Me and my parents took a group packaged tour of the United States with ThomasCook India June 2012. Being the 1st trip to the States, this gave us memories of a lifetime and a much clearer idea of how we could plan our next visit to this magnificent country.
Day 7: Walt Disney's Epcot - Step into the future world
Today's tour was dedicated to the ultimate mix of futuristic technology and entertainment defying the laws of time, space and gravity! Numerous thrilling rides at Innovention, Imagination, Mission Space and Test Track. The World Showcase gives an opportunity to walk around and enjoy the culture, shops and world class entertainment of 11 different countries! One is spoilt for options here with world class authentic cuisines on offer for lunch. Last but not least was the extra-ordinary illumination show with lasers lights fireworks and music in the evening on the magnificent lagoon.
Dinner was back at hotel. At the end of the day one can only look forward to laying dead on the bed.
Day 8: Sea World - The ultimate aquatic park experience
Sea World, a beautifully landscaped marine park where one can participate in some of the fast paced action rides and witness some of the spectacular aquatic shows. The One Ocean show has the talented killer whale Shamu in all his grandeur and there's a cute polar bear found roaming around at Wild Arctic. Those looking for thrilling roller coaster rides must try the Kraken, Journey to Atlantis and Manta.
Lunch at theme park is awesome while a relaxed dinner at hotel did us in but the thunder and lightening on the eve of our departure brought the group together at the hotel's porch for chit chats and hot coffee.
Day 9: Off to Miami
We bid goodbye to a whipping and funfilled Orlando and ride 5 hours down south to the beach city of Miami. We checked into Holiday Inn at Coral Gables (bad experience) had lunch and headed to South Beach which is like paradise for beach lovers, sunbathers and cafe hoppers. We spent a couple of hours bathing in the white sand turquoise blue sea water. The beach is lush with tourists around the world and dont be surprised if you bump into a celebrity! After changing at one of the many beach side changing rooms we strolled along the Ocean Drive road. This had elegant themed cafes, restaurants and hotels lined up one after the other with vintage and modern cars going up and down the streets. An evening very well spent though I would have so loved to enjoy the night life on this street and stay in one of the hotels here itself. But we had to travel back to a city hotel and decided to avail of the public transport, which by the way is one of the most diversed in the world the bus, metro rail, metro bus, metro mover.
We should have: We stayed for just a night which was too little for Miami, two nights atleast is a must.The Haulover Beach is the nude beach a must try if you are mature enough. Downtown Miami is rich for shopping extravagance and art hunting while Little Havana is rich in Cuban art and culture a must visit. One must stay at a hotel on Ocean Drive over viewing the Miami Beach, some good deals are available but booking needs to be done well in advance, Worth every penny as you get to spend so much more time on the world famous Miami Beach.
Day 10: Flight to Las Vegas: The Casino capital of the world
We flew to Las Vegas which took 6 hours considering the time zone effect and it was evening by the time we reached the Land of ginormous Casinos Hotels. We stayed in one of the biggies The Caesars Palace, checking out the hotel and casino itself can take up half a day but we were running on a tight schedule. A quick wash, an hours rest to cope out of Theme park tiredness and we set out for early dinner.
Post dinner we rushed to catch the Bellagio Musical Fountain show which runs every 15mins and then rushed to catch night show of David Copperfield's (illusionist). Then we drove to Freemont Street which has the cheerful light and sound show. This was just too much to handle in a day and had to retire to our lavish hotel room while many in the group did have the energy to try some luck at the casino slot machines!
Day 11: Grand Canyon tour off Vegas
We started early morning at 4 am and reached Boulder City Municipal Airport in an hour. We visited the Hualapai Nation (Grand Canyon West) which is the most commercialized tourist destination today and is run together by The Scenic Airlines, Papillon Helicopters and Grand Canyon Airlines. We flew over the historic Hoover Dam and did a cool and breezy boat ride on the Colorado river. The Skywalk and Eagle Point were an okay sort of experience but you need to avail them to enjoy the magnificence of one of the great natural wonders of the world The Grand Canyon. One must carry a cap, bottle of water and sun screen lotion on this tour. By evening we headed back to Las Vegas and post early dinner enjoyed the Helicopter rider over the City of Neon Lights, a must do at Heli USA.
Before we knew, it was time to leave Vegas the next day!! I couldn't have just slept by this night and hence decided to walk up The Vegas Strip. Exploring life on the street, interacting with people and checking out the world famous theme hotels like MGM Grand, Flamingo, Mirage, Venetian, Aria, Bellagio was a lifetime experience to say the least. This night redefined the meaning of terms like Huge, Magnificent and Architecture for me forever.
BTW, 2 days in Vegas and I had not tried my luck over the slot machine for even a penny, had not sipped even a single drink, dint flirt with the beautiful ladies all around and I was still feeling so very overwhelmed with the experience gathered. Had thoroughly under estimated Las Vegas :)
We should have: 2 nights in Vegas is cynically not enough, one needs atleast 3 D/N if you are NOT keen on gambling!! Yes, There are so many different types of world class shows on offer almost every night at one or the other colossal hotels on Vegas Strip. If not that,
Also, I hadnt had time for trying my luck at the Slot Machines yet! There’s just so much more we missed out on like the thrill filled activities offered at Stratosphere (Skyjump from the tallest building in Vegas), Machine Gun Vegas (firing real firearms), Vegas Indoor Sky Diving, Dig This (Driving real army tanks and bulldozers), Racing exotic cars, CSi: The experience. Vegas needed more time.
Day 12: Los Angeles - The City of Angeles
We went by road from Vegas to LA that took nearly 5 hours through mostly barren landscape running close to the rail lines and had lunch at Cici's Pizza on the way. We checked into the Radisson Hotel (pathetic service & rooms) in Midtown LA by noon and while the group was still getting freshen up I quickly visited the California Science Center which now harbors the famous Endeavor Space Shuttle. It was time to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame at Hollywood Boulevard. Here we quickly went through the not so impressive Madam Tussauds wax museum. The famous Dolby Theatre where the Academy Awards - Oscars are held every year and the Grauman's Chinese Theatre is also on the same street. One can see the most recognised HOLLYWOOD sign from here up on the hills clearly. Then on the city tour we drove past the houses of celebrities at Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills, super expensive shopping street Rodeo Drive, see the Beverly Wilshire Hotel where the hollywood blockbuster Pretty Woman was filmed. The drive discloses the epitome of wealth, glamour and architecture that this city possesses.
Post dinner I wanted to see the night life of LA and my companion for the night suggested on taking the MetroRail a cheap, safe and fast mode of public transport spread all across the city. Hollywood Boulevard was all lit up and street musicians and performers decorated the night hollywood style. We had a great time. At 1 am we started back for our hotel, missed the last train of the night by the time we reached the change over station. Adventure hunger hadn't given in yet and we decided to walk the remainder distance. 3 miles of deserted downtown to midtown LA street (7th Street Metro station till Jefferson/USC) where we stopped only once, to satisfy my friend's mid night ice cream craving and myself needing a leak in the chilly and breezy LA night, McDonalds the saviour! That night we passed by some shady pubs, motels, a certain punk gang and still reached our hotel at 2.30 am without facing any untoward act whatsoever! Loved the experience especially when LA is famous for muggings.
Day 13: Universal Studios LA
Our ride for the day, the Hummer Limousine were lined up outside the hotel and we started early towards Griffith Observatory on the south facing slope of Mount Hollywood's Griffith Park. We spotted a lot of joggers and people who trek up the hill slope. The observatory has space and science related displays but is more popular among tourists for the view it commands of LA basin and the HOLLYWOOD sign board. After a quick photo shoot we headed for the famous Universal Studios Hollywood. Rides like Transformers, Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, Terminator were awesome and a bit enduring. While rest of the attractions can be enjoyed by elders too. The Studio Tour makes cinema come to life. There are many 3D shows as well like Shrek, Special Effects Stage which are a must visit. House of Horror lived upto its name. Time flies by hopping from one ride to next, munching, dancing and interacting with strangers in the park! We could only think of a hearty dinner at Indian restaurant and sleep.
Day 14: Last stop San Francisco - Beautiful Bay City
We boarded our bus and headed to the last destination of our trip, the beautiful San Francisco, California. The 6 hour drive via US Freeway West 5 which was rather boring but once you enter the SF region it takes your breath away. This is the most iconic, cosmopolitan and scenic city in the world according to me. We drove down to Fisherman's Wharf (the cafes overlooking the SF bay is a place to spend a leisurely sunset). We boarded one of the boat ride that takes us around Alcatraz Island (formerly state prison) and underneath the most recognised bridge in the world the Golden Gate bridge. The California Gold Rush of 19th century propelled the growth and development of SF into the Wall Street of the West, while during the Great Depression the magnanimous civil engineering project of the construction of Golden Gate bridge was symbolical to America's resurrection and never say die attitude. After strolling around the Pier 39 we took dinner at one of the many Indian Restaurants and checked into the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn/ Oakland Bay Bridge.
Day 15: SF city tour
SF is characterised by its numerous culturally rich streetscapes (along with pubs, cafes, theatres) featuring mixed neighborhoods anchored around central commercial corridors to which residents and visitors alike can walk. It is famously called the most walkable city amoung travellers as the city has the most cosmopolitan demography. Fillmore street boutiques, rainbow flags (symbol of LGBT pride) on Castro Street, Lombard Street (crookedest street in the world with 8 curves in one block), North Beach (chinatown). The Seven Sisters (cottages) among many old english architecture found in SF. Financial District of SF at Market Street, Union Square (shopping), Civic Center, Nob Hills. SF is geographically built on 50 hills which give it a romantic look which can be observed from the Twin Peaks (highest vista point overlooking SF). Golden Gate Park, Park Presidio, Marine Headlands (across the bridge on the north at Golden Gate National Recreational Area). Post dinner the day came to an end at a bay side cafe cum pub near our hotel at Chevys Fresh Mex where i relaxed a soaked in the memories created over the past 15 days which I would be close to my heart. I fell in Love with San Francisco its hills, fog, rain, beach, bay people and monuments.
We should have:
For the drive from LA to SF, I recommend taking the famous Pacific Coast Highway which takes around 8 hours but is the most scenic drive in the world (San Diego- Santa Monica - Santa Barbra - Santa Cruz - San Francisco - Santa Rosa). There are many attractions on this route and people even stop for 2-3 nights on way!
Fisherman's Warf is the place from where a lot of city tours, bicycle trips, water activities. One must visit the Muirwood forests at San Francisco which are home to a 1000 year old Redwood Trees and the beautiful town of Sausalito. One needs to spend atleast 2N/3D in SF to soak in the love on offer here.
All in all the packaged group trip turned out to be wonderful as it would have been personally impossible to plan out a trip covering so much in so little time. An ideal USA Trip would be worth atleast 20-22 daysand apart from the above it must include a couple of days at Yellowstone National Park and a day at San Diego.
I am better prepared for my next trip to the States and am already so looking forward to it.
USA is like a big dream coming to life! There is so much to see and everything is King size, everyone is guaranteed to find things exactly to their liking. We surely found to our delight :) a mix of scenic natural beauty, taste of cosmopolitan culture and lifestyle, rich history and elegant architecture!!
This was a rather tight and rushed up 15 Night tour covering both East and West Coasts of USA, excluding the more than a day each way from and to India via Doha (we flew with the Emirates).
A few things to keep in mind for the trip :-
1. Luggage upper limit for domestic flights in USA is 50lbs and TSA locks are sort of a must.
2. Tipping at hotels and restaurants and public transport are a must. We paid $2 per day at hotels atleast.
3. Carry your passport, insurance etc with you at all time.
4. Do carry a Universal Adapter for using your electronic items.
5. There is a lot to observe and learn during this rather enriching trip, so talk to people on the streets and keep an open mind in this country.
All set with updates of Weather conditions, Places to visit and Must Do...We set on our journey.
Day 1: Arrival at New York
After a tiring long air travel of almost 22 hours we reached New York in the evening and checked into the cozy deco style (of 1930s) Hotel Beekman Towers. If you are looking for the upscale spic n span fully equipped modern hotel, then this is not your adobe. The restaurant on the terrace of this tall building is just breath taking. We went out for dinner and then a stroll on New York's iconic landmark - Times Square by night to experience the pulse of this mega city of dreams which never sleeps!
Day 2: City tour
After breakfast we visited the 'Winter Gardens'- a great view of Ground Zero. Saw the District Theatre, China Town, Wall Street (the famous Bull), Rockefeller Center, Central Park and then a scenic boat cruise to the Liberty Island to get up close to 'The Statue of Liberty', click photos of Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
Post lunch we proceed to the top of the Empire State Building the view from up there is unbelievable and one must buy the portable audio guide available if you are interested to know the history of this amazing city and spot the icons 100s of feet below you! Post dinner we spent sometime at Times Square again and walked down to our hotel a few blocks downtown near the UN Headquarters.
We should have: We missed out on many attractions like museums, art gallery, theater shows and a leisurely walk in Central Park, visit the Grand Central Station, sip a coffee at Starbucks or ride the NYC Subway! Staying an additional day at New York would always be worth it if you are an exploring kind of person.
Day 3: Depart to Washington DC
We started early morning for the capital city Washington DC. This was a 4 hour drive mostly on the highway but through some nice cities of Newark, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Took lunch at Cece's Pizza in washington and then went ahead with the tour of this city of Power and Elegance. Visited the enriching and world famous Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, if its a place of interest for you even 4 hours turned out to be very very short. We then visit the Capitol Gardens, White House, Vietnam Korean Lincoln memorials, FBI building, WWII memorial.
Dinner and Night stay was outside of Washington at the lovely Hotel Marriott Greenbelt.
We should have: One can get a prior appointment for guided tour within the White House (instructions avlb on govt website) and couldn't visit many other historical monuments and museum s of interest.
Day 4: Head to Niagara
On the way to Niagara Falls we visited the popular American Chocolate factory at Hershey's Chocolate World. The aroma of the cocoa beans brings back to life the child within. Its exciting to know the details of how cocoa beans turn into milk chocolate at this lavish and spread out factory.
We took lunch at Indian restaurant beside the beautiful Harrisburg Bridge at Harrisburg.
After a relatively boring and tiring 9 hours bus ride we reached Niagara Falls late in the evening and post dinner at Hotel Sheraton at the Falls, spent time near the breath taking Niagara Falls under the luminous lights - a sight not to be missed. View from Rainbow Bridge and Niagara Falls Reserve Observatory is phenomenal.
We should have: One should take an internal flight from Washington to Niagara Falls and save precious time. If you are a nature lover then Niagara offers you more than you can take in!!
Day 5: Fun by Niagara Falls and head to Orlando
Today we enjoyed unparalleled views of the spectacular Niagara Falls from various view points that can be reached on foot. Embarked on an unforgettable boat ride aboard the Maid of the Mist which takes one to the curve of the Horseshoe Falls (the largest of the three falls there) to see the voluminous flow of water right in front. One can go under the falls and get soaked on the Cave of the Winds tour. One cant just have enough of this magnificent display of nature's strength.
Post lunch we took a 2 hours flight to Orlando: The land of theme parks and checked into the centrally and ideally located Hotel Marriott Springhill Suites (lovely theme cafes and night clubs just around the block). It was time to gear up for the upcoming roller coaster leg breaking 3 days in the Land of theme parks!
Day 6: Nasa - Kennedy Space Center
We had a choice to either go to the 'Magic Kingdom Park' at World Disney World Resort which is great for the kids but we opted for the much awaited tour of 'NASA - Kennedy Space Center'. We felt the thrill of space exploration on the giant 3D, touched the real piece of Mars, saw gigantic rockets in the gigantic backyard. A bus tour to the Launch Complex, Shuttle Launch Pads. Interaction with retired astronauts and space geeks offers a mix of learning with joy and makes history books come alive, a very satisfying experience, a must visit for people of any age.
Lunch was at the Moon Rock Cafe at NASA itself and dinner was back at hotel.
We had a choice to either go to the 'Magic Kingdom Park' at World Disney World Resort which is great for the kids but we opted for the much awaited tour of 'NASA - Kennedy Space Center'. We felt the thrill of space exploration on the giant 3D, touched the real piece of Mars, saw gigantic rockets in the gigantic backyard. A bus tour to the Launch Complex, Shuttle Launch Pads. Interaction with retired astronauts and space geeks offers a mix of learning with joy and makes history books come alive, a very satisfying experience, a must visit for people of any age.
Lunch was at the Moon Rock Cafe at NASA itself and dinner was back at hotel.
Day 7: Walt Disney's Epcot - Step into the future world
Today's tour was dedicated to the ultimate mix of futuristic technology and entertainment defying the laws of time, space and gravity! Numerous thrilling rides at Innovention, Imagination, Mission Space and Test Track. The World Showcase gives an opportunity to walk around and enjoy the culture, shops and world class entertainment of 11 different countries! One is spoilt for options here with world class authentic cuisines on offer for lunch. Last but not least was the extra-ordinary illumination show with lasers lights fireworks and music in the evening on the magnificent lagoon.
Dinner was back at hotel. At the end of the day one can only look forward to laying dead on the bed.
Day 8: Sea World - The ultimate aquatic park experience
Sea World, a beautifully landscaped marine park where one can participate in some of the fast paced action rides and witness some of the spectacular aquatic shows. The One Ocean show has the talented killer whale Shamu in all his grandeur and there's a cute polar bear found roaming around at Wild Arctic. Those looking for thrilling roller coaster rides must try the Kraken, Journey to Atlantis and Manta.
Lunch at theme park is awesome while a relaxed dinner at hotel did us in but the thunder and lightening on the eve of our departure brought the group together at the hotel's porch for chit chats and hot coffee.
Day 9: Off to Miami
We bid goodbye to a whipping and funfilled Orlando and ride 5 hours down south to the beach city of Miami. We checked into Holiday Inn at Coral Gables (bad experience) had lunch and headed to South Beach which is like paradise for beach lovers, sunbathers and cafe hoppers. We spent a couple of hours bathing in the white sand turquoise blue sea water. The beach is lush with tourists around the world and dont be surprised if you bump into a celebrity! After changing at one of the many beach side changing rooms we strolled along the Ocean Drive road. This had elegant themed cafes, restaurants and hotels lined up one after the other with vintage and modern cars going up and down the streets. An evening very well spent though I would have so loved to enjoy the night life on this street and stay in one of the hotels here itself. But we had to travel back to a city hotel and decided to avail of the public transport, which by the way is one of the most diversed in the world the bus, metro rail, metro bus, metro mover.
We should have: We stayed for just a night which was too little for Miami, two nights atleast is a must.The Haulover Beach is the nude beach a must try if you are mature enough. Downtown Miami is rich for shopping extravagance and art hunting while Little Havana is rich in Cuban art and culture a must visit. One must stay at a hotel on Ocean Drive over viewing the Miami Beach, some good deals are available but booking needs to be done well in advance, Worth every penny as you get to spend so much more time on the world famous Miami Beach.
Day 10: Flight to Las Vegas: The Casino capital of the world
We flew to Las Vegas which took 6 hours considering the time zone effect and it was evening by the time we reached the Land of ginormous Casinos Hotels. We stayed in one of the biggies The Caesars Palace, checking out the hotel and casino itself can take up half a day but we were running on a tight schedule. A quick wash, an hours rest to cope out of Theme park tiredness and we set out for early dinner.
Post dinner we rushed to catch the Bellagio Musical Fountain show which runs every 15mins and then rushed to catch night show of David Copperfield's (illusionist). Then we drove to Freemont Street which has the cheerful light and sound show. This was just too much to handle in a day and had to retire to our lavish hotel room while many in the group did have the energy to try some luck at the casino slot machines!
Day 11: Grand Canyon tour off Vegas
We started early morning at 4 am and reached Boulder City Municipal Airport in an hour. We visited the Hualapai Nation (Grand Canyon West) which is the most commercialized tourist destination today and is run together by The Scenic Airlines, Papillon Helicopters and Grand Canyon Airlines. We flew over the historic Hoover Dam and did a cool and breezy boat ride on the Colorado river. The Skywalk and Eagle Point were an okay sort of experience but you need to avail them to enjoy the magnificence of one of the great natural wonders of the world The Grand Canyon. One must carry a cap, bottle of water and sun screen lotion on this tour. By evening we headed back to Las Vegas and post early dinner enjoyed the Helicopter rider over the City of Neon Lights, a must do at Heli USA.
Before we knew, it was time to leave Vegas the next day!! I couldn't have just slept by this night and hence decided to walk up The Vegas Strip. Exploring life on the street, interacting with people and checking out the world famous theme hotels like MGM Grand, Flamingo, Mirage, Venetian, Aria, Bellagio was a lifetime experience to say the least. This night redefined the meaning of terms like Huge, Magnificent and Architecture for me forever.
BTW, 2 days in Vegas and I had not tried my luck over the slot machine for even a penny, had not sipped even a single drink, dint flirt with the beautiful ladies all around and I was still feeling so very overwhelmed with the experience gathered. Had thoroughly under estimated Las Vegas :)
We should have: 2 nights in Vegas is cynically not enough, one needs atleast 3 D/N if you are NOT keen on gambling!! Yes, There are so many different types of world class shows on offer almost every night at one or the other colossal hotels on Vegas Strip. If not that,
Also, I hadnt had time for trying my luck at the Slot Machines yet! There’s just so much more we missed out on like the thrill filled activities offered at Stratosphere (Skyjump from the tallest building in Vegas), Machine Gun Vegas (firing real firearms), Vegas Indoor Sky Diving, Dig This (Driving real army tanks and bulldozers), Racing exotic cars, CSi: The experience. Vegas needed more time.
Day 12: Los Angeles - The City of Angeles
We went by road from Vegas to LA that took nearly 5 hours through mostly barren landscape running close to the rail lines and had lunch at Cici's Pizza on the way. We checked into the Radisson Hotel (pathetic service & rooms) in Midtown LA by noon and while the group was still getting freshen up I quickly visited the California Science Center which now harbors the famous Endeavor Space Shuttle. It was time to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame at Hollywood Boulevard. Here we quickly went through the not so impressive Madam Tussauds wax museum. The famous Dolby Theatre where the Academy Awards - Oscars are held every year and the Grauman's Chinese Theatre is also on the same street. One can see the most recognised HOLLYWOOD sign from here up on the hills clearly. Then on the city tour we drove past the houses of celebrities at Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills, super expensive shopping street Rodeo Drive, see the Beverly Wilshire Hotel where the hollywood blockbuster Pretty Woman was filmed. The drive discloses the epitome of wealth, glamour and architecture that this city possesses.
Post dinner I wanted to see the night life of LA and my companion for the night suggested on taking the MetroRail a cheap, safe and fast mode of public transport spread all across the city. Hollywood Boulevard was all lit up and street musicians and performers decorated the night hollywood style. We had a great time. At 1 am we started back for our hotel, missed the last train of the night by the time we reached the change over station. Adventure hunger hadn't given in yet and we decided to walk the remainder distance. 3 miles of deserted downtown to midtown LA street (7th Street Metro station till Jefferson/USC) where we stopped only once, to satisfy my friend's mid night ice cream craving and myself needing a leak in the chilly and breezy LA night, McDonalds the saviour! That night we passed by some shady pubs, motels, a certain punk gang and still reached our hotel at 2.30 am without facing any untoward act whatsoever! Loved the experience especially when LA is famous for muggings.
Day 13: Universal Studios LA
Our ride for the day, the Hummer Limousine were lined up outside the hotel and we started early towards Griffith Observatory on the south facing slope of Mount Hollywood's Griffith Park. We spotted a lot of joggers and people who trek up the hill slope. The observatory has space and science related displays but is more popular among tourists for the view it commands of LA basin and the HOLLYWOOD sign board. After a quick photo shoot we headed for the famous Universal Studios Hollywood. Rides like Transformers, Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, Terminator were awesome and a bit enduring. While rest of the attractions can be enjoyed by elders too. The Studio Tour makes cinema come to life. There are many 3D shows as well like Shrek, Special Effects Stage which are a must visit. House of Horror lived upto its name. Time flies by hopping from one ride to next, munching, dancing and interacting with strangers in the park! We could only think of a hearty dinner at Indian restaurant and sleep.
Day 14: Last stop San Francisco - Beautiful Bay City
We boarded our bus and headed to the last destination of our trip, the beautiful San Francisco, California. The 6 hour drive via US Freeway West 5 which was rather boring but once you enter the SF region it takes your breath away. This is the most iconic, cosmopolitan and scenic city in the world according to me. We drove down to Fisherman's Wharf (the cafes overlooking the SF bay is a place to spend a leisurely sunset). We boarded one of the boat ride that takes us around Alcatraz Island (formerly state prison) and underneath the most recognised bridge in the world the Golden Gate bridge. The California Gold Rush of 19th century propelled the growth and development of SF into the Wall Street of the West, while during the Great Depression the magnanimous civil engineering project of the construction of Golden Gate bridge was symbolical to America's resurrection and never say die attitude. After strolling around the Pier 39 we took dinner at one of the many Indian Restaurants and checked into the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn/ Oakland Bay Bridge.
Day 15: SF city tour
SF is characterised by its numerous culturally rich streetscapes (along with pubs, cafes, theatres) featuring mixed neighborhoods anchored around central commercial corridors to which residents and visitors alike can walk. It is famously called the most walkable city amoung travellers as the city has the most cosmopolitan demography. Fillmore street boutiques, rainbow flags (symbol of LGBT pride) on Castro Street, Lombard Street (crookedest street in the world with 8 curves in one block), North Beach (chinatown). The Seven Sisters (cottages) among many old english architecture found in SF. Financial District of SF at Market Street, Union Square (shopping), Civic Center, Nob Hills. SF is geographically built on 50 hills which give it a romantic look which can be observed from the Twin Peaks (highest vista point overlooking SF). Golden Gate Park, Park Presidio, Marine Headlands (across the bridge on the north at Golden Gate National Recreational Area). Post dinner the day came to an end at a bay side cafe cum pub near our hotel at Chevys Fresh Mex where i relaxed a soaked in the memories created over the past 15 days which I would be close to my heart. I fell in Love with San Francisco its hills, fog, rain, beach, bay people and monuments.
We should have:
For the drive from LA to SF, I recommend taking the famous Pacific Coast Highway which takes around 8 hours but is the most scenic drive in the world (San Diego- Santa Monica - Santa Barbra - Santa Cruz - San Francisco - Santa Rosa). There are many attractions on this route and people even stop for 2-3 nights on way!
Fisherman's Warf is the place from where a lot of city tours, bicycle trips, water activities. One must visit the Muirwood forests at San Francisco which are home to a 1000 year old Redwood Trees and the beautiful town of Sausalito. One needs to spend atleast 2N/3D in SF to soak in the love on offer here.
All in all the packaged group trip turned out to be wonderful as it would have been personally impossible to plan out a trip covering so much in so little time. An ideal USA Trip would be worth atleast 20-22 daysand apart from the above it must include a couple of days at Yellowstone National Park and a day at San Diego.
I am better prepared for my next trip to the States and am already so looking forward to it.
