The Churchward Pub has all the ingredients for a good time: a roomy taproom, great lighting, a live DJ, happy hours, charming bartenders and a gigantic bar top made of brazilian mahogany wood, first installed in 1927. This may seem like your average quiet neighborhood bar in the early evening but don't be deceived, Churchward's Irish spirit is a lively one when the sun sets. The last ingredient, and the most important: a friendly, diverse crowd to keep that spirit alive.
The Grand Star Jazz Club, located in historic Chinatown, has been in the forefront of promoting live jazz in downtown Los Angeles for decades. It prides itself on having some of the greatest jazz musicians live and available to you.
Once you walk into Sweet Connections, with its bright walls and hip decor, you immediately feel like you can buy some ice cream, sit down and just chill. The ice cream shop offers a variety of Double Rainbow ice cream flavors ranging from rocky road and cookie vanilla to "it's a goody." And depending on what's in stock, the servers can create about 100 different ice cream combinations for your sundae. In addition to serving frozen treats, Sweet Connections thrives on its family-friendly atmosphere. It has a playroom in the back that can be used for private parties. Part of the business's profits help raise funds for local schools. And don't be surprised if you find a local musician playing a set there on a random night.
Locals and tourists alike are enchanted by the beauty and serenity of the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District, which was designed by Bernard Maybeck in the style of Greek and Roman architecture for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. This San Francisco landmark is a popular backdrop for wedding and other formal pictures. Built around a man-made lagoon at its original site, the palace is one of the last remaining structures of that World Fair. It appeals to people of all ages, in particular to couples, photographers, history enthusiasts and architecture buffs.
Parking and public transportation at Palace of Fine Arts
Parking is free in a small parking lot, as well as on the street. The San Francisco Muni 15 bus line from downtown stops a few blocks away.
Best and worst time to go to Palace of Fine Arts
Any time of the year is good to visit this landmark. It's typically busy on the weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit either early in the morning or in the evening.
Admission to Palace of Fine Arts
Admission is free. The rotunda is inaccessible when weddings or other events are taking place.
Must see/do at Palace of Fine Arts
Check out the architectural details of the rotunda. Visit the Innovation Hanger in the palace's exhibit hall, which is free and open on Wednesdays to Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other places to visit near Palace of Fine Arts
Nearby, in the Presidio, is the Walt Disney Family Museum, which features exhibits on the life and work of the founder of Disneyland. Also close by is the Fort Mason Center, which is home to several small museums and galleries, such as the Mexican Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Artists Gallery. About three miles away, beneath the Golden Gate Bridge is the Fort Point National Historic Site, a brick fort that the United States built before the Civil War to protect the San Francisco Bay.
Insider tip for visitors to Palace of Fine Arts
Read the street signs when you park on the street to avoid getting a parking ticket. Be sure you are not parked during street cleaning hours. Also, check for the time limit for parking on that street.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes Take 25 to Hollister, a blog about Hollister, San Benito County and nearby areas.
Placed in the rolling residential area hills of Dublin Ranch, Dublin Ranch Golf Course has all the amenities a public golf club can offer. The golf course offers a Robert Trent Jones Jr. par 63 layout including 11 unique par 3's, five solid par 4's and two demanding par 5's. Additionally, Dublin Ranch Golf Course offers wedding and other elegant ceremony reception areas, a California cuisine restaurant and bar, as well as a sparkling pool for those hot summer days.
The Marbella Golf and Country Club is located within the exclusive and private gated community of Marbella Estates. The 18-hole course was designed by pros Jay Morrish and Tom Weskopf. The Club is nestled in the landscaped rolling hills of this area with man-made lakes and waterfalls. The facility is also a premier destination for weddings and private events. The club is accessible to members and their guests only.
The Bridges is one of California's highest rated courses. Natural surroundings and the design of the course provide one of the most challenging golf experiences in North California according to its NCGA rating, hence the motto, "The Tougher the Course, the Greater the Challenge." It wishes to maintain the highest standards of traditional golf, therefore this is only non-metallic spike facility and collard shirts or golf industry apparel must be worn at all times. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and can be made online. There is a Practice Center with state-of-the-art golf video analysis. Individual, group, junior and women's only instruction and clinics are available. Joey Pickavance, PGA Professional and 1997 Teacher of the Year, is in charge of the golf instruction. The Clubhouse, Fireside Room and Garden Pavilion are available for special events. The restaurant and bar are open daily.
