Camping in the Redwoods – Tent Sites & Campgrounds We Stayed At

Campgrounds Nature West

Camping in the Redwoods is by far one of the most wholesome amazing adventures we’ve had as a family. I knew I wanted to go camping in the Redwood Forest when we were on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip and just writing this post has got me itching to go back!

We stayed a week between the campgrounds listed below. There’s nothing like the damp smell of the forest. Climbing over larger-than-life sized trees. Realizing these giants have been here on this earth much longer than I have. I’d go back to the Redwood Forest areas in a hot second!

Aside from wanting to see the “Avenue of the Giants” in Humboldt County, famous for its towering redwood trees, we originally wanted to sleep among the Redwoods near some of the Jurassic Park filming locations. (Patrick’s Point State Park, Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, etc.)

If you’ve never been to the Redwoods, it’s a VAST area spanning hundreds of miles. There’s so much more than “just” one spot to see Redwoods! Moving north through the California coast we decided to start at Muir Woods, which was beautiful. Ultimately we then moved further north all the way up the Oregon coast to Washington.

Camping South of San Francisco:

NOT in the Redwoods, but I wanted to share where we camped just south of San Francisco in case you are visiting the area first! We absolutely LOVED our stay at the Half Moon Bay – Francis Beach Campground. It was FANTASTIC and right on the beach!

It was far away from the busy roads of San Francisco and we were able to spend our evenings soaking in the beautiful sunsets of the Pacific Coast. It can get pretty windy though so be forewarned!

Visiting Muir Woods:

My BIGGEST tip for visiting Muir Woods is that you MUST get a parking reservation BEFORE you go! You will not just be able to drive there and get in! The parking reservation is free, but you need a timed slot in order to park.

Aside from that, definitely take the time to go! Muir Woods was our family’s first experience in the redwoods, although these are considered coastal redwoods. The tallest tree in Muir Woods is 258 feet high! It’s the closest area to go hiking through redwoods from San Francisco.

You can also look up Big Basin Redwoods State Park which is just a little further away. Believe it or not, Redwood National Park is actually about 300 miles up the coast from San Francisco so it’s a heck of a haul “JUST” to see the Redwoods. It’s absolutely worth it if you’ve got the time to spare though!

Camping North of Muir Woods:

Finding a campground near Muir Woods wasn’t the easiest thing to do! We decided to stay at Kasini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills. It’s a HUGE spot with plenty of room no matter what size you’re traveling in! They have fantastic laundry facilities, and a great lake to feed ducks on!

I wish we had more time than just passing through to spend there! They even have horses to feed! The biggest downside really was that our tent site was pretty far from the bathrooms.

Visiting “Avenue of the Giants” and Drive Thru Trees:

Visiting “Avenue of the Giants” and drive thru trees is a WHOLE different post packed with loads of more information. This post predominately covers camping in the Redwoods but I will say that if you’ve got the time, everywhere is worth exploring!

We enjoyed the free drive thru trees, we paid for all the touristy options to drive thru trees – it was all fantastic. If this is a “once in a lifetime” trip like it was for us, I highly recommend doing it all! It’s definitely something my kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

Camping in the Redwoods:

Humboldt Albee Creek Camp Site:

We camped at tent site 17AC in Ferndale at the Albee Creek Camp Site. What a fabulous cozy campground! Camping here was near Avenue of the Giants and perhaps one of my favorite spots to camp in the Redwoods. It was a small campsite area, quiet, and next to an open field full of deer at sunset!

Next time I’d like to stay at the tent site right across from 17AC though. Our tent site was slightly downhill from our parking spot. It was unexpected chilly and damp though in the morning so make sure to pack a jacket or sweatshirt no matter how far into the summer you are!

There’s a great small trail that hikes through the field right next to the campground which made a great spot to explore quietly looking for deer. The kids also had a blast climbing through the creek next to our camping area as well.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park:

We camped on tent site 22 in Crescent City which was a great spot to camp! This was a MUCH bigger campground than Albee Creek but equally as amazing. This is a great spot to spend a lot of time as there are plenty of places to hike and play down by the lake!

lake at Jedidiah Smith Redwoods state park

There’s a good amount of privacy here with tent spots nestled down in the greenery of the forest. Our tent site backed up to a hiking trail steep above the next level so if you’ve got small kids that wander keep an eye on them! It was very convenient though!

Nearby Adventures:

Where to Camp at the Beach in California

Big Cities Campgrounds Nature West

Are you dreaming of sandy shores, crashing waves, and nights under the stars? Look no further than California’s stunning coastline for the perfect beach camping experience! From rugged cliffs to serene coves, the Golden State offers an array of picturesque destinations for adventurers seeking to pitch their tents by the sea.

On my most recent trip to California we decided to tent camp up the post so I did a lot of research on the top places to camp at the beach in California. Below you’ll find all the tips and must-know details for your next coastal getaway. You can check out all of our posts on things to do in California here.

Whether you crave solitude, adventure, or simply the soothing sound of waves lulling you to sleep, California has the perfect beach camping spot waiting just for you – both right on the sand and within walking distance to the beach!

Let’s dive into where to camp at the beach in California and plan the perfect road trip! Make sure to pack some waterproof tarps and empty plastic bags to protect yourself from too much wind, rain and sand!

1. Thornhille Broome Point Mugu in Point Mugu State Park

camping on the beach at Point Mugu State Park — Camping at Point Mugu State Park

Address: 9000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Handicap Accessible: Yes (at Sycamore Cove)
Dogs Allowed: Yes (not on trails)
Tent Friendly: Yes
RV/Camper Friendly: Yes (up to 31 feet)
Hookups: No
For More Information on Fees & Reservations Click Here.

If you’re looking for a tent in the sand experience on the California coast, then camping in Point Mugu State Park is the spot for you! This has to be the absolutely easiest pull in, pull out on-the-beach camping we’ve ever experienced! Both tents and RV campers can stay here too!

(Technically the camping area is called Thornhille Broome Point Mugu in case your GPS is confused, but we just call it Point Mugu.)

This amazing camping location is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, has over 70 miles of hiking trails, and five miles of ocean shoreline. It’s also near Boney Mountains State Wildness Area. So there are certainly plenty of places to explore here!

There’s not a lot there except for open sandy beach, a port-a-potty and a few picnic tables – so make sure you bring in your own water and supplies. I always recommend keeping toilet paper in your vehicle just in case when camping, but it was well stocked when we stayed.

As with any beach vacation on the Pacific Coast – you’ll need reservations in advance. Once you’re there you can just pull right in – someone will drive by to check your reservations in the morning!

Both a pro and con, the camping was right next to the highway. You’ll definitely hear the noise of cars passing through the night on the highway, but you can’t beat the ocean view. Thankfully not many people travel the Pacific Coast Highway in the middle of the night and the cars weren’t too loud.

I was so excited to sleep right on the sandy beach that we almost forgot to pitch our tent far enough away from the shoreline. In fact we waited for high tide before we actually fell asleep to make sure we weren’t going to have a disaster with the water rising! So you’ll definitely want to double check your high tide time and be mindful where you pitch your tent.

Another really cool thing we noticed during our stay is that the sand is magnetic! When traveling with kids, this is the best spot to camp on the beach!

2. Dockweiler RV Park Beach Campground

Address: 12001 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes (but not on the beach)
Tent Friendly: No
RV/Camper Friendly: Yes (up to 40 feet)
Hook-ups: Yes
For More Information on Fees & Reservations Click Here.

If you’ve got an RV or camper, then Dockweiler RV Park Beach Campground is the spot for you! Although the parking lost is paved, you’re not going to get any closer to the sandy beach than here! (Well, except for Point Mugu!) You can literally just walk right out of your camper and dig your toes into the sand!

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is nearby and spans 22 miles connecting the RV park with Santa Monica, Marina del Ray and Venice beaches as well as the Redondo Beach Pier.

Where to Camp on the beach in california

3. Emma Wood State Beach

Address: (Two miles west of Ventura on Highway 101)
Handicap Accessible: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes (not on beach)
Tent Friendly: No
RV/Camper Friendly: Yes (up to 45 feet)
Hook-ups: No
For More Information on Fees & Reservations Click Here.

Another no-tent campsite right on the beach, Emma Wood State Beach offers primitive camping right off of the highway. There are no restrooms or hookups of any kind so make sure to bring enough water to hold you over for your trip.

The downside to Emma Wood State Beach is that it is located near railroad tracks, and the campground can be closed during very high tides. It’s also not necessarily level as the parking areas have a mix of gravel and other material.

One cool thing about this camping spot is that you can explore an old World War 2 coastal artillery site though, or what’s left of it! So if you need somewhere right next to the ocean, this spot will still be a nice choice.

4. Half Moon Bay Beach State Park

Address: 95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes (not on beach)
Tent Friendly: Yes
RV/Camper Friendly: Yes (up to 40 feet)
Hook-ups: Yes (electric only + dump station + water filling station)
For More Information on Fees & Reservations Click Here.

Half Moon Bay Beach State Park is another one of my favorite camping spots along the Pacific Coast Highway – and it ranks as number one from my kids! While it’s not technically on the beach, it’s a quick 30 second walk to the sand on Francis beach and has over four miles of sandy beach to enjoy! It ranked over Point Mugu for my kids mostly because they have a nice bathhouse which meant we could stay here a little longer.

I’m pretty sure we had just as much sand in our tent as we did at Point Mugu even though we had a grassier camping area. It doesn’t take but a few seconds to get your feet nice and sandy and trek that into your tent! I highly recommend laying a tarp down outside in front of your tent to keep shoes and sandy feet out!

Although campsites seem close together we had nothing but quietness when we visited! Bathhouses were easily accessible and they even have bike and camp spots for overnight bike riders.

5. Gold Bluffs Beach

Address: 127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Orick
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes (not on trails, but beach and campground are OK)
Tent Friendly: Yes
RV/Camper Friendly: Yes (24 feet – no trailers)
Hook-ups: No
For More Information on Fees & Reservations Click Here.

Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – if you’re looking for an “out in the wild” experience of camping that feels more secluded from daily life, Gold Bluffs Beach has you covered! This remote windy location comes with exquisite serene views of the Pacific Ocean! Also in the State Park is the Elk Prairie Campground.

6. Pismo State Beach

Pismo State Beach actually has two different campgrounds to stay at! Be forwarned, you’ll need to check the weather before heading out there in a tent as one of the campgrounds does flood quite a bit if there is a lot of rain. However, you can even drive on the beach here which is pretty awesome! It’s the perfect place to get away from the bustle of life.

You can also find a lovely pier to walk on which is perfect for fishing! Double check your campsite’s location in regards to the beach trail if you want to stay as close by as possible.

7. Doheny State Beach

There are no hookups of any kind here (electrical, water, etc.) at Doheny State Beach, but there is a dump station for RVs. If you want to see the area visually you can see the view from each campsite here or watch this video. Doheny State Beach wins the title for being California’s first state beach! It’s a pretty cool place to camp on the beach.

8. San Elijo State Beach

san elijo beach in california — San Elijo beach in California

A really great spot if you’re up for some stairs is San Elijo State Beach. It is another stunning view of the Pacific Ocean off of the California coast! There’s just something about inhaling the fresh salty breeze while lounging at your campsite.

Near San Diego off of Highway 101, you’re practically a staircase away from dipping your toes into the Pacific Ocean! If you like snorkeling make sure to check out the nearby reef! Although you can bring your dog to the campground, dogs are not allowed on the beach here.

9. Leo Carrillo State Park

The great thing about Leo Carrillo State Park is that it’s not only there on the beach but you can also find tidepools, coastal caves and reefs! The campground is cool and covered with giant sycamores! About 30 miles Northwest of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, there is is also dog friendly beach which is a big plus! Make sure to plan ahead as there are no water or sewer hookups here.

10. South Carlsbad State Beach

While not on the beach sand, this camping spot sits at the top of the bluff looking over the Pacific Ocean with stunning views – right from your campsite! You’ll need to be able to hike down the staircase to actually get down to the sand, but it’s a great way to fence young kiddos from just running down to the water while you are prepping your meals!

11. Refugio State Beach

While technically not right on the sand, the campground and parking is right next to the beach so you just have to walk through the parking lot for some good salt spray! They even have beach wheelchairs for those that need to use them at no additional cost!

If you know of any other great beach camping in California that I’ve missed leave a comment below and let me know!

Where to Camp on the Beach on the Pacific Coast – California, Oregon & Washington

Campgrounds Nature West

One of my favorite travel memories ever was the night we spent on the sandy beach at Point Mugu State Park in California right in front of the Pacific Ocean! It inspired this list of where to camp on the beach on the Pacific Coast! The list below is split into “camping on the shoreline” locations and places to camp along the ocean that are within a few minutes walk from your tent.

If you are road tripping up the Pacific Coast Highway it won’t take you long to realize the views are absolutely breath taking. What better way to enjoy the view than actually go to sleep and wake up with that view in front of you!

Location is everything in regards to your camping experience!

sunset on half moon bay beach in California — Half Moon Bay Beach – California

As an important side note, location is everything in understanding your camping experience! California will have the most beach campsites and be more RV friendly, but many will be very close together with plenty of people due to its population size (which also means more noise!).

Oregon will have much fewer and further between campsites but with less people and more tidal pools. And Washington will be more “off the beaten path” camping with little to no desire to actually swim in the water – and you’ll need to be more physically fit to access many of these campsites which may require hiking in – but they come with prettier views and wilder nature.

The locations below are listed by “Dig Your Toes in the Sand” where you are literally camping on the sand at the ocean’s shoreline, and “Close Enough to See or Smell!” where you may be a 1-3 minute walk from the beach but close enough to be considered beach camping.

Camping on the Beach – Dig Your Toes in the Sand!

1. Thornhille Broome Point Mugu in Point Mugu State Park – California

Camping in Point Mugu State Park has to be the absolutely easiest pull in, pull out on-the-beach camping we’ve ever experienced – for both tents and RV! Technically the camping area is called Thornhille Broome Point Mugu, but the area is literally just open sandy beach.

There’s not a lot there except for a port-a-potty and a few picnic tables so make sure you bring in your own water and supplies. Although the port-a-potty was well stocked and clean when we stayed, I always recommend keeping toilet paper on hand just in case!

You’ll need reservations before you go, but once you’re there you can just pull right in! I was surprised how close to the road it was! You’ll definitely hear the noise of cars passing through the night on the highway, but you definitely can’t beat the view, and for us the cars weren’t too loud throughout the night so we quickly forgot about them.

One thing I’ll caution here is don’t get too excited to sleep on the beach like I was and pitch your tent too close to the shoreline! Make sure to check the high tide time and set up camp far enough off the shoreline! Another really cool thing we noticed during our stay is that the sand is magnetic! When traveling with kids, this is the best spot to camp on the beach!

Where to Camp on the Beach Pacific Coast

2. Dockweiler RV Park Beach Campground – California

This incredible beach campground in California I added to this list because although the parking area for your RV is a paved area, you’re as close to the sandy beach as you’re going to be in an RV! You can literally just walk right out in front of your RV and dig your toes in the sand! Unfortunately there are is no tent camping allowed here.

3. Emma Wood State Beach – California

Unfortunately this is another no-tent campsite right on the beach. Probably because there are no restrooms, water or electricity! This is a primitive camping area that is not completely paved and can be very noisy between the ocean, the highway, and the nearby railroad tracks. During very high tides the campground can be closed. The sites are located right off of the highway and may not be level. You can explore an old World War 2 coastal artillery site though, or what’s left of it!

4. Second Beach (in Olympic National Park) – Washington

While you can stay overnight on Second Beach (located in Olympic National Park), you’ll need to acquire a Wilderness Camping Permit. It’s easy to get and worth staying right on the beach sand in this quiet location. Be careful not to set up camp too close to the shoreline though – you’ll need to make sure your tent is pitched above the high tide area.

It’s a great spot to watch for the whale migration from spring to October. This is an area for raccoons and bears so make sure you take proper care of your food and garbage. While you’re in the area, La Push is a great place to visit!

5. Rialto Beach – Washington (Olympic National Park)

Another great spot to camp at in Olympic National Park is on Rialto Beach, which also requires a Wilderness Camping Permit. You’ll definitely want to check out some of the coastal rocks here including “Hole-in-the-Wall”. Don’t forget to properly store all food and garbage due to raccoons and bears and be certain of where you pitch your tent in regards to the high tide lines!

Camping Next to the Beach – Close enough to smell or see!

1. Half Moon Bay Beach State Park – California

Another one of my favorite camping spots along the Pacific Coast is at Half Moon Bay Beach State Park! While not technically on the beach sand, you can get to Francis beach with a quick 30 second walk! It doesn’t take but a few seconds to get your feet nice and sandy!

Although campsites seem close together we had nothing but quietness when we visited! Bathhouses were easily accessible and they even had bike and camp spots for overnight bike riders. This was my kid’s favorite spot to camp on the beach!

2. Gold Bluffs Beach – California

If you’re looking for an “out in the wild” experience of camping that feels more secluded from daily life, Gold Bluffs Beach has you covered! Although it can be windy here, this campsite comes with some serene views of the Pacific Ocean!

3. Pismo State Beach – California

Pismo State Beach actually has two different campgrounds to stay at! Be forwarned one of the campgrounds does flood quite a bit if there is a lot of rain so make sure to check the weather before heading out there in a tent especially! However, you can even drive on the beach here which is pretty awesome!

You’ll also find a fantastic pier which is perfect for fishing! Double check your campsite’s location in regards to the beach trail if you want to be close by.

4. Doheny State Beach – California

You can see the view from each campsite here or watch this video. There are no hookups of any kind here (electrical, water, etc.) but there is a dump station for RVs. Believe it or not this was actually California’s first state beach! So either way it’s a cool place to camp on the beach.

5. San Elijo State Beach – California

San Elijo State Beach is another stunning view of a campground on the California coast! Near San Diego off of Highway 101, you’re practically a staircase away from dipping your toes into the Pacific Ocean! If you like snorkeling make sure to check out the nearby reef! While you can bring your dog to the campground, dogs are not allowed on the beach.

6. Leo Carrillo State Park – California

7. South Carlsbad State Beach – California

8. Refugio State Beach – California

9. Seal Rock’s RV Cove – Oregon

Alright, so technically this campground is across the street from the beach, but it is still worth mentioning because of the location and beach access. The video above gives you a great view of the campground and beach access.

Some of the areas at this campground are very steep for setting up camp, and if you’re tent camping you may have a short wait for the showers since there aren’t many. But we would definitely stay here again.

10. Harris Beach State Park – Oregon

Camping at Harris Beach State Park is another one of those “close enough to the beach to make the trail worth it”, but you’re not directly camping on the beach. However there are some sites that come with stunning ocean views – so make sure to check out the campsite views before you reserve your spot!

11. Tillicum Beach Campground – Oregon

With beautiful beachfront views and the water a very short walk away, tent campers have the most luck here with the beautiful ocean views! Sites with hookups, while still a great spot, do not come with the ocean view. While there is water available at this campground, there are no showers. It’s a great place to look for whales though, and only a few miles from Cape Perpetua!

12. Cape Disappointment State Park – Washington

This truly wild 2000+ acre location looks down the mouth of the Columbia River. You can find breathtaking views of the North Head Lighthouse, interactive exhibits at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, as well as all of your other camping regulars (boating, variety of camping styles, etc.) They even allow metal detecting & dogs on leashes! This is the perfect camping location for those that want to not only enjoy the ocean but also hike and explore the forest.

13. Kalaloch Beach & South Beach – Washington (Olympic National Park)

Kalaloch Campground is situated on a bluff of varying heights with a quick walk down the stairs for beach access. They do also have cabins and a lodge if you prefer something a little more lush. While Kalaloch is open year-round, South Beach is only open in the summer for camping.If you want to visit the famous Hoh Rain Forest, it is about a 45 minute drive.

As you can see there are plenty of places to camp on the beach or near by when traveling the Pacific Coast Highway in California, Oregon or Washington! If you know of another sandy hotspot that I’ve missed leave a comment below and let me know!

Chasing the Trail of Bigfoot Museums in America

Oddities Roadside Attractions

Chasing the trail of Bigfoot is certainly a fun dive into cryptozoology and makes for the perfect road trip across the country. While there are Bigfoot sightings all over not only the United States, but all over the world, actual Bigfoot museums in America are a little more spread out unfortunately.

I can’t quite say when my obsession with Bigfoot began, but I can confidently say that I’ve passed it onto my children! My husband and I certainly enjoy the mystery behind the elusive Sasquatch, but more importantly, I’m fascinated by the science that is being collected on him.

In fact one year I even drove out to meet up with my girlfriends at the Ohio Bigfoot Conference to meet Bob Gimlin, a celebrity in the Bigfoot world. If life allowed I would be visiting every year!

Bigfoot Museums:

Below are Bigfoot museums and research centers in the US! If you know of one not listed below please let me know as I am trying to keep this information updated! Due to the nature of many times small self-funded centers, please verify that the location is open before visiting.

Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum – Cherry Log, Georgia

Touted as the “BIGGEST” family attraction in Georgia (get it – BIGFOOT = BIGGEST?!), Expedition Bigfoot (AKA The Sasquatch Museum) is located approximately 90 miles north of Atlanta and is open daily except for main federal holidays. Make sure you allot about an hour of time for browsing this 3700 square feet self-guided exhibits museum.

But it’s much more than a museum. It’s also a research & reporting center. Inside you’ll find life-sized and interactive exhibits, the country’s largest permanent display of footprint casts, a “sasquatch” theater, and even the world’s only Bigfoot Research & Tech Vehicle! Don’t forget to check out their gift shop full of all your favorite Sasquatch gifts!

You can take strollers into the museum, but not pets. You can also take photos and video in the museum, although they kindly request that you do not do full video tours. They do not have RV, trailer or bus parking so please plan accordingly. At the time of this posting active military personnel are free with ID.

They are very active on Facebook here if you want to stay connected with local Bigfoot sightings!

Bigfoot Adventure Outpost – Blue Ridge, Georgia

I haven’t been to the Bigfoot Adventure Outpost, but I have heard if you’re in the area it’s worth a quick stop in. I’m unsure, however, whether it is still open, so might be worth asking around the area! If you know, please leave a comment for me! It was started by the same family as the Expedition: Bigfoot! museum above, but covers other cryptozoology research.

Texas Bigfoot Research Center & Museum – Jefferson, Texas

While not an official location yet, Texas has a strong line of Bigfoot researchers and enthusiasts! This group is very active on Facebook so keep an eye on their page if you’re in the area looking for something Squatchy to do or museum updates. You can also watch the East Texas and South Texas Bigfoot Research Organization Facebook groups.

Bigfoot Crossroads of America Museum & Research Center – Hastings, Nebraska

The Nebraska Bigfoot Crossroads of America is a small museum with very a dedicated mindset and connections to a surprisingly planned annual Bigfoot conference! It’s definitely a great spot for those curious about Bigfoot to get out and stretch their legs while dipping their toes into the “wild” side of life! They are active on Facebook and will flood your feed with cozy Bigfoot inspiration!

Bigfoot Discovery Museum – Felton, California

You’ll find the Bigfoot Discovery Museum just outside the city of Santa Cruz, near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The area is one of the most dense Bigfoot sightings in the world!

This community minded museum is FREE and instead offers a membership to help fund their mission. They are closed on Tuesdays, which is coincidentally the day I was driving in the general vicinity as part of our 9000 mile road trip. To say I was disappointed was an understatement! However it is a very small museum and was pretty far out of my way so I saved myself a few extra hours.

In this little museum you’ll find your typical Bigfoot sightings records, footprint casts, and encouragement for wildlife and environmental conservation in honor of our elusive primate we all love.

bigfoot suncatcher gift — Bigfoot Gift Ideas

Willow Creek-China Flat Museum – Willow Creek, California

If you didn’t know to look for it, you might miss the fact that the Willow Creek-China Flat Museum not only highlights the history of logging in and around Willow Creek, but there is an entire building dedicated to Bigfoot! On the grounds you’ll find a complete replication of a miner’s cabin as well as your typical Bigfoot exhibits full of newspaper articles, castings, maps of sightings and more.

It’s a natural mixture of the elusive Sasquatch infused with local mining and logging history.

North American Bigfoot Center – Boring, Oregon

The North American Bigfoot Center is a well done beautiful museum entirely dedicated to Bigfoot about 50 minutes southeast of Portland. In fact there’s even a life-sized statue perfect for family photos! You won’t want to miss their dozens of exhibits as well as short documentaries and films in their small theater.

As expected in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find a great Bigfoot gift shop on site as well!

International Cryptozoology Center – Portland & Bangor, Maine

Touted as the world’s only cryptozoology museum, the two story International Cryptozoology Center has long been on my bucket list to see – and now has a location in Portland and in Bangor!

As seen in the title, this museum preserves artifacts and sightings beyond just Bigfoot, but also covers folk traditions, art and anthropological acknowledgements throughout cryptozoology. Amidst the thousands of items in the exhibits are actual hair samples of the legendary abominable snowmen, bigfoot, yowie, and orang pendek. You’ll also find exhibits covering the Dover Demon, Montauk Monster, Jersey Devil, Thylacine, coelacanth, skunk apes, Nessie and more!

They do allow photos, but not videos in their museum.

Honorable Mentions & Bigfoot Gift Shops:

Marion Bigfoot Festival – Marion, North Carolina

This 5 block long annual spring Bigfoot festival is packed full of everything from vendors with Sasquatch souvenirs, speakers and researchers, enthusiasts, local expeditions into the woods, and other fun activities for those that love this legendary creature.

Legend of Bigfoot Gift Shop – Garberville, California (HWY 101)

While on our epic 9000 mile road trip I came across the Legend of Bigfoot Gift Shop and it is AMAZING! I totally geeked out when I discovered it and I left with the most amazing pair of fluffy Bigfoot socks that I still use in the winter 5 years later! It’s right off of the Pacific Coast Highway tucked away under the Redwoods. It’s definitely worth the drive out!

Sasquatch the Legend – Forks, Washington

This awesome little store in Forks, Washington also has a theater room and podcast studio and an 8.5 foot tall Sasquatch for photo opps! Every spring there is also a “Sasquatch Days” convention if you happen to be in the area!

Freakybuttrue Pecularium – Portland, Oregon

Not completely dedicated to Bigfoot, but you absolutely will find yourself on a wild ride in this weird and quirky museum dedicated to aliens, cryptozoology, and the zany side of life. You decide for yourself what is fact or fiction in this little touristy spot.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not – Various Locations

Loving the weird and quirky falls right in line with the intrigue of Bigfoot. Once upon a time we had the goal of visiting every Ripley’s in the country. I’ve only made it to 8 locations, but many of them do have a Bigfoot statue. So if you’re in the area near a Ripley’s and want a cool Sasquatch photo opp – it’s worth a shot to call them and see if they have a Bigfoot!

Bigfoot Droppings Recipe & Printable Treat Card: Cryptozoology for Kids

Cryptozoology for Kids: NO SEW Bigfoot Sasquatch & Yeti Abominable Snowman Hand Puppets Tutorial

Original Ghostbusters Filming Locations in New York and Los Angeles

Big Cities Kids

Sometimes we take a break from our typical outdoor hiking and nature camping vacations to take a theme based road trip based on film locations from our favorite movies! We’ve seen film location attractions from Twilight, Goonies, Jurassic Park, Somewhere in Time and more!

So grab some popcorn, pop in a marathon of the Ghostbusters movies, and head out to see these famous Ghostbusters filming locations in the USA! Shop Ghostbusters gear on Etsy!

Original Ghostbusters Filming Locations in New York and Los Angeles

Filming for the original Ghostbusters movie actually started in 1983 and was released the next year making an iconic splash for decades! They were on a serious time constraint. The filming was filmed in split locations and was filmed both in New York City (4 weeks) and in Los Angeles (9 weeks). Below you can find a map, Ghostbusters filming locations, tips and more to relive one of your favorite films from the past! PLUS other great places to see in the nearby area!

The inspiration behind the original Ghostbusters film:

After all these years I never know about the inspiration behind the original Ghostbusters film! Dan Aykroyd drew his inspiration for Ghostbusters from his family legacy – no really! Aykroyd’s great-grandfather was a famous spiritualist and psychic investigator, his grandfather investigated contacting the dead via radio technology using a high-vibration crystal radio, his mother claimed to have seen a ghost and his father had an extensive library of research on the history of ghosts. It was literally in his family DNA! Aykroyd loved the idea of modernizing comedic ghost films similar to Abbott and Costello and Bob Hope.

DID YOU KNOW??? – Our favorite famous ghost Slimer actually didn’t receive that name until after the film came out. The green slimy ghost was referred to as “Onion Head” while filming!

Ghostbusters Filming Locations in New York City, New York:

Some of the most iconic Ghostbusters filming locations were taken in New York City, New York. But several of the iconic locations were only filmed from the exterior of the building in New York City and filmed in Los Angeles for the interior shots. While you’re in New York check out these things to do in New York!

Map of the Original Ghostbusters Filming Locations in NY:

Above is a handy fan-made Ghostbusters tour location map made for New York. Just zoom in and touch a ghost for more information!

Weaver Hall – the Department of Parapsychology:

The journey begins when Stantz, Venkman, Spengler, professors in the department of Parapsychology at Weaver Hall (all fictional of course) were fired. Although Weaver Hall isn’t a real place, the scenes were filmed at Columbia University. You can see the exact locations from the Low Memorial Library at 535 W. 116th St. as well as just outside Havemeyer Hall at 1180 Amsterdam Avenue. Also pass by the Upper Quadrangle of the campus, north of College Walk, between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway on West 114th and West 120th Streets (also seen in Spider-Man!).

The Ghostbusters Loan Office:

Ah yes, the short but vital loan office scene where the Ghostbusters begged for a business loan to get started. This is at the US Manhattan City Bank, opposite of the New York Public Library, at 489 5th Avenue.

The Famous Firehouse:

The mecca of all ghost busting plans is of course the famous firehouse that the four original ghostbusters – Peter Vankman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Akyroyd), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) – rented and turned into their headquarters. The movie only used the exterior of the Hook and Ladder 8 (a real functioning firehouse!) found at 14 N. Moore St.

In fact the firehouse even sports Ghostbusters branding and signed posters welcoming visitors when possible. The interior scenes of the Ghostbusters headquarters was actually filmed in Los Angeles (see below) as the Hook and Ladder 8 was too active in their real work!

The Haunted Library:

The haunted library is another popular spot in the film which had split filming locations in both New York and Los Angeles. The exterior of the New York Public Library – Main Branch (also used in Spider-Man!) can be found on 5th Avenue at 42nd Street. (the interior library scenes was filmed in LA – see below)

Dana’s Apartment:

And who can forget Dana’s apartment? Central mecca to all sorts of weirdness! You can see a portion of the apartment building at 55 Central Park West but the top of the apartment building (you didn’t really think they blew up an apartment building did you?), also referenced in the film as The Shandor, was created separately.

Other NYC Filming Locations for the original Ghostbusters movie:

1. The jail scene when the Ghostbusters team was arrested for unlicensed waste control – 240 Center Street (pst – it’s really haunted!)

2. The Tavern on the Green restaurant where Louis Tully (aka Rick Moranis) pounds on the window to escape a ravening hellhound – Central Park West at 67th Street

3. The church that Marshmallow Man steps on – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church next to 55 Central Park West

4. The fountain (outside the Lincoln Centre) where Peter Venkman tells Dana about Zuul, organizes a date and meets “The Stiff” – 140 W. 65th St, New York City, Upper West Side, Manhattan

5. The Rockefeller Center

Ghostbusters Filming Locations in Los Angeles, California:

Several of the famous Ghostbusters film spots were filmed in BOTH New York City and Los Angeles! You’ll notice the firehouse and library exterior scenes were in NYC and the interior scenes were shot in LA. While you’re in California check out these things to do in California!

The Famous Firehouse:

While the exterior of the firehouse used in the Ghostbusters film will go down in history, all of the cool stuff happened inside at the Firestation No. 23 located at 225 East Fifth Street, LA. These interior fire house shots were created in an abandoned firehouse which worked a lot better than trying to shoot film scenes around an active working fire station!

The Haunted Library:

The haunted library basement (interior film shots) are at the Los Angeles Central Library at 630 West 5th Street at Hope Street.

The Haunted Hotel:

Perhaps most widely recognized in the original Ghostbusters film is the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles at 506 S. Grand Avenue. It was known as the Sedgewick Hotel in the film, however, and was where we first see Slimer!

Not seen but referenced:

Not seen in the film but referenced is Camp Wokanda when Ray talked about roasting Stay-Puft marshmallows at camp. There is a REAL Camp Wokanda and it’s located at 1125 W. Lake Avenue in Peoria, Illinois.

Famous Hit Single Ghostbusters Theme Song:

Ghostbusters Fun Facts:

Before Slimer had a name given to him by fans of the film, he was referred to as Onion Head.
Slimer was created in the film by spray painting a peanut green and “flying” around the scenes.
When Stay Puft “exploded”, instead of marshmallow raining down on the crowd it is actually shaving cream!
There was ONLY one ectomobile created and it actually broke down at the end of filming.
The Ecto-1 was a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance retro-fitted with ghost-catching gadgets.
Sound designer Richard Beggs used a modified leopard snarl for the siren sound on Ecto-1. The snarl was reversed, played backwards, and then its speed was changed.
In deleted scenes the Ecto-1 actually had supernatural powers and made a parking ticket “disappear”.
The popular “proton packs” were inspired by military issued flamethrowers.
John Belushi (the original choice for the actor Venkman before his death) was the inspiration that Aykroyd used to create Slimer.

Tips for Exploring Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Nature West

Having never seen a redwood tree in my life before our cross-country trip, I always assumed there were just one or two areas to see redwood trees in California – but that couldn’t be further from the tree!

There are stunning serene forests of redwoods you can explore for hundreds of miles in California and Oregon (and Washington)! Below are some tips for exploring Humboldt Redwoods State Park. (You can read more about camping in the redwoods here!)

Below you’ll realize there is a LOT in this area and if you have it, several days would be a great start to your itinerary for exploring! From camping to drive thru trees – the area has a lot to offer nature lovers.

Tips Before You Go:

Bring bottled water.
Use the restroom before hiking.
Gas up your vehicle!
Bring a sweatshirt!
Plan a whole day!

When you get home – grow your own redwood tree!

Humboldt Redwoods State Park:

History of Humboldt Redwoods:

In the 1850s, redwood trees were cut down to clear land for farms as lumber became an important industry. By 1918, however, the Save the Redwoods League was formed to preserve these beautiful giants. You can find sustainable redwood cones for crafts and decorations here!

Things To Do in Humboldt Redwoods State Park:

Auto Tour of Avenue of the Giants (see below)
Bicycle Trails
Boasting
Camping (no electric hookups/dump stations) Albee Creek, Hidden Springs, Burlington)
Fishing
Hiking (100+ miles of trails!)
Horseback riding
Swimming (South Fork and Eel River)

TIP – NO dogs (on trails), NO hunting, NO guns

How old are the redwoods?:

These enormous coast redwood trees are as old as 2000 years old!

How tall do redwood trees get?

These giants grow 370 feet high! They are the tallest trees on earth!

What other plant life grows in the Redwood forests?

Believe it or not there are a lot of things that grow in the Redwood forest! You’ll find beautiful Trillium, redwood sorrel, plenty of fern, fairy lanterns and calypso orchids.

What wildlife lives in Humboldt Redwoods State Park?

This serene forest is thriving with wildlife and if you’re quiet enough you might catch a glimpse of some! You’ll find black-tailed deer, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, coyote, black bear, river otters, an occasional bobcat, slugs, and over 140 species of insects – to name a few!

TIP – If you come across a slime or bubble trail that might even have a rainbow prismatic effect – it’s the trail of a yellow banana slug!

What’s the weather like at Humboldt Redwoods State Park?

Weather changes quickly here so it’s best to be prepared! Summers are pretty dry but the dampness can feel quite chilly with temperatures ranging from 50*F-90*F. From October to May the area gets about 80 inches of rain and can range from 20*F-50*F – so you’ll want to dress warmly!

Avenue of the Giants:

Humboldt Redwoods State Park contains the world-famous Avenue of the Giants which was actually our very first stop in the area. It contains the largest remaining old growth redwood forest in world with ancient coast redwood and Douglas-fir trees everywhere you look.

We were driving up Highway 101 from Los Angeles all the way to Washington and I wanted to do it all! However, I didn’t realize that Avenue of the Giants is actually 31 miles long! Definitely not just one place to explore! There are eight different stops you can get out at and explore!

How long is Avenue of the Giants?

In case you didn’t catch that 31 miles long part, the redwoods of Humboldt are about 53,000 acres which is TWICE the size of San Francisco! YOU WILL NOT SEE IT ALL!

I suddenly felt frantic that I was going to miss seeing things since I didn’t realize how vast of an area this drive was! Stop right there if you’re feeling this way – the redwoods are amazing no matter where you are! If we had missed Avenue of the Giants – it would have been ok because we spent several nights camping in the redwoods! It’s all amazing!

TIP – Look for maps of Avenue of the Giants at local tourist stops, welcome centers and gas stations!

Famous Stops in and near Avenue of the Giants:

1.–Visitor’s Center

The visitor’s center is a great place to stop and learn more about the area or pick up some great souvenirs. PLUS they have a map of Avenue of the Giants that you can pick up to help you navigate the area! You can also see the world’s first RV carved out of a fallen log!

2.- Founders Grove Nature Trail

On this trail you can see the Founders Tree (346 ft tall and 40 ft around!) and the Dyerville Giant (once taller than Niagara Falls!) which fell in 1991 and was heard for miles around! You’ll also see trees honoring the creators of the Save-the-Redwoods League (formed in 1917) which has protected over 170,000 acres of redwood forests.

3.- The Rockefeller Tree

4.-Shrine Drive Thru Tree

Another awesome drive thru tree in the area that is $10 per vehicle. This tree has a VERY tight opening so anything bigger than a mini-van will NOT fit! There’s also an awesome little 2 story treehouse to climb through as well that’s quite creative!

5. Giant Tree & Flatiron Tree

The largest trees in the park!

6.- The Chandelier Drive-thru Tree

This nearby attraction cost $10 per vehicle and has an awesome gift shop with great photo opps in surrounding downed trees.

girl standing in Chandelier drive thru tree — Chandelier drive thru tree

Explore More!

How to Save Money at Santa Monica Pier

Big Cities Kids West

From one end of Route 66 to the other – that was our summer adventure one year. My husband and I were engaged and married on Rt. 66 so I thought it would be a BLAST for our kids to party at Santa Monica Pier which is at the end (or beginning?!) or Route 66. Below are some tips on how to save money at Santa Monica Pier.

Arriving at Santa Monica Pier after driving to California from Chicago on our 9000 mile road trip had built up SO MUCH excitement in our van! Especially since my kids had no idea we were ending our day having fun at the pier!

We knew it would be a little pricey (especially considering how many adventures we were having to squeeze in our budget) so I had planned ahead to make sure to save money at Santa Monica Pier as much as possible.

What is there to do at the Santa Monica Pier?:

Rides
Fish
Arcades
Beach
Eat
Aquarium
Shop

The cool thing is there’s plenty to see and do at Santa Monica Pier. You literally drive right up on the pier and park. From there you can walk right down to the beach, head to the ferris wheel and rides, visit the aquarium, play at the arcades, shop, fish or walk around enjoying the view!

Since our family had chosen Route 66 as our special pilgrimage that summer we were going ALL OUT and had pre-purchased unlimited wristbands for the kids at Pacific Park – the rides at the pier. It was our big WOW factor to surprise the kids with!

(Please check on open hours and attractions before visiting as parts of the pier and park have been closed during the pandemic.)

How we Saved the MOST Money at Santa Monica Pier:

To maximize our savings at Santa Monica Pier, as well as attractions both in Los Angeles and San Francisco, we took advantage of savings discount cards like Go City and the Sightseeing Pass.

Things have changed a bit due to what’s open due to Covid but at the time we visited we combined savings for the Santa Monica Pier, La Brea Tar Pits, and California Academy of Sciences.

If you’re also looking to maximize savings during your trip to the pier I HIGHLY recommend packing in your own food. The restaurants can add up quickly with a large family and you won’t be able to easily find more reasonably priced food once you’re at the pier.

What to Bring with you at Santa Monica Pier:

In addition to any pre-paid tickets you’ve purchased, I recommend bringing the following items depending on what you will be doing during your day there:

water / drinks plus food
sunscreen
beach towels
beach toys
sunglasses
any fishing gear/bait needed

One thing that was notably difficult was access to the bathrooms on the pier. They were ALWAYS busy and became quite the chore to get an open stall. So don’t wait until you HAVE to go to the bathroom to look for one – be a little more proactive about this!

And if you’re changing from the beach it might be worth sharing a stall with others in the family or just changing in the car discreetly.

Where to Park at Santa Monica Pier:

Being from the Chicago area I expected parking to be difficult and outrageously expensive at Santa Monica Pier – but it wasn’t! You can read more about where to park at the Santa Monica Pier here, but honestly we paid under $20 to park right on the pier for the entire day so that’s definitely what I would recommend.

You’re literally steps away from both the beach and the rides which is great if you’re toting beach gear or fishing gear around. Plus when it gets dark at night it is SO NICE to hop right in your car on the pier! It’s a great place to spend the whole day if you utilize everything there is to do there!

Other California Adventures:

La Brea Tar Pits for FREE: The Smelliest Experience in Los Angeles – and we LOVED it!

Big Cities Nature West

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, California was on our MUST SEE list during our epic 9000 mile road trip. I’d always heard how it was right in the heart of LA but wasn’t prepared for how LITERALLY right next to everything it was!

On one side of the street are beautiful little apartments, and right across the street are bubbling ponds of tar, well, asphalt really. You will SMELL the La Brea Tar Pits before you see them!

Are the La Brea Tar Pits free?

Yes! Well, the grounds are free to visit which includes all of the actual tar pits and outdoor observation areas! If you want to visit the museum you will need to purchase tickets.

How much is parking at the La Brea Tar Pits?

On-site parking for $15 per vehicle or the No. 20 bus also stops by the property.

La Brea Tar Pits LA Los Angeles — **It is ALWAYS free to walk around the tar pits outside in LA! NO admission is necessary.**

We put the address in our GPS and headed to the La Brea Tar Pits. When we arrived we pulled into this slim packed parking lot a little confused as to where we actually needed to go. You’ll actually walk down to the end of the parking lot and come to a vast open field of sidewalks and see SOME of the tar pits right there fenced in!

Hold your nose! They are STINKY!!! But the grounds are VERY well kept (and free!) and arriving at this fencing is JUST the beginning of what you need to see before leaving the La Brea Tar Pits! There is a stunning museum AND far more pits to discover around the property! In fact my favorite one was the last thing we discovered before leaving!

Each fenced off tar pit had signs to read about the area which was absolutely fascinating and gave you a greater understanding of what you were looking at…..and smelling! It’s amazing to think you’re looking at this bubbling pit of goo that scientists have pulled up enormous amounts of skeletons from! Very primal!

La Brea Tar Pits Museum:

You can visit the La Brea Tar Pits (outside) for FREE, but the museum has a fee. We found it cheapest to buy a package deal on the Go City Card for the various attractions we needed in California.

Perhaps one of my kids’ favorite exhibits was in the beginning of the La Brea Tar Pits Museum when we got to try and pull things out of trapped tar! It really gave us a better realization of just how hard it was for these animals to try and escape once they were stuck.

How many fossils have been found at the La Brea Tar Pits?

Over 3.5 MILLION fossils have been discovered at the La Brea Tar Pits! WOW! They have discovered snakes, mollusks, sloths, mountain lions, dire wolf, saber tooth cats, mastodons, bees & insects, plants, birds and even an occasional squirrel gets trapped.

skeleton at La Brea Tar Pits LA Los Angeles

As you can imagine the museum was FULL of skeletons, skulls, and other bones from animals that have been pulled out of these tar pits over the years. Although my 4 year old moved through the museum pretty quickly, my older kids and I spent a LOT more time here.

skeleton La Brea Tar Pits LA Los Angeles

The museum felt very open with plenty of space to move around.

woolly mammoth La Brea Tar Pits LA Los Angeles

The quality of the exhibits were impressive. Make sure you look up too! Some of my favorite pieces from the exhibit were displayed far up above your head near the ceiling!

family photo at La Brea Tar Pits LA Los Angeles

Inside the museum is also a beautiful nature walk area that makes a PERFECT spot for photos near the waterfall! And you absolutely CAN’T MISS the Dire Wolf Wall – it’s absolutely astounding and my favorite “WOW” moment in the museum!

Outside on the Grounds of the La Brea Tar Pit:

active digging tar pit at La Brea Tar Pits LA Los Angeles

After we visited inside the museum we realized that there were MORE tar pits outside that we didn’t know about! DON’T MISS THESE!!

Aside from the one or two large fenced in tar pit areas when you arrive on the grounds there is an entire “tar pit walk” including the above area (my favorite area outside!) where you can actually see an ACTIVE “digging” site!

Looking at this area not only gave you a greater grasp on just how DEEP these tar pits are but also how incredibly sticky and messy the work is that these scientists are doing!

project fossil crate La Brea Tar Pits LA Los Angeles

The pathways will wind you through various lab areas and storage crates holding specimens from the pits.

teen boys posing with large animal statue

There is even a giant ground sloth (actually a few!) that is fun for kids to take pictures with! There’s plenty of green grassy areas to run around with the kids on the grounds of the La Brea Tar Pits – just watch your footing because little bubbly areas of gooey tar are popping up everywhere! It was incredible!

Is it worth it to visit the La Brea Tar Pits museum?

This was a question we debated for quite some time as a family, simply because we were already driving 9000 miles on our road trip and we had to justify the expense of every attraction to decide what we wanted to do the most.

I will say the museum is high quality and beautifully done and certainly helped us understand the vast spectrum of research and importance of the tar pits. If you’re traveling from a far distance I do recommend adding the museum on your list to do. It was a fascinating experience and this makes a great couple hour to half day trip in LA.

Other Pacific Coast Adventures:

The Winchester Mystery House Story – The Facts Behind the Mystery

Big Cities Historical Oddities West

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California has always fascinated me! The more I hear about it the more I wish I could step back in time and talk to Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Winchester. She was the heiress to a large part of the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune (so quite wealthy!)!

A special thanks to the Winchester Mystery House who provided me a ticket to visit and learn more about this story in person!

Sarah’s story is truly heartbreaking. Her infant daughter died and just a few short years later her husband passed as well. I can’t even imagine! Legend has it she sought guidance from a medium to deal with the grief and guilt, but no one really knows.

What started as an eight room farmhouse quickly grew into a monstrosity of curiosities. Stairs leading to nowhere. Hidden doors. Sometimes……with a deadly result.

Notice anything odd about this photo above that I took standing outside of the house? That is the famous “Door to Nowhere”. You would not want to accidentally walk out that door! This is just one of many unusual things about this house.

How many doors and windows are in the Winchester Mystery House?

Visiting the Winchester Mystery House is so much more incredible than I could possibly imagined. I just couldn’t wrap my head around a house with 24,000 square feet including 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, 52 skylights, 17 chimneys, 47 stairways and fireplaces, 160 rooms, 13 bathrooms and 6 kitchens! Just let some of those numbers sink in a bit. Check out some of the gorgeous stained glass windows below!

stained glass window Winchester Mystery House

If walls could talk, right? Maybe they can at the Winchester Mystery House. Why did Sarah continue this strange obsession of building staircases that end into walls? No one really knows.

My boys are pretty obsessed with conspiracy theories, aliens, ghosts, etc. After watching an episode of Ghost Adventures of the Winchester Mystery House I was rather nervous about visiting to be honest!

Can you stay at the Winchester Mystery House?

Unfortunately (or fortunately?!) there are no overnight accommodations at the Winchester Mystery House. Although if you’re lucky enough you might be in town when they offer a night time tour. *shivers*

How much does the Winchester Mystery House cost?

There are actually a variety of tours and tickets offered to visit the Winchester Mystery House and it changes throughout the year! The more tickets you bundle together the more you save! A basic adult mansion tour ticket price runs about $39 ($20 for kids 6-12).

You can view the current available tour options and ticket prices here.

How do I buy tickets for the Winchester Mystery House?

Please visit the Winchester Mystery House website to Buy Tickets.

Is the Winchester Mystery House haunted?

I suppose that depends if you believe in ghosts right? I’m not sure but I was pretty creeped out after searching online for ghostly experiences there. (Check out this Ghost Adventures episode!) Although visiting the location in person was far less spooky then I’d expected, it was really a beautiful house even with it’s oddities. I loved realizing that there was so much to explore on the grounds.

Highlights of the Mansion Tour at Winchester Mystery House:

Since I had my 4 year old with me we could only attend the Mansion Tour, not the Explore More Tour (there is an age limit). I was thrilled with how much of the house we were able to go through and felt like we covered a LOT of ground. Our tour guide was surprisingly HILARIOUS and really brought life to the tour and stories. It felt like he was there with Sarah during her lifetime.

Sarah Winchester's Bedroom in the Winchester Mystery House

Sarah Winchester’s bedroom, of course, was a much anticipated stop on the trip I was not prepared for how beautiful and spacious this room was! I guess after hearing the story, in my mind, I was expecting a tiny hole in the wall to match the eccentric behavior of its occupant. As you can see it’s stunning and grand!

Perhaps one of my personal favorite rooms is the fabulous conservatory area that Sarah Winchester had built into her house. Look at all that natural lighting! I wasn’t prepared for how beautiful this old house really was.

All you hear about and think about is how strange the story is, but it’s really a well cared for meticulous location. You can tell they’ve taken immaculate care of the grounds.

Check out this video tour overview of our visit:

What else can you do at the Winchester Mystery House property?

Above you see the fruit drying shed but there are actually quite a few old buildings to see around the property after you’ve completed your tour. At your own leisure you can also tour the Foreman’s House, Tank House, Aviary, Gas Lighting Shop, Greenhouse, Gardener’s Tool Shed, Pump House, Garage and various fountains and courtyards.

You’ll also find on site various Victorian Gardens, vintage arcade games and shooting gallery, various mini museums on site, gift shop, a cafe, and of course there are restrooms to use!

Whether you’re a history lover or ghost chaser I definitely recommend adding Winchester Mystery House to your itinerary. I definitely want to go on their Explore More tour if I make it back to the San Jose area!

Have you ever been to the Winchester Mystery House? I’d love to know what you thought of the grounds! Did you have any spooky encounters?

Other Things to Do in San Francisco and San Jose:

Take a tour of Alcatraz
California Academy of Sciences
The Tech Interactive Museum
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
13 other Weird & Obscure things

Tips for Visiting Alcatraz Island, Tickets + The Great Alcatraz Escape

Big Cities Historical West

Visiting Alcatraz Island is a popular historical attraction that is at the top of many people’s bucketlist. Should you take your kids to Alcatraz? Is it worth the price to get to Alcatraz? How DO you get to Alcatraz? Did anyone really escape from Alcatraz?

What famous criminals lived on Alcatraz Island? This and SO MUCH MORE below! PSSST – We actually MET one of the former Alcatraz INMATES!

First, getting to Alcatraz sounded a little more confusing online when I was researching it than it really was! We decided to just show up the day of (with plenty of time of course!) to search for somewhere to park. Just scroll through below for tips on the logistics of how to get to Alcatraz, buying tickets, and where to park.

Then keep scrolling past that for our experience on Alcatraz Island and things you should know before you go! A special thanks to Alcatraz Cruises for providing me a media ticket to visit the island.

How do I buy tickets for Alcatraz?

There are 3 ways to purchase tickets for Alcatraz:

Buy Tickets Online here!
Over the phone: 1-415-981-ROCK
At the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing Ticketbooth.

Note – Although National Park Passes are not accepted, they do offer family ticket discounts!

Alcatraz Cruises is the official concessioner to the National Park Service so I highly recommend using Alcatraz Cruises for your tickets so that they are guaranteed and the lowest price! PLUS don’t forget to look up at the top of the ferry boat! They have solar panels and special wind turbines that help to propel the boat, powers lights, light up displays, work the audio system and more!

How Far in Advance Should I Buy my Tickets?

I recommend buying them as soon as you know you want to visit – at least a week or more in advance if you can! As you can imagine with over a million visitors a year, Alcatraz is a popular destination! You CAN walk up and try to get a ticket but they are extremely popular and seem to be always sold out so I definitely wouldn’t go this route if you have another option to pre-plan.

Where can I park to go to take the ferry?

This was the most confusing part of my research, especially not being familiar with the San Francisco area! If you’re not familiar with the area there are several Piers off of the Bay that you will come across as you drive down The Embarcadero. You’ll see Pier 3, 7, 9, 15, 27, 29, 31, 33, 39….you get the idea. Alcatraz Landing, where you will meet to buy/pick up tickets and get on the ferry boat, is at Pier 33.

Just before you get to Pier 33 on the right hand side (the bay) there are several parking lots easily visible and accessible from the street! Parking costs varied but ran from $20-$35ish depending on how far you wanted to walk. We got cheaper parking about a block from the pier (approximately 5 minutes walk).

Since we were a little early for our tour we decided to continue walking down to Pier 39 which has plenty of sea lions to enjoy in the bay!

Take a 90 Second Tour of Alcatraz Island:

What famous criminals were in Alcatraz?

Although there were over 1500 inmates housed at Alcatraz in it’s years of operation, here are a few names you might recognize: Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, Frank Morris, Joseph Bowers, Al Capone, Meyer Cohen, Theodore Cole, Volney Davis, Herbert Allen Farmer, Ellsworth Raymond Johnson, Alvin Francis Kapavicz, George Celino Barnes, James C. Lucas, Robert Stroud, and Irving Wexler…..to name a few.

How many people escaped Alcatraz?

Over the 29 years that Alcatraz operated as a Federal prison, 36 men (including two who tried to escape twice) were involved in 14 separate escape attempts. Of these, 23 were caught, 6 were shot and killed during their escape, and 2 drowned.

Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, and Frank Morris made the great escape from Alcatraz in 1962, although to this day there is no public knowledge of what actually happened to these men. You can imagine the conspiracy theories swirling around this mystery! For many years it was assumed they didn’t make it past the San Francisco Bay, but fairly recently that idea has been challenged with multiple other theories.

There has been no final conclusion and these men remain on the “wanted” FBI list to this day. Allen West was supposed to have escaped with the 3 in 1962 but a series of unfortunate events made his escape impossible.

Also in 1962, inmate John Paul Scott successfully swam from Alcatraz to Fort Point (the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge) where he was found be teenagers and suffering from hypothermia. After recovering in a local hospital he was sent back to Alcatraz.

Why did they close Alcatraz?

March 21, 1963 Alcatraz Prison closed it’s doors and transferred its last prisoners. Famously known as “The Rock”, this 12 acre island has been known in history as one of the most inescapable prisons.

Although many people believe that Alcatraz was closed down due to the 1962 prison escapes, the real reason is much simpler. It simply was too expensive to continue in operation.

Inside Alcatraz:

When we first got off of the ferry we had absolutely no idea where to go. There were no signs or directions from rangers. We literally just started walking until we could figure out where we were.

We discovered an open room not far from port that had an interesting video about the history of Alcatraz Island – not just about the popular known jail itself. It was home to far more than simply a prison. In fact many kids lived on the island as well!

The Audio Tour:

For the actual “prison” side of Alcatraz I wish we had known to start at the very top of the hill, up where the cell block was. There we had access to free audio tours which gave us far more history and background to the island than we arrived knowing. You begin by walking through the shower room, laundry room, and then you will wind around through the cell blocks.

The audio tour will tell you exactly where to go and turn if you are interested in following along with that. Signs for the cellblock row “names” are hanging just above your head on each row of the prison. The displays are great although more than likely will be very busy!

The headsets were very easy to use and you could pause them at any time you felt you needed more time to look around.

Can you go INSIDE the prison cells at Alcatraz?

YES! Well, you can go inside SOME of the prison cells including several solitary confinement cells! Some are closed of course due to deterioration and for safety reasons (many toilets are broken with jagged pieces of ceramic sticking out) but there are enough cell blocks for photos and to get the feel of being inside one. You can see the audio tour headphones around our neck above.

Alcatraz Facts:

Did you know that some of the first metal detectors EVER were used at Alcatraz?
The first lighthouse in California was on Alcatraz!
Alcatraz Island actually had a Civil War fort and military prison in 1907.
The average cell block size in the prison was 5 feet by 9 feet.
There is an extensive garden on Alcatraz Island! Originally a volunteer garden from the 1860’s-1963 it is now flourishing again.
In 1969, a group of Native American Indians claimed Alcatraz as Indian land with the hope of creating a Native American cultural center and education complex on the island.
Alcatraz became part of the National Park Service in 1972 and opened to the public in 1973.

Morgue on Alcatraz Island:

For those interested in the darker side of life like I am, you will find this makeshift morgue on Alcatraz Island interesting. It has a rather lackluster history as it was never actually used for an autopsy and only saw one body for an overnight stay. There were actually not many deaths at the prison itself that required use of a morgue but above you can still see the interior.

Birds of Alcatraz:

There are 5 main bird species found nesting on Alcatraz Island:

Western Gull (babies seen in the photo above)
Cormorants
Pigeon Guillemot
Snowy Egret
Black-crowned Night-Heron

What I wished I knew before visiting Alcatraz:

Bring water and snacks! I wish I had thought of bringing lunch with us because we were SO hungry! Thankfully Alcatraz Cruises has fabulous tables and chairs and a snack bar on the ferry which we took full advantage of after our tour!
You can bring strollers! We took our umbrella stroller and it was easy peasy! A few things to note, however. Strollers cannot go everywhere but if you’ve got a munchkin who needs a stroller I’d rather have one than not have one! We just left it outside when we went inside any of the buildings. I will say though, that pushing a stroller up those steep hills is no easy feat!
You CAN wear flip flops! So this tip is for those of you who are DIE HARD flip flop wearers like me. I was deterred from wearing flip flops due to the strong cautions against it but I regretted wearing sneakers and got plenty of blisters from my visit. If you hike, sleep, and breathe in flip flops – don’t worry, I would wear them if they are more comfortable for you! You will be doing a lot of walking, and more importantly – STEEP walking. Wear what you would normally wear for such an occasion.
Bring a jacket or sweatshirt! We visited in the end of June and it was FREEZING out on the bay. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful sunshine! There are places you can sit indoors on the Alcatraz Cruises ferry boat but I wanted my first visit to Alcatraz Island to be up front and center. I asked the captain where the best view would be and staked my claim there – for better or for worse. It was frigid! Painfully frigid. You’ll probably warm up though hiking around the island so be warned you might need to carry your jacket eventually.
There are multiple gift shops on the island! I was surprised that there are multiple gift shops on the island – and they are all different. So if you’re looking for a souvenir I definitely recommend checking out each of the gift shops – they really had some fantastic stuff!
Alcatraz maps are for donation so bring a dollar! The map layout is simple but really great and we found it beneficial to have one.

Meeting a former inmate of Alcatraz:

One thing that I didn’t know before I visited the island was that we would have the absolutely incredible opportunity to meet a former inmate of Alcatraz! YES – an INMATE! We met Bill “William” Baker, former inmate #1259 who was an inmate in Alcatraz prison from 1957-1960.

He originally landed in the prison due to 3 escape attempts and 3 previous prisons and made use of his time in the “Rock” by learning how to make counterfeit checks which landed him in and out of prison for the following 50 years.

Since then he has written a book and can often be found in the gift shop on the island signing his books and talking with visitors. In fact my son had the chance to talk to him and Bill signed his postcard! I really wish I’d gotten a better photo but I LOVE the fact that my son now has a small connection to the history of this iconic prison in history.

Camping South of San Francisco:

Visiting Muir Woods:

Camping North of Muir Woods:

Visiting “Avenue of the Giants” and Drive Thru Trees:

Camping in the Redwoods:

Humboldt Albee Creek Camp Site:

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park:

Nearby Adventures:

1. Thornhille Broome Point Mugu in Point Mugu State Park

2. Dockweiler RV Park Beach Campground

3. Emma Wood State Beach

4. Half Moon Bay Beach State Park

5. Gold Bluffs Beach

6. Pismo State Beach

7. Doheny State Beach

8. San Elijo State Beach

9. Leo Carrillo State Park

10. South Carlsbad State Beach

11. Refugio State Beach

Location is everything in regards to your camping experience!

Camping on the Beach – Dig Your Toes in the Sand!

1. Thornhille Broome Point Mugu in Point Mugu State Park – California

2. Dockweiler RV Park Beach Campground – California

3. Emma Wood State Beach – California

4. Second Beach (in Olympic National Park) – Washington

5. Rialto Beach – Washington (Olympic National Park)

Camping Next to the Beach – Close enough to smell or see!

1. Half Moon Bay Beach State Park – California

2. Gold Bluffs Beach – California

3. Pismo State Beach – California

4. Doheny State Beach – California

5. San Elijo State Beach – California

6. Leo Carrillo State Park – California

7. South Carlsbad State Beach – California

8. Refugio State Beach – California

9. Seal Rock’s RV Cove – Oregon

10. Harris Beach State Park – Oregon

11. Tillicum Beach Campground – Oregon

12. Cape Disappointment State Park – Washington

13. Kalaloch Beach & South Beach – Washington (Olympic National Park)

Bigfoot Museums:

Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum – Cherry Log, Georgia

Bigfoot Adventure Outpost – Blue Ridge, Georgia

Texas Bigfoot Research Center & Museum – Jefferson, Texas

Bigfoot Crossroads of America Museum & Research Center – Hastings, Nebraska

Bigfoot Discovery Museum – Felton, California

Willow Creek-China Flat Museum – Willow Creek, California

North American Bigfoot Center – Boring, Oregon

International Cryptozoology Center – Portland & Bangor, Maine

Honorable Mentions & Bigfoot Gift Shops:

Marion Bigfoot Festival – Marion, North Carolina

Legend of Bigfoot Gift Shop – Garberville, California (HWY 101)

Sasquatch the Legend – Forks, Washington

Freakybuttrue Pecularium – Portland, Oregon

Ripley’s Believe it or Not – Various Locations

The inspiration behind the original Ghostbusters film:

DID YOU KNOW??? – Our favorite famous ghost Slimer actually didn’t receive that name until after the film came out. The green slimy ghost was referred to as “Onion Head” while filming!

Ghostbusters Filming Locations in New York City, New York:

Map of the Original Ghostbusters Filming Locations in NY:

Weaver Hall – the Department of Parapsychology:

The Ghostbusters Loan Office:

The Famous Firehouse:

The Haunted Library:

Dana’s Apartment:

Other NYC Filming Locations for the original Ghostbusters movie:

Ghostbusters Filming Locations in Los Angeles, California:

The Famous Firehouse:

The Haunted Library:

The Haunted Hotel:

Not seen but referenced:

Famous Hit Single Ghostbusters Theme Song:

Ghostbusters Fun Facts:

Before Slimer had a name given to him by fans of the film, he was referred to as Onion Head.

Slimer was created in the film by spray painting a peanut green and “flying” around the scenes.

When Stay Puft “exploded”, instead of marshmallow raining down on the crowd it is actually shaving cream!

There was ONLY one ectomobile created and it actually broke down at the end of filming.

The Ecto-1 was a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance retro-fitted with ghost-catching gadgets.

Sound designer Richard Beggs used a modified leopard snarl for the siren sound on Ecto-1. The snarl was reversed, played backwards, and then its speed was changed.

In deleted scenes the Ecto-1 actually had supernatural powers and made a parking ticket “disappear”.

The popular “proton packs” were inspired by military issued flamethrowers.