If you're traveling with a wildlife lover this summer, be sure to check out the attractions and destinations below. From zoos and exhibits to wild habitats across the country, there are fun experiences for the whole family. Visit the ribbit exhibit in California The Ribbit Exhibit at Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) brings spring to life with 23 enchanting frog sculptures scattered throughout the Garden. Crafted by artist Andy Cobb, each sculpture boasts its own name and tale, adding whimsy to the surroundings. From Zenny's tranquil meditation by the pond to Bentley and Tortuga's leisurely stroll along the trail, the sculptures inject charm into every corner. Handcrafted from copper with natural patina, these larger-than-life frogs can be spotted perched in trees, grooving to jazz tunes, or simply savoring a cup of coffee on a bench. Beyond admiring the art, SBG also extends its hours every Wednesday through October with special activities for all ages including live acoustic music in the amphitheater, a chance to sip and stroll with varietals from local wine partners, lawn games, and other family friendly activities. Visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic, and for the first time ever, the Garden is also welcoming well-behaved, leashed dogs during these special evening hours. Local wineries will be on hand to offer a free taste of local terroir including the Garden's own vineyard partner La Prenda Wines, as well as Highway 12 Winery, Bar None's Canyon, and more. Behold butterflies and bald eagles in Arizona Sabino Canyon in Arizona by Dulcey Lima - Unsplash Think Arizone is a little too hot to visit in the summer? Well, you may be right, but there are ways to enjoy the season. Stay cool and entertained at eight indoor attractions all under one roof at Arizona Boardwalk. Home to OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland and Museum of Illusions (to name a few), Arizona Boardwalk is the perfect summer outing for everyone in your crew. For something a little more adventurous, head out to one of the eight lakes and rivers within an hour of Scottsdale. Explore the riparian areas through kayaking and stand-up paddleboard tours on the Lower Salt River, with jaw-dropping landscapes and the chance to spot wildlife like bald eagles and wild horses. Get up close with sea creatures in Maui A visitor views an exhibit in the Maui Ocean Center -courtesy of Maui Ocean Center / Daniel Sullivan The Hawaiian Islands offer so many opportunities to see ocean wildlife: whale watching, tropical fish, sea turtles, and more are just some of the animals that beach-goers can spy. But visitors should also be aware that one of the best aquariums in the country is also nearby. Maui Ocean Center has been named one of the Top 10 aquariums in the nation as part of USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2024. A panel of experts nominated Maui Ocean Center to compete for “Best Aquarium” in the country because of its high-quality exhibits and visitor interactions. That nomination was then put before a month-long public vote. “We want to extend a huge mahalo to all of those who took the time to vote for us,” said Maui Ocean Center General Manager Tapani Vuori. “We are very proud of this honor, especially because it recognizes our message of ocean conservation.” Additionally, USA Today noted the aquarium's Shark Dive Maui and snorkeling experiences as well as exhibits including its outdoor Turtle Lagoon and the “Humpbacks of Hawai'i” 3D film inside the Sphere Theater. This year's “Best Aquariums” list features Maui Ocean Center along with other aquariums predominantly in the eastern and central United States. Last year, Maui Ocean Center landed at No. 2 on USA Today's 10Best list of “Best Family Attraction in Hawai'i.” “The Maui Ocean Center is home to one of the largest displays of live Pacific corals in the world,” the publication stated. “Kids can come face-to-face with a variety of Hawaiian marine life, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and colorful tropical fish.” The Mā'alaea-based aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. After-hours “Aquari-OM” yoga classes are currently held from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For tickets or more information, visit mauioceancenter.com. Go shrimping off the Gulf Coast A tree against the sun in Mississippi by Cody Board - Unsplasg For an action-packed experience celebrating Biloxi, Mississippi's pride and heritage, travelers can learn how to catch their own shrimp and other Gulf Coast seafood with Captain Mike Moore on the Biloxi Shrimping Trip. Each species in the catch is identified and presented for inspection in this lively and fun 70-minute cruise. In addition to getting out on the water, travelers can find local museums with rich seafood history from the region. Take a walk-through Coastal Mississippi's rich seafood history at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum where one-of-a-kind artifacts are displayed. With over 300 years of history, heritage and culture, from hurricane exhibits to boating innovations and ideas that impacted the seafood industry and more, visitors can explore on their own or take a guided tour.

With summertime upon us, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) announces an expansion to the extremely popular Waterfalls of North Alabama Trail. Thirteen new stops have been added, bringing the total up to 27 for those in search of Mother Nature's magical creations. Along with a brief description, the new 12-page colorful brochure provides a map, GPS coordinates, best times for viewing and other travel advice and also indicates waterfalls that are handicap accessible. It is available for download at northalabama.org, or may be picked up at the AMLA office located at 402 Sherman Street SE in Decatur or requested by calling 800.648.5381. Since its launch in 2019, the Waterfalls of North Alabama Trail has been one of North Alabama's top attractions, introducing local and visitors to 14 natural wonders, all unique and with a different sight to behold. The popularity of the Trail and high demand for brochures prompted AMLA's Vice President of Marketing and Communications Karen Beasley to look at expanding the Trail. “The 16 counties of the North Alabama region are home to dozens and dozens of waterfalls and we thought why limit it to 14 spots. After careful consideration, 27 must see locations were handpicked for you to awe over. We hope by expanding the trail, more people will be inspired to visit, and that it will also encourage those that have already visited to come again and enjoy these additional cascading beauties,” said Beasley. Following along the Trail is easy on a mobile device with the mobile exclusive passport. Visit northalabama.org to sign up. The passport is instantly delivered to the mobile device via text and email and is ready to use immediately. There is no app to download. The pass can be saved to the mobile device's home screen for easy one-tap access. Locations added to the Waterfalls of North Alabama Trail include: Sougahoagdee Falls Located in Bankhead National Forest, this waterfall is a four mile round trip moderate hike. There are no official trails to Sougahoagdee, typically only a worn path. The hike to this waterfall follows striking cliff faces and a beautiful nearby river. Along this hike are several other streams and waterfalls. Larkwood Falls Larkwood Falls is a beautiful waterfall that runs from Lake Catoma located in the back of a neighborhood in Cullman, Ala. This waterfall is seasonal. During North Alabama's wet season, winter and spring, a great view of the waterfall is accessible on Larkwood Drive NE. There is no hiking required to see this waterfall. Lost Sink Falls Lost Sink Falls on Keel Mountain is a 3-mile round trip moderate hike to an incredibly unique waterfall in Gurley, Ala. Along the hike, the trail is lined by a beautiful creek and rock formations. Lost Sink Falls is a sinkhole waterfall and disappears into a cave making it a jaw dropping hike. Congo FallsA stream in Alabama by Jan Segatto - Unsplash Congo Falls is located inside the Congo Nature Preserve bordering Little River Canyon along Cherokee County Road 43. No hiking is required to see this waterfall. Mize Mill Falls Mize Mill Falls is located in Bankhead National Forest. This enchanting area is covered in luscious green moss and evergreen trees. There are two ways to get to the falls but no official, marked trail. One is a difficult short hike and the other is a moderate two-mile round trip hike. Shangri-La Falls Located deep in Bankhead National Forest is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by luscious green trees, falling into a gorgeous pool of blue water. The hike is three miles roundtrip and is moderate for most of the hike. It can be difficult getting into and out of the canyon. This waterfall is seasonal and the best time to visit is in the winter or spring. White Creek Falls White Creek Falls is located in Bankhead National Forest and is a difficult five mile round trip hike. White Creek Falls has an upper and lower waterfall. The upper waterfall is a shorter waterfall with a unique heart-shaped pool also known as the “Valentines Pool.” The lower waterfall is much taller and settles into an impressive canyon. Dry Falls A cave behind a waterfall by Tim Foster - Unsplash Dry Falls is located in Huntsville, Alabama on the Monte Sano Nature Preserve owned by the Land Trust of North Alabama. While there are several ways to arrive at the waterfall, the recommended way is to park at 3 Caves parking lot and follow Waterline Trail. Along this trail is 3 Caves (an old limestone quarry) and a heavily wooded trail. This waterfall is very dependent on recent rain. Parker Falls Parker Falls, located in Bankhead National Forest, is a four mile round trip moderate hike. There is no official trail to Parker Falls, but there is typically has a worn path. Along this hike, the trail meanders through a beautiful pine forest and passes several beautiful waterfalls before making it to Parker Falls. Walls of Jericho Walls of Jericho is a part of Alabama's Forever Wild Land Trust. This hike is seven miles round trip and is rated difficult. The trail is lined with woods, springs, caves, bluffs and rivers. At the end is a beautiful swimming hole with a small waterfall. Continuing upstream is a cave with a river flowing from it as well as another larger waterfall. Alum Hollow TrailNoccalula Falls, Alabama by Loc Giang - Unsplash This 30-foot tiered waterfall at Alum Hollow is a three mile round trip easy hike located on Green Mountain Nature Preserve. Around the corner from the falls is Alum Cave, a rock shelter used during the Middle Woodland period as well as another smaller waterfall. Yellow Creek Falls Yellow Creek Falls is located on Weiss Lake in Leesburg, Alabama. This waterfall requires a short trip across the lake, which is accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak and a short hike. Yellow Creek Falls is a 100-foot waterfall and is surrounded by beautiful rocky terrain. Griffin Falls Griffin Falls is located on a cliff near Collinsville, Alabama. This is a short, less than one mile hike and is rated difficult. Located here is a charming downhill stream with a giant rockface and beautiful tall waterfall. During the winter there are amazing views of the surrounding area.

Look no further for the perfect destination for great nightlife, cultural attractions, and diverse dining experiences. San Francisco, California is bursting with new experiences, attractions, and more. Plan a jam-packed weekend getaway, or even a longer trip full of entertainment and flavorful culinary delights.Stay at these reimagined hotels Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in San Francisco hotels in the last few years. Newly built properties such as the LINE SF, LUMA Hotel, and CitizenM Union Square are neighbors with dozens of renovated and rebranded hotels, including The Jay, Beacon Grand, 1 Hotel SF, and Kimpton Alton Hotel. While other properties such as The Clift Sonesta, St. Regis San Francisco, and Hyatt Regency San Francisco have completed major renovations. The most recent to undergo renovation include Inn at the Presidio and Hotel Drisco. Meanwhile, The Westin St. Francis, which celebrated its 120th anniversary in March, will unveil a new lobby, restaurant, bar and terrace later this year. In March, the historic property unveiled the St. Francis Museum, which showcases iconic artifacts, including the world's only coin cleaning operation (introduced in 1939 to preserve the cleanliness of guests' white gloves.) The museum opening followed the unveiling of six renovated luxury suites in fall 2023.Enjoy endless seafood Recently opened seafood restaurants include Popi's Oysterette in the Marina. Popi's serves items like the Dungeness Crab Roll firebrand brioche and other seasonal seafood sourced from some of California's top purveyors. Broad Street Oyster Co. debuted its first Northern California outpost in Ghirardelli Square last month, dishing up seafood towers and lobster rolls in a décor drenched in color. Fisch & Flore took over the space of former longtime Castro favorite Café Flore with the goal of keeping the former restaurant's neighborhood hangout vibe. It serves fresh seafood and zesty drinks. In Pacific Heights, the bright, light-filled Little Shucker has become a chic destination for oysters, wine, and more since its opening last year. See a new perspective at these attractions The Golden Gate Bridge by Ragnar Vorel - Unsplash The 150-foot-high SkyStar Wheel offers never-before-seen perspectives of San Francisco from its new location in Fisherman's Wharf. Moved from Golden Gate Park to the Wharf, the SkyStar Wheel's views span from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge, taking in the San Francisco Bay, Presidio of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, North Beach, Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, and the downtown skyline. Visitors can climb “halfway to the stars” on a cable car recently dedicated to Tony Bennett. The newly refurbished cable car 53 carries special plaques and unique markings to commemorate Bennett, who passed away in 2023. The legendary singer premiered “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in 1961 in the Fairmont Hotel's Venetian Room, and the hotel's lobby recently became the permanent home of a hand-painted heart sculpture by Bennett. Visit the sculpture and more on a self-guided tour of Tony Bennett's San Francisco via Local Getaways' free guide. A new Behind-the-Scenes Tour explores restricted, non-public areas of the 175-year-old Grace Cathedral. Led by trained docents, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour includes the opportunity to climb nearly 100 stairs to the South Tower's observation level and scale across a catwalk for a vertical view and an insider's perspective. The French-inspired neo-Gothic church features 90-foot-high vaulted ceilings and sixty-eight intricate stained-glass windows covering over 7,200 square feet. Visitors on the tour will enjoy interior vistas of the massive cathedral and its arches from the Gallery overlooking the labyrinth; step through secret doors and glimpse hidden passageways of the Ambulatory and historic rooms, which store some of the cathedral's oldest treasures; and gain access to the restricted Chapel of Grace that houses historic furnishings, circa 1400s and 1500s. Visit revitalized parks The revitalization of San Francisco's southern waterfront continues with the April opening of the five-acre China Basin Park, part of San Francisco's newest neighborhood, Mission Rock. The park is located just across from Oracle Park (home of the San Francisco Giants) and McCovey Cove and features extensive recreational areas, including a one-acre Great Lawn, a Gathering Grove, and the Shoreline Sands – a stretch of sand along the shoreline designed to bring visitors closer to the water. China Basin Park also extends the 350-mile Bay Trail, now connecting downtown and SoMa to the revived southeastern waterfront. An array of new parks and public spaces is taking shaping in the middle of San Francisco Bay on Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island. These include new picnic spots in the protected seal colony area of Clipper Cove, which boasts spectacular views of San Francisco, Alcatraz, and the East Bay, and “the world's most beautiful dog park.” Opening in May is Panorama Park, which features dramatic 360-degree views radiating from the 69-foot-tall Point of Infinity sculpture by Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. Point of Infinity is the renowned artist's first large-scale permanent installation in the U.S. The islands are now reachable by a new, 10-minute ferry ride from downtown San Francisco. In the city's Financial District, an expanded Transamerica Redwood Park will partially reopen in May before its grand opening in September as part of a revitalization of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid. Plan for playtime Skateboarders can experience the city's new 13,000-square-foot urban skate plaza—the first of its kind in the U.S. Located in U.N. Plaza within sight of City Hall, the skate plaza was designed by local professional skateboarders and skate park advocates. It features street curbs, concrete benches, and brick walkways for urban skateboarding. America's first destination municipal short course, the nine-hole, par-3 Golden Gate Park Golf Course, completed a redesign and renovated its clubhouse earlier this year. Also in Golden Gate Park, visitors can now rent in-line or roller skates on weekends and join roller-skaters at Golden Gate Park's Skatin' Place, which is located on the park's car-free JFK Promenade near 6th Avenue. With the rise of pickleball, San Francisco's Recreation and Parks department increased the number of places to play pickleball to over 90 courts. Among the new locations are pickleball courts at the historic Palace of Fine Arts. Last year, San Francisco also debuted the first padel courts in Northern California in the Embarcadero and on Treasure Island. The game combines tennis and squash into a sport played by 10 million people around the world. Don't miss outdoor concert season SF Live, a new free outdoor concert series kicks off in May, bringing arts and culture into the city's parks and plaza. The series will feature live music curated by entertainment venues and showcase local, national, and international talent. Each concert offers a diverse lineup of artists, ranging from rising indie bands to well-established jazz ensembles and high-energy pop acts. Over the next six months, SF Live concerts will be held at iconic open spaces and locations such as the Golden Gate Park Bandshell, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, Union Square Plaza, Civic Center Plaza, Crane Cove Park, Fulton Plaza, and Eagle Plaza. A who's who of San Francisco entertainment and music venues is curating the entertainment lineup, including Mr. Tipple's, The Great Northern, Monarch, Madrone Art Bar, Bottom of the Hill, El Rio, Neck of the Woods, Great American Music Hall, Rickshaw Stop, The EndUp, Pandora Karaoke, Kilowatt, Cafe Du Nord, The Chapel, and The SF Eagle. The SF Live music series in Union Square will encompasses four free happy hour concerts every second Thursday starting from June 13, plus three free large concerts on June 15, Sept. 21, and Oct. 12. The Illuminate Live series in Golden Gate Park at the historic Golden Gate Bandshell runs through mid-November. The free concert series, held every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, features over 125 diverse concerts and genres. Fisherman's Wharf will host a Pier Party at the Wharf with free performances every Saturday from May 25 and through the end of October. A monthly Downtown First Thursdays (DFT) all-ages dance party in SoMa with seven entertainment zones will launch May 2 and run every first Thursday through April 2, 2025. DFT boasts an outdoor discoteca; an “Art Car Stage” with drag, DJs and more, a dance hall; bands and live music on Jessie; two outdoor bar areas, food trucks, retail vendors, and free kid's activities. DFT takes place on Second Street between Market and Howard streets. The new Chinatown Night Market on Grant Street takes place every second Friday evening of the month through November. The Chinatown Night Market features traditional foods along with music, performances, and activities for all ages. Back for a second year, the popular Bhangra & Beats Night Market brings South Asian Bhangra and popular Bay Area music, street food, cocktails, and local artisans to downtown. The night market will take over three city blocks on May 10, July 12, Sept. 13, and Nov. 15. Hip Hop on the Plaza, a series of free, all-ages events celebrating the rich history and diverse artistry of hip hop dance in San Francisco, returns this year. Running through September 2024 on UN Plaza, the series' dynamic lineup of programming includes weekly dance workshops and bi-monthly dance battles. Civic Center Soundtrack, a free concert series between the San Francisco Main Library and the Asian Art Museum, brings diverse performances every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons throughout the summer. The Golden Gate Park Band, San Francisco's oldest musical organization, returns to the park for its 142nd season with free weekly performances showcasing San Francisco Bay Area cultural organizations and heritages every Sunday through Oct. 6. Visitors will also find permitted buskers playing in Golden Gate Park and on Market Street in the Mid-Market district. The nation's longest-running free music festival, Stern Grove Festival, is a free ticketed concert series taking place on Sundays in June, July, and August. In early October, the free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass returns to Golden Gate Park with a lineup of country, soul, folk, and more performers across stages. Listen to live jazz music A number of jazz and jazz-inspired venues have opened recently, including Stookey's Club Moderne's sister venue The Blue Room—a new bar and cabaret venue with a post-Prohibition theme featuring live music; The Dawn Club, which evokes a historic 1930s jazz club; Keys Jazz Bistro in North Beach, and GeeLou in the Marina. These complement classic jazz spots like Mr. Tipple's Recording Studio and the Black Cat supper club. SFJAZZ, the largest non-profit jazz presenter in the world, will feature over 100 concerts across the 41st Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival (June 11 to 23), and the SFJazz Summer Sessions series. The San Francisco Fillmore Jazz Festival—the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast—will take place from July 6 to 7. In the 1950s, San Francisco's Fillmore District was known as the “Harlem of the West” and was home to over 70 jazz clubs along with record stores and other Black-owned businesses. The Fillmore Eclipse, a new immersive theater production, aims to transport audiences to the height of the '50s Bebop Jazz era and explores the Fillmore's history of Black art and entrepreneurship and the enormous disenfranchisement the community went through during Urban Renewal. Held at the intimate Honey Art Studio, the production is modeled after Bop City, an after-hours jazz joint and a confluence point for San Francisco's thriving African American community and Japanese Americans rebuilding their lives after internment. The family friendly experience features a house band, a range of actors, cocktails, and hidden artifacts to explore. Thirteen performances are scheduled from April 26 to May 12. Boxcar Theatre relaunched its hit immersive theater experience set in a Prohibition-era nightclub: The Speakeasy: Age of Scofflaws (playing through June 23). The show transports audiences back to the Roaring 1920s inside an intricately designed space complete with a two-story cabaret, three bars, a casino, secret passageways, and disguised entrances. Enjoy glam libations The long-awaited rebirth of the former Harry Denton's Starlight Room was realized with the opening of the Starlite in February. Beacon Grand's glamorous revisioning of the iconic venue was inspired by the city's icons—gold, fog, cable cars, and a celebration of the city's flavors. Boasting 360-degree views from the 21st floor, Starlite is decked out in a deep emerald and golden jewel tone palette reminiscent of the Art Deco Era. Velvet upholstered banquettes with fringes and opulent print as well as Venini glass chandeliers elevate the design. Also opened in February, the Dark Bar in the LINE SF celebrates the rich Asian culture and history of San Francisco with a spirit list sourced from Asia and Southeast Asia. Service features a table-side highball cart, and a cocktail menu spotlighting fresh seasonal elements as well as preserved and fermented ingredients. Designed like a chic friend's city apartment, RTB Wine Lounge on Fillmore Street brings together exquisite wines, Champagnes, and sakes with a menu designed by Chef Rodney Wages, whose resume includes The French Laundry, Benu, Atelier Crenn, and Saison. The Harlequin opened in the historic Mosser Building last year, with a design all decadent 1920s glamour. The Harlequin features an opulent copper-clad Gold Bar and a great room lit by a flowing gingko leaf chandelier. The intimate Left Door began welcoming guests to its bedecked Cow Hollow setting in 2023. The chic hideaway cocktail lounge serves classics in a lush setting decorated with bold floral wallpaper and plush velvet and leather chairs. Try sweet treats and artisanal coffees A proliferation of bakeries and cafes is catering to crowds with creative, mouthwatering treats, joining stalwarts like Arsicault, Breadbelly and Tartine. In Union Square, Miller & Luxe Provisions' soft-serve croissant cone has gone viral while Butter & Crumble in North Beach is channeling a flaky, buttery heaven with its pistachio cardamom sugar and mortadella pistachio pesto croissants. Magic Donuts & Coffee in Potrero Hill uses sourdough yeast and serves such creations as crème brûlée, taro cheesecake, and blood orange donuts. And opening this summer in West Portal is George's Donuts & Merriment, an elevated and whimsical donut café. Menu highlights will include a flight of fried-fresh donut holes with dips and 'drunken' donuts. For those who prefer dessert before dinner, Bellaria Dessert Studio serves an all-dessert tasting menu from noon to 4 pm on Sunday. The sit-down menu includes cakes, cookies, parfaits, and desserts created by virtuoso pastry chef Luis Villavelazquez. Even mixologists are paying homage to the sweet trend. Causewells' debuted the '30-minute Soufflé' cocktail this year made of 'skrewball peanut butter whiskey, oloroso sherry, banana, oat milk, nilla wafer'). San Francisco's coffee scene is second to none, with numerous artisanal coffee roasters, cafes, and baristas dedicated to perfecting the craft of brewing. The scene's next iteration is third-wave coffee culture. Hot drinks and spots include Yemeni coffee at Delah, Indonesia coffee at Kopiku, Vietnamese coffee at Telescope, and Ethiopian coffee at Sextant Coffee. Shops like Pixlcat give a creative hat-tip to Asia (think ube or black sesame dopo panna lattes), as does Outset, which claims to venture where no barista has gone before, with fruit-flavored coffee drinks like Thai durian and toasted banana lattes on the menu. Take in the stars from dazzling rooftop patios Night in San Francisco by Aniket Deole - Unsplash San Francisco could be counted among the “coolcation” destinations, but its rooftop bar scene is sizzling. New venues include the Chotto Matte, a rooftop restaurant with a wraparound terrace in Union Square, and The Jay Hotel's The Third Floor. Other elevated spots include Latin American bar Cavaña atop the LUMA hotel in Mission Bay (recently named the “Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar” in the U.S. West category by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation), Shelby's Rooftop at the Canopy by Hilton in SoMa, and Rise Over Run, a bar and restaurant solarium at the LINE SF featuring cocktails and southeast Asian-inspired street fare. Hidden away at the Sunset location of Fiorella is the intimate Bar Nonnina, a rooftop patio with a small, curated list of drinks. Near Oracle Park, Kaiyo Rooftop atop Hyatt Place Hotel in SoMa is contemporary Peruvian Nikkei bar designed as an “Amazonian” oasis. And the rooftop destination that launched the trend in 2017, the Kelly Wearstler-designed Charmaine's at San Francisco's Proper, is still going strong with curated events frequently taking place. Additional rooftop bars can be found here. Experience urban foraging One of the best ways to explore San Francisco is through its diverse foods and neighborhoods, and there are food tours to suit all flavors. Dylan's Tours recently introduced the Dylan's Infamous Tour, a culinary journey through the city's vibrant streets and neighborhoods featuring food tastings and a cocktail pairing.Flora & Fungi Wild Food Adventures' Urban Foraging: Wild Food & Medicinals tour in Golden Gate Park educates attendees about the park's trees, flowers, history, and urban foraging ethics and how to identify seasonal edibles, like springtime's miner's lettuce, chickweed, and magnolia blossoms. It finishes with a tasting of wild foods.Edible Excursions offers tours of Japantown, the Ferry Building and Farmer's Market, and a Mission District tours.Avital Food Tours features North Beach and Mission District food tours as well as Michelin a Food tour.Local Tastes of the City Tours offers Chinatown, North Beach, or a combination of the two neighborhoods tours.Sidewalk Food Tours combined the unique tastes of San Francisco with cultural context, historical architecture features and more, with tours of the Mission District, Chinatown, and North Beach neighborhoods. Enjoy art and culture showcasing life in the Bay Area Fashioning San Francisco at the de Young chronicles how style in the Bay Area has evolved over generations and spans a century of high fashion and haute couture. The exhibit presents the work of over 50 fashion designers, from Balmain to Miyake, Valentino to McQueen, with the majority of the over 90 ensembles on view for the first time. On view through Aug. 11, the exhibit also features an interactive augmented reality installation enabling visitors to “try-on” three fashions. San Francisco On Stage explores the city's long and colorful tradition of performing arts, which date to the Gold Rush. The exhibit features historical artifacts from the worlds of dance, music, and theater, including costumes, programs, videos of performances, and other unique memorabilia. Presented by the San Francisco Historical Society in collaboration with San Francisco's Museum of Performance + Design, the exhibit is on view until Aug. 15. The massive Art of Noise exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (from May 4 to Aug. 18) covers over 100 years of music's visual aesthetics. It features an immersive floor-to-ceiling installation of 700 works of graphic design including concert posters (mainly drawn from the 1960s and '70s), album covers, music advertising, and fliers for shows, many highlighting Bay Area concerts, and performances. The exhibition also has an interactive seating environment designed by Stockholm-based studio teenage engineering with custom-designed devices for audio playback embedded. Beyond that are nine tables displaying industrial designs for listening to music dating from the early 1900s to 2023. Cutting-edge listening experiences are featured in two dedicated galleries, including teenage engineering's Choir, a set of sonic sculptures programmed to sing as a choral group, and the immersive “HiFi Pursuit Listening Room Dream No. 2” audio installation by Devon Turnbull (OJAS). His functional sculpture facilitates super high-fidelity music playback and will be activated through a series of performances with renowned record collectors, musicians, and music labels, drawing heavily on the Bay Area's robust music culture and history. Arborhythm by Yuri Suzuki is also part of the new exhibition. The commissioned project can be experienced on the publicly accessible Floor 2 terrace and on the Floor 7 terrace. Composed of tree-like sculptures of yellow, orange, and green metal tubes, Arborhythm is a seating structure and sonic landscape, remixing sounds of San Francisco's natural and urban surroundings together into an ambient soundtrack. RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped showcases Bay Area artist Jay Blakesberg's photographs of legendary musicians. It captures San Francisco's music scene, evolution, and widespread impact. The exhibition, on view at the Contemporary Jewish Museum through July 28, includes images of artists like the Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Soundgarden, and others. A new permanent exhibit at Fort Point National Historic Site provides an immersive experience of the fort's unique history, featuring Civil War era artifacts and weaponry, contemporary and archival images and projections, and interactive elements. The exhibit highlights individuals from all backgrounds who contributed to Fort Point's construction and operation. Built in the 1850s as a coastal defense point by the US Army, Fort Point never fired its guns during wartime. Get a taste of new and diverse dining Chinatown in San Francisco by Kae Ng - Unsplash San Francisco's dining scene continues to welcome new restaurants to the scene, adding to the city's vibrant diversity of culinary options. Chef Lijun Han, owner of Chinatown's premier Szechuan dining destination Z&Y Restaurant, debuted a sister restaurant, Z&Y Peking Duck, in early 2024. Chef Han's menu focuses on authentic Peking Duck along with a selection of contemporary Beijing-inspired dim sum small plates in a recently renovated building on Jackson Street near the original restaurant.Il Parco, an Italian-inspired cafe and pizzeria, opened in the Presidio of San Francisco this year with a fresh take on Italian classics reimagined with California's seasonal bounty. Guests can enjoy salads, focaccia pizzas and more at nearby public picnicking locations. Il Parco is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.Featuring a Cantopop soundtrack, Four Kings opened to fanfare in Chinatown, serving elevated and reimaged dishes inspired by the cafes and street food of Hong Kong and Guangzhou and the Cantonese food the two chefs, alums of Mister Jiu's, grew up eating.Husband-and-wife chef duo David Fisher and Serena Chow Fisher, formerly at Marlena, opened 7 Adams in the Fillmore. The restaurant features a 5-course tasting menu ($87) celebrating the nuanced seasonal moments of California. The restaurant steps away from the traditional tasting menu format and creates an experience with a distinctive cadence. Some courses are set while others are chosen, and some are served individually while others are shared. In a matter of months after opening, the restaurant was added to Michelin's California Guide.The Post Room, a Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge, opened inside the historic Beacon Grand. The restaurant takes guests through a coastal culinary journey from the northern Italian city of Genoa, through southern France and on to Barcelona in northern Spain and features a robust cocktail program. The Post Room serves breakfast through supper daily. Its name was inspired by the property's original glass-front mail chute, which stretches from the 20th floor to the basement.Early to Rise in NoPa (north of the Panhandle) marks Chef Andrew McCormack's first full-service restaurant and brunch haven. The restaurant celebrates high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and simple homestyle meals made from scratch. After operating as a successful pop-up for six years, the new dedicated space provides a bright and inviting modern diner atmosphere.KAIYŌ Restaurant & Bar opened on the ground floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel, where acclaimed cocktail bar KAIYŌ Rooftop is perched. The restaurant features an all-new elevated menu of Nikkei dishes by Chef Alex Reccio, KAIYŌRestaurant Group's Executive Chef, and some guest favorites from their Cow Hollow location.Saluhall, a plant-forward incubator for enticing takes on more sustainable and good eating opened in April as part of Ingka Centres' the Meeting Place. (Ingka Centres is the real estate sister company to IKEA, and the centre is home to San Francisco's first IKEA store.) The 450-seat food hall highlights local and independent traders and includes a beer bar, cocktail bar, the Burgare Bar, Snöberg soft serve, Smörgåsland (a bakery/eatery), Curry Up Now, Puerto Rican Casa Borinqueñ, MOMO Noodle, vegan Mexican La Venganza, and Skola, a cooking school.

There are so many ways to spend summer vacation, but nothing beats an outdoor adventure this time of year. If you're looking for inspiration on where to go this year, here are four great vacation ideas to get the whole family outside and active. Adventure in the Rockies Bear Lake Trailhead in Estes Park, Colorado by Peter Pryharski - Unsplash Two of Colorado’s most treasured family vacation destinations – YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center and YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby – recently announced summer season details including a new Aerial Challenge Course experiences and a Summer Olympics Passport program. Both the Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch rest on either side of Rocky Mountain National Park and feature numerous daily activities including pickleball, archery lessons, craft centers, miniature golf, roller skating, swimming, rock climbing with skilled instructors, hikes to waterfalls, the guest-favorite summer tubing hill at Snow Mountain Ranch and much more. Most on-site activities are included with a stay at the resort, in either a cozy cabin or an affordable hotel-style lodge room. Guests can challenge themselves by navigating the brand-new Aerial Challenge Courses at both Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch. The new adventure courses, towering 35 feet above the ground in the canopy of a Ponderosa Forest, feature a suspended aerial experience with swaying bridges, tightropes and more. The roughly 1.75-hour experience includes 30 minutes of instruction with a guide and is great for groups of up to 15 people. The course was created by Bonsai Design, a Colorado-based, woman-owned company which has designed courses all over the world. The Estes Park Center course opened for its first full season on April 15; and the Snow Mountain Ranch course is slated to open in June. To celebrate the upcoming Summer Olympic Games Paris 2024, YMCA of the Rockies has created a Summer Olympics Passport to Fun Program. Both properties offer a robust list of activities included with a stay – many of which are also Olympic sports – so guests can try their hand at a number of sports they will see during the Paris games. From June 15 – August 15, guests can pick up an Olympic passport from the Programs Building, travel around each property and collect stamps for all of the Olympic-themed activities, including archery, basketball, climbing, (mini-)golf, table tennis, swimming, tennis, volleyball, roller skating and more. Rocky Mountain National Park is part of the National Park Service’s “pilot reservation system,” requiring timed entry permits for visitors. However, because of YMCA of the Rockies’ prime location and exclusive access, guests at the Estes Park Center have access to dozens of hike-in, hike-out trails – and even guided hikes – accessible with a park entrance pass. Additionally, in a nod to nostalgic summer camp-like experiences, both properties offer a variety of summer activities such as daily educational sessions; naturalist workshops focused on birding, geology, plants, wildflowers, and the history of Rocky Mountain National Park; as well as a weekly schedule of organized classic games and activities for guests including kickball, capture the flag, human Hungry Hungry Hippo, dodgeball and much more. Accommodations range from affordable hotel-style lodge rooms with common areas perfect for groups traveling together, to pet-friendly, multi-bedroom private cabins featuring wrap-around porches, full kitchens, and a variety of sleeping options. Snow Mountain Ranch is also home to a “Yurt Village” and campground in the summer months. Most lodge rooms and cabins do not have televisions, providing a truly unplugged experience. Day Camps will be available at both properties for children ages 3 -17, Monday through Friday from early June through mid-August. Guests may register for one day, several days or a week at a time. Day camp rates start at $50/day at Estes Park Center and $140/week at Snow Mountain Ranch. For a full list of activities, reservations, events and more, go to www.ymcarockies.org. Bike across Tennessee A bike on a path in Nashville by Christin Hume - Unsplash The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is inviting cyclists to experience Tennessee on 52 new curated road cycling routes that wind their way through the state's picturesque landscapes. The new program, Bike Tennessee, launched today at BikeTN.com and allows cyclists to engage with the routes using the app Ride with GPS. “From our music to our makers, Tennessee is a state full of storytellers and our beauty is unmatched,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, TDTD. “As travelers increasingly seek sustainable and authentic experiences, we invite them to explore our scenic routes and discover the charm of our small towns. We are pleased to partner with Ride with GPS and showcase the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes that define our state.” Tennessee has been named an Ambassador for popular cycling app Ride with GPS, making all 52 routes easily accessible across the platform. Each Bike Tennessee route was meticulously mapped, ensuring cyclists have access to detailed navigation and route information. Ride descriptions provide valuable information about the terrain, waypoints and hidden gems along the way, as well as modifications to tailor each ride to the individual. The routes were created in collaboration with professional cycling guide Shannon Burke of Velo View Bike Tours, who brings more than a decade of experience leading cycling tours. Routes were selected with safety and scenery in mind, with 1,739 miles of routes mapped and 53 Tennessee counties included in the Bike Tennessee program. They offer seasoned cyclists mostly rural, low-traffic experiences in some of Tennessee's most scenic and historic landscapes, including 14 routes in Tennessee State Parks. “Tennessee has all the right ingredients to be one of the premier cycling destinations in the country—low-traffic backroads, welcoming communities and stunning scenery,” said Shannon Burke. “It's an amazing place to ride!” The outdoor recreation economy generates $11.9 billion for Tennessee, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. Bike Tennessee aims to leverage the growing cycling community to increase visitation and economic impact throughout Tennessee. Cyclists can learn more about Bike Tennessee and explore the available road cycling routes by visiting www.BikeTN.com. Join the conversation on social media using hashtag #BikeTN. Hike—and help sustain—trails in Wisconsin Volunteers clean a trail - courtesy of Destination Madison As travelers look for more meaningful ways to engage with the places they travel to, Destination Madison unveiled a new “voluntourism” portal to connect visitors with volunteer opportunities in Madison and Dane County. The portal especially highlights the sustainability and outdoor offerings Madison is known for. Instead of simply hiking one of Madison many trails, visitors can volunteer to help maintain them. They can enjoy shopping at the Dane County Farmers Market, as seen on this season of Bravo's “Top Chef”, and can also give back to the community by volunteering at a food pantry. After kayaking in the shadow of the Wisconsin State Capitol, they can join a shoreline cleaning crew to ensure the beauty of Madison's lakes. Sustainability has long been both a local value and tradition, with Madison being home to the founder of America's National Parks, John Muir, environmental pioneer Aldo Leopold, and conservation icon Gaylord Nelson, who founded Earth Day. The area features five lakes (which transform into frozen playgrounds in the winter), 200+ miles of bike paths and 299 public parks with many programs in place to preserve and protect these vital natural resources and spaces. Destination Madison emphasizes our community's sustainable efforts and is excited to share these opportunities with visitors. For more information, visit visitmadison.com. Explore history in St. Augustine, Florida Explore history in St. Augustine, Florida - courtesy of Florida's Historic Coast With 42 miles of pristine beaches, fathoms of deep blue water, and trails for days, Florida's Historic Coast makes it easy to enjoy nature's bounty. Get wild at Marineland Dolphin Adventure, explore the GTM Research Reserve, and get outside with these exciting adventures. Enjoy a long weekend at the beach at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, or get some fish on at the St. Augustine Kingfish Mayhem tournament, May 30-June 1. With a city that's 459 years old, Florida's Historic Coast has got it going on when it comes to history. Visitors can live it each day by walking the battlements at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument or seeing a real blacksmith in action at the Colonial Quarter. Experience a live musket firing demonstration at Fort Mose Historic State Park on the first Saturday on each month. Traveling to Florida's Historic Coast in May is more affordable, thanks to exclusive lodging offers for summer 2024, from three-star resorts to romantic bungalow escapes. Use the convenient trip planner to create your perfect itinerary.