State Bliss Blog — adventure

Months ago, I signed up for my first of many 5K races this year and was completely psyched – I even compiled the perfect playlist for running. However, upon waking up this morning, I was greeted by steady rain, constant winds, and a dreary forecast: Of course, the easiest alternative plan to take for such a catastrophe would be to spend the first Saturday of the month indoors, in fleece pajamas, sipping hot chocolate while binge-watching House of Cards on Netflix. However, if you’re desperate to get out of the house today, there’s a variety of activities you can look into that won’t involve having to be outdoors to bear the cold weather and has your brain constantly engaged, leaving no room to be depressed over the climate. Here are a couple of suggestions on what to do on a rainy Saturday in California, for your consideration:

1. Jump!

To cater to the kid within, take a trip to Presidio, San Francisco and visit House of Air. It is an indoor park that features jump structures comprised of more than 40 trampolines, including a few on the sides for maximum fun. You can freestyle, play trampoline dodge ball, and take classes! There’s even a Bounce House for kids ages 3 to 6. Fun, huh? Normally, weekend tickets sell out fast and House of Air recommends that you reserve slots ahead of time, but I took the liberty of checking today’s schedule, and it looks like there’s a lot of slots available! Go to the website and buy your tickets ASAP.

2. Tour!

The Winchester Mystery House is a mansion in San Jose that used to belong to Sarah Winchester, widow of William Wurt Winchester, a gun magnate. Construction of the mansion took 38 years (from 1884 until Winchester’s death in 1922), mostly due to the widow’s belief that her family and wealth were constantly haunted by the ghosts of those who died because of the Winchester rifles and that building the house for their spirits would appease them. You can choose between touring just the mansion or the entire grand estate, both of which include a look into 110 of the 160 rooms in the house, windows built into floors, staircases and doors that lead to nowhere, and upside down posts! You can even learn a little bit more about the history of the place through a special behind-the-scenes tour. Day-of tickets must be purchased at the counter, but you can call ahead to ask about availability.

3. Climb!

If you’re the athletic and outdoorsy type and really looking forward to getting a workout in this weekend, you can check out MesaRimClimbing & FitnessCenter in San Diego, a place that boasts to be the largest and tallest climbing gyms in the west coast. With over 200 routes, 150 boulder problems, and 450 lead bolts, any mountain climbing aficionado would love the scaling the walls of Mesa Rim. The facilities include a center for yoga classes, a ping pong table, board games, and a library. Their rates include an all-in-one day pass that give you access to climbing, yoga, and fitness

4. Fly!

Who says you have to be outdoors to skydive? iFly Hollywood gives you an idea of what it’s like to jump out of an airplane 2,500 feet high, only you’re indoors and safe within the confines of a booth with a strong blower. It’s a lot more fun than it looks and requires less courage to actually do if you’ve been dreaming of one day giving skydiving a try and are always finding excuses to bail. You can book your flight today. Other locations in California include one in San Francisco and one in Perris Valley.

Being California's oldest state park, Big Basin is a beautiful place to adventure in many different ways. With endless possibilities to explore the beautiful Redwoods, these girls decided to go on some hiking trails! Check out their epic day.   Big Basin from Dezsiree Julienne on Vimeo.

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