I wish you were here

Most people spend their entire visit at Yosemite Valley and the surrounding area, missing out on wonderful nature and amazing adventures. If you have an adventurous spirit, leave the crowds behind and explore places like Hetch Hetchy Valley and Dam, Tioga Pass, Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows.

If you are driving to Yosemite from the east, you will likely experience the breathtaking road through the Sierra Nevada mountains (Hwy 120). The road winds through mountain peaks, meadows, and lakes, reaching an elevation of 9,945 ft. at the Tioga Pass, the highest pass in California. Driving through this pass during winter can be dangerous, and the road is subject to closures.

Las Vegas Resorts would satisfy every style and budget you can think of, from the extra cheap to the lavish luxury. You just need to pick the right place for you based on location, taste, and budget. 

If you are on a budget and want to save on accommodation, venture outside the strip for great deals. You can try Rio, Hard Rock, Resort World, Palace Station, and Red Rock. Some of them go as low as $20 a night. 

Crystal Cove State Park is a stunning combination of beach and wilderness, featuring numerous hiking trails, beaches, and historic beach cottages.

This 3-mile stretch of beach along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the state park system's newest additions. It's renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, attracting over 2 million visitors annually.

Interesting Fact: Crystal Cove State Park is home to nearly 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Heading inland, the park covers 3,000 acres of hills, canyons, and trails. It also includes primitive campgrounds that only backpackers can reach.

I love Cirque Du Soleil shows and have difficulty deciding which one is the best. Each has a unique story and ambiance, but they all have great performances by skilled acrobats and actors.

My latest experience was at the Mystere show, which plays at TI (rebranded Treasure Island).

This high-energy show is filled with circus acts, dance, elaborate sets, booming music, and slapstick comedy.

The show opened in 1993 and is considered the longest-running Cirque Du Soleil show in Vegas.