It’s fun when the owner/operator does the tour. I’m sure I just got lucky, but I really enjoyed the local perspective of a third generation San Franciscan. That is what Mr. Toads Tours offers in San Francisco, California. Local knowledge.

The reproduction 1918 Packard vehicle seats about 8 people and is very fun to ride in as we honked at passersby! They have a small fleet of these vintage cars that run on propane. A big part of the charm is that we could see areas that larger vehicles couldn’t explore. We went behind Coit tower, up into Russian Hill and really explored the neighborhoods. It’s great for small groups. It was personal and geared to the audience’s interests instead of a canned presentation on a pre-planned route. It’s the type of tour you can take more than once. I really enjoyed it. Ribbit…

This tour is a blast! The Electric Tour Company in San Francisco, California does it right.

I had never ridden a Segway before, along with most of the people in our group. A 45 minute training session fixed that and we were off. The tour starts near Fisherman’s wharf and travels toward the Golden Gate Bridge along the bay. There is lots of riding with some narration, which worked out well.The staff at Electric tours is fantastic! They are funny, articulate and genuine. You feel welcomed and reassured no matter what your skills. The equipment is in great shape and the route is safe. The pre-tour safety session includes a short film and personal instruction until everyone feels comfortable. We then eased into the tour with lots of practice. Several stops included a nice café where you can grab a drink or snack. The experience is about three hours including 45 minutes of training. They also do a Sausalito tour and a Night tour. A great way to tour.

The California Coastal Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco is spectacular. I don’t think I have driven a more beautiful or challenging stretch of road as between Cambria and Monterey.

Soaring mountains on one side and plunging cliffs to the sea on the other. Rockslides are not uncommon and twice I was delayed by crews clearing boulders. This route is not for the weak of heart! You need to be alert and steady on this narrow road that often twists and turns thousands of feet above the ocean with no guardrails.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium south of San Francisco, California is one of the best Aquariums I have visited. The layout is beautiful and encourages you to explore. The views of Monterey Bay are spectacular and the outdoor and indoor spaces blend so well that you move easily from one to the other.

The exhibits are wonderful! (I’m a sucker for Jellyfish.) I enjoyed the Kelp Forest, the Splash Zone, Sharks and Rays and the Outer Bay. They have one of the best Kids areas I’ve seen with lots of chances to get close and touch sea creatures. You can spend a whole day exploring here. Lots of feedings and presentations, too.

Yes, it’s Extravagant, Astonishing and Unrestrained. It’s Inspiring, Surreal and Indulgent. It’s Wealth, Power and Privilege.

It’s in the middle of nowhere…

Don’t get me wrong. The California countryside around Hearst Castle is beautiful. San Simeon stretches with ocean and farmland as far as the eye can see. But getting to the area takes time and planning. Advanced reservations for this popular attraction are a must and at least an overnight stay is required to see everything.

When you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, California then hop on board the Catalina Island Express shuttle and head for Avalon. In less than an hour on this high speed boat, you will be a world away on Catalina Island in the Pacific Ocean. The ship is very comfortable, serves food and makes trips throughout the day. Hotels are available on the Island, too. So are tons of activities. Tour, fish, scuba, snorkel, glass bottom boat, kayak, camp, hike; the list goes on and on.

If you love movies and happen to be a fan of The Academy Awards then a tour of the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California should be on your list. The hours are limited so plan ahead.

The interior of the building is plush and the tour shows you where events take place during the Awards shows and offers some insider stories about dressing room controversy and who sits where in the Theater. We had a chance to walk up on stage in this beautiful theater and it was exciting! We also learned how they coordinate the arrival of the stars for the Red Carpet entrance. They stage all the limos from the Hotel behind the complex and simply drive around the block to the front of the building.
Oh, Hollywood magic.

Pinch me…

I saw my first magician at a friend’s birthday party when I was ten. He was funny and silly and made a dove appear in a small wire cage.

I was hooked. The Art of Illusion fascinates me to this day so when I had a chance to visit the private Magic Castle Club in Los Angeles, California, I jumped at it.