USA Archives - Page 5 of 10

February 22, 2015 by Jeremy

4 Picture Perfect Beach Attractions in St. Petersburg, FL

Whether you have your sights set on the world-renowned beaches or you’re just looking for a little outdoor excitement, St. Petersburg has something to offer every traveler. Not only does St. Pete have miles of sandy beachfront hotspots and barrier islands, it also offers plenty of natural attractions and outdoor activities. With sun and fun in mind, here are four attractions in St. Petersburg that are the epitome of beach perfection.

1. St. Pete Beach

The city of St. Petersburg averages 360 days of sunshine a year, so it’s no surprise that St. Pete Beach is one of the most popular attractions of the beachside city. The Gulf side of the beach offers sandy spots for sunbathing and just about every water activity under the sun.

If you’ve gotten your fill of sand and surf, the bay side of St. Pete Beach is a nature-lover’s paradise, complete with pristine views of the calm waters and countless marinas. McPherson Bayou on the southern bay side of the beach is also a great spot for sightseeing tarpon and beautiful waterfront homes.

2. Fort De Soto Park

At the southernmost point of Pinellas County, just a short drive from St. Petersburg’s city center, is Fort De Soto Park. The historic park is over 1,100 acres and includes Madelaine Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key, St. Jean Key, and Mullet Key, which is the park’s main island.

Fort De Soto Park derives its name from Hernando De Soto, a Spanish explorer who came ashore in the St. Petersburg area in 1539. The park features remnants of the fort, including replica canons and original embankment walls. Whether you want to fish, hike, or discover the historical sites, Fort De Soto Park is the perfect spot.

3. Pass-a-Grille

The name alone makes you want to check it out, right? Pass-a-Grille is a historic neighborhood at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach. The name Pass-a-Grille, or Passe Aux Grilleurs, is French for “the passageway of grillers,” which honors the fishermen who called the island-like neighborhood home in the 1500s.

Today, the Pass-a-Grille neighborhood is filled with boutique hotels, local art vendors, and eclectic restaurants that are sure to satisfy any traveler’s appetite. Although the historic beachfront district is an attraction in itself, the beautiful Merry Pier at the south end of the Pass-a-Grille neighborhood is an ideal spot to watch the sunset over the Gulf.

4. Shell Key Preserve

With spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east, Shell Key Preserve is a perfect spot to spend an afternoon. The preserve has a massive bird preservation area, which means you can bird watch from sunrise to sunset.

There are also a number of unique ecosystems within the preserve, from saltwater marshes to sandy seaside dunes. If you simply can’t get enough of the nature and serenity that Shell Key Preserve provides, overnight campsites are also available in the heart of the island.

When you’re ready to soak up the sun in St. Petersburg, keep in mind the perfect beach attractions above and make the most of your trip.

Author Bio:

Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including travel and the environment.

February 17, 2015 by jfalbelda

Exploring San Francisco’s History in Just One Day

Union Square in San Francisco San Francisco is a superb destination for those who love to explore a city’s culture and history via fascinating attractions and iconic landmarks. The City by the Bay offers a wealth of museums, exciting sightseeing options and some fun-filled activities that will delight and educate adults and children alike. San Francisco is one of the most vibrant and interesting cities you can visit in The United States.

It’s not too hard to turn learning into a pleasurable activity, especially if you choose to visit one of the world’s most popular cities. Read More »

February 15, 2015 by Jeremy

Five Small Cities Worth Visiting That Start With the Letter “M”

Visiting your favorite city is undoubtedly a fun experience, but if you never stray from tried and tested destinations, you’ll miss out on so many others. Here are five small cities Worth Visiting that will exceed your expectations…

Experience a Foodie’s Paradise in Madison, Wisconsin

Image via Flickr by onTask

If you’ve heard anything about Wisconsin, it’s likely that you’ll know it’s famed for its cheese. The Green County Cheese Days Festival in Monroe is one of the better-known cheese related events, but that can mean missing out on other gems such as Madison. It’s not just cheese that’s on offer here, although you really shouldn’t miss out on a trip to Fromagination; you can also enjoy attractions such as the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the Henry Vilas Zoo, and the Madison Children’s Museum. There are also some amazing hotels in Madison that make the whole visit worthwhile.

Discover Stunning Scenery at McAllen, Texas

Image via Flickr by USFWS Headquarters

Houston, Dallas, and Austin may well be the big-ticket cities in Texas, but it’s worth venturing to see some of the smaller offerings such as McAllen. Boasting its own airport for easy access, this city lies near to some of the Rio Grande’s beautiful green spaces such as the Bentsen Valley State Park and the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge. Other attractions include Quinta Mazatlan, the International Museum of Art and Science, and the 17th Street Entertainment District.

Escape the Crowds at Miramar, Florida

Image via Flickr by grand_boulevard

Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale are the kind of destinations that immediately spring to mind when you think of Florida, but don’t rule out experiencing one of the Sunshine State’s smaller cities. Within easy reach of both the Everglades and many beautiful beaches, Mirimar in Broward County has plenty to offer visitors. Take some time to explore the Miramar Regional Park, catch a show at the Cultural Center ArtsPark, and indulge in a little retail therapy at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.

Experience Wilderness in Mount Shasta, California

Image via Flickr by D and S McSpadden

You’ve no doubt already visited, or at least heard of some of California’s most popular cities; Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco are among the big names. Lesser known but equally appealing, albeit for different reasons, is Mount Shasta. Located in the foothills of the volcano of the same name, this scenic city is enjoying a growing reputation for extreme sports and wilderness camping, all within reach of picturesque landmarks such as Mossbrae Falls and Lake Siskiyou.

Enjoy a Life of Leisure at Monroe, Louisiana

Image via Flickr by USFWS/Southeast

New Orleans has long since attracted visitors to Louisiana, but if you’d like to stray from the beaten track, Monroe might be just the destination you seek. Explore gorgeous green spaces such as the D’Arbonne and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuges, spend lazy afternoons on one of the area’s sweeping golf courses, or wander around one of several museums such as the Biedenham Museum and Gardens or the Masur Museum of Arts.

Why not take a chance and visit one of these cities soon? You might just find a new firm favorite.

February 8, 2015 by Jeremy

4 Tips for Pampering Yourself in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills might be the most famous city in California outside of Hollywood. Many celebrities call the city home; however, you don’t need to be a movie star to travel here and pamper yourself. The city is full of luxury spas, hotels, shopping, and dining to make you feel like a star. Here are four tips that are sure to make your pampering experience in Beverly Hills fabulous.

Have a Day at the Spa

Beverly Hills has many well-known spas that will help you set your mind at ease. The Peninsula Spa at the Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills, for instance, is perfect if you find inner peace high above the city. It features a beautiful rooftop garden with a sizeable pool and cabanas under which guests can relax.

If you’re in the mood to get done up, head to The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie. Famously known as the “Pink Lady,” the Beverly Hills Spa provides massages, manicures, facials, and just about any other relaxing service you can imagine.

Put Your Feet up at a Luxury Hotel

Image via Flickr by Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills

Staying at one of Beverly Hills’ many luxury five-star hotels, like the aforementioned The Peninsula, lets you enjoy your trip to California in total opulence.

If you’re concerned about price, however, there are many four-star hotels that offer similar quality, like the Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills or Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, at more than half the price. At the Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills, for example, you’ll find sophisticated decor, room service, state-of-the-art amenities, and a perfect plush bed with a pillowtop mattress. The Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills also features services comparable to what you’d expect from five-star hotels, including an outdoor pool, spa, and a bar and lounge.

Shop the Day Away

If you go to Beverly Hills, there’s only one street that you absolutely have to visit if you love to shop: Rodeo Drive. You could spend weeks on Rodeo Drive if you really wanted to, as there are dozens of interesting stores to peruse. Almost all the top clothing brands feature flagship stores here, including Ralph Lauren, Versace, and Prada.

Enjoy Dining Among the Stars

Looking for a restaurant in Beverly Hills that will offer you the full luxury dining experience? Looking for a restaurant that will cater to you like a celebrity, one that understands how to make you feel special? Look no further than Mastro’s Steakhouse on Canon Drive, which features world-class steaks, live music in the lounge, and signature cocktails and craft beer at the bar.

If you fancy something a little unusual, Spago is a beloved fusion restaurant that offers American and Japanese-inspired dishes. And finally, if you’re in the mood for some fun along with your meal, head to Nic’s Beverly Hills. This traditional American restaurant features DJs who spin records long into the wee hours.

You deserve to be pampered like a celebrity, and when it comes to pampering, there is no better place than Beverly Hills. Relax at gorgeous hotels and spas before hitting the streets for shopping and exquisite meals.

February 1, 2015 by Jeremy

3 Top Places to Stay in California’s Garden Grove

Situated in the land of entertainment, fame, and sun, California’s Garden Grove in Orange County is famous for delicious strawberries and its celebrated cultural diversity. It perfectly delivers reprieve from the more chaotic Los Angeles just north, and, with Anaheim’s amusement parks just 3 miles away, guests benefit in room prices.

Still, the area has its own knockouts. When visiting Garden Grove, rest your head in one of these three stellar accommodations:

1. Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Area/Garden Grove

Image via Flickr by Roebot

This hotel consistently ranks high with the resort-hopping family crowd. Guests spend about $150 less here than at hotels across the street from the parks.

Within walking distance from Disneyland and California Adventure, the hotel offers a free buffet-style breakfast, giant pool and kiddie wading pool, and a kid’s theatre room with essentially 24/7 Disney movie showings, so kids stay entertained endlessly. The hotel even offers tickets to the parks.

Pick from one- or two-bed guest suites, which sleep between two and eight guests per room. To really feel at home when traveling in a clan, choose Kids Suites which have an extra bath and bedroom with twin-sized bunk beds.

While the hotel doesn’t feature its own restaurant, nearby restaurants like Joe’s Crab Shack deliver dinners and the hotel holds nightly socials with complimentary food. The adults especially will love happy hour or catching a game at Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing Co. Otherwise, there’s a BBQ and picnic area by the pool, and suites have fully stocked kitchens.

2. Little Saigon Inn

Image via Flickr by vixyao

Little Saigon Inn is a bed-and-breakfast in the center of Little Saigon, an expansive Vietnamese community that stretches from Westminster to Garden Grove. In fact, Little Saigon holds the largest population of Vietnamese people outside of Vietnam.

If you want to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s French-Asian fusion, which claims croissants and café sua dá (the super indulgent mix of French coffee with condensed milk), as perfected at Lily’s Bakery, as well as steaming Pho soup Pho Thanh’s, then stay at this B-and-B.

The Inn offers 66 rooms with single King suites, double Queen suites, and the Deluxe suite. Parking is free, unlike many hotels, and guests still enjoy a swimming pool, free coffee, and Wi-Fi.

Nearby, the Chua Hue Quang Buddhist temple beckons visitors to prayer, and the Asian Garden Mall, Phuc Loc Tho, offers anything from Vietnamese specialty baked goods to freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.

3. Ramada Plaza Garden Grove/Anaheim South

Image via Flickr by lightmatter

This hotel feels more small-town, yet all parks, especially Knott’s Berry Farm, stand nearby. By Koreatown, Korean barbecue and kimchi restaurants abound. Entertainment stays alive in the hotel with a pool, jacuzzi, spa, cafe, and an on-site karaoke bar.

Room rates generally stay competitively low at under $100 a night, and shuttle service is free. Nearby, gaze in awe at the largest glass-structure in the world, the Christ Cathedral. Also, enjoy The Block Shopping Mall, an outdoor mall with restaurants, shopping, nightclubs, and a movie theatre.

From strawberry-shortcake to Asian delicacies, Garden Grove’s diversity excites. Go wild or rest comfortably in these hotels.