Credit Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau

We all enjoy an escape to the movies now and again. We scan the marquee, make our decision, enter the lobby, purchase tickets and grab our popcorn and soft drink before making our way to the appropriate doorway and slipping into the cozy refuge of darkness where we  find the perfect seat, nestle in, whisper a bit, glare at noisy patrons directly behind us or *accidentally* kick the seat of the offenders in front, and…wait. The lights dim; your conventional theater experience begins. When the feature has ended, you rise before the lights come back up and make your way out before the crush. Quintessential movie house fare and routine, right? Admit it. Something is missing…but what? Big screen buffs on Sacramento getaway who’ve never experienced the magic of  IMAX 3D  must make their way to The Esquire IMAX® Theatre,  ideally situated downtown, adjacent to the Sacramento Convention Center! IMAX is more than just a “night at the movies;”  it’s an entertainment event so real you feel it to your core; so magical it transports you places you’ve never been; so utterly immersive you actually feel you’re part of the action! Unique IMAX is an innovator with patented technology; a Hollywood insider that partners with celebrated moviemakers to  enhance their mega-blockbusters and riveting documentaries and a thriving global enterprise; it’s going to the theatre to forget your at the movies.  There’s only one IMAX, and once you’ve experienced it, there’s no going back.  Come, find out what you’ve been missing with a movie night at Esquire! Patrons park for free Monday through Friday after 5:00 pm and all weekend long.

A must-see on any West Coast itinerant’s agenda, the California Museum – home of the celebrated California Hall of Fame – treats its visitors to a vibrant cross-section of the Golden State’s rich history and unique contributions to our world, inspiring men, women and children to fearlessly pursue the “California Dream”. Fascinating signature exhibits anchor the experience while an ever-changing series of fresh, short-term presentations highlighting lesser-known people, places and stories treat guests to an absolutely engrossing California history lesson. The 3000 square foot “California Indians: Making A Difference” exhibit is the only one of its kind, created in Native voice and representing over 100 tribes across the state; the gallery showcases the contributions of indigenous California peoples through a presentation of hundreds of artifacts, works of art, 13 oral histories at 6 video stations and an interactive Native language kiosk. The 6-story Constitution Wall features dramatically sculpted words extracted from the California Constitution, each specifically chosen to inspire reflection on the freedoms guaranteed all Californians; depending on the angle of the light and time of day, different words, punctuated by the wall’s natural color scheme, as drawn from California’s landscape palette of forest, ocean and desert hues, naturally become more prominent. Established by former First Lady Maria Shriver in 2006 as a special tribute to remarkable individuals who embody California’s pioneering spirit and have made their mark on history, the California Hall of Fame introduces honorable inductees from all walks of life who have made notable achievements in a diversity of fields.

Credit: Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau

Groups en route to the Golden State will be delighted to find a stop at the California Executive Mansion – commonly referred to as “the Governor’s Mansion” – on their Sacramento itinerary. Guests are warmly welcomed by a competent and friendly staff, and escorted on a delightful promenade through history from the moment they step onto the lovingly manicured grounds that for 64 years courted the daily activities of thirteen of California’s First Families. The beautiful executive mansion on the corner of 16th and H Streets in downtown Sacramento, originally built in 1877 for local hardware merchant Albert Gallatin and his wife Clemenza, was purchased for $32,500.00 from Joseph and Louisa Steffens by the State of California in 1903. Resplendent in the manner of the day with such finery as Italian marble fireplaces, ornate, gilt framed mirrors from France and exquisitely handcrafted hinges and doorknobs, the 30-room Second Empire-Italianate Victorian mansion was suitably impressive, though somewhat dated, by then; it was, however, conveniently located and quite comfortable. Governor George Pardee and his family were the first official residents of the “new” Governor’s Mansion; today, select furnishings remain, left behind by important occupants over the decades, including the Pardee’s regal 1902 Steinway piano, authentic Persian rugs acquired by Mrs. Earl Warren and plush velvet sofas and chairs belonging to Governor Hiram Johnson, all contributing to the landmark home’s grand, if eclectic ambiance. The stately old residence has undergone a series of renovations over the years, and recently received a long-overdue , “full face lift”; it remains unoccupied since the Reagans, the last first family to call the Mansion home, moved on, and is now primarily employed as a venue for state and public events.

You’ve made it to your island destination, and are well on your way to the time of your LIFE…the food, the legendary hospitality…the stunning scenery…the sweetly rhythmic music….the beautiful people…the all-encompassing spirit of Aloha embraces you and welcomes you to Hawaii. What more could you ask for? The plumeria-laden tropical breeze ruffles the fragrant, fresh flower lei around your neck, and whispers: “a sunset cruise.” From evening snorkeling/sightseeing adventures and fantastically lighthearted BBQ and fireworks extravaganzas to luxurious world-class dinner cruises, enchanting glass bottomed boat excursions and sunset cocktail sails – your perfect Hawaiian Sunset boat trip awaits! Sporty catamaran jaunts around Diamond Head with tasty “pupus” and enchanting tropical refreshments treat you to unsurpassed views of the twinkling lights of Waikiki beach as the sun slips into the sea while dinner guests aboard elegant luxury liners receive the full royal treatment on a first-class whale watch! Grab something yummy to go and sail quietly into the sunset or opt for a narrated historical sightseeing venture that gets you out on the water, well fed and impressively current on local legend and lore.

Animal lovers of all ages on Hawaiian holiday will jump at the chance to hang out with dolphins; touch, pet, laugh at and frolic with these amazingly social sea mammals in natural settings or specially recreated habitat environments. Toss them a snack, take a dorsal fin ride, experience the “foot push,” a hearty handshake or a sweet dolphin kiss.  Splash alongside trained animals in peaceful park lagoons, snorkel amongst Hawaii’s wild dolphins and other marine life in the deep blue Pacific or be a trainer for a day…or week!  A wide array of entertaining and customizable experiences afford  travelers  to the Islands in search of that quintessential, family-friendly vacation itinerary or specialized dolphin adventure unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to interact and  be photographed with these fascinating, sensitive and highly intelligent creatures; take home an optional DVD of your encounter and relive the magic of your visit with the dolphins anytime you like!

Groups of outdoor enthusiasts on Island getaway will thrill to any one of a number of special ECO tour options; wander off the beaten path and discover the natural side of your Hawaiian destination. See beautiful botanical gardens, pristine hidden beaches and “secret” waterfalls; swim and play with the local dolphins, be amazed at Kilauea volcano’s spectacular show or climb to the top of Koko Head Crater on a breathtaking sunrise hike. Sign up for the exclusive Road to Hana ECO Tour Adventure and enjoy the very best of Maui with special stops at scenic lookouts, popular beaches, the Wailua Peninsula, Wailua Falls and Wai’anapanapa State Park. The grand Adventures of Hidden Hawaii Tour brings you a fun-filled day jam-packed with everything wonderful about a trip to the Islands! Explore the lush Ko’olau mountain range and spectacular hidden Kapena Falls. Kick back on breathtaking Waimanalo Beach or grab a boogie board and hit the warm water; enjoy a delightful lunch, then wrap up your day with a little snorkeling in the crystal waters of peaceful Haunama Bay. Discover the North and South Shores of Oahu, hop a boat across the Moli’i Fishpond, visit a sea turtle basking ground, dine at the Kualoa Ranch and enjoy famous attractions like the Halona Blowhole, Byodo-in Temple and the Amelia Earhart Lookout on the Ultimate Circle Island ECO Adventure Tour, a fabulous, full day’s expedition that affords your group access to an O’ahu few visitors ever see. Don’t forget your camera – friends back home will require proof such a glorious paradise exists!

Adventurous groups on Hawaiian excursion will definitely want to make room on their agenda for a few island-style water sports; what better place to get your wet on than in a dreamy, tropical paradise setting? Snorkel a crystal bay and lounge on warm sand bars, dive right in and do the scuba, get the hang of stand-up-paddling, grab your board and rendezvous at a secret surf spot, parasail 300 feet over the Pacific or hit the waves on your own jet-ski. Slide into a kayak and explore peaceful island sanctuaries at your leisure, hop on a bumper tube for the ride of your life, carve it up and catch some sweet air on a wakeboard or ski blue Hawaii-who wouldn’t want to take home stories of such grand adventure? Whatever your pleasure, if you can do it in or around the water, why not try it island-style?

Health-minded groups on Island getaway will be happy to know they don’t have to skip their daily exercise routine while in paradise! A variety of vendors tender traveling athletes of all ages, abilities and fitness levels an array of satisfying – to – exciting mountain biking experiences : cross – country sightseeing tours, exhilarating all-mountain and downhill rides over well maintained open roads and trails through gorgeous island scenery and challenging – to – extreme tracks through rugged and unforgiving Island terrain. Follow your guide through quaint villages and along breathtaking shoreline –you may even spot migrating whales! Whoosh through lush rainforests, pedal through scenic movie locations and thrill to the rush of flying down steep volcanic mountainsides; what better way to see the local sights and explore beautiful, wild paradise while getting in your workout? Hardcore types in search of a more aggressive ride may wish to arrange a private event while those simply wishing cheap – and green- transportation for the day may rent a bike and strike out on their own. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll definitely want to bike Hawaii!

Groups on Island excursion will not want to miss this wonderful, colorful and lively traditional Hawaiian feast – no first trip to the Islands would be complete without experiencing the extravagance of true Island hospitality! Most luau are catered towards visitors, so round up your pals, slip on your flip flops and come, expecting a truly grand celebration of rich Island culture, delicious food, and thrilling entertainment. You’ll feast on a magnificent Hawaiian spread of succulent kalua pig (pork slow cooked in a traditional pit oven), yummy lau lau, (beef, pork, chicken, or fish wrapped in sturdy taro leaves), hearty poi (Polynesian staple starch made of taro) and delicious haupia – a sweet coconut pudding dessert. Lose yourself in the seductive Island rhythms as hula dancers tell beautiful stories of Hawaiiana with their elegant, graceful movements and the scent of burning torches and plumeria fills the night air. Many luau highlight greater Polynesia by featuring skilled Samoan fire dancers and mesmerizing Tahitian dancers with long flowing hair and leied necks; brave guests may even find themselves doing the hula in front of the entire luau crowd!

Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures is a popular Hawaiian snorkel excursion company dedicated to tendering guests on island getaway a totally safe, relaxing, and fun snorkeling experience. Located just nine miles from Waikiki on the island of O‘ahu, the third largest of the six islands, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is, indeed, a snorkeler’s paradise—whether you’re a nervous novice or an old pro, you’ll soon be right at home with the fishes! Carefully tucked inside an ancient volcanic crater that opens to the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean, this sparkling, crescent-shaped bay encompasses a truly magnificent yet fragile marine environment just waiting for you to explore! Whether you slip beneath the peaceful surface of the Bay’s warm waters or choose to peer through your mask as you float along the top, you’ll discover this tropical turquoise bay is home to countless ribbons of colorful fish and stately sea turtles paddling their way through a living coral reef riddled with endless underwater passageways for to you explore along with them – a breathtakingly beautiful aquatic environment unlike anything you’ve experienced! What are you waiting for? Grab your group and get your snorkel on!