I spent 9 month in Mountain View during my internship at Pinnacle Systems Inc. in the web department. This was probably the most exciting time in my life where I spent all my week-ends traveling through California (and the whole US). Here are just some information on places I visited and thing I did there.
san.francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge:
it's not only the most famous building of San Francisco but of the entire US. Be there early to avoid the fog that often enters the bay around noon. Best sights are from the lookout on the northern end or from Castle Clinton.
- Fishermen's Wharf:
the heart of SF is located around Pier 39. Here one can find numerous restaurant, the famous seals, and the Hard Rock Café.
- Cable Car Museum:
an insider hint is the cable car museum. Here you can learn about the history of the famous SF cable car. And the best thing is: it's free!'
- Alcatraz:
the "Rock" is the most famous penitentiary in the world. Book well in advance to get a ticket (at least 3 days). The box office is located at Pier 39.
- Treasure Island:
this old navy base which is connected to San Francisco through the Oakland Bay Bridge is an ideal spot for shooting nice pictures of the citie's skyline. Be there for sunset.
national.parks
The west coast of the United States has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Here some information on the national parks I visited.
- Yosemite National Park:
one of the most beautiful national parks of the US. Most sights are located around Yosemite and Curry village. From here several hikes such as the famous High Sierra Trail to the Half Dome start. If you plan to go on the hike start early in the morning (6am), bring lots of water (at least 3 liters) and good shoes. Best views of the panoramic mountains one has from Glacier Point. Note that the Tioga road is often closed through June because of the snow.
nps.YosemiteNationalPark.homepage «
- Death Valley National Park:
one of my personal favorites is this 200km long valley in the south-east of California. Especially in spring this park is beautiful because of its wild flowers (go to Ashford Mill or Devil's Corn Field). Most spectacular sites include the Devil's Golf Course, the Sand Dunes, Bad Water, Scotty's Castle, and the Ubehebe Crater. For adventurers I could recommend visiting the mines around the valley such as the Eureka mine and Keane's Wonder Mine. My secret hint are the Racetracks on the northern end of the park. This 60-mile trip requires a 4-wheel drive and park rangers should be asked before leaving.
nps.JoshuaTreeNationalPark.homepage «
- Joshua Tree National Park:
the park entrance is located in 29 Palms. Most spectacular sites are the Cholla Cactus Garden, the Geology Road, Ryan Mountain, and Key's View.
- Yellowstone National Park:
the most spectacular national park of the United States. Plan to stay at least 4 days to see the most important sites. My favorites were the Upper Geyser Basin (do the 3 hours round-trip walk to Morning Glory Pool!), the Hayden Valley (see Buffalos and Grizzlies), West Thumb Geyser Basin on the shores of Lake Yellowstone, the Norris Geyser Basin, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. For accomodations plan and book well in advance (3-4 month), since the park is crowded especially in summer. Don't forget to bring warm cloth (some parts of the park are higher than 3000m and it might be freezing even in August).
nps.YellowstoneNationalPark.homepage «
- Grand Teton National Park:
this park can be easily combined with Yellowstone National Park. Located on the south end, this park offers beautiful lakes and mountains and a lot of wildlife. I saw moose, brown bears, bisons, and many more animals here. Don't miss Jenny Lake and Oxbow Bend.
- Sequoia & Kingscanyon National Park:
view the spectacular giant trees and do some beautiful hikes. If you are lucky you will see brown bears here.
nps.Sequoia&KingcanyonNationalPark.homepage «
- Lassen Volcanic National Park:
the small brother of Yellowstone National Park with lots of Geysers, volcanoes and the Shasta area close bye. Visit Summit Lake, the Cinder Cone (especially impressive during sunset), and Hell's Kitchen.
nps.LassenVolcaniceNationalPark.homepage «
- Point Reyes National Seashore:
located only miles north of San Francisco, this park offers beautiful views of the pacific ocean (visit the light house) and you might be lucky to spot whales there.
nps.PointReyesNationalSeashore.homepage «
cities
- Los Angeles:
the largest city of california has much to offer - visit at least the Universal Studios, the Hollywood Boulevard (including the Walk of Fame), and drive through Beverly Hills.
- Sacramento:
California's capital is an amazing city with a historic town that makes you feel like living in the times of the gold rush. Visit the capitol (and Arnie's office) and the railroad museum.
- Santa Barbara:
just 100 miles north of Los Angeles, the main attraction of this city is, of course, the famous mission. Yet the town itself (everything around State Street) and Stearn's Wharf are worth a visit. If you are heading north, visit Hearst Castle on the highway 1.
- Las Vegas:
though not California, this city in the desert of Nevada offers nightlife, gambling and many shows. Even if you do not want to lose all your money in the casino's just walk along the strip and visit the hotels. My favorites were the Venetian, the Luxor, and Cesar's Palace. Don't miss the free shows in front of the Mirage and the pirate's battle at the Treasure Island.
- Seattle:
located close to the Canadian border, Seattle has many sites: Pike Market (with the first Starbuck's in the world), the Space Needle, and Fisherman's Wharf.
- Vancouver:
one of the most beautiful cities in Canada is situated on the Pacific Ocean, just 4 hours north of Seattle. Don't miss Chinatown (the second largest after San Francisco), the Exhibition Center, Canada Place, the Stanley Park and maybe Victoria (British Columbia's capital which can be reached by ferry).