Formerly known as Marine World, this is a combination wildlife park, oceanarium, and amusement park. Some of its most popular attractions include a killer whale show, water rides and roller coasters, an animal nursery, a family of elephants, and roaming cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and Batman. Bring the kids to take in a sea lion show after you get splashed by Shouka, the resident 4000-pound killer whale, or check out the thrill ride Vertical Velocity. The park is located a short 30-minute drive north of San Francisco.
If you want wine made out of your choice of grapes in small quantities—like maybe just a barrel, then Judd's Hill is the place you need to visit. The winery is owned and managed by Finkelstein family on the principle of 'small is beautiful.' They are quite happy to make wines on a made-to-order basis and according to customer specifications. They have a wine club where members have additional benefits and are invited to Judd's Hill events in Napa Valley. A combination of art, heritage, finest grapes and hand crafted wines is what Judd's Hill is all about. Picturesque and sunny, a visit to this winery is a great way to spend a lovely afternoon.
If you want to taste some of the best wines, then a visit to Del Dotto Vineyards in Napa Valley is a must. Del Dotto Vineyards is a family-owned business and has been functional for more than ten years. The selling point of this winery is that it is the only place that bottles wine right out of barrels. The barrels here are housed inside the caves which gives a mystical touch to the wine touring and tasting experience. The caves here are tiled with marble and are a great place to taste the rich wines produced here.
A picnic ground and trailhead at the base of the hill lead to steep trails up to the boulder-strewn valley rim. Hikers and horse riders to the Skyline Wilderness Park are greeted with pretty views of the valley and a respite from the wine-soaked tourist crush of the valley floor. Some moderate degree of cardiovascular fitness is advisable before setting off.
There is something oddly fascinating about watching workers here take sugar and fruit juice mixed with a few other ingredients and turn it all into gourmet jelly beans. Free, guided tours leave every few minutes and walk you through the process from mixing, forming and tumbling to polishing and packaging. The visitor center includes (what else?) a candy store. Visitors get to sample test flavors and rate them for potential marketing.
This popular park is a 2,077-acre ( 840.5-hectare) wilderness wonderland with a variety of attractions for the sports enthusiast, naturalist, or anyone in need of some recreation. Popular activities include swimming, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, sunbathing, exploring, golf, picnicking, fishing, pony rides, train rides, and bike rides. It also features a lake, golf course, petting zoo, a mini steam train, a carousel, and endless trails to explore. Do not miss the Regional Parks Botanical Garden, home to the world's most complete collection of California native plants.
College Avenue stretches from deep within Berkeley to Oakland, and along this bustling boulevard numerous restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and much more are waiting for your enjoyment. Near the Rockridge end of the street you will find many eclectic restaurants serving an enormous variety of cuisines, as well as other small boutique shops selling anything from yoga mats to antique brass bedposts. Near the University, College Avenue takes on a funkier spirit, and incense shops allure you with their intriguing scents. Shopping is a major attraction of this East Bay hot spot, yet there are not many chain stores. Rather, locals prefer to support local businesses instead of national chains. However certain stores, such as Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and Hot Topic, can still be found conveniently nearby. Great for a Sunday walk where you can leisurely stroll down this beautiful avenue - stop and have a coffee at one of many cafes, or buy a unique present for a special someone!
The Museum of Vision aims at highlighting the importance of one of our sensory organs, the eye. From humble beginnings, with just one exhibition in 1982, this museum has come a long way to being a prominent establishment as the Museum of Vision. The exhibits at this museum captures the science of ophthalmology, right from its inception and also includes advancements in the field. Ancient surgical instruments, eye amulets, spectacles, eye masks and much more are part of the collection on display. Booking an appointment before your visit is highly recommended.
Built in 1909, the Thorsen House is located in the Southside neighborhood in Berkeley. It is also known as The William R. Thorsen House and this mansion was incorporated in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The house is currently owned by the Sigma Phi Society, who conduct tours of the house a regular basis with special focus on the architectural aspect. One of the salient features of the house is that it is the last of houses designed by eminent architecture firm Greene & Greene, and its deeply gorgeous interiors are awe-inspiring. Visitors who wish to gain entry simply need to knock on the door.