Tag Page WeekendGetaway

Christian Russo

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Why does the California state flag have a bear 🐻 in San Francisco? Pixar panda 🐼!

San Francisco | Why Does the California State Flag Have a Bear? 🐻 Pixar's Red Panda ❗️ I never expected to be captivated by a cute little video of a red panda 🦊. So, this weekend, I visited the SF Zoo for the first time just to see the red panda. And guess what? It turned out to be the inspiration for the red panda character in Pixar's movie, "Turning Red"! It's amazing how the bay area's filmmakers observed these adorable creatures at the zoo and created the cartoon version for the film. Now, let's talk about the bear on the California state flag 🐻. I found the answer at the zoo as well. It turns out that the bear represents the last grizzly bear in California, which lived until 1889. Its symbolical presence on the flag represents the city's commitment to protecting endangered wildlife. During my visit, I also had the chance to see various other animals like flamingos 🦩, parrots 🦜, peacocks 🦚, giraffes 🦒, zebras 🦓, gorillas 🦧, leopards 🐆, penguins 🐧, lions 🦁, kangaroos 🦘, polar bears 🐻‍❄️, owls 🦉, and squirrels 🐿️. I saw a koala 🐨 affected by eucalyptus leaves poisoning, a lazy and gluttonous anteater, a rhinoceros 🦏 playing with a ball, and even the famous sloth from the movie "Zootopia" at the DMV 🦥. Apart from the animals, there was a cute vintage steam train 🌬️ that added to the charm of the zoo. Spending the weekend at the zoo, enjoying the cool breeze from the ocean 🌊, turned out to be a fulfilling experience. #SanFranciscoZoo #RedPanda #Pixar #CaliforniaStateFlag #GrizzlyBear #WildlifeProtection #AnimalsInZoo #Koala #Anteater #RhinocerosBallPlay #ZootopiaSloth #SteamTrain #WeekendGetaway

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Mrs. Andrea Ayala

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How To Spend A Weekend In Half Moon Bay: Some Local Tips!

🌊 Exploring Half Moon Bay: Your Perfect Weekend Getaway! 🌅 Half Moon Bay has captured my heart, thanks to my best friend who grew up there. Just a 45-minute drive from San Francisco, this charming coastal city is the perfect destination for a weekend escape from the Bay Area. Let me share with you my ultimate city guide for a memorable weekend in Half Moon Bay! 🌴🚗 🌤️ When to Go / Half Moon Bay Weather - August, September, and October bring the most sunshine, making them ideal for sunny days in Half Moon Bay. - Embrace the coastal fog if you're visiting during other months. Don't forget to pack your cozy sweaters and windbreakers. 🏨 Half Moon Bay Hotels / Where To Stay 1. Airbnb: Enjoy the charm of staying in a cozy beach house. With limited hotel options, Airbnbs are a popular choice. 2. San Benito House Inn: This renovated historic hotel, built-in 1905, offers a unique experience at an affordable price (averaging under $100 a night). 3. Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay: The iconic Ritz Carlton hotel sits on the coast, offering breathtaking sunsets and a luxurious stay. Though I haven't stayed here, it's worth mentioning. Relaxation and Fun Activities Await! 🏖️🍷 Remember to check out the stunning coastal trails, even when the fog rolls in. Half Moon Bay's downtown area retains its old-timey charm. Curious about hidden gems? The double-decker bus bar is a must-visit attraction, providing an extra fun experience during your trip! #HalfMoonBay #WeekendGetaway #CoastalCharm #TravelCalifornia #HiddenGems

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Mrs. Andrea Ayala

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STEAM TRAIN

🚂🌳 Tilden Park Steam Train: Bay Area's Hidden Gem in Orinda, California 🌳🚂 Located in Contra-Costa County near Berkeley, the Tilden Park Steam Train at the Redwood Valley Railway is truly a hidden gem. Offering scenic rides along a ridge on a scaled-down steam train, it's the perfect activity to enjoy with family and friends. Here's what makes it so special: 🌲 Enjoy the Beauty: As you ride the steam train, you'll experience the stunning natural surroundings. The train passes through majestic redwoods, beautiful wildflowers, and even offers breathtaking views of the bay. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might spot a deer or two! 👶 Fun for the Little Ones: The Tilden Park Steam Train is toddler-friendly. It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce young children to the joy of train rides and create lasting memories. ✨ Hobby Train: Besides the steam train, there's also a shorter hobby train that runs on Sundays from 12-3 pm. This train is free and operates through donations, making it a great option for budget-conscious families. 🏞️ Tilden Park: The whole park itself is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. With various amenities, nature trails, and picnic areas, you can plan a full day of fun-filled activities and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. 📍 Location and Hours: - Address: 2481 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA - Admission: $4 per person (free for children under 2); 5 tickets for $16 (cash or card accepted) - Opening Hours: Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 11 am to 6 pm during non-summer months. Summer vacation and spring break weekday hours are 11 am to 5 pm, operating all 7 days. - Parking: Convenient parking is available. Discover the hidden treasure of the Bay Area at Tilden Park Steam Train in Orinda, California. Plan your visit today and be prepared for a memorable ride through nature's wonders! 🌲🚂 #BayArea #HiddenGem #FamilyFun #ScenicRides #OutdoorActivities #NatureLovers #OrindaCA #TildenPark #SteamTrain #WeekendGetaway

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Steven Arnold

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Desolate Beauty of Niles - Coffee ☕Railroad🚂 Silent Movies🎬 Antiques

Tuesday Travel Chronicle: Did a solo trip! Niles, located in Fremont, is best visited on weekends because many of the old shops and museums are closed on weekdays! Today, I originally planned to eat at the famous Skilletz Brunch in the area, but it was too crowded on a weekday! If you want to eat there, you need to go early, super crowded after 10am! With the principle of "since we came, we should enjoy," I took a stroll & here's a few highlights: 🚩Devout Coffee 37323 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536 Pics 2/3, Niles is a must-visit place and the only place in the bay with a proper storefront! Way better than their simple food truck in Castro Valley! Baristas are serious, the coffee is aromatic, and hand-pulled lattes are perfect! 🚩Niles Depot Museum 37592 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536 Pics 4/5/6, a century-old railway station converted into a museum! Free to visit, only open on Sundays, but not every Sunday. Note the 2022 Opening times: 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18, 10am-4pm! 🚩Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum 37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536 Pics 7/8, Silent Film Museum! Free entry, only open on Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm-4pm! You'll find lots of old cameras and precious images! Did you know? In 1915, the comedy master Chaplin produced five films in Niles! 🚩Tyme For Tea & Co 37501 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536 Pic 9, personally, I think it's the most nostalgic afternoon tea shop in South Bay! Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11am-3pm, bookings are required! Before the pandemic, customers could cosplay with the floral hats provided by the shop, now not sure! Besides the tea area, there's an impressive collection of mid-century tea ware. Collectors can come and dig for treasures! Summary: A desolate yet beautiful little town. Aside from the long queue at the famous Skilletz Brunch, you hardly see anyone else around at other places! #DesolateBeautyOfNiles #CoffeeRailroad #SilentMovies #Antiques #NilesAdventures #HiddenGems #WeekendGetaway #HistoricTown

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Christian Russo

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I went on a day trip to Santa Cruz again and again in the Bay Area weekend.

📍Mad Yolks - The first stop was at this popular spot known for their solid and tasty sandwiches. It's also a great place for some Instagram-worthy photos, with the restroom entrance being a popular photo spot. The only downside is that it can be a bit messy to eat. Next, I headed to 📍11th Hour Coffee for a post-meal cup of coffee. This cozy and plant-filled cafe is just a short walk away. It's the kind of place where nearby college students would love to study. In the afternoon, I happened to stumble upon a pop-up from 📍Yakitori Toriman called "Real Bird Ceiling" near the 📍Apero Club. The chicken was incredibly tender and had a smoky flavor from the charcoal grilling. The only downside was the slightly higher price and limited menu options. For dessert after the meal, my top choice was 📍Penny Ice. Perhaps because it was colder in the autumn-winter season, there wasn't a long line. I ordered a double scoop for only 💰8.5. The dark chocolate flavor was rich and lingering, while the bourbon persimmon was a unique and delicious treat. Before heading back, I made a stop at 📍Shark Fin Cove to enjoy the beautiful seaside view and take some stunning photos 📸. 🔸Mad Yolks: This trendy spot for tasty sandwiches and Instagram-worthy photos. 🔸11th Hour Coffee: A cozy coffee shop perfect for studying or a post-meal pick-me-up. 🔸Yakitori Toriman Pop-up: A lucky find for mouthwatering chicken skewers, but with a higher price and limited menu. 🔸Penny Ice: A dessert haven with flavors like rich dark chocolate and unique bourbon persimmon. 🔸Shark Fin Cove: A scenic spot to capture breathtaking photos of the coastline. #FoodieAdventures #BayAreaEats #HiddenGems #InstagrammableSpots #FoodieCommunity #CoffeeLovers #DessertLovers #WeekendGetaway #ExploreCalifornia #TravelDiaries

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Mrs. Andrea Ayala

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A Weekend Itinerary in Half Boon Bay!

🌟 A Weekend Itinerary in Half Moon Bay! 🌟 Saturday: - Drive down and grab lunch at Sam's Chowder House at Pillar Point Harbor 🐟🍲 - Visit the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to explore the tidal pools and go for a short hike 🌊🏞️ - Head to Main Street in downtown Half Moon Bay for shopping and dining 🛍️🍽️ - Check out San Benito House, Half Moon Bay Jail museum, Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel Co, Garden Apothecary, and Unleashed Art Gallery ✨🏛️🌼🎨 - Enjoy an early happy hour at Sacrilege Brewery + Kitchen and try their amazing beer selection 🍻 - Take a sunset walk around the coastal trail near Ritz Carlton for breathtaking views 🌅 - For dinner, consider staying at the Ritz Carlton for a luxurious dining experience or try Pasta Moon or Monsoon in downtown Half Moon Bay 🍝🍛 Sunday: - Start your day at Granola's Coffee House for a delicious breakfast and cozy atmosphere ☕ - Explore the beautiful Montara Beach State Park or Poplar Beach for a refreshing coastal hike 🏖️🚶‍♀️ - Have lunch at San Benito Deli Cafe, a local favorite, for delicious sandwiches and outdoor seating 🥪🌳 - Stop by Cameron's to see their iconic Double Deck bus and marvel at this unique sight 🚌✨ - Visit James Johnston House, enjoy the stunning views and take a walk on the nearby trails 🏰🌼 - Drive back to San Francisco through Pacifica and make a stop at Devil's Slide for a memorable experience on this closed-off road with breathtaking views of the ocean 🚗🌊 Don't miss out on the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Patches if you're visiting in September or October! 🎃 Remember, Half Moon Bay offers even more fun things to do if you're looking for alternatives! #HalfMoonBay #WeekendGetaway #Travel #California #CoastalTrail #TidalPools #LocalEats #SunsetWalk #PumpkinPatches #FallActivities #ExploringNature

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Christopher Gilbert

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Detailed Itinerary for Exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park 🌋

🚗 Getting There: - Lassen is just over a 4-hour drive from the South Bay. 🏨 Accommodation: - Stay in Redding for easy access to Burney and Shasta. Day 1: - Depart from the Bay Area in the morning. - Afternoon waterfall tour: - Burney Falls: short and easy trail. - Mossbrae Falls: choose the railroad path to avoid the chilly river. - Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner. (Bonus: Catch the sunset at Mt. Shasta View Point for a breathtaking view.) Day 2: - Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park. - Top 3 recommended spots: - ❤ Bumpass Hell: 2.6-mile trail, perfect for 1-2 hours. - 🩵 Large meadow near Kings Creek Trailhead. - 🧡 Cinder Cone: a 4-mile+ round-trip trail, with a challenging climb up the volcanic cone. - Other noteworthy points to visit: - 🤎 Sulphur Works: bubbling mud pots. - 💚 Lassen Peak Trail: a 4.9-mile hike, reaching the summit at 10,457 feet. - 💙 Kings Creek Falls: a 2.3-mile hike. - 💛 Manzanita Lake. Day 3: - Explore the surroundings of Mt. Shasta before heading back home. - Recommended spots: - Mt. Shasta View Point. - Cable Beach at Lake Siskiyou. (Keep in mind, the visibility of the snowy mountain depends on the weather.) 🌋 #LassenVolcanicNationalPark #TravelAdventure #NatureExploration #WeekendGetaway #CaliforniaDreaming #MtShasta #WaterfallTour #BucketList #ExploreCalifornia #OutdoorEscapes #Hidden Gems

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Mrs. Andrea Ayala

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Where to go in the Bay Area on weekends｜Pillar Point Harbor

📍 Address: 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 🚘 1-hour drive from San Jose. I recently visited Half Moon Bay again to explore Pillar Point Harbor, and boy, it was worth it! Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit: 📋 Preparation: 1⃣️ Fishing License: Whether you're a California resident or a visitor, make sure to grab a fishing license. California residents enjoy discounted rates all year round. You can choose between a single-time license or an annual one, depending on your needs. 2⃣️ Waterproof Boots: Trust me, investing in a pair of waterproof boots is a game-changer. I got mine from Hunter, and the best part? I found them at half price on their website. Score! 3⃣️ Fishing Essentials: Don't forget to bring along some key items for a successful fishing adventure. I recommend getting buckets, anti-scratch gloves, and long-handled clamps. Bass Pro Shop is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, so make sure to check it out before your trip. 4⃣️ Ice Cubes: Keep your catch fresh by bringing some ice cubes to store it in the bucket. ⚠️ Note: 1. Check the Tides: Timing is everything when it comes to beach activities. Keep an eye on the high tide and low tide times, and plan your visit accordingly. The best time to hit the beach is usually around 1-2 hours before low tide. 2. Catching Regulations: Be aware of the regulations regarding what you can catch and where. For example, there may be limitations on the number of sea urchins you can take or size restrictions for rock crabs. Stay informed, and I've attached a picture for reference. 3. Dress for the Weather: The Bay Area can still be chilly, so besides beach attire, don't forget to bring along a thicker jacket to stay warm. Hashtags: #PillarPointHarbor #HalfMoonBay #FishingAdventure #OutdoorFun #BayArea #WeekendGetaway

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Christian Russo

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Time to start spring hiking

🌳 Spring Hiking at Ed R. Levin County Park 🌳 Visited this county park today - the mountains aren't all green yet, but they're slowly turning! 🌿 It's the perfect time to start spring hiking. Park Details: - There's an entrance fee of $6 per car 🚗, but it's well worth it! - Inside, you'll find a lake 🏞️, a playground for kids 🤸‍♂️, and an off-leash area for dogs 🐾. - You can also hike the trails up the mountain ⛰️. The scenery is stunning, and the sounds of birds chirping make it an ideal weekend getaway. 📍Location: Ed R. Levin County Park 🚩Address: 3100 Calaveras Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035, USA #EdRLevinCountyPark #SpringHiking #NatureLovers #MountainTrails #WeekendGetaway #Birdwatching #DogFriendly #FamilyFriendly #Milpitas #CaliforniaParks

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Christian Russo

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Healdsburg Town | Santa Claus🎅 is calling you👋

Most folks go wine tasting🍷 in the renowned regions of Sonoma and Napa. However, the little town of Healdsburg in the northwest of Sonoma offers a more private flavor, especially for sweet wine lovers [cute R emoji] It's particularly great for a 1-2 day weekend self-drive from the Bay Area🚗 During the Christmas season, the town is filled with holiday spirit🎄 You might even run into Santa Claus on the street [cute R emoji] When it comes to the quality of its wines, Healdsburg can be said to be top-notch. The Dry Creek Valley is home to some of the best Zinfandel grapes in Northern California, which can be made into richly fragrant dinner and sweet wines. There are many great vineyards here🍷: 1⃣️ Flowers Vineyards & Winery A vineyard with a modern artistic atmosphere, offering high-quality experience. You can enjoy the view of the Saint Helena mountains from the outdoor courtyard. The inside features many ceramic artworks designed by Zoe Derring and wood carvings by Evan Shively. 2⃣️ Dry Creek Vineyard In addition to Zinfandel, they also grow pink and golden Zinfandel grapes. The tasting room is based on the prototype of a French castle, making it cozy and romantic. 3⃣️ Seghesio Family Vineyards An Italian-style family vineyard where you can taste selected Zinfandel wines. They offer cheese and delicatessen pairings, and you can also choose a four-course menu. Apart from vineyards, there are lots of other fun activities: ➕🚴 Biking through vineyards 🔍Adventure cycling tour Biking through various vineyards, looking out over the ripe vineyards, and breathing in the crisp mountain air, it's amazing! ➕Open-air market There's an open-air market in the town center on weekends, where you can buy fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables, as well as decorations. ➕Foodie heaven The French bakery📍Costeaux French Bakery has almost become a landmark in the town, hosting the Guinness World Record for the largest pumpkin pie. For foodies, the most famous spot is the restaurant #HealdsburgTown #SantaClausCalling #WineTasting #WeekendGetaway #ChristmasSpirit #DryCreekValley #Vineyards #FlowersVineyards #DryCreekVineyard #SeghesioFamilyVineyards #BikingThroughVineyards #OpenAirMarket #FoodieHeaven #CosteauxFrenchBakery

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