Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours: Your Time Starts Now! 

Nov 29, 2024

Last Updated on: Dec 20, 2024

Travel Blog

When it comes to family vacations in the USA, San Francisco will, of course, be among the toppers. The museums, cultural hotspots, and a lot of green space make it ideal for tourists of all ages. 

So, naturally, the San Francisco Travel Association is expecting a decent growth in the number of visitors and tourism revenue in 2024. The association expects a footfall of 23.22 million in 2024, which will record a revenue of $9.24 billion.

Further, San Francisco is a cool place if you want to go on a family vacation or spend holidays with your little ones. San Francisco is also great as a weekend getaway from other parts of the country. 

However, chalking out the perfect travel plan for kids is always difficult. So, I thought of sharing a 48-hour itinerary of things to do in San Francisco with kids. 

Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours 

You need a proper plan in place to maximize your 48 hours in San Francisco with kids. Here are the places you can cover during your two days of stay in the city.

Day 1: Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids 

Take an early flight to San Francisco irrespective of the corner you are traveling from. Union Square has many hotels, and you can take a cab from the airport to reach the place you will be staying. 

However, don’t waste much of your time checking in or the formalities. Ideally, you should check in, grab a quick bite, keep your luggage in the hotel room, and get yourselves and the backpack ready for the city exploration.

There are a lot of things to see, and these are the things to do in San Francisco on day 1 of your visit. 

1. Visit The Union Square

Union Square in San Francisco bears a rich history associated with the American Civil War. It is the place where pro-Union rallies used to grace the roads. 

The bright lights and big shops have a vibe similar to Times Square in New York. However, it is much more low-key with less crowd. So it is manageable for kids. 

Here, you can explore shops like Bloomingdale, Macy’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Moreover, Union Square gives you easy access to the cable lines of San Francisco. 

The Union Square Gets Ready For Christmas

Macy’s 35th Annual Christmas tree lighting at Union Square has announced the arrival of Christmas in San Francisco. The  85-foot-tall artificial Christmas tree has been a big draw to Macy’s signature store and Union Square. 

“It attracts people to come to San Francisco. The mayor was here and this starts the holiday season, the shopping, it brings families here. It’s a good time where everyone can feel, ‘Hey, Christmas is coming!”

Lt. Mariano Elias, Public Information Officer, San Francisco Fire Department

2. Enjoy Cable Car Rides

Trying cable car rides is one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids. Along with the fun, the cable car ride is also a great way to avoid expensive car rentals while exploring the city. 

The cable cars move up and down steep hills. So, the ride is thrilling, and the route covers many major attractions in San Francisco. 

You can choose from three lines to enjoy a cable car ride in San Francisco.

Cable LinePickup From
California LineMarket Streets or California
Powell MasonPowell Street Cable Car turnaround off, Market Street, Union Square
Powell HydePowell Street Cable Car turnaround

All these lines also cover major attractions in the city like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, Chinatown, etc. 

3. Visit Boudin Museum

Your little one and you will need some quick bites after the cable car ride. Boudin Museum and Bakery will be your go-to place. 

The sandwiches and soups here are excellent. However, exploring the bakery and the small museum is more fun here. You will watch expert chefs making bread and the crafting of sourdough in the shape of bears and other animals. 

5. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf 

You can conclude your day 1 in San Francisco with a visit to the Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a fun neighborhood with street performers and activities for your kids. 

Some hotspots for children at Fisherman’s Wharf are:

  • Umbrella Alley 
  • Musée Mécanique
  • Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
  • Sea Lion “Sealebrities”
  • PIER 39

Fisherman’s Wharf also has the Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum. But it has closed its operations since 3rd August, 2024.

Further, once your kids are done exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take them to Ben & Jerry’s at the Argonaut to have the best ice cream. It remains open every day from 10 AM to 11 PM, and it will cost you around $5 per serving. 

If your kid is more up for something savory, take them to The Codmother Fish & Chips on 496 Beach Street. It welcomes guests from 11:30 AM to 7 PM, except Wednesdays. Here, the pocket-pinch will be around $10-20 per meal. 

Day 2: Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours 

You really need to make an early start to your day to make the most of your day 2 in San Francisco. On day 2, our focus is on the Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio, and Alcatraz.

5. A Visit To Alcatraz

Your day 2 will begin with an “Early Bird Tour of Alcatraz.” You will start at 8:45 AM from Pier 33. 

Alcatraz is the Spanish translation of the word “Pelican,” the first dwellers of the Rocky Island. However, Alcatraz is more famous (notorious) for housing Alcatraz Prison, one of the most notorious in the history of America.

So, today, Alcatraz is a popular spot for dark tourism. George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Al Capone are the two most renowned captives of the Alcatraz Prison. 

6. A Visit To The Palace of Fine Arts – Presidio

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful historical monuments of San Francisco. The Greco-Roman rotunda is a striking feature of the Palace of Fine Arts.

You will also love the arches, gigantic columns, and sculptures here. 

If you still have time left for your flight and you want to try more things to do in San Francisco with kids, visit the Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lions at K-Dock, and the USS Pampanito.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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READ MORE Ohio attractions

Ohio Attractions: What There Is To Attract Us To Ohio

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 4, 2021

The state of Ohio derives from “Iroquois” meaning “good river”. Situated in the Midwestern region, it became the 17th state of America in 1803. It is bordered by Lake Erie, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia. We shall, in this article, explore just what is special about the state. Everyone is aware of ‘where is Ohio? And what are the best Ohio attractions? Very few of you know what the best tourist attractions of this place are. And here comes the most striking news: there are also many haunted attractions in Ohio.  Yes, that means your Ohio visit is not only ensured with the best experiences. You are also going to have multiple experiences, which are making your Ohio visit the most exciting experience. If you are looking for Things to do in Circleville Ohio, then follow this link to find out more. In the meantime, we shall consider some other areas of Ohio that you can explore. 5 Best Tourist Attractions In Columbus Ohio When looking for Ohio city attractions, you will get multiple tourist places on your travel bucket list. Here are the five names of the top tourist destinations in Ohio, including the tourist attractions in Columbus, Ohio. 1. Dayton Dayton is one of the most beautiful Ohio attractions. You will get plenty of enjoyment options in this area. Due to the attractive tourist destinations, many tourists are gathering in this city from all over the world.  The beautiful, scenic beauty of the place is one attraction. But apart from these, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force comes under the top attraction of the whole Ohio city. Here are some of the places where you must visit while you are in Dayton, Ohio. National Museum of the US Air Force The Dayton Art Institute America's Packard Museum Carillon Historical Park RiverScape MetroPark Five Rivers MetroPark 2. Corkscrew Falls Are you planning your Ohio tours with your families? Then you put the Corkscrew falls into your travel bucket list. This is one of the most attractive Ohio attractions for families. So what is the best thing about Ohio? Modern civilized society but do not compromise the beauty of nature. That is the twist of the story. The Corkscrew falls are one of the best examples of living in nature. You will enjoy the forest’s beautiful nature and mesmerizing looks of the waterfalls. The forest is full of hidden waterfalls, so keep your heart ready for the sudden coming of nature’s surprises. Here are some of the facts which you must know before visiting Corkscrew Falls. The corkscrew falls are not like Niagara. The falls are pretty small. You require a permit to visit the place and for it to be close to the waterfalls. The hiking trails aren’t near Hocking Hills State Park. Do not forget to add the rockstar to your travel plan. 3. Athens Athens is a city with, the country seat of Athens. It sits beside the hocking river and stretches near about 65 miles. We all know the place because the heritage of glorious Ohio University is here. The Ohio University In Athens was established with the first federal endowment. Ohio University was established in July 1987. Then two townships of good land for the support of a literary institution in the newly created Northwest Territories. Ohio University is the first visiting place of Athens. Apart from the university campus, the architecture of places is another beautiful thing you can see. Here are some of the Ohio attractions which you can see in Athens. Kennedy Museum of Art Passion Works Studio Athens Lunatic Asylum (Worldwide popular haunted attraction in Ohio) Southeast Ohio History Center 4. Columbus Zoo Your Ohio visit is going to be complete if you are visiting the Columbus Zoo.  This comes under the most popular Ohio attractions for families. The newest regions at the Zoo are letting you connect with the wildlife and varieties of diverse species. This is the home of many extraordinary species and animals like sea lions, seals, and varieties of sea creatures. Jack Hanna’s Animal encounters are linked with the village base in indoor and outdoor habitats. More than 50 species live in these remote locations, and if you like to understand the real vibes and flavors of Ohio. Then this should be where you can feel the vibes and connect with the real Ohio. Here are some facts you must know before visiting the Columbus Zoo. This is a large area, so always have some time to explore the whole facility. They do not accept personal cheques. Most of the stores accept different types of cards. Just a few of the food shops prefer to take cash. Any weapons or things that can turn into a weapon are not allowed here. Firearms, laser pointers, glass containers, balloons, bicycles, skateboards and other skating equipment, large-size umbrella, lounge chairs, radios, rafting, floating equipment, and grills are not permitted here. Service animals are welcome. But other pets are not allowed in the Zoo. And they do not offer Kennel services. 5. Brandywine Falls Some of the most beautiful places in Ohio to consider visiting are Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ledges, Lake Erie Bluffs, and Old Man’s Cave. Brandywine Falls is a 65-foot waterfall and a breathtaking sight. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ledges is a beautiful trail to experience. It is fascinating to think that 300 million years ago, the region was under an ancient sea. Lake Erie Bluffs is a Metro park that spans 600 acres. There are 40ft high beach bluffs. A bluff is defined as a cliff that is broad and rounded. Old Man’s Cave in Logan is considered by many of the beautiful Ohio attractions as hiking trails. For those who have a fondness for the Lord of the Rings movie, you could always feel as if you were on the set of that.  This trial will take an hour to complete, so that allows plenty of time to hike it in a day and still have time to explore. Historical Attractions Of Ohio For those interested in history, the oldest of Ohio’s towns is Marietta. It is on the eastern side of Ohio and adjacent to the West Virginia border.  The town dates to 1788, when it was founded by General Rufus Putnam and a group of Revolutionary War veterans. It is currently home to approximately 14,000 people, so inhabited enough to visit and feel part of a working and functional town. If you want to know what royalty used to do in Ohio, there is Landoll’s Mohican Castle to visit. For anyone enchanted by fairy tales, it is a modern fairy tale castle that is buried in the woods of central Ohio attractions. This is the heartland of the Mohican country and Loudonville. The Copper Mug Grill offers a Gordon Ramsay-designed menu for those into watching Chefs. You can also go on murder mystery nights and ghost hunts. You can listen to live performances from jazz bands. Few Musical Attractions In Ohio For music fans, Ohio boasts the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. It is one of the biggest Ohio attractions.  The museum, which opened in 1986, features a range of classic memorabilia relating to the biggest stars in rock. Featured are Simon and Garfunkel, B.B. King, and Patti Smith. Also, one of Elvis’s cars and Michael Jackson’s famous glove. Some Fun Factors Of Ohio City Cedar Point is one of America’s most famous amusement parks and is considered an essential part of many a family trip to Ohio. One of the best Ohio attractions for anyone with an affinity for roller coaster rides.  Opened in 1870 in Sandusky, Ohio, this complex has some very impressive rides to enjoy the adrenaline from. This enjoyment is one of the most popular roadside attractions in Ohio.  So when you are finding any fare, just jump on from your vehicle and enjoy the ride with your family and friends. For single or sole travelers, fun and enjoyment are the best way to attract a partner. Take advantage of the opportunity. The rides feature the Power Tower and the Raptor, to name the most challenging first. The milder ones would be the Lake Erie Eagles and Midway Carousel. So, there is something for everyone to enjoy, depending on how extreme you want to go. Ohio has so much to offer tourists and citizens alike as a state of America available to all. So, take a trip to Circleville, Ohio, and all the other attractions Ohio has to offer, ranging from beautiful places to historical ones or ones that relate to famous rock stars past and present. For those who have not had enough fun already, there are roller coaster rides to raise the adrenal levels. Frequently Asked Questions By The Ohio Travelers Which Is The Safest City In Ohio? Three cities are safest in Ohio for every type of traveler. They are Elyria, Kettering, Green Township, and Parma. What Are The Most Common Crime In The Ohio State? The most common criminal crime in Ohio is drug dealing-related crimes. What are the best cities in Ohio in which to live? Columbiana, Ohio, is only the friendliest town in Ohio. However, this town is also the nicest in the whole of America. Why Do People Think Ohio Is A Bad State? According to the statics, Ohio had the 7th lowest 10-year population growth. And also have 23 highest unemployment rates along with the 21st highest poverty rate with the 14th expectancy at birth. What is it like to live in Ohio? In comparison to the other states, Ohio residents are enjoying a very affordable low-cost living. The Ohio living score is 82.6, and it’s also the 9th cheapest state to live in. Bottom Line: Plan Your Trip And Enjoy These are the five Ohio attractions that you should include in your travel plan. If you are planning for a very short trip in Ohio, then you must add these five attractions to your trip notes. For hassle-free travel before visiting any places, especially the park and the Zoo, always look at the norms and protocols before visiting the sites. What is your next travel plan? Remember to share your exciting travel story with us through the comment section. Read Also: Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide

READ MORE one day in tokyo

Read What is it Like to have One Day in Tokyo! 

BY  sagnika Mar 20, 2025

Tokyo is a beautiful place, and I feel everyone must visit the place once in their lifetime. With beautiful views of mountains, rivers, cherry blossoms, and more natural elements, you can enjoy the place to its hilt.   With me sharing some of the delicious food, the safest and nicest place to stay, and things to do, you can make your plan for one day in Tokyo. Furthermore, the itinerary for a day ensures that you will get a feeling for the place, especially if you have a limited budget.   If you are looking for February vacation ideas, this is it for you. Plan it accordingly to create an itinerary that will help you make memories.  Read What Is It Like to Have One Day in Tokyo!   If it is just for a day, you should choose a place which is at the central location of the city so that you do not waste much time while traveling. I would suggest any place that is on the Yamanote Loop line whether it be Tokyo station or Shinjuku.   It will also help you plan correctly whether it is the places, the food, or the location. Tokyo can easily become one of the best places to travel with kids. Let me share with you this information along with some tips that are perfect for your itinerary!   Where to Stay!   Are you a little worried about your stay, especially if you plan to stay one day in Tokyo? Let me share with you some of the places, you can rest assured it will be both fun and safe. Additionally, you also need to know where to stay if you are living for a longer period.   One of the most exotic places to travel, Tokyo is beautiful to visit. Some of the coolest, most interesting, and safest neighborhoods to stay when visiting Tokyo are as follows:   Shinjuku   In terms of preference, I would say Shinjuku ranks the highest as a location because you will find great transport connections, delicious dining opportunities, and an amazing shopping experience. This place is known for the young crowd hence, the place also caters to them.   Starting from foodies to shopaholics, the place can satisfy starting from sudden cravings to planned dinner parties. The most important Yamanote Line is available here hence, it is perfect for you if you have plans to travel regularly. Also, the best bookshop in Tokyo, Kinokuniya is in Shinjuku.   Let's not forget that the place can be a little overwhelming with crowds, several bars, and restaurants. So, if you are traveling with kids, it can be a little too much for children, hence, please be a little aware of it.    Marunouchi Area/ Tokyo Station   Another perfect place to stay if you are not a homebody! The main transport hub of Tokyo is surrounded by great hotels, shops, department stores, and restaurants. If you are someone who loves parks, this is the place for you. There are several adjoining parks, plus you can visit the Imperial Palace.   The place can feel a little dead in the evening especially when people are inside restaurants or taking a stroll. However, the more you explore, you will see it is one of the coolest places to be if you are looking for exploration.   Roppongi   Another place to stay, if you are an explorer. Not just tourists, even the locals prefer Roppongi over other places to stay. The place is sexy with its come-hither feel, Roppongi is known for its glamorous nightlife and delicious dining experience.   Be it clubbers or fine diners, Roppongi is rated as one of the most attractive places to be. A cosmopolitan reflection of big money, be it foreign or Japanese, Roppongi shines bright. However, one of the negative points of this place is it is not on the Yamanote Loop line which can be difficult for an explorer.   You will have to travel long routes, and you will have to spend more money especially when you cannot access the loop line while staying in Roppongi.   Where to Eat!   If you are wondering what to eat when visiting Tokyo, let me share with you some of the iconic dishes. You will develop an immersive culinary experience when trying these dishes along with enjoying the beautiful places in Tokyo.  Just to be on the safe side, you must have the best travel credit card! It will help you if you are in any crisis.  Ramen – There are various ramen dishes, starting from spicy miso to rich tonkatsu. A combination of juicy meat, nori sheets, perfectly cooked egg, and bamboo shoots presents this feel-good hearty broth.   Yakitori – This is one of my favorites, the dish is skewered chicken which is of course savored grilled. Mostly, it is seasoned with salt or tare sauce.   Tempura – Deep-fried vegetables or seafood, you will fall in love with this crispy dish.   Sushi – It is one of the most popular cuisines of Japan, you will get a variety starting from creative rolls to classic nigiri.   Okonomiyaki – A specialty of Hiroshima, this dish is a savory pancake with various mix-ins such as cabbage, pork belly, and shallots! It is a combination of an omelet and a pancake.   Must See Tokyo in One Day!   Go to Asakusa first thing in the morning! You can visit Senso-ji temple which is located near Asakusa-jinja shrine.   Then you can take the Ginza subway line which will take you straight to Shibuya, across town from Asakusa. You will have to make the ride for about 30 minutes, so it is better if you grab a seat and relax with a book.   You can then take the Hachiko exit after you arrive in Shibuya and walk to the Shibuya crossing. It is one of the coolest shopping districts, now you know where I am taking you? There are a lot of huge department stores offering beautiful products.   You can eat something, a snack like Yakitori, Onigiri or Taiyaki the streets so that you are not hungry till afternoon! Most department stores have huge restaurant floors so you can easily have your lunch in Shibuya. It will be a bit rushed in the afternoon; peak time is 1:00 p.m. so try to avoid that time.   You can then visit the beautiful Meiji-jingu Shrine which is located west of Harajuku. You have to take the Yamanote line to get there. Furthermore, you can have your coffee at Omotesando to recharge for the rest of the day.    Let’s not forget the amazing views you will get from the observation deck of the Mori Tower. You must go to the 52nd floor of the tower to enjoy the beautiful Tokyo city view as the evening falls. There are many bars in the Roppongi district, where you can end your day with delicious meals and drinks.   Things to Do in Tokyo!   If you have more time, these are the following things that you must do if you are visiting Tokyo. The first thing that I will suggest to you is to visit a few spots popular for their cherry blossoms, mind-bogglingly beautiful.  The places are perfect for some alone time especially if you are avoiding the blossom season. Another thing that I feel that you should not miss is the Samurai Restaurant Time show. It shows the cultural side of Tokyo especially with the fun and glitz that the cabaret show brings with it.  You can get yourself tickets online from Samurai Restaurant Time to enjoy the extravagant show, memorable for a lifetime.   Mount Fuji is another wonder you must not miss if you visit Tokyo! If you are planning to visit Mount Fuji, try to do so in the daytime! There are several places from where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.  You can also add visiting Lake Kawaguchiko because the view you see of Mt. Fuji from here will not be available anywhere. You can go fishing, hiking or cycling or read a book sitting under one of the trees enjoying the view. There are also several museums around the lake, you can go check them out.   Tips to Make Your Trip Memorable   Buy a Universal adapter because the plug sockets in Japan are different. Bring Charger and Charger cables because you need to charge your cell phone regularly. The same applies to your laptop and Kindle.   Try to carry your phone Bank especially if you have plans to take pictures on your phone. With our social media platforms becoming the journal of your life, posting pictures, videos, and reels is a must. Get a data-only Japanese SIM card because it is better than having the roaming services on the existing SIM.   Carry your medicines when visiting Japan but be a little careful when carrying them. Japan has some strict regulations on common drugs, psychotropics, opioids, and others. Having a travel first aid kit is a must when traveling to Japan.   Carry basic medications such as flu, cold, diarrhea, rashes, painkillers, and others, sanitary pads, tampons, gel and Razors. How can you forget deodorant or perfume when traveling? It is one of the most important toiletries apart from your moisturizer, sunscreen, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, and others!   You also cannot forget sunglasses, a warm jacket, scarves, and a hat! Carry cotton and linen clothing, athleisure, and sportswear. Try to avoid denim because it holds onto moisture! Carry lightweight, comfortable walking shoes. Drying towels are necessary, so carry them in packs!   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, there are several places in Tokyo that you cannot miss when visiting! If you are visiting for one day in Tokyo, read the article to learn more about the places you can stay, the food you can eat and the things you can do.   Comment below to let us know which are the places you want to visit and why! Apart from deciding the places you want to go, what is more important is how you can enjoy your trip to Tokyo, be it for a day or a week.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

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Discover Joshua Tree National Park: Unique Fun Facts Revealed

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

With mountains, faults, monoliths, deserts, and unique geological formations, Joshua Tree National Park has emerged as an important ecological hub of California. Further, as the name goes, the park has the most amazing Joshua Tree, a Yucca palm species that became famous with the Joshua Tree album by U2.  Spanning 800,000 acres and situated at 5000 feet above sea level, this national park is like a natural tapestry. Further, 85% of this national park is still pristine wilderness. So, there is no wonder that a place like this harbors the best secrets and fun facts that are yet to be explored.  Here, I will share some amazing info about the park’s history, fossils, cryptobiotic crusts, and more. Joshua Tree National Park is about to complete 30 years of its designation as a national park on 31st October 2024. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt designated it as a national monument in 1936. Things No One Talks About Joshua Tree National Park  The basics are boring! There is no fun in visiting a place that does not have stories to tell. However, this national park, designated in 1994, has mountains and ecological units that echo the tales of history, changes, and humanity.  Let’s get into the stories, but before that, let me give you a brief account about when and how to visit the park. September to November is the best time to explore the park due to pleasant weather conditions.  Further, the Annual Night Sky Festival occurs in the park in October. It’s a delightful experience for people of all age groups. Thomas Crochetiere writes many fascinating stories about Joshua Tree National Park in his “The History of Joshua Tree National Park: A historical, informational, and educational timeline of Joshua Tree National Park.” If you are interested in the park’s history, you can grab a Kindle edition of the book.  1. Fascinating Historical Tales About Joshua Tree National Park  Human history in Joshua Tree National Park is as old as 15000 years. Two archaeologists, William Campbell and Elizabeth Campbell, further discovered the existence of Pinto culture in this park. Pinto Culture In The Park  People belonging to this Pinto Culture used to stay in cool grassland environments here, and they were primarily hunters. Pinto culture in the national park was discovered by archaeologists thanks to the triangular-shaped spears, scraping and cutting tools, and seed-processing tools.  All the implements that established a Pinto connection to the place indicate that the Pinto people led a bohemian lifestyle. Along with hunting, they also practiced seasonal harvesting.  Native Americans Occupying Joshua Tree National Park  Europeans came to Joshua Tree National Park in the late 18th century. However, the park had three groups of Native Americans. They followed the Pinto culture, thriving locally in the park. These three tribes were: Cahuilla Serrano Chemehuevi The Chemehuevi tribe was the latest to occupy the national park, and they came to this park from the Great Basin of Nevada in 1500.  All these tribes adopted the tools of the Pinto people, and they improved and diversified them.  Cattlemen First Occupied The Joshua Tree National Park  Joshua Tree National Park has every element of a Western movie. The western side of the park had higher elevations during the 1870s. These areas also received a higher rainfall and had different species of native grasses.  As a result, many cattle owners used to flock to these parts of the park for cattle grazing.  William “Bill” McHaney was the earliest cattleman in this park. He was a legendary figure, and he took his Texas Longhorns to these higher valleys. He will be known for living in the national park and exploring the area for around 60 years. Further, his brother, Jim, built a gang to steal cattle from Mexico and Arizona.  Discovery Of Gold In Joshua Tree National Park  The 19th century was the biggest highlight in the Joshua Tree National Park. Miners flocked to this park in great numbers for the discovery of gold. Twentynine Palms was the first area to have mining expeditions in the park in the late 1860s.  The presence of water in the Oasis of Mara was the main reason behind extensive mining expeditions at Twentynine Palms. Gold was collected from dirt using dry washing. The process was fun, and it involved throwing dirt mixed with dust into the air. The dirt was caught as it came down in the air, and this process continued until the mix only had gold dust.  Desert Queen Mine was a more successful gold mining venture in the park. It was Frank L. James, an employee of the Lost Horse Mine, who discovered the vein of gold in the Northern Queen Valley. Unfortunately, he had to lose his life at the hands of  Charles Martin. Martin was a part of the notorious cattle-rustler gang of Jim McHaney. Jim McHaney was the brother of William “Bill” McHaney, a legendary figure in the park.  Joshua Tree National Park Had An Important Role To Play During World War I  The dry, desert climate of Joshua Tree National Park was beneficial for the war veterans suffering from the effects of the mustard gas. This gas was so lethal that it had to be banned after World War I. Did You Know?The Geneva Gas Protocol Treaty, signed in 1925 by most countries, banned the use of biological and chemical weapons in war.  Germans introduced mustard gas in 1917, and any contact with the gas used to cause skin burns, blisters, and respiratory problems. Patients hit by this gas needed to get hospitalized for the treatment of chemical burns and respiratory issues.  Moreover, the survivors of the mustard gas attacks had greater risks of developing cancer.  2. Fossils Of Joshua Tree National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHXsRDS2Xq/?img_index=1 The fossils in the Joshua Tree National Park tell us about the geological evolutions, extreme natural events, and biodiversity. So, what were the animals that roamed here when the earth was a cooler and greener space? Let’s have a look at the list below.  Columbian mammoths Dire wolves Camels Horses Llamas Giant ground sloths Saber-toothed cats  Bison American Pronghorn Did Dinosaurs Live At Joshua Tree National Park? Scientists believe that Joshua Tree National Park had dinosaurs. Some of the oldest rocks in the park are from the dinosaur era. However, being metamorphic and igneous, these rocks could not preserve the skeleton of the dinosaurs. So, there is no “black and white” evidence regarding the existence of dinosaurs in the park yet.  The oldest fossil found in the park is the tooth of a pocket gopher. It was found in a 7.8 million years old sediment. The park has many other microfossils that are even older.  Moreover, the midden of the pack rats has been a gold mine for finding plant and insect species. At least 12 species of plants were found in the midden, and the oldest was around 30,000 years old. In addition, the darkling beetle fossils in the midden come from various ages. The oldest dates back to  34,000 years ago, and the latest is as old as 1000 years old.  Above all, the human artifacts and bones collected in this midden speak of human history and the evolution of their lifestyle.  3. Cryptobiotic Crusts Of Joshua Tree National Park  What are cryptobiotic crusts? They are hidden biotic organisms present on the surface of the park soil. Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria are the leading cryptobiotic crusts at Joshua Tree National Park. The other forms of cryptobiotic crusts present in the park soil are: Mosses Lichens Microfungi Bacteria Green algae Now, these cryptobiotic crusts are important to bind the sand and soil particles of the park together. In other words, they prevent soil erosion caused by wind and water.    4. Spiritual Stories And Symbolism Around Joshua Tree National Park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZKnQRkWzLI “The Joshua Tree” album by Irish band U2 brought the spiritual connection or symbolism around the Joshua trees in the park under the spotlight. The album explores the gap between the promised land and the real land of America. The desert also stood for the desolation of the soul, while the Joshua trees, surviving in extreme weather conditions, became the symbol of hope and prayer. However, you must go back around 180 years to trace how Joshua trees have always been associated with symbolism and Biblical stories. In the 1850s, the Mormon pioneers crossed the Mojave Desert and saw these trees.  The upraised branches of the trees reminded them of Joshua, who stretched his arms to the sky for prayer and led the “Israelites into the Promised Land.” So, this is how these Yucca Palm trees got their new name.  5. Joshua Tree National Park Is The Best For Stargazing  As International Dark Night Sky, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in California for stargazing. The following parking lot areas are best for Joshua Tree National Park stargazing. Hidden Valley Ryan Mountain Quail Springs Cap Rock Along with these places, you can also choose Pinto Basin for an amazing stargazing experience.  How To Reach Joshua Tree National Park? Joshua Tree National Park has three entrances. The table below details these entrances and will help you pick the right one based on the location you are traveling from. Park Entrance GateLocation Ideal For Tourists FromWest EntranceAt Park Blvd Off Highway 62Los AngelesPalm SpringsSan DiegoNorth Entrance29 Palms, Off Highway 62Las VegasSouth EntranceCottonwood Spring, Off Highway 10Salton Sea area The West Entrance is the main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. You must drive through California Highway 62 or Interstate 10 road to reach here.  Further, if you are traveling by air, you must reach Palm Springs Airport, and from there, you can rent a car. The Los Angeles International Airport is also 150 miles away from this park.   Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.