many coasters as possible, it’s worth it to get the flash pass. We get the middle tiered one which give you 50% less wait time but it always works out where we barely have to wait at all.There’s fun for our little ones (3 & 4) and for our oldest (14) and for us! The kids love all the kid rides and the carnival games.The first ride I rode this year was the Wonder Woman…OMG. I almost peed my pants and cried at the same time - it was terrifying! My 14-year old just laughed the whole time while I held on for dear life screaming and swearing. You ride in a single file and the track is so small, it’s just incredibly thrilling!I also recommend if you’re going to go for more than one day to get the highest level of season pass (Diamond Pass). You will get free preferred parking which is in itself worth over $50. You also get a discount on anything else you buy in the park like food and souvenirs so it’s definitely worth it!

Rebecca R — Google review

Great experience and it was a lot of fun. The only drawback was that on a Sunday which we were there, some of the rides were closed so they are understaffed, but you still pay the regular entry fee which is not always that cheap and do come prepared to pay $40 for parking if you haven’t purchased parking online. Of course, when you buy food or drinks, they’re going to be expensive than your usual one dollar per bottle for water and more for food so be prepared for that as well.Nevertheless, the experience is worthwhile if you’re going to Six Flags once or twice a year and willing to spend the money.For sure recommend going to Six Flags.

Innovative C — Google review

My friends and I visited Six Flags recently and can't stop talking about how amazing it was. If you are looking for a day full of thrills and fun, this is the place to go.In short, Six Flags is a place that provides an intense dose of excitement and fun for the whole family. The rides are thrilling, the staff is friendly and the variety of dining and entertainment options is impressive. Despite the admission prices, the Six Flags experience is well worth it, and we will definitely be back for another day full of exciting adventures!

Luis V — Google review

It's my first time here. memberships and day passes are not clear to understand. For entry by car they charge you $40 per person to park 2 miles from the park entrance. The lines are long (I went on a Tuesday). The food is expensive and poor quality. come on! If you charge expensive, at least could be of regular quality? I bought the middle fast pass ($100) and i did wait in line anyway? Also you have to get an appointment to ride. Once you have used your fast pass ticket to ride, you can get another. I completly understand that you are a roller coaster monopoly but you don't even offer a decent service. I'm not basically complaining about the prices, I know I can go and pay it but the price-quality ratio is disastrous. I can't imagine how expensive an entire family has to pay to wait in line all day!

Nicolás ( — Google review

I started going to Magic Mountain when I was about six or seven years old with my dad and my sister. I remember going here on so many different occasions. I finally finally came back and brought my daughter today. I think it’s been 20 years since I last went here.It cost $40 to park. I was not expecting it to be that much just to park your car. But I understand. We got here early so that we could get in the park right at 10:30 when it opened up. We immediately went to revolution and didn’t wait that long to get on.I’m not gonna give you all the details of every ride that we rode but we had a bunch of the big coasters and had a super fun time. One of the reasons that I’m giving it a four star review is because none of the drink fill stations by the water fountains worked for your water bottle. I feel like if you’re at a theme park all day long out in the heat that the employees, staff, should really make sure that these are working. Overall, my daughter and I had a fantastic day.

Neal B — Google review

We really enjoyed Thanksgiving here, it was crowded but not as bad as it could have been. The food plan was good--you know food is always going to be super expensive and this kind of takes the stress of that away and it became part of the fun. They do have slow food service at some places, I think it's intentional to manage crowds and consumption, but it all worked.It's more expensive to buy online tickets if you wait until the morning you're going, more by about $15/ticket. Buy the week before.A lot of the rides broke down to the point that at the end of the day there were maybe half a dozen not running. I wondered if that was typical or intentional. I hadn't seen at other parks.It was chilly in the evening, bring jackets! We ended up buying sweatshirts and they weren't too bad ($35). I don't know that paying for up close parking is worth it, unless you plan on going back to the car during the day. A fun way to spend Thanksgiving.

Michelle M — Google review

So we took my two boys 11&20 along with my 15 yr old daughter as well as some cousins ranging from 16-21. They all had a BLAST!!!. Got there about 12 and shut it down at like 515.(Park closed at 6) Nea advice besides sunscreen and to prepare for hills. Get the unlimited food pass. Between our entire party of 12. 8 kids and 4 adults. We got 4 passes that have unlimited drinks and food every 90 minutes. Did chicken fingers one meal. Milk shakes another meal and funnel cakes. Everybody wasnt stuffed but they weren't hungry. Great time weather was outstanding

Clint J — Google review

Had so much fun here it felt illegal. The roller coasters are AWESOME, we had almost no wait in line, and the prices are all very reasonable.10/10 would recommend.

Maria G — Google review

May 2024: Still the king of coasters and while service and quality has taken a dip over the last several years, in terms of care/upkeep with the park theming/paint/etc, it seems to be taking a turn for the better this season. More rides are opening, parking lot is getting shaded via solar panels & some great season-pass promos like days of old. Paint and furniture/food seem to have had some care given; that being said, there's still a long way to go to get the place up to 90's standards.5 stars for the rides4 stars for new tech/mobile app improvements3.5 stars for service, including customer service *at the park, with humans*3 stars for merch/souvenirs2.5 stars for value of food1 star for online support/website

Joseph O — Google review

We had a blast here with the big kids and the little kids. Went on a Friday in March, typical wait times for an amusem*nt park on all of the big popular rides. For the little kids we hung out at the kiddie area with almost no wait times on any of the rides. We waited 3x for 5 minutes a piece. Seemed like a typical non-Disney park where teens/young adults are the only employees and don’t have much to offer by way of answering any questions, so as long as you’re self-sufficient in that regard, it’s no problem. All the ride attendants were pleasant and helpful getting the littles loaded and moving on with fun. We are in AZ and bought season passes to Hurricane Harbor and get free admission to all Six Flags locations with our passes, so we will likely be back a couple times this year.

Garcia F — Google review

Arguably the best Amusem*nt Park in the USA. If you are visiting on a busy day then a Flash Pass is worth the money. So many awesome Rollercoasters!!! Well themed Park. Great layout.

Kevin F — Google review

Best roller coasters on the west coast! Same money and but tickets online to get free upgrades to year pass! Get the one with parking, if you don't it's 40 Dollars to park alone! Get the cup with free refills all day it's totally worth it, 17.50 for one beer!

Disney H — Google review

The rides are pretty intense and for all tastes.One gotta be in shape and young to take all that speed and twisting from the roller coasters.Came in on a Saturday and some lines were quite long but moving kinda fast.Food is good but a bit pricey as expected.Worth the trip from Vegas but it’s one and done!

Globe T — Google review

First class from start to finish ... Totally enjoyable experience all round, staff were 1st class always helpful and kind.. The only one little gripe the walk from the drop off to the Ecv hire was too far for me, having to stop to get my breath several times and back pain was excruciating. Maybe a booth outside by drop off point for Ecv hire would be more helpful to disabled guests... That aside we travelled from UK and was the highlight of our vacation especially for my husband who loves roller coasters.

Jojo W — Google review

It was my first time going to six flags, I passed out over 6 times on rides because I’m not much of a roller coaster person, but it was SO worth it! The food was delicious, I had a lot of fun here exploring the rides! I recommend coming here lol, I came around December 23, 2023, was definitely worth the trip! Food was worth the price and tickets for sure.

Yang S — Google review

The thrill capital of the world was indeed an amazing time. The park was overall in good condition with only one major coaster down on a Sunday in March. The staff were engaging and helpful. Was able to ride the majority of coasters with minimal waits minus two due to one train ops on most coasters.

Paul K — Google review

4.5

(46805)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (21)

4.0

(5525)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (22)

26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, USA

(661) 255-4100

4

Camarillo Premium Outlets

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Outlet mall

Shopping

Factory Outlets

We prefer doing shipping in here especially on occasions like thanksgiving and Christmas from where you get the very best deals you cannot find on shopping Malls. Parking is always available . Accessable for people on wheels chair and moms with kids on strollers.

Zen M — Google review

Huge outlet area along the 101, plenty of free parking and easy access by car, walking all the stores from one end to the other means crossing large intersections and parking areas. Food, markets and large Walmart, Target stores, most big brands are here

Joe T — Google review

I come here once or twice a year to shop for myself and for gifts. I visited again in February. It was not crowded and the weather was cool. There were many sales going on at all the stores.There are several restaurants with inside and outside seating. This outdoor mall has a lot of benches and other seating areas. There are plenty of restrooms that are clean and well stocked.There are three sections of the outdoor mall. I try to get there before it opens at 10 AM, grab a coffee from Starbucks and plan my route. By lunchtime it gets pretty crowded. During the end of year holidays it can be difficult to find parking (which is free).I prefer to to go to the stores I really like first, then while walking around a section, stop at other stores.I park near a store I frequent, then when finished with a section drive to another.Sales go on continously - often you will receive discounts on top of the posted sale price.To treat myself when I come here, I often stay at the Hampton Inn, over night, which is practically across the street.

C. G — Google review

Good collection of outlets and offers during black friday. Must visit and you can spend whole day and savings here 😂

Surya K — Google review

I definitely recommend this outlet . The tax is low, and there are good offers and a variety of exhibits. I liked the Gucci exhibition, and I bought from Jennifer, as she is the best seller in Gucci

Ibrahim N — Google review

The most best shopping place and brands in one place , try it and you will love ❤️ it almost guaranteed.

Abdo A — Google review

0 stars 🌟 the outlet us great huge huge variety of stores, all brand names are there, Including high-end stores.The outlet is very nice and clean till.... you enter the restrooms 🚻OMG!!! This is behind normal, what I have seen today was outrageous.I would expect a place like this to have a much better maintenance service.I'm sure they are charging a high price tag from the stores owners for the rent.I hope they read my review and take care of it.I attached pictures so you'll see I'm not over exaggerating.**The food court was nice and clean! It's only the restrooms that needs more care.

Abc1 C — Google review

Camallio outlet is located in the north of Los Angeles.Spacious outdoor retail stores, entertainment and parking lots.Outlet prices are great.Parking is free.However there are fewer luxury brands compared with the Cabazon outlet in Palm Springs.Great location stopping by while traveling to 101 fwy or Malibu beach.

Theo K — Google review

Whenever I'm in Los Angeles and I want to shop, I go to Camarillo outlet mall. The mall is 45 minutes away and it's HUGE! It's got every store I love, and they keep adding more and more. The prices here are the best and it's so easy to move around. There are 3 parking lots with stores all around which makes it easy to just stroll around, shop, put the bags in the trunk of the car and continue shopping. That way your hands don't hurt from carrying all the bags. There's always parking and we just take our car from one parking lot to the next 🤗

Elisheva B — Google review

I love these outlets! Especially Joe’s Jeans!Always great fit and prices too- I stock up once a year to get the best deals. Thank you Joe’s!Also got a great deal on Chelsea boots in Cole Haan!We also got excellent pieces at Vince.

Maria M — Google review

Not the best prices for outlets but you can find good stuff here.Designer shops like Gucci, Boss, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, etcIf your close ro the area, you should definitely pay a visit.

Fernando A — Google review

Food court is full of people with dogs and they put them on top of the tables where we all eat, told about it to the janitor and they said they’ll call the manager or security but no one ever came, I don’t suggest to eat in the food court

Dj B — Google review

The prices here are no different than at regular stores. In fact, I could find better deals online. Not even sure why this outlet center exists.

Bryan N — Google review

4.5

(12076)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (27)

4.5

(1113)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (28)

740 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010, USA

(805) 445-8520

5

Ventura Pier

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Sights & Landmarks

Piers & Boardwalks

Ventura Pier, constructed in 1872, is a well-known pier that draws attention for its stunning sights of the sea and Channel Islands as well as its popularity for sunset strolls and fishing. Made out of wood, this pier has become a popular destination for individuals who enjoy spending time around the coast. It offers breathtaking views of the shoreline and the islands situated nearby, making it an ideal spot to visit at any time.

4.0

(740)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (33)

Ventura, CA 93001, USA

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6

Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara

40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (41)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (42)

40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (43)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (44)

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City courthouse

Sights & Landmarks

The city courthouse, Santa Barbara County Superior Court of California, is a beautiful edifice in the Spanish-Moorish style popular throughout the city. It is home to the court system for Santa Barbara, and it is one of the best free things to do in town. The courthouse features colorful gardens and a four-faced clock tower. There is also a mural room with painter Daniel Sayre Groesbeck's romanticized version of Santa Barbara's history on display.

This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States! I know like that seems like an exaggeration, but I'm not joking. Walking around the building reveals countless architectural details, from stained-glass windows, to tiny stone bridges. The inside is even more striking--long, colonnaded hallways lined with tapestries and heavy, carved wooden furniture. The mural room, which has a 360 degree mural, is jaw-dropping. The clock tower is free to enter and offers an unimpeded view of Santa Barbara, from the oceans to the mountains; this is where you realize why Santa Barbara is called the American Riviera! the surrounding gardens are amazing too--tropical palms, green grass, and redwoods offer a perfect place for a picnic. From its painted ceilings down to its tiled-floors, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a must-see!

Sullivan I — Google review

I never look for locations in movies and TV shows, but as a Psych fan I took advantage of a business trip nearby to find this building. I was somewhat surprised the show took the theme of this building and included it in the police station scenes.This was an enjoyable stop. I walked around the building for pictures and enjoyed the gardens in the back. Signs said the building was closed, but upon walking to the entrance in the overhang, guards motioned me inside.There is a tower you can reach after a few flights of stairs. At the top you have a wonderful panoramic view of Santa Barbara with displays explaining some landmarks. I walked parts of the building enjoying the architecture of a functioning county court building. The courtroom was open and available for public viewing.This was a fun stop I ordinarily would not do.

Adrian N — Google review

Such amazing architecture and the murals are just beautifully designed. An amazing historical location to visit. We spent hours taking pictures here. They were in the middle of construction, so it was a bit loud.

Pa H — Google review

If you're planning a trip to beautiful Santa Barbara you have to visit this gorgeous building.

Cecilia C — Google review

It is deemed the Most Beautiful Government Building in the country for a reason! This building was built in 1929 after the 1925 destroyed most of the city. We took the self guided tour and there are guided tours available. The architecture and details were so beyond beautiful. These pictures don’t even do it justice. The Law Library rivals anything seen in Europe.A must is to climb the clock tower stairs (or take the elevator) for the amazing 365 views. Many people get married here in the Sunken Gardens on the property.

Heather F — Google review

I love the Santa Barbara Courthouse! I have been photographing couples here for a couple of years and it is hands down one of my favorite locations. It is so effortlessly beautiful! I highly recommend this location for your wedding. Staff is awesome too!

Alejandra P — Google review

A gem in the downtown of Santa Barbara. Beautiful architectural building with equally magnificent gardens and decorations. A must visit if you’re the area.

Andreas A — Google review

Who would've thought a court house would be so visually grand! This is such a beautiful place to visit. It's a must for anyone visiting the Santa Barbara area. We loved strolling along the corridors and admiring the amazing architecture. We spent over 2 hours here and even then we felt like we were rushing to get through.

Helen D — Google review

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is an incredible architectural marvel that still operates as a courthouse today. Its breathtaking design and intricate details are truly awe-inspiring. The clock tower is particularly impressive, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city from the top. It's unbelievable that this historic and visually stunning building still serves its original purpose, making it a must-see destination for anyone in Santa Barbara.

VI B — Google review

Beautiful grounds and building. Take the free tour to learn all about the history but you can also self guide your own tour. I took the free 10:30am tour and I really enjoyed it. You’ll need to go through a security check before entering. There’s bike parking on the grounds just past the entrance door kind of tucked in behind the arch way to the right. There is a observation deck all the way at the top and on your way up, you can see the bells that ring on the hour. You can walk stairs or there’s an elevator.

Reviews N — Google review

Probably the prettiest city hall in all of California. We love documenting weddings here and can't wait to do more. If you are considering having your wedding - trust us that it is beautiful and will be the perfect backdrop for your wedding.

Fig S — Google review

I don't think there is a more beautiful courthouse anywhere than the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Its Spanish-style architecture fits perfectly with the uniform Spanish-style of the city.

Lee O — Google review

Great place to visit for a day trip! Lots of history from Spanish mission and the architecture. Must go- the observation deck on top floor. 360-degree panoramic views of Santa Barbara. Nice to take the dog there on the green as well.

Shelly S — Google review

Nice place and is free to visit. Very historic with paintings from the 1800s. Worth to visit if it is your first time

Marc C — Google review

A historical court house with rich history and a nice garden. It has great view of Santa Barbara town. Definitely worth to pay a visit. Plenty parking space along the street and lots of information inside the building.

J. ( — Google review

Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Designed by William Mooser III, it was completed in 1929 and has since become one of the most iconic buildings. The building's exterior is a sight to behold, featuring elaborate ornamentation, intricate tile work, and a soaring clock tower that dominates the skyline. The courthouse's interior is equally impressive, with a grand atrium that is filled with light and surrounded by ornate balconies. Architecture is a remarkable achievement in both form and function. Its unique blend of Spanish and Colonial Revival styles, combined with its impressive scale and attention to detail, make it a must-see for anyone interested in architecture or history.

Anastasiia P — Google review

4.6

(396)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (48)

4.5

(3008)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (49)

1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

(805) 882-4520

7

State St

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Sights & Landmarks

Historic Walking Areas

State Street is a spacious and elegant thoroughfare situated in downtown, connecting the shorefront with various local businesses, an auditorium, and eateries. Dotted with palm trees along its length, this avenue is home to numerous stores offering diverse products and services. The street also features a cinema where one can catch up on the latest movies. Alongside these attractions are several dining establishments serving delicious cuisine for locals and tourists alike.

4.5

(2396)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (55)

California, USA

8

Pismo Beach Pier

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Sights & Landmarks

Piers & Boardwalks

Large, legendary pier with steps to the beach, popular for fishing & illuminated for night surfing.

A fun strolling Beach Town. Great shopping, upgraded the pier area recently, great spot

Holly W — Google review

Very nice place to enjoy with family. Beautiful sunset view. Sand is very smooth and soft. Sunset beauty and photography….amazing place

Viyu G — Google review

Clean beach. Nice sunset experience place. Lights are cool.

Nk S — Google review

Loved our lazy walk here watching surfers and taking in the air and views!

Bay W — Google review

It's a relaxing and beautiful beach town in Central coast. It has little quaint shops and overall awesome views of the ocean.

Chris S — Google review

Love this beach I visited 2/3 times because this location is great for relaxing and sitting not too much crowd and weather is awesome i love it my kids love it

VirkSaab C — Google review

In night time cool lighting is plus point.Clean water beach.Foods & shopping both available nearby.

Aptaputra B — Google review

Beautiful BeachAmazing ViewVery nice peopleBut never attempt to take nor steal clams from the pier I literally saw a entire family get embarrassed belongings searched as well but I still enjoyed my stay on the beach🏖️

Chadwick B — Google review

Home away from home but, with better sunsets. My heart calls for me hear and my mind sinks in the swells. This magical place makes my heart stop and beat, again and again. I don’t know what it is but when I am here, I feel peace!❤️

Anthony D — Google review

Beautiful, clean, and not very busy beach. I fell in love with this place.

Amber M — Google review

Driving to Pismo Beach from Southern California is a treasure trove of scenic views, winding roads, hills, .6% inclines+, and mountains that appear to tower over the clouds, with ocean landscapes. Driving in questionable weather or at night, requires awareness of the roads (lights and gas stations are limited). The beach itself is a medium sized beach/pier. It has mountain and water views. Paid parking is close by and on the surrounding streets. There are places to eat and shop, more so in the area, rather than on the pier itself. The pier entrance is anchored by hotels and parking. There were plenty of surfers. The waves can come in high. There is a very nice stadium seating styled wall to sit and watch the water and/or people. There is a rest room immediately in front of the pier entrance. The beach appeared to be animal friendly in that people were walking their dogs. There were no readily available stations to wash the sand off of your feet etc. There was a disability assistance ramp near the seating area going down to the beach.

Daphne — Google review

A really nice place to visit

James H — Google review

Pismo is a quiet and beautiful beach town. Getting dinner at Wooly’s and dessert at Sheila’s and then watching the sunset from dinosaur caves park is a wonderful day. I love coming here to escape my real world and find peace. This is one of my favorite places to be.

Eric B — Google review

Beautiful place to visit and a lot of things to do. We enjoy this beach because here you do not have just the beach, you have shopping, eating and other activities near by that are all walking distance.

Ern — Google review

Feel in love with Pismo Beach. Awesome weather. Great food everywhere. Just a great place to visit.

Ernesto L — Google review

Nice views. Saw lots of cool birds. Saw some whales as well. Had some cool photo ops. Definitely a cool place to stop and hang out for a while.

Jeff A — Google review

4.7

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4.0

(1649)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (61)

Pismo Beach, CA, USA

9

Tobin James Cellars

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Winery

Food & Drink

Wineries & Vineyards

The Tobin James Cellars Winery is a winery located in the heart of Paso Robles wine region, featuring an inviting tasting room with a grand, 150-year-old bar. The winery crafts intense fruit driven wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Dessert Zinfandel.

Tobin James is one of me favorite wineries. There Reseve Chardonnay is fantastic. Can't leave here without a case everytime. There are so many wonderful tasting wines. The staff is awesome, kind, helpful, nice and so much fun to do tastings with. Staying on the property is awesome. The room are fantastic. Very clean. Well equipped it all your needs. What a wonderful experience.

Tracey R — Google review

First time at Tobin James and our first stop in Paso. We had a wonderful experience and Andrew made it even more enjoyable! The wines are great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and every staff member was awesome! They truly lived up to their great reviews. I would totally recommend going here if you want good wine and a warm and inviting experience! I was having such a great time I forgot to take any photos of the wines. Also, as a side note- the little birdie wine topper is a must! It chirps when you pour 🐦

Robin — Google review

It was a really great experience here at Tobin James! Everyone was nice and very helpful. Highly recommend coming here while in Paso Robles!

Payton P — Google review

We stopped by TJ today for the first time, and enjoyed a tasting with Crystal who was very friendly and informative! She was a large part in our decision to join the wine club. My wife and I sampled over a dozen wines. We had a great experience and left with a few souvenirs. We are looking forward to our first 8 bottle shipment in April, but we will probably be back before then.

Brett W — Google review

Stop by on your way to and from Palo Robles. It’s a big place with country of staff outside seating and picnic area. The manager is very attentive, and the wines are excellent. $20 tasting fee is waived if you buy a bottle.

Taufiq H — Google review

The party events are incredible. 4 bands playing through the night and food galore by over 25 food vendors all night long.

Carlos L — Google review

I really wanted to love this place, in fact at first we wanted to stay for two days. It is that beautiful. Our plan was to do a photo shoot on the second day, as there are so many unique buildings, antique fixtures, and just overall lovely scenery. The ladies who checked us in were so friendly too. As Harvest Host members it is 'requested' that we spend $20 at a property, and we always spend much more than that. This particular property, however 'required' that we spend $20 per person. The wines were mediocre, which I could have lived with. What turned us sour on our stay was the bartender. I literally felt as though I was a waste of his time. I tried to communicate with him, but all I ever got in return was, "which one do you want to try" There was no verbal communication of what the wines were like, what they paired well with, or upsell of any sort. At one point the bar tender left us to talk to a fellow employee. I witnessed him whisper to her as he pointed at me and my husband. I could go on but I think you get the picture. We wasted no time leaving.

Cherri R — Google review

Just finished my first wine tasting experience at Tobin James… AMAZING atmosphere. I absolutely LOVED Veronica, and her recommendations were spot on. You don’t always find a place that has great wine AND great people. If you haven’t checked them out, I HIGHLY recommend making this a top place to stop if you’re coming to Paso Robles. Added bonus is they are visibly supportive of our nation’s military. Will definitely be back!

Brit H — Google review

I recently visited Tobin James Winery, excited to use a wine passport I earned after completing a marathon. This passport was supposed to grant me a complimentary visit, and Tobin James was explicitly listed as a participating winery. Unfortunately, they did not uphold their end of the agreement. Despite my attempts to resolve the issue, pointing out that other wineries had accepted the passport without question the same day, the staff simply dismissed its validity.Despite this disappointment, there were some highlights to my visit. A few of the wines were delightful, and one server was particularly helpful, enriching my experience with his deep knowledge of their wines. His passion for sharing and educating was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating experience.However, the situation soured again when I tried to leave. I hoped for some understanding or a solution regarding the passport issue, but instead, I met with dismissiveness from the staff. This lack of support and customer service left me feeling overlooked and undervalued.While I enjoyed the wines, my visit was overshadowed by the winery's failure to honor their commitment and their poor handling of the situation.

Cian A — Google review

We didn’t make an appointment and just last minute decided to stop by and buy wine.We came at 5pmish (they closed at 6) and they graciously let us in!We were able to sample 3 before buying their moscato! It was sooo good :0) And the lady was very friendly but I unfortunately forgot her name.Their main room is huge and the bathroom was really clean!I would come back here with an appointment.

Jessica Y — Google review

We had a blast! Rachel, our host, was amazing. We ended up buying lots of amazing wine, and a turtle aerator! This was the last winery before heading back, and we highly recommend it!

Konstantin G — Google review

A must visit on your wine tasting trip! Great atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing wines across the board. While the trend in Paso seems to be to raise tasting fees, increased bottle prices and higher bottle limits to wave tasting fees, TJ has kept their prices on the ground. If you want a really great atmosphere and wines that are very reasonable, this is the place to visit!

Tricellceo — Google review

9/18/22 We visited here when we vacationed in the central coast. It hasn't changed since our last visit in May. No masks required. They do reservation for busy weekends and holidays. Very popular winery. The receptionist up front was very nice. We didn't have a reservation but she let us in. Luckily it wasn't busy. The pourer selected samples of what I would like. He was great. The charming and wonderful ladies who rang up the sale were very helpful. Nice surprise was the discount for buying 6 bottles. This is our favorite place to visit. There is a grassy doggie area for the furry travelers.We stopped here on the way to the coast and back. Lots of free parking with handicap access. Tall shady trees with patio seating. Very friendly and extremely helpful hostesses. They fill in the list of the wines you want to sample and or puchase at the entrance. I came here to purchase specific wines that luckily were available. You take the list to the cashier inside. They get the wines from the back and ring up the sales. They accept credit cards. My last visit here was 10 years ago. The staff are as helpful and friendly as ever. The interior is the same western decor. Their wines are world renowned. This is our favorite winery in Paso Robles. We will return.

L. C — Google review

The location is convenient and good, but there is no winery vibe. I missed the attention of the staff. If you don't ask anything, you won't hear anything. It seems to me that more work needs to be done to prepare the customer for the purchase. Today there are a lot of offers, so it is important not just to give a try for money

Elenchik K — Google review

Tobin James winery is a Gem in Paso Robles. We tried varieties of Reserve and Red wines. All tasted very distinct and loved them all. A big shout out to Donna, she took great care of us. Vibe of the place makes it extraordinary. Specially loved the bar table decor. Would highly recommend this winery in central coast.

Reema C — Google review

4.8

(598)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (66)

4.5

(840)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (67)

8950 Union Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA

(805) 239-2204

10

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (68)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (69)

40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (70)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (71)

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a wildlife haven that offers visitors an opportunity to interact with different animal species, including giraffes and stingrays. The zoo has undergone significant improvements, with ongoing construction to add more exciting features. Despite the pandemic, the zoo remains open for visitors, and Mondays offer an ideal time to visit as there are no long queues or waiting times at exhibits. The safari area is recommended for lunch due to its freshly prepared food and reasonable prices.

It’s a great little zoo! The improvements they are making are wonderful. They updated the dinosaur part which is awesome now! The little water play area was neat but I’m sure gets over crowded when busy. Overall a fun place to spend a few hours and the food is good too.

Jamie B — Google review

It's always a great experience for those whom enjoy the animals, The zoo has upgraded some of their areas and the results are astonishing The Asian theme and the new animal areas are amazing 😍🤩 great view for pictures. Can't wait to come back once everything is completed 🦒🐆 the cheetahs were my favorite on this trip

Eddie N — Google review

We love the zoo! We buy the yearly memberships and go at least once a month. All of the upgrades they have done and exhibits they have added are amazing! All of the food is awesome as well!

Courtney G — Google review

We arrived on a weekday and it was packed with school field trips. The lines weren’t long to enter for general admission. My family and I were able to walk around in a 3-4 hour time span to see all of the different animal exhibits. Our favorite animal attraction was seeing the bright, and colorful pink flamingos in their natural habitat. It was also quite an experience getting real up close to feed the giraffes.Overall, it is a beautifully kept zoo grounds. The staff were inviting and didn’t hesitate to answer any questions or help with guidance around the park. My family and I will definitely be returning and getting ourselves a yearly membership.I would really recommend coming to this zoo!

Sarah R — Google review

Lots of improvements have been made and there is construction currently for more amazing things to come. We went on a class trip, first one since the pandemic began. Visited on a Monday morning and it was perfect, no lines to go in, no waiting for exhibits. Definitely recommend grabbing lunch by the safari since the food is being freshly prepared and the prices are reasonable.

Elvira B — Google review

We love the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. This little zoo has grown and grown, adding wonderful exhibits and valuable family entertainment. We went to see the new exhibit Kingdoms of Asia. This is absolutely worth the visit. The new tiger habitats are large and the animals have space to roam around. The viewing areas are easy to use, wheelchair accessible and roomy. There are more new exhibits coming... I can't wait to see what they do next.

RhE ? — Google review

We always enjoy ourselves at the Chaffee Zoo! I especially LOVED the Butterfly exhibit. I was in aaaww to the point of a sore jaw. The holiday decor is BIG & COLORFUL with twinkling lights galore. Magical to the eyes...

Chris A — Google review

There are lots of animals to view at this large zoo. You can pay an extra small fee to touch stingrays and feed the giraffes. You can be really near kangaroos and emu. They just ask not to touch or feed them.You need a minimum of 4 hours to get through almost everything without rushing. There are multiple areas to take pictures. I went when they were setting up illumniNature so there were extra props to take pictures with.There are some vending machines, some food establishments and a souvenir shop. I did not get to eat there, but one of the food establishments had a beautiful view near the elephants.Restrooms are at the entrance once you pay to enter.For toddler parents: There is a large park near the zoo but no nearby restrooms, and when I asked to quickly use one nearby the zoo. The admission employee said no one could enter until we paid for our admission, even though family members were already at the register paying.The restrooms by the entrance are not very clean, but supplies are well stocked. One stall even had poop smeared all over the floor, and one of the soap dispensers was broken. The restroom in Kingdoms of Asia area is just one toilet, so it may be a wait, but it is very clean and well stocked.

Sarah C — Google review

My wife and I take our daughter to the zoo every year and we LOVE going. The staff is always friendly and the environment is always nice, clean and preserved. It seems like every year we go there is more see than the previous times. Its an amazing family time and beautiful animals to see.

Omar H — Google review

Loved the zoo but getting in was kinda ridiculous. We bought a membership and there was only about 3 families in front of us yet it took almost an hour. When we got to the window it took us about 3 minutes to activate our membership. Not sure what took the rest of the first groups so long.The zoo itself was quite nice, while a little small. The exhibits were well placed with a lot of areas to view the animals. Would have been 4 stars if we didn't have such a bad experience just getting in.

Joe V — Google review

I take my boys an average once a month here. We live an hour away but this place is always amazing I have never had a bad experience here. They do amazing holiday themed events my absolute favorite themed event was for Christmas. I have never seen a zoo go above and beyond for their patrons. The Christmas lights were stunning they had to put at least a week or more putting everything up, they had a free picture with Santa they also had hot chocolate with some yummy fireball for adults and extra activities for the kids. Even on none holiday events they do wonders. This place is always clean no trash anywhere their bathrooms are always clean and smell good. Their workers are always super nice. Just have zero complaints and that's rare for me. I will continue to have a membership to this zoo! It also beats the San Francisco zoo and that's hard for any zoo to do..

Kristin S — Google review

I was pleasantly surprised on how nice the zoo is for being in Fresno. Once they finish the new are at the end of May 2023 it will be even better. We went on a Monday so was very empty, which was nice. It did get hot but there is a decent amount of shade around the park except for the Africa side of the park. Lots of cool animals and exhibits I did not get photos of. The Africa exhibit is pretty incredible and woth the food court right there with a bunch of different options of freshly made food as well as beer/wine options, all set with outdoor seating with an incredible view of the open Africa exhibit; it was pretty amazing. Highly recommend this place to anyone in the area or visiting. No complaints here. Great for kids and adults.

Jim F — Google review

The zoo is a great place to visit. The measure Z money has made this place amazing. Go see the tigers the enclosure is huge and it’s so great to see these animals have room to roam. The Asian animals area is beautiful and the art was selected with input from the local south East Asian community.

W. H — Google review

Perfect for families and children! This zoo stands out with its newest renovations like it’s Kingdoms of Asia! It seemed like a Disney adventure through Indiana Jones! Kids loved it! Seems like they are constructing other great areas with some areas closed down or shut off.Big positive was the many shaded areas and places to eat. They had a wonderful large shaded area to have lunch and look at the large Savannah animals of Africa!Tickets were easy at the kiosk but be aware that parking is smattered and the later you arrive the further the walk to front entrance. Realize that general admission ticket does not include the sting ray exhibit and butterfly exhibit.

Ray T — Google review

Have been here several times and I am happy to see all the improvements they are making. Habitats are much more natural. Less looking through bars. They just expanded their entire Asia section and it's really cool! A few areas are still under construction. It's awesome you can interact with some of the animals. You can walk through the kangaroo pen now. You can feed giraffes, pet and feed stingrays. My only complaint is that both of these activities cost extra. They added a butterfly garden which looks lovely, but this too costs extra. If you don't want to pay more than the entry fee you can still have a lovely time, but just be prepared to dish out some extra cash if feeding the animals is something you really want to do. I fed the giraffes once and it was a really cool experience. Also there is an extra fee of $5 or so for parking for the day. Overall, it's worth a visit.

BlackMairead — Google review

One of the best zoos I've been to. Just the right size, clean, everything worked, staff was friendly, restrooms were clean, food and souvenirs weren't too expensive but most of all every exhibit that was open (a few were closed for renovations) was well organized and the animals looked healthy. We saw more animals close up than I've ever seen at even the San Diego zoo! Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! And let's not forget the stingray petting/feeding and giraffe feeding.I highly recommend this zoo for a family day trip. Totally worth the time and cost.

Eric H — Google review

I went to see the zoo lights and it was very beautiful. There was a lot to see and some animals were out, such as the flamingo, red lemurs, and stingrays (which you can touch for free). I’m not sure for the butterfly exhibit since I wasn’t able to pass by there.They had one or two shops open, also the cafe. Overall, the walk is 2-3 hours but I’d say it’s worth because there is so much to see and lots of pictures to take with the lights.

Natalie S — Google review

Such a great zoo, if you’re in the area it’s worth a visit.One of our first stops was the reptile building. We loved it. So many amazing animals to see.We made our way through the park and eventually began the, “African Adventure”. It’s an amazing area with a lot to see. The sheer size of the area and the amount of animals to see is wonderful. Feeding the giraffes is so worth the price. My son couldn’t stop giggling as the majestic and gentle creatures ate from his hand.All the exhibits were great, we made sure to check everything out as we made our way through the rest of zoo. I would definitely recommend this zoo to anyone in the area looking for a place to spend a day.The Winged Wonders Bird Show was another hit for us. Overall a great experience and well worth every penny. We had lunch at the Kopje Cafe/Lodge and while the wait time was a little long and it was a little pricey (it’s a local attraction so obviously prices are a little high), the food was great and staff was friendly.Again, this zoo is well worth the visit.

Mark W — Google review

We loved the Zoo very clean and well kept. There is a lot of areas for little ones to play and the bird show was fun yet short. If its too cold some animals will not be in display. It took us three hours to walk around and see everything. Very kid friendly and awesome for them to see very different animals close by.

Gabriela M — Google review

This is one of Fresno’s true treasures. It’s so well designed and themed. The vistas for the animals are great. The staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. Special shout out to Brian who followed up on an item I lost. He was part of a really nice team that helped with that.

Joey E — Google review

Such a great visit to the zoo today! The new exhibits are amazing. Great bathrooms in the Africa pavilion. Impressive and beautifully kept grounds.

Maria B — Google review

My kids love the zoo. So I bought a membership so that whenever we wanna go or spend time together we hid out to see the animals at the zoo in fresno my youngest love touching the stingy ray... best place to spend Quality time with your little ones.and learn about the different animals that I tell my kids that God created 🙏 ❤️ ♥️ 💖 🙌

Linda N — Google review

Visiting Fresno Chaffee Zoo was an amazing experience! Every exhibit was captivating, the staff was friendly, and the size was just right. The admission prices were unbeatable, making it accessible for everyone. The Kingdom of Asia was breathtaking, and the African Adventure with the rhinos felt like a journey to Africa. My kids absolutely loved it - it was truly an unforgettable visit!

Tito — Google review

4.6

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4.5

(1076)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (73)

894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728, USA

(559) 498-5910

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11

Blue Ocean Whale Watching

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Whale watching tour agency

Tours

Boat Tours

Dolphin & Whale Watching

Blue Ocean Whale Watching is the only whale tour I'll ever use. While I understand much of whale watching is luck, Kate and her crew found us 4 species of whale, numerous species of birds, otters, and sea lions over the course of our trip. The crew was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and the tour itself was very comfortable despite increasing winds making for some chop. As it was my first time, I was of course very impressed, but many people on the small tour I undertook were regulars-- a sure sign of the quality of this tour group.

Stephen E — Google review

We’ve been on quite a few whale watching tours and BOWW’s is one of the best. Their boat is well-maintained and just spacious enough, with a nice variety of inside and outside spaces to see wildlife. You can pay a bit extra to be on the upper deck, but the views are great regardless of where you are. The crew was friendly and the guide/narrator was an actual marine biologist with some great insights into whale, dolphin and seal behavior. We got a very close view of humpbacks feeding and cruised along with a huge pod of Common Dolphins! Highly recommend this tour.

Blake I — Google review

What a amazing day to see several pairs of whales. The crew, who is most knowledgeable, made the experience even better. This is a small company that pays attention to their customers. From the minute you step on board you feel comfortable and you’re in for an enjoyable journey.

Steven R — Google review

Probably the best whale watching agency in Moss Landing!What we saw: A lot of humpbacks, about 8 blue whales and a massive Mola fish.Me and my friends went whale watching last weekend with Blue Ocean Whale Watch and I am very happy I chose them out of the many options.Blue Ocean Whale Watch had a smaller boat AND a reduced capacity, so that there was always enough space on deck to walk around and get a good view of a whale when it pops up. There were two marine biologists on board who would give fun facts or answer questions. Additionally the captain was very knowledgeable and she was very passionate about showing us the whales. She would always try to get a good view of the whales while not disturbing them.One of my friends went with Sanctuary Cruises and we saw another agency while on the water and both had bigger ships and were way more packed. According to my knowledge their prices are even about the same as Blue Ocean.I can definitively recommend them to anyone who wants to maximize their chance of seeing these beautiful creatures!

Aakkus A — Google review

I wasn't sure this was for me, but I had a great time. We saw a humpback whale nicknamed "Gulper" who came up to the surface repeatedly near our boat.What really set the experience apart for me was the excitement and interaction with Captain Kate (sp?) and the other crew members. Their mood really brought me into the experience and made it special. They were very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. I would highly recommend this company.

Nikola H — Google review

Great couple of days whale watching with Captain Kate and Eric, marine biologist and her great crew. We had lots of whales to choose from! Captain Kate took us out to see a different variety of wildlife and different behaviors, ie. whale tail slapping, spy-hopping. The smaller boat experience was great from both the top deck and below! I look forward to going whale watching with her again!

Linda S — Google review

Awesome experience! Not over crowded at all and the boat is quite so you can hear all the whale sounds. The crew and captain are super friendly an knowledgeable. We were on whales instantly!! So awesome!!

Greg C — Google review

Our whale watching experience was amazing. The day was extremely well planned and executed and the crew was outstanding. We saw TONS of humpback whales and Captain Kate was determined to show us something epic - and she delivered. Brian was the other crew member and he was incredibly knowledgeable, energetic and passionate. Definitely pack warm clothes as you’ll want to be outside for the entire time. Highly recommend!

Emily L — Google review

Team was incredible. Lots of fun and saw TONS of dolphins and a huge feeding with hundreds of seals and what looked like a dozen whales. Manageable amount of people on the boat and well worth the difference in cost. Would highly recommend!!!

James H — Google review

What a great experience! Everytime I go out of moss landing it's great. Blue Ocean was great. It was like a private charter. ( only 8 plus crew) We started seeing Humpbacks within 30 minutes of leaving the dock. In all we saw more than 20 Humpbacks, 2 different types of dolphins. Sea lion, seals ( which we got to see them schooling fish) multiple times and what seemed to be a thousand birds and 1 sea otter. The crew was laid back and informative. Great excursion!

George B — Google review

This is a belated review since I did my whale watch with Captain Kate and her crew in late April, but I certainly recommend Blue Ocean if you’re looking to go on a whale watch in Monterey Bay. Captain Kate and her crew were all very friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. Plus, even though they must go out on whale watches quite regularly through this service, it was fantastic to see how excited the crew got with each whale sighting. It made it feel like they truly enjoyed being out there and this was more than just a business they’re running.On a similar note, I really liked their reduced-capacity format. While other whale watching boats I saw during the watch had decks lined with people standing shoulder-to-shoulder, being out with the Blue Ocean service really felt like I was just out on an excursion with this crew and some of their friends.Plus, Captain Kate’s ‘whale sense’ truly is great! During the watch, she stopped in one spot because, in her words, it felt ‘whaley’. Not five seconds later, a couple of humpbacks surfaced for air not far from the boat!Even though this was my first whale watch to go on, I could tell there was something special about Blue Ocean Whale Watch. Highly recommend!

Keith K — Google review

Captain Kate was excellent. Crew was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.Whales weren't very cooperative, unfortunately. We saw 3 humpbacks, loads of sea lions, and some otters. Will definitely be back.

Nicholas V — Google review

We had a fabulous time with Blue Ocean. The crew (we had Kate and Brian) were so knowledgeable and made the experience fun. We saw sea lions, otters, a humpback whale, a grey whale, killer whales and 3 types of dolphins. The upper deck felt like the VIP section, and it wasn’t too cold for mid-March to be up there. The bathroom was much bigger than expected too. Much appreciated!!

Kelsey D — Google review

A very enjoyable trip. We got to see everything whales, dolphins, even a white dolphin. Excellent service, excellent training. recommended.

Reuven D — Google review

4.8

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5.0

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7881 Sandholdt Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA

(831) 600-5103

12

The Mystery Spot

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Sights & Landmarks

Mysterious Sites

The Mystery Spot is an interesting tourist attraction in Santa Cruz that features illusions that seem to defy gravity. It's a circular area with tours and a gift shop where visitors can experience the strange effects of tilt-induced visual illusions.

Tour guide makes a TON of difference, since there are no self tour, the people that run this had to think of a creative way to make this from a meh experience to a wonderful and interesting one. Their script is spot on and their ability to get the audience involved is great, from getting you warmed up to comfortable in participating. Only thing is if they can reduce the party size so everyone can truly experience the “spot” and get to take photos too. I still give it a 5 star just for the humor and creativity of the whole program,

Nes B — Google review

Went here 10/22 with my family. We all really enjoyed ourselves! There is a bit of a steep climb up the hill, most of which is handicapped accessible. Make reservations ahead of time as they get quite busy. They are open every day of the year. The site hasn’t changed much and really emphasize the strange physics of the place. They have a cute little gift shop, some vending machine snacks, clean restrooms, and a snack bar when they are really busy. Their parking lot can handle a tour bus or RVs and they had plenty of parking.

Tye B — Google review

This place was, indeed, a mystery.The ticket price isn't bad, $10 per person and $5 for parking. It's located in the forest, lots of beautiful trees, and the waiting area has a beautiful vine and flower roofed veranda. The website gives you most of the details but should probably add one; if you have motion sickness, be prepared.The building where the phenomenon happens seems to be right at the center, and the closer you get to the middle of the tour building, the stronger it gets. My daughter and I couldn't explore much because we were trying not to be sick.Overall, it wasn't a bad experience. The tour guide was a little funny with some good dad jokes. The gift shop was cute and had plenty of inventory, and the weather was great. I'm not sure if I'd go back for myself unless I took someone who hadn't experienced it before.

Christina W — Google review

Overall it’s a cool experience. The earth gives us some cool tricks. But I feel the tilted house was built in purpose, giving false illusion, to attract tourists. If the house is leveled, it would be more impressive to experience the earth’s tricks of the area.You need to reserve ahead, space is limited. I came on a Wednesday and it was crowded. It has a canteen and a gift shop. I love the trail, front of the spot/house, it’s nice to walk up hill under the red wood trees. The road leads to the spot is beautiful/scenic with many switchbacks, though you can get lost

Tracy H — Google review

So much peace and tranquility in this place!Friendly, and enthusiastic, staff and interesting sights. It is a nice escape from life's fast pace. My little kid enjoyed it a lot.Sitting there at the table, under super high trees, with cool breeze, in a nicely designed area, you get a surreal feeling, that is rare to have in crowded California. So I guess the trip here is not so much about experiencing the "mystery unbalance" as much as it is about feeling the holistic calmness and peacefulness of the place that can be great for relieving stress.You can bring your own food or buy from their "canteen".I was supposed to get a ticket fee waiver as a military discount, but for some reason ended up only getting free parking.The hike up in the forest across from the gate was a nice one although a little steep in some parts.

Ronny L — Google review

The Mystery Spot is the best kind of tourist trap! You won't regret getting the full experience (twenty minute guided tour, the maze fort, zip lines, and mini golf). We felt no shame in enjoying this silly tourist experience as two grown adults. We even bought the t-shirts. The staff were super fun and friendly. They moved us through the activities pretty quickly. The wait at the zip lines went very fast. Also, their bathrooms are super clean!

Jenny — Google review

Came here with the family. This place is really interesting and cool. There are many weird things here that defy logic. Our your guide was fun and informative. There is an extremely steep walk up to the cabin, so beware. The only reason I did not rate 5 stars is that I think they allow too many people in each group, which makes the cabin quite crowded to try out the features and to wait longer to get photos of those in your party. Prices were good for the value received.

Bartley S — Google review

Definitely get tickets in advance. When we were picking up our tickets (that we purchased online the day before), people who hadn't bought in advance were being told it would be over an hour to 2 hr wait. It was very interesting. Cute, funny tour. Our tour guide was sweet, there were several young kids and she let them all be helpers with her experiments. The walk up is very steep, and you feel the gravity pulling you down. The cabin was very interesting, but it did make me and 2 other ladies pretty nauseous. Definitely worth checking out tho. I've never experienced anything like it.

Bre D — Google review

Spent the day at mystery spot with my family. Guided tours only. The tour guide gives history of the the mystery spot along with different activities that are unexplainable but very interesting. I personally got a little sick in the mystery spot which stuck with me for awhile but way cool to check out. The only way I can describe my feelings here were like vertigo. I would suggest buying tickets in advance tickets get sold out quickly. No problem with parking, admission was 10$ a person 5$ for parking hiking trails, merchandise and food available on site. Out of this world experience!

Vallory B — Google review

First things first - book your ticket in advance to avoid the tours being sold out for another hour or two. I had no idea that a weekday would be that busy, and that you can't enter without the guide.So this place was on my list for a while and so clubbed it with our Santa Cruz trip. Reached directly at the spot and was told that the tours were booked for next 90 mins. We bought the next available tour and paid for parking immediately and left to spend an hour on a nearby beach. That's also an option if you don't want to book in advance.Coming to the spot, it's a good experience and kids would love it. Our guide was pretty entertaining. She demonstrated some visual anomalies and distributed the "Mystery Spot" stickers. We didn't see the famous banana slug. Not sure if that's seasonal.They have a cool restaurant with vegetarian options and a gift shop. Clean restrooms.Recommended 👍🏻

Aishwarya K — Google review

During my summer break, I had the chance to explore the Mystery Spot last Friday. It's conveniently located close to Santa Cruz, but I'd advise booking reservations in advance, given its popularity and the potential unavailability of tours on the day of your visit.Admission tickets are priced at $10 per person, and parking comes at an additional cost of $10. The site is encompassed by majestic redwood trees, though it's worth noting that cell reception isn't very reliable in the area.The staff provided an excellent experience, and our tour guide led us through the site while sharing captivating stories. The entire adventure lasted approximately 2-3 hours and involved a moderate uphill walk.The Mystery Spot stands out for its unparalleled optical illusions and intriguing gravitational phenomena. You'll encounter remarkable phenomena, including people appearing to tilt strangely and objects defying gravity and rolling uphill due to these unique effects.Facilities such as a gift shop, a compact snack bar, and well-maintained restrooms are available for visitors.Having personally taken my family and friends on tours around the Bay Area, I've consistently recommended the Mystery Spot as a must-see experience.

Vinod P — Google review

First time being here..it was fun the tour guide was excellent at what she does. Its crazy I would say it is sure a mystery a bit pricy 10 dollars for kids 3 and older plus parking is 4 bucks. But I definitely would visit again.

Sok A — Google review

Mystery Spot is a must visit if you sway along Santa Cruz! It is a fun, mind boggling place that will play tricks on your mind. You can also enjoy the great natural scenery of Santa Cruz!

BayArea F — Google review

This was such a nice experience, especially for couples & families. The place is BEAUTIFUL with amazing quality air. I wish I could take more photos, but it was a Saturday, so it was crowded EVERYWHERE. We decided to go early for an hour to beat traffic. When we arrived, there was a cute gift shop to your right and a patio with restrooms. Though, it smells extremely horrible when you sit near the restrooms. Please be mindful when you drive due to the road quality. 10/10 would recommend

MoonRule — Google review

Fun attraction. $8 for a visit which I think it's pretty fair however It is a very short tour - too short on my opinion (I can understand that, because they don't have much to show, and yet.... We drove there for an hour and a half so at least I wish it was a little bit longer.I love how they present the anomaly. The staff is young and fun and they really play in that. Their presentation and the jokes are super fun.Definitely a unique experience, you don’t experience every day.Cons: Too short.

Karin D — Google review

Interesting spot. Our tour guide was awesome 👌! It did take about 40 minutes to get in and make our way up to the cabin but that was our fault for not having a reservation. They have a nice little gift shop and the prices are reasonable.

Emilia F — Google review

This place is really different from other mystery houses one would have seen. Does play with your mind with gravity defying objects. Involves hiking in the woods in serene surroundings. Our guide Vanessa made it fun. Has a lot of seating to have your picnic after the visit. You can also buy snacks from there. Gets booked very quickly so online buying is better. The team was pretty flexible with rescheduling our slot for a later time. Reasonably priced@$10 per person, free for kids 3 and under. Would recommend. Pets are not allowed inside, however they have a separate hiking trail in the redwoods (~30 minutes) where the pets can accompany.

Ruchita A — Google review

Definitely an interesting visit. Worth the $15 ($10 ticket, $5 parking). Be prepared to trek up the side of a hill (not far) and stand on the side of a hill for the tour. This is a gravitation anomaly so it may mess with your head and balance making you feel slightly nauseous. Not bad though. Still worth it. I don’t recall the website saying it’s uneven ground and up a hill, which is why I took off a star. Definitely not accessible for some or older individuals.

Jamie B — Google review

An absolute blast is the phrase that comes to mind for this local attraction. A somewhat indescribable experience of an anomaly, you just have to see for yourself!Their location is down a narrow road and tucked into the rolling hills surrounded by forest. There is plenty of parking and they also have a dedicated area for larger vans and busses. The gift shop has a fun assortment of items, there is a cantina (closed during visit), seating areas, and restrooms at the entrance.Maurice or "Moe" was our guide into this unique adventure and was engaging, enthusiastic, and definitely enjoying his job. He was fantastic with getting children and adults to participate during demonstrations and explaining the theories surrounding this strange place.The trail leading to the center of the spot is steep, but there are railings to help support visitors who need it. I would suggest wearing sturdy shoes because sandals or flip-flops may not have the best traction for inclines and declines.I highly recommend this location for young and old visiting the area because you will not be disappointed!

happylioneatsprey — Google review

Our first time there but we had a great experience, staff is very courteous, gift shop has lots of souvenirs and prices are not to bad. Plenty of tables and benches to enjoy some snacks or food. Parking is $5, and there's a lot of it. That if people leave right after their tour ends.

Alex M — Google review

A short, dizzy and fun experience among the dense woods. Beautiful scenery and pleasant experience. Parking is a bit hectic here, plan ahead in holidays. Reservation required and check for tour timings before going.

Jagadeesh R — Google review

Our guide was so fun and funny. This place is crazy and the activity was so fun. We can lean forward or lean back and change heights in spots that were level and water or ball went upwards instead of down. The stuff here is like a mystery. So weird and so cool to check out.

Ms. L — Google review

Definitely worth the visit for the price you pay. A couple of interesting mysterious spots around here which the guide takes you through. Cool spot for some great photo opportunities, too. There is also a gift shop here with plenty of souvenirs.We clubbed this with the roaring camp train ride and the state park next to it. Not recommended for people with mobility issues as it is a steep climb. If you do have any elderly/mobility impaired person, there is plenty of seating in the cafe area.

A N — Google review

Great place to visit to experience alternate gravity points. Guess what can create that gravity that seems to pull you in different direction: cause to lose balance. Be sure to buy the tickets online or expect some wait time; they only allow in batches per assigned time zone. Bring food and drink as this is in remote area. Cell connectivity is zero; be sure to download the map offline for navigation. Overall good place to visit.

Pratik P — Google review

I didn’t know what I was getting into when we bought tickets. Definitely buy them ahead of time to get a time that works best for your group. They book up quick. I can see why too it’s so funny and just a strange overall place to be! Our tour guide (Bennett) was funny and not shy to show how the gravity there works. He also took a picture or two for us which was really nice. The tour isn’t long at all and a great price.There is a small trail too at the end of the parking lot. We went just to look at redwoods and we ended up seeing 3 banana slugs in the wild. Definitely check out the trail too.

Joe “ — Google review

Definitely worth to go if you’re in Santa Cruz area! Very interesting tour. I’m not sure if there are self guided tours, doesn’t seem like it. But the tour is definitely worth it. Our tour guide was humorous, witty, and was really fun at showing us how funky the mystery spot truly is! Parking is plenty and they also have a cool gift store!

Shiki D — Google review

an interesting place for the whole family, the program is about an hour, there is parking, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance, on weekdays you can order a couple of days in advance, on weekends there are a lot of people, there is a place to eat and an interesting souvenir shop. The tour guide tells interesting things about this place. At this point you go up into the house and immediately start to feel very dizzy, I couldn’t even walk and even felt nauseous, an unusual reaction on my body to the vestibular apparatus, in general, if you have a problem with blood vessels and you’re not ready for this, it’s better not to walk, for Children and youth will certainly be interested.

Анна Д — Google review

Everyone at mystery spot were super cool, very accommodating and amazing. Made our first time and definitely not the last experience super memorable. The shop team played classic rock and were also Rockstars themselves. Finally but certainly not the last, special mention to our awesome tour Master Owen as he was hilarious, spontaneous and genuinely nice all through out. The crowd was laughing hysterically all throughout the tour. Thanks to everyone and Godspeed to all.

Ina S — Google review

The mystery spot is a must see when coming to Santa Cruz area. You can buy tickets in advance online or show up and hangout.Thanks to Dean ?(Ruben or Owen)¿ we laughed and had fun as a crowd. It's a quick 40 or so minutes tour that was well worth the $10 per person!

Isaiah M — Google review

What a place! Visiting this spot is a must! Even if it's only one, as6 in my case. The feel in the cabin made me hot, dizzy, and nauseous. I love the ambiance. A big courtyard with many interests. Their food is even decently priced. It isn't the best for people with back and knee issues, but we accomplished the 40-minute, highly intriguing tour. Our guide was the best! -Regina

Gregg B — Google review

We had Eric as our magical guide through the enchanted forest of the mystery spot. His tour was like hugging a ball of cotton candy while majestically riding a unicorn. The disorientation was like your trip was turning bad, but then Eric pulls you back on the right guided path. 5 thumbs up. Grand experience. Would recommend. Needs better jokes though. And a pay raise!

Brianna S — Google review

Fun place for all ages! Must see spot while in Santa Cruz. Make sure to do a reservation online or over the phone or you might not be able to tour. I believe you can do same day but it might be full or long wait. Also you can't go to mystery spot without group tour. It's only $10 p/p. Parking was $5. So it's a super cheap and fun tourist attraction.

Lawana O — Google review

This was our first time here. Eric our tour guide, did a AMAZING JOB! From his knowledge to his humorous jokes! And even after the tour was over. We were looking at the Banana Slugs we could see that were far away. He was able to pick it up so gentle so we could see it closer and take a picture.Highly recommend to see this Mystery Spot! Thanks Eric for your great work!

Courtney H — Google review

4.5

(7664)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (91)

4.0

(1162)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (92)

465 Mystery Spot Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, USA

(831) 423-8897

13

Winchester Mystery House

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40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (95)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (96)

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Historical place museum

Sights & Landmarks

The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling landmark built by Sara Winchester in the late 1800's. It is said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, and contains many strange features designed to confuse ghosts.

Cool tour. The tour guides were amazing. I highly recommend taking the extra tour after taking the first tour, it made the overall experience that much better. Gift shop to shooting range, axe throwing to house tour, this site holds a lot of adventure to be had.Warning: I and my guests experienced paranormal activity while in the house. My experience was not nearly as bad as my guests but be aware, paranormal experiences are possible and my not be suitable for all people.

Drew L — Google review

In March we took the House tour and loved it. We came back in July to take the Walk With Spirits Tour.We had a blast! We love the tours here. Staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. The house is amazing, great for those into history and spirits.We bought our tickets online prior, which made it so easy, no wait at all. Highly recommend all of the tours they offer here.

Sheri M — Google review

I absolutely love the house. It's cute, quirky, and inspiring. However the tickets were way overpriced, considering it wasn't even the whole house and the inside was incredibly hot (I get that AC is quite impossible but feel like some of the money on the ticket could be spent on more and better fans), and that the tour is quite short for the price (the turnaround rate is high, which again I get, but I wish we had more time to check out every room, instead of being rushed by the next tour.) Worth visiting and it was super fun, but get ready to spend.

Yu H — Google review

We were in San Jose for a concert and found the Winchester Mystery House while searching for things to do during the day, and I'm glad we did. The one hour tour was great, and our tour guide gave us some great history while injecting a lot of humor as well. It was a really good time, and we enjoyed learning about and seeing the house. All of the different features meant to confuse the ghosts were fun to see.(They were set up for a Halloween event, so some of my photos have those items in there that normally aren't set up.)

Jamie L — Google review

Definitely a must see in San Jose, I attended a walk with the spirits tour. It lasted around 1 hour, or guide Katy was kind and very informative. The tour takes you through a lot of the house and there’s tight spots where you have to duck and wear a hard hat. So if you have mobility issues it could be a little challenging. Theres also stairs to climb. But overall a great tour. My group had a lot of fun!

Kennedy F — Google review

It was interesting, the house was a novelty and a fun piece of history. Sarah, our guide, was nice and very knowledgeable. My other thoughts: the tour ran about 90 minutes, which was a little long for me at the end, though the most elaborate rooms are at the end so it ends on a high note. The price is very high, totalling $90 for the two of us. I've been to a lot of historic monuments, palaces, castles, etc. and that's the highest price I've ever seen. I don't think it's worth it-as a comparison, the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey is almost half the price. Interesting, but priced too high. Tickets sell out so you might want to reserve online.

Michelle M — Google review

We were there on March 12, 2024. Amazing house. We loved some of the woodworking details. Sarah had put a lot of thought into the details of the house. Some things weird, like stairs going up but nowhere, walls behind doors, etc. Our guide was knowledgeable. I would like to see a smaller group (about 4-5 persons less) so everyone can get into the rooms. Loved the bedroom areasIf you are in the area, you must visit. We enjoyed it.

Pam S — Google review

We did an afternoon tour on a weekday. Drove there and was able to purchase tickets for the next tour. Each tour lasted about an hour and it was packed with fun facts about the house.I highly recommend this tour. Very unique house full of mystery and history. My kids and I all enjoyed it. Our guide was awesome!

Sharon B — Google review

This place is amazing. We were fortunate to go during the narrow window of time when they were offering an extended version of the tour to areas that are usually off limits. Very cool. The tower room with the crazy acoustics was probably my favorite part. I love the entire house and property though. Fantastic experience. I'm so grateful that this place has been preserved. It's really cool.

James A — Google review

What a fun experience. The house is lovingly maintained and the grounds are exquisite especially the garden. It was fun to walk around after the tour. The tour guide was informative if not rehearsed but I guess that's to be expected after saying the same thing all day every day. Kind of funny to see this house and grounds smack in the middle of the city with condos and offices around but also loved the old photos of what the area looked like when it was originally purchased. Gift shop was well stocked with everything you could imagine. Fascinating story of Sarah Winchester.

Allison M — Google review

We had a wonderful time at this fabulous old home! Our guide Griffin was exceptional; kind, patient and very knowledgeable. The home itself is fascinating and beautiful, and the gardens are lovely! Buy tickets in advance and for first thing in the morning during the summer months as it does get hot!

Traci B — Google review

Loved our visit to this place! Me and my bestie have always wanted to see the Winchester Mystery House and it did not disappoint! Only thing disappointing was that urban sprawl has encroached upon the surrounding area and has the essence of putting this beautiful property in a little hole. My friend always imagined it as being away from the city and on its own little land high on a hill somewhere. But still, the mansion was cool and mysterious, even during the day. My friend said she felt anxiety in one of the rooms and, for some reason, the seance room was much colder than any of the other rooms. I thought a window was open, but there wasn't! Our tour guide had a dry humor, but it was appropriate for this kind of establishment. Slightly creepy, very interesting, and just the right amount of historical facts to make the tour enjoyable. Bring your walking shoes! This place was huge!

Theron L — Google review

For 13 years I've been waiting for this tour and it was worth every penny. The tour guide was fantastic, the gardens were easy to navigate and the gift shop was pretty alright. The gift shop was a tad expensive but if you want memorabilia it was perfect. I love this place and I hope to return another time.

Casey J — Google review

The Winchester Mystery House tour is amazing and so completely worth visiting! Our guide, Kai, was knowledgeable, captivating, and friendly. He shared facts, not fiction, while sharing the story of Sara Winchester's life. The house is a piece of fascinating, historic architecture, full of interesting tales and visuals. I would totally take this tour again, it was so fascinating I am sure I missed things because I was so enthralled! The gardens are beautiful and so peaceful to stroll through. We went on the regular tour but will definitely go back for the Candlelight tour! Oh! And the Menagerie of Oddities & Curiosities Market that was taking place was super rad with local artisans and artists, can't wait to go back!

Cami C — Google review

Impromptu visit on Saturday--reserve your tour ahead of time online. They seem to fill up fast!Wish the tours had a smaller group limit so that we could see a little more of the house and spend more time with tour guide.Overall, the home is amazing.If you enjoy Victorian design and stained glass, then this is a must see.Great way to spend some time in downtown San Jose if the weather is nice.Brenda was our guide and she was very friendly and hospitable.

Lauren B — Google review

Loved this place. The house and grounds are beyond stunning. Parking was easier than I expected and the tour guides were fun. I enjoyed learning about the history. We did both tours and felt the price for the explore more tour was not a great value, but the $ you pay helps fund the restorations needed so I'm okay with that. Also we arrived basically one minute before our scheduled tour and they were very accommodating and offered to change our time before I could even ask.

Charlie R — Google review

We toured on our weekend getaway. What an AWESOME experience! Very unique! Just wish there was a little more time in between rooms; not only for pictures but to allow the available presence(s) to come through more. Faces are within paintings/pictures in pictures. Definitely does not sell short of the energy in that building! Beautiful architecture! Captivating! Now, we just need a midnight tour or sleepover! ☺️

Elaina K — Google review

We were driving through and I wanted to stop to see it. I have heard so much about the house. My wife and just gone on the house tour and "spirits" tour several weeks before with her girlscout troop. The girls really enjoyed both tours. We walked around the grounds and gift shop, but did not go inside. It is a beautiful home. They do a great job taking care of it! It is amazing to think it used to be a working farm, surrounded by orchards. Now it is surrounded by office buildings and apartments. If you are in the area, you have to stop and see it.

Scott W — Google review

Historical aspects that were beautiful to see. Great tour guide with a sense of humor. We went in August so it was hot but we still enjoyed the tour. Lots of walking, lots of stairs, some original items, but most things were brought in to recreate the home dynamic. We definitely want to go back and see the other tour options.

Teasha V — Google review

Have never been here before so I will review everything I did individually….Oct 6- Unhinged experience VIP 930pmThis is a fun experience for kids, but pricey and in my opinion not worth the price.Oct 7- spirit tour 150pmFun and informative. Vic was a great host with a lot of stories and experience (I believe he has been there since 2018)Answered any and all questions- great host! A+Oct 8- mansion tourAlso fun and informative! Victoria was our host this day. It was only her second day and you would have never known it! She was wonderful. Answered all questions and was so much fun. Everyone truly enjoyed her, I feel she has a long time employment here (maybe even into the afterlife 🤣)I bundled the last 2 tours which made it a great deal. Also, these 2 tours take you to different parts and rooms of the house so I highly recommend doing both! I really loved all the stained glass in the house.

Robin M — Google review

A must-see experience for every fan of the eccentric or unusual or even Victorian architecture. It's difficult to convey my feelings about the Winchester Mystery House. I'm not a believer in spooks or spirits, so the exact reason why my memory of the house has lingered at the front of my consciousness for weeks after my visit is peculiar to put it mildly. My initial impression was simply how overwhelming the maintenance of the house must be on an ongoing basis. We paid for the 10:50 am "Guided Mansion Tour" on a Saturday. Tickets were $41.99 each. Our tour guide was Marissa, a lovely young lady wearing a period costume. She was professional, enthusiastic about the property (she referred to the Winchester House as a "home" throughout the tour), and a delightful host. We heard some of the other tour guides that overlapped ours due to the layout of the house, and I am pleased that we were lucky to be assigned Marissa for our tour. She was great! Highly recommended!!!

Lloyd I — Google review

We absolutely loved this house! Our tour guide Olivia Maldonado went above and beyond for our tour. We loved the architecture, history, "haunted" part and everything else. Olivia let us rest when my Make-a-Wish kiddo needed a break and we got to use ghost hunting tools in the house. We got to hear the history behind doors that lead to nowhere, the stairs that lead to nowhere, the number 13 throughout the house and so many more fun tidbits. Their gift shop is huge and super well priced. Olivia made the tour so enjoyable! 100% worth your time to go and enjoy as there's something for everyone.

Briana T — Google review

We made a detour on our camping trip on our way home from the Coast of California and visited the Winchester Mystery House. You must do this tour! You'll be telling friends forever that they should go too! After we had a really great lunch in town at an upscale Mexican Restaurant just a 5 min. Walk from there. Great day!

Shelley M — Google review

Creepy but fun! Definitely has spooky vibe, but we had a good time. We had a novice guide so she did her best. Would like to go back during October and do the nighttime tours! 👻

Sweet N — Google review

The Winchester House offers an unforgettable experience. The mansion's beauty is matched only by the quality of the guided tour. Each corner reveals intriguing stories, expertly explained by the guides. Exploring its mysteries is a true delight, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an enriching and captivating experience in history and architecture.

Clément M — Google review

My wife and I had the opportunity to attend a TAPS Paranormal investigation at the Winchester Mystery House. I have been to the Winchester house about 4 times with my first time being about 55 years ago, but never at night and in the dark. The event was top-notch with friendly staff and knowledgeable staff from TAPS West Coast. The TAPS crew were using a vast array of equipment, and each of the guests had their own K2 EMF detector. We went into areas previously unavailable to the public. If they ever offer this experience again, do it.

Phil W — Google review

Beautiful house. I did enjoy my tour guide, Milo. Very quirky and fun. Gets really into it and knew a lot of other facts not mentioned. Although the introvert in me wouldn’t mind a self guided mobile tour as well. Very touristy with the gift shop but I did get a shirt and magnet. Was a nice piece of history. The cool part of history. Was eye easy to buy tickets online and go right inside to the waiting area.

Allieya D — Google review

Emma. The tour guide was awesome and lovely to listen too Very outgoing and well prepared and spontaneous. Loved every minute was thrilling and exciting to learn very informative. Definitely recommend to take some time and take the tour of this beautiful home.Look forward to do the extended tour with spirits soon.

Triple777black — Google review

Experience: really good experience. The house is exactly how you would imagine, quirky rooms, strange staircases, lots of windows and very unique features.The tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable but he went too fast. As soon as he finished telling us about the area we were in, it was time to walk on to the next area. So there was not much time to take it all in.It would have been nice if he spoke just a tad slower and paused before moving on.In their defense though, there is ALOT of information to cover. The house has so much character.I recommend visiting if you have a spare couple of hours.

Holly B — Google review

I love this place. It's been twenty plus years since I've been over here so I thought I should check it out again. It's amazing how much you forget over the years. It's just a neat old quirky house. The story behind it really does enhance the experience. We only did the house tour because it was raining. Like I already said, I loved it. The guide was great and there was plenty to see. Would recommend. Not a lot of pics because I was too busy looking with my eyes.

Herb B — Google review

Well worth a trip to see the kooky Winchester mansion. It's well furnished, and the Christmas decorations were fun and fitting in the house. The multiple sets of stairs on the standard tour are worth consideration if you're going with children, seniors, or mobility restricted people. The tour is about a mile of walking. They do offer ADA tours as well.

Jessi H — Google review

4.5

(13936)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (100)

4.0

(3182)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (101)

525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

(408) 247-2000

14

Stanford University

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40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (104)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (105)

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University

Sights & Landmarks

Universities & Schools

Stanford University, a leading private research institution established in 1885, is renowned for its exceptional academic programs in law, engineering, business and medicine. It boasts of being one of the best private universities globally with an outstanding campus lifestyle that is super clean and organized. The university's buildings and structures exude a dreamland aura full of castles that are perfect for exploration by multiple visits due to the enormity of the campus.

What cozy and beautiful campus! The community is vibrant and feel the youth energy there! Plus the diversity and diversity make this university so fantastic!!!

Le T — Google review

This review is on the walkability and grounds of Stanford University rather than the academics or admissions. Quite simply one of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S., abs worry the visit even if one is not currently shopping colleges. Stanford is vast and mostly flat. There are many areas shaded by trees that helps with cooling on a hot day. Those from warmer climates will appreciate the gorgeous weather most of the year. There are plenty of areas to sit but restrooms are hard to come by for visitors. The campus is also great for skateboards, bikes, both manual and electric. The chapel is gorgeous and the Rodin Garden is lovely. A wonderful place to get your 10k steps!

KGQ N — Google review

Attended the annual Pow Wow. Amazing dancing & drumming. Needed more bleachers in the shade. Highly recommend this yearly event. They sell yummy foods & fry bread. Lots of booths with items for sale. Watch for it on campus events. Always in mid-May over 3 days. Free camping.

Christine B — Google review

Picturesque university with beautiful church and buildings. Great for afternoon walk around the campus and even you can go up the Hoover tower for fabulous views.

Subhankar D — Google review

Enormous campus. Very beautiful. In town from Wisconsin. Bookstore didn't have wrestling gear. Had to go on a journey to find the other store near track stadium. Wish that info was clearer. But got to explore campus

Brian H — Google review

I had lived in the Bay area for 10 years and never made it to the Stanford campus.I'm so glad I got to come here today and loan a little bit about the Stanford story.Education is for everyone.I feel humbled to have been in the space where the greatest minds belong and innovation is at the heart of it all.The clock tower, the church and the quad are just beyond beautiful.

Div M — Google review

Stanford University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is truly a world-class institution renowned for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and stunning campus. My experience visiting Stanford was nothing short of inspiring, and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the top universities in the world.The campus itself is breathtakingly beautiful. With its iconic sandstone buildings, lush gardens, and expansive green spaces, Stanford provides an idyllic setting for learning and innovation. The Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, and the Main Quad are just a few of the architectural highlights that add to the campus's historic charm.Academically, Stanford offers an impressive array of programs across various disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to engineering and medicine. The university attracts some of the brightest minds from around the globe, both students and faculty, creating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment. The access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources is unparalleled, providing students with opportunities to engage in pioneering research and projects.One of the standout features of Stanford is its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and collaboration. The university encourages students to explore multiple fields and work across traditional boundaries, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving. This approach is particularly evident in initiatives like the d.school (Hasso Plattner Institute of Design) and various interdisciplinary research centers.The faculty at Stanford are leaders in their fields, often involved in groundbreaking research and advancements. They are not only experts in their subjects but also dedicated educators who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. The small class sizes and accessible faculty ensure that students receive personalized attention and support throughout their academic journey.Stanford’s commitment to student well-being and development is evident in its comprehensive support services and vibrant campus life. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that cater to diverse interests and passions. The athletic facilities are top-notch, supporting both recreational activities and competitive sports, and the arts scene on campus is equally impressive, with numerous performances, exhibitions, and events.The location of Stanford in Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities for students to engage with leading tech companies, startups, and venture capital firms. This proximity fosters a strong entrepreneurial spirit and allows students to gain valuable industry experience through internships and collaborations.Overall, Stanford University is a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. The combination of its beautiful campus, world-class faculty, diverse programs, and supportive community creates an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. Whether you’re a prospective student, a researcher, or simply visiting, Stanford University is a place that inspires and empowers. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an exceptional educational experience!

Toon T — Google review

One of the best private universities in the world with their academics and campus lifestyle. Everything here is super clean and organized. The buildings and structures in the campus makes you feel as if you are in dreamland full of castles. The campus is super huge, so one might as well take multiple visits to explore.

Prajna S — Google review

It is a well-known university. It has been seen in several American movies. There are not too many tourists, easy to access and easy parking. I advise you to go there outside school hours so that it is quieter.

Steven R — Google review

The place with nice vibe. We had just a small walk here. I was never dreaming about studying in such a place. But the understanding that here is The university with huge history, so old and beautiful made me happy

Anna S — Google review

No doubt one of the top universities in the world. Silicon Valley is the proof! Got a quick tour today. Not able to attend the Mass due to time limit. Wish kids can have the chances to study here one day.

Edward Z — Google review

As always, a beautiful campus to visit. This time we visited the lovely beach volleyball courts. Thank you Stanford for a great tournament. ❤️🏐🙌🏻

Kristine I — Google review

A trip to Stanford University during our summer vacation turned out to be an extraordinary experience, leaving us in awe of the excellence and beauty that this prestigious institution has to offer. From the moment we set foot on the sprawling campus, we knew we were in for a treat.The first thing that struck us was the picturesque setting of Stanford University. Nestled amid lush greenery and framed by majestic palm trees, the campus exuded an atmosphere of tranquility and sophistication. The meticulously maintained grounds and stunning architecture created a sense of grandeur, making us feel like we had entered a world of academic brilliance.The Hoover Tower, with its commanding presence, offered a breathtaking view of the entire campus and the surrounding landscape. We stood in awe as we took in the panorama, realizing the vast potential that Stanford University holds for its students to make a positive impact on the world.If you're looking for an opportunity to ignite curiosity and inspire young minds, a visit to Stanford University is an absolute must. The blend of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and picturesque surroundings make it an unforgettable destination for families and aspiring scholars alike.

Rav M — Google review

Best university campus very large need days to see all area

Vishal S — Google review

Our recent visit to the Stanford Campus was an absolute delight. From the moment we stepped foot onto the grounds, we were captivated by the refreshing atmosphere, lush green landscapes, and unique vibe that permeated every corner of this prestigious institution.One of the most striking aspects of the campus was the abundance of trees and verdant landscapes. As we strolled along the pathways, we found ourselves surrounded by a picturesque natural setting that provided a serene backdrop for our exploration. The meticulously maintained gardens and vibrant flora added a touch of tranquility to the entire experience.During our visit, we had the opportunity to explore the renowned East Asia libraries with a day pass. The libraries proved to be a treasure trove of knowledge, housing an extensive collection of books and resources. The ambiance was both serene and studious, allowing us to immerse ourselves in a world of intellectual discovery.As the day drew to a close, we made our way to the Oval, where we witnessed a truly breathtaking sunset. The vast expanse of the Oval provided an ideal vantage point to soak in the vibrant hues painting the sky, creating a scene that was nothing short of magical. It was a moment of pure serenity and beauty, etching a lasting memory in our minds.What truly struck us during our visit was the palpable sense of history and stories that seemed to resonate from every corner of the campus. Whether it was the iconic buildings or the quiet nooks and crannies, there was an undeniable aura of significance and heritage. It felt as though each space held its own narrative, inviting visitors like us to become a part of the rich tapestry of Stanford's legacy.In conclusion, our visit to the Stanford Campus was an enchanting experience from start to finish. The refreshing ambiance, abundant greenery, and unique vibe create an atmosphere that is both invigorating and serene. Whether you're academic enthusiasts, nature lovers, or simply seeking a place of beauty and inspiration, Stanford Campus offers a captivating journey filled with history, natural wonders, and stories waiting to be discovered. We wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this remarkable institution.

Ashwini S — Google review

The campus is very nice to walk around. The buildings, Rodin's sculpture garden, and the art museum are all worth a visit. The bookstore is full of things to buy as gifts.

Amy W — Google review

Stanford campus is one of the must-visit Bay Area sites. Campus is vast and beautiful. The weather is almost perfect all year round. It typically take about 4-6 hours to have a full tour of the enormous campus. I have taken a few pictures for us to share. Hope you would like them.

American C — Google review

Very large campus with some attractions. Visit the Hoover Tower (elevator) and the Hoover exhibition halls. The Memorial Church with its beautiful windows all with free entrance. Also the Rodin-Replicas outside the Cantor Arts Center are in open air and free to visit. For parking, you can use a website to pay per hour, even foreign credit cards works. Wait for good weather, it's nothing you wanna do in the rain.

Manuel G — Google review

The architecture is phenomenal. Loved the church, the arena, and the labs! It's summer, so lucky me! Plenty of parking around 7 pm on a Wednesday! So guess what's gonna happen in the Fall!!

Shahedul I — Google review

I’m not a student, but this place is something that you can not miss!Amazing architecture, Rodin garden with unique sculptures with big hands, and a spirit of student life are the most important things which give you a full impression.Parking lot is huge.Church has working hours and not open for visitors all day long.Restrooms and cafeterias are working for you.

Ksusha M — Google review

4.7

(3840)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (106)

5.0

(1733)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (107)

450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

(650) 723-2300

15

San Francisco Cable Car Museum

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40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (110)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (111)

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Rail museum

Transportation

The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a historic museum housing a collection of cable cars, mechanical displays, and photos in exhibits that feature the city's famed streetcar system. The still working cable cars are also considered a working museum - You can two restored cars from the Clay Street Hill Railroad, and a perfectly restored car from the Sutter Street Railway from the 1870s, the only existing car from the original cable car company.

This was my personal favorite part of our visit to San Francisco. Perhaps not the largest or most flashy museum, but maintained by passionate volunteers and showcasing an incredibly important and iconic part of San Francisco's history and present. Being surrounded by the operating machinery of the cable cars definitely adds to the awe and ambiance

Kyle Z — Google review

What a treasure the Cable Car Museum is! Whether you're a tourist or a local, this is one of the best free things to do in SF. You can bop in and check it out for 10 minutes or you can spend an hour or more looking at the displays and marveling at the machinery.If you're an engineer or lover of mechanical stuff, this is the place for you. The entire museum is situated around the actual working underground cable car machinery and mechanisms. It's breathtaking to imagine how this massive system of cables and steel was built well over a century ago and is still in daily use. Make sure you go downstairs (it's easy to miss) to see all the machinery at its own level.The museum has many historic artifacts and educational signage about the cable car system, how and why it was built, and how it was saved from extinction in the 1970s by a group of passionate residents who convinced the city that cable cars weren't obsolete, but help define the SF.Take the time to watch the very dated, but still interesting video about how the cable cars were saved. (You get to sit in an antique car while watching!)The museum is run by The Friends of the Cable Car Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the heritage of these rolling landmarks alive. Please consider leaving a donation in the box if you enjoyed your visit so that future generations can enjoy this experience.

Steve R — Google review

The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a great place to learn about the history and inner workings of the iconic cable cars that are a symbol of San Francisco. The museum is free to visit and is located in a historic cable car powerhouse.The museum has a variety of exhibits, including:A history of the cable car system, from its invention in the 1870s to the present day.A working cable car, which you can climb aboard and see how it works.A video that shows the cable car system in action.A gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and cable car-themed merchandise.The museum is also home to the world's oldest cable car, which was built in 1873. The car is still in working condition and is occasionally taken out for special events.The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a great place to spend an hour or two learning about a piece of San Francisco history. It's also a fun place to take kids, who will enjoy seeing the cable cars up close and learning how they work.

Gerry S — Google review

October 2023 5*Visited the museum arranged by SFMTA. It was so amazing to visit this place and see how cable car system in SF works.This place is holding such an amazing history and show human creativity. The turbines keep running to move cable cars. There is so much work in the background.Would definitely recommend to take the ride.

Jaspal S — Google review

A must see place in San Francisco. This small museum is actually functioning operation station. The entrance is free and you will find there a lot of interesting facts about the way how cable cars work there. More over you will see it. There is a nice gift shop inside, but be aware they don’t accept cards, so make sure you take some cash.

Maksym K — Google review

This is a nice cable car museum who like to know how the cable car function in San Francisco. It shows the history of the earthquake and fire that destroy San Francisco where the cable car line has reduced too. It is a nice little place where u can get souvenir. It is free to visit this museum. The cable car stop right outside. The gift shop assistants are very helpful.

Laney L — Google review

Museum accidentally discovered on the way walking to Pier 39. It depicts the history of cable cars in SF, it’s impressive how this system works and how they built the whole way and how’s still works. Free entrance, give some attention to the gift shop, you might want to buy some nice souvenirs from there and the people running it are very kind and funny.

Orestgreece — Google review

Interesting to learn about the history and operations, plus engineering feats, of cable cars in San Francisco. Since this is the central operating station if all 4 SF cable car lines, it's a working "factory" complete with noise and smell (industrial oils). Quite startling to see that there is a guy seated at the center of all those massive cables. Wonder about occupational safety... Small gift shop and real cable cars for photos.

Chiucat A — Google review

One of the few free activities in the city totally worth visiting. A complete and rich museum with free toilets and gift shop reasonably priced.Here you will learn about how the cable cars work, their history and you will see the big machinery which moves the cars all around the city. To me it’s a must visit if you are in San Francisco, more than actually riding a cable car.

Johnny — Google review

It’s an amazing bit of technology the way these cable cars run. In one of the highest tech places in the planet, it’s great to still see old machines propelling these cars up and down the huge hills of the city. The museum is very informative for all things cable car. Cute gift shop too.

Bill W — Google review

Really cool to see how cable cars worked, their history, and to just take in one of the last remaining relics of a long gone era. As a native San Franciscan who no longer lives in SF, I cherish experiences like these where I get to be a tourist in my home town. It brings me back to my childhood where we went on field trips to museums just like this to learn more about the City that I called home. Unfortunately, I likely won't be back for many years to come, so I did what I normally don't and bought a small cable car souvenir to commemorate the moment.

Justin T — Google review

Awesome FREE museum showcasing history and interesting artifacts of San Francisco's cable cars, birth place of the cable car! This museum is still actively running the equipment and machinery that enables the cables cars to function around the city, which you will have a great view of during your visit. The museum has a very affordable gift shop as well! Short walk from Chinatown, a must see!

David Z — Google review

I found this to be an fascinating attraction especially given the central operations for the citywide cable car system is based here.There are also historic artifacts from century old cars along with actual and model fronts of cars.An onsite Gift shop accepts cash only as of 2/20/22.

Edward R — Google review

This museum is really interesting, you get to see some original cable cars aswell as the giant wheels and motors that pull the cables around the city. You don't need long here, under an hour... but it is definitely worth a visit as it's on the cable car route and has free entry. My highlight though is when you go down stairs and see the cables and pulleys under Street level, it really makes you appreciate the engineering that went into the project all those years ago and is just fascinating to see. There is a small gift shop (cash only) and restrooms are available.

Simon E — Google review

This museum is like a "hidden jewel" which is rarely mentioned or recommended. The location is in Mason Street, not too far from the Chinatown.The museum actually shows the real sheaving system underneath the cable lines. It's very fascinating, and it explains the whole magazine behind the locomotion laugh cable cars. Highly recommended and is admission-free.

Sunny S — Google review

無料というところに惹かれて行ってみましたが、とてもよかったです。ケーブルカーの仕組みがよくわかりました。実際に使われているケーブルが動くのを間近でみられるのも面白いです。ギフトショップに凝ったケーブルカーのモデルや面白いギフトがたくさんありました(ただし、現金のみです)。お手洗いもあります。(Translated by Google)I was attracted by the fact that it was free, and I'm glad I did. I understand how the cable car works. It's also interesting to be able to see the actual cables in action up close. The gift shop was full of fancy cable car models and interesting gifts (but cash only). There is also a restroom.

Risa F — Google review

Free entry!! In what is an expensive city, this is a little gem of a museum. I rode the Hyde/Powell cable car about 15 years ago but had no real understanding of the mechanics behind this amazing invention. Spending 45mins here gave me the lowdown on how it all works and even better you can see the terminating/start points of all 4 still active lines and the cables/engines driving the cables. The mind boggles at how it all works and how something so advanced could have been invented so long ago. Do this in combination with Lombard Street - they are not too far apart from each other, although away from the main tourist spots.

Timeshare C — Google review

If you are looking for a quick educational stop, this is your place. It was really interesting to see the actual cables in action pulling the cable cars throughout San Francisco. Free entrance, cute, affordable gift shop. Parking was very difficult.

Jessica M — Google review

We read about this museum online before going on our trip. It was so interesting to learn about the cable cars and their history in San Francisco. It is also free, which was a bonus. You don’t need much time, maybe a half hour but it is worth popping in to take a look. Note: the souvenir shop is cash only.

Lisa D — Google review

Small museum but filled with interesting facts and historic items. If you have any interest in engineering you will greatly enjoy this place. The fact that it's free admission is also very cool and not seen often in SF.

Deniz U — Google review

Free and fun to explore the history. It is not too big, there are two levels but the downstairs is very small. I loved the back history and conflicts that occurred. Great place to bring kiddos to see how the cars work! Great learning experience. I would have liked someone there to ask questions and give feedback. We went in the morning around 11 AM on a Sunday and it was somewhat busy.

Casey S — Google review

If you don’t get to ride the Cable car you are missing out!!! you have to take apart of San Francisco with you so go and ride the Cable car and see the sights it’s worth it then head yourself down to the Wharf for some clam Chowder and seafood that’s made hot and enjoyable the views spectacular. The Cable Car experience gets you to the point it’s worth it you are able to see some hot spots of the city and more, having a Operator ring the bell and call out stops for us it’s nearly the best experience to have in San Francisco.

Margo R — Google review

It’s a cool museum for a quick stop to learn more about how the cable in SF works.Watch full video on my YouTube channel!It’s on the way to return to Chinatown and really walkable distance. You can hop in and hop off the cable car and then it’s right there for you.Visit duration: probably around 15 to 30 minute depends on, how curious you are to learn about the history of the cable car.Two floors to check out but mainly more things to see on the upper floor. 2 mins downstairs is enough. Bring cameras to take photos or film!Cash only to buy souvenirs as I saw when passed by but not 100% accurate

Y T — Google review

A fun and informative museum on the history, technology and real-time workings of San Francisco's famous cable cars. If you're curious about the sounds under your feet when crossing SF streets then you'll enjoy.Allow 30 to 60 minutes to explore the exhibits. Entry is free and there's a nice little gift shop on site.

Debbie B — Google review

This museum is awesome, a great piece of San Francisco history that's still running several of the cable car lines in the city. Come here to see it in action and learn how it all works. Free admission, but donations are greatly appreciated and be sure to check out the gift shop.

Sam T — Google review

Great place to visit to get some good history of the San Francisco cable car history. A lot of information is on the walls and there is a video too. Spent an hour here and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Free entry and donations are appreciated.

Daithí K — Google review

This is a nice museum. Loved looking at all the history of the cable car. It's free so definitely come take a look.It is clean.And there are restrooms. The stall doors are a bit too high though.

Marilyn S — Google review

4.7

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4.5

(25564)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (116)

1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

(415) 474-1887

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16

PIER 39

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Sights & Landmarks

Fishing pier

Pier 39 is a busy bay side pier in San Francisco with scenic views of the bay and sea lions. There are many restaurants, shops and attractions here making it a popular tourist destination.

I love the hustle and bustle at this pier. Great time to spend with your loved ones. Been multiple times at this pier in different seasons. Spring equinox is a great time to be at this place. Plan to spend minimum of 2-3 hours at this place. Street parking is difficult to find, however parking garage for $15 flat fee is affordable and walking distance. Good vibes with great food, shows and music and visually appealing spots. Strongly recommend!

Taniket S — Google review

I recently visited PIER 39 and had a wonderful time. This destination offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. The location boasts stunning views of the bay and is a perfect spot to spend a day with family or friends.There are numerous restaurants and cafes to choose from, serving delicious food and drinks. I particularly enjoyed the seafood options, which were fresh and flavorful. The shopping opportunities are also plentiful, with a range of boutiques and souvenir shops to explore.One of the highlights of my visit was watching the sea lions basking in the sun on the docks. It was fascinating to see them up close and hear their distinctive barks. There are also street performers and musicians who provide lively entertainment throughout the day.Overall, I highly recommend a visit to PIER 39. It's a vibrant and lively destination with something for everyone. The only downside is that it can get quite busy, so I recommend visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Fethullah O — Google review

Really nice spot for a few reasons. First, the popular sea lions are here which is a fun and unique opportunity. They're quite large which can make it a bit easier to see them sunning themselves. Second are all the fun shops and activities. We happened to catch a great performer who was not only skilled but also very funny. It's a little bit touristy but it's fine as prices remain as you'd expect.

Brock H — Google review

Pier 39 in San Francisco is an exhilarating blend of entertainment, dining, and scenic views. The lively atmosphere, filled with the chatter of visitors and the playful barking of sea lions, embodies the city's vibrant spirit. A plethora of shops offer unique souvenirs, while various eateries serve delicious seafood, especially the famed clam chowder in a sourdough bowl. The carousel and street performers add a touch of whimsy. With views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge on the horizon, Pier 39 is more than just a tourist spot; it's a delightful sensory experience that captures the essence of SF.

Nikolas K — Google review

All I have to say is I left my heart in San Francisco!!!! You will meet some gentle people there. The environment, food vibe was excellent. Saw Sea Lions for the first time. It's a place you have to visit. Went to the Hard Rock. If you go to the Hard Rock I recommend you make reservations.

David T — Google review

This is right besides the bay in San Francisco. It has views of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the Bay bridge. It has lots of restaurants street artists, street food carts, gift shops and a huge array of shops selling various stuff. It is a beautiful place to go for a nice walk in the evening. There are also shops which sell tickets for tours packages and cruises to various places like Alcatraz, hop-in buses to around the city. The best way in my opinion is to walk around and explore. There are carousels which it’s entertaining for kids. There are restaurants which serve really nice seafood if that’s your preference. Is also a nice place for capturing nice photographs of the city and the skyline and it’s up and down roads, which San Francisco is famous for.

Balaji G — Google review

Must visit in SF. Musical stairs (music as you walk up and down the stairs), sea lions (>50) that you can see up close, kid and stroller friendly, carousel, magicians, rides.Great seafood (around 10 seafood restaurants) and other food options (20+ other eateries) including 3 ice cream shops + other dessert shops. You can easily enjoy 2-3 hours here.There are also It was also clean and had a good amount of restrooms.Although entry is free, the big parking lot close by is about $10 per hour, effectively acting as a fee.

Alan V — Google review

Wonderful place to visit with kids! The seals are always a spectacle and the kids got some info from the conservation team there and they got to feel the fur which was pretty cool.The magic show was cute, my girls really liked it and it wasn’t I entertaining for adults either.Tons of cute souvenir shops and restaurants to browse in as well.We took a jaunt down the road as well where there is local street markets and entertainment. Excellent experience overall.

Amber P — Google review

Great place to people watch, it's actually entertaining at times.There are plenty of places to eat, drink, gift shop, or shop for your self. Yes, need a new tee shirt, perhaps the sun is too much and you're getting burned now, even though it's a bit chilly.Be aware of the extra fees restaurant's are charging, they don't have to print it on their menu, but if they want to charge they do have to show it and explain why when you ask.So, perhaps those small vendors might be helpful after all.Bring a windbreaker, San Francisco weather is cool.Hop in a bike carriage $15 per person, Ferry Ride to Vallejo from the Ferry Building - mobile app $9.00 counter purchase $11.25 1 hour ride.There are several stores that have closed unfortunately. Plenty of transportation options in S.F.Be considerate of each other in this life, bringing forth good vibes works for all.We all share this earth, be kind where ever you vacation, kindness spreads faster than you realize.HAVE A GREAT TIME!

D K — Google review

Such a nice place to visit with friends/family or just walk around alone! Got to see sea lions and the locks on the fence was super cool! Definitely gets a bit chilly tho. So pretty!

S Z — Google review

The weather was perfect. Everyone should come to pier 39. There are jewelry shops restaurants coffee and hotdog joints. The carousel is fun. My only wish was they were open earlier in the morning. I took a boat cruise for a half an hour for $20 around the bay. We got very close to the sea lions and to Alcatraz and they let me drive the boat. It was very fun. There is a booth right as you go in and you’re approaching the stairs to the right to go down and look at the boats, there’s a booth right there where you can buy tickets. You don’t need to buy the tickets in advance because they run cruises every 30 minutes sometimes every 15 minutes. The barking sea lions were so popular. They lay there sunbathing shamelessly. They are so fun to watch. Come and visit. You’ll thank me later!

Grey C — Google review

Pier 39 is an absolute gem in San Francisco!From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and stunning waterfront views.The variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options is truly exceptional. I had a fantastic time exploring the unique boutiques and indulging in delicious seafood at one of the many waterfront eateries. The sea lions lounging around added an extra touch of charm to the experience.The staff were friendly and helpful, ensuring a seamless visit. Pier 39 is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled day in San Francisco!

Tung H — Google review

Pier 39 is a gem of San Francisco! It's a vibrant waterfront destination offering a delightful mix of attractions, from quirky shops to delectable eateries. The sea lions lounging nearby add to the charm. A must-visit for anyone exploring the city!

Clément M — Google review

Really fun place to visit with the family. Very kid, friendly, and a lot of good eateries, cafés, and little souvenir shops at the pier.If the smell doesn’t bother you, definitely check out the sea lion viewing spot. On a good day you can see a couple hundred sea lions easily.

Chanakya M — Google review

Cool spot if you're after some fun and gimmic. Lots of fast food, souvenir shops and arcade style games as well as great views of the pier. Don't miss the sea lions that casually rest on the pier, the best part of this attraction. Bare in mind it can get busy and you will be navigating some crowds but it adds to the overall feel! Worth a visit if you're in San Fran.

N Q — Google review

Super cute area to walk through in San Francisco. It's definitely for tourists. But it's kind of adorable for date nights as well. There is entertainment for family, couples, as well as children. Many little shops and boutiques to walk into. Mostly selling tourist items, but sometimes other goods you may want to have in your home. Places to go to buy art, eat, grab candy and chocolate, view the sea lions and ride a carousel!

Elizabeth V — Google review

Fun for the whole family. We enjoyed the rides, the views, the sea lion (yep, only one today), and the shopping. Definitely would have had a bite and a drink, but prices are a bit high so we waited on that.

Bradley M — Google review

While Pier 39 is a capitalist fever dream that felt a lot like Disney World, I can honestly say that I enjoyed it immensely. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz at sunset were surreal. The vibes were cheerful and wholesome. The sea lions were utterly charming. I spent hours here and the time flew by. Definitely a touristy spot, but I’d say it’s a worth a visit.

Shannon M — Google review

One of our fav places in the Bay Area! The atmosphere is so nice and there are so many gift shops and restaurants. Went there mid morning, bought some souvenirs and ate corn dogs. It was starting to get a little more crowded around noon but still totally okay to walk around and enjoy the pier. The views were fantastic!

Juliana S — Google review

Wonderful place to walk and shop. Place has friendly people, many eating established restaurants. Shops of many varieties on this area. San Francisco famous cable cars are nearby. Enjoy this great location.

Andrew B — Google review

Cool place! A lot of neat boats to check out at the docks. Sea lions sleep and bark on the docks as well making for a cool display. A lot of good seafood restaurants around here. We ate at fog harbor which was delicious and had really great fresh seafood. There us a Bubba pumps and some shopping stores as well.

Nicholas R — Google review

Lively Place to hang out with Friends and Family! Lot of dining and shopping options for all budgets. Plenty of Photo Opportunities while walking around the pier... Watching the Sea Lions lazily lounging on the Piers is a treat ! Kids like it.

Knight R — Google review

There's plenty to see, eat, shop, and do here, but make sure you come with wallet in hand - none of it is cheap. Dinner for 6 at pretty much any of the restaurants is $150+, and the shops and activities aren't cheap either.That said, there's a lot of stuff in one place, and it was a fun way to spend an evening. You can also see lots of sea lions on the docks.

Zac C — Google review

I came from Medford, Oregon just to come here. It’s worth it give it a try. You will love it.San Francisco was an incredible experience for me. I arrived on September 29, 2023, a Friday, and it was my first time there. The weather was perfect and I enjoyed everything about it. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a fun trip with loved ones, San Francisco is the perfect destination. I can't say enough good things about this place. I had nothing but positive experiences and highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and giving it a try.The nightlife is incredible. I hope that you create good memories. I will be going back there one day with my husband.

Sarah T — Google review

Tourist haven. Food, gifts, hi and low end foods, great view restaurants, music buskers, large Ferris Wheel , great picture opportunities everywhere, boat tours, and many great flowers in the many flower beds. If you park at pier 38 parking some of the restaurants will validate your parking. Semi expensive parking at $12 per hour or ANY increments as well.

John S — Google review

A nice little spot, though it’s a bit touristy at times. There’s a lot of options for families and people who want to see some amazing views. Alcatraz is right off the pier and you also have the amazing seals just hanging out in their own spot on the pier. It has a real fair feel to it. Recommended visiting for sure.

Masked R — Google review

The famous pier with the sea lions and restaurants. You'll hear the sea lions from far away, hence you can't miss the spot. The animals chilling are just cute to watch. The other side/further into the pier features restaurants of all sorts, and offer you the famous sour dough bread.

Binxu748er — Google review

This is a great place for tourists to spend a day walking around. The food and souvenirs seem a bit high on price. Not a lot of options for a vegetarian. This is more what I would call a tourist trap. Best part was the sea lions

Jackie G — Google review

Checked out Pier 39 in San Francisco right before Christmas and it didn’t disappoint. The holiday decorations were on point, giving the whole place a festive feel. It’s a great spot with a bunch of cool shops and plenty of food options. Definitely a place worth visiting, especially with the holiday lights.There are tons of shops for souvenirs, perfect for picking up a few reminders of your trip. The sea lions are a fun sight, and you can’t beat the views of Alcatraz. For food, there are loads of choices from quick snacks to some really nice restaurants. It’s a lively mix of attractions and dining, all in one place. Pier 39 is a must-visit if you’re in SF, especially during the festive season.

WOLF — Google review

Per 39 is a great place to hang out for the day. The atmosphere is buzzing even in the cooler months. Some amazing artists to get an original souvenir from instead of a generic San Francisco souvenir shop cap. Just a short walk to the ferry to Alcatraz. The food options are plenty. There is also a historical arcade where you can play some antique games and imagine what life was like before you were distracted by hand-held devices.

DCC C — Google review

Fun place to visit. A lot of restaurant choices. Nice shops, mostly souvenir and T shirt places however. The fun magician entertainment was free, but be sure to tip him if you take in his show. Also a great place to watch the sea lions. Public washrooms are clean and tidy. Always felt safe. Park across the street at Pier 39 parkade- but book ahead to save money, otherwise it’s expensive. Get the parking app.

Colin L — Google review

A must visit if you a in SF. Nicely maintain pier with lots of entertainment and great views of the bay and Alcatraz island. Yo can even the seals playing around the floating decks (my visit was end of March).

Roberto F — Google review

Worth the visit to the famous pier. Enjoyed some doughnuts 🍩 and cookies 🍪 and a decent lunch. There is a fun zone too for the younger crowd, at heart or in spirit.Nice walk around the Pier as well and nice walking paths all around.We will visit again.

Chris B — Google review

4.6

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4.0

(22974)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (132)

The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

(415) 705-5500

17

Fisherman's Wharf

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Sights & Landmarks

Neighborhoods

Fisherman's Wharf, located on the northern waterfront of San Francisco, is a bustling tourist destination filled with souvenir shops and stalls selling famous clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the bay, Alcatraz and Golden Gate bridge. The area also features a colony of sea lions and historic ships for touring. Ghirardelli Square is home to boutiques and eateries in a former chocolate factory.

4.0

(19636)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (139)

San Francisco, CA, USA

18

Alcatraz Island

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Historical place

Sights & Landmarks

Alcatraz Island, notorious for its past as a prison which once housed Al Capone, is now a museum accessible by ferry. Visitors can take an audio tour while on the island. To ensure admission, it's recommended to purchase tickets in advance online as they tend to book up quickly. In addition to its historical significance, visitors can also enjoy nearby attractions such as Lombard Street and Chinatown during their time in San Francisco.

This is an absolutely stunning oasis in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It’s so peaceful and so very beautiful with the gardens that the prisoners planted, and all the seabirds which call this island home. The historical aspect was very fascinating, and the audio tour was very interesting although a bit loud. Personally I really like historical sites, and this one was one of the most notorious that just has to be visited!

Darryl S — Google review

I've lived in this city for 16 years and this was the first time I visited this magnificent island. It's definitely more than just a prison. They landscape and bird sanctuary is quite remarkable. After the heavy rains the island is just so lush and green. There's so much history to Alcatraz. It's definitely worth a visit.One recommendation is to ensure you get to the ferry 20 minutes before so you don't get bumped to the next ferry. I got there 4 minutes before our designated time and they turned us away because the ferry was full even thought we reserved for a slotted time.Bring your own food and picnic there if you'd like since there aren't refreshments to purchase on the island. Enjoy!

Cynthia B — Google review

What an awesome experience. Starting with the ferry ride over with all the beautiful views. We did a day tour and it was pretty amazing and full of so much information. The kids and us did the audio tour which made it more interesting to learn and follow along as you walk the halls. This was a really neat experience and so many great pictures to be taken there and all around.

Valley B — Google review

Alcatraz is a must-visit on your visit to San Francisco especially if you’re a history buff. We did the night tour sometime back, and it was awesome. The tour guides were helpful, and narrated the stories which made the experience even more wonderful.It gets cold on the island, so I’d recommend bringing a jacket. The ferry itself is a nice experience too. Overall, a wonderful experience to see and know more about Alcatraz and the life of the inmates there. Audio and self-guided tours are available as well.

Akshat K — Google review

We did the behind the scenes tour, and the best option is if you ask me. Make sure you arrive early because they leave on time, and once the gate is closed, they will not open it again, and you will miss out. Wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking and a lot of going up and down hills. The audio tour gave great information. The history alone was awesome. This is a must stop while visiting San Francisco. Make reservations ahead of time because they sell out fast.

Brenda B — Google review

We did the audio tour and it was very evocative and fascinating. The island was originally designed to accommodate a military fortification and later converted to a federal prison in 1930s. The prison was shut down in 1960s and now it is a major tourist attraction. Famous inmates include Al Capone. There is also a souvenir store at the end of the tour.

Giovanni S — Google review

Such an amazing peace of history.I was really enjoying the visit, I would highly recommend going with the guide once you get there, our guide was awesome, and so knowledgeable.You have a museum store where you can buy some goodies to have as a memory of your visit.

Ajdin — Google review

This is not an inexpensive attraction, and my wife wasn't enthusiastic about it. So I took my two teenage sons and left the wife and elementary-aged kids behind. This was ultimately a good call, as I don't think the young ones would have gotten much out of it.However, the boys and I thought it was awesome. The ranger led tour that we started with was excellent. The ranger related a story of an inmate that he actually knew well in the early decades of his work on the island as a ranger. The story was interesting and moving. The audio tour of the cell block is clearly "award winning" for a reason. The audio includes background sound effects that make you feel like you're part of the story.The accounts of attempted escapes are intriguing. The story of the gardens - and the gardens themselves - were unexpected, uplifting, and generally awesome. In short, I walked away from the experience with a renewed sense of hope for humanity, which was the last thing I expected in visiting a notorious prison!If you can stomach the sticker price, this is a must-see attraction in the Frisco Bay area.

Zac C — Google review

It’s a definite must do when you visit San Francisco. I’ll tell you…the gardens were my favorite part. They take such good care of them. They are beautiful! I didn’t listen to the audio tour, but was able to gain the history through all the signs. The birds have pretty much taken over (and are protected), so be ready for lots of birds and lots of bird poop. The historical relevance of the island makes it neat to visit.

Susan B — Google review

Such a cool and unique experience. Went here on a family vacation. It's just so interesting that you can visit this island that was made as a prison. It's unlike any other tour. It's cool and spooky and you learn a lot! Would definitely recommend others to try it out!

Hunter M — Google review

I've seen the smaller Alcatraz Prison tour in Tennessee and that was cool alone but this was AMAZING! The grounds themselves are breathtaking alone. The history behind it was amazing too. Guards and inmates alike both worked on the grounds and in the garden. Of course you see the room where the famous escape happened in 1962. It was super cool to see all the different shades and layers of paint on the walls. Building itself was beautiful and such an amazing piece of history!!

Ali W — Google review

We visited over labor day weekend. Loved it. What a great history lesson. Be prepared for a lot of walking. The ferry takes about 10-12 minutes each way.Definitely do the audio tour.Once you walk through into the Alcatraz waiting area Pier 33, make sure to view the 3D model they have and restrooms are to the left of the dock.

Sharon K — Google review

Title: A Must-Visit Historical Treasure in San Francisco.From the moment you board the ferry in the bustling heart of San Francisco to the moment you set foot back onto the mainland, a visit to Alcatraz Island is a captivating and must-do experience.As soon as you see the island appearing on the horizon, it's hard not to be taken aback by the historical weight it carries. Take the audio tour and you’re plunged straight into life as it was for inmates during the island's notorious past as a federal prison. The riveting tales narrated by past inmates and wardens themselves serves as a chilling yet enthralling guide. The experience feels incredibly genuine, almost as if you've been sent back in time.The prison buildings, though somewhat dilapidated due to the ravishes of time, still retain their formidable demeanor and effectively evoke the eerie feelings of confinement. The solitary confinement cells are especially hair-raising; the tales of silence and isolation are effectively stirring.Yet, Alcatraz is not just about the prison. Outside its cold, confining walls is a beautiful island teeming with wildlife, and the gardens maintained by the National Park Service add a touch of tranquility. Also noteworthy is the stunning panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline, offering wonderful photo opportunities.This balance between historical gravity and raw natural beauty makes Alcatraz a compelling visit. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or simply an enthusiastic traveler, Alcatraz Island stands out as a must-explore gem in San Francisco.Remember, you should book well in advance as slots fill up quickly due to the immense popularity of this attraction. The whole trip should take around three hours, though given the island's absorbing nature, your time might crawl or fly, depending on your level of fascination.Enjoy your trip to this iconic piece of history, because a trip to San Francisco isn't complete without a visit to Alcatraz Island!

Gary M — Google review

Wasn’t sure what to expect but myself, and my kids aged 17,15 and 10 loved our visit. The audio tour is great and plenty of time to explore the island. The ferry service is efficient and planet of places to refill water bottles.

bobsloan79 — Google review

Great tourist spot and very informative. Highly recommend the audio tour. The ferry is there about every half hour so the wait time to go there or come back aren't that bad. The rangers have a lot of useful information so ask questions if you have any. It's a bit of a hike up the hills to get to the prison but there is a free tram available for those that need it.

Mike G — Google review

Really really enjoyed the tour! It was an amazing experience and it was one of the things I wanted to do since I was a kid. The ticket includes a round trip with the ferry and everything on the island. Once you are there you are free to roam around wherever you want except the closed areas wich are unsafe. You have an audio tour of the cell blocks also which includes real audio footage. It is worth seeing it once in a lifetime and I totally recommend it!

Sebastian B — Google review

A required stop for any first visit to San Francisco. The ferry ride over was smooth, and the park tour guides were great at providing stories and details (Thanks Brian!) Really liked the ability to walk on my own at my own pace. Was surprised by the abundance of flowers on the island, which were planted from all over the world. The cell block audio tour was also great, and could be paused if needed.

Andy B — Google review

Loved this experience and the audio. It is very windy, cold, and the mist from the ocean can get you wet. So best way to go is probably a wind breaker. The west side of the Island has the best photos but the wind kicks hard so Ladies bring a hair tie unless you want photos with your hair flying everywhere.

Katherine — Google review

Absolutely loved my day here! I bought a ticket online although I could have easily saved the $8 processing fee and bought it at the gate. I’m sure that’s because I was there in the off season (mid-Jan). I signed up for an 11am slot but when I got there at 10:30 they were loading the boat and we ended up leaving at 10:45 so I was happy I arrived early. The trip over and back is only about 15 minutes but very windy. You can choose to stay inside the boat or on the deck.It took me around 2.5 hours to leisurely explore the nooks and crannies as well as do the audio tour, which was the highlight. The gardens were amazing despite it being January so I can only imagine how pretty they are in full bloom. It’s a steep walk up to the cell house but there is a tram that can take you if needed. No food for purchase on the island, only water, so plan ahead. You can purchase both on the boat ride though. Sections smell like bird poop since it is a nesting site. Overall, a wonderful experience and interesting part of history!

Frankie P — Google review

Had an AMAZING time the photos do not do justice for just how beautiful the island is. The views here are outstanding. It is a bit of a walk up the hills so be ready! They do have a tram (it has very little capacity) that can take you up to where the audio tours start. I would definitely recommend doing the audio tour )it’s included in admissions).

Michael D — Google review

A super experience I recommend for all! Definitely do the audio tour, because they give you facts you've probably never heard. Lots of walking obviously, but you CAN go at your own pace, even with the audio tour. When you get there, you can leave whenever you want, as long as it is by the last ferry back to SF shore. We had a blast!

Cindy E — Google review

Definitely get there 30 minutes early. The ferry ride was really cool. You could see all of San Francisco. We did a lot of walking around Alcatraz. Almost 3 miles. Definitely wear comfy shoes. Was really cool and eerie. The audio tour was really interesting and informative.

S G — Google review

Lots of history here. Great audio tour telling some interesting stories. The agave garden path was open but fair warning you might want to skip it. The smell from the breeding birds sucked the beauty right out of it. You can catch the great view of the city from up top at the lighthouse.

Misty T — Google review

We had a nice trip to the island. The fog was heavy on the bay which added an eerie atmosphere to the visit. It was interesting to see how the inmates lived-the housing is quite simple to say the least.Walking the grounds outside the cell block was peaceful with some nice gardens and nesting birds all around. The mix of beauty and sinister are inspiring.There are a few gift shops and restrooms located throughout the tour. It’s a powerful and beautiful way to explore a national historic site.

Joseph B — Google review

As a history junkie, I loved visiting Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz City Cruises did a great job facilitating the shuttle to and from the island from Pier 33. We loved listening to the audio tour and just wandering the island. The gift shop and bookstore have great souvenirs and other items for purchase. I want to return to do the night tour.

Charles J — Google review

Alcatraz Island and its prison are truly remarkable. Stepping onto the island feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by the echoes of its storied past. The atmosphere is charged with history, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants. Despite its picturesque setting, the prison exudes a sense of solemnity, serving as a poignant reminder of its dark legacy. A visit here is an unforgettable experience, immersing you in the rich history of this iconic landmark.

Clément M — Google review

Really great trip. The audio tour is excellent.....you get the headsets when you enter the main cell block. I'd go for the early tour so you avoid the bigger crowds. Opportunity for nice photos on the ferry ride. I'd book 3 months in advance.

Stuart W — Google review

Absolutely amazing... It's been dream of mine since I was a kid to see Alcatraz. It more than lived up to the expectation! Having seen many documentaries about the island, I thought I knew what to expect. But being able to see and stand in the cells, walking through the rec yard, going into "the hole," and seeing the cells the inmates escaped from was truly a cool experience! I'd recommend this tour to ANYONE. The history of Alcatraz is fascinating, and to see it in person is special.

Robert M — Google review

My husband and I really enjoyed the tour. It was self guided, and you get audio to go over the prison cells. You could easily be done in an hour, depending on how fast you go. There are some experiences you can do aside from the main audio tour. The night tour does give you some beautiful sunset pictures over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Jazmin R — Google review

Have been looking forward to coming here for ages there was quite a big queue to get on boat going to island but everything was organised and staff friendly and helpful. Tour round was fantastic due to audio guide that brought the place to life walking round. Would highly recommend a visit here and I'm sure everyone who comes to San Francisco it will be a place on their to do list

Michael H — Google review

Really enjoyed this trip, and it helped that we had perfect weather for it!The first part of the tour is a guided walk up to the cell house (which is great as it's a notoriously uphill walk, and this slow pace with plenty of stops and interesting stories really negates that, if it's something that concerns you!) For those who can't do the walk there's a little buggy trailer thing to drive you up!The place is so atmospheric and I think if I'd do one thing differently it would be to go at night time instead, to really get a feel for it. As it was, it ended up with so many people there that it lost all the eeriness for me. I even made sure to book the first tour to "avoid the crowds" but I think lots of others did the same thing 😅🥴 you get a headset which gives you a guided tour of the cell house too, and once this is finished you can go around again if you want to, under your own steam. Once on the island you can stay all day if you like... You don't book a ferry back you just get on one!Aside from the cell house you can also walk all around the majority of the island. Some parts are protected due to plant life and animals, but there are some spectacular sights, and the gardens are beautifully maintained (by volunteers!)Basically though... If you're going to San Francisco, Alcatraz is an absolute must!

Victoria ( — Google review

Well worth the visit out.Fast loading onto and off ferry. A good start explanation of what too expect.Audio tour was good. And good to see what it was like in the size etc in the prison.A few exhibits or areas off limits and would be nice to get into in the future.Tried to do the backstage guided tour, be great to do that bit if you want too book at least a month in advance as we found out when we arrived.Good to see the rooms and the locations that the escape happened from.Good job too he staff for keeping it running and making it accessible.

Brad M — Google review

Was a great day excursion for a unique national Park. Was actually smaller then I thought it would be. Great audio tour, and loved the Red Power exhibit. The cell house tour is good but could maybe use a bit better flow layout, lots of times other groups crossing back in front of people just entering the pathway and general just messy for the flow of people through the building. Worth the ferry ride out and back regardless.

Roger K — Google review

Superb experience. Great audio guide. An educational as well as a very reflective experience. I personally enjoyed hearing the accounts of ex-prisoners and their views on Alkatraz. In 1963 the final prisoner left the island.Thank you to the staff for making a pleasant experience on the island and on the prison.

Hamza A — Google review

The night tour was nice. They told us a lot of stories, but one employee at the Theatre was telling his own opinion about other countries and went off topic. That was a bummer....

Raymond C — Google review

We were there on March 11 2024, during spring break. We made our reservations beforehand, so no wait except in line to board the ferry. The ride over provided an excellent view of the city. It was pretty eerie. You get a set of headphones that describe each area of the prison. Criminals housed here had real basic quarters, as it should be. The shower room was totally wide open, whereas 20 or more men took their showers. Al Capone was one of the prisoners there. The gardens were very pretty. It was an experience one that you shouldn't miss if you are in the area

Pam S — Google review

An awesome experience for those who love history and the stories from the Island of Alcatraz. We went at sunset which added another layer of depth to the overall experience and eeriness. Consider wearing a jacket as it was chilly on the ferry and walking around outside. The audio guide was well done amd appreciated.

Geoffrey B — Google review

4.7

(38931)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (144)

4.5

(56215)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (145)

San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

(415) 561-4900

19

Golden Gate Bridge

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Bridge

Sights & Landmarks

The iconic 1,800 foot long and 80 feet high suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait of the Pacific Ocean is a globally renowned tourist destination. The Bridge connects San Francisco with cities to the north and is an important transportation hub linking San Francisco with other parts of California.

Beautiful scenic bridge. I came in January so it was a little breezy, a light jacket would be perfect. I saw this bridge from so many different angles, unintentionally, and it was breathtaking each time I saw it. There are many paths to walk/bike, and even with hundreds of people around, you could still enjoy the area without feeling crowded. I didn't walk the bridge because I didn't have enough time to do so but there is a walking path if you're interested.

Roshni P — Google review

Its a very awesome scenic spot. Great place to take pictures. The views are awesome. Definitely worth a visit during San Francisco trip. Definitely enjoyed my visit to the bridge.Everyone in the family can enjoy. Usually lot of people as it is a famous touristic spot.

Abhishek S — Google review

I’ve sailed under the bridge many times however on my latest visit I had to explore the park and view the bridge from street level. The views of the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking. There are many old military bunkers along the trails. Very cool to walk on and around. Lots of graffiti. Which I enjoyed the look it gave. Not to mention how amazing the air smells from all of the eucalyptus trees. Lots of free state parking. Can make this a fast or long visit depending on how many other activities you have planned.

Exit Z — Google review

Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge was truly a remarkable experience. The iconic orange-red structure against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay and the city's skyline is breathtaking. Walking across the bridge, feeling the brisk bay breeze, and admiring the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Alcatraz Island is something I'll never forget. It's a must-see landmark, and the feeling of being there is simply unforgettable.

Vipan S — Google review

One of San Francisco landmarks you cannot miss! I was personally amazed by this architecture feat and genuinely enjoyed the sights from the Bridge. Whether you cross it with a bike or on foot, it's up to you. I personally recommend renting a bike or e-bike and feel the blowing of the wind amongst the noise of the cars on one side and the view to the sea on the other. Just dazzling.

Lily V — Google review

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is an iconic marvel that exceeds expectations. The breathtaking views of the bay, coupled with the bridge's majestic architecture, create an unforgettable experience. Whether it's the mist rolling in, the vibrant sunset, or the city lights at night, each visit is a visual feast. The accessibility and well-maintained surroundings enhance the overall charm. A must-visit landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge never fails to leave a lasting impression, making it a true symbol of San Francisco's beauty and allure.

Sami G — Google review

The trip to the Golden Gate Bridge was amazing! The iconic red-orange structure against the blue sky was breathtaking. Walking along the bridge offered stunning views of San Francisco and the bay.The engineering marvel of the Golden Gate Bridge became even more impressive as I learned about its history and construction at the visitor center. The art deco elements and the careful consideration of every aspect of its design added layers of appreciation for this iconic landmark.Whether you're a tourist or a local, a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge is a must. The combination of natural beauty, architectural brilliance, and historical significance makes it an unforgettable destination.

Shuja R — Google review

This was such a blast to walk across and get a view of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. You can walk, run, or bike across the bridge safely without worrying about traffic. You can spend as much time as you would like and the views a splendid! Be sure to go early and find a place to park, we chose Battery East parking, and it was a short walk to the bridge. It is quite a spectacular walk and you won't regret make the trip across this iconic bridge!!

Craig M — Google review

Since I was 10 years old, I have been passionate about and closely following the enchanting city of San Francisco. I believe it is a piece of heaven placed on earth. I have long been eager to visit and explore the Golden Gate Bridge. This architectural and engineering masterpiece deserves to be one of the modern wonders of the world. I was thrilled to visit this landmark up close and drive across the bridge.All my love and gratitude go to the people of San Francisco and the American people in general. May God bless this city and keep it safe for you through the years.A loving visitor from Saudi Arabia passed through here and left a mark for you.

MrWahib 7 — Google review

The cliffs were a great scenic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Definitely worth the few minutes extra drive to get up to the top. Got some great pics. I’ve wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge my whole life and was glad I was able to take a trip to see it with my own eyes. Great view of Alcatraz Prison too. Worth the trip to San Francisco for this alone.

Scott C — Google review

An awesome experience for everyone to have once in their life. I did it by driving across in both directions. Everyone should experience the change in temperature that happens as you cross into the section of the city where the bridge is located. It is very different between the two sides of the bridge. It is also a great view of “The Rock” in the harbor and you can see it from both sides of the bridge. Enjoy all this great American landmark has to offer those who do come to see it!

Kenneth W — Google review

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is an absolute marvel! Its iconic design and breathtaking views make it a must-visit landmark. Walking or driving across the bridge offers a captivating experience, with the majestic San Francisco skyline on one side and the stunning Marin Headlands on the other. Whether it's shrouded in fog or basking in sunlight, the bridge's beauty never fails to impress. A true engineering feat and an architectural wonder, the Golden Gate Bridge is a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of San Francisco's allure.

Stan C — Google review

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic marvel of engineering and a must-see landmark for anyone visiting San Francisco. Its striking orange-red color against the backdrop of the bay and city skyline is breathtaking. The bridge's elegant Art Deco design and towering 746-foot tall towers make it a true masterpiece. Walking across the bridge offers panoramic views of the bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands. However, be prepared for strong winds, crowds, and fog (during the summer. The bridge's history, spanning over eight decades, adds to its charm. Overall, the Golden Gate Bridge is an awe-inspiring symbol of San Francisco and a top destination for tourists and locals alike.

Amy B — Google review

If you haven’t seen, been to, and walked across the Golden Gate Bridge in a while, do so now or as soon as you can. It is easily a crown jewel of America’s great age of infrastructure. Elegant, beautiful and deeply functional (what would Marin County and other commuters do without it?), it is that rare human artifact that contributes to the aesthetic beauty of its already stunning surroundings rather than detracting from them. What the divers had to do to prepare the rock floor of the bay for subsequent construction is alone worthy of this commentary. Go visit!

AF L — Google review

This is possibly one of the rarest man made places which doesn't need any review/recommendation. Every one would like to visit the place at least once.Since childhood I wanted to visit it and ultimately in December 2023, I could fulfill this desire of mine. The 1 mile wide suspension bridge connects San Francisco bay and the Pacific Ocean and you could also see pedestrians and the cyclists enjoying the abundance of natural beauty surrounding it. I must say that it has not lost its age old Glory in spite of many engineering wonders that have come up after its construction.I could also see many padlocks on the chain like fence near the bridge.

Pradeep K — Google review

Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-do experience in San Francisco. Spanning 1.7 miles, this iconic structure connects the city to Marin County and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Completed in 1937, the bridge's Art Deco design and international orange color make it a striking landmark.Walking or biking across the bridge provides a unique perspective of its 746-foot tall towers and the engineering marvel of its 4,200-foot main span. The nearby Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center offers informative exhibits and souvenirs. Whether shrouded in fog or illuminated by the sun, the Golden Gate Bridge is a breathtaking sight and a testament to human ingenuity.

Ryan T — Google review

Being on the bridge is an awesome experience. You need to experience it to realize how big the bridge is.The pictures don't show how large it really is.We were there from day to night and were amazed the whole time.We walked half way through and saw the incredible view from the city. We also saw some sea lions swimming in the bay.It is a beautiful bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge.

Steven Z — Google review

Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most breathtaking scenic spots in the world. You can see the bridge from a variety of places. Overlooking the bay from the other side offers the best views.Few architectural feats are as iconic as this bridge. The bridge is an excellent place for taking pictures. It is much larger than it appears in the photos. You experience the ocean's wind as you walk along the bridge.Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, it is a very different experience.

Arun C — Google review

Was amazing! My husband and I visited last weekend. It was cloudy and brisk! But did not disappoint. It was as grand as I pictured in my head. Everything is just so beautiful. The air is so fresh. I miss it already. If you decide to travel to the bridge, heads up, there is a toll 😁 but worth the $8.66 each way. And everyone was also very friendly! Happy travels! The white bridge I forget exactly the history on that, but was fun to go across too.

Cassandra D — Google review

I highly recommend visiting the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This magnificent bridge, spanning the Golden Gate Strait, is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of San Francisco's rich history and beauty. The first thing that strikes you is its majestic orange-red hue, standing out against the blue waters ane worldwide.If you want to learn more about the history and construction, visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, where you'll find informative exhibits and displays. You can also take guided tours to gain deeper insights into the bridge's significance and the challenges faced during its construction.To fully appreciate this engineering marvel, consider taking a boat tour to view the bridge from the water, providing a unique perspective and a chance to admire its grandeur from below.Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a breathtaking view, the Golden Gate Bridge should be at the top of your list when visiting San Francisco. It's an unforgettable experience that showcases the city's beauty and serves as a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. Don't miss the chance to be in awe of this timeless symbol of San Francisco's charm and allure.

Eric — Google review

What a beautiful bridge! It’s spectacular and mesmerising to be here and to just look at it. The blue ocean perfectly contrasting the red colour of the bridge and the smell of salt in the air and the sound of seagulls. You would just feel so peaceful and relaxed. The area is filled with a lot of tourists and cyclists. It is a must see site if you are in San Francisco.

Mrimon G — Google review

Certainly, a visit to the state of San Francisco cannot be completed without visiting this beautiful place with a wonderful view, and seeing this wonderful bridge with unique technology and a special character. I recommend visiting this place. You will feel a special feeling when you see a red bridge, a cloudy sky, blue water, and beautiful people.

Trucking D — Google review

Always good to go at this kind of place. touristy but efficient .They have a store near of the bridge. on both sides of the bridge you have photo points and dedicated parking lots. If the parking is full, dont worry follow the signs, they have more place a little further and there is a hidden pedestrian path that connects the parking lots to the bridges.

Philippe T — Google review

What a magnificent modern engineering, to truly appreciate the Golden Gate Bridge you should bike or walk across the whole bridge.You must look up and you must look down near the middle to appreciate the majestic views. But be prepared for the cold and windy conditions, especially in summer.They have installed nets underneath the whole railing to prevent suicides, they even have guards on golf carts to spot sad and desperate people and try to help them to get help.

Jesse L — Google review

Hard to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the bridge until you see it in person. We were fortunate enough to visit when it was sunny and also when it was overcast. The park near the place is a nice place to walk around and take pictures. Bridge is very windy as evidenced by the wind reversing the part in my hair.

Rob K — Google review

Remarkable, much better in person than in pictures!! We went to the highest viewpoint, and it was beautiful and cold/windy! The bridge was quite foggy that day, but still spectacular. The views are magnificant. Highly recommend seeing this and going to the highest viewpoint if possible!

David N — Google review

When discussing about San Francisco, one of the first things that come to mind for many people is the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the United States.The beautiful red hue of the Golden Gate attracts travelers from around the world, and we were among them. We visited San Francisco to witness its beauty firsthand, and it did not disappoint us in the slightest. The Golden Gate Bridge is immense and possesses undeniable charm.We drove up the hill to the Golden Gate View Point, where we could admire the entire bridge from a wide angle. From this vantage point, we beheld the bridge against the backdrop of San Francisco, creating an incredibly beautiful scene. We highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge; a short hike from the parking area will reward you with an unforgettable memory.

Weeranat W — Google review

A great 4 mile walk, 2 each direction! It was very windy but nonetheless it was perfect weather day for us. The gift shop and coffee shop on one end was great and the other end has locals selling street fruits and food. It was great.

Tangee A — Google review

It's a very red bridge. Not much else to say about that. The views are stunning everywhere you look. There's bathrooms on both ends (rest area on north side, fort point in the south side). The fort is free if you go on the right day.

Joel ( — Google review

When you visit San Francisco go check out the Golden Gate Bridge, marvel at its wonder, leave the car, and just walk or cycle across the bridge. It is a beautiful and once in a lifetime opportunity for many. Now of course, BEWARE, if you are dreadful of heights and suffer from acrophobia, walking across the bridge is not a good idea. I have a healthy respect and fear of heights and it took me a very long time to walk across Golden Gate because I could feel the bridge swaying back and forth and it drove me crazy. But once it was over I was glad I walked across.

James M — Google review

Pictures never do this place justice. Absolutely breathtaking seeing it in person. The welcome center wasn’t overly packed either, surprisingly, and plenty of vantage points to snap pics from various angles. Also a public restroom that was easily accessible.

Brian ( — Google review

This was my initial visit to the establishment, and I found it to be quite impressive. Notably, street food was available at the lookout point, which was of high quality but slightly more expensive than expected. Parking fees were set at $1.50 for a 15-minute duration. Alternatively, one can park on the opposite side of the bridge free of charge. A gift shop is also located on the premises.

Jeremy G — Google review

Very busy. There are signs everywhere to lock your doors.The welcome center is closed due to construction, so your option is a Porto potty. No one seems to be maintaining them. Worth induring to see the bridge? Maybe not. You can go up an exit more to loop around for a bit of a scenic drive and park/walk to the other side and be closer to the bridge. When I went it was super windy. There's a fence filled with locks before the bridge if you're into that. There's someone cooking and selling got dogs wrapped in bacon halfway up the walk, I assume bring cash. Here, watch your valuables too, there's just as many people here too. It's not a hang out spot, unless you love crowds and all that.

Bonnie B — Google review

4.8

(75057)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (153)

4.5

(49842)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (154)

Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA, USA

(415) 921-5858

20

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

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Theme park

Water & Amusem*nt Parks

Enormous amusem*nt park filled with high-speed roller coasters & rides, plus wildlife attractions.

It’s good, sort of feels smallish compared to some other parks I’ve been to. For example, I like the Arlington TX Six Flags Over Texas slightly more.Medusa is a great warm up ride, having a good blend of speed, smoothness, and g-forces. The Superman and Batman rides are a touch more intense, and both excel in different ways. Superman has the speed and a “flight” feel. Batman is crazy in all the different forces, and seems to fit Batman’s style.I was excited about trying Flash but… closed. Same for Wonder Woman, also down for maintenance once we got in line.Joker is the most bonkers, and turns it all up to 11. When we went, this one had the longest line by far. If you’re in the area and have the time… wow. Check it outBathrooms were clean. The food at Johnny Rockets was actually good, the Burger and chicken strips didn’t task like park food :-)

Jared M — Google review

We went on a weekend :/ First mistake. But, we live close and ended up splurging for the season pass as after 2 uses it pays for itself. Next outing with be during the weekday. Lines were pretty terrible. When you start looking around the park more closely everything is covered in weeds and cobwebs. The overall appearance of the park is run down and dusty. Disney would never let their parks get so run down. Flow of parking was set up really well; although it was a haul to get to the park (you’ll definitely get your steps in just getting from the parking lot to the park!) They do offer bus service we just didn’t want to wait for it. You can bring in food and beverages we saw many strollers bringing in their own items. They also have refillable water stations so we will absolutely bring our water bottles next time. (We spent $30 in just water alone). Overall, it was a fun experience but we have some tips and tricks to have a more enjoyable experience next go.

Katy W — Google review

We love going here for family time...especially during the holidays! Fun watching the kids stretch their boundaries and try new rides!Do wish there was a schedule of which rides were open when with all the staffing requirements/schedules, and wish park was cleaner (rides and show seats especially), but overall ok.

Laura M — Google review

This place have lots of potential. If they make everything new and put more rides and more of there rides to be active. I promise more people will come. This park is kinda sad. Most rides are not working and everything looks really old. Please bring the park back to live so more people can enjoy it. I hate to see parks likes this look like this. Although they do have some cool animals.

Ramesh R — Google review

Really fun place. It was pretty hot but later in the day turned out fine. Lines really long but maybe it was due to 4th July weekend. There was some really wild rides. I think the Joker was the ride to go on everyone loved it even our youngest of 9. Firework show was fantastic.

John F — Google review

For a late autumn day, lanes were really long. In a whole day (10am-6pm) we rode 5 rollercoasters, otherwise, we were srtanding in the lanes. Some areas of the park were closed. The rides were fun, but waiting for 2 hours and then seeing rides going around half empty was really annoying. Introduce the single passenger fast line, and make the experience better for everyone.

Mia Š — Google review

We had a fun first experience here during Oktoberfest and the kick off of Fright Fest.It took some time orient ourselves but we got lots of walking in and toured the entire park. No paper maps available just digital.Being the first night Fright fest haunted houses were a bit delayed and staff was confused about the one you had to pay extra for (which was a big disappointment after spending so much already) and we didn't get to see that one. The houses themselves were done well with some scare actors inside. Some lines moved quickly and some were very slow. The halloween park decorations were pretty good overall.Oktoberfest food kiosks were incredibly slow. One person taking orders, money AND getting the food while others were around but not helpful. And the next day we bought the sampler pass but when we came back in the evening everything was closed so we didn't get to use it. :(Overall the butterfly house and big coaster were our favorite, it was nice they were close together. We'd go back, you can do most all of it in a day.

Lovely R — Google review

The kids and I had lots of fun when we went during black history month last year in February 2022! The lines weren't too bad, and the price of the food was just a tad bit pricey but not too heavy on my pockets, lol! We got season tickets and can't wait to attend again for a family trip!

Tee — Google review

There wasn’t any long lines that really needed the flash pass besides Superman which was my favorite ride there. It is cheaper to buy online that way you know what day is available including on blackout dates. We were able to feed sea lions with a purchase of food and see the other animals available

Fatima — Google review

Absolutely wonderful! The park has so many accommodations for people with special needs. My daughter had fractured her hip and can’t stand or walk for long periods, and my son has severe Tourette’s, making going out sometimes very difficult.The line for an ADA pass was long, but a worker heard my son getting louder and louder and helped us immediately. The workers at every ride were polite, friendly and were mostly all smiles! And very patient!I actually lost my ADA pass, but the worker could see my daughter was in a wheel chair and let them right on the ride while I got another pass.With the ADA pass they had little wait times which made it possible for us to go! If it wasn’t for this pass we wouldn’t be able to go. Most workers looked at the pass and let us right on! They didn’t make us feel uncomfortable for using the pass!Only downside… food is pretty horrible and overpriced and very long wait times…. But again the staff was very friendly.Only problem we had… I could see my daughter and she needed help, but where she was, was turned into an exit, from the last five minutes I was with her… He staff would not let me go up to help her… they made me walk a mile around to where she was… and actually laughed that I had to do that… so although most workers were amazing, these 2 women had no empathy or compassion. So six flags still has work to do with a few employees! Thank you for a great time six flags!Also after the dolphin show they let my son hang out five minutes and interact with the dolphins! My son rarely uses his words and all he could talk about when he got home, was how he got to train the dolphins… it really made his night and it will be an experience he will always remember! They were awesome with him.Also FYI, I couldn't find any family restrooms...My son is a wonder and needs a companion with him at all times, so he had to use the female restrooms...

Kara H — Google review

We use to love 6 Flags before Covid. Now everything is more expensive but nothing has changed. It takes 30 minutes just to get from the freeway to park. Another 30 minutes to a hour to get into the park. And then half the rides are closed, the lines are long, most of the restaurants were closed even on a Friday during spring break so the lines to get food were crazy at places that were open. The app to buy food ahead still had a 45 minute wait and a long line to pick up. On top of that it wasn’t working and wouldn’t let you check in even when you were there. Even the bottles they sell for drinks are smaller. We paid $38 for a refillable cup which is about 2/3 the size of the old bottles. My mom and I walked around and looked at what’s left of Marine World Africa USA and did enjoy our day which is why I still rated a 3. But the kids only rode 2 rides in 5 hours (lines too long and the last one which would have been the 3rd ride they got to the front and it broke down after a hour and a half in line.

Maryrose S — Google review

Very fun like always!!! Enjoyed our much needed family trip. All my kids loved the experience and wish to come back soon!!!! All the employees very courteous and pleasant. No issues with rides we went on. Wish they still had the killer whale and sharks. Thanks 😊

The F — Google review

Despite the outrageous prices of EVERYTHING nowadays we took our daughter here to spend a couple of days for her most recent birthday and there was something for the whole family. It was our toddler’s first time going and he LOVED IT. Our daughter had been before but was very hesitant about rides — but this time she got on all of the looney toon seaport rides AND took on most of the moderate thrill rides! As a parent it was very cool to watch her have so much fun and evolve. Season passes and dining passes made the experience more affordable and the new additions to the amusem*nt park - more animals, excellent animal shows that were educational, and rides - made it a great place to have lots of fun. Plus the firework show was fantastic! We spent two full days there — one where the park was open later for the fire work show and one where it closed on time — from 11 am to closing and we STILL didn’t experience everything there was to see! We will definitely be going back and hope to try the new hurricane harbor also.

Lyneda L — Google review

Went for our friends bachelor party. Rode the Batman and Medusa; great rides. $15 beers not exactly worth it. Free shows were definitely worth it. Got to see one of the workers scream at kids feeding the sea lions. *Don't dangle the fish, just drop them*

Ryan A — Google review

The park isn't what it used to be, but they do have incredibly fast roller coasters and definitely worth the discounted ticket price of $40 during a weekday! I hope they bring back the Looney Tunes show for the kids and fix the broken rides. Some rides need more than 1 employee working it because the line moves really slow... like on the Gorilla Ride....It's a great value for the family, for sure. Every kid would love coming here especially during summer break.

Friendly N — Google review

Relatively small but entertaining place around bay area. Lot of rides for all ages and quite clean as well. Young adults and kids will have lot of fun. The staff are cordial and good.

Vikram S — Google review

This was from October 2023 visit.You cannot walk in to purchase tickets. You have to purchase online. The weird thing is, I tried several times to get tickets online but the thing is, the website is not accepting my card. They should do something about this and either accept payments upfront (what the hell are the terminals there for?). But they did make consideration for us when I explained to them that the site does not accept my card. So ⭐️ for that.Some employees were lazy… some were constantly checking the time and saying outloud that she’ll be out in 2 hours. I mean, come on, it was not a busy day.

A Y — Google review

My family and I live in Idaho and visited Sacramento during Covid where lots of places were shutdown. The park wasn't in full operation.We Bought the tickets online. Two adults tickets and two for our kids.We tried to get there per the schedule on our tickets.For unknown reasons they weren't going by that schedule time on the tickets.We thought were trying to control crowd by giving out those schedules.I'm not sure why the tickets have those time slots if they're needed.We arrived late afternoon and they were done with almost all of the shows for the day.We were lucky to enjoy the dolphin show. We loved to watching the dolphins display so we decided to put it on our to do list anytime we visit Sacramento again.We were there again in 2022 .This time too we missed our favorite dolphin show. The did the dolphin show earlier that day were visited. We were sad that on two different occasions we never got to enjoy to the fullest.I recommend if you want to visit the place and get full benefits then plan to go early regardless of the time you see on your tickets so you don't miss some of the shows.Plant to spend the whole day there should in case you have to stay later to enjoy all the shows.I will suggest the management put the schedule of their shows for each day online so people can plan their trip accordingly.Aside the rough schedule,the kids enjoyed the seeing the marine kingdom

Paulina B — Google review

Easy to get to park, general and preferred parking is pretty close to each other. $50 for parking, food prices are ridiculous $20 corndog and fries. not sure if you could bring food but definitely find out. Dippin dots were $10 each. I guess thats normal sur charges for amusem*nt park.Rides are great. Didnt wait too long for each ride but arrived when it opened.

Lila S — Google review

Great roller coaster park. Friendly staff, great rides.. but as expected.. Food cost isn't cheap. If you are only going one time, pack a lunch and grab a locker just outside the gate (or keep it in your car)Or if you have a season pass, and are going to go 4-5 times.. get the food pass and eat up!

C V — Google review

We had a great time here! It's like sea world,but with more rides. My boys loved the wonder woman ride and batman ride. We also got to feed seals. The lines were not long wait times and it was all decorated for Christmas. Lots if gift shops and games.

Briana T — Google review

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21

Old Sacramento

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Museums

Specialty Museums

Old Sacramento is a historic area situated along the riverfront, featuring buildings that date back to the Gold Rush era, as well as cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages. The region hosts several museums such as the Sacramento History Museum and state Railroad Museum, which provides train rides for tourists. This district also offers souvenir shops where you can buy T-shirts or antiques. Moreover, there are various upscale restaurants and bars that attract college students.

4.0

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Sacramento, CA, USA

22

California State Railroad Museum

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Rail museum

Museums

Specialty Museums

The California State Railroad Museum is a must-see museum in Old Sacramento that features 21 restored locomotives on display. The museum also has exhibits on railroad history, railroad workers, and the diversity of people who work on railroads. The round trip train ride takes visitors along the photogenic Sacramento River and is pulled by either a steam or diesel locomotive.

Museum was absolutely awesome if you have any interest in history, locomotives or transportation. Absolute love scale model trains, transformational (although mostly automobiles) but still found this museum to be a perfect fit. Also caught a docent led tour which explained some of the important pieces. A particular highlight is they have a railroad stake made with pure gold in the display case. Also got to step inside of one of the steam powered trains another docent explained the controls and history. One more docent led exhibit was the mail sorting train cart and it was awesome to see how mail got efficiently transported throughout the country.

Victor W — Google review

Went here 10/22 with my family. Everyone really enjoyed seeing the trains. We went early on a Saturday morning and had a great time. The docents really make the exhibits come alive as they tell the stories of the era. They have a bunch of exhibits telling the stories of the immigrant workers. There are train rides during the day and various events. Upstairs they have a number of hands on exhibits as well as play area for toddlers with train themes. They also have an extensive collection of model trains which was almost as interesting as the real trains. They are remodeling part of the museum when we visited but it didn’t get in our way.

Tye B — Google review

It was the most beautiful concert I have ever been to in person with live instruments. The candles definitely set the mood although they weren’t real candles. It was definitely better to have fake ones that last at all night with no heat in the room since it was already hot in Sacramento, the musicians were phenomenal. The music performed was very exceptional and delightful. I had the best time ever definitely worth the 2 Hour Drive

Soto J — Google review

The show was phenomenal!! The musicians are amazingly talented and the set up was breathtaking. My husband and I have been together for 15 years and the candlelight concert is hands down, thee best date night ever! Thank you for making my husband and I the happiest and giving us a night to remember.

Julie P — Google review

We visited from Oregon and this museum is amazing! We brought our whole family and there’s so many things to do for adults and children. We were very impressed. The upstairs has a dedicated area for smaller children and has lots of model trains.

Kelsey L — Google review

This is a great and well-maintained museum of railroad history in Sacramento, California. We visited on a weekday morning, and there was no rush. Different tickets are available for adults and children. This museum appeals to people of all ages. On Level 1, there is an extensive display of locomotives and carriages from the transcontinental railroad era, providing a fascinating glimpse into railway history. The top floor (Level 3) houses an amazing collection of toy trains, with several of them operational. Additionally, there is a designated train play area for kids. The docents are welcoming and knowledgeable, offering a wealth of stories and information.While excursion train rides are available, it's important to note that these are separate from the museum entrance. Be sure to check out the gift shop, which offers a wide range of collections including toy trains, keychains, books, coins, caps, cups, and more. I highly recommend visiting this museum; it's a worthwhile experience for everyone.

Yohi S — Google review

This is a fantastic train museum exhibit wise. Many train museums have a lot of rolling stock including a lot outdoors where as the amount of rolling stock here is more limited but the restoration quality on most of the cars and locomotives is excellent. The layout and displays are in depth and cover the important rail history of California in particular but also generally. In addition to the ground floor displays including a handful of cars you can go through there is an extensive display of model railroads on the third floor. A small children's play area and a 5 car train on tracks on that same level as well. For the price a really great value and place you can spend a few hours with young and old a like.

Jonathan C — Google review

Everyone should take a railroad ride, it doesn't cost much. The trip is short but fun, especially when the train changes tracks on the turntable. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy-go-lucky. I would recommend this excursion to everyone. This was my first ride. It was exciting to discover how it works. Bring the kids. They will truly love it.

Mary R — Google review

I went to the California State Railroad Museum to see a candlelight concert (symphony). The concert was amazing. I was definitely intrigued by the trains. I must go back during regular business hours. If you have kids who like trains, this place is a must-see. The trains are absolutely stunning!

Jamila ( — Google review

The Smithsonian of Sacramento. A joy for grown ups and kids alike documenting a key industry in US history. The numerous volunteers stationed amongst the trains and carriages dressed up in railroad regalia provided excellent commentary. Well worth admission with multiple interactive displays.

NP M — Google review

We went during spring break and had a good day. Parking is nearby and so is other activities. Amazing museum with interactive exhibits. The gift shop has reasonably priced items. I recommend this museum as family friendly.

Sir 7 — Google review

I really like this museum and it's a big deal if you like railroad history. I first came here five years ago and have returned. I rode the train all the way from Detroit to visit it and it's worth the trip. They have equipment you won't see anywhere else. It's known around the world by railfans and it is easy to see why.

Bryan M — Google review

The museum is a great Wealth of information about Railroads, the history and very interesting artifacts. Ground floor has covered many historical events and trains while top floors has great toy trains collection etc and some fun play areas. We especially liked the experience of walking through those train compartments that have the effects to mimic the reality. There were employees dressed as the train staff in the exhibits. They were very patient and answered many questions from children. This visit should be included in field trips if school children. The gift shop is cute but the books were a bit expensive. There’s no food in the museum. The paid parking garage in front of the museum was very good.

La N — Google review

This museum is one of the finest in the country. There are certainly larger railroad museums. But this one displays it's artifacts in a stunning and accessible way. They are objective and humane about the terrible experience of the Chinese immigrants who built the railroad across the Sierras.I highly recommend this museum for rail fans and California history buffs alike.

Kommando R — Google review

This place is an absolute gem! Don't let the unassuming entrance nor the vaguely disinterested ticket sales clerks fool you, this museum is absolutely amazing! Anyone would enjoy this place, regardless of their affinity for trains! I was truly impressed with every single exhibit. But, my favorite was the train we were able to walk through that had the sound, look, and feel of a train in actual motion. This place is astounding!

Gina S — Google review

This is not only possibly the best railway museum in the world but also one of the best I've been to (maybe because I love old trains :). All possible trains, historical moments related to railways, especially in America, are represented. Everything is very nicely made and extremely interesting. It requires a lot of time to go around slowly, without rushing.

Borislav B — Google review

Lots of locomotives and cars, some of which you can enter, along with static exhibits devoted to the history of railroads and railroad people. It looked as though the kids in attendance were enjoying themselves, but there definitely are exhibits that older attendees will appreciate more.The Museum not only celebrates trains as amazing machines, but also reminds us of the importance of railroads in our history and culture.It is a member of ROAM, which means that you may be able to obtain free admission if you are a member of a museum that also is part of the ROAM network.

Mike R — Google review

First time I go to a railroad museum, but he exceeded all my expectations. If you like learning about stuff or like trains, this is definitely a must stop to do. They have great history from the first train that existed in the United States now to the electric ones. You also learn how the Cole miners used to transport the Cole back in the day.

Sebastian T — Google review

WOW! So much to see - definitely give yourself at least 2 hours (3+ if you want to read everything). Well worth the $12/adult we spent - I would have paid twice as much if not more. Incredible artistry and museum flow. One of the best museums I've ever seen. There are a few different floors (there is an elevator), one of which is all about toy trains. Gift shop had some really cool stuff as well. Afterward, give yourself plenty of time to explore the area - there's so much to do!

Kat P — Google review

If you're train buff or looking to take your kids to something educational and fun and the whole family can enjoy. Then, take the time to go here. I truly enjoyed stepping back in time here.

Claudio P — Google review

What a wonderful place to be! My son, daughter and husband LOVE trains so this is always as easy stop when we are in Sacramento! I would definitely give 3-4 hrs to explore and have fun! If you can stay for longer there is plenty to see and do in and around the museum. On top of seeing full size train engines there is a lot of history, displays and trains you can actually get inside and walk around. One even moves said your currently out on the rails. Don’t miss the upstairs! A cute little play area for younger kids, an interactive miniature train village and some STEM play as well. You can also arrange to go on ride as they have a train that goes a couple times a day. It goes down a couple miles then comes right back. I highly recommend stopping by! The gift shop is alot a favorite of ours!

Emily L — Google review

Surprisingly Large museum with multiple floors of exhibits on both history and toy trains. One of the trains even simulates rocking motion. All kinds of media to read and look at and interact with. Very worth the value paid for the tickets!

Jay N — Google review

If you're a Scandinavian, this complex of exhibitions is going to be right up your alley! It's got all the classic "Cowboy"-style items you could ask for. Of course, there are the great western railroads, the steam-paddler ships are really fun, and you can really feel the ambience of cowboy people moving westbound! There's even a cowboy-style building street with bars, restaurants, and shopping, which is a nice touch. I loved the well-kept grounds and the impressive locomotives and their machinery. On a weekday trip like this though, there are very few people around, so the place feels a little deserted.

Morten K — Google review

Loved this place. Everything is indoors now (last time I went was a few decades ago). The museum is very clean, and it has multiple restrooms inside the show room. There are multiple floors, and there are wheelchair lifts and elevators, but walking through the train cars is a tight squeeze. They have a free scavenger hunt for a little prize. There is a small gift shop with lots of train memorabilia. Parking is paid street or garage, and it's only a short (underground) walk from DoCo.

Robyn J — Google review

Such a great day! We got there when it opened, best because way less people. The kids had so much fun with them whole place. Loved the chalk, loved the toy trains, loved the dining car. My ten year old son loved asking all the questions and the attendants were so helpful and sweet. Great place to take kids. There is something amazing about kids just wanting to learn about the mechanics without having to prompt them. Trains are awesome! I've been before so today I just followed so the kids around and let them explore. Magical day!

Jessica ( — Google review

Went on a rainy week day so not crowded at all! Always so exciting to see old trains, they look classy and elegant. I particularly enjoyed the ones that's open for entering, not something you can do everyday unless you have a ticket, really gives you a brand new immersive lesson than just signs or videos alone. Although most of the mannequins other than the Chinese section were white dudes and I got spooked by a staff who sat in the car waiting to explain to guests. So beware of white dudes here, they could be real. They also offer the Polar Express train ride around Christmas time which we missed this time. If you're interested get the tickets as soon as you can!

Yu H — Google review

A great way to spend time with family and friends.$12 for this huge selection of trains is one of the best deal museum.Clean environment. Although you can smell the old years from the train.

Rt G — Google review

This museum is amazing and very interesting and informative about both the good and the terrible in our history of the railroad tracks built across our country and the trains made that changed how people and goods could travel. The museum is very honest about everything that happened to the workers of all cultures, and gives credit to those who were unrecognized, dismissed, and who didn't survive in that era of such hard labor. I feel proud of all the women and those from other countries that showed their strength and grit and worked just as hard as the men leading them, and continued that work when American men went to war. You can listen to the stories and get on the trains in the museum and witness the beautiful and the tough that happened. Docents are throughout who add to the good and the bad stories. I highly recommend this museum. There are also kids' play areas and many small but elaborate train sets for kids and grownups to enjoy viewing, and some to purchase in the gift shop. I highly recommend spending hours at the museum, plus it's located in a great part of old downtown Sacramento with boardwalks, restaurants, music, and shops for taffy, candy, drinks, and much more.

Suzan R — Google review

Very immersive experience and a lot of fun. The dining and sleeping train were definitely highlight. Luxury already at that time period.Also really impressed with the details of many kinds of trains , with comprehensive knowledge and historical stories. Highly recommended.

Kitty G — Google review

The atmosphere was beautiful and intimate. Small group, maybe 50-60 people tops. Me and my husband had chills. Amazing experience!

Alexis D — Google review

4.8

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5.0

(2827)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (184)

125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA

(916) 323-9280

23

Sonoma Plaza

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Plaza

Nature & Parks

The centrally located Sonoma Plaza is a bustling hub of restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms that is popular for locals and visitors alike. The plaza features 1800s buildings that are lined with lush green space. The centerpiece of the plaza is the Mission Revivalstyle city hall which was built in 190608. Additionally, the Bear Flag Monument marks Sonomas moment of revolutionary glory. The weekly farmers market takes place at the plazas northeast corner every Tuesday from April to October.

Great little square! Had lunch at Mary's and walk the park! The history was really cool, too! Didn't know about any of it!

N L — Google review

Beautiful square, with lots of history, fantastic rose garden and wonderful small restaurants, bakeries and shops. Yet this is a lively town well worth a visit

Britt M — Google review

Sonoma is a great little town. Lots of places to taste wine but expensive. We are used to trying for free and then buying what you like.

Mark J — Google review

Loved walking through the park like setting with all the flowers, benches, trees and beauty of buildings mixed with nature. Surrounding the square is a great mixture of history, wineries, shops and restaurants. A great way to spend the day!

Cynthia H — Google review

Sonoma Plaza in downtown Sonoma is a fantastic place to visit! It's a beautiful park with a well preserved historical building and lots of shops, wineries and restaurants. You can walk around, eat delicious food. It's a perfect mix of history, culture, and yummy food. There are bathrooms next to the amphitheater. I highly recommend it!

Michel K — Google review

I love spending time at the square. There are a ton of restaurants, bakeries, and shops to occupy your time, plus the square itself is a wonderful place for a picnic. If you're here on a Tuesday night there's also a fun festival with a street food and music!

Rachel M — Google review

Always a good place to visit. The roses were blooming and there were a few ducks in the duck pond. I love to get a coffee and a pastry at the Basque Bakery and then sit in the park. The Mission looked beautiful today, too, with lots of poppies in bloom.

Penny M — Google review

Nice day here in the plaza, lots of historical buildings,and nice shops.The park with its roses in full display was a gem

David S — Google review

If you like historical sites and/or taking pictures you should consider dropping by the plaza. The court house, Presidio, Mission, Blue Inn and Bear Rebellion Statue are all right there. The General Vallejo Home and Train Depot Museum are within easy walking distance of the square. Presidio has nice displays. Mission has some displays, a chapel and mission paintings from the 1800s. The Square has lots of shops and eateries. Went on a Friday in April and place was busy. Imagine weekends would be pretty packed.

Evan H — Google review

Really good square, on Tuesday from 5-8 they have the farmers market and live music/food trucks/stands. Fun experience if your visiting during the week. It is very quiet and most spots around don't open until 11am.

Jean B — Google review

Sonoma is a beautiful town in the Valley of the Moon, just over the hills from Napa Valley. It is one of California's best wine regions. The center of the town is old and beautiful, with a green central park surrounded by shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, a theater, and more. There are some historical places of interest right in the center of town: the Sonoma Mission, and Presidio of Sonoma where the Mexican army gave up without a fight in the Bear Revolt to claim California for the US. There are many great wineries in Sonoma Valley, with an emphasis on zinfandel. A visit to Jack London State Park is recommended.

Dennis F — Google review

I have lived in sonoma for 37 years and the plaza is always welcoming and beautiful. There is something for everyone there. Great food, parks, and even a free daddy day care (town square). Great place for the family or a getaway with friends.

Pokey P — Google review

Summer // Tue Night Farmers Market with live music. Charming.Throughout plaza park goers (couples, families, small groups) gather- laying out blankets, chairs, some with their own mini picnic tables, others go all out decorating with e-lamps, flowers. Pack picnic food/wine or enjoy pop-up food/beverage vendors or grab “to-go”from local restaurants on square. Also lining plaza are pop-up stands: Farmers market produce, jewelry, soap, local crafts, etc. Relaxing Tuesday summer night in wine country.

Lin C — Google review

Beautiful and historic. Restaurants, wine bars, shops, wonderful fun!

Mark M — Google review

Visited this Plaza recently. Although I'm not sure I would call it a plaza because it's really a small kind of downtown historic area. There were so many options for food, ice cream and quaint little stores. There's a beautiful Park located directly in the center where I saw people laying in the grass and reading, children playing in the park, people walking their pets. It was very well-maintained and a beautiful place to visit. The weather was just amazing and it just allowed for such a great little visit. There's a tiny little water area that had Turtles and birds. Everything about the visit was just great. Would absolutely recommend for a visit!

Shay W — Google review

My favorite place to go put of the city also if you have friends visiting town it’s the best place to go and with kids too!You have so many options to eat, wineries close by, also places that sells wine, ice cream, shopping and more!The plaza it’s an amazing place they also has parking around the plaza and for me every time I go there it’s easy to park.

Ana T — Google review

crowded; if want to see a bunch of self entitled bridal party drinking wine on blankets. This a must go to! The shops are cool lots of restaurants.

Robert H — Google review

A little disappointed in some of the shops! There are a lot closed on Monday AND Tuesday...we planned our visit for Tuesday in hopes we could shop for fun...But Sonoma is adorable and I'm looking forward to seeing some new upcoming changes for the Sonoma state historical park/presidio of Sonoma.. it is a great place to check out...

Kay H — Google review

This plaza is nice. Inside the "square" / plaza there is a park with pond and there are ducks during our visit...don't know if they are there all the time. There are two playgrounds. The playground we were at has sandy ground..be prepared the tiny feet to track those sand inside shoes/socks 🫣 lots of shops and boutique. Nice and clean bathroom behind the historic building. Please support the boutique to keep them afloat.

Liza B — Google review

I've never experienced such community love. Every Wednesday they get together for a community wide "festival" That is held at the plaza. Food trucks, live music, nearby stores attract over 800 people with their lawn chairs. Chairs the main attraction is each other. Folks just sit down and start talking. Enjoying the food and the music. This is what downtown's across America want to look like. Diverse, united, fun.

Jim A — Google review

U mostly only go through it for the ice cream shop, and Pokémon GO but, is it really pretty place,volunteer opportunities and amenities, it can get super crowded. There's never enough parking and I advise against going there at night. Unless you're a drinker.

Shanie B — Google review

Such a wonderful clean park rich in history. Ww were there during the music festival and the whole place had a wonderful community vibe. Great access to good food vendors and quiet seating.

Brett C — Google review

Nice little plaza in this beautiful town! Lots of restaurant options to grab lunch/dinner after wine tasting

Maria R — Google review

A short drive from Santa Rosa through the beautiful wine country, my wife and I made it to our destination at a store in the Sonoma Plaza. It was a great weekend excursion that even a rainy day could not dampen. The square has many shops and restaurants to explore. There were many people enjoying the day and parking was not too bad. Alot of people were walking their dogs there andPets and people were all having a spectacular experience.

Alan H — Google review

Always a nice place. Haven't been in 3.5 years, but felt right at home when we got here. Walked the square to see what was new, had a quick bite and then headed out for done wine.

CJ B — Google review

Historical center of Sonoma is undeniably charming and beautiful place. 1800’s building surround the little park offering everything you may want from strolling downtown. Here you will find wine tasting rooms, the best restaurants in the area, art galleries, shopping and even little museum. Absolutely charming place it is!

Vikka M — Google review

4.7

(3853)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (191)

4.5

(929)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (192)

453 1st St E, Sonoma, CA 95476, USA

(707) 996-1090

24

V. Sattui Winery

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Winery

Food & Drink

V. Sattui Winery is a renowned wedding venue and winery situated in Saint Helena, California, at the heart of Wine Country. The winery provides house wines that can be tasted in their tasting room or enjoyed with gourmet takeout on their expansive grassy grounds. With Dean and Deluca conveniently located nearby, visitors can enjoy snacking on tasty treats while sipping wine under the sun.

Did an impromptu picnic lunch and bought a bottle of wine, a sandwich, cheese and Crackers. Ate under the shaded picnic area. The weather was perfect! A very pleasant experience. I love their wines and a big selection of food. I Will definitely go back again and again.

Rica C — Google review

I don't know what else to tell you except that I love V Sattui. Been coming here for over 20 years. They have a good store with gourmet goodies, cooked, cheeses, meets, breads, olives, etc. decently priced for the most part.Perhaps buy a bottle of wine or three in the wine tasting room. Note it costs $45 per person per tasting. And you're going to have to make reservations because they're so busy. But you can of course buy without tasting.Then take your goodies outside to their grounds where you'll find picnic tables and benches. Beautiful scenery and trees, lawns, and just pure joy.It has really changed a lot over the past 20 years. They're catered to the picnic goer and out in so much more parking and seating.They sell their standard wines as well as master class. It's really a great place to spend a few hours on a sunny weekend.

G L — Google review

Went there two times and had great experience. All staff were nice and friendly. The environment is nice and pleasant. First time we went for wine tasting and second time we went for a picnic. Overall we all loved it. Definitely will be back and back again!

D L — Google review

Last here ~41 years ago. Was just a counter offering baguettes, cheese and wine with open space to picnic.Really developed, offering a wide selection of food and beverages in the deli building, wine related items and great service. Tons of picnic tables and now a beautiful venue for events. Highly popular and rightfully so!

Eric S — Google review

Justin and Lorenzo were great at suggesting wines during our tasting. We were surprised how much we liked the Madeira. There was a barbecue food truck at the picnic grounds on the Saturday that we went. The grounds are beautiful!

Alexis S — Google review

V. Sattui Winery exceeded all expectations. Upon our friend's glowing recommendation, we joined their membership. The reservation process for tasting was seamless, and opting for the standing area, offering both comfort and ample space to enjoy the experience. The staff's expertise was evident as they guided us through their impressive selection of wines, allowing us to savor each sip without feeling hurried. We left with a few bottles in hand, grateful for the delightful memories and looking forward to future visits.Our experience at this Winery was great overall, however, one staff member, Oscar, lacked people skills and wasn’t knowledgeable. Thankfully, another staff, Adam, stepped in and provided exceptional service, making our visit memorable.

EB B — Google review

Great wine tasting and selection at V. Sattui. Lots of people were here when we went on a Sunday afternoon. Definitely make sure you have a reservation for a tasting. This place seemed very family friendly; we noticed a surprising amount of children here. Lots of parking available and is easy to navigate. Good variety of wines available here. V. Sattui will definitely have something everyone/anyone will like. Would recommend to families on vacation, couples that are just starting wine tastings and wine lovers alike.

Scott C — Google review

Great wines! The person who assisted me was Carlo, he knew the wines to perfection. He asked me a couple of questions and he knew exactly which wines I would like. I enjoyed the place and almost all the wines except for the desert one, I didn't like it. I ended up tasting about 10 different wines and i was only supposed to taste 6 I believe. You also get two chocolates while wine tasting. The place has sandwiches which are make there while you look at it. The parking lot was full and it was free however I was told that you need reservations, which I already had but I thought you may like to know if you never been there. One can also get married here the place has a little area for the ceremony and reception. It has beautiful white roses, green grass, and it also has a patio area with benches where you can enjoy your sandwich and more wine of your choice. Some people were dress to impress I wear jeans, white t-shirt and sandals. 🤷🏾‍♀️ the bathrooms were clean, the place itself was clean. Enjoy and have fun!

Cataleya A — Google review

V. Sattui is the place to go for anyone looking to hangout and have a good time! Not only do they have a wine tasting room, they also have a market and deli with a plethora of wine to choose from.Food: They have a market and deli here with sandwiches/pastas and easy eats. They also have lots of cheese, wine, and cracker choices.Atmosphere: I haven’t been to the wine tasting but I have family who went and thought it was enjoyable. I truly enjoy the outdoor seating with picnic tables under the trees. It is a beautiful and spacious area, however it does get crowded very easily as this place is incredible.Price: Prices are normal for everything here because it’s Napa Valley prices but worth it for the vibes.Parking: Parking can be tricky when it’s super busy but they have lots of parking to the side and back of the building. You don’t have to pay for parking.

Millie O — Google review

Lovely winery, very relaxed with good options (deli & wine tasting). Good for first timers too :) you get to choose the 5 wines you taste from a list of over 12 wines - red, white & dessert wines. Best to make a reservation in advance.

Nicole K — Google review

This is one of the best wineries in the Napa Valley. The good part of this winery is they accept walk-ins. You have the option to buy wine from their store and drink in their common area even if you don’t have an appointment. Their winery tour do require appointment and would advise to get it in advance. The winery is really beautiful and plenty of seating and walking space. Their architecture is very good with plenty of parking space and overall we had a really good time.

Aditya N — Google review

We made a stop here whilst on our honeymoon road trip from SF to LA. We booked for the Bubble Bar tasting and it was incredible. The experience was lovely, the place was so beautiful and I must have a special mention to Denise, who works there on weekends. She truly went over and beyond to make our experience unique and incredible. Thank you so much. The bubbles were delicious, we had such a great time and even brought 2 bottles home with us!!

Natalie Y — Google review

Pros:-Wine Variety 🍷: Offers a wide selection of wines, cheese, and small bites for a picnic experience.-Ambiance 🌳: Beautiful grounds with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for spring and pleasant weather.-Excellent Experience 👍: Excellent food and beverage quality, good service, and seamless reservation process.Cons:-Accessibility 🚗: The winery closes at 5 PM, which may not suit everyone’s schedule.-Location 📍: Situated in St Helena, CA, which might be a distance for some visitors.-Weather Dependent ☀️: Outdoor picnics are best enjoyed in good weather, which can be a limitation for some guests.

Cali E — Google review

We went with our friends, who are members, on Friday at 11:30 for wine tasting.My recommendation is to get a reservation on Friday as early as possible before the place was crowded.The grounds are fabulous! The wines are delicious. We ended up splitting a case with our friends.

JoAnn S — Google review

Our wine dealer Julie is amazing. She told us a lot about the wines we tasted, the flavor profiles, and the history behind some of them! The wine is fantastic! We liked all of the ones we've tried. My favorite is the Madeira. The grounds are amazing, there's so much to look at! Great shaded areas to picnic from the cafe and drink wine. Highly recommend going here! The price was great for the quality.

Megan R — Google review

An Italian style winery set in at beautiful garden. Plenty of options for different types food so you can enjoy picnic in their yards. They even have BBQ truck here. Lots of energy, vibrant and just fun for whole family.

The A — Google review

We had a wonderful experience at V. Sattui. We did an outside, seated tasting with a cab upgrade. Not only was the tasting worth the price, we loved the venue and the expertise of the servers. The space was so welcoming and relaxing. Would highly recommend!

Joanna F — Google review

I’ve had such a great experience wine tasting. Mike F was amazing, he listened to the type of wines I love, he made great recommendations. This was definitely a personalized experience and I can’t wait to come back! make sure you get there early (10am-10:30am), less people and you can find parking. It starts to get crowded around 11:30am and parking can be difficult.Their indoor market it’s amazing: a variety of cheeses to choose from ❤️

DoinaB — Google review

Very nice gift shop. Deli food for sale inside including a huge variety of anything you might want for a charcuterie board or wine night. Beautiful outdoors area. Only drawback was you can't just buy a glass of wine. Either have to buy a whole bottle and drink it outdoors or purchase a tasting package at the entrance.

Florida V — Google review

A nice place with lots of wine. We took the guided tour ($75 + tax and booked through their website). We were joined by another small group. The guide, Jacob, talked about the wine making process, Napa Valley, and how the winery started. We got to try 5 different wines and went to the market/grocery after to check out their selection of wine, food and other souvenirs.

Tin A — Google review

We were able to do tasting without making reservations. Carlo & Joe were great and we had a really nice time trying out the different wines they offer.Heating available if you choose to do the tasting outdoor.Surprised that their Madeira is really good. Kindly note that they only sell their wines here. So grab whatever you like while you are there. We were offered 10% on 6 bottles (able to mix)They weren’t pushy on sales or the membership/club.Overall we enjoyed our visit, had great time exploring the compound and dont skip the marketplace too as they have lots of treasures in there!

Hester P — Google review

Came here with a group of 4 and what a fun experience!Good:- We got extra pours since we had 2 birthdays! Thanks Ed!- Each wine was really good quality and I liked the dessert wines a lot- It’s very pretty inside, there’s a fountain and the inside of the tasting room is well lit too- Price isn’t crazy per person eitherBad:- A little busy so it might take time for you get served!Overall super happy with the trip and getting to try out all of the different types of wine.

Jenny X — Google review

V Sattui was such a lovely experience for my wife, baby and I. There was lots of sitting spots in the back and in the front picnic areas. The deli is not crazy expensive and you get really good stuff. You can definitely tell ingredients are high quality. We arrived around 12:30ish on a Friday and it was already busy, so definitely our next visit will be earlier! Try the Spicy Italian sandwich 🥪 it was so goooood!

Noel R — Google review

Well reviewed vineyard that makes wine accessible to the masses. You can buy the wine, some cheese and other small bites then take them out to the yard and have a picnic under the trees. Staff are friendly and helpful and it’s a lovely place to be in spring and other months when the weather isn’t too hot.

Teck B — Google review

My most favorite winery so far. The experience was wonderful, the wines outstanding and the service is OMG I have no words. Alicia has so much knowledge and her carisma makes everything special. You sit outside and the view is amazing. They have a market where you can find delicacies, souvenirs, wines and more.

Vicky S — Google review

Guess what? They are kind and friendly here. Amazing deli, shaded tables, clean restrooms, and the most friendly staff… Your business is appreciated here, and it shows.💯 (Unlike the prior Winery I just reviewed that was the worst customer service I’ve ever received - and I’ve lived here 20years!) Thank you again for the great wine, deli, grounds and friendly staff.

Kat A — Google review

Very nice winery. Oscar explained the history and assisted in our wine tasting. We purchased wine, bread, olive oils, and cheese. Took nice pictures. The property is amazing and great for weddings and grippy events. The staff I interacted with was Julianna, Oscar, and the cashier, who was not very pleasant after it advised her that she overcharged me for bread, had an attitude, and questioned my request. Unprofessional!Parking was adequate.

Melissa F — Google review

Lovely wines. We went for wine tasting. Nice wines but weren’t too happy with the server.Nice place for a picnic spot.Would’ve really appreciated if there was a winery tour as well.

Ashwini J — Google review

4.4

(2480)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (198)

4.5

(2799)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (199)

1111 White Ln, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

(707) 963-7774

25

Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center

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Museum

Research institute

Specialty Museums

The Charles M. Schulz Museum pays homage to Charlie Brown and his iconic characters, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang, through its wide range of exhibits about the art of cartooning. The museum also has a gift shop and regular exhibitions that explore different aspects of Schulz's career.

There's fun for all here. I arrived around noon on a weekday and the museum was populated mainly by adults. There are changing exhibits as well as permanent ones (like the recreation of Schulz' office/studio). Right now one of the exhibits shows who the people were that inspired the various Peanuts characters. Very enjoyable. There's also a large room with kid sized tables and supplies for drawing. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

Elizabeth S — Google review

My family visited today and absolutely loved it! Our youngest is 15 and we enjoyed the whole thing. The displays were very fun and also very educational. Absolutely loved the way the comic strips were incorporated into everything, including the bathroom walls!! And there is nothing more fun then putting four adults in a room and seeing who is capable of folding a red dog house and drawing the classic Peanuts characters!! What a great place for people of all ages!

Daniela B — Google review

Great museum to explore especially if you travel with kids. We had to change our road trip plans because of the weather and luckily weren’t too far from Peanuts or if you prefer Snoopy’s birth place. You’ll probably spend between 1-2 hours here strolling around the exhibition, watching cartoons, gifts shopping and even ice skating ⛸️. Yes, you got it right, there is an ice rink across the street where Mr. Schulz the creator of Peanuts liked to play hockey. Parking is free, also there is a small food court at the rink in case if you get hungry.

Olga K — Google review

This is a cool museum with great employees. If you are a student don't forget to bring your student ID. There was no wait and all the route was filled with interesting facts and beautiful comic strips. This is a great place for kids, there is one room where you can color and learn how to make some origami figures. There is also one room where you can see movies! I saw Charlie brown in love with the little red hair girl. It was beautiful and really funny. There is one gift shop and just across the street there is one ice skating rink and one coffee shop.

P — Google review

Interesting and informative visit to this museum of the Peanuts cartoonist which ran from 1950-2000. Great displays of his work, and a replica of his work space. Docents were friendly and knowledgeable.

Matt C — Google review

No trip to Santa Rosa is a complete without a trip to the wonderful Charles Schulz Museum, which does a terrific job of showing that Schulz was not just one of the best cartoonist of his generation but also was an incredible observer of human behavior and a believer in our best nature. The comics on the wall are so relatable because they depict scenes and situations that we all have experienced at some point in our life (waiting for a school bus, a class trip, playing with a dog, etc.). You cannot help but leave the museum with a smile on your face and a deeper understanding of the beauty and wit of Schulz's work.

John M — Google review

Such a well put together museum, it’s not very big, but just big enough to definitely spend at least 45 minutes or more in. Depending on how much you’re really taking in everything. Theres a few cute picture spots to try out. Plus tons of little comic strips. They also have a really cute art studio upstairs that you can spend so much time in. All supplies is included, you can sit down and color a picture there’s a cool light table to trace characters on. Plus an origami instruction activity. I definitely could have stayed a few hours. It was such a cute time, adults are $12 per person which is also also super reasonably priced. There’s also the ice-skating ring next-door and across from it is a bigger gift shop. The museum gift shop is a little small. So I definitely recommend checking out the big gift shop next to the skating ring.

Kennedy F — Google review

Did a side trip to this place from Rohnert Park on a girls trip since a couple of them are big Peanuts fans. Very cute museum to see which includes a little video discussing Charles Schulz. There are lots of original comic strips he drew and a creative room upstairs where you can color, draw, or do origami. The kite-eating tree is on the patio and lots of figurines of Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, and of course Snoopy.

Sampada P — Google review

We loved this museum. If you’re into Peanuts and the history of how it all began, you’ll love this place. So much great information here. The gift school could be bigger! We did enjoy the gift shop across the way though near the ice rink. This really isn’t a place for little kids.

DeeDee S — Google review

After a day of drinking wine, we needed a break so headed here to the museum and boy were we excited! My husband and I felt like kids again looking at many of the comics and pictures. What's best, is the movie theater where you can watch some of the Charlie Brown toons! There are so many opportunities to take pictures and walk the grounds.

Anna S — Google review

As you walk into the first floor, a huge work of art greets you. Even though it is a small museum, the place is great for people of all ages! It has a lot of art. One can find art all over the place from the first floor to the second floor, walls, patio, parking lot, and bathrooms. The staff was friendly. Also go with enough time to enjoy the place so you can see every detail.

Belica D — Google review

This is a nice little museum celebrating Charles Schultz and his Peanuts Gang. It takes around an hour to walk through and enjoy all the comics and history. The gift store is small but you can head over to the gallery (3 minute walk away) for a bigger selection including reprints of the comics. It is worth the $12 entry fee.

Moses K — Google review

This was a small museum with some interesting info but not as much as I would have liked. Appreciated the comic tiles in the bathroom and the large ceramic pieces outdoors. Was hoping to learn more about each Peanuts character. Also hoped for a bigger and better gift shop.Parking is plentiful and adult tickets cost $12. Not a mask in sight but there was space to spread out as well as an outdoor area. Was in and out in 30 minutes.

B G — Google review

Loved it! Stop here and pay homage to all the wonder of Charles Schulz and his Peanuts legacy. We learned so much about this remarkable man, artist, and community builder. The Warm Puppy Cafe, ice rink, and museum are a great way to spend 2-3 hours or a whole day depending on your interests. We had hard to impress teens with us who had real smiles and a spark of enthusiasm here. That is a true 5 star experience! So much to take in from the history of cartoons, to the life story of "Sparky", and the Peanuts as cultural icons and truth speakers. Lots of engaging tour guides and volunteers around eager to share antidotes. Seeing the actual studio of this artist was a real thrill. Lot of cool interactive surprises here like the kite-eating tree and great photo spots with Peanuts characters and cartoon moments. Really worth a stop for people of ages, even if you are not a Peanuts fan, you will be by the end of this visit.

J. H — Google review

A small but really fun and interesting museum detailing the history of peanuts and its creator Charles M. Schultz. The exhibits featured lots of his original drafts and panels and is a really fun insight into the origins and creation of the comics. The exhibits rotate every 6 months, so there is always something new to see. There are activities such as a movie room for watching peanuts movies and a room to learn how to draw peanuts characters. A lot of photo opportunities both inside and outside the museum.There is an ice skating rink across the road and a gift shop that also has some really fun peanuts pieces from the past.Staff are some of the best I've seen at any attraction and will go the extra mile to make sure all your questions are answered.I was surprised at how much fun I had here and will be coming here again in the future!

Ian C — Google review

The most absolutely adorable museum paying homage to Charles M Schultz. It's a small museum packed with a lot of information. It's reasonably priced. There are items in this gift shop that they don't carry in the other Peanuts Gift Shop located by the skating rink. They also have an auditorium that showcases some of the cartoons depending on what's playing that month. It's a great experience if you decide to come out this way and plenty of parking. It was also nice to be here on a weekend, but with not a lot of crowds.

momo — Google review

A lovely diversion on a beautiful California day. We were pleasantly surprised at how much this reasonably small museum has to offer. We had a great time and would recommend anyone who has a passing interest in Schultz’s work to drop by for a visit.

Michael M — Google review

Very very worthwhile experience even for adults 😆 every single photo booth was so cute. I was very impressed with the tiny exhibits inside the lightened walls, such a creative and delicate way of delivering art. There was a cute cafe too -- you have to collect a Snoopy cup!

Ha B — Google review

Love this place! Such a hidden gem. so many people didn't know it was so close to Sonoma and Napa. A great place for kids or grown up kids who grew up with snoopy. Takes about 3 hrs to see the museum. next time will go skating there. there's a large gift shop on the campus that's in addition to the small one in the museum.

J.A. J — Google review

4.7

(938)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (205)

4.5

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2301 Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA

(707) 579-4452

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26

Castello di Amorosa

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Winery

Sights & Landmarks

Castello di Amorosa is a winery designed in the style of a 13th-century Tuscan castle, complete with towers, turrets, and even a dungeon. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle and enjoy tastings of Italian-inspired wines alongside artisan cheeses. The winery offers a mix of Italian and Bordeaux varietals for visitors to try during their seated tasting in the Il Passito Room.

This place was absolutely stunning. The architecture and history behind the castle is incredible. The location is stunningly beautiful and the experience at this winery was superb. I highly recommend taking the Diamond Estate Tour & Reserve Wine Tasting and add the chocolate tasting. Also, I highly recommend requesting to have the tour with Amy as she is an impressively amazing tour guide that makes the experience even better. The wine tasting is excellent and worth experiencing. We definitely plan to return again to enjoy this winery.

Wayne I — Google review

Great experience. Castle, Wine and great service what else do we need in hospitality. Views are amazing. Wines wonderful and warm hosting staff. We did the wine tasting tour we were offered a list of wines to select for tasting we had to select 5. If you are new to wines then you can ask the server they will help you select the wines to maximize your experience and tell what to observe while tasting wine and how to enjoy wine with different snacks cheese or chocolates.They have some really great wines I really liked their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Abhijeet N — Google review

TRAVELERS TAKE NOTE! This place is beautiful but BUSY! I am so glad that I made a reservation, as they have a gate keeper that will not allow you on the grounds unless you have a reservation to be there.Pros:-This place is very unique! This castle was built over 30 years ago, however, the owner/creator wanted to create a castle that looks like something out of old world Italy. Everything is hand crafted, and aged to create a wonderful feel of stepping back in time.-This place has a great wine selection, no matter what your preference is.-This castle is set up on a hill with beautiful grounds that are well maintained that have a great view. Additionally, they host lots of barn yard animals which is unique.-They are staffed extremely well, so you are never waiting long for your next wine to try.Cons:-SO BUSY! There are large crowds here. If you don't like being around large groups of people on vacation, then I don't think this place would be for you. Trying to carry on a conversation in the wine tasting rooms is difficult.-I think some of the best parts of the castle you are unable to see unless you pay for the full guided castle tour, not just the self-guided tour and tasting.

Matt M — Google review

Thoroughly enjoyed the wine tasting! Our host was very knowledgeable and had excellent recommendations. The chocolates were very tasty. Love the charm of the castle - looks a lot like the real thing in Europe. They have “aged” it nicely. I also enjoyed the little barn yard with an assortment of animals on the way out.

Christina P — Google review

This castle-like winery is one of the most famous name in Napa Valley.We visited in summer 2022, had wine tasting, served by a very funny and informative staff.The shop area was great. With all their wine products and merchandise, you won't get out of there empty handed for sure.

Jimmy W — Google review

This winery was highly recommended by friends. The drive up to the castle was beautiful. Take the tour if you can. It was $77 with online booking and includes a tasting at the end. Mark did an excellent job on our tour of 5. He is very knowledgeable and his energy was great. Thank you, Mark!

Crystal M — Google review

First time here with my family. Domenico was awesome. He took care of our wine tasting table. He was nice, friendly and professional. He made us feel so comfortable. When we walked around the castle, we felt like we were in Italy! We all enjoyed it. We will be back soon!

D L — Google review

Our family (2 adults and 2 kids) had a great time here. We purchased the wine tasting (5 labels per guest) and our server Jeremy E was very courteous and knowledgeable of the castle’s history. When we left the castle, there were several animals (hens, roosters, ram, lambs, goats and emus) for the kids to see. No petting or feeding. The kids still enjoyed it.We ended up buying 4 bottles and a very decorative pour top (a lion and they have about 20 to choose from in silver and gold) to take home. The castle was beautiful and we would visit it again perhaps to learn more about the castle with a guided tour.

Trompoly M — Google review

This is the best wine tasting experience that I have ever had and thanks to our host Grace. We really enjoyed our experience. She was very knowledgeable, patient, fun and made us truly comfortable. They have a wide variety of wine for all kinds of wine lovers from sweet to semi dry to dry. We ended is buying quite a lot of bottles cause it’s really good. The best part is they have home delivery at reasonable cost. Don’t forget to try their grape juice in between the wine cause it’s too good. The castle itself is very beautiful. You can opt for a group guided tour or self guided. They have wine tasting in a closed room and in open space too. But you are not allowed to get up in between the tasting to roam around in the castle. Plan your visit for around 3-4 hours cause you will take that much of time to enjoy the tasting and then explore the castle. Lot of picture perfect spots which you don’t wanna miss. It’s a busy place, so plan your visit. Definitely a must visit winery in napa.

Sharanya C — Google review

I loved the castle experience! Having never traveled to Europe the fairytale lover inside of me was jumping with glee. We purchased the self guided/standing tasting for $50. We drank our wines quickly and then set off to explore the castle and grounds. If I was going to rate the wine I’d give it 3 stars, The Castle 5 stars and the service 3 stars. Our wine server was polite and friendly he just lacked enthusiasm. It was as if he knew the wines weren’t that great and that the best thing about The Castle of Love was the building itself and not the wine. The most expensive wines are delicious ($100 a bottle) but the cheaper wines, (anything less than $100) are meh.People who payed to sit and taste wine waited a long time to sit in the courtyard, bake in the sun, and drink marginal wines. I highly recommend the $50 route. They take you down to the cool cellar with fans blowing to sip your wine. You have to stand the entire time but you don’t get heat stroke. The $7 chocolate addition was totally worth it in my opinion. 3 delicious fancy chocolates in a lovely gift box. Even if you don’t eat the chocolates on site it makes a lovely souvenir.

Alicia M — Google review

Absolutely stunning location. The castle is something truly spectacular to see and hearing about how it came to be is incredible. The property is beautiful and the wine selection is great. Make sure to make a reservation before you go. Plenty of parking. Staff is super friendly and helpful. If you plan to only visit one winery in Napa, this is the one to visit.

Katie S — Google review

🏰🍷 Castello di Amorosa is a breathtaking medieval-style castle and winery located in Calistoga, California. It's a captivating destination where history, architecture, and wine converge. The castle's impressive construction and attention to detail transport visitors to a different era. 🏰🏰 Inside, you'll find a fascinating array of rooms, including a grand barrel room and a luxurious tasting room. The winery produces a wide range of high-quality wines, making the tasting experience even more enjoyable. 🍷🍇 Whether you're a history enthusiast, wine lover, or just seeking a unique experience, Castello di Amorosa is a must-visit gem in Napa Valley. 🌄🍷👏

Stinger T — Google review

We visited on a very hot day, so being seated outside was not the most desirable option with the kid. Nevertheless, we did enjoy the tasting experience. Our daughter got some grape juice. We had a little stroll afterward around the castle and enjoyed some nice views from the top.

Ivana T — Google review

This is a must when visiting Napa! Make reservations far in advance! If you don’t have a reservation, they will not even let you on the grounds. The venue is spectacular in and of itself! You can roam the castle! And there’s goats and animals too! Once inside when you have your tasting, they are really accommodating, knowledgeable, and the customer service is impeccable! My family, friends, and I had such a good time here! Definitely get the cheese and the chocolate! Food and wine divine! Their wine stoppers are pretty cool if you notice them! They also sell them in the shop as well as many other things and it’s fun to look around down there! We definitely got more than our moneys worth, and will definitely be back when in Napa again!

Terra S — Google review

Absolutely stunning castle located at beautiful location. Great selection of wine. Our host was super friendly, interactive and knowledgeable about wine. Overall experience was nice. We had booked tour online. Reservation included tasting of 5 wines along with self guided tour.However, most of the area was restricted for tour. Also, sitting outside on a hot sunny day was not super fun. Overall, I think it’s a lot of money for such a short experience.

Anaya P — Google review

We have been here many times but now they require reservations and tasting tickets. It is $60 per person which includes 5 or 6 tastings and a self guided tour ( basically you walk around the castle). It is different from other vineyards and tasting rooms due to the lovely Castle that was built by bringing stones and other artifacts from Italy

Cali L — Google review

Winery with this majestic castle!Unfortunately it was pouring when we went but still the castle was gorgeous and decor inside was beautiful.They make American and Italian style wine and we could taste many different kinds of wine there; you can choose which wine to taste from the list and your party can choose different ones.Their wine is only consumed at this wine tasting since they have so many visitors and what they make is just enough for them. Visiting there during holiday season, the place was super crowded and the rain did not help at all. But we still had a good time.

Foo T — Google review

Incredible! Our tour guide Stephane was knowledgeable, hilarious, kind, and made our experience a 20/10. This was my first wine tasting EVER and everything was memorable and spectacular from the castle grounds to the historical artifacts and recreations to the barrel tasting to the various wines we were able to try. The animals were a bonus!

Mahina A — Google review

Reservation in advance is a must. Beautiful castle where you can do a self guided tour in certain areas while you have to have a paid guided tour to visit the dungeon and other parts. La Fantasia is the best wine they have. Nice staff and some of them are from Italy.

Town T — Google review

Interesting castle, okay wine. As long as you only see it as a tourist attraction, you will like it.Chris was our host. He's nice, welcoming, and knowledgeable.+ Nice looking castle, good for taking pictures.* The castle's outer surfaces are made of stone, other places are a mix of stone and bricks.- The wine tasting experience was okay. Our group was a little too big for the host to take care of everyone.- We had to stand for the whole wine tasting (30+ min)

Jiacheng H — Google review

The castle and grounds are absolutely stunning there is no denying that but for the price we paid we were just expecting more.At the very least we were hoping to like the wines but we really weren't blown away by them at all, the only one we both really liked was the Oakville red priced at $80 a bottle.It just felt underwhelming considering we paid so much money in comparison to other wine tastings. I am pleased that we went as it was good to experience it but the actual wines were not all that. Also the vast majority of the rooms and areas of the castle is closed off to private tours which we were not aware of prior to our visit so it felt we had quite restricted access. At the end of our tasting we asked if we could purchase more wine to drink but they said no which we couldn't understand as the area was very quiet...

Laura D — Google review

My husband and I came here for our wedding anniversary and we loved it! Do come 10-15 minutes early to get situated with parking and soaking it all in. The drive up was beautiful. Eva was our tour guide, she really educated us on the wine making process and knew her stuff. Because of the group size and large rooms outside and upstairs there were moments where it was very hard to hear her. It is a very busy place and there are constant tours taking place, one right after the other. Once we got into the castle and in smaller rooms it was much easier to hear her. The property was absolutely beautiful! It felt romantic, cozy and gave me European vibes. The wine tasting was good - the pours were a bit on the small/average size but I did enjoy the wines! If you pay extra for the chocolate at the end, it will not disappoint it was delicious! This is also a great place to take pictures with amazing views.

Jenean J — Google review

4.3

(3956)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (218)

4.5

(5868)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (219)

4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA

(707) 967-6272

27

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

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Winery

Food & Drink

The sprawling and stylish Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a must-visit destination for fans of the famous family and their renowned Godfather movies. Drawing inspiration from Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, the winery offers a sense of being in a children's garden with beautiful theater pavilions, peaco*ck-feather-painted curtains, little ballet performances, rides, cafes and refreshments.

Beautifully manicured, with great views of the vineyards, lots of memorabilia, book in advance if you want to use the beautiful clean swimming pool. I did not do any wine tasting as I buy Coppola wonderful wines already but I did sit at the pool side bar and had one of there yummy co*cktails and some lunch. Thanks Coppola family that we can just walk around without wine tastings to enjoy your beautiful grounds, have lunch etc. I came just after the 4ᵗʰ July, so I can imagine it gets pretty very busy. CG

Chris G — Google review

Electric Lemonade by the pool is all I need to say. This place blows the other wineries out of the water! They have so much film memorabilia, a gorgeous restaurant, and a beautiful pool you can spend all day at. Of course you could also do a wine tasting. Definitely worth at least stopping by and walking around for a couple minutes.

Rachel S — Google review

If you are in Sonoma County I highly recommend to check out Coppola Winery! Of course you will get to taste wine but you’ll also see Oscars that Francis Ford Coppola was awarded for his achievements in movie production. If you are a big fan of his movies you’ll absolutely enjoy seeing costumes and some other things that were used in the movies such as Dracula and Apocalypse Now and etc. Restaurant on the property is such a convenience! You can’t go wrong with pasta 🍝 and wine 🍷

Olga K — Google review

Nice spot! Great combination of wine tasting, restaurant with real food and delightful immersion in the Francis Ford Coppola world.

Erick V — Google review

This is a great winery. You have everything here. Swimming pool, restaurant, and of course wine tasting. Also they have a lot object’s of the different movies of Francis Coppola.-restaurant. The food is good. The portions are big so maybe is you are not starving you can share. Call in advance for reservations if you want to be outside.-swimming pool.- is a good size and the service is amazing. You can rent a cabin for have more confort.- wine tasting.- I highly recommend the club at this winery is worth.

Judy N — Google review

Opened in 2010- it has not lost its luster in 2023. The food is not cheap- but I thought it was actually worth the money. The pork Milanese on the bone was the juiciest I have ever had- ask for an extra lemon to squeeze on top and you will be in heaven. This is a great place to treat yourself or take out of town visitors to. During the hotter month, the swimming pool is a great hang out. The cabanas vary from $180-280 depending on the day of the week and season. They have multiple tasting room options and an outside bar. It feels like a wine and hospitality amusem*nt park. A great place to spend a few hours!

Mr. F — Google review

One of the iconic winery in California! It's a Vatican for Godfather fans!!!🍇 Sip, swirl, and savor at Francis Ford Coppola Winery! Nestled in the heart of wine country, this picturesque vineyard offers a taste of Hollywood glamour and award-winning wines. 🍷✨ From breathtaking views to unique experiences, it's the perfect blend of heritage and hospitality. Cheers to unforgettable moments in wine paradise! 🌿🥂

Ash S — Google review

Always stunning! This location is a step back in time to a 40s era retreat, with the pool & cabanas and bocce courts. The place is tastefully adorned with the family's movie memorabilia and treasures in every room. All overlooking a movie worthy view of the valley.Treat yourself!

Nick K — Google review

Fun time at Coppola Winery! Honestly, it’s more about the movies than the wine. The wine is just OK compared to Napa standards, but the cool facility, the awesome movie artifacts, and the fun atmosphere make up for it!

Mark C — Google review

Good place to visit. Actually it is a large giftshop wirh an interesting museum. You see very important props, costumes and pictures of Coppolas movies, his Oscars and other prices and can buy wine and souvenirs. The prices starts at about 20 Dollar per bottle. They also serve food and of course there is wine tasting, but don't expect anything to be a bargain! Sadly they don't have books or autographs of the master himself.

Manuel G — Google review

Coppola did not disappoint! I was a bit surprised by the resort vibe with multiple dining options and a pool but it was quite neat! We enjoyed a seated tasting on the patio with Tess who was amazing. We purchased a bottle of their Reserve Viognier.

Bethany H — Google review

A beautiful Winery for people who like a 1948 Tucker Torpedo and/or talisman with the helicopter 6 cylinder motor with 166 horsepower that was air-cooled one of 51 made seems to be ruby red made in Chicago Illinois I believe I guess the other 47 are accounted for the other four not so much this Winery also had his movies Francis Ford Coppola's including one of my favorites from 1992 when I was 17 called Dracula which is visually spectacular and the sets and the scores and the costumes the acting not so much this Winery is a must for people who like old cars and or horror films or films about Vietnam like Apocalypse Now from 1979 I had a blast I don't even really drink wine but the girlfriend does sometimes so we stopped there on our way back from the Castle Winery and from Fort Bragg it was a blast seems to have a free swimming pool with Italian supermodels occasionally and also the archive of the films francis ford Corolla did. The 48 Tucker seem to be free staff really really friendly and kind and helpful most excellent time was had

SumnerCounty1986 — Google review

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, and I can't say enough about the exceptional hospitality and dining experience we had there.From the moment we walked in, we felt like honored guests. Their warmth and generosity set the tone for an unforgettable visit.Our wine-tasting experience was elevated by Sarah, whose knowledge and passion for the wines were truly impressive. She took the time to educate us about the different varietals, enhancing our appreciation for Coppola's outstanding wines.But the real star of the show was Nathan at Rustic. His welcoming demeanor and personable nature made us feel right at home. The food at Rustic was nothing short of amazing – from the delectable wine flight to the mouthwatering risotto and meatballs. Nathan's attention to detail and dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience left us speechless.What truly stood out was the impeccable service we received throughout our visit. Our friends were equally impressed, and we're already planning our return trip with family.The Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a gem, and I can't wait to celebrate more special occasions there. I'll definitely be leaving a 5-star review on Google as well to let others know about this hidden treasure.Thank you, Lillian, Rose, Sarah, and Nathan, for making our visit so memorable. We can't wait to return and create more cherished memories at your winery!

Roshni B — Google review

My friends, for any Brazilian who likes to go to São Roque in São Paulo, you should know this place. I feel in the same atmosphere and with excellent wines from the Napa Valley region.The place is beautiful, extremely set for Coppola's films, with vineyards in the background and always full of people.The food is American style, but pleases with its quality and flavor, logically enjoyed with glasses of wine from the region and Coppola's fields.It's worth a lot if you're visiting San Francisco, to visit Napa Valley and also the Geyserville region.An obligatory stop for those who like wine and good mountain air.

Marcos L — Google review

What a great experience! The food was amazing and the wine is well balanced.Best meatballs I’ve ever had.

Matt B — Google review

On a recent self guided wine tour we made a stop at Copala and of all the wineries we visited that week and there were many this one was without a doubt the best. Great people great atmosphere great wine tons to see and of course great wine.

Jim G — Google review

So today was our first time . So happy we did this. The guy who helped us was named Steve and he was so nice and full of great information. The property is filled with memories from Francis Ford Coppola, a restaurant, a pool open all summer long for guest by reservation, and much more. It was $25/ person for the “at bar” tasting including 1 white and 3 reds. If you choose the outdoor specialty tasting (for the reserves where you can only purchase in house) it costs $40. They of course have a wine club where you can purchase the level of your choice. The staff was very friendly, educational on both the wine and property, and our overall experience was an A+. Also, the property is close to many other vineyards, so this can be one of your many stops in the area.

Team B — Google review

If you are a Coppola fan, this place is a MUST STOP. There are so many great places to sit and enjoy a drink here - outside or inside, and lots of gift items for sale inside. Since I was short on time, I just cruised through the exhibits of movie memorabilia upstairs and down, which is worth the visit alone. I appreciate that this place (unlike Inglenook and most others) allows you to drive in and walk around without a reservation, and there is ample parking outside. People working here seemed friendly and welcoming too. I'll definitely be back to spend some more time here!

Marc D — Google review

4.5

(680)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (225)

4.5

(1012)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (226)

300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441, USA

(707) 857-1471

28

Sundial Bridge

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Bridge

Sights & Landmarks

Hiking area

The Sundial Bridge is an iconic pedestrian overpass that spans the Sacramento River and resembles a cruise ship on land. Designed by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava in 2004, the bridge's glass deck offers spectacular views of the river and its surroundings. Lit up at night, the bridge's glass path provides an enchanting experience for visitors who enjoy peaceful walks in nature.

I loved this place! This is a nice place for peaceful walks surrounded by nature. The people is really polite and friendly in the Sundial Bridge shop and coffee as well. I was impressed about how much they are encouraging awareness 'avoiding fires in the forests.' Well done! Taking care of our planet is extremely important.

AnaLydia — Google review

We had a really great time at the Sundial Bridge. Walking on the river walk, the Turtle Bay Museum and checking out the bridge which is very cool.The Sacramento River has great trails with wildlife all around. The trail near the bridge includes a beautiful garden with educational stops for everyone.The Turtle Bay Museum and it's grounds were fun for all of us, including my fifteen year old daughter. She interacted with birds in the Parrot House and butterflies, and zipped on the zip-line in the playground.I'm sure her favorite part was the butterflies though, as we spent well over an hour in the butterfly house.In the museum there was a hand on educational room that has really fun activities about prehistoric flying reptiles, Pterosaurs.A whole room displaying replicas of the items discovered in King Tutankhamun.Pretty fascinating.There is a cafe that is currently being remodeled but Mosaic Restaurant was open.If you are unfamiliar with reading it's very hot in the summer months and stays pretty warm until October. I recommend sunblock and if your heat sensitive the indoor part of the museum and Mosaic restaurants during the summer.Otherwise visit early or in the evening I know they open at 9:00 a.m. the bridge and trails are always open but not all of the grounds.

Larry T — Google review

Beautiful FREE nature and artsy area, connects with a separate parking area on the other side of the botanical garden that closes earlier, so if you want to stay later this is the side to go in at. I am here in the winter, & the sun went down early so I was able to get some nighttime shots. The restrooms are clean, the park was well-kept except I really wish the botanical garden had better signage, many plants had zero signs telling you what they are.

My E — Google review

Pretty interesting stop on the way home. It’s been a place my wife has been wanting to see. But now that we have seen the bridge we may want to stop back by to check our the other places like the Turtle Bay Exploration Museum. There was plenty of parking and also changing stations.

Jason ( — Google review

Well, Gladys kept suggesting we visit this bridge, so we did. It was pretty cool, but we didn't realize it was part of the Turtle Bay attraction. The theme park has an admission price, but the bridge itself didn't. It's not transparent glass as we thought but still worth the visit. 😁

Seila — Google review

Gardens, trails, museum, oh my!! Fantastic place for a romantic afternoon or a blast with this kids. It's amazing walking on the bridge of glass. Stop and take in the river view halfway.

Brandon N — Google review

This place is RAD!!!! very interesting to see a giant sundial and to learn some of the history behind it. Plus a big botanical garden to walk through. I recommend stopping for a few and checking out out. And the scenery,trees and river and so much more......

Shayne I — Google review

The Glow Show at turtle Bay was lots of fun and unique. Fun for everyone. Food is available from Mosaic restaurant mobile units and hit the spot and beverages are available too. This made for a very pleasant walk in the evening. Children were really enjoying themselves and lots of photo ops are scattered throughout the 10 acre display.

Rebecca C — Google review

Visited the city over a weekend. Beautiful view of the Redding sunset! Very clean and calm environment. The electric scooters were all dead or on low battery according to the app, so that was kinda of a bummer. Overall though it’s a cool spot :)

Raquel C — Google review

It's a great looking bridge in Redding, CA. Crosses the Sacramento river. It is a sundial bridge that gives time based on the sun position throughout the day. River is amazing matches well with the floor of the bride. Water is cold, but it definitely keeps you cool in these hot summer days.

Man-E C — Google review

We have visited Sundial bridge during our Shasta trip. This bridge is built over Sacramento river. Its a beautiful bridge. You can also go for little hike. I have seen locals hiking. Near by there is Turtle Bay exploration center if you want you can visit that place too.

Krishna B — Google review

Simply beautiful. Have fun with kids. Night time experience is great. Quite, light and sound of the lake water is so relaxing❤️

MD M — Google review

I love taking evening strolls here, especially during sunset time. In the summer that is really the best time to walk my dog since the pavement can get too hot during the day. But the evening time is beautiful to see the sunsets over the water. The lights at the bridge are beautiful as well. There are many different paths to take that keeps my walking route interesting. There are usually people along these paths, especially on the bridge taking picture or in the area down below the bridge. The area down below next to the river is super cool, and helps to cool you down on hot days. I have encountered snakes on the path when it starts to get dark, so be careful and aware, especially with pets.

Deanna F — Google review

Beautiful scenery surrounding this incredible landmark. The scenes were elevated by the sun and warmth with the tips of the surrounding mountain range covered in snow! If just for a moment to breathe and enjoy being out and about, this is a must on anyone's Redding list when in the area! Let alone the incredible engineering of the bridge itself!

Jack R — Google review

Had a quick minute on a recent business trip to stop and check out the Sundial Bridge. Nicely done! Lots of walkers, bikers, and school field trippers enjoying the area. Looking forward to returning and doing more exploration. 😀

Jim J — Google review

Great peaceful place 🙏 a big thanks to all the wonderful workers who make this place so clean and secure, it is really hard to find a clean place to have family time here in California. Homelessness is taking over in a lot of great outdoor places, so to see that you guys make sure is safe for families to come and enjoy is just highly appreciated 👏 keep up the good work, and I will be back to relax and enjoy the clean river and side big thanks!

Luis M — Google review

Beautiful and unique location. The light show is very entertaining. The displays are beautiful. A must see if you are near. Great way to close out the evening solo, with family or friends.

Shellaine C — Google review

This was way more cool than I expected! Photos cannot do the sundial Bridge it's true justice. A local showed us a cool trick, if you out your ear against the sundial cords and hit the cord with something hard, the sound travels up the line and back! Very neat!

Cheyenne M — Google review

Very nice place to take a break and enjoy the day. Beautiful Bridge over the Sacramento River and a Museum and Bistro is also located there at one end. Lot's of walking trails 👣 Great Place..👍👍👍👍👍

Gene R — Google review

The sundial bridge is an amazing experience. It's the best place to visit the best place for a walk. It's always the perfect temperature. And I would highly recommend going. It's never too busy and the sights are amazing there's always ducks underneath. It's a great family visit. I'm totally going again 😌🥪

Stephen C — Google review

Looks like a quite fancy bridge with the glass floor. You may feel the cold water and a different view of the bridge by the river beach. There are some trails for walking in this park. The museum is next to the bridge entrance.

Angel H — Google review

1st time here just passing through town on a road trip but weather was nice enough for a stop. Easy parking & walked from the turtle bay river trail. Weekday afternoon & not crowded at all. Beautiful bridge for walking across. There was fishing boats under & looks like they were definitely having good luck catching. Blue skies with gorgeous clouds but overcast enough where I wasn’t able to see the actual sundial time. Very impressive bridge.

Rosanna M — Google review

I would recommend going at night...But only if you can afford the somewhat steep $20 ( with a $5 discount for Turtle Bay Members) admission fee to the Glowing Wild event.According to the flyer,"Experience Glowing Wild Lantern Festival for the first time at the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay Exploration park, featuring 10 acres of botanical gardens filled with larger-than-life Asian lantern displays inspired by wildlife and plants from around the world, great for all ages."Although pretty amazing and colorful during the day...Apparently at night everything is lit up, hence the Glowing in the name. And about the only animal NOT on display was the raccoon...

Katrina N — Google review

Interesting feature was a pleasant surprise in Redding. Nice walk across the bridge and Interesting features. Didn't know the tall spire is actually a sundial. Full park was closed when we arrived, but it was nice to view what we saw. Nice side visit 😁👍

Jeff K — Google review

The Sundial Bridge in Redding, California, is an architectural marvel and a serene escape. Its stunning design, combining functionality and aesthetics, offers a unique experience. The translucent walkway and the breathtaking view of the Sacramento River make it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a memorable sunset. Surrounded by natural beauty, this bridge is a must-see attraction, a testament to human creativity and ingenuity.

Bo T — Google review

Had a blast. Very good spot to visit to see all the lights, and I would definitely suggest it for everyone of all ages even. The staff were very friendly and went to the botanical gardens show of lights, and it was definitely an experience I will remember for all of my life. I had so much fun. I think I'm gonna have to do it again this year, and hopefully, there will be many more to come.

STUPID M — Google review

4.7

(5600)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (232)

4.5

(1510)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (233)

Sacramento River Trail, Redding, CA 96001, USA

(530) 243-8850

29

Lithia Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

Lithia Park is a stunning 100-acre green space in Ashland, Oregon that boasts of well-manicured lawns, ponds, gardens, and wooded areas. The park offers various amenities such as tennis and volleyball courts for sports enthusiasts. It houses the Allen Elizabethan Theatre which provides a picturesque view of the park. Lithia Park also features a botanical garden and numerous water features to add to its scenic appeal.

Always a great time.Lithia Park is a beautiful place. It is well kept and Ashland Creek is lovely year round. There are plenty of trails and bridges over the creek, so it doesn't get boring.

David B — Google review

Proof that with proper planning, stewardship of land can benefit the present and many future generations. This park is very beautiful, fun and romantic. Great for people of all ages! It's peacefulness and serenity are accented by the sounds of the fresh, flowing stream and the bards and musicians scattered along it. Thank you to the entire team that manages this park!

Eddie C — Google review

Beautiful park. My favorite place in Ashland. The dog ban is a bummer, but while I was there I saw a dog go after a deer, chasing it out of the park. Could’ve been really bad for the deer, luckily I saw her come back a few minutes later. Overall though, lovely, lovely place with a perfect creek.

Alethea D — Google review

No matter the time of year this park delights. It has so much scenery, nature, water and play features. Includes a botanical garden and something everyone will find enjoyable here... except dogs. They are not allowed.

Linda W — Google review

Possibly one of the most beautiful city parks in Oregon! The park is very well-maintained and full of hidden gems and lots of hiking paths. There’s several bridges that go over the creek and plenty of spots for a picnic. Come anytime of the year and the trees will be a different color.

bartellj — Google review

MUST VISIT!!!We visited in Mid February, the weather was chilly but not cold and perfect for walking the trails and visiting the Japanese Garden.I can't say enough about the beauty and peacefulness of this park. It was serene, clean and everyone we passed on the trails were so nice. The bathrooms are not really marked but look for the brown buildings. Bathrooms are very clean!!I will be going back. If you are in the area spend a few hour walking the trails take a small picnic and just be surrounded by nature.Free entry $0Free parking $0

K M — Google review

This place is amazing! You can talk a very easy walk around one of the most beautiful parks in the area. I visit this park frequently and am in constant awe of the beauty. The walk along the creek is relaxing with the sounds of water, the wildlife, and the trees. Easily one of my favorites.

Thadeus H — Google review

Much different today than it was at previous visit sixty years ago. We are here ahead of Shakespeare season, Which undoubtedly dictates the mood of the city. Lihia Park seems clean and pleasant. Park and city seem to have updated mood of the late sixties in terms of hippie life seeking. We enjoyed our visit with kids and adults present.

Bob R — Google review

Visited during Mother's Day weekend 2024. First time visiting and absolutely beautiful. Enjoyed the Japanese garden and the fountain. Overall a pleasant experience.

Ricardo L — Google review

I really enjoyed the trail along the creek. Beautiful, and easy to forget you are right outside town. The Japanese garden was ok, but kind of a let down.

Michelle R — Google review

Excellent park to visit when in town. Whether you want a walk, like gardens, want to have a picnic, catch a concert, play pickleball or just enjoy the outdoors….this is a great park in Oregon.

C L — Google review

Lithia Park has gotten more beautiful over the last 30 years. There's a kids play structure, the Japanese gardens, very challenging stairs going straight up on the hillside for hikers and joggers with the chutzpah to climb, and benches and picnic tables to rest, craft, or eat. Today there was a cello player on the path, a couple artists, some deer, and nice breeze. Be aware there is an E-coli warning for the creek, as of August 2023. But don't let it stop you from enjoying the walking paths. Restrooms are open. No dogs, no bikes, no smoking.

Melody M — Google review

It is a beautiful place with a lot of trails to walk on. They have maps posted around the park in different places that display the trails and where each one leads to. Plenty of really cool things to see along the trails. Plus, depending on the time of year that you are there, you're very likely to see different types of wildlife as well. They also have a nice playground for kiddo's to get some energy out and have some fun as well. All in all it is a nice place to visit. It can just get a little crowded on the weekends so if you are able to, I suggest going during the week to avoid the crowds.

Rick C — Google review

A beautiful park and venue to gather people in the thousands. The weather was cols and there is no indoor space but the another like feel is great for a small concert. A great a lot to run or stroll with the family.

Tom B — Google review

It's a beautiful place to visit, with many trails to go on short hikes or just to relax and enjoy nature. In the fall it is at it's best when the trees start to turn shades off yellow orange and red. Definitely check it out and cool if in the creek in the summer.

Roy R — Google review

Saw 6 deer before I even parked. Could've given 5 stars off of that. I only walked around half the park, but all, including the Japanese garden, was lovely. I spent quite some time sitting in front of the zen rock garden. The rest of the walk was clean, not too busy, and floral.

Adelynn — Google review

Such a peaceful park that allows you to wander... over petite wooden brides, surrounded by woodland creatures, and listen as the creek flows by.There's also a lovely playground to play upon right next to some bathrooms.

L G — Google review

4.8

(3379)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (238)

4.5

(1629)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (239)

Winburn Way, Ashland, OR 97520, USA

(541) 488-5340

30

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

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40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (242)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (243)

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Performing arts theater

Concerts & Shows

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, established in 1935, is a renowned repertory festival that takes place from late February to October each year in Ashland. The festival pays homage to William Shakespeare while also embracing contemporary works, making it a vibrant center for theatrical innovation. Visitors can explore the charming town of Ashland and enjoy activities such as wine tasting, shopping, hiking, and biking in the surrounding mountains and forests.

“ITS CHRISTMAS, CAROL” A Fun and Fast Paced Slapstick Comedy Play in Ashland at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Playing till January 2022. We really enjoyed it!!!

Ann T — Google review

Excellent productions with fine actors. This town has three comfortable theatres used for a variety of dramas, musicals and some Shakespeare productions during a long March to November season. Loved the 'Preface' ($10) which is a 30-minute talk given by an actor and theatre scholar as an intro to each play's author, storyline and production history. Very informative and helpful if you're going to shows with school age children.

Kyle M — Google review

Do not miss this experience. Outdoor theaters are a special treat. Evening performances are exquisite. OSF does everything with flair and style. The talent is stellar. Wine, beer, popcorn and cookies are sold and allowed in open air theaters.

Melody M — Google review

Really cool venue and performance (we saw Twelfth Night). Very unique experience to watch such performances in an outdoor venue. The plays are very modern takes on the classics which make it a little more approachable for those less familiar. I had little knowledge of the story, Twelfth Night, so highly recommend doing a little homework pre-show otherwise you might find yourself lost trying to follow the story (particularly given the heavy early modern English).The theater is very nice with variety of concessions and easily accessible restrooms.

Nader A — Google review

Not even at 25% occupancy, but we've been waiting for two weeks for the air quality to clear so we could see "Fannie."It was well worth the wait! It was a clear sky, and cooler weather.The actress did an excellent job! 👏What a treat! It was an appreciative audience too.

Susan H — Google review

Excellent evening watching the Tempest. Would recommend hiring cushions ($3 each) for a long performance. Otherwise seating spacious. Great view of the stage. Definitely recommend going.

Paul H — Google review

Fantastic performance!!!! Extremely impressive, we loved the show. Pretty amazing to witness the standing ovation from the crowd at the end. We saw modern day Romeo & Juliet.

Cara A — Google review

Recently, as a member, I had to exchange tickets for one of the 10 shows we purchased from May 3rd to May 1st. We were able to get the exact same seats that we had purchased for May 3rd - A1 and A2. The person helping me had no problem exchanging them, but since we bought them at pre-sale prices, he was going to have to charge me the difference, which was $62.50. I was very surprised and disappointed that they would do that.

Steve T — Google review

I've seen 10 plays here and participated in the backstage tour. Honestly, some of my best memories are from my trips here. They put on incredible productions and there is so much talent to be seen.

Chana C — Google review

Love the theater the show was great! Being that we are from another state and the first time visiting! It would have been nice to have been made aware of mandatory mask and proof of covid vaccinations to enter and open out door theater. Yeah sounds weird and doesn't make sense. But for us to have been made aware when we purchased our tickets and the multiple reminder emails of the upcoming show and asking for donations. Somewhere would have been nice to make that made aware.

Patrick K — Google review

Had a very enjoyable evening watching “All’s well that ends well.” They do a great job of presenting a modern interpretation of the play while staying true to the original language. These are not stuffy stiff performances.One thing we didn’t realize at first is that the theater is open air. So be sure to bring a jacket to stay warm.

Tyler W — Google review

I have attended OSF since 1969. The plays in the past were always fantastic, this year sadly the dramatic interpretation of the plays left me short with only discontent. It has been a treat to enjoy Shakespeare in full traditional costumes but that seems to have been only a remembrance from yesteryear. Although I had heard from volunteers, there are hundreds of costumes saved in storage that would be great to see again to enhance the plays.This year I saw Romeo and Juliet making a current political statement. Perhaps, homelessness should be dealt with in its own play with a creative resolution that would actually address the problems that have developed into homelessness. This was so distracting to a marvelous love story with traditional lines that it was flat.The next disappointment was The Three Musketeers. The background of the play was interesting about the author Alexandre Dumas but could have been left as an introduction then the play would retain its original script. The foul language really did not add anything to the play and certainly not good for young theatre goers. I did not see disclaimer concerning the language when I ordered my tickets.I suspect many of us are traditionalist who enjoy our current cultural or political issues in their own plays perhaps not mutilating Shakespeare or the other authors we come to enjoy.I fear after all these years as OSF reaches toward 100 years of existence faithful patrons may not be rushing back as some of us over half a century. The theatre has been part of my entire life and I would hope Ashland and OSF will find its way back to great entertaining theatre again, for its survival.

Christine R — Google review

January 2023 OSF announced major changes in all things. Due to Covid, the economy, etc....OSF will be taking drastic majors and 2018 season ended with 26 shows - cancelled - or move indoors- huge layoffs and $2-3 Million in losses...Like thousands, we use migrate to Ashland every year for a theater fix.It is The Best! So Great - and so sad- due to Covid 19 - all plays and musicals are cancelled...Big financial hit to the company. We shall return.

Miami S — Google review

We came from Chico CA and were aware there was some smoke in the area from fires. We came to see The Three Musketeers. We had awesome seats. The smoke was pretty low and we were told by email that we would be informed by email by 5:00 pm if the show would go on. They said the show would go on, we arrived, they opened seating, started playing music and then a man came out to announce that the show was canceled. We could understand to some degree of course but...why did they seat us?Then, we heard some people saying that they were seating people in Romeo and Juliet which was in doors. When we got to that theater, the doors were closed and it was full. Some people were fortunate enough to get in but we were not. We only heard about it from people walking past that were "in the know" from the right person directing them over to that show. We weren't that lucky. We ended up wandering around town that was mostly closed for a bit and walked back to our hotel. Very disappointing. Empty stage, too bad the show looked promising 😐

David R — Google review

Worst "Macbeth" of my life...actors had no mic's, very difficult to hear. Macbeth's best speech was too soft. Some good visual effects. My CA family said they had bad experience last year with Shakespeare, wouldn't return.

Dorothy H — Google review

Beautiful theatre.Parking needs to be nearer to it for disabled patrons.Sound system made me wonder if actors needed amplification but no the director just liked it LOUD. Lots of lunging and missing very few screams of pain as looser dies.Costumes looked home made. Witches could only be identified because they appeared together.I learned that the spoils of greed are not satisfying.

Carol G — Google review

It was our first play together as a family. Was very awesome. What a great venue.

Ginger T — Google review

If you get the chance to see a show here, do it. Everything done here is either avant-garde or meticulously classic but always incredible. Outdoor theaters are better than the indoors one, imho.

Melody N — Google review

Cannot say enough positive things about the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Everything is top notch, from the acting to the singing to the costumes to the venues. Add it to your bucket list if you haven't already.

Sherrilynn R — Google review

4.7

(1137)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (244)

4.5

(1593)40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (245)

15 S Pioneer St, Ashland, OR 97520, USA

(541) 482-2111

40 Best Stops Between Pasadena and Eugene (2024)
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