Magical Places
Celebrating places of beauty & magic
Framing much of the United States' west coast, this glorious state is home to mountain ranges, beaches, dry desert, daunting palm trees and endless sunshine - the perfect place to decompress...
California has been my home since 2008, so I have many photos - more will be added so be sure to check back!
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The Golden Gate Bridge
Ah the exquisite Golden Gate Bridge - gazing at it never gets old...
This is the view looking south from just across the Bay. The sunset gave a nice golden glow
Still north of the Bay; I'm just now on the left side of the bridge (this time in the afternoon) where a scenic overlook stands. So crowded with cars, tourists and buses!
You can walk across the bridge, too. The views are amazing, but with every car passing you by, the bridge shakes like you wouldn't believe! It feels very fragile - I was just praying no earthquake struck lol
- and turning around
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Land's End
Just west of the Golden Gate Bridge, on the peninsula, is Land's End, a glorious stretch of land with trails and breathtaking views
This is the view looking westward at the Pacific; you can see the ruins of the Sutro Baths near the shoreline
Trails take you along the shoreline
Closeup of the Sutro Bath ruins, built around the turn of the century. The Baths were a giant swimming and pool complex (I like to pretend these are ruins of some ancient city :)
A veranda overlooking the blue Pacific
Though rocky, these beaches are so serene
Further east along a trail you can see the Golden Gate
Same view, just one level up. This is a very popular spot for hikers, runners and photogs like me
Another trail looking southward. Truly a hiker's (and photographer's) paradise!!
Twin Peaks
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Just west of the city is Twin Peaks, a scenic overlook offering stunning panorama views
A winding road snakes you up, up, up
One of the many hairpin turns leading to the top (but's it's worth it!
You can see the downtown area just right of center toward the horizon; Market Street (the main strip) cuts through
A closer shot of Market Street & the city
Legion of Honor
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On the 49-mile scenic drive through San Francisco is the Legion of Honor, a majestic palace and museum.
I love the architecture!!
View of the archway at the entrance
Palace of Fine Arts
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The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful sites in San Francisco! Built in 1915, it's a spacious site with elaborate Greek & Roman architecture set on a pond with greenery and flowers. It's very romantic so not surprisingly, many weddings take place here!
At left is the view of the central rotunda from the Letterman Digital Arts Center (another beautiful site worth visiting!)
More views of the elaborate rotunda...
It's so difficult to stop taking pictures of this amazing structure!
At left is a closeup of a curved stairway and giant urn. You can also see the detailed inside of the rotunda dome...so magical!
Walking around the palace, you can't help but feel like you're in a different world...
Gargantuan columns with stunning details dwarf the visitors...
One view is better than the next!
More photos coming soon!