2016 California Vacation
My vacation arose on somewhat short notice when I realized how much PTO time I needed to use or lose before year end. With just under a month to plan I jumped onto the NPS (National Park Service) websites to research Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. I upgraded my AAA memership to take advantage of premier services. And, I purchased my airline tickets and car rental. I would fly into San Francisco, pick up the rental car, do a little city sight-seeing, get overnight accommodations outside of town, and the next day begin my road trip in earnest. The plan was to spend most of my time exploring Yosemite, get acquainted with Sequoia, and enjoy part of the West Coast on my way back up to San Francisco to fly home.
Union Square, San Francisco
Arriving in San Francisco about mid-day I wouldn't have a lot of time for sight-seeing. My objective was to see a bit of the city and get out of town to avoid a high priced hotel stay. My site-seeing began with Union Square.
"The area got its name because it was once used for rallies and support for the Union Army during the American Civil War,[2] earning its designation as a California Historical Landmark.[1] Today, this one-block plaza and surrounding area is one of the largest collections of department stores, upscale boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, and beauty salons in the United States, making Union Square a major tourist destination, a vital, cosmopolitan gathering place in downtown San Francisco, and one of the world's premier shopping districts." ( Wikipedia)
