This self-proclaimed dynamic regional hub engages and inspires visitors of all ages and walks to investigate the myriad wonders, possibilities, and responsibilities of modern science, tendering eager scientists and intrepid space pioneers hands-on learning opportunities through an extensive array of fascinating displays and fun and engaging permanent and rotating exhibits. In the Challenger Learning Center – an interactive space mission simulator consisting of a realistic Mission Control and Spacecraft – guests assume the roles of astronauts, scientists and engineers and set out on their choice of three critical NASA missions; in Robotics Lab, they assemble and program actual robots. “Digging Up the Past” provides the thrilling experience of a real, dig allowing the budding archaeologists amongst you to work in teams implementing specific tools, methodology and technique to excavate intriguing “ancient” relics left behind by mysterious (fictional) civilizations. Enchanting twenty-minute star shows treat the astronomers in your bunch to a dazzling introduction to the endless night sky over Sacramento in Northern California’s only public planetarium; you’ll leave with a pocket full of backyard sky watching tips! Current exhibit, “Blast from the Past: Rockin’ Rocks & Diggin’ Dinos” lets guests hear what rocks, crystals, fossils and other finds have to say about ancient life on Planet Earth. Lovers of all living things will truly enjoy the Nature Discovery Room, featuring indoor animal exhibits as well as exciting and educational programs and activities specially tailored for children; meet the amazing creatures who call the Discovery Science Center home. Bring a lunch – once you’ve explored everything there is to see, head for the woods, unpack, kick back and relax in the serenity of a picnic area surrounded by 14 acres of native flora and fauna. P.S.: don’t miss the butterfly garden!

This fantastic institution, monument to the railways that built our great Nation, part of the State Park system and ever-popular attraction in the heart of colorful Old Sacramento had its origins in 1937, when a determined group of railroad enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area formed the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. The organization labored tirelessly at promoting the idea of a railroad museum, and donated 30 historic locomotives and cars to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to comprise the core of a State-operated exhibition in Sacramento. The Museum’s pioneer facility, the Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station, launched in 1976; the Railroad History Museum saw completion in 1981. Steam-powered passenger train service on the Sacramento Southern Railroad began in 1984, and the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot opened just three years later. The Railroad Museum assumed responsibility for Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown- “The Movie Railroad” – on July 1, 1992. Today, the Museum features 21 painstakingly restored locomotives and cars, some circa 1862. The spectacular “Sierra Scene” exhibit recreates in large-scale mockup a construction scene high in the wild Sierra Nevada representing Donner Pass circa 1867; a wonderful array of fascinating permanent exhibits featuring an ever-changing arrangement  of photography, ephemera and artifacts assist in illustrating how the powerful influence of the railroads changed American Society forever.  Enchanting “excursion” train rides offer railroad aficionados in search of that quintessential experience relaxing 45 minute riverfront train rides in closed coach cars, open-air gondolas and a first-class observation car pulled by vintage diesel locomotives from the Museum’s extensive collection. Experience all the sights and sounds of  train travel of bygone days; enjoy lemonade and cookies served in the air-conditioned comfort of elegant 1920s observation lounge car El Dorado as you roll along the Sacramento River!

 

This famous financial services company boasting the slogan, “Together, We’ll Go Far” and a celebrated history of timeless strengths: security, reliability, innovation and progress – was founded in 1852 by Henry and William Fargo, and has become a legendary part of the true American West. Wells Fargo’s sturdy Concord stagecoaches were crafted of the finest materials by the Abbot-Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire, coach makers of sterling reputation. Their stagecoaches provided expeditious service across a vast and unforgiving territory through the nineteenth century. From 1866-69, Wells Fargo operated every major stagecoach route west of the Missouri River, covering 2,500 miles of territory. Skilled drivers guided coaches pulled by teams of four or six horses, at average speeds of five miles per hour, with rest stops every twelve miles to change horses, and about every 45 miles to allow driver and passengers a chance to eat; close your eyes for a moment, and just imagine yourself a passenger! Today, Wells Fargo has opened museums in Alaska, North Carolina, California, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, and stages historic exhibits in select corporate spaces across the country, each representative of the institution’s longstanding tradition of excellence. Two Sacramento Museum locations treat visitors on Golden State excursion to an intriguing cross section of Wells Fargo’s Western history through a series of remarkable exhibits; the Capitol Mall location showcases an authentic 1866 Abbot-Downing stagecoach, a priceless collection of vintage postal covers, an authentic working telegraph line, real gold specimens from the Sacramento area and scores of relevant artifacts, images, documents and furnishings. The Old Sacramento State Historic Park’s Museum presents for perusal a carefully re-created 19th century Express office and numerous genuine Wells Fargo, Gold Rush and Old West treasures.

Groups heading to sunny California will truly enjoy a trot through Old Sacramento, a lively and unique 28 acre historic shopping and entertainment district and popular tourist destination situated along the beautiful Sacramento River. At one time a burnt-out, flooded-out and absolutely dilapidated part of an area proclaimed the worst skid row west of Chicago, this wonderfully rehabilitated and thriving National landmark, the western terminus of the Pony Express postal system, the first transcontinental railroad and the transcontinental telegraph is absolutely jam-packed with things to do and see! Carriage-lined cobblestone streets run throughout Old Sacramento, where more than 50 well-preserved early Gold Rush commercial structures of various architectural influences frame marvelous historic museums and entertainment venues; authentic riverboat attractions, scenic railroad excursions, riverfront bike rides and more await itinerants seeking a satisfyingly Wild-Western experience. Dozens of old-fashioned storefronts invite browsing and shopping; eclectic cafes, charming sweet shops, rootin’ tootin’ saloons and dining establishments hawking a pleasing range of California-style menus tender hungry prospectors a quick, casual bite, dust-dousing and cool refreshment or classically elegant repast all steeped in “sepia-toned” ambiance; you’ll find everything from toothsome deli delights, specialty spuds, hotdogs and olive bars to pizza, Mexican, Indonesian and fresh Coastal seafood on Old Town’s tables. Be sure to check out the California State Railroad Museum, the Delta King Riverboat and the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum – a fascinating, living replica of a one room 1800s schoolhouse functioning as a historic learning center. Need a little time to let your meal settle before hunting down dessert? Climb aboard a waiting horse-drawn carriage and be squired past notable points of interest in quaintly captivating Old Town, the “Sacramento of the Gold Rush.”

We all enjoy an escape to the movies now and again. We scan the marquee, make our decision, enter the lobby, purchase tickets and grab our popcorn and soft drink before making our way to the appropriate doorway and slipping into the cozy refuge of darkness where we  find the perfect seat, nestle in, whisper a bit, glare at noisy patrons directly behind us or *accidentally* kick the seat of the offenders in front, and…wait. The lights dim; your conventional theater experience begins. When the feature has ended, you rise before the lights come back up and make your way out before the crush. Quintessential movie house fare and routine, right? Admit it. Something is missing…but what? Big screen buffs on Sacramento getaway who’ve never experienced the magic of  IMAX 3D  must make their way to The Esquire IMAX® Theatre,  ideally situated downtown, adjacent to the Sacramento Convention Center! IMAX is more than just a “night at the movies;”  it’s an entertainment event so real you feel it to your core; so magical it transports you places you’ve never been; so utterly immersive you actually feel you’re part of the action! Unique IMAX is an innovator with patented technology; a Hollywood insider that partners with celebrated moviemakers to  enhance their mega-blockbusters and riveting documentaries and a thriving global enterprise; it’s going to the theatre to forget your at the movies.  There’s only one IMAX, and once you’ve experienced it, there’s no going back.  Come, find out what you’ve been missing with a movie night at Esquire! Patrons park for free Monday through Friday after 5:00 pm and all weekend long.

A must-see on any West Coast itinerant’s agenda, the California Museum – home of the celebrated California Hall of Fame – treats its visitors to a vibrant cross-section of the Golden State’s rich history and unique contributions to our world, inspiring men, women and children to fearlessly pursue the “California Dream”. Fascinating signature exhibits anchor the experience while an ever-changing series of fresh, short-term presentations highlighting lesser-known people, places and stories treat guests to an absolutely engrossing California history lesson. The 3000 square foot “California Indians: Making A Difference” exhibit is the only one of its kind, created in Native voice and representing over 100 tribes across the state; the gallery showcases the contributions of indigenous California peoples through a presentation of hundreds of artifacts, works of art, 13 oral histories at 6 video stations and an interactive Native language kiosk. The 6-story Constitution Wall features dramatically sculpted words extracted from the California Constitution, each specifically chosen to inspire reflection on the freedoms guaranteed all Californians; depending on the angle of the light and time of day, different words, punctuated by the wall’s natural color scheme, as drawn from California’s landscape palette of forest, ocean and desert hues, naturally become more prominent. Established by former First Lady Maria Shriver in 2006 as a special tribute to remarkable individuals who embody California’s pioneering spirit and have made their mark on history, the California Hall of Fame introduces honorable inductees from all walks of life who have made notable achievements in a diversity of fields.

Groups en route to the Golden State will be delighted to find a stop at the California Executive Mansion – commonly referred to as “the Governor’s Mansion” – on their Sacramento itinerary. Guests are warmly welcomed by a competent and friendly staff, and escorted on a delightful promenade through history from the moment they step onto the lovingly manicured grounds that for 64 years courted the daily activities of thirteen of California’s First Families. The beautiful executive mansion on the corner of 16th and H Streets in downtown Sacramento, originally built in 1877 for local hardware merchant Albert Gallatin and his wife Clemenza, was purchased for $32,500.00 from Joseph and Louisa Steffens by the State of California in 1903. Resplendent in the manner of the day with such finery as Italian marble fireplaces, ornate, gilt framed mirrors from France and exquisitely handcrafted hinges and doorknobs, the 30-room Second Empire-Italianate Victorian mansion was suitably impressive, though somewhat dated, by then; it was, however, conveniently located and quite comfortable. Governor George Pardee and his family were the first official residents of the “new” Governor’s Mansion; today, select furnishings remain, left behind by important occupants over the decades, including the Pardee’s regal 1902 Steinway piano, authentic Persian rugs acquired by Mrs. Earl Warren and plush velvet sofas and chairs belonging to Governor Hiram Johnson, all contributing to the landmark home’s grand, if eclectic ambiance. The stately old residence has undergone a series of renovations over the years, and recently received a long-overdue , “full face lift”; it remains unoccupied since the Reagans, the last first family to call the Mansion home, moved on, and is now primarily employed as a venue for state and public events.

You’ve made it to your island destination, and are well on your way to the time of your LIFE…the food, the legendary hospitality…the stunning scenery…the sweetly rhythmic music….the beautiful people…the all-encompassing spirit of Aloha embraces you and welcomes you to Hawaii. What more could you ask for? The plumeria-laden tropical breeze ruffles the fragrant, fresh flower lei around your neck, and whispers: “a sunset cruise.” From evening snorkeling/sightseeing adventures and fantastically lighthearted BBQ and fireworks extravaganzas to luxurious world-class dinner cruises, enchanting glass bottomed boat excursions and sunset cocktail sails – your perfect Hawaiian Sunset boat trip awaits! Sporty catamaran jaunts around Diamond Head with tasty “pupus” and enchanting tropical refreshments treat you to unsurpassed views of the twinkling lights of Waikiki beach as the sun slips into the sea while dinner guests aboard elegant luxury liners receive the full royal treatment on a first-class whale watch! Grab something yummy to go and sail quietly into the sunset or opt for a narrated historical sightseeing venture that gets you out on the water, well fed and impressively current on local legend and lore.

Animal lovers of all ages on Hawaiian holiday will jump at the chance to hang out with dolphins; touch, pet, laugh at and frolic with these amazingly social sea mammals in natural settings or specially recreated habitat environments. Toss them a snack, take a dorsal fin ride, experience the “foot push,” a hearty handshake or a sweet dolphin kiss.  Splash alongside trained animals in peaceful park lagoons, snorkel amongst Hawaii’s wild dolphins and other marine life in the deep blue Pacific or be a trainer for a day…or week!  A wide array of entertaining and customizable experiences afford  travelers  to the Islands in search of that quintessential, family-friendly vacation itinerary or specialized dolphin adventure unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to interact and  be photographed with these fascinating, sensitive and highly intelligent creatures; take home an optional DVD of your encounter and relive the magic of your visit with the dolphins anytime you like!

Groups of outdoor enthusiasts on Island getaway will thrill to any one of a number of special ECO tour options; wander off the beaten path and discover the natural side of your Hawaiian destination. See beautiful botanical gardens, pristine hidden beaches and “secret” waterfalls; swim and play with the local dolphins, be amazed at Kilauea volcano’s spectacular show or climb to the top of Koko Head Crater on a breathtaking sunrise hike. Sign up for the exclusive Road to Hana ECO Tour Adventure and enjoy the very best of Maui with special stops at scenic lookouts, popular beaches, the Wailua Peninsula, Wailua Falls and Wai’anapanapa State Park. The grand Adventures of Hidden Hawaii Tour brings you a fun-filled day jam-packed with everything wonderful about a trip to the Islands! Explore the lush Ko’olau mountain range and spectacular hidden Kapena Falls. Kick back on breathtaking Waimanalo Beach or grab a boogie board and hit the warm water; enjoy a delightful lunch, then wrap up your day with a little snorkeling in the crystal waters of peaceful Haunama Bay. Discover the North and South Shores of Oahu, hop a boat across the Moli’i Fishpond, visit a sea turtle basking ground, dine at the Kualoa Ranch and enjoy famous attractions like the Halona Blowhole, Byodo-in Temple and the Amelia Earhart Lookout on the Ultimate Circle Island ECO Adventure Tour, a fabulous, full day’s expedition that affords your group access to an O’ahu few visitors ever see. Don’t forget your camera – friends back home will require proof such a glorious paradise exists!