THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 4 страница

Orlando. When it comes to things to do in Orlando, one might be better off trying to find the things you can’t do in Orlando. There is so much going on here that you might need to schedule repeat vacations just to begin to fulfill the list of things to do in Orlando.

If you like to golf, then try playing on the same courses as Tiger Woods and the numerous other PGA professionals who have taken up residence in the area. It should not be under-stressed how big golf is in Orlando. For golf aficionados, the opportunities here move to the top of your list of things to do see in Orlando. There may be nowhere else in the world where golf is as prolific as it is here, and in Orlando you’ll get to choose from a ton of great Florida golf courses with some designed by legends of the game, including Palmer, Watson, Nicklaus and Norman. You can even get help with your swing from Annika Sorenstam’s coach at the Annika Academy at the Ginn Reunion Resort. Or get into a different swing with lessons from top tennis instructors and return home with a killer serve that will have your friends begging for a lesson from you.

If you want that rush associated with trying something new and totally different, take an airboat trip through the headwaters of the Florida everglades, or take a look down from above in Orlando hot air balloon ride or helicopter trip.

You can even take to the skies on your first hangliding experience at Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park. Museum buffs can enjoy the fine exhibits at the Orlando Art Museum. Tiy some of the free things to do in Orlando Florida as well and give that wallet a bit of a rest.

Dining is one of the top things to do in Orlando, and for good reason. Here, you can have great eats for every meal of the day, and in-between. Families can relax at theme restaurants and dine in the company of princesses or animated TV stars. Parents, and family alike, can upscale it a bit for a luxury meal at one of the various celebrity chef restaurants. In Orlando you can try foods from all over the world and stop for an array of treats between meals. And, when you decide you need to take a break from all the action and area attractions, be sure to relax both body and mind at one of Orlando’s 16 destination spas. It’s a good way to make sure you return from your vacation even that much fresher.

Some 40 years ago, if you planned a family trip to Florida your main Orlando vacation choices were Gatorland and Cypress Gardens. But in 1971, the 47-square mile Walt Disney World complex opened, and now on any trip to Florida Orlando tops the must-do list.

To get a grip on all Orlando offers, you can group attractions into amusement parks (Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Islands of Adventure), movie parks (Disneyworld-MGM Studios, Universal Studios), animal parks (Disney’s Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld), and water parks (Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Wet’N’Wild). Defying categorization is the ongoing world’s fair of Epcot.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The centerpiece of Walt Disney World is the Magic Kingdom. The first of many global spin-offs of California’s Disneyland, it is home to the childhood memories of generations, from Snow White to the Lion King, and everyone’s favorite rides, like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Epcot. Future World, dominated by the geodesic Spaceship Earth, offers popular edutainment rides like the interactive Mission:Space and Soarin’. Postcard pavilions from China, Mexico, and Morocco surround the World Showcase lagoon, where you can also enjoy a glass of wine in France or a stein of beer in Germany.

Disney Animal Kingdom. The best time to encounter the lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes of the free-roaming Kilimanjaro Safaris is in the cool of the morning or at the late-aftemoon feeding by the Lodge. In between, chill out on the Kali River Rapids, and then head indoors for the 3-D show Its Tough to Be a Bug.

Disney-MGMStudios. Originally planned as a working film studio, thrill rides are now the draw at MGM, including the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. During annual Star Wars Weekends, wookies pack the Star Tours ride.

Universal Studios. Discover a world beyond Disney at Universal Studios. The toddlers can spend A Day in the Park with Barney, while bigger kids play action star on blockbuster interactive rides like Jaws, E.T., Terminator, and Shrek.

Universal Islands of Adventure. Now we’re talking thrill rides: Dueling Dragons suspends you beneath one roller coaster track as you hurtle into near misses with riders on a dual track. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man’s astounding 3-D effects makes it the best attraction in the world according to Theme Park Insider.

SeaWorld. Shamu at SeaWorld welcomes you with a splash to this natural wonderland of belugas, penguins, manatees, and stingrays - the world’s largest zoological park. Take a thrill-dive on the Kraken roller coaster, or arrange to swim with real dolphins at Discoveiy Cove.

While kids (and the kid at heart) generally rule Orlando travel it can also be a grown-up Florida vacation hot spot. Explore the shops, restaurants, and nightclubs of Universal Studios’ City Walk, SeaWorld’s Waterfront, or Disney’s Boardwalk. Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island hosts a House of

Blues and Cirque du Solid’s La Nouba. Walt Disney World even offers theme-park ships to cruise Florida and the Bahamas.

Things to do and see in Orlando can start to add up money-wise, but there are some free things to do in Orlando Florida as well. Take a family stroll at Disney’s Boardwalk and enjoy the water views and street entertainers, or go hiking in Ocala National Forest. The terrain is easy and you’ll get a real sense of natural Florida.

Lake Eola Park is another welcome refuge set on 43 acres where you’ll find a walking path, fountains, and a playground. Kids will enjoy feeding the swans and there are excellent views of the city.

Finally, head to the Disney town of Celebration where you’ll find picturesque homes, an interactive fountain where kids can play, and a lagoon where you can look for alligators and turtles.

California

California has nearly endless possibilities for a vacation. If you're considering or planning a trip to the state of California, you will very likely be trying to figure out all the different things you want to do. From the amusement parks and sunny beaches of Southern California to the rugged cliffs and deserted beaches on the Northern Coast and everything in between, there is no end to all the things you can experience on a California tour, and the California map illustrates the many geographical possibilities.

Since the early days of the California Gold Rush, people have been coming to the Golden State from all parts of the country. Nowadays, California is known for being the closest thing to a perfect place, whether it is for the sunny vineyards of Napa, the charming small-towns on the Central Coast, or Southern California's miles of flawless, endless beaches.

The State of California is the most populated in the entire country, due to its immense size and its major metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco. This is also the third largest state in terms of size, so you could spend weeks exploring the attractions on a California tour.

If you want to visit Southern California, there are a few places you should visit. Los Angeles is the second largest city in the country besides the Big Apple, so there is no lack of things to do and see in this area, and there are plenty of California resorts centered around theme parks so you can enjoy a hassle free experience, since everything is easy to find. Disneyland and SeaWorld are family friendly places to enjoy a California vacation. Neighborhoods in LA are so outstanding that many have their own reputation that overshadows that fact that they are within a larger city. Hollywood, for example, has the Walk of Fame, and is home to the big movie studios.

With hundreds of miles of lovely beaches empty except for the wildlife, there is no lack of coastline for you to enjoy on a California Beach vacation. Half the state and the most scenic drive facing the pacific run the length of its western coast, and a lovely California beach can be the setting for an unforgettable trip.

If you enjoy wholesome fun and family friendly entertainment, the beaches at Santa Cruz and San Diego have excellent parks right on the water, and are the setting for an unforgettable part of your California beach vacation, with lots of fun amusement rides.

There are a few areas just north of Los Angeles that have all sandy shores you could expect in Southern California beaches.

If you enjoy a more outdoorsy experience, you can enjoy the Pacific in luxury, as the Northern Coast is quickly becoming a place where a California Beach rental is gaining a great deal of popularity. Up north, relaxing outdoor activities like fishing and hiking can be enjoyed. You'll feel like you really fit into the scenery when you book a California beach rental, be it on the sunny beaches of

Southern California or right here on the windswept northern part of the scenic Highway 1 drive down the coast.

Lovely nature preserves are off the coast of Monterey, and also south of Carmel just place the 17 mile drive, which is a scenic drive past a lovely California Beach that is part of the Point Lobos nature preserve. If you visit the world class Aquarium, you can add en education aspect that is fun as well to you California beach vacation. Spend a weekend in a California Beach Hotel, and take your time exploring the cannery, the Wharf and the Marina.

Whether you prefer the solitude and proximity to thousands or square miles of Pacific in front of you, there is something magical about staying in a California beach hotel. If you've at a rustic cabin or the Northern California Beach or nestled n a luxurious bed and breakfast on the Central Coast, you'll love being close to the shores.

Southern California lives up to its reputation of being a water lover's heaven, home to fun water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving at La Jolla beach, or windsurfing on a breeze California beach, you'll love. All the way up and down the coast, from the remote rocky beach far below the Highway 1 route and its scenic drive on the Northern Coast, to the small Oceanside communities of Pismo Beach, a California beach vacation is the most relaxing way to experience to state and its incredible views, which in themselves are California vacations.

Whether you like the serene coasts of the north or the sunny, fun filled beaches of Los Angeles, you can get to a California beach easily, and there are as plentiful and varied as the attractive people sunning themselves on a busy Southern California beach.

With its 360 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine, snow-sliders will be in heaven at the Heavenly Ski Resort Lake Tahoe. This splendidly versatile resort is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at Monument Peak. Straddling the state line between California and Nevada, a vacation at the Heavenly Ski Resort Lake Tahoe gives you the exciting experience of skiing from one state to the other. Heavenly has 17 lifts in California and 12 lifts in Nevada.

Even with an average of 360 inches of snow, the Heavenly Ski Resort Lake Tahoe still has one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in the United States. With 4, 800 acres of terrain, Heavenly is one of North America's largest ski areas.

While Heavenly is, well heavenly, as long as you are in the Lake Tahoe area, you may as well visit another ski resort in Lake Tahoe. Beginner and intermediate skiers and riders who are looking for a ski resort in Lake Tahoe should consider Squaw Valley. Seventy percent of the Squaw Valley terrain consists of wide open groomed runs that are suitable for cruising. However, there is also a good deal of ungroomed advanced terrain. If you hate lift lines, Squaw Valley might be the best ski resort in Lake Tahoe to visit, since Squaw has the most extensive network of lifts in the world!

If you have a good tolerance for altitude, at 7,800 feet, Kirkwood has a higher base elevation than any ski resort in Lake Tahoe. The 2,000 foot vertical drop will be a thrill for all skiers and riders, and the 529 inches of snow is sure to please all of its visitors. Kirkwood has 12 lifts and 2,300 acres of skiable terrain.

If you have already skied or rode the Lake Tahoe ski resorts, and are looking for a different experience, plan a trip to the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort in the Sierra Nevada. Not only does this mountain have California's highest elevation, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort also has the longest ski season. This is a mountain where you will never get bored. Mammoth has 3500 skiable acres, 3100 vertical feet and 150 trails. The Mammoth Mountain Ski resort has 31 lifts, which include four high speed quads, four quads, seven triples, 12 doubles, two gondolas, one T-Bar and one Poma. Snowboarders will love the Olympic-size Super Pipe. If you are looking for a mammoth skiing or riding experience, visit the Mammoth Mountain Ski resort.

Channel Islands National Park is located off Ventura on the coast of California, not far from Santa Barbara, and includes five of the eight islands in the archipelago, as well as an extensive swath of undersea territory. The Channel Islands National Park is made up of Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz Island. The territory preserved by the Channel Islands National Park is an important sanctuary for land and marine wildlife - the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary extends six nautical miles off the coast of certain islands - as well as many species of plants. It is also a relatively remote place for tourists to visit and provides a great break from the hustle and bustle of the more developed Southern California coast.

Channel Islands California has sometimes been referred to as Southern California's Galapagos due to the great diversity of species found there. There are more than 2,000 species found in the park, with several of them endemic to the islands, meaning they are found nowhere else on earth. Among the rare species here is the largest mammal in the world, the blue whale, which can be seen in the waters of Channel Islands National Park in the summer, when the collision of warm and cold waters prompt the proliferation of plankton, the staple food of many whale species.

Other whales such as the humpback and the gray whale can also be seen in these waters, as well as dolphins, all of which make this the best national park in California for whale watching. Tourists can potentially see these whales by boat, and tours are available through several companies in Ventura harbor.

The largest island at Channel Islands California is Santa Cruz Island. It contains many unique species of land and marine life, including the Island Scrub Jay, which is found only on the island. Santa Cruz Island is also very popular among kayak enthusiasts, as it is home to the Painted Cave, the biggest and deepest sea cave in the world. Kayakers can explore the cave, which in the spring is curtained by a waterfall at the entrance, through kayak tours arranged with major tour companies such as the officially licensed Island Packers. Other attractions at Santa Cruz include a breathtaking coastline, with tidal pools that contain sea urchins, starfish, and many other coastal creatures. You can also go scuba diving, hiking, and swimming in the waters around Santa Cruz.

If you want to find a remote beach at Channel Islands California, look no further than Santa Rosa Island. Santa Rosa has beautiful white sand beaches and excellent hiking trails for those who want to explore nature at their leisure. There are also some picnic areas and a hundred-year-old cattle ranch, though the latter is no longer in operation.

You can gain access to the Channel Islands through chartered boat companies at Ventura harbor. Tourists should remember that the Channel Islands are not only a national park, but also an important center for biodiversity. Therefore, it’s important to stay only on the marked trails and to bring any garbage you create back out of the park when you leave.

Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are a haven of tropical beauty presenting some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The islands teem with picture perfect beaches, colorful sunsets, a myriad of cascading waterfalls and greener-than-green rainforests brimming with exotic plants and fascinating wildlife. The islands' coral reefs reveal a hidden realm awash with fascinating sea creatures, schools of colorful, lively fish and the ever-loved curious green sea turtles. Each island has its own unique traits accommodating many kinds of travelers and a multitude of interests.

The Hawaii comprises more than 100 distinct islands although there are only six main island tourists visit, two being much less popular yet equally beautiful. The main islands most popular for Hawaii vacations include Kauai, Maui, Oahu, the Big Island. Lanai and Molokai sit on many people's vacation agenda's but they are most often visited during a day trip rather than an entire vacation. Situated thousands of miles from the continental US and surrounded entirely by the ocean, there is

literally no place like Hawaii. Hawaii is a unique holiday destination teeming with Hawaiian history and many fascinating traditions that make it a rare place.

Hawaii travel to the Big Island showcases the largest land mass in the island series double that of all the islands combined. From snow-capped mountains to the beautiful shores of Big Island beaches, numerous different climate are found on the Big Island. Adventurers flock to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hiking black lava beds surrounding Mount Kilauea. The west coast houses the most frequented coasts of Kona and Kohala where there are many things to do in Big Island. From cheap Hawaii hotels to the most luxurious vacation rentals available, Big Island ups the ante for Hawaii travel.

Neighboring Oahu is only a short interisland flight away from the Big Island. It offers samples of the best of Hawaii making it one of the most popular islands for Hawaii vacations. Honolulu and Waikiki Beach are world famous, exhibiting a modem atmosphere amid plenty of Hawaiian history. From the towering peak of Diamond Head to sobering Pearl Harbor and the Punchbowl Memorial, there are many things to do in Honolulu. Oahu has some of the most spectacular natural landscapes of all the Hawaii islands with the most impressive example being the North Shore. Some of the best approaches to Oahu's striking geography include hiking, diving and enjoying captivating Oahu nature tours.

Taking an exciting Hawaii trip throughout the islands is another prospect travelers strive toward. An interisland cruise offers an incredible way to burrow into the best of each of the Hawaii islands, taking away a heavy sense of fulfillment. The many eye-opening things to do on Maui present many excellent reasons to stop and take a look around. Anglers relish in the opportunity for an exotic catch aboard a Maui fishing charter. A favorite for romance and passion, Maui weddings take place in many of the most beautiful outdoor locations on the island. A Maui Hawaii trip wouldn't be complete without a journey to Haleakala, a hike through the Iao Valley and a jaunt throughout the lovely coastal areas of Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Though consistently rising in popular, Kauai is the least visited of all the Hawaii islands. It's the oldest and most luscious island, often referred to as the Garden Isle, and is considered the most stunning of all by many. Kauai hiking on the Kalalau Trail is a gratifying way to see the breathtaking northern beauty. Kauai beaches, waterfalls, canyons, and rainforests are reminders of the captivating powers of vivid island topography.

During a Hawaii trip there is no worry in finding accommodations suited to your budget. Each island abounds with vacation rentals, discount hotels, luxurious resorts and the most charming island bed and breakfasts. An incredible array of travel packages are also available to help lessen the burden of vacation costs. Whether you enjoy Hawaii vacations by way of an interisland cruise or choose to explore only one island in its entirety, the magic of Polynesia exhibits grace, tranquility, wonder and adventure all rolled into one.

The Hawaii attractions cover a wide spectrum, and while some visitors will be interested in little more than some time on an idyllic beach, others will want to tackle as many different activities as possible. There are activities in Hawaii to fit every taste and preference, and if surfing the big waves on Oahu's North Shore isn't for you, you might treat yourself to an unforgettable kayaking tour along Kauai's stunning Na Pali Coast. When looking for attractions in Hawaii to add to your vacation itinerary, you won't run out of options. In fact, you'll need more than one Hawaii vacation to enjoy all of the activities and attractions that this unique state has to offer.

Understandably so, spending time on the beach is one of the top activities in Hawaii. Some will argue that the Kauai beaches are the best beaches in Hawaii, while others might find favor with the sandy stretches that can be found on the islands of Maui and Oahu. Truth be told, all of the main Hawaiian Islands boast some spectacular beaches, and thanks to the island's volcanic history, some of these beaches even feature black sand. Speaking of volcanoes, Hawaii is the state to visit if you are interested in them. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which can be found on the Big Island, is easily

one of the top Hawaii tourist attractions, and you won't want to miss it if you want to learn more about the state's geology.

When you're not hanging out at the beach or taking in the volcanoes on the Big Island during your Hawaii vacation, a trip to a Hawaii plantation can make for a welcome addition to the agenda. The Kona coffee plantations, which can be found on the Big Island's western side, are the most renowned coffee plantations in Hawaii, though they're not the only ones that you can tour. The largest coffee plantation in Hawaii can actually be found on the island of Kauai. Visit the Kauai Coffee Company, and you can learn about the entire coffee making process, not to mention sample some premium coffee. Other Hawaii plantations that figure among the top overall Hawaii attractions include the Dole Plantation, which specializes in pineapples, and the Maui Tropical Plantation, which grows coffee, nuts, and a variety of exotic fruit.

Sightseeing is one of the most rewarding activities in Hawaii, and there will be great sights to see virtually everywhere you go in this tropical archipelago. One of the best ways to take in the countryside on the different Hawaiian Islands is by driving. Scenic drives on roads like Maui’s Hana Highway or the Big Island's Saddle Road can definitely be a highlight of your trip, and if you get the chance, touring the small island of Lanai in a 4x4 vehicle is a real treat. Lanai is an island that many Hawaii visitors leave out when planning their trips, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't venture over for a look at some point. In addition to two upscale resorts, Lanai is also home to some home rentals, a bed and breakfast inn, and a small hotel. The relatively deserted beaches might be the top attractions, however, unless you prefer the crowds of sunbathers that can be found on Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous Hawaii tourist attractions, partly because of the fact that it is an excellent place to sunbathe and enjoy water sports like surfing and swimming. Waikiki Beach is also a great place to people watch, and lining the beach are numerous resorts and hotels, some of which figure among the best in the state. Waikiki is part of Honolulu, which is the state capital of Hawaii, and it can be found on the island of Oahu. Honolulu is an excellent city to explore, thanks to renowned Hawaii attractions like the Punchbowl Memorial, the Waikiki Aquarium, and Chinatown, and it's definitely the city of choice if you want to enjoy some urban exposure in the Aloha State.

Museums, national parks, sacred sites, and waterfalls figure among the most popular Hawaii tourist attractions, and you will have numerous opportunities to enjoy attractions like these on all of the main islands. What one island lacks, another one has, which is why interisland travel is big in Hawaii. Interisland cruises and interisland flights are your transportation options when it comes to island hopping in the 50th state and flying isn't only limited to planes. Helicopter tours are wildly popular in Hawaii, thanks the breathtaking scenery that can be found across the land.

Hawaii is a great place to visit any time of year, though some activities have their seasons, which might affect your decision concerning when to go. Whale watching and surfing, for example, which are two of the most popular activities in Hawaii, are best enjoyed in the winter months, while snorkeling and swimming are usually at a premium during the summer months.

MAIN CITIES

Washington, DC

There is perhaps no city more exciting than the capital city of the United States of America. Its rhythms are the heartbeat of the entire nation, and its work is always in the public eye. Don’t expect to see it all on your first Washington DC trip. Rather, plan to make occasional small trips to town. Then you will know what makes the city special: its commitment to change.

Washington DC tourism thrives on the change perpetuated by constant election shake-ups and their effects on the city populace. Washington DC vacations are always different, therefore, with

something new to see on each Washington DC trip. For example, in the last two years, the city has seen the long overdue opening of the National Museum of the American Indian, the creation of the Marian Koshland Science Museum, and the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. The US Capitol has a brand new Visitors Center opening this year, and the Kennedy Center is expanding dramatically.

Washington DC tourism flagged a little in recent years, immediately following the September 11th attacks. But the added attention to security in the nation’s capital has laid many fears to rest. Washington DC vacations are as safe - and as exciting - as they ever were. You may need to allow more time between destinations, however, as security checks are common all over Washington DC, now, and many involve metal detectors. Driving and parking have both become more challenging, as roads are closed around federal buildings to increase their perimeters for security. It is much better, where possible, to rely on Metrorail and taxis for your Washington DC trip.

This town was bom from diversity, and thrives in it today. There are many parts of town to enjoy, each with its appeal to different segments of the Washington DC tourism market. Washington DC vacations should include jaunts to the various distinct neighborhoods that define the culture here. Check out the U Street clubs in the streets where Duke Ellington grew up. Go to Chinatown, admire the Friendship Arch, and eat authentic Asian cuisines late at night. You may spend an evening barhopping in Adams Morgan, or dining al fresco at one of the many trendy and international restaurants in the area. Or spend a more traditional afternoon shopping and searching rare antiques in historic Georgetown along the canal, where you can also watch crew boats and kayakers take on the Potomac on misty mornings. Washington DC vacations are fun, energetic, and informative, and often inspirational on many levels.

Washington DC attractions offer something for every interest. In this exciting place, you'll find a world-class collection of museums, thriving theaters, and a unique grouping of national monuments and memorials. If you're planning a vacation around the Washington DC major attractions, be prepared to see some amazing sights and connect with American history along the way.

When you're talking about the Washington DC major attractions, you can't go wrong starting with the monuments and memorials clustered around the National Mall. This collection of monuments honors America's presidents and soldiers, who made major sacrifices for their country. Surely the tallest and arguably the most famous of the Washington DC attractions is the Washington Monument, which offers some amazing views from high above Washington. A short walk along the Tidal Basin will lead you to the Lincoln Memorial, where you can climb the stairs and see the statue of a seated and thoughtful president up close.

Several other popular Washington DC tourist attractions can be reached within a few more minutes of walking, including the National War II Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. All of these monuments are free to visit and you don't have to plan ahead to visit. The only exception is the Washington Monument - it's still free, but you do need to pick up tickets if you want to see the views from the top.

The list of Washington DC tourist attractions also includes the many museums (and a zoo) of the Smithsonian Institution. This collection of amazing museums has been nicknamed America's Attic, and for good reason. The various museums display a tiny percentage of the collection that numbers in the billions. As you visit the various museums - also free to visit - you'll have the chance to see the actual Star-Spangled Banner, learn just how big the space shuttle really is, and view treasured works of art.