Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco, California

Japanese Tea Garden is a part of Golden Gate Park's popular attractions along with de Young Museum, California Academy of Science, Botanical Gardens and many other attractions. It might be impossible to cover all these in one day. Public transport options and parking is available, whichever you choose to use.

This tea garden is a soothing place to visit amid the chaotic downtown traffic. The garden is well designed and maintained. The tea garden houses both local and authentic Japanese plants. The bright red pagodas, stone lanterns, zen gardens, a statue of buddha gives the garden an authentic look and feel. The ponds with their bright orange fish stand out in the green backdrop.

A five-storied pagoda stands tall in the middle of the garden surrounded by a variety of colorful flowers and green shrubs. The Tea House in the garden serves as a snack bar that serves authentic Japanese tea and some sweet treats. It is a good experience to sip tea in the relaxing garden.

US Route 1, California

We took a scenic route from Golden Gate Bridge to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA. Starting at the Golden Gate bridge, the US Route 1 passes through Golden Gate Park, Dale City, Half Moon Bay, HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Santa Cruz to Monterey.

The drive is so beautiful, it is totally worth the time for a detour. The lighthouse is a hostel where you can rent rooms with ocean views. Most of the highway has stops to park the car and take a quick trip to the beach. These cliff side beaches are splendid has an appeal that normal beaches lack.

The foggy roads, sound of crashing waves, humid weather, beautiful ocean views sure will please your senses.

Yosemite National Park, California

With its breath taking views, Yosemite National Park attracts thousands or tourists, campers and hikers each year. For me, driving up and down these mountains itself was an adventure. The drive has several vista points for quick stops. Driving up the mountains, you can see tall, black, half burnt trees from forest fires.

This national park is famous for its rock formations and waterfalls. To view any of the waterfalls, expect to take a walk between half to one mile. Even if you are not planning on camping, it is better to take mosquito repellents, sunscreen lotions, anti itch cream and lots of water.This national park offers a variety of out door activities like backpacking, camping, skiing, fishing, hiking, rafting etc. Some activities like hiking half dome needs a permit. Check the website for weather updates, alerts and latest information.

Lombard Street, San Francisco, California

The Lombard street, famously known as the crooked street with its hairpin beds over a span of block is one of San Francisco's famous landmarks. Get down a tram at the starting of the intersection of Lombard street and walk down the steps. Or drive till Lombard street and if you choose to stop for pictures, street parking is available too.

Lombard street is a one way street and you can only drive down the hairpin bends. If you are wondering why the car in the picture is going UP, you are definitely mistaken. They are driving down. IN REVERSE ..... I would have never thought of that !!! Straight road from Lombard street goes to Coit tower.

Coit Tower, San Francisco, California

Coit Tower stands tall on the Telegraph hill, offers nice views of the city, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Islands. Parking is free but very limited. There is an option of taking public transport from Fisherman's Wharf.

Coit Tower can be reached by a scenic trail via Filbert street. Elevator access is available to the top of the tower and the tickets can be purchased in the gift shop at the bottom of the tower.

The top of the tower has three arch shaped windows in each direction that offers 360 degree view of the city.

Coit tower offers guided tours and the tour of the murals inside the tower. Don't miss THE famous Lombard street nearby!!!

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

The Golden Gate Bridge is one the most photographed bridges in the world. Standing tall between the San Francisco bay and The Pacific Ocean, this is San Francisco's must see monument.With the bright orange paint, and ocean views, a sunny day gives the picturesque views of the bridge.

Numerous vista points are available on either sides of the bridge for tourists to get pictures. Visitors can use the side walk from March through November to cross the bridge.

Wonders of Flight, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Wonders of Flight is a tethered hot air balloon ride. Once you board the hot air balloon, it raises up to 400 feet in the air . The whole activity takes around 10-15 minutes.

 Enjoy the views of Pigeon Forge from 400 feet.

Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg Sky View is a top Gatlinburg attraction with beautiful views of Smokey Mountains. This chairlift is a fun way to get to the top of the mountain. The chair lift takes you to the top of mountain at 1800 feet. A small gift shop at the top has good collection of souvenirs and snacks. 

Spend as much time you want on the top. Because, this place have the best views around.

A Day in Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Centennial park, a beautiful retreat in the middle of downtown Nashville. Can’t miss the real size replica of Parthenon which is also Nashville's art museum. A replica of Greek goddess Athena inside the Parthenon. Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit the park. With spring blossoms and beautiful summer gardens, the park looks alive.

A quick stop at Gaylord Opryland Resort is a good addition to the trip. This is a small upscale indoor town. Literally!!! Plan to spend a cool winter day indoors. Entry is free. There is free parking available with in short walk. 

A big dome covers the tropical themed resort and offers guests with choice of dining, shopping and free entertainment.

A boat ride indoor is fun activity for both kids and adults. The sound of waterfalls and the sight of colorful fountains is appealing to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Kelley's Island, Ohio

Kelley's Island, located in Lake Erie is the most beautiful island around.With it's clear blue water, rental homes, private beaches and less crowd, this island attracts families with kids in summer.Kelleys island ferry boat  from Marblehead, Ohio is the easiest way to get to Kelleys Island. One way price is 10$ per adult. Note that there is extra 10$ for parking if you wish to park your car and ride the ferry. The ferry prices are bit steep compared to Put-in-Bay. But it is worth to rent a golf cart in the Island as it has beautiful views that can be better enjoyed in a golf cart ride.Make a quick stop at the Glacier Grooves state memorial. These 5000 year old glacier grooves carved in limestone bed by the advancing glaciers deserves a visit.

Take a quick drive through the road that runs around the island.  Make a quick stop at West Bay. Rocky shores and blue water makes an awesome view.

Spend an afternoon in the small sandy beach of Kelley's Island State Park. Other than kayaking, there are no other activities in this island. The downtown is cute and neat with local shops.