#weekend-getaways

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7 Sensational Selfie Spots for Super Bowl Travelers

Here are the best spots to snap a selfie while in town for the big game. (Photo: BonninStudio/Stocksy)

By Charles McCool / McCool Travel

Whether you are a Broncos Orange Crush member, on the Panthers bandwagon, a general football fan, or somehow lucked into a golden ticket, you will surely want to record memories of your Super Bowl trip to California.

Here are six sensational selfie spots for Super Bowl memories, based on my explorations when I lived in the area and recommendations from some trusted sources.

Super Bowl 50 is being played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. While San Francisco is claiming headquarters status for Super Bowl activities, I wanted to point out that the actual game is at least an hour from the city. So, all of these selfie spots for Super Bowl 50 travelers are closer to the stadium site than San Francisco. Enjoy!

1. Get Your Geek On

Swing by the Googleplex and snap a selfie with the adorable Droid out front (on your Android phone of course). (Photo: Asif's photography / Alamy Stock Photo)

Google and Apple HQ are about ten miles from Levi's Stadium and Facebook is about 15 miles away. Visit Google, grab one of its famous colorful bicycles, and take a selfie with an Android statue. At Facebook, the thumbs up icon is a popular selfie spot. The number "1" in front of Apple's main building is its most popular selfie spot. If you are a history geek, take a treasured selfie in front of Steve Job's garage (in Los Altos) or the birthplace of Silicon Valley sign at the HP Garage (in Palo Alto).

2. Get Religious

Strike a pose with the quirky Junipero Serra statue on highway 280. (Photo: Mike Fernwood/Flickr)

David Andre of the Santa Clara Convention & Visitors Bureau recommends two religious-themed selfie spots near Levi's Stadium: a statue of Pope John Paul II and a 32-foot Our Lady of Peace sculpture which is lit at night. One of my favorite Silicon Valley sights, is the 110-foot statue of Junipero Serra (Saint Junipero Serra, as of September 2015) at the Crystal Springs Safety Roadside Rest Area along highway 280, about 35 miles from Levi's Stadium. I would not be at all surprised if the statue is somehow decorated by fans of either or both teams.

Related: San Francisco for the Super Bowl: Your Guide to Everything

3. Get Artsy

This Rodin sculpture is practically begging you to take a selfie with him. (Photo:  Allie_Caulfield/Flickr)

Since you are in an exploring mood, I suggest you pop over to Stanford University in Palo Alto. A popular spot to take a selfie spot is in the Oval with the Hoover Tower in the background. A local friend, Rachel, told me that the Rodin statues at the free on-campus museum are magnificent. Some statues in the outside garden, including the magnificent The Gates of Hell, will be sensational selfie spots for Super Bowl travelers.

Related: The 10 Best Museums in the World

4. Get Kitschy

Get kitschy with it at Libby's Water Tower in Sunnyvale. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

David Andre also suggested the pineapple at the entrance to Mercado Santa Clara. Three kitschy selfie spots I like in Santa Clara county are the Winchester Mystery House, the Libby's Water Tower (Sunnyvale), and the giant cat statues (Los Gatos).

Related: 10 Foods You Must Have in San Francisco for the Super Bowl

5. Get Natural

Pose among the towering trees at Big Basin State Park (tiny human for scale). (Photo: Miguel Vieira/Flickr)

Hug a redwood at Big Basin Redwoods State Park (in Boulder Creek) or Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (in Felton). Both are about 75 minutes from Levi's Stadium, by way of the magnificent scenic drives of highway 17 or highway 9. Oh, yes, in both locations look for the amazing, unique, glorious, and yucky banana slug for one selfie everyone will envy. Tag me (@CharlesMcCool on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter) so I can see it. There are countless other gorgeous natural areas, including Mount Hamilton (especially for sunsets at Grandview restaurant), Mission Peak (Fremont), and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve (I once saw a bobcat here).

Related: 16 National Parks to Visit in the Winter Instead of the Summer

6. Get to San Francisco

San Francisco’s Tiled Steps are a classic photo spot. (Photo: Ed Bierman/Flickr)

Of course if you have not been to San Francisco, then you simply must visit the great city. Some popular SF selfie spots include Ocean Beach, hanging from a cable car, in front of the Painted Ladies, and the tiled staircase. I also strongly recommend the Santa Cruz boardwalk, Capitola beach, and Skyline Drive for spectacular selfie shots.

7. Get in the Game

Former San Francisco 49er defensive back Ronnie Lott is ready for your selfie at the 49ers Museum. (Photo: Tribune Content Agency LLC / Alamy Stock Photo)

Anything's Possible, a sculpture of a boy playing catch with a quarterback, are across the street from Levi's Stadium. Of course there will be other football-related selfie opportunities around Levi's Stadium during Super Bowl week. Perhaps you will want to visit the San Francisco 49ers museum to take a selfie with their 5 Super Bowl trophies.

What are your favorite selfie spots for Super Bowl 50?

WATCH: Drinking with the Giants' World Series Trophy on a Plane Was My Dream Trip

Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

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#MemorialDay Goes to the (Wet) Dogs! Five Family Trips to Take This Weekend With Fido

(Photo: Kendrick Arnett)

Memorial Day—the most awesome three-day weekend of Spring, because it heralds SUMMER, the season of fun. It’s also a weekend that, due to rising temperatures, most people spend on the water—be it a beach, a river, a lake or a creek. The extended weekend is all about family and here at Yahoo Travel, that also includes our fur babies. 

So, courtesy of the geniuses at the Ruff Guides and Yahoo Travel mascot Karl Froelich’s favorite book, Ruff Guide to the United States: 365 of the Best Places to Stay & Play with your Dog in All 50 States, we bring you five awesome trips to take this weekend where you and the entire family can get away, play frisbee and chill out on the water all day long. 

Tahoe Sport Fishing - South Lake Tahoe, California

(Photo: Larry Eiring)

Cast your line for some tasty kokanee salmon, mackinaw, and brown trout aboard a charter from Tahoe Sport Fishing. Don’t worry—doggie life jackets are provided! Rates start at $90 (doggies fish for free) and after returning to shore, you can bring your catch to the Blue Angel Cafe or MacDuff’s Public House, which will clean and cook the fish for you and Fido. Stay at the Fireside Lodge in South Lake Tahoe, where dogs of any size pay just $25 a night. 

Keewaydin Island - Florida

(Photo: Willie Volk)

If your pup is more of a beach baby, head to Keewaydin Island in southwest Florida, which boasts sugar sand beaches and some sweet shelling. The island, located between Naples and Marco Island, is only accessible by boat, which you can rent from Naples Bay Resort for $149 a day. Dogs must remain leashed on the island, so if your guy likes to run, go to the Lee County Dog Beach in Ft. Myers. The Naples Bay Resort will give you boat rides to Keewaydin—and dogs stay for free. Canine companions are also treated to  a “U Naugti Dog” package that includes a signature pet bed, treats, and a pet amenity kit.

Green River Lake - Campbellsville, Kentucky

Photo: U.S. Army Corps.

Who doesn’t like lazing around in a lake with their best friend? At Green River Lake, you can rent a boat and fish for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, or tackle the 28 miles of hiking trails. Admission to the Green River Lake State Park is gratis. Stay at Green River Marina in one of its “floating cabins,” in a one- or two-story boathouse. Dogs are $25 a night.

Ayers Creek Adventures - Berlin, Maryland

(Photo: Alyson Hurt)

Maryland’s coastal waterways are stunningly beautiful, so why not explore them with Ayers Creek Adventures? Rent a canoe, a kayak, or a stand-up paddleboard for you and your furry friend and play the day away. The Castaways Campground offers pet-friendly cottages and RV rentals. The campground also has a “bark beach” and a dog-wash station. Your dog is also welcome to join you at the Jackspot Waterfront Tiki Bar for a drink and live music. Pets are $8 a night and rates for cabins start at $39 a night.

Old Faithful - West Yellowstone, Montana

(Photo: Gayan Gunawardana)

Your dog may be a little finicky, like Karl Froelich, and not want to get his paws wet. So why not take him on a trip to see America’s most famous geyser, where he can see the water but not have to get in? While dogs aren’t allowed on the hiking trails past Old Faithful, you can book a “photo safari” with Lava Creek Adventures where, for $299, you and your entire family (humans and canines) can see moose, elk, bears, and buffalo from the safety of a car. Afterward, rent some kayaks to cool down. At the Yellowstone Under Canvas tent lodge, budget-minded travelers sleep in tents and are treated to a nightly marshmallow roast. Rates start at $95 a night, and dogs stay for $25 a night. 

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Smackdown: Walt Disney World vs. Disneyland

(Corbis; Andy Castro/Flickr)

Each week, Yahoo Travel pits rival cities against each other to determine once and for all which destination is the best. This week, we’re having a Disney East Coast/West Coast standoff: Florida’s Walt Disney World vs. California’s Disneyland. Which Mickey Mouse operation reigns supreme?

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Walt Disney World: the big cheese of theme parks. (Thinkstock)

Walt Disney World lives up to Disney’s “Happiest Place on Earth” reputation in so many ways: the parades, the fireworks, the rides, the themed dinners, and the special touches around every corner. WDW’s Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the world, bringing in more than 18.5 million guests in 2013. In all, WDW’s four major parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) drew more than 50 million people. Any experienced Disney traveler knows that WDW appeals greatly to both kids and adults — there’s so much to see and do for all members of the family, no matter how old. 

The Castle

This iconic castle is what young girls’ dreams are made of. (Photo: Dawn/Flickr)

You may already have hundreds of Cinderella Castle pics from your last WDW trip, but it’s hard not to be mesmerized by the castle each time you go. This palatial edifice, the epicenter of Magic Kingdom, probably ranks as the second most quintessential Disney icon (after Mickey, of course). Lucky Disney guests are selected at various times throughout the year to stay overnight in the castle’s 600-square-foot suite, which comes with its own 24-hour concierge. Wishes really can come true!

Weather

Heading to WDW in the summer? Temper the heat with a midday splash in the pool. (Photo: Christian Lambert/Flickr)

There is never a wrong time to visit WDW. Summers can be scorching-hot, but you simply adjust your schedule to hit the parks in the early morning and in the evening, cooling off in the pool midday when the parks are at full capacity. Winter in Orlando can bring 40-degree nights, and that’s OK — it makes the holiday decorations in November and December even more felicitous.

Cost

To make your spending count, fill up on breakfast and then hit up one of your favorite restaurants for dinner. Rats are optional. (Photo: Scott Smith/Flickr)

A WDW vacation can certainly break the bank. A one-day adult ticket at Magic Kingdom costs $99 ($94 at Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and the deluxe resorts charge more than $300 per night. The best way to keep the spending in check would be to purchase multiday tickets (the price per day drops) and skip lunch. Fill up at a character buffet breakfast and eat an early dinner at your favorite onsite restaurant. That way you’ll have more cash to spend on Mickey souvenirs.

Related: Around the World in 11 Drinks at Walt Disney World’s Epcot

Don’t miss

Make sure to catch the nightly fireworks show at the Cinderella Castle. (Photo: Dan Anderson/Getty Images)

No trip to WDW would be complete without watching the fireworks explode above Cinderella Castle. The 10-minute show features iconic Disney characters and villains, and the fireworks are timed perfectly to the winsome music. It’s the ultimate way to end a long day at the parks.

WATCH: A Toddler’s First Halloween at Disney (Shocker: There Was Lots of Candy Consumed)

What you’ll see here that you won’t see at Disneyland

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest in the China pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase (Photo: Scott Thomas/Flickr)

The World Showcase at Epcot. You can visit Norway, Mexico, Italy, France, Japan, and more without a passport and learn about the cultures of all the 10 countries in the World Showcase (the American Adventure makes 11) from the international cast members. Sample foreign cuisine, partake in a wine tasting, and rock out to ethnic music. You’ll soon forget you’re in Florida.

Related: My Walt Disney World Insider’s Guide: the Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

Scariest ride

With spooky ghosts and heart-pounding drops, the Tower of Terror is sure to live up to its name! (Photo: Jeff Nickel/Flickr)

WDW competitor Universal Orlando Resort may attract the majority of thrill-seekers, but Disney’s The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror can still terrify. The big drops and spooky setting will make even the seasoned thrill-ride fanatic scream out loud. In fact, the howls and shrieks from riders can be heard throughout the park. You have been warned!

WATCH: Little Girl vs. Gaston in a Disney World Smackdown

Hotel

The charm and convenient location make the Grand Floridian a popular choice for park visitors. (Photo: Jason Pratt/Flickr)

Plop down in one of the oversize couches in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa lobby and feel your body relax as the tuxedoed pianist plays beloved Disney tunes. The hotel, WDW’s crown jewel, evokes Victorian charm and elegance. If you can’t afford to stay at the swanky resort, don’t despair — you can still enjoy many of the hotel’s amenities. The monorail also shuttles guests to Magic Kingdom in less than five minutes, and the nighttime fireworks can be enjoyed from the sprawling property. Even more amazing: The hotel’s gleaming white façade never shows signs of wear and tear, or even a paint chip.

Food

You won’t find any mouse-shaped pancakes at the upscale Victoria & Albert’s restaurant. (Photo: chiboy247/Instagram)

WDW has quickly become a go-to spot for epicureans. You can dine like royalty at Victoria & Albert’s, the extravagant restaurant in the Grand Floridian where you will be served innovative haute cuisine. Famous chefs such as Todd English, Cat Cora, and Jerome Bocuse have all made the pilgrimage to WDW, and the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival draws millions of visitors.

DISNEYLAND

Disneyland takes a back seat to no park — even its younger East Coast sibling. (Photo: Disneyland)

There’s a special charm to Disneyland that is distinct from WDW. Walt Disney’s imprint can be detected in every aspect of the park; it’s easy to imagine Walt personally welcoming you into his world as you walk down Main Street, as he did with guests when Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955.

Walt Disney at Disneyland’s opening in 1955 (Photo: AP) 

WDW’s size and breadth draws more visitors than Disneyland, but the 16.2 million people who spend their time at Disneyland each year know that the original park, and the newer Disney California Adventure addition, are more beguiling and intimate than the younger sibling theme park over in Florida. 

The Castle

Be our guest! (Photo: Anna Fox/Flickr)

Sleeping Beauty Castle may be smaller and less imposing than Cinderella Castle, but it is no less dazzling or hypnotic. Disney fans continue to snap photo after photo of themselves in front of the castle, and its splendor conjures up old repressed memories of wishing to be a future princess or prince. 

Weather

If you’re planning on spending part of the winter with Mickey and friends, be sure to pack accordingly. (Photo: Loren Javier/Flickr)

As in Orlando, the weather in Southern California tends to be warm and sunny. Anaheim has experienced cold winters, though, so be prepared to spend money on Disneyland sweatshirts and hats if the mercury drops. The majority of Disneyland’s restaurants and queuing areas are outside with little protection from the sun, cold, and rain, so come ready for all weather conditions. 

Cost

Food, drinks and souvenirs can get pricey so be prepared to shell out some dough. (Photo: Andy Castro/Flickr)

If you’re not a California annual pass holder, be prepared to shell out big bucks. Theme park tickets are a little less expensive if a multiday pass is purchased; a one-day pass for an adult (anyone above the age of 10) costs $96 (a park hopper option will tack on another $39 per ticket). Unfortunately, there’s not much one can do to minimize expenses. It is Disney, after all, and all those souvenirs, drinks, snacks, and Mickey-shaped goodies add up quickly. 

Don’t miss

The Mickey-shaped beignets are a must-eat. And be sure to wash it down with a virgin mint julep! (Photo: disneybakery/Instagram)

The Mickey-shaped beignets (fried doughnuts) at the Mint Julep Bar. Ask for a mix of the plain and pumpkin-flavored beignets, and don’t forget to grab napkins to wipe that powdered sugar from your lips. Wash down the freshly made fritters with a nonalcoholic mint julep. Repeat every day. 

What you’ll see here that you won’t see at Walt Disney World

1. Big Thunder Ranch petting zoo: Few parkgoers are aware that donkeys, horses, sheep, and goats are patiently waiting to be petted, touched, and photographed. Located right next to the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue restaurant, the small but inviting petting zoo is a welcome retreat from the long lines and crowds. And who doesn’t love to commune with farm animals?

Make some four-legged friends at Disneyland’s petting zoo. (Photo: Shawna Scott/Flickr)

2. The Indiana Jones Adventure: The elaborate plot, brilliant visuals, and high-tech special effects put you in the middle of an Indiana Jones movie. The 90-minute waits are a testament to the ride’s star power.

Scariest ride

The California Screamin’ coaster will flip you, dip you, and take you for one heck of a ride. (Photo: Prayitno/Flickr)

California Screamin’ — by far the scariest ride at any of the Disney theme parks — will launch you from 0 to 55 mph moments after you buckle your seat belt. The two-minute-long roller coaster may feel like an eternity for some riders: You’ll be flipped upside down and sent barreling down a 107-foot drop. Eating before embarking on California Screamin’ is not recommended.  

Hotel

The Grand Californian hotel (Photo: Disneyland)

Unlike Walt Disney World, there are only three Disney-owned hotels on Disneyland property. Of the three, there are several reasons to splurge on Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. First, the hotel sits in the middle of California Adventure and Downtown Disney, minimizing your walking time to the parks. Second, Grand Californian’s pool complex deserves its own recognition. Gorgeously landscaped rocks and conifers circumscribe the Mickey-shaped pool; kids won’t want to miss the 100-foot-long twisting slide in the kiddie pool. Above all, Grand Californian guests have their own private entrance to California Adventure, eliminating lines and giving guests a head start on reaching popular Cars Land before the masses do. 

Lots of twists and turns to enjoy in the Grand Californian’s kiddie pool (Photo: Flickr/Flickr Folks)

Food

Delicious dishes ready for service at the upscale Napa Rose restaurant. (Photo: Flickr Folks/Flickr)

Disneyland reflects California’s health-conscious mindset: Sour pickles, chunks of fresh watermelon and pineapple and hummus are available at nearly every food cart. Vegetarians have more options than in Walt Disney World, such as veggie tacos, veggie chili, and veggie hot dogs (portobello mushrooms and peppers melted with cheese). For the ultimate extravagance in Disneyland dining, book a table at the upscale Napa Rose restaurant in the Grand Californian. The menu, albeit pricey, changes with the season and features award-winning California wines. Napa Rose has been consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Orange County. 

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