I wish you were here

In my travels, I constantly seek out exhilarating experiences, ranging from serene to extreme. Activities like skiing, off-roading, surfing, air combat simulations, glider flights, and canyoneering top my list. This guide offers insights into these adventures and more, perfect for thrill-seekers.

Below is a curated list of my top adventure picks in California. Some destinations might require a bit of a drive, but the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Follow the links for in-depth stories and details (Note: Some links redirect to external sites).

One of our most memorable stops in Anaheim was the renowned Anaheim Packing District. This vibrant culinary hub at 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805, is housed in a beautifully restored packing house dating back to 1919.

The district blends history with modern flavors, creating an eclectic and exciting dining experience that's hard to match.

Open daily, the Packing District offers food from early morning into the evening—perfect for any meal or a delicious snack.

Las Vegas, known for its glitz, glamour, and groundbreaking entertainment venues, has added another jewel to its crown: The Sphere. Located just east of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, the Sphere is not just another entertainment arena; it's a marvel of modern architecture and technology.

The Sphere's exterior is a remarkable sight, featuring a whopping 580,000 sq ft of LED lights that light up at night with mesmerizing displays.

This means you're in for a visual treat no matter where you stand. However, for the best-unobstructed views, consider standing a distance away, perhaps from one of the nearby hotels or elevated walkways.

Anyone interested in the space program should try to visit the Kennedy Space Center in Florida located near Cocoa Beach.

This is where the American manned space history happened and is still happening. Visitors get to relive the great moments of the Mercury, Gemini, Appollo and the Shuttle space programs.

The vast 144,000 acres property houses 700 facilities including launch pads, vehicle assembly, Payload processing, Headquarters, Operations and Checkout, and the Central Instrumentation Facility. 

Visitors to KSC start their visit at the visitor's complex and can only see a small portion of those facilities.

The decision on where to spend the nights at Yosemite depends on your preference, budget, and your planning skills. You can find very inexpensive tent cabins or you can go all the way and stay at the luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel (Majestic Yosemite Hotel). You can rough it at a campground or go on a backpacking trip through the wilderness.

Whatever you decide to do, you will need to plan way ahead. All hotels, lodges, and campsites are booked many months ahead of time. Some of the more popular ones are booked 12 months in advance.

Lodging

In my opinion, the best lodge for the value is Yosemite Lodge at the Fall (Yosemite Valley Lodge). It is located right on the valley floor next to Yosemite Fall. It is a large complex with about 240 rooms, a swimming pool, a food court, a restaurant, shops, bicycle rentals, and many other amenities. Rooms will run you around $200 per night depending on the season.

The main drawback is that there is no air conditioning in the rooms and if you want WiFi for your gadgets you will need to go to the main lobby.