California Travel Tips

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Hope you had a great day! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq CIRCLE ME ON GOOGLE PLUS http://tinyurl.com/odkmbqk FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips BUY MY APPS! California Essential Guide App: ITUNES: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id428163062?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.ca.essential.guide568&hl=en Yosemite Travel Essentials App: ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=606694986&mt=8 DISNEYLAND INSIDER'S TRAVEL GUIDE ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/ua/app/disneyland-insiders-travel/id528739310?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.disney.guide&hl=en

In today's episode of California Travel Tips we're checking out Huntington Beach — also known as Surf City USA! Stretching 8 1/2 miles between Newport Beach on the south, and Sunset Beach on the north, Huntington Beach is one of Southern California top summer destinations. The city got its nickname for its famous surf, which boasts the most consistent waves in California — and on the West Coast. Huntington Beach Pier — located on PCH at Main Street — is where you'll find most of the action. Many of the Huntington Beach restaurants, surf shops, and attractions are found near the pier, making it a great place to start your visit. The Surfing Hall of Fame is modeled after Graumann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. It pays tribute to the world's best surfers, including Duke Kahanamoku. Check out the famous hand and footprints of surf legends like Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton and Corky Carroll, then walk over to Olive Street for a peek inside the International Surfing Museum. Kahanamoku introduced surfing to the area in 1925, and the city has stayed true to its roots, hosting the renowned US Open of Surfing each July. In February, more than 20,000 runners join their annual Surf City Marathon — a Boston qualifier with a stunning oceanfront course. And in September, charming Old World Village puts on one of the best Oktoberfests in Southern California, complete with dachshund races and authentic German cuisine. Plan to stay the weekend, or even better an entire week, in HB. Three Huntington Beach hotels sit right on PCH, including the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, and the boutique Shorebreak Hotel. If you have an RV, check out Sunset Vista Campground, which is as close as you'll get to the pier, or Bolsa Chica State Beach up the road. Now when you're down on the beach, you've got to try their famous cheese strips — also known as strips and cheese. They've been around for 50 years and can be found on almost every snack stand along the shore. Huntington Beach Pier is one of the West's longest public piers, stretching 1,850 feet in length. After walking to the end, reward yourself with a classic burger, milkshake or fries from Ruby's Diner — or head across the street for an affogato or scoop of gelato from Mangiamo Caffe. One of our favorite places to eat is Duke's Restaurant — named after the famous Hawaiian surf legend. Come here during happy hour and you can get half off some of their best dishes. Although surfing is definitely big, there are plenty of other things to do in HB. You can go cycling along 8 1/2 miles of boardwalk, play a game of volleyball on the sand, or take your pooch to Huntington Dog Beach at Goldenwest and PCH. (The Hilton Waterfront and Shorebreak Hotels are dog friendly!) The 1,200-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve — also known as the Bolsa Chica Wetlands — is an important migratory and nesting spot for birds, hosting over 300 different species. The Bolsa Chica interpretive center is open from 9 to 4 daily, where you can catch the scenic Mesa Trail. On the south lot, you can cross the wooden bridge to the Loop Trail, which travels 1 1/2 miles around the estuary. Public tours of Bolsa Chica are offered the first and second Saturdays of the month. Around sunset, set up your beach chairs for a s'more roast and bonfire around one of the 600 fire pits in Huntington Beach. There's no better way to end your visit! Thanks for joining us in Huntington Beach. I'll see you next time! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill checks out what's new at the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach, CA. In addition to the ExplorOcean center, you can visit the famous Fun Zone Ferris Wheel, go fishing at Davy's Locker and Newport Landing Sporfishing, rent a duffy boat at Balboa Boat Rentals, take the ferry to Catalina Island on the Catalina Flyer, or check out the historic Balboa Performing Arts Center. While you're at Balboa Fun Zone, you can enjoy Newport Beach restaurants like Harborside Restaurant and Newport Landing, both which have great views of Newport Bay. If you want to explore Balboa Island and its famous Balboa Bar and frozen chocolate banana, take the Balboa Ferry by foot or by car. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill interviews Mike Thompson of Davy's Locker about their daily Newport Beach sportfishing tours, whale watching cruises and fishing excursions. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill interviews Mike Donegan of the Catalina Flyer (http://www.catalinainfo.com/) about their daily ferries to Catalina Island from Orange County and Newport Beach. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill interviews Ralph Rodheim of Balboa Boat Rentals about their selection of Newport Beach Boat Rentals. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq CIRCLE ME ON GOOGLE PLUS http://tinyurl.com/odkmbqk FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips BUY MY APPS! California Essential Guide App: ITUNES: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id428163062?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.ca.essential.guide568&hl=en Yosemite Travel Essentials App: ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=606694986&mt=8 DISNEYLAND INSIDER'S TRAVEL GUIDE ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/ua/app/disneyland-insiders-travel/id528739310?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.disney.guide&hl=en

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill interviews Patrick Moore of the Balboa Fun Zone Ferris Wheel and its history in Newport Beach, CA. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel guide Veronica Hill heads to Balboa in Newport Beach for the kickoff of the 2013 Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race. Held the weekend before the big Newport to Ensenada race, this family-friendly event is packed with things to do. You can watch plein-air and sidewalk artists create new masterpieces, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the square, or head inside ExplorOcean for some model boat building. Be sure to arrive at Balboa's kickoff party with an empty stomach. Their Stroll, Sample and Sip serves up small bites from the area's best restaurants, from crab cakes with mango salsa at Newport Landing to a decadent coconut-crusted salmon from Harborside Restaurant. And if you're in need of a cold beverage, the Stella Artois Beer and Mt. Gay Rum Garden is just steps away. Held since 1947 by the Newport Ocean Sailing Association, the race started as a "fun run" after World War II. It ends with a festive post-race party at the Bahia Hotel in Ensenada. This is the world's largest yachting race, running 125 miles from Newport to Ensenada. More than 20 classes compete, from ultra lights to maxi yachts. The current record was set in 1998 — at 6 hours, 46 minutes and 40 seconds. Roy Disney, Humphrey Bogart and Walter Cronkite are among the celebrities who have taken part in the race. Bob Kettenhofen, owner of the Beck 60, Dare, gave us a preview of his boat, which was chartered by Roy Disney for a Trans-Pacific Race. Kettenhofen often takes Sea Scouts out on the boat, and was among the boats competing at the 2013 Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Veronica Hill heads to Abigaile Restaurant in Hermosa Beach for its monthly "Kitchen Takeover" with "Ace of Cakes" star Duff Goldman (Charm City Cakes and Duff's Cakemix). Duff talks about taking part in the "Kitchen Takeover," being a fromagier and pastry chef, and reveals secrets about his new Duff Goldman video game coming out on iOs devices this summer. Abigaile Restaurant http://abigailerestaurant.com/ Charm City Cakes http://charmcitycakeswest.com Duff's Cakemix http://www.duffscakemix.com/ SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California Travel guide Veronica Hill visits Abigaile Restaurant (http://abigailerestaurant.com/) in Hermosa Beach for its "Kitchen Takeover" with Charm City Cakes (http://charmcitycakeswest.com/) and Duff's Cakemix (http://www.duffscakemix.com/) owner Duff Goldman. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel journalist Veronica Hill visits the Chandler Music Museum — the West Coast's largest private collection of more than 200 vintage wind instruments. Not only do you get to see these antique instruments up close, but Martin Chandler also plays each one! Highlights in this video include performances on the world's last surviving soprano rothophone, a Kalison mini trumpet, piccolo trumpet, rare octavin instrument, the shalmei and a vintage conn bass saxophone. The Chandler Music Instrument Museum is open once every two years. Learn more at http://www.Facebook.com/ChandlerMuseum SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj Welcome to California Travel Tips, hosted by travel writer Veronica Hill and foodie-chef Jason Hill. Please sub for new California travel videos delivered to your inbox! MY BLOG: http://www.CaliforniaTravelTips.com FACEBOOK: http://Facebook.com/CaliforniaTravelTips TWITTER: http://Twitter.com/CaliforniaTips INSTAGRAM: http://Instagram.com/CaliforniaTravelTips PINTEREST: http://Pinterest.com/CaliforniaTravelExpert

California travel journalist Veronica Hill shares her San Francisco travel guide in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Highlights of this San Francisco travel video include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Ghiradelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, Pier 39, Lombard Street and the San Francisco cable cars. Did we cover the best attractions in San Francisco? Did we leave your favorite out? Let us know in the comments below, or drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter. Music: Digital Juice and Kevin MacLeod at http://www.incompetech.com SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK https://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM https://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel journalist Veronica Hill shares her Morro Bay travel guide in this episode of "California Travel Tips." My friends and I are here for a girls getaway, and we're packing in as many sights as possible in the 48 hours we're here. At Morro Strand State Beach, you can fly a kite, go horseback riding, or look for sand dollars along the shore. But we're here for the kayaking, and we can't wait to start exploring. The sea lions are adorable, but we're hoping to spot some resident sea otters, who can be found wrapping themselves in the kelp near Morro Rock. After all that exercise, we're famished, and the seafood here is as fresh as it gets. Morro Bay Fish Company is bringing in their daily catch of black cod and buckets of live Dungeness Crab. After slurping down some oysters at Dockside Too, we head over to Giovanni's for some hot clam chowder. We spend the rest of the afternoon shopping along the Embarcadero, then hit Stax Wine Bar for a tasting of local wines. If you don't mind a short drive, head to dinner in Cayucos, a coastal beach town that dates back to the 1800s. Although it's famous for the Brown Butter Cookie Company, our favorite discovery is Ruddell's Smokehouse, where you can dig in to Jim's fresh smoked albacore tuna, smoked oysters and some of the best fish tacos and fish sandwiches you'll ever eat. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

On my recent fall trip to Yosemite National Park, I was taken by the beauty of the flowing Merced River. No narration here — just a quiet moment in the park. I hope this video brings a little peace to your day. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel journalist Veronica Hill tours Amboy and Roy's Cafe in this episode of "California Travel Tips." One of the most iconic stops along the Mojave's Route 66, Roy’s Cafe, Gas and Motel was built in 1938 by Amboy mayor Buster Burris. He dubbed it "the crustiest, dustiest gas stop on all of Route 66." Originally a successful auto parts house, the building was turned into a cafe in 1945, serving up homemade chili, Route 66 burgers (double meat and double cheese) and old-fashioned lemonade. Though in the middle of nowhere, Roy's gained a loyal following (including Harrison Ford and Clint Black), and its mid-century Googie sign has become a Mojave Desert icon. In 2005, the entire town (and everything in it) was purchased by Albert Okura, a preservationist who also owns the first McDonald's in San Bernardino. Okura hopes to restore the cafe to its former glory. To get there, exit Kelbaker Road and take a right on historic Route 66 California. The cafe is no longer in operation, but you can buy snacks and Route 66 Route Beer. The gas station sells gas at about $5 per gallon.

California Travel journalist Veronica Hill offers a guide to the best attractions in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf in this episode of "California Travel Tips." There are dozens of things to do in Fisherman's Wharf. Take the San Francisco cable cars down to the Hyde Street Pier, where you can explore the Fisherman's wharf attractions, seafood restaurants and museums. Most of the sights are located along Jefferson Street, which is where you'll find the historic San Francisco seafood restaurants and stands serving up the city's famous boiled crab and hot clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. If you're craving more of that fabulously chewy San Francisco sourdough, head over to Boudin Bakery in Fisherman's Wharf, where you can watch and talk to artisan breadmakers as they create their legendary sourdough loaves before your eyes. Located on Pier 45, Musee Mecanique is a mechanical museum that's home to dozens of old-time penny arcade games, including some from San Francisco's historic Playland at the Beach. On Hyde Street Pier, you'll find the flotilla of ships at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. Although the Pier is free, you can pay a fee to board these turn-of-the-century ships. Also along the waterfront, you can tour the USS Pampanito, which sank six ships during World War II. Fisherman's Wharf is home to several daily San Francisco bay cruises, bike rentals and sightseeing tours. You can explore the city on a San Francisco Go Car, zip through Fisherman's Wharf by Segway, or join a cycling tour across the Golden Gate Bridge. The Blue & Gold Fleet also departs here daily, offering excursions to popular destinations including Angel Island, Monterey and Carmel. Daily tours to Alcatraz depart from Alcatraz Cruises on Pier 33. For a bit of touristy fun, head to Pier 39 — a shopping and restaurant complex filled with souvenir shops and the occasional live shows. Go ahead and succumb to its guilty pleasures, from a ride on the double-decker carousel, to glimpse at the barking California sea lions on K-dock. These playful pinnipeds arrived here in 1990, and have been a major crowd pleaser ever since. Although their numbers come and go throughout the year, there are always a few hanging out. Upstairs, Aquarium of the Bay offers a glimpse at more than 20,000 ocean creatures. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss Ghiradelli Square, where you can indulge in San Francisco's famous chocolate creations, or do a bit of shopping. Built in 1907, the Cannery is another good bet — where you'll find some adorable sidewalk cafes and boutiques. If you're looking for San Francisco hotels near Fisherman's Wharf, book a room at the Radisson Fisherman's Wharf, Fairmont Heritage Place or The Argonaut. All three are just steps from Jefferson Street and the attractions of Fisherman's Wharf. Tips: Parking in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf is available across the street from Pier 39 in a large parking structure. You can find a map of Fisherman's Wharf on their official website at http://www.fishermanswharf.org/visit.aspx?q=10037&c=1 LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel guide Veronica Hill tours the Avenue of the Giants highway in the Northern California Redwoods in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Stretching 32 miles between Garberville and Fortuna, Avenue of the Giants is one of California's best scenic drives. The road, which travels along Higway 101 on Route 254, is named for our state's magnificent coastal California redwoods. They happen to be the tallest trees on earth — some reaching up to 380 feet tall and 26 feet wide. Avenue of the Giants is one of the best places in the state to view these magnificent towering trees, and its easy to feel dwarfed as you travel down the shaded 2-lane highway. When you enter the park, pick up a map that highlights the route and its attractions. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can camp at Burlington or Hidden Springs Campgrounds, or enjoy more modern comforts at the Myers Inn B&B. Our first stop is at the Immortal Tree, which is 250 tall and more than 950 years old. Inside the gift shop, you can pick up a map of Bigfoot hunting locations. Apparently more than 200 encounters have been reported in these parts, especially during the summer and fall. They say Bigfoot can get as tall as 14 feet, is a good swimmer, and sounds like a mountain lion — if you believe in that sorta thing. After checking out Founder's Grove in Weott, we head to Myers Flat to squeeze our SUV through the world-famous Shrine Drive-Thru Tree. There are three drive-through trees along the route, and each will set you back about $6. Kids can explore the two-story tree houses, or get lost in the walk-through stump. Yes, it's touristy — but loads of fun. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Go on a tour of beautiful Tomales Bay with California travel guide Veronica Hill in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Located 30 miles north of San Francisco, along scenic Highway 1, Tomales Bay stretches 15 miles from Bodega Bay to Point Reyes Station. Marshall boasts just 400 residents, and is dotted with weathering dairy farms, rustic oyster stands, and charming waterfront inns. One of the best is Nicks' Cove, a cluster of 1930s cottages that has quickly become one of San Francisco's hottest weekend escapes. "This has been and continues to be the place that people come up Highway 1, and they stop and they stay and they eat and they drink and have a really good time," says Dena Grunt, general manager. We're staying in Bandit's Bungalow, a two-bedroom waterfront cottage that's perfect for families. Not only does it have a fully stocked bar, but there are heated bathroom floors, a private deck, and a wood-burning stove. Your stay comes with a welcome delivery of their famous BBQd oysters in the afternoon, followed by a delicious continental breakfast in the morning. Nick's Cove has 12 different cottages to choose from. Five sit on the waterfront, and seven sit just across the highway in a eucalyptus grove. If you can't stay the night, be sure to make a reservation for dinner. Executive chef Austin Perkins, an alum of the Michelin-starred Cyrus in Healdsburg, serves up a delicious seafood menu using the bounty of local farms. Start out with an oyster sampler, then dig in to Austin's decadent crab mac n cheese. While you're here, the great outdoors beckons. You can hop in a fishing boat, go on a kayaking tour of the bay, or cycle down Highway 1. Foodies shouldn't miss Hog Island Oyster Company, where you can shuck and smoke your own Tomales Bay oysters along the waterfront. One of our favorite stops is Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station. Housed in a restored barn below the bay, Cowgirl Creamery is celebrated for its artisan California cheese, served in top restaurants throughout the state. Foodies flock to this charming cheese shop to stock up on fresh-made fromage, take a class, or take part in their weekly cheese-making tours. After a day of exploring Tomales Bay, head back to the comforts of Nick's Cove, where you can head out to the pier and enjoy the beautiful California sunset. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel guide Veronica Hill interviews Dena Grunt, general manager of the Nick's Cove Tomales Bay lodging in Marshall, CA. Here, Dena explains Tomales Bay's history, Nick's Cove's past and present owners, the award-winning Nick's Cove restaurant and their luxury Nick's Cove vacation rental cottages near the Point Reyes National Seashore. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel guide Veronica Hill tours the cottages of Nick's Cove in this episode of "California Travel Tips." These luxury Tomales Bay vacation rentals are among the most popular Point Reyes lodging accommodations. Once you arrive, you can tour the Tomales Bay oyster farms — including Hog Island Oyster Company — or go on a Tomales Bay kayaking tour with Blue Waters kayaking. Just don't miss a meal at the exquisite Nick's Cove Restaurant, where executive chef Austin Perkins will "wow" you with his decadent BBQ oysters, clam chowder and Dungeness crab mac and cheese! SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel guide Veronica Hill checks out Musee Mecanique in San Francisco, CA. Set on Pier 45, this unique San Francisco museum is filled with dozens of penny arcade games and carnival amusements, some dating back to the late 1800s. Privately owned and operated, it's is one of many fun free things to do in Fisherman's Wharf. Bring along a handful of quarters, or just watch on someone else's dime. At any given moment, most of the machines are putting on a show! Don't miss the mechanical side show carnival — complete with 100 moving parts; the 1958 Bimbo Box; or the fabulously creepy Chinese Opium Den. In the back of the Musee Mechanique museum, you'll find a collection of old-school arcade games, some more than 30 years old! Laughing Sal, with her curly bright red hair and rosy cheeks, was once a staple at Playland at the Beach in San Francisco Bay. Dating back to the 1930s, the mechanical laughing doll is one of the most popular items in the collection. Before you leave, be sure to check out the museum's Steam Flyer Motorcycle. Built in 1912, it's worth more than $250,000! Music: Pine Apple Rag (1908, piano roll) is royalty free creative commons: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Frog_Legs_Ragtime_Era_Favorites/08_-_scott_joplin_-_pine_apple_rag SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel guide Veronica Hill shares this quick clip of the Bush Man in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA. This funny prank video of the famous San Francisco bushman is the first in our playlist of quick unedited California video clips. We hope you enjoy them! LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California Travel guide Veronica Hill offers a tour of Coronado, San Diego, in this episode of California Travel Tips. Founded in 1885 by Hampton Story and E.L. Babcock, Coronado sits on a peninsula just 5 miles from downtown San Diego. If you're staying downtown, you can reach Coronado Island via the 2 1/2-mile long Coronado Bridge, or hop aboard the Coronado Ferry, which departs Broadway Pier nine times daily. Start your visit at the Hotel Del Coronado, one of the world's most beautiful Victorian seaside resorts. Built in 1888, the Del remains one of the hottest vacation spots in California, complete with luxury vacation villas, gourmet dining and stunning ocean views. The Coronado Historical Association offers walking tours of the Hotel Del and some of Coronado's famous buildings. Don't miss a peek at Wizard of Oz author L Frank Baum's home on Star Park Circle (1101 Star Park Circle), or the infamous Spreckels Mansion (1043 Ocean Blvd.), built by Hotel Del owner John Spreckels in 1907. President Clinton vacationed in the historic Crown Manor estate (1902), which overlooks Coronado Beach (1015 Ocean Blvd.). At 20,000 square feet, it's the largest home in Coronado! Consistently named one of the best beaches in America, Coronado Beach is known for its gentle rolling waves and expanses of soft sand that are perfect for surfing, swimming and volleyball. In between sunbathing, you can head into Mootime Creamery for some hand-scooped gourmet ice cream, then come back at sunset for a signature Coronado Margarita at the Hotel Del Cabana Bar. Coronado Village runs along Orange Avenue, a chic little shopping district that's packed with luxury boutiques, theaters and charming restaurants. It's a great place to ride your bike, linger over a frozen yogurt, or join a Coronado Segway Tour. A few miles south, Silver Strand State Beach beckons visitors with its breezy winds that are perfect for kite surfing. For something more laid-back, the Gondola Company offers romantic sunset gondola rides in Coronado Cays. As one of the most dog-friendly cities in California, Coronado has plenty of places to take your pup. You can let your run through the sand at Coronado Dog Beach, located at the end of Ocean Boulevard, or book a dog surfing lesson through Loews Coronado Bay Resort and the Coronado Surfing Academy. Every June, the hotel hosts its annual Coronado Surf Dog Competition, drawing thousands of spectators from around the state. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel journalist Veronica Hill tours Buena Vista Street at Disney's California Adventure in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Buena Vista Street in California Adventure is a throwback to 1920s Los Feliz, where Walt Disney began his entertainment empire. When you arrive, be sure to grab a copy of the Buena Vista Bugle, then hit the town. You can shop-til-you drop at the Elias and Company Department Store, or pick up a few souvenirs inside Oswald's Gas and Oil. At Kingswell Camera Shop, you can stock up on photographic supplies or pick up your photo pass cds. The Red Car Trolley — modeled after LA's Pacific Electric Railway — connects Buena Vista Street with the Hollywood Backlot. It passes under the Hyperion Bridge — a replica of the real railway underpass near Los Feliz. The Carthay Circle Theater is a tribute to the Hollywood movie palace where Disney's Snow White premiered in 1937. The building is home to the stylish Club 1901 lounge and Carthay Circle Restaurant, which serves some of the best signature dining in the park. For something more casual, try Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe — named for the three pigs in Disney's "Silly Symphony." Inside, you'll find some delicious sandwiches, pastries — and a full range Starbucks coffees! If you're watching your waistline, Mortimer's Market serves a variety of fresh fruit and drinks, or you can go big with a sundae at Clarabelle's Ice Cream. Inside the Elysian Arcade, Trolley Treats is stocked with gourmet fudge, toffee and chewy candied apples. Several live performances bring Buena Vista Street alive. The Five and Dime is one of my favorites, serving up jazzy tunes from the 30s and 40s. Occasionally, Goofy even joins the fun! Be sure to check the schedule for The Red Car Newsboys, who perform Broadway-caliber hits from the back of the trolley. Thanks for joining us on our tour of Disneyland Buena Vista Street! We'll see you next time. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips