What to do and what to see in the United States of America if you arrived only for 10 days? We have developed a unique route for you! The only thing that will bring light but pleasant fatigue is a large ocean of impressions. We will go to Santa Barbara to take pictures under the famous arch, drive along the Pacific coast, see the most photographed bridge in the world in San Francisco, visit the best wineries of the Napa Valley, explore the beauty of Lake Tahoe, admire the unique nature of the huge Yosemite park and return to Los Angeles to meet top stars on Hollywood Boulevard.
How to get from Moscow
You can get to Los Angeles both by direct flight and with transfers. Of course, it will take much longer with transfers, but cheaper. A direct flight from Moscow to Los Angeles will take 12 hours and 10 minutes, and the return trip will take 11 hours and 40 minutes. Flight with one change from 17 hours 10 minutes to 36 hours 20 minutes. Flight with two transfers from 22 to 55 hours.
Let's consider in detail what airlines you can get to the city we need:
- Aeroflot - Direct
- S7 + AirBerlin - 1 transfer in Dusseldorf
- British Airways - 1 stop in London
- Iberia - 1 transfer in Madrid
- S7 + American Airlines - 1 transfer in Munich
- British Airways + American Airlines - 1 stop in London
- Alitalia + American Airlines - 1 stop in Rome
- Aeroflot + American Airlines - 1 transfer in London
- Aeroflot + American Airlines - 1 transfer in Frankfurt am Main
- Aeroflot + American Airlines - 1 transfer in Munich
- AirFrance - 1 connection in Paris
- Lufthansa - 1 connection in Frankfurt am Main
- Swiss - 1 change in Zurich
- KLM - 1 change in Amsterdam
- Aeroflot + China Eastern airlines - 1 transfer in Shanghai
- Etihad Airways - 1 connection in Abu Dhabi
- Turkish Airlines - 1 connection in Istanbul
- Korean Air - 1 stop in Seoul
These are the main flight options. Flights with two or more connections are rather tedious and do not have much financial benefit over single-stop flights.
How to get from St. Petersburg
There are currently no direct flights from St. Petersburg to Los Angeles, with only one or two transfers.
- The best option is offered by Aeroflot airline with a connection in Moscow. The flight will take from 14 hours
- You can also get to the desired place on board a Lufthansa airline - 1 transfer in Frankfurt am Main
- Lufthansa + United Airlines - 1 transfer in Frankfurt am Main
- Iberia - 1 stop in Madrid
- British Airways - 1 stop in London
- Turkish Airlines - 1 connection in Istanbul
- SAS - 1 stop in Stockholm
- KLM - 1 change in Amsterdam
- AirFrance - 1 connection in Paris
- Swiss - 1 change in Zurich
We have prepared for you the following itinerary in the USA for 10 days:
- Day 1. Arrival to Los Angeles
- Day 2. Los Angeles - Santa Barbara
- Day 3. Pacific highway
- Day 4. San Francisco
- Day 5. San Francisco
- Day 6. Napa Valley - Lake Tahoe
- Day 7. Lake Tahoe - Yosemite
- Day 8. Yosemite - Los Angeles
- Day 9. Los Angeles
- Day 10. Departure from Los Angeles
We hope you enjoy it and get a lot of positive emotions.
Day 1 - arrival and walk in Los Angeles
So, your plane has landed at an airport that serves over 60 million tourists a year! Now all that remains is to go through passport control and get the luggage. Since our route involves a lot of transfers, it is, of course, necessary to book a car in advance for the duration of the trip. There are a lot of options. It is very easy to get a car. Almost all large rental offices provide a free transfer from the airport to the office where the registration takes place. Now that you have received the car, you can go to the hotel to relax from the road and get a good night's sleep. There are so many interesting things ahead. If you are still full of energy, then you can go on an introductory tour.
If you have not booked a hotel yet, we recommend that you pay attention to the following options:
2nd day. Los Angeles - Santa Barbara
It takes about 2-3 hours to get to Santa Barbara by car. Since almost the entire section of the route runs on perfectly flat asphalt surfaces, neither drivers nor passengers will experience discomfort during their exciting tour. Picturesque landscapes await you at the entrance to the city.
There are many impressive villas on the seaside and you seem to have found the perfect place to live! Do not miss the opportunity to walk along the famous pier, after leaving your car in a special area in the marina. We especially recommend you a walk along the embankment in the warm season, when there are many tourists, vacationers, and the water surface is full of various ships - from small boats to luxury yachts. One gets the impression that you are in one of the most popular resort regions on the planet.
There is good news for those who travel by public transport. So, from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara can be reached by train. Thus, you can save a lot on the trip, although this way of travel will take a little more time (at least 3 hours). But tourists traveling by rented car should know some of the rules in force in Santa Barbara. For example, drivers do not pay for parking in the city for the first couple of hours. But every next hour of parking will cost $ 1.5.
Where to eat and what places are worth visiting
Since the road was exhausting, it is worth thinking about where to have a snack and gain strength for the further journey. Fortunately, you won't have to look for a long time, because in Santa Barbara there is a wide network of restaurants and cafes, in which all tourists are ready to surprise with delicious dishes. The most popular restaurant today remains Bouchon (Victoria St, 9), where guests are invited to appreciate dishes prepared according to the recipes of French chefs, but using their own technology and manner. The home-style design, thought out to the smallest detail, provides for a comfortable time, and loyal prices can surprise even the most fastidious customers.
You can visit another famous place called Cafe Stella, which is located at 3302 Mc Caw Ave. It also serves excellent French cuisine, but there is an impressive menu for lovers of American snacks too. When you get to restaurants, look out for the imported goods store, which is located at the very beginning of State Street. It is here that you can buy a lot of useful and useful goods at very modest prices.
Do not forget that Santa Barbara is one of the centers of American winemaking. We recommend that all connoisseurs of a grape drink consider visiting the nearby towns of Los Olivos and Santa Ainez, in which the legendary Merlot wine was created. It was this drink that allowed California to take the honorable fourth place among the wine-growing regions, losing only to the best grape plantations in France, Italy and Spain.
A complex excursion can be booked separately. A tour that includes visiting 3-4 wineries for several hours will cost tourists only $ 70. But often this price does not include wine tasting and lunch, so check in advance. If during the tour you decide to look into the tasting rooms, do not forget to take a snack with you in advance.
Places for rest
If you have time and want to spend some time in nature, take a look at the large Santa Barbara beach. Here you can not only enjoy the warm sea water and golden sand, but also ride a water vehicle, ride a luxury yacht or try yourself as a surfer.
But the American town is famous not only for its beaches. For example, a great picnic can be arranged in the Botanical Garden, and connoisseurs of hiking and extreme sports can test their strength and try on the mask of a discoverer of distant lands while conquering Rattlesnake Canyon. Amazing emotions await every visitor to Francesca Park, which presents the best achievements of Californian breeders.
Lovers of one of the most stunning flowers of the planet - orchids will also find something to do with themselves. In the huge flower garden of Carpinteria, tourists can enjoy the aroma and beauty of different types of this flower.
Entertainment and attractions
The array of local attractions and entertainment facilities is also impressive. In particular, you can visit the missionary church, which was created in the 18th century by the Spanish colonialists and today is a small museum. The building of the District Court is also interesting from the architectural point of view, which occupies a huge area of the entire quarter! It is made in the Moorish style.
Don't miss the Santa Barbara History Museum, which is free to enter. It is here that you can learn the history of the founding and development of the American town, get acquainted with bright and unique works and rare antiques. Lovers of zoology are advised to take the time to visit the halls of the Natural History Museum, which exhibits over three million specimens of birds, insects, mammals and other fauna that inhabit or previously inhabited California. You can get into the collection rooms any day from 10 am to 5 pm, except weekends and holidays.
No less interesting and informative will be a visit to the Gladwin Planetarium, where you will be offered to make a fascinating journey by air and water. In a matter of seconds, you will virtually cover millions of kilometers, and the most distant stars seem to be within touching distance.
Day 3. Pacific highway
Although many of us have the impression from American films that America is a densely populated metropolitan area, business centers that give way to slums and yellow taxis, there is another side to the coin. To see the pristine beauty of the continent, it is worth at least once to drive along the Pacific Highway, which enchants with its amazing landscapes. It is not for nothing that this road is recognized as the most beautiful in the United States.
Surprisingly, it can take a whole day to drive the 400 km highway! And all due to the fact that behind every bend in the roadway there are new amazing landscapes, and in order to enjoy them to the fullest, you will have to constantly stop. The impressions of a trip in a convertible will be especially vivid. By the way, tourists do not need special driving skills at all, because the traffic here is calm and unhurried.
If you go on a trip early in the morning, be prepared for the fact that on some sections of the road you may be waiting for a nebula. The fog can be so thick that it seems as if you are driving through the clouds or even found yourself somewhere among the mountains of Scotland.
We suggest making the first stop in the small town of Morro Bay, which is located directly on the coast. Tourists are always welcome here, because this is the main source of income for the town. You can have a good meal in local cafes, which are dominated by fresh seafood dishes. There is always fresh fish on sale.
As for the sights, the most striking of them is the extinct volcano 177 meters high, which is located directly in the bay. Interestingly, since 1966, the volcano has been recognized as a historical heritage of California, and before that stones from its slopes were used in construction.
Well, we offer you to relax before continuing the journey on the gorgeous beach of Morro Bay. In addition to the standard lying on the sandy shore, tourists can enjoy surfing the waves. If you do not like a large crowd of people, we advise you to move down to the coast in one of your favorite places.
To make it easier to navigate on the road, information signs and signs are installed along the highway. For example, the Vista Point sign means there is an observation deck nearby, where drivers can take a break from driving and enjoy amazing ocean views. Similarly, you can stay in one place to organize a picnic. Each such halt is equipped with tables.
Next we are waiting for the town of San Simeon, near which there is a rookery of elephant seals. These hulking animals on land can be watched for hours. If you want to see the little ones, we recommend visiting these places during the winter and early spring.
If you decide to stay in one of the hotels on the Pacific Highway, we advise you to opt for the Ragged Point Inn, whose history begins in the distant 50s of the last century. Originally there was a gas station and a two-room motel. But with the increase in the number of tourists, the hotel has gradually expanded and today includes 39 rooms of different levels of comfort. The windows offer a breathtaking view of the ocean.
The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay: souvenir shops, cafes, snack bars and stalls with delicious ice cream. Nearby is the beach of elephant seals.
It is here that you can quickly restore your strength. You will need them, because there are still a lot of different impressions and unforgettable adventures ahead of you. Pacific Highway will give every tourist an unforgettable experience and a lot of emotions.
4th day. San Francisco
On the fourth day of an exciting journey, the road brought us to San Francisco - a city that is in no way inferior in popularity among tourists to such diamonds of the American continent as New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Do not put off sightseeing. A two-day stop in San Francisco is exactly what active tourists need, who like to arrange excursions to the most interesting places on the planet.
Since our main route will be on foot, we need to take care of placing the car in the parking lot. It is much more difficult to find a parking space in the city center on weekdays than on weekends, and this must be taken into account. In addition, you don't have to pay for a car parked on Saturday or Sunday, which is very nice.
If you are in the city on a weekday, we advise you to leave your car in the underground parking, although the prices for services there are slightly higher. But you will not worry about the safety of the car, and you will not have to rearrange it periodically. The cost of parking per day is from $ 20. But the free space on the street at the parking meter will cost approximately $ 2 per hour, and in 2-4 hours, depending on the area, the car will need to be rearranged.
The embankment
When the car is attached, the first thing that every tourist should see is the embankment. This is where we will go.
The pier itself is one of the city's most striking landmarks. There are dozens of shops and stalls, popular restaurants and cafes serving delicious seafood-based dishes, and a huge aquarium. Hundreds of yachts and small boats are moored along the coast, which sway on the waves to the beat of the local musicians.
Sinister Prison
To visit this amazing city and not visit the most sinister and impregnable prison of the American continent is a real crime. Initially, a small island was intended for protection; a battle fortress was located on it. Well, when the need to maintain fortification redoubts disappeared, an impregnable prison was founded on the island, where the most notorious criminals of all times and peoples served their sentences.
You can get to the island for an excursion from pier 33. The cost of a ticket for an adult tourist starts at $ 30 (within the framework of night tours - $ 37), and for young visitors the price is almost twice as low. Since the attraction is very popular, we recommend booking tickets at least a couple of weeks before your visit. Do not forget to grab some food, as there is nowhere to eat on the island, and the excursion will take at least 2-3 hours.
Aquarium
Love marine life and have a soft spot for the underwater world? Then we definitely recommend visiting another local attraction - a huge aquarium. It is located on the 39th pier and will definitely please both adults and their children. You will need to pay 13-23 dollars for the entrance (depending on the age of the visitor).But keep in mind that the price does not include visits to popular 3D shows and other entertainments that are paid separately.
The doors of the entertainment complex are open daily from 9 to 20 hours (in summer) and from 10 to 18 hours (in winter). All other details and rules can be found through the official website.
Pier 39
Well, when you enjoy the contemplation of stingrays, fish and other representatives of the marine underwater world, we advise you to walk along pier 39, where you will find many souvenir shops and restaurants with an amazingly delicious menu. But planning your trip in the morning is not worth it, because most of the shops and cafes located on the 39th pier open no earlier than 10 am.
By the way, let's try the local dish clam chowder, which in translation into the native language sounds like “bloody stew”. But you need to know where to buy this stew. If you guess right, then your taste buds will be incredibly grateful to you.
But most of all, on pier 39, dozens of sea lions attract the attention of visitors, who enjoy sunbathing in the sun. They have long ceased to be afraid of the noise of yacht engines and are happy to pose in front of tourists' cameras. By the way, nearby there is a museum dedicated to these hulking animals, where you can look at their skeletons.
Submarine and park
At the end of the first day in San Francisco, we advise you to postpone a visit to two more attractions - the Pampanito submarine and the Marine Historical Park. The Pampanito boat took part in the hostilities of the 40s of the last century, but today it is on a well-deserved rest and is a real museum piece. You can find a rare specimen on pier 45. The cost of the visit is $ 9-15, the doors of the museum are open daily from 9 am.
Well, in the western part of Fisherman's Wharf, a huge park awaits all admirers of maritime history. The Museum of Maritime History deserves special attention here. Here you will find many interesting exhibitions and rare objects from different historical eras. Although the bulk of the park's visitors spend their time contemplating the water surface and picnics. It seems that this is how the first day of acquaintance with the fascinating American city should end ...
Where to stay in San Francisco? Here are some great options:
Day 5. San Francisco
On the second day of walking in San Francisco, an equally exciting program awaits us. We will try to have time to visit all those sights that were undeservedly left without attention during the walks of the previous day. Today we will also make several hiking trips to different parts of the city. In order not to waste time moving around the city, we will use public transport, leaving the car in the parking lot.
Richmond
The first place to visit on our list will be the Richmond area. The area itself does not stand out from others, but in order to look at the peculiarities of the life and life of Americans, it is very suitable. Among the houses of the same type with a standard layout, there are many original buildings that can tell a lot about their owners. In addition, it is in this part that the largest Russian-speaking community lives, and you can also meet a lot of representatives of the Chinese people.
"End of the Earth"
What is this place like? The trail located in the north-west of the city allows you to experience the most vivid impressions in the life of every tourist! It offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. Agree, you can enjoy such a landscape for hours. It is for this, and also for the sake of the opportunity to take several unique pictures, that we have come such a long and difficult way!
Well, in addition to the picturesque area, tourists get the opportunity to take a break from the bustle of the city and sit in the shade of dense cypress trees. The fresh sea air will be the best way to relax, and smartly brought sandwiches will allow you to organize the most unforgettable picnic in nature.
Legion of Honor Museum
But this is not all that awaited us in this amazing place. Nearby is another interesting museum - Legion of Honor, which managed to collect an impressive collection of European art exhibits. Initially, the institution was dedicated to the victims of the First World War, but later the exposition was significantly expanded with other rare items, works of art and artifacts.
The museum is located on 34th Avenue. The ticket for adults is $ 10, teens can go for just $ 6, and children under 12 enjoy free admission. In addition, every first Tuesday of the month, admission to the museum is free for all categories of visitors. The doors of the museum open at 9:30 and receive tourists until closing at 17.15. In addition, there are special days when admission to the museum is free or discounted. Check this information on the official website.
Sutro Butts
To the south of the scenic trail, there is another amazing attraction - the ruins of the huge Satro-Bats basin, which delighted all residents for many years. For those who are not in the know, the pool was built by billionaire Adolphe Satro, making a kind of gift for his fellow countrymen. Surprisingly, in addition to the standard purpose of the pool (used as a public bath), he planned to create a place for the education of visitors, in which everyone could enjoy the works of art.
The pool is located in the north towards Ocean Beach. If you decide to visit this place, we recommend stopping by the Cliff House Café, which serves excellent seafood dishes.
Since the 19th century, the place itself has been a popular resort for the rich; here you could often see top officials of the state and millionaires. Therefore, an unusual welcome awaits you in the mentioned restaurant, in addition to which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean from your window. Be prepared for the fact that the prices here are not the lowest. The average cost of a modest lunch will be $ 30-40. It is possible to book seats through the website.
Golden Gate Park
As we headed for Golden Gate Park, our route ran along 32nd Avenue through the Sea Cliff area, which, judging by the posh mansions, is another popular place for wealthy Americans. Many famous personalities lived here, including the eminent photographer Ansel Adams, whose photo reports about Yosemite Park gained worldwide fame.
To enjoy the unique park, you will need more than one hour of walking. This is the third most popular park among Americans, so it is never empty. On a huge territory is not only the largest park in San Francisco. Here you can find a lot of different attractions, including museums, lakes, stadiums, and several gardens.
Anyone can get to the territory of the park complex. You won't have to pay for this, but when visiting attractions and objects, get ready for additional costs. There are ten compact lakes in the park, on the banks of which you can enjoy your time. The most popular with visitors is Stow Lake.
Do not forget to look into two gardens - the botanical and the rose garden. Here, all florists and simply lovers of beautiful flowers will be able to take their souls away, enjoy a variety of compositions and rare plants. The entrance to the rose garden is free, but you will have to pay $ 5-7 to visit the botanical garden. For $ 8, you can find yourself in a Japanese garden. Here, visitors can take part in a tea ceremony, purchase unusual souvenirs and just relax.
6th day. Napa Valley - Lake Tahoe
We continue our exciting journey across America.Today the road has led us to no less striking sights, acquaintance with which can give a lot of vivid and unforgettable impressions. We are waiting for the Napa Valley, which is famous for its winemaking achievements and one of the most beautiful bodies of water in this part of the American continent - Lake Tahoe. You can rest assured that the excursion will turn out to be exciting and eventful!
Napa Valley
The amazing, picturesque and unique Napa Valley stretches across the vastness of California. This is one of the most famous wine-growing regions of the country, which includes at least 14 thousand hectares of vineyards, the fruits of which barely have time to process several dozen wineries. And if earlier the result of their work could be assessed in the best restaurants in the world, today we will have a unique chance to personally see and even participate in the process of harvesting and processing grapes.
It is not for nothing that Napa Valley is called little Italy: here, as if every piece of land is saturated with the Italian spirit and aroma of a sparkling drink. You can find a place unique to America in the northern part of San Francisco near the San Pablo Bay. It is worth noting that the valley includes several cities and regions at once, each of which is famous for its unique taste of a wine drink and recipes that are passed down from generation to generation.
The valley owes its excellent conditions for winemaking to the fertile lands, which appeared as a result of the abundant release of volcanic ash that occurred millions of years ago. But this is not all that nature has endowed this amazing place with. Unique natural sights opened before our eyes - a "petrified forest" and an impressive geyser.
Sights
To get to the petrified forest, you have to overcome an easy path along the 121st highway, and later along the Sonoma Hwy. You won't be bored along the entire route - the road runs along the vineyards, where each plant has a unique and sometimes bizarre shape.
The "petrified forest" is the remains of huge trees, which, as a result of a volcanic explosion, were buried under a layer of lava, ash, and then were in the water for many thousands of years. In the process of a chemical reaction, the remains of the wood were saturated with silicon and turned into a real stone. When an expedition of explorers excavated in 1870, petrified trees were discovered that today attract tourists from all over the American continent. Many specimens are so well preserved that it seems as if they were hewn by hand from a single piece of rock.
If you want to walk among the petrified giants on your own, you will have to pay only $ 10, but a visit to the attraction with a guide will cost a little more - $ 16.
Geyser
Further, our path runs to the geyser in Calistoga. It is worth noting that this natural phenomenon is located in the middle of a field. Since it takes more than one hour to expect an exciting show in the form of a huge jet of water and steam, the Americans decided to equip a special observation deck and create a simple infrastructure. Now you can wait for the eruption of the geyser with comfort, for which, by the way, you will have to pay 18 bucks.
In particular, the entire area around the natural phenomenon is equipped with tables, where tourists are happy to eat sandwiches and other snacks. For those who have already had a snack, they offer to walk to the corral with goats, sheep and llamas, as well as visit the shops and souvenir shops.
The geyser erupts on schedule - every 30 minutes. Only a small earthquake can change this order, which is not so common in this area. A powerful stream of water is thrown up to a height of 8 meters, after which, in the form of a torrential downpour, it falls into a lake with reddish water located around the geyser (due to the high content of iron).
Lock
Another attraction of the valley is Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-style castle. Unfortunately, you will not be able to fully enjoy its beauty. All due to the fact that there is always a huge crowd of visitors. Therefore, when planning your tour of the Napa Valley, it is better to choose weekdays.
To gain access to all the premises of the castle, you will have to purchase a paid tour. Well, as a reward for waiting in the queues, everyone can taste the best varieties of wine with long-term aging. So, for a standard fee, you will be offered to evaluate the taste and aroma of five brands of grape drink to choose from. But real connoisseurs of the drink will get access to the elite collection of Reserve wine for just $ 10. Well, if you are traveling with children, they can take part in the tasting of grape juice.
There is an opportunity to buy a bottle or two of the wine you like, which, according to the owners, is no longer sold anywhere in the world.
Lake Tahoe
After taking a break from our adventures in the Napa Valley, we head to the shores of Lake Tahoe. It was possible to find the most beautiful body of water in America on the border of two states - Nevada and California. This place is especially popular with tourists who want to combine outdoor recreation with the opportunity to try their luck in gambling establishments in Nevada, where the gambling business is legal. You can stay in one of the hotels located on the shore, or, if finances permit, rent a separate "living room" (house for living).
The lake is no more than five minutes' walk away, and the windows of the rooms offer a stunning view of the reservoir. For entertainment, tennis courts are available, you can swim on one of several beaches. The bottom of the lake is covered with sand, the entrance is shallow, which allows children to swim. It is worth noting the crystal purity of the water, which conquers with its bluish tint. But be prepared for the fact that even in summer the water temperature does not rise above 20 degrees. Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting housing prices. You will have to pay at least 300 bucks per day for a budget room in a hotel, and renting houses will cost several times more.
7th day. Lake Tahoe - Yosemite
After enjoying the beauty of Lake Tahoe, we decided to continue our journey and stop for a while in another picturesque place in the USA - Yosemite National Park. The way is long - approximately 200-300 km along the motorways, but given the quality of the local highways, you will not even notice how you will find yourself in this "house of wildlife".
By the way, if you plan to visit not only this natural park, but also make a short-term stop in other national parks, then we advise you to purchase a pass that will allow you to fulfill your dream, avoiding queues and the need to spend time looking for a ticket office. According to the standard scheme, a visit to Yosemite Park will cost approximately $ 30 per car. But for a subscription that opens access to many national parks, you have to pay only 80 bucks!
And one more important point: in order to plan your route through the park in advance, we advise you to purchase booklets with maps on which hike trails (that is, hiking trails and paths) are marked, which contain information about the difficulty level of the route, its duration and distance.
Yosemite is considered one of the earliest nature reserves in the United States. Even today, caring Americans have managed to preserve 95% of the park's territory in its original, that is, wild form. Today the fauna of the park is made up of almost 400 species of animals, among which tourists can meet deer, black bear, lynx, squirrels, etc.
It is worth planning a trip to Yosemite in late or early summer, and it is better to postpone the visit until the fall. Since the equator of the summer months is famous for its consistently high temperature and aridity, not every tourist will be able to endure such a harsh climate. At the same time, winters in these places are mild and it is during the winter months that more precipitation falls.
From practical information that will be useful to every tourist, it is also worth noting the schedule of the park. Its doors are open around the clock, you can get here at any time of the year. Of course, if you plan to see the park in winter, be prepared for the fact that some routes may be unavailable due to weather conditions. In general, nothing can prevent you from enjoying the amazing nature of this corner of the United States.
So, as soon as you are at the doors of the park, you need to draw up a route and mark the places you plan to visit. If you are here for the first time, you can trust the taste preferences of other tourists and head to the valley of the same name in the park. Although it occupies only 1% of the park's territory, it is to these places that most tourists go. Especially popular is the El Capitan rock, on the sheer side of which you can always see professional and novice climbers. The height of the hill is 2307 meters, so it can be seen from anywhere in the valley.
If you are looking for something special, we recommend that you pay attention to the other natural attractions of the park: the wonderful Tuolomne meadows, the delightful Clarke ridges, Kuhn Ridge and Dana Lagoon. Some of the most interesting routes are the Sierra Crest, Pacific Crest.
Do not underestimate the impressions that a trip to the groves of huge sequoias, which, it seems, were among the first inhabitants of these picturesque places, can give you. The trees are divided into groups and consist of 20, 25, 250 individuals. It is rightfully believed that the sequoiadendron (this particular species grows in the park) is one of the tallest and most durable plants on our planet. Photos against the backdrop of these giants, who are living witnesses of many natural disasters, political events in the United States, will become worthy exhibits in your personal collection of photographs.
In addition, there are many other natural sites that we strongly recommend including in the excursion program:
- waterfalls - Yosemite, Snow Creek, Wapama, Bridlevale; - Glacier Point observation deck;
- a road with many lakes located along its shores - Taioga Road;
- one of the most beautiful lakes in the park - Hatch-Hatchi.
More things to do in the park
In addition to excursions in the park, there is an opportunity to ride a horse, show your best sides as a fisherman, go on a picnic and spend it in the most picturesque place that you choose yourself, learn mountaineering skills, swim plenty in the purest water sources, master rafting, snowboarding or skiing.
How to get around
To make it easier to move between attractions, tourists are offered trips not only by cars, but also by regular buses, which run every 20-30 minutes. But these routes are designed only for the morning and evening (from 7 to 10 o'clock). Well, for those who are not afraid of difficulties, there are hiking trails.
Important nuances
As wildlife predominates in Yosemite, tourists often encounter bears and other wildlife to be wary of. There are also some of the most annoying insects here - mosquitoes, which can be eliminated with the help of special sprays or ointments.
If you decide to spend the night, choose only specially designated places marked with signs. If you prefer to travel and explore nature in comfort, pay attention to hotels and small lodges. Although there are many cafes and eateries in the park, we advise you to take food with you, which will come in handy during long treks. But do not forget to hide it carefully so that local thieves do not empty your backpacks.
8 - 9 days. Yosemite - Los Angeles
Moving back to Los Angeles
If Washington is the political and administrative capital of the United States, then Los Angeles can be safely called the cultural and cinematic capital of America. Many of those who first come to the famous "city of angels" experience an emotional shock from what they see: brilliance, luxury and beauty dazzle. Already from the plane's window one can see the panorama of the majestic metropolis proudly stretching along the shores of the mighty ocean. By the compact group of skyscraper candles, the center of the city can be easily identified, around which there are picturesque areas with world-famous sights, mansions and villas of the rich and famous.
The second largest city in the United States owes its birth to the Spanish settlers, who gave it its name in honor of the Virgin Mary - the Queen of Angels. From a rather long phrase in Spanish, a short phrase stuck - Los Angeles. Everyone who is not familiar with it is well aware of another magic word - Hollywood is the most powerful film factory in the world, where you should start exploring the sights of this amazing city.
The film industry power "Hollywood" is located in the northwestern part of Los Angeles, California. Its name, engraved from metal in huge letters (height 9 m, width 15 m) and placed on the slope of Maunti (Hollywood Hills), can be seen from afar day and night (each letter contains 4 thousand light bulbs). Famous film studios create their masterpieces in Hollywood, popular and beloved Hollywood actors live and work.
Walk of fame
Once in the area, begin your journey with the emblematic Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on Boulevard Holliwood, where foot and palm prints, autographs and personalized stars of various film, theater, science and art celebrities can be seen on the sidewalks on both sides of the boulevard. An interesting sight awaits you: looking for familiar names by the stars under your feet. Only the name and star of Ali Mohammed are printed on the wall of the Dolbi Theater (for religious reasons of the now deceased boxer).
Grauman's Chinese Theater
When you find yourself in the center of the Walk of Fame, you will meet with Grauman's Chinese Theater. An exotic building in the form of a Chinese pagoda, the entrance to which is guarded by a huge dragon and 2 watchdogs, will immediately grab your attention. This is a working c / t for 1162 places, where the premieres of new films are taking place, where the prints of world famous movie stars are forever left on the pavement. The ticket price is $ 17.
Kodak theater
It is impossible to pass indifferently past the sacred place for filmmakers - the Kodak Theater (now Dolby Teatre), where the Oscars are presented annually to brilliant movie stars. Impressions from his visit are stunning! It is located next to Chinese at 6801 Hollywood BoulevardHollywood, CA. The entrance is free.
Griffith Observatory
Now you should drive closer to Mount Hollywood, on the southern slope of which is the famous Griffith Observatory, built at the expense of the romantic colonel in 1908. It can be called public, not scientific, because Griffith wished that everyone could see the fairy tale of the starry sky and become better.
Untold pleasure will bring not only the spectacle presented by the lens of a large telescope, but also an overview of the magnificent surroundings of Los Angeles, the majestic Hollywood inscription from the observation deck of the park of the same name adjacent to the observatory.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Being in Hollywood and not visiting a famous film studio is unforgivable; we advise you to visit the operating studio Universal (Universal Studios Hollywood), which is unofficially called the "capital of entertainment" Los Angeles - the dream of many. To avoid queuing for tickets, you can buy them online in advance. Here you will plunge into the sea of exciting attractions "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Adventure", "Fast and the Furious", "The Mummy" and theatrical shows based on popular films, included in the sightseeing tour program. The cost of tickets for attractions and shows for 1 day when buying online is $ 11-26; at the box office - from $ 88 to $ 103: depending on the time of year and day of the week.
Beverly Hills
Is it possible to ignore the fashionable area of Beverly Hills - a paradise of the rich and famous, where luxury shops, prestigious houses of Hollywood stars and the mighty are concentrated (Sunset Strip). There are many luxury spas, nightclubs, museums, parks. An incredibly popular place, not inferior in popularity to the Parisian Champs Elysees - Rodeo Drive - a street of expensive shopping, exquisite boutiques, the famous clinic of the same name for surgical plastic and elite visitors with a touch of sophisticated luxury.
Memorial Coliseum Stadium
How not to visit the grandiose sports facility, erected back in 1923 - the Memorial Coliseum stadium, familiar to Russian viewers from the film "The Last Boy Scout". The legendary stadium, with a capacity of almost 100 thousand fans, hosted 2 Summer Olympics - 1932 and 1984. Various celebrations and concerts are held here, a student team plays American football.
Its design justifies the name: the majestic central entrance, bronze athletes on a pedestal, high arched vaults around the perimeter and high stands - reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum. After the Olympics-84, the stadium, built in honor of the veterans of the First World War, received the status of "National Historic Monument".
Address: 3911 South Fiqueroa Street Los Anqeles, CA 90037, USA
Prices for football matches vary by location. Inspection of the stadium is free.
Downtown
But Los Angeles is not only entertainment and shopping, there is a downtown business center, where dozens of offices and business offices are located in skyscrapers, where financial passions boil, economic issues and problems are resolved. On weekdays, you can see a line of office workers (white collars) busily scurrying from office to office. A completely different picture in Downtan on weekends: the neighborhoods become deserted. Film directors are actively using this situation, filming street scenes for their films, and may be lucky at such moments to see one of the Hollywood celebrities.
Ethnic neighborhoods
If you want to see the East Asian flavor in Los Angeles, then from Dauntan it is easy to get to the neighborhoods (they are in the neighborhood), where the Chinese, Koreans, Thais, Japanese, and Armenians live. Each of the quarters is marked with ethnic symbols: here you can see the Golden Pagoda, the Buddhist Temple, the Eastern Gate, a Japanese garden on the roof of the hotel. There will be an opportunity to walk along the street decorated with red lanterns, taste spicy, hot Thai or Korean dishes. The Chinese Chintown will amaze with its bright colors, and the Armenian Bruce - with the gray austerity of its architecture.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
A visit to the Walt Disney Concert Hall will be a real happiness - an unusually beautiful building of an abstract-futuristic style, a real masterpiece of modern architecture. The heirs of the famous creator of the magic land of animation donated $ 50 million for the construction to perpetuate the memory of Disney in a unique building.
This is the best concert hall, surpassing all the famous venues in the world in its acoustics. Inside the walls, ceiling, spectator chairs are finished with expensive quality wood. The organ of more than 6100 pipes is installed, the purity and power of its sound is mesmerizing. And from the outside, the building resembles a space object, dazzlingly sparkling under the sun: this appearance is given to it by asymmetrically curved steel configurations.
It seems that this amazing structure originated from Disney films, it looks so fantastic.
Address: 111 S Grand Ale Los Andqeles, CA 90012.
Open: Tuesday-Sunday. 12.00-18.00, closed - Monday.
Entrance for inspection - free.
Funicular Angles Flight
One cannot but take a ride on the oldest (1901) funicular, Angles Flight, which is a kind of visiting card of the city. More than 100 million people have traveled on the funicular for 50 years. It is the shortest railway in the world (91 m), recently completely restored, and is very popular with citizens and tourists. The residents raised $ 3.5 million for the reconstruction of their favorite attraction. From the wooden retro carriages you can see the tallest skyscraper in California - the Tower of the Bank of the USA, on the roof of which there is a helipad.
Address: r / n Bunker Hill. It works every day, from 6.45 to 22.00.
The fare is 25 cents.
