Welcome to your UCPlaces driving tour of Los Angeles, where the sun shines bright, the palm trees sway, and every stop has a story to tell! We’re starting things off at the laid-back, colorful shores of Venice Beach, where street performers, skaters, and swan boats set the tone for this uniquely L.A. adventure. From there, we’ll cruise through legendary neighborhoods, explore world-famous landmarks, and soak up the city's one-of-a-kind blend of glamor, culture, and California cool. Along the way, we’ll stop by hotspots like Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the dazzling Sunset Strip, with plenty of surprises and fun facts sprinkled in. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local looking for a fresh perspective, this tour is your VIP pass to some of the best sights—and stories—that Los Angeles has to offer. Our journey will end high above the city at the stunning Griffith Observatory, where you can take in sweeping views of L.A. and the stars above. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and let’s hit the road—Los Angeles is waiting!
Welcome to Joshua Tree National Park! Get ready to explore one of nature’s most mesmerizing playgrounds! Located where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderland of rugged landscapes, otherworldly rock formations, and the iconic Joshua trees that stretch their arms skyward in greeting. Whether you're here for a day, a weekend, or longer, Joshua Tree offers something magical for everyone. Wander through lush oases where the water flows quietly beneath the desert sun. Hike trails that wind between surreal, weather-sculpted boulders and spiny forests of cholla cacti. And when the sun dips below the horizon, get ready to experience a night sky so full of stars, you'll feel like you've stepped into a cosmic dream. This park is more than just a collection of scenic vistas—it’s a place that calls to your sense of adventure. Climb high on rocky outcroppings, discover the whispers of history in abandoned mines, or simply sit back and watch the desert’s endless horizons shift and change with the light. From sunrise at Keys View, where you can spot the sprawling Coachella Valley, to an enchanting walk under the glow of the moon at Arch Rock, every corner of Joshua Tree promises a story and a memory. So lace up your hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and let the magic of this desert wonderland captivate your heart. Let’s explore Joshua Tree National Park—you’ll leave with sand in your shoes and stars in your soul!
Sequoia National Park, located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is a breathtaking natural treasure celebrated for its awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic giant sequoia trees. Established in 1890 as the second national park in the United States, it spans over 400,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, from low-elevation foothills to high alpine peaks. The park's most famous attraction is the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, standing majestically in the Giant Forest among thousands of other sequoias. Visitors can explore a range of attractions, including cascading waterfalls, deep canyons, vast wilderness areas, and the rugged granite peaks of the Great Western Divide. Adventurers are drawn to the park's network of trails, including those leading to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Sequoia National Park is also renowned for its biodiversity, offering sanctuary to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and numerous bird species. Coupled with neighboring Kings Canyon National Park, the area provides endless opportunities for exploration, stargazing, and connecting with the serenity of nature. Whether you're hiking, camping, or driving and simply taking in the beauty of these ancient giants, Sequoia National Park promises an unforgettable experience.
Explore sunny San Diego with Historic America and UC Places. The Embarcadero or “landing place” invites guests to explore the rich maritime history and culture of Southern California. Highlights on this walking tour include Seaport Village, Tuna Harbor and the Maritime Museum. Meet me in front of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, at the intersection of West Harbor Drive and Kettner Blvd. See you there!
Welcome to Yosemite National Park, an awe-inspiring natural wonderland bursting with adventure, beauty, and jaw-dropping scenery! Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or just someone who wants to soak in some epic views, Yosemite has something for everyone. At the heart of it all is Yosemite Valley—a dramatic masterpiece carved by glaciers, where towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome rise high above, and waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall cascade into the valley below. Yosemite Valley is nature's ultimate playground, offering endless opportunities for exploration, from scenic drives and easy walks to adrenaline-pumping hikes and rock climbing. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of the most iconic national parks in the world!
Welcome to Historic America's walking tour of the Haight-Ashbury, one of San Francisco's most storied and colorful neighborhoods! I'm Aaron, your guide and professional history nerd. Before we begin, check out www.historicamerica.org to view our multitude of tour offerings and extra elements, like our podcast and Youtube series. I also invite you to use #historicamericatours on social media to show off your neighborhood adventure today. Let's begin. During the late 1960s, the Haight-Ashbury was home to the countercultural movement that sought to create a brave new world of free expression, free love, and new possibilities. Along these storied streets, the movement's followers - hippies - mounted a peaceful revolution against war, conformity, materialism, and oppression. There are at least two sides to every revolution, however, and although the hippie counterculture had its insights, it also had excesses. We'll explore both today. The hippies were joined by many of the most talented musicians and the most notorious personalities of their era. On this tour, we will explore their stories (along with a few others), ultimately discovering how the “flower children” left an indelible mark on the history of the Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, and the United States. Alright, let's chill out, hang loose, and head back to 1967 and the Summer of Love. To get started, find your way to the intersection of Fulton & Stanyan streets.
Explore Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles with Historic America and UCPlaces. Designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1995, the shops, restaurants, museums and memorials of Little Tokyo are a popular attraction for travelers and locals alike. One of just three Japantowns in the United States, this neighborhood is a must see! Our tour begins at Spring and First Streets, near Los Angeles City Hall. See you there!
Welcome to the Historic America & UCPlaces audio walking tour of San Francisco's Chinatown. This tour will guide you through one of the Bay Area’s most celebrated neighborhoods, the oldest and biggest Chinatown in the United States. Using historic sites, spiritual institutions, sites, sounds and statuary, you’ll learn how this place has persevered as an iconic center for the Chinese diaspora. We can’t wait to share San Francisco's Chinatown with you! To get started, meet me at the exit of the Montgomery Bart station, on Market Street.
Hello, and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of the Tri-Valley area of southern Contra Costa and central Alameda County. My name is Stephen, and I’m excited to take you on today's journey through the rich history and exciting new developments in these Bay Area suburbs. Before we get started, let me introduce you to our local expert Realtor, Barbara Brodick. Barbara Brodrick has been a resident of the Bay area for over 45 years. During that time she has moved between San Francisco, Oakland, Sunnyvale, and San Jose, which has given her a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the diverse neighborhoods of the Bay Area. The hallmark of Barbara's career has been customer service. She has consistently been recognized and has received corporate awards for delivering the highest level of customer service to her clients. She brings this work ethic, dedication and commitment to each Real Estate transaction and to each of her clients. If today’s tour inspires you to start your search for a home in the Tri-Valley area or anywhere else in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, give Barbara a call at 925-403-1213. You can also reach her via email at barbara@thebrodrickgroup.com. All right! Let’s get started with the tour. Follow the GPS navigation to our first stop, the City of San Ramon.
Restaurants in Santa Clarita, California
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces Where to Live tour of Restaurants in Santa Clarita, California. My name is Shelly and I’m excited to be showing you around today on behalf of Fleischman & Associates Real Estate, who’s team services Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. They were built from the ground up by one of the area’s most successful agents, Larry Fleischman. Larry instilled the values of providing expert assistance that is built around the unique needs of each client. Fleischman & Associates boasts a roster of hundreds of satisfied clients, from seasoned homeowners to first-time buyers, investors, and home builders. Four principles you can count on from Fleischman & Associates are integrity, commitment, passion, and fun. If after this tour you would like to learn more about the Santa Clarita area, give Larry a call at (661) 370-4493 or send an email to Larry@FleischmanAssociates.com Ok, let’s talk about the tour. Santa Clarita has always had a strong connection with food. In 1887 Saugus Cafe on Railroad Avenue opened for the first time, and is still open to this day. They are the oldest still-operating restaurant in Los Angeles County. If a community can show love to a restaurant for over 100 years, you know that community can show love for you. Santa Clarita’s restaurant scene is one that must be explored. Their eclectic options show the diversity and heritage that thrive here. To get started, follow your navigation to The Social.