Railroads were once the most important arteries of transportation in the nation. Today, they've taken a backseat to air travel. Check out this incredible video of an abandoned, but still achingly beautiful train station in California. The footage of this once-bustling depot, courtesy of YouTube channel "Seeker Stories" will absolutely tug at your heartstrings.
The Bayshore Train Yard station began operations in Brisbane around 1868.
It was referred to as "The Jewel of Southern Pacific's Coast Division," and was a spectacular sight in its time.
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These walls saw the traffic of two World Wars, countless happy meetings, and painful goodbyes.
The train station was shuttered in 1982, as a result of the introduction of more efficient diesel trucks and the rising popularity of car travel.
Check out the beautiful drone footage below:
Do you have fond memories of traveling via train? Do you think this abandoned train yard should be restored?
CaliBunga, the new waterpark replacing Raging Waters at Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose, recently opened amid a heatwave, providing Bay Area residents with a fun place to cool down. This Northern California waterpark features a mix of new and revamped attractions, catering to all ages and thrill levels.
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For younger visitors, there are kid-friendly zones like Pirates Cove and Wacky Water Works. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the exhilarating Dragon’s Den, Serpentine Slides, Barracuda Blaster, and Shotgun Falls.
Additionally, the park offers private cabanas and a new Board Head Bar, where visitors can enjoy beer, wine, and snacks.
Amenities at the park include lockers for storing belongings, available for $18, and ample parking for $6.
Ticket prices vary by age, averaging around $60, with discounts available for online purchases.
NorCal summers can get hot, even in the Bay Area. Consider renting a cabana for the day so you and your family can have some respite from the sun.
There are four types of cabanas located in various areas of the park. Rent one near the attractions you want to enjoy.
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Raging Waters had been a popular destination at Lake Cunningham Park for nearly 40 years when the operator unexpectedly announced last September it was ending its lease a year early.
In February, the city council approved California Dreamin’ Entertainment to take over the city-owned water park on a short-term basis through September 2025, with options for extensions to allow time to find a long-term operator. The park officially reopened as CaliBunga Waterpark on July 4, 2024.
While some fans of Raging Waters have noted that CaliBunga retains many features of the old park, with updated rides and new food options, the response so far has been mixed.
Many reviewers have enjoyed their visits, appreciating the improvements, while others have voiced criticisms. CaliBunga's management has been responsive to online feedback and is committed to enhancing the visitor experience.
We think it’s worth a visit, especially now that some time has passed since its opening, giving the park a chance to smooth out any initial kinks.
Raging Waters was a blast for so many NorCal kids and their families, and it’s likely that CaliBunga will become the place where new summertime memories are made as well.
Do you live near this Northern California waterpark? Lucky you! If not, plan a road trip to San Jose to spend a day enjoying the wave pool and water slides at CaliBunga Waterpark. Tell us, when was the last time you went to a waterpark?
Built on a man-made lake, this water park in Northern California is a hidden gem! Bring the whole family to Velocity Island Park in Woodland! Kids can play on the floating playground, older kids and adults can wakeboard or play volleyball, or you can just relax on a beach chair under a grass umbrella.
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The water park is open for the season, with pricing at $15 per person on weekdays and $20 on weekends for a 50-minute session. While entry to the park is free if you’re not participating in the attractions, visitors are encouraged to try the various activities offered.
Hidden away in Woodland, just 15 miles northwest of Sacramento, lies a water park unlike any other—Velocity Island Park.
This Northern California gem offers a unique summer experience perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking to escape the heat.
Velocity Island Park is known for its wakeboarding park, which caters to all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. The park’s polished and professional setup makes it a top destination for wakeboarding enthusiasts.
Cables pull riders around the lake, offering a thrilling experience complete with various obstacles perfect for stunts and tricks. For those new to the sport, lessons are available.
But wakeboarding is just the beginning. The park is also home to the "Pirate Cove" aqua park, a massive floating playground on the water.
This 30,000-square-foot obstacle course is a summer dream come true.
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The aqua park features a variety of attractions, including slides, jumping pillows, trampolines, swings, and challenge tracks—all connected by floating walkways.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, you’ll find endless enjoyment in bouncing, sliding, and splashing around.
The aqua park caters to all ages, with smaller structures for younger children and more intense obstacles for the thrill-seekers.
To participate in the aqua park, guests must be at least six years old.
The park’s setup is designed for comfort and convenience. Visitors can relax on beach chairs or set up tents and umbrellas in designated areas (10x10 tents are allowed for a fee).
Shaded structures and sandy beach areas provide the perfect spot to unwind after a session on the playground. And when hunger strikes, the on-site restaurant offers delicious bites to satisfy any appetite.
Even though the lake is artificial, the park maintains a healthy ecosystem, using human and animal-safe aquatic products to control unwanted organisms like algae. The presence of mosquitofish helps reduce mosquito larvae, making the environment pleasant for visitors.
This water park in Northern California provides life jackets for all participants in the Aqua Park and Wakeboard Park sessions. However, personal items such as large rafts, alcohol, pets, and outside food (except water in a reusable bottle) are prohibited.
With its thrilling water sports, family-friendly atmosphere, and sunny location, Velocity Island Park is a must-visit destination this summer. Whether you're wakeboarding, exploring the floating playground, or simply soaking up the sun, this water park promises an unforgettable experience for all. Don’t miss out on this epic outdoor adventure—plan your visit today!