Some of the most romantic weekend getaways exist in the most populated destinations in the US. Here are a few to consider.

I’ll Take Manhattan. You can spend a fabulous weekend in New York City and stay either at the Marriott Hotel on Broadway, for example, which is right near the Theatre District; or you can book a weekend at the Plaza hotel overlooking Central Park. Perhaps you would like to stay at the Mandarin Hotel and Spa where you can both be pampered for the weekend. No matter what your budget is; Manhattan is more than accommodating.

Needless to say, Manhattan is considered one of the most romantic spots in the U.S. Whether you enjoy dinner in your hotel suite or dine at any one of the five star restaurants, the night is always young for lovers who seek solitude in a city that hosts millions of tourists each year. Whether you take a carriage ride through Central Park, enjoy an opera or symphonic performance at Lincoln Center, or walk along Fifth Avenue during the evening hours; the city offers something for everyone.

San Francisco. With its rolling hills, fantastic cuisine, and friendly people; San Francisco offers hotel stays that are sure to enhance your romantic side. Among the most notable hotels are the Fairmont hotel, located in the Nob Hill area; the Mandarin Oriental, which is known for its best views of the Bay and the city; or the downtown W San Francisco hotel that is close to cable cars, shopping, restaurants, and theatres.

Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and stop by Ghirardelli Square where you can pick up some of their famous chocolate before having dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants there such as McCormick and Kuleto’s, where the panoramic view of the Bay, as well as Alcatraz island; both of which are a stunning backdrop. You may also wish to stop by O’Neill’s Irish Pub for an after-dinner drink. You may leave your heart here after departing this great city by the Bay.

Las Vegas. Time will stand still at this resort destination. With a myriad of hotels to choose from you can enjoy your time here without having to worry about time, because there are no clocks in the casinos.

With great weather year round (hot, but always dry), you can wile away the early morning hours at the hotel’s pool and enjoy the evening attending a fabulous show or visit lady luck at the casino.

Whether you take a stay at the Venetian Hotel and enjoy a romantic ride on a gondola; enjoy the Spa and Salon at the Hotel Bellagio; or marvel at the lush indoor gardens, aquarium, and the Secret Garden at the Mirage; Las Vegas is both affordable for any budget and is the perfect weekend romantic getaway.

Lake Placid. Far away from the maddening crowd, you will find comfort and romance at the Mirror Lake Inn. With gorgeous mountain and lake views, fireplace, and very large tubs, you will find the accommodations more than satisfactory. In fact, they are quite conducive to a romantic weekend.

Among the many things you might like to do is to take a walk to the neighboring town of Lake Placid, only two miles away. Here you will find shops along Main Street and you can stop at the Cottage for lunch. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are some of the activities available at Mirror Lake Inn.

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California surfing is revered around the world, from the big waves at Mavericks, to the rips of San Diego and curls of Newport Beach. The history of surfing in California dates back to 1907, when Hawaiian surfer George Freeth arrived in Redondo Beach at the invitation of rail.

California () is a state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, Arizona to the southeast, and to the south the Mexican state of Baja California. California is the most populous U.S. state. Its four largest cities are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco. The state is home to eight of the nation’s fifty largest cities. It is known for its varied climate and geography as well as its diverse population.

The area known as Alta California was colonized by the Spanish Empire beginning in the late 18th century. It and the rest of Mexico became an independent republic in 1821. In 1846 California broke away from Mexico, and after the Mexican-American War, Mexico ceded California to the United States. It became the 31st state admitted to the United States on September 9, 1850.

California is the third-largest U.S. state by land area after Alaska and Texas, and preceding Montana. Its geography ranges from the Pacific coast to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the east, to Mojave desert areas in the southeast and the Redwood-Douglas fir forests of the northwest. The center of the state is dominated by the Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world.

The California Gold Rush dramatically changed California with a large influx of people and an economic boom which caused San Francisco to grow from a tiny hamlet of tents to a world renowned boomtown in the 19th century. The early 20th century was marked by Los Angeles becoming the center of the American entertainment industry, in addition to the growth of a large tourism sector in the state. Along with California’s prosperous agricultural industry, other industries include aerospace, petroleum, and computer and information technology. If California were a separate country, it would rank amongst the ten largest economies in the world, with a GDP similar to Italy, and it would be 35th among the most populous countries.

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California travel surfing.

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California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill takes a closer look at the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the top San Francisco attractions. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is a rite of passage in San Francisco, whether you choose to walk from the Presidio to the Marin Headlands vista point or simply drive your car across the six-lane bridge. Driving across the golden gate bridge is free going toward Marin County, but there is a small toll coming back into San Francisco.

Today, the amount of cars that cross each day is about 120,000. Current toll is $5. As we passed through the toll gate and began our crossing by car, I wondered how long is the Golden Gate Bridge? We learned it’s about 1.7 miles from beginning to end with a 4,200 foot suspension span. It takes about an hour to walk across. The Golden Gate Bridge’s history dates back to its proposal in 1916. Construction began in 1933, and $35 million later the bridge officially opened to traffic on May 28, 1937. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world until 1964, and the record has been beaten several times since then.

In 1998, the Pearl Bridge in Japan claimed the world title. Engineering students and commoners a like marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge blueprints designed by Joseph Strauss and Irving Morrow. Until then it was called “the bridge that couldn’t be built” due to rough ocean currents, heavy fog and 60mph winds. It was Morrow’s idea to paint it an orange vermillion, which increases its visibility in the City’s famous fog. The color is actually called “international orange” The vista point on the Marin County side is perfect place to stop and take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the city’s fabulous skyline through a viewfinder or marvel at this beautiful piece of American architecture.

Golden Gate Bridge suicides remain a problem, and there are several crisis phones located along the walking path. It’s said only 26 people have survived the 750-foot jump. An annual average of 19 people commits suicide off the bridge. Before you leave, don’t miss the Golden Gate Bridge Souvenir shop, located in the historic roundhouse at Toll Plaza. California travel Golden Gate Bridge , San Francisco. You can also shop online at http://store.goldengate.org

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