Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - Palm Springs, California

It’s a breathtaking 8-minute journey to the peak of Mount San Jacinto aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Along the way, you’ll travel through 5 vegetation zones, from arid desert to alps.


At the top, the incredible desert views are surrounded by 54 miles (87 km) of hiking trails in Mount Jacinto State Park. The restaurant and cafeteria at the summit mountain station are surrounded by terrific views. The headquarters for the state park are also at the mountain station.

In winter there’s cross-country skiing or snowshoe treks, and on summertime guided nature walks you might spot deer and other wildlife.

Click here for:

• more information, travel reviews and online booking for tours & activities
• ALL California Tours, Travel & Activities

Cable Cars - San Francisco, California

In this age of seat belts and air bags, a rickety ride on a much-loved San Francisco cable car is an anachronistic thrill. Indeed, cable cars may not be the most practical means of transportation, but in San Francisco, a cable car ride is a must-do experience when visiting the city.


They clank up and down the city’s steep hills, carrying locals and visitors alike, some seated, some hanging onto leather straps or standing on the outer running boards. You catch a cable car two ways: at the turnaround stops at the beginning and end of the lines, or as the locals do - by following the tracks up a few blocks and hopping on when the car stops.

Once on board, hang on to the pole, and have your $6 fare ready to hand to the brakeman. It’s from out here that the best views of San Francisco unfold.

Click here for:

• more information, travel reviews and online booking for tours & activities
• ALL California Tours, Travel & Activities