State Bliss Blog

Let's be real, it isn't possible in real life to travel and enjoy all of California in one day. But watch this video and begin to dream up how you could spend your days in the California sun.

A Day in California from Ryan Killackey on Vimeo.

Like to get a scare for a good time? California has some of the most haunted places in the country, each with it's own creepy story. Check them out and take a visit!   1) Whaley House - Old Town San Diego Source: about.com "According to the Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted, the house is the number one most haunted house in the United States." Source: whaleyhouse.org 2) Queen Mary - Long Beach "Explore the ship inside and out and hear stories about the ship’s most famous reported apparitions. Among the ghosts reportedly still hanging around are a sailor who died in the ship's engine room, a "lady in white," and CHILD (4-11)ren who drowned in the ship's pool." Source: queenmary.com 3) Alcatraz Island - San Francisco Source: howstuffworks.com "With its centuries old history from ancient Native Americans, to Fort Alcatraz, to a Military Barracks, and most often known service as one of the toughest federal penitentiaries in the Nation, it is no wonder that this place is said to be one of the most haunted in the nation." Source: legendsofamerica.com 4) Roosevelt Hotel - Hollywood Source: conjurewomenscorner.blogspot.com "While many guests of this grand hotel are completely unaware of the ghostly clientele, and just enjoy this glorious touch of Hollywood, there are quite a few unseen entities happily residing here, unable to find peace needed to go to the other side." Source: hauntedhouses.com 5) Winchester Mystery House - San Jose Source: geektyrant.com "Mrs. Sarah L. Winchester’s response to the deaths of her child and husband left a bizarre and impressive architectural reflection of her psyche. The fascinating story of the Winchester Mystery House™ has its roots in the personal tragedies suffered by Mrs. Winchester and in the legacy of the Winchester rifle, “The Gun That Won The West.” Source: winchestermysteryhouse.com 6) Battery Points Lighthouse - Crescent City Source: commons.wikimedia.org "Perhaps the resident phantom feels safe here, since the sturdy building with the light on top survived the 1964 tsunami that destroyed much of Crescent City. The spirit seems playful, setting a rocking chair in motion and moving a caretaker's bedroom slippers in the middle of the night. However, the caretakers' cats react warily to its presence." Source: coastalliving.com 7) Sacramento Theater Company - Sacramento Source: haunted-places.com "The theater is reported to be one of the most haunted places in Sacramento, because at least five ghosts have been known to inhabit the building. The most famous is Pinky, a glowing pink aura or orb that is frequently seen around the dressing rooms." Souce: sacramento.cbslocal.com

Humans aren't the only ones that love the West Coast, our favorite four-legged friends join in on the fun too! Check out why California is a canine's paradise.

Dogs in Cars: California from keith on Vimeo.

Want to explore Los Angeles, but on a tight budget? Check out these FREE things to do around the city and you will have plenty to keep you busy.   LA farmers market Off of Third and Fairfax, the LA Farmer's Market offers fresh produce, shops, and restaurants from local growers Saturday through Monday. Source: offcite.org Hollywood Walk of Fame One of the world's most famous sidewalks, the Hollywood Walk of Fame honors celebrities and famous people with their very own star. Go search for your favorite actor! Source: wildnatureimages.com Get on a Game Show Most networks have first come first serve seating for FREE tickets to their game shows. If you show up early, prepared with enthusiasm, and looking good, they may even seat you in the front! Source: abcnews.go.com Check out the murals That's right, LA has it's very own Mural Conservancy, which is a group of artists, public art advocates, city and state officials, and restorationists that have come together to protect and promote the numerous murals that have been painted on buildings and in other places. Go searching and you will find some amazing art! Source: offtoseetheelephant.com Hollywood sign hike Want to break a sweat and simultaneously catch an amazing view? Well go no further than the Hollywood Sign hike. Iconic, and FREE - you can't go wrong. Source: samoverlands.blogspot.com Exposition Park Rose Garden Looking for some peace and quiet and to pretend like you aren't in the middle of a city? Then go check out the beautiful expanse of roses taken care of by the City of Los Angeles. Source: rosesareredphoto.com Free Yoga Classes Along with meditation, Archery, etc. you can find many places offering free classes around LA. Try something new! Runyon Canyon offers free yoga classes daily outside. Source: losangeles.cbslocal.com Stargaze at Griffith Observatory Late night adventures in LA are easy to find, but when it comes to FREE and includes stars, it can be hard to find in the city. Take a trip up the the Griffith Observatory and park in their parking lot, you will be sure to find a blanket of stars awaiting your viewing above you. Source: nametersest.blogspot.com