tour by a local

18 Best Websites & Apps to Find Local Tour Guides

If you are looking at this page you are probably looking for recommendations on where to find local tour guides . There are many websites and apps where you can book local tour guides and can sometimes be difficult to find. To save you some time, we have curated a list of websites in order to help you find the best local tour guides who will surely give you an enriching experience.

Websites to Find Local Tour Guides – Worldwide

For an even more convenient way to find local tour guides and compare their deals, check out TourScanner !

• Find local tour guides

Don’t hesitate to comment below if you wish to recommend other websites for local tour guides. Wishing you an excellent time and travel safe!! 🙂

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD.

Unique travel experiences by expert creators, tailored by you.

Trending experiences

City Unscripted experiences

Uniqueness guaranteed

Our experiences are built by approved, authentic creators. To ensure quality, they must have been to the location and have experienced it themselves. All experiences can be tailored to your personal preference.

Operational excellence

All our experiences are delivered by an expert, friendly host and can be tailored by you. Relax in the knowledge we've operated thousands of experiences worldwide and maintain an average review score of 4.7* out of 5.

Book safe, travel happy

All bookings are made securely. We know unexpected things happen, so we've made it that most bookings can be amended or canceled for a full refund up until 7 days before the experience (terms apply).

Plan a better trip with help from the locals

Travel Consultations over Zoom with in-destination Local Experts

Why plan with a local?

Save time & plan smarter

Tired of scrolling through blog posts and travel forums? Our experts have done the research for you

Perfect your itinerary with an expert

No pre-written itineraries or generic advice. Your local expert focuses only on your travel style and interests

Receive honest info from locals

No more biased reviews, no travel influencers, and no BS. Just honest info from actual locals

Modern travel planning for independent travelers

When you want the inside scoop on a new country or region, who better to ask than the locals themselves?

Hop on Zoom for an hour with one of our in-destination Local Experts and tap into decades of local travel planning expertise!

If you’re the type of traveler who wants to get away from the crowds and go far beyond the highlights, you’re in the right place .

Go Ask A Local travel consultations are the DIY solution for travelers who want to plan on their own, but could use a little expert help.

How it works

Connect with a Local Expert in your destination and get immediate answers to all your travel questions

Featured Destinations

All destinations: Peru , England , France , Georgia , Chile , Greece , New Zealand , Iceland , Slovenia , Italy , Germany , Hungary , Argentina , Ireland , Croatia , Bolivia , Albania , Costa Rica , Dominican Republic , Guatemal a, Mexico , Egypt , Kenya , Malta , Montenegro , Portugal , Brazil , Morocco , Colombia , Serbia , Slovakia , Dubai , India , Belgium , Mongolia , Nepal , Sri Lanka , Turkey , Spain , Turkey

Meet our Local Experts

Ever wished your guidebook could talk? Now it can!

Our local experts are veteran tour guides, travel agents, and trip planners who are based in their region and know it as only a local can.

Travel guides written by actual locals

Check out our blog for itineraries, guides, and the best pro tips from local experts!

• 1 800 970 7299
• Live Chat (Online) Live Chat (Offline)
• My Wishlist
• Find a Trip

Your browser 'Internet Explorer' is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site.

USA Local Tours Packages

• Ways to travel
• Local Tours

It’s time for a great American adventure. From the West Coast to the East Coast. Miles of adventures. Right here, right now!

Who says travel has to mean a long-haul flight to a faraway place? Not us! And we have a bunch of brand-new USA tours so you can explore it all — the deserts, the beaches, the mountains, the forests, the parks, the wildlife, the cities, the people, and the total sea-to-shining-sea awesomeness that is your own backyard — the Intrepid way.

Explore new trips in the USA

Every Intrepid small group tour has been carefully designed to make sure you have an unforgettable grassroots travel experience, with ultimate itineraries, perfectly sized groups, legendary local leaders and plenty of authentic real life experiences.

Western USA National Parks Loop

5 days from 1605.

Set off on a five-day adventure through some of the USA’s most epic scenery, including...

Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans

7 days from 2795.

Walk in famous footsteps on a 7-day musical journey from Nashville to Memphis and New...

Best of Alaska

10 days from 5430.

Explore the rugged landscape of icy Alaska. From Anchorage, circle the Kenai Peninsula...

View all USA & Canada trips

Popular local destinations 

New Orleans

Los Angeles

San Juan Islands

Kenai Peninsula

Grand Canyon

Yellowstone National Park

Yosemite National Park

Zion National Park

Denali National Park

$99 deposits

Lock in a trip for only a $99 deposit.

Flexible bookings

Our new flexible booking policy and safety guidelines will inspire you to book and travel with confidence, now and into the future.

Responsible travel

The leader in responsible, ethical small group adventures since 1989. 

Explore epic national parks of the US

Yellowstone and grand tetons adventure, 6 days from 3035.

Take a discovery tour of Wyoming’s highlights, with plenty of wildlife-spotting and...

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

5 days from 2276.

Follow your feet on this 5-day walking tour that shows off the very best of Yosemite...

Hiking in Denali National Park

6 days from 3070.

Hike Denali National Park in Alaska and see North America’s second-tallest peak, Denali...

Real San Francisco to LA

13 days from 2499.

Take an adventure through California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada past Joshua Tree, Grand...

Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday

6 days from 3653.

Take the family on a 6-day adventure in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks....

LA to Vegas: Grand National Parks

10 days from 3906.

From the famed LA streets to the glitz of the Vegas strip, travel through the hush of...

Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

5 days from 1390.

Explore the Sierra Nevada Range on a 5-day small group hiking tour which includes...

Utah Parks Circuit

8 days from 2390.

Explore rugged Utah on this eight-day adventure. Hit Zion National Park, Monument...

Utah, Nevada & California

14 days from 3615.

Beginning in Las Vegas, see Zion, Moab and Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite, the...

View all US national park trips

Local walking & trekking trips

Hiking in sedona and the grand canyon, 4 days from 2620.

Discover the very best of Northern Arizona on this 4-day hiking adventure through...

Hiking Utah's National Parks

9 days from 3167.

Explore Las Vegas, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef, Arches National Park, Zion...

Hiking in the Grand Canyon: North & South Rims

5 days from 3110.

Discover the magnificence of the Grand Canyon on a 5-day walking adventure, exploring...

Hiking Washington's Olympic National Park

3 days from 2155.

Experience the very best of the Olympic Peninsula with a perfect balance of challenge...

Winter Hiking and Backpacking in Grand Canyon: Rim to Rim

6 days from 2235.

Escape the crowds, see incredible views, sleep under the stars, check out waterfalls...

Hike Vermont: Fall Foliage

5 days from 3285.

Hike through the vibrant colours of Vermont’s changing seasons on this trip exploring...

Hike New Hampshire's Appalachian Trail and Presidential Peaks

4 days from 1895.

Spend an incredible 4 days hiking the highest mountains in New Hampshire, the...

Hiking and Camping in Zion

3 days from 1560.

Experience Utah’s most famous national park as a standalone canyon country experience...

Hiking and Backpacking in Yellowstone

4 days from 1605.

See the best of Yellowstone on an Intrepid small group hiking and camping adventure...

Hiking and Camping in Joshua Tree

4 days from 1775.

Experience Joshua Tree’s surreal landscapes, cool oases, and famous Joshua Trees on a 4...

Hiking and Camping in Yellowstone

5 days from 2230.

See the best of this iconic national park on five spectacularly diverse, hand-picked...

Hiking and Backpacking Yellowstone's Bechler River Traverse

5 days from 2045.

Avoid the crowds and see the best of Southern Yellowstone National Park’s backcountry...

Hiking and Camping in Utah

6 days from 2360.

Experience Utah’s most famous national park destinations and see the best of Zion,...

Hiking and Backpacking North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains

3 days from 1070.

Discover great trails, incredible views, spectacular summits and more on a small group...

Hiking and Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

5 days from 2090.

Set up camp on the edges of Rocky Mountain National Park and hike past highlights like...

Hiking and Backpacking Utah's Coyote Gulch

4 days from 1740.

Take a hiking trip through Utah’s Coyote Gulch in the United States and trek past...

Hiking in Yellowstone

5 days from 3830.

Enjoy the luxuries of a lodge and rustic dining each evening in different locations...

Hiking the Best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

5 days from 3435.

Hike through the highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a walk...

Hiking the Best of Yellowstone and Grand Tetons

5 days from 4125.

Looking for a hiking trip in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in...

Hiking Sedona's Red Rock Country

Discover the best of Sedona’s red rock country on this 4-day hiking adventure that...

Hiking the Best of Moab: Arches and Canyonlands

5 days from 3480.

Hike through the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Moab, Utah, exploring valleys...

Hiking the Best of the Grand Canyon

3 days from 1845.

Discover the very best of the Grand Canyon on this 3-day hiking adventure through Grand...

View all walking & trekking trips

Local family adventures

Western usa family holiday, 8 days from 3178.

Discover Western USA’s iconic landscape with the family on the 8-day adventure through...

View all family adventure trips

Tours by state

South Dakota

Popular tour routes.

We have a range of tours that incorporate different routes such as Los Angeles to San Francisco  or New York to New Orleans . Regardless of which way you prefer to travel, we’ll immerse you in the region’s rich cultural history and give you an unforgettable Aussie experience.

Los Angeles to San Francisco

New York to New Orleans

New Orleans to Atlanta

United states highlights.

Explore your favorite cities

If there’s one thing the USA does really well, it's bustling cities full of more culture and excitement than you’ll know what to do with. From the southern charm and jazz-infused personality of New Orleans to the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas , the cities of the United States know how to turn your epic adventure up a notch. All you have to do is walk through the streets of Salt Lake City or take in the beauty of Anchorage to make memories that’ll last you a lifetime.

Take a trip to the coast

There’s nothing like relaxing on a sun-drenched beach or admiring the rolling waves from your porch, and the USA is home to some of the best cities for doing exactly that. Whether you want to absorb the laidback lifestyle in Los Angeles  or rug up on Portland's breathtaking coastline, a beach escape might just be the thing you need to refresh and recharge. From Maine on the east to California on the west, there are heaps of places to excite your inner adventurer.

Hike through a national park

Lace up your boots and get ready for the USA’s national parks to take your breath away. Whether you fancy hiking in  Yellowstone National Park or prefer the uniquely shaped rock formations in Yosemite , there’s a national park for everyone. From staggeringly tall sandstone cliffs in Zion National Park to the lush and expansive scenery of Denali National Park , one trip is never enough to experience the natural beauty these parks have to offer.

Get active in Alaska

If you love getting the blood pumping and being surrounded by Mother Nature, Alaska ticks all the boxes for your next active adventure. From spotting otters and leaping salmon as you kayak through the pristine waters of Resurrection Bay to walking across ancient ice sheets on the huge  Matanuska Glacier with a glacier expert, get ready to experience the untamed beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

United States tour reviews

United states faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join a trip in the united states.

Everyone traveling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travelers are required to produce: 

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
• If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

How can I get to California?

Getting to California is relatively easy as there are a variety of options available including flying, driving, and taking public transport. You can fly into both big airports, such as LAX (Los Angeles), or small airports like Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) depending on which part of California you're traveling in. You can also drive to California if you're from a neighboring state (or want to go on an epic road trip) or you can take a bus or a train with several routes to all the popular destinations. 

Read more about getting to California

How do you get around Los Angeles?

Driving is the most time-efficient and popular way of getting around Los Angeles due to the city's size. While there is public transportation in the form of a bus network and the local metro, it's sometimes unreliable and can be quite time-consuming. Los Angeles is known for its crazy traffic situations, especially during peak periods of the day, so make sure you give yourself enough time to get around. 

Read more about getting around Los Angeles

How far is Utah from California?

The time it takes to travel from California to Utah depends on how you're traveling and where in California you're traveling from. Flying is by far the quickest way to travel to Utah with a flight between LAX and SLC (Salt Lake City Airport) taking just under 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive between the two states for an epic road trip that's 12 hours long. If you were to take public transport between the two states it would be longer still but is a relatively cheap option. 

Click to read more about how far Utah is from California

Does it snow in Salt Lake City?

Yes, it does snow during winter in Salt Lake City. Snow is expected to fall between November and March but it's not unheard of to experience snowfall as early as October or as late as April. Salt Lake City is a great place to participate in winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and bobsledding, with neighboring mountains close to the city itself. 

Read more about snow in Salt Lake City

What's the weather like in New Orleans?

Due to New Orleans' geographical location, the weather can vary significantly during the year. Being near large bodies of water, such as the Mississippi River, the weather in New Orleans is often wet in the colder months and humid in spring and summer. There are lots of sunny days during June, July, and August with the average temperature being a warm 78°F. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable at times so make sure you're checking weather forecasts before you travel so you're prepared for what to expect. 

Read more about the weather in New Orleans

What should I pack for Yellowstone National Park?

You'll want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible while walking the many amazing hikes and trails in Yellowstone National Park so packing clothes, including hiking boots and socks, that you're familiar with is a must. Regardless of the season you're traveling in, the weather can be quite cold at nighttime so ensure you're packing a heavier jacket or coat to keep you warm. You should also pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and other items that will protect you from the sun during the day. 

Read more about what to pack for Yellowstone

What's the best time to visit Denali National Park?

It's hard to pinpoint the best time to visit Denali National Park as the landscapes are beautiful all year round. When to visit Denali largely depends on what kind of vacation you're looking for. If you really want to see snow on the surrounding mountains and explore the ultimate winter wonderland then winter would be the best time to go, however, spring and summer see the flowers and vegetation bloom in an array of colors.

Learn about the best time to visit Denali National Park

What are some of the best things to do in Zion National Park?

There are heaps of fun and exciting things to do in Zion National Park, so much so, that you could spend days there and still not see it all. Promising a uniquely unforgettable experience, Zion National Park is full of expansive landscapes just waiting to be explored. Some of the activities you can participate in include cycling, hiking, river tubing, and rock climbing. You can also camp at the park and do a little stargazing to make the most of your time in the great outdoors. 

Learn about the best things to do in Zion National Park

United States tour departures by month

Read more about the United States

Jan 24, 2022

5 of the best colorado vacation....

Colorado is as diverse as it is spectacular with mountains, pristine lakes, alpine...

Dec 05, 2019

Vegan vegetarian food intolerances....

Two vegans, one vegetarian, one lactose intolerant and one gluten intolerant...

Apr 18, 2022

9 things i wish i’d known before....

1. Death Valley is big It’s obvious if you look at a map, but I didn’t really...

Jun 28, 2022

Off the beaten path: how to explore....

Joining forces with legendary backcountry trekking group, Wildland, Intrepid has...

Jul 12, 2023

The top 10 destinations to travel in....

From the iconic Incan ruins of Peru to the rolling Saharan dunes of Morocco, here...

Apr 18, 2019

How to make the most of 24 hours in....

Atlanta, Georgia, is the birthplace of the civil rights movement, Coca-Cola and…...

Jan 01, 2023

9 ways to get to know a place through....

Sometimes the best way to really get to know a place is by getting out into nature...

Aug 16, 2023

5 ways to experience indigenous....

Want to immerse yourself in North America's indigenous culture and learn something...

Feb 24, 2023

Navigating history, culture and power....

Intrepid traveller Anela Malik raises important questions about Black history and...

Sep 26, 2022

Meet the chef behind new orleans’....

Chef Dee Lavigne learned to cook at the age of seven. After a brief career in...

May 11, 2021

Into the wild: top 10 national parks....

From deserts, canyons and mountains, to alpine forests, lakes, tropical reefs,...

Nov 19, 2017

Ribs, rock ‘n’ roll and raucous times....

Skipping America's Deep South is a big, fat, deep-fried, sugar-coated, bourbon...

Mar 15, 2022

8 new usa experiences that amplify....

Want to learn Cajun cuisine from the only female-owned African American cooking...

Oct 16, 2018

5 of the usa’s best road trips (and....

We take a look five of the United States’ most iconic road trips, with a guide to...

Nov 28, 2019

Southern hospitality is a thing. here....

From Nashville to Savannah and beyond, old school values and charm make the USA's...

Apr 03, 2019

Devouring the deep south: what to eat....

‘What did you eat?’ is what I was asked the most after returning from a road trip...

May 09, 2016

The 15 most beautiful waterfalls in....

What makes the perfect waterfall? Height? Water volume? Sheer volume? We put the...

Nov 09, 2017

6 of the best things about a winter....

These sneaky benefits of visiting California during winter will have you booking a...

Apr 12, 2022

Meet the 25-year-old on a quest to....

While most young people were backpacking through Europe, environmental science...

Feb 20, 2022

7 great things to do in arizona.

If you’re looking for the best Arizona things to do, you’ll discover dramatic...

Apr 10, 2022

What to expect on a wolf tracking....

Find out what to expect on a wolf tracking tour in Yellowstone.

Apr 06, 2016

The call of the wild: our guide to....

Compared to Canada, Alaska’s National Parks are bigger, wilder and more remote (it...

Jun 20, 2017

How to watch live music like a local....

Music is everywhere in the Big Easy. But where do the LOCALS go to catch a tune?

Jun 11, 2021

5 fantastic family experiences you....

From digging for dinosaurs to mushing with sled dogs, these summer activities are...

May 14, 2021

5 reasons to do a group tour in....

I thought I knew the United States like the back of my hand - until I did a small...

Dec 08, 2019

Three places you can go to (really)....

Stargazing can make you feel humble and powerful at the same time – don’t forget,...

Oct 28, 2019

Finding the unfamiliar in america’s....

With several US stamps on my passport, I’d never actually ventured beyond the...

Oct 23, 2018

Why you should channel your inner....

The boots of female hiking pioneers such as Cheryl Strayed are large ones to fill ...

May 07, 2021

Everything you need to know about....

Where to go, what to do, what to pack - and more - all wrapped up in a neat little...

Nov 28, 2017

Coast to coast: 5 unexpected fringe....

Road-tripping across America will reveal cinematic landscapes, bizarre roadside...

Oct 10, 2017

Why i love new york in winter.

New York in winter may be freezing, but it's also festive, atmospheric, and...

Aug 07, 2018

Why now is the best time for a group....

If you’re after something a little more exciting than blobbing at a beach resort...

Dec 03, 2017

San fran to la: exploring california....

Doug Whyte's guide to the towns and cities that pepper the Californian coast, from...

Sep 25, 2018

6 top spots under a 5-hour flight....

Is the West Coast *really* the best coast? It is if you want to get to some truly...

May 06, 2019

7 festival trips that should....

From the weird and wonderful to the religious or spiritual, there’s one thing...

Nov 21, 2016

Where to find the best street art in nyc.

If you’re keen for a self-guided tour of New York City’s public art, here’s where...

• Côte d’Ivoire
• Sierra Leone
• Dominican Republic
• Small Group Tours
• Questions about Our Local Tour
• Financial Protection
• Responsible Travel Policy

Travel Smile Promise

Our local tour, travel local | travel responsible, travel differently with our local tour and explore with our unique and authentic travel experiences., our local tour offers personalised, authentic travel experiences for those seeking to immerse themselves in local cultures. our tours and holidays are carefully crafted to offer a balance of cultural immersion, historical education, and relaxation, ensuring that our clients have an unforgettable journey. speak to a member of our team or send us a message to begin your adventure., explore our holiday destinations, craving adventures that go beyond the guidebook ditch the crowds and delve deeper into the country with our range of tailor-made holidays, private tours, and small group journeys. from bustling cityscapes to hidden island paradises, we curate immersive experiences across a world of diverse cultures. imagine navigating bustling moroccan souks with a local artisan or looking for leopards on a sri lankan safari. picture yourself sailing the crystal-clear waters of the maldives on a whale shark expedition or unravelling ancient secrets along the silk road. whether you seek vibrant fiestas in portugal, wildlife encounters in uganda, or culinary explorations in india, our passionate travel specialists craft unforgettable itineraries that resonate with your spirit. don't just see the world, live it. discover more of the wonderful destinations we offer and join us on an authentic journey you'll never forget.

Discover our range of group and private tours as well as our tailormade holidays in Albania

Discover our range of group and private tours as well as our tailormade holidays in Costa Rica

Discover our range of group and private tours as well as our tailormade holidays in Greece

Discover our range of small group tours with a focus on off the beaten track exploration in Japan.

Discover our range of group and private tours as well as our tailormade holidays in Ghana

Choosing the perfect travel destination

Tempted by these destinations, but dreaming of something different? Don't worry, this is just a taste of the incredible adventures awaiting! Click the button below to explore our full range of holidays and tours. We offer tailor-made itineraries, private journeys, and intimate group experiences across a vast array of countries, so you can craft the perfect getaway that speaks to your unique wanderlust. So, dive deeper, discover hidden gems, and embark on an unforgettable journey you won't find anywhere else!

Whatever your style of travel, here at Our Local Tour we will have something to suit. Choose from our range of escorted small group and private escorted tours, led by locally based professionals, or go for our tailormade holidays, designed to perfection by a local travel expert.

SMALL GROUP TOURS

Our selection of set date, escorted SMALL GROUP TOURS are very popular. Travel with like minded people on an authentic travel experience. A great way to explore and learn more about our world.

TAILORMADE HOLIDAYS

Your own private holiday. DESIGNED BY LOCAL TRAVEL EXPERTS Travel when and where you want to get a truly unique holiday. Be in control and set your own budgets and timescales!

PRIVATE ESCORTED TOURS

Our local travel experts can design unique and authentic PRIVATE ESCORTED TOURS . From safaris to winter wonderlands, meeting local tribes or learning to cook with locals all with your own private guide.

WHY USE OUR LOCAL TOUR?

There are many reasons to book your next trip or holiday with our local tour, here are the most important..., local travel experts.

We only use LOCAL EXPERTS . They are based in the destination, guaranteed to give an authentic travel experience.

Responsible Travel

Travel designed around the principles of RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL and giving back to the communities that we visit.

We’re so confident your holiday will make you smile, we guarantee it. That's our TRAVEL SMILE PROMISE

Financial Security

Our Local Tour offer all travellers 100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION through our Travel Trust Association membership.

Our Latest Travel and Tour Blog Posts

Choosing the Perfect Touring Agency for Your Dream Trip

Beyond the Tourist Trail: Unveiling a Country’s Soul

Keeping Your Tourist Spend Local

Why you should travel local when travelling.

Exploring a destination through a "tour local" approach adds a unique dimension to your travel experience and a deeper understanding to a world journey. When you travel local, you are not just seeing the sights, you are also experiencing the culture and people of the place. You are getting to know the local way of life and learning about the things that make the destination special.

Rather than just skimming the surface of well-known attractions, opting to travel local opens up a world of authentic encounters and hidden gems. Local tours take you off the beaten path and show you the parts of the destination that most tourists never see. You might visit a local market, learn how to cook a traditional dish, or meet some of the locals.

Local tours immerse you in the heart of a place, allowing you to discover the culture, traditions, and flavours that make it distinct. When you take a tour with a local, you are not just seeing the tourist attractions, you are also getting to know the people who live there. You are learning about their culture, their traditions, and their way of life. You are also getting to taste the local cuisine and experience the local flavours.

From strolling through quaint neighbourhood markets to savouring street food beloved by locals, these tours offer an insider's perspective that guidebooks often miss. Local guides have a wealth of knowledge about the destination that they can share with you. They can tell you about the history of the place, the local customs, and the best places to eat and shop. They can also help you to avoid tourist traps and get the most out of your trip.

When you travel local you are also supporting the community by directly contributing to the livelihoods of local guides and businesses, fostering a sustainable and responsible form of tourism. When you choose to tour local, you are not just having a great time, you are also helping to support the local economy. You are putting money directly into the pockets of local people and businesses, which helps to create jobs and boost the local economy.

Whether you're wandering through the vibrant streets of Bangkok, meandering along the historic lanes of Rome, or navigating the bustling markets of Marrakech, this approach ensures that you connect with the soul of a destination.

No matter where you go on your world journey, a travel local approach is the best way to get to know a destination and connect with its people. So, next time you're planning a trip, be sure to embrace the Our Local Tour mindset and have an authentic travel experience.

Outdoors | Virginia Aquarium launches new boat tour

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

e-Pilot Evening Edition

• Virginia Tech
• Other Colleges
• Sports columnists

Things To Do

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is adding a new boat tour experience starting on April 20, called Owls Creek Marsh Cruise.

Search for osprey, eagles, herons and other wildlife during this 45-minute creek cruise for ages 6 and up on the Atlantic Scout.

Join aquarium educators and the boat captain on a slow cruise to explore the native habitat and fauna that make Owls Creek and Lake Rudee among Virginia Beach’s most valuable natural resources.

Tickets are $19.95 and on sale now. The nature tours will continue through May 31 when dolphin tours begin for the season.

Tickets can be purchased on www.virginiaaquarium.com .

More in Outdoors

Local News | Senior games return to Chesapeake in April

Things To Do | What a trip: a paradise for birds in Costa Rica

Things To Do | Fundraiser will benefit 8-year-old struck by bullet in Virginia Beach

Outdoors | She’ll race in the Shamrock 8K, but this 9/11 responder battling breast cancer will get help from 18 family members

Trending nationally.

• What you need to know about next week’s total solar eclipse
• What lies below: Pipeline beneath Key Bridge wreckage complicates an already complex cleanup
• Do they still make pinball machines? They do, in a huge new factory near O’Hare — with most selling to the 1 percent
• 2024’s ‘extremely active’ hurricane season could bring 23 named storms, experts say
• 99 Cents Only to close all 371 of its stores

Entertainment

• Newsletters

WEATHER ALERT

A rip current statement in effect for Coastal Broward and Coastal Miami Dade Regions

Inside missy elliott's first headlining tour, with busta rhymes, ciara and timbaland.

Maria Sherman

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – At a 24,000-square-foot studio near downtown Los Angeles, Missy Elliott , Busta Rhymes and Ciara are preparing to film the video announcement for a tour no one saw coming.

This summer, the trio — along with legendary producer Timbaland — will hit the road for Elliott's first headlining arena tour, appropriately titled “Out of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience.”

Recommended Videos

“Listen, I didn't realize I never had my own tour,” says a smiling Elliott, holding her tiny Yorkie, named Fendi, dressed in Gucci. “The last real tour that I went on — like, consistent days — was with Beyoncé and Alicia (Keys).”

That was in 2004.

Call it long overdue, but the timing is ideal. Over the last few years, Elliott — the forward-seeking artist — has been recognized for her talents as a musician, producer, songwriter and beyond .

In 2019, she became the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. In 2021, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2022, her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, named a boulevard after her. Last year, she became the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“Getting those accolades, I feel like I've finally made it,” Elliott says. “It feels amazing. I feel so blessed.”

“What we’re seeing now is kind of the rest of the world catching up,” says Mona Scott-Young, Elliott's longtime manager and co-producer of the tour. “She’s always been ahead.”

In his green room, Busta Rhymes tells the AP that a tour had never come up in conversation across his decades of friendship and collaboration with Elliott. (He’s the intro and outro voice on her canonical debut album, 1997’s “Supa Dupa Fly." They’ve long since been inseparable.)

“She doesn’t really tour and she doesn’t perform often. I just kind of understood my sister — the unspoken thing,” he says. “You knew that if she decided to do this, go to the place where she was actually ready to tour, the s--- was going to be crazy because one thing Missy never did was play with her production. And you saw that in everything she did, from her shows to her videos.”

He continued: “Missy will turn down $10 million to do a show. … She’s super in control of her destiny in that way, and without compromise, is what made her super incredibly great. You can’t do nothing but love her for that. She’s a true artist in the purest form of the word.”

And make no mistake, this isn’t a nostalgia tour.

“We are in the best spaces in our lives, individually and collectively, we’re at the most experienced spaces in our lives,” Rhymes says. “We’re no longer Daniel-san. We’re now all Mr. Miyagi senseis. You know what I’m saying? We’re all at our perfection levels of what we’ve been doing and building together as a collective family for 30 years.”

Elliott echoed the sentiment.

“The lineup feels something special," says Elliott. “It's family. It's not put together.”

On set, the trio are styled by longtime collaborator June Ambrose — all-black looks, like if the Avengers were impeccably dressed and made up of R&B and hip-hop legends. They take photos as a group and individually.

After her solo photo shoot, Ciara starts to tear up.

“When I was a little girl, a little artist coming up, and you would ask me, ‘Who inspires you?’ I would infuse a combination of people: Michael Jackson and Prince and I would say Missy Elliott. She’s one of the best performers of all time,” she said.

“She means a lot to me as an artist but also as a person, as a sister. She’s always someone I can call for the truth, and she’s got to keep it real with me. She’s someone I can call and cry to if I need to.”

But ask her if there will be any on-stage collaborations — Elliott wrote and was featured on Ciara's huge hit “1, 2 Step”; Ciara's on Elliott's “Lose Control” — she laughs. “Missy's very particular. I don't want to ruin any surprises,” she says. “I think from beginning to end, people will be on their feet. All of us have a lot of energetic records."

“Somebody's gonna die!" Rhymes jokes.

“And come back to life," Ciara cuts in.

“Let's keep it positive,” Rhymes laughs. “Someone is gonna die and come back to life.”

Later, Elliott offers a hint at what fans can expect from the show. “It's an experience, it's not just you seeing the artist on the stage,” she says. "I want people to travel to those moments, those (music) videos , I want you to relive it on stage. It is most definitely a lot of good, good stuff. Expensive stuff!”

The “Out of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience” kicks off in Vancouver, British Columbia, on July 4 at Rogers Arena and concludes in Rosemont, Illinois, at Allstate Arena on Aug. 22.

It will hit Seattle; Oakland, California; Los Angeles; Las Vegas; Denver; Austin, Texas; Houston; Fort Worth, Texas; Tampa, Florida; Sunrise, Florida; Atlanta; Baltimore; Hampton, Virginia; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Newark, New Jersey; Boston; Brooklyn, New York; Detroit; Montreal and Toronto.

The tour is produced by Young's Monami Entertainment and Live Nation. Presale begins tomorrow , and tickets will become available to the general public on Friday.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

People from around the world arrive in Dallas ahead of total eclipse

Local 10 news @ 6am : apr 08, 2024, tourists take a chance in dallas despite cloudy forecast, local 10 news @ 5am : apr 08, 2024, local 10 news @ 4:30am : apr 08, 2024.

Get Presale Tickets to HEART’s 30 New Royal Flush Tour 2024 Dates

Presale for SiriusXM listeners begins April 4 at 10am local time.

Get ready to rock with HEART as they’ve added new dates to their Royal Flush Tour 2024 — and SiriusXM listeners get special access to presale tickets.

HEART is extending their highly-anticipated return to the road after a five-year hiatus with 30 additional dates across North America this fall, including brand-new stops in San Francisco, Kansas City, Houston, Calgary, Vancouver, and more. The band returns to the road starting April 20 in Greenville, SC, touring Europe this June and July, before returning to the States to join forces with Def Leppard and Journey for three epic stadium shows in Cleveland, Toronto and Boston this summer. The tour concludes in Las Vegas on December 15.

HEART will be joined by iconic mega bands Cheap Trick, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) featuring Randy Bachman on the Royal Flush Tour 2024 for select dates.

The band will also be on “The Howard Stern Show,” airing live on April 10 at 9am ET.

HEART Royal Flush Tour 2024

How to get presale tickets.

Presale for SiriusXM listeners begins April 4 at 10am local time using code SIRIUSXM  at Heart-Music.com .

Tickets go on sale to the general public April 5 at 10am local time.

With Cheap Trick unless otherwise noted *Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening **With BTO featuring Randy Bachman

New Dates: Sept 26 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center Sept 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena Sept 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center Oct 2 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena Oct 4 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center Oct 5 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center* Oct 8 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center Oct 10 – Austin, TX – Moody Center Oct 12 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena Oct 14 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena Oct 16 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum Oct 17 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum Oct 19 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena Oct 21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden Nov 13 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at BJCC* Nov 14 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum* Nov 16 – Wichita, KS – Intrust Bank Arena* Nov 19 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena* Nov 21 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena at The MARK* Nov 22 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center* Nov 24 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre** Nov 27 – Saskatoon, SK – Sasktel Centre** Nov 29 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place** Nov 30 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome** Dec 3 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum Dec 5 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena Dec 7 – Boise, ID – Extra Mile Arena Dec 9 – Sacramento, CA – Golden1 Center Dec 12 – Bakersfield, CA – Mechanics Bank Arena (special guest TBA) Dec 13 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena Dec 15 – Las Vegas, NV – Fontainebleau Las Vegas (An Evening With)

Previously Announced Dates: Apr 20 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena Apr 22 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena Apr 25 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live (in Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood) (Non-AEG event) Apr 26 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena April 28 – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival May 1 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center May 3 – Thackerville, OK – Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort (Non-AEG event) May 4 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center May 7 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse May 10 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena May 11 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center May 13 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena May 15 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center May 17 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena May 18 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center May 21 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena May 23 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena May 24 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live Jul 30 – Cleveland, OH – Progressive Field (with Def Leppard & Journey) Aug 1 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre Aug 2 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre (with Def Leppard & Journey) Aug 5 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park (with Def Leppard & Journey) Aug 7 – Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre Aug 8 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre Aug 10 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena Aug 11 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center Aug 13 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center Aug 15 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum Aug 16 – Hinckley, MN – Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater (Non-AEG event) Aug 18 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena Aug 21 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena Aug 23 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum Aug 24 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson Boling Arena at Food City Center Aug 27 – Norfolk, VA – Scope Arena Aug 28 – Allentown, PA – The Great Allentown Fair (Non-AEG event) Sept 17 – Portland, OR – Moda Center Sept 20 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center Sept 22 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (An Evening With – SOLD OUT)

About HEART

With a career spanning nearly five decades, the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees have sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, with 20 Top 40 singles to their name.

HEART will be performing their catalog of global chart-topping classic hits including “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You,” and “These Dreams.”

The current lineup of HEART features Nancy Wilson (rhythm, lead and acoustic guitar, backing and lead vocals), Ann Wilson (lead vocals and flute), Ryan Wariner (lead and rhythm guitar), Ryan Waters (guitars), Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards and backing vocals), Tony Lucido (bass and backing vocals), and Sean T Lane (drums and bike).

The Black Crowes Are Back on ‘The Howard Stern Show’: Stream

Bruce springsteen calls into e street radio to discuss 2024 world tour, listen to u2’s final sphere concert on their siriusxm channel, listen now to the top 10 female rockers special on classic rewind, music, sports, news and more.

All in one place on the SiriusXM app

Tour de Houston bicyclists urge for long-term measures to improve rider safety on city's roads

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Thousands of bicyclists took off from downtown Houston Sunday morning for the 17th annual Tour de Houston , a ride that travels through some of the city's most scenic areas.

Participants were in good spirits as they were greeted with beautiful weather at the starting line on Avenida de las Americas, right next to Discovery Green. Mayor John Whitmire joined Apache Corporation, the event's sponsor, to send off each of the three groups, riding in the 20, 40, and 60-mile routes.

The ride almost didn't take place this year.

Back in January, the Mayor's Office of Special Events preliminarily canceled the 2024 event due to a lack of funding. Whitmire said this was done without his consultation and when he found out, he explored other options to keep the event going.

The longest route takes participants through Houston's historic neighborhoods, vibrant districts, and parks before going all the way down to Clear Lake Park in Seabrook. The intersections along the way were not closed, but manned by traffic officers.

READ MORE: Houston cyclists plead next mayor for more bike lanes: 'We're demanding safety improvements'

While the event allowed bicyclists to ride safely on Houston's roads on Sunday, some riders shared with ABC13 some of the long-term measures they'd like to see to make the city more bike-friendly.

"If they could connect the bike trails together to make even long trails, that would be the best thing the City of Houston could do to improve biking in the city, in my opinion. Connect the widest trails, like White Oak and Spring Creek. Those kinds of mega trails," Ulises Martin said.

"A clearly marked lane for bikes. We do know that we have to share with cars because the City of Houston is so car-oriented. Make a better effort of campaigning to let motorists know to be aware of cyclists," Phi Nguyen said.

Data obtained by ABC13 shows 13 cyclists died in accidents in Harris County in 2023. ABC13 asked the mayor where city officials stand on the issue of bicyclist safety.

"We're growing at a rapid rate. Our general mobility is very important. We've done great things along Allen Parkway. We need to make sure that there's a safe passage in Memorial Park. So there's a lot of things we still have to do," Whitmire said.

Meanwhile, organizers said proceeds from Tour de Houston will go towards the city's RE-Plant Houston Program, which helps plant thousands of trees and reforest parks and greenspaces.

For more on this story, follow Rosie Nguyen on Facebook , X and Instagram .

Related Topics

• COMMUNITY & EVENTS
• ROAD SAFETY

Legendary ABC13 anchor Art Rascon finishes Ironman with broken wrists

Friendswood first grader crushing the BMX scene

Houston cycles out new Buffalo Bayou bike path for East End connection

Texas MS 150 bike ride canceled due to weather

Top stories.

Severe storms likely in Texas after solar eclipse

• 2 hours ago

Everything to know about Monday's total solar eclipse

Houston students travel to Dallas area to see eclipse for senior trip

• 40 minutes ago

Alleged driver charged after man dies from being hit with his own car

LIVE TODAY Watch ABC, Nat Geo's 'Eclipse Across America' special

Houston-bound flight lands back in Denver after engine cover flies off

Man wanted for shooting girlfriend's ex after dispute, HPD says

You'll have to wait until 2078 for path of totality to return to Texas

Animal rescue icon Lee Asher, of Asher House, returns to Florida. See locations of his tour

The appearances are of lee asher's "unlock your super power" tour. his talks will take place right after the memorial day weekend..

Animal rescue icon Lee Asher will return to Florida in May for three speaking engagements.

Asher, who was born in New York but raised in South Florida, will speak in Jacksonville, Orlando and Clearwater. The appearances are of Asher's "Unlock your super power" tour. Asher's talks will take place right after the Memorial Day weekend.

"Through compelling stories of overcoming adversity, heartfelt anecdotes about embracing the growth that comes out of tragedy, and a wealth of knowledge about the world of animal rescue , Lee captivates audiences and encourages them to join the movement to be their best self," read a description of the tour on the Asher House Facebook page.

Asher spoke in Boca Raton at Lynn University in November.

Profile story on Lee Asher: How animal rescue star lives his best pack life, and why he eyes Florida sanctuary

Where will Lee Asher be speaking in Florida in May?

The three events are:

• Wednesday, May 29, at 8 p.m.: Florida Theater at 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Ticket prices range from $36 to $101.
• Thursday, May 30 at 8 p.m.: Hard Rock Live Orlando at 650 Universal Blvd. at CityWalk. Tickets range from $42 to $186.
• Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m.: Ruth Eckerd Hall at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets are $49 and $69.

Want to adopt a shelter do? Animal rescue icon Lee Asher offers advice, tips for prospective owners

Who is Lee Asher of 'My Pack Life' and what is The Asher House?

Asher, 35, starred in a 2022 reality TV series called "My Pack Life."

Today, Asher cares for an estimated 200 dogs, cats, horses, llamas and other animals at three privately run Asher House sanctuaries in Oregon.

He shares the stories of the animals he rescues in emotion-packed videos accessed by 6.3 million people on Facebook and 1.6 million followers each on Instagram and TikTok plus 593,000 subscribers on YouTube.

A Florida sanctuary? Animal rescue icon Lee Asher plans to expand his sanctuary concept across the U.S.

How did Lee Asher get into the animal rescue business?

Asher struggled with severe attention deficit disorder as a youth growing up in South Florida.

During a recent appearance at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Asher spoke of desperation "to fit in" and feeling "very different" from his peers whom he watched succeed and thrive. The struggles worsened, and after a serious bullying incident, Asher was forced to change schools.

At about the age of 12, he said, he began visiting a Broward County animal shelter where he found consolation, and kinship, with the dogs and cats in the kennels.

"When I was able to be with the dogs, and they would go from being scared in a corner to tail-wagging and me petting them through the kennel and I could see them happy; seeing them happy just completely took all my pain away," Asher recalled.

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today .

• facebook-rs

Glass Animals Will Embark on ‘Tour of Earth’ With 2024 Live Shows

• By Larisha Paul

Larisha Paul

Later this year, Glass Animals will bring their forthcoming studio album I Love You So F***ing Much on an international tour fittingly titled Glass Animals: Tour of Earth.

The record, which features the newly released single “Creatures in Heaven,” will arrive on July 19, while the tour is scheduled to kick off just under a month later. The band will be joined on the road by Kevin Abstract, Eyedress, Blondshell, and The Big Moon on select dates.

Tour of Earth begins on Aug. 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will close out its North American run on Sept. 22 in Austin, Texas. Glass Animals will make stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Inglewood’s Kia Forum, in addition to performances in Philadelphia, Toronto, Cincinnati, Nashville, Phoenix, Raleigh, and more. The tour also includes two back-to-back shows at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado.

General sale for North America and Europe will begin on Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m. local time via the official Glass Animals website. Presales will begin on Tuesday, April 9.

Little Big Town, Sugarland Announce 2024 'Take Me Home' Tour

Firehouse singer c.j. snare dead at 64, the far right is crawling with eclipse conspiracy theories, 2024 cmt music awards: the complete winners list.

“Life can change dramatically, but sometimes you aren’t able to change as quickly on a personal level. You end up feeling like a spectator,” frontman Dave Bayley shared in a statement. “And then you are asked and expected to be a certain type of person, a different person. But…I wasn’t sure how. It confused me to the point of not knowing who I was or if anything was real.” Eventually, he accepted a simple truth: “Human connection and the love between us is much bigger, more important, and more complex than anything else.”

Editor’s picks

The 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history, every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term, dream theater on emotional mike portnoy reunion, first 40th anniversary tour dates.

• By Kory Grow

Jelly Roll Delivers 'Halfway to Hell' at CMT Awards, Takes Home 'Video of the Year'

• 2024 CMT Awards

Watch Little Big Town, Sugarland Cover Phil Collins' 'Take Me Home' at 2024 CMT Awards

• No Hat Required
• By Joseph Hudak

Dasha Makes CMT Music Awards Debut With 'Austin' Performance

Trisha yearwood debuts 'put it in a song' at cmt awards. it sounds like an instant classic.

• By Ethan Millman

Most Popular

Joaquin phoenix, elliott gould, chloe fineman and more jewish creatives support jonathan glazer's oscars speech in open letter (exclusive), where to stream 'quiet on set: breaking the silence' episode 5 online, barron trump’s super-rare outing with dad donald may show why we never see them together, partynextdoor reveals nsfw 'partynextdoor 4' album cover, you might also like, gwen stefani, billy idol, travis barker back workday’s ‘rock star’ ad return, kelsea ballerini’s cmt awards 2024 looks: red david koma dress, ‘barbie’-inspired cowgirl costume and more, the best medicine balls, according to fitness trainers, original movies, meet the resistance: ‘monkey man’ and ‘the first omen’ underwhelm box office, direct nil payments could be final nail in amateurism’s coffin.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

Fern Street Circus kicks off tour of performances in San Diego neighborhoods this weekend

The spring tour brings together professional circus performers and local San Diego students for performances at parks and recreation centers

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Clowns, jugglers, contortionists and other circus performers are bringing their talents to San Diego this Saturday as the annual Fern Street Circus neighborhood tour kicks off in City Heights.

The free 10-day tour of bilingual performances brings professional circus performers from around the world to perform alongside young San Diego students who have been training in circus acts for the past few months. The public performances will be held at parks and recreation centers across San Diego and feature live music as well as a community health resources fair from Live Well San Diego.

Over three decades, the Fern Street Circus — an initiative of the nonprofit Fern Street Community Arts — has introduced the art of the circus to communities with more limited access to the performing arts. This includes working with schools and after-school programs in City Heights and Imperial Beach. Considered a “social circus,” the circus aims to explore social issues — from immigration to health-care access — through performance.

The spring tour performances are every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., starting this weekend and running through May 5.

This year, the theme of the circus is “Home,” largely inspired by the Fern Street Circus’ move to its first-ever dedicated indoor space, at the former Central Elementary School in City Heights. Until now, the group rehearsed at an outdoor circus pavilion or in shared spaces at city gyms.

“Home” is a feeling of being “accepted, where we can be as big or small as we can be, and it’s a place that we definitely want to return to,” said Catalina Paz, the show’s creator and director and a teaching artist with the circus. Paz, also a performing clown, has been training a group of about a dozen students for the circus for the past three months.

Paz also said that many of the new students in the Fern Street Circus’ programs recently migrated to the U.S., such as two students from Haiti who learned English last year and are now performing in the spring tour.

“[The students] found this circus where they can … get acquainted with the culture and make new friends and learn something new,” Paz said.

She says she’s seen many students transform and open up through the after-school program. Even if students don’t want to pursue performance art, the training gets them ready for real life scenarios, such as public speaking.

The practice of clowning is about amplifying one’s personality, Paz explained, and using physical expression, whether it’s through facial expression or body movements.

It’s less of a verbal art form — the performers don’t say much during the show — so even though Paz and the students don’t always speak the same language, they’re still able to connect and learn together.

Circus acts can also be — simply — a joyful activity, Paz added, especially for migrant children who have potentially already experienced difficulties and challenges at a very young age.

“It’s key because not only are we learning to be clear with our body but we’re learning how to take things with humor,” Paz said.

Along with the student acts, the Fern Street Circus will have a variety of circus performances, such as a tight wire, puppetry, juggling and more. The professional circus performers are coming from around the world, including from Ethiopia, Chile and Mexico.

Before the circus performances start at 2 p.m., attendees can check out Live Well San Diego’s free community health fair starting at 1 p.m., where there will be health screenings, vaccinations and other community resources.

Pre-show concerts from Mariachi Victoria de San Diego will also begin at 1:15 p.m.

Spring neighborhood tour dates

• April 6: Teralta Park, over I-15 freeway, between Orange and Park Avenues
• April 7: Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive
• April 13: Memorial Park, 2975 Ocean View Blvd.
• April 14: Azalea Park, 2596 Violet St.
• April 20: Colina del Sol Park, 5319 Orange Ave.
• April 21: Gompers Park, 4926 Hilltop Drive
• April 27: Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 4455 Wightman St.
• April 28: North Park Recreation Center, 4044 Idaho St.
• May 4: Cesar Chavez Recreation Center, 455 Sycamore Road
• May 5: Park de la Cruz, 3603 38th St.

Get Essential San Diego, weekday mornings

Get top headlines from the Union-Tribune in your inbox weekday mornings, including top news, local, sports, business, entertainment and opinion.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

More from this Author

What flood victims need to know about applying for FEMA financial assistance

April 3, 2024

Hike of the week: Enjoy views of the bay and iconic landmarks on this Cabrillo National Monument trail

April 1, 2024

San Diego Guides

5 easy walks around San Diego County with pretty views

March 27, 2024

Hike of the week: Ghost Mountain is a trip back in time with impressive Anza-Borrego scenery

March 25, 2024

With nowhere else to go, flood victims face anxiety, confusion over county’s hotel program

March 24, 2024

Hike of the week: Find a rushing creek and swimming hole on this Descanso trail

March 18, 2024

More in this section

A Path Forward

Youth-led movement confronts homelessness in San Diego

According to psychologists, the human brain is wired to stereotype, as a way to categorize and process information.

April 7, 2024

Here’s what the new Ocean Beach Pier could look like: City unveils design for potential replacement

The final, preferred design concept to reimagine the nearly 58-year-old icon was presented to the public at a community workshop Saturday in Liberty Station

April 6, 2024

More rocket launches could light up the San Diego sky as SpaceX builds out satellite network

Space X asks the California Coastal Commission to OK as many as 36 launches annually from Vandenberg Space Force Base

‘They’re begging us not to stop’: This nonprofit says it’s run out of money to keep feeding flood victims

The Harvey Family Foundation has been providing meals to about 750 flood victims daily, but with contract talks with the county stalled, it says it will have to stop this weekend

Carlsbad may extend emergencies declared to repair storm damage

Costs continue to rise for work to stabilize hillside threatening homes and to clear creek that drains Route 78

April 5, 2024

North County community news

Encinitas starts budget-setting process for coming fiscal year

First workshop session results in roughly $16 million in requests, ranging from additional visitor center funding to extra pot hole repair work

Local News | Service dogs take Duck Tour through Boston

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Your Tax Dollars
• Massachusetts

Breaking News

Local news | trump backs state rights over abortion, use of ivf for ‘ultimate joy’ of having a child, neads service animals, ambassadors take ride on bus to celebrate partnership.

NEADS World Class Service Dogs celebrated Boston Duck Tours’ philanthropic initiative, ‘Quack-Quack, Give Back!” on Sunday with ambassadors and partners taking a private tour ride through the city.

The two organizations celebrated their 12-year partnership a week after Duck Tours’ 2024 season kicked off with the tour ride for service dogs and their handlers. For pooches too young for the tour, there was and a training course that included basic obedience, good manners and socialization, NEADS officials said.

Cathy Zemaitis, Chief Development and Programs Officer at NEADS lauded Boston Duck Tours for allocating proceeds made throughout the year to support NEADS. Zemaitis said a service dog in training was named Kilroy, in honor of the very first Duck Boat.

Harbor Sweets, based out of Salem, MA, also provided paw-shaped chocolates for those joining the tour, with a portion of proceeds from chocolates sold being donated to NEADS.

“Hosting NEADS Puppy Raisers and the Service Dogs in Training on our Duck Boats is one of our favorite events, and we are thrilled that they will join us for this fun, yet educational trip,” Boston Duck Tours CEO Cindy Brown said in a statement.

More in Local News

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Politics | boston reports $6.35m in unpaid property taxes as mayor wu pushes commercial rate increase.

South Boston community center closed due to clogged drain, heavy rain after recent $31.2M renovation

Proposed Shattuck Hospital redevelopment needs to shrink, council told

Crime & Public Safety | ICE arrests 2 accused of raping Massachusetts girls, 1 wanted for murder

Watch CBS News

Biden in Baltimore announces more federal assistance after bridge collapse

By Kathryn Watson

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 7:54 PM EDT / CBS News

President Biden went to Baltimore Friday as a show of support after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge , announcing additional federal financial support to buoy the city's economy and commerce. 

The president surveyed the devastation from his helicopter, Marine One, Friday afternoon before receiving a briefing from local officials. The bridge fell on March 26 when the Dali, a Singapore-flagged container ship, struck one of the bridge's main supports. Six men who were working on the bridge fell into the Patapsco River below and were killed. Mr. Biden  met with their families Friday.

"I've come here to grieve with you," the president told Baltimore residents near where the bridge stood. 

He announced the first tranche of grants for dislocated workers to help replace jobs affected by the collapse. The federal government will also provide $8 million in grant funds for infrastructure improvements at Sparrows Point, the only port unaffected by the collapse. That will allow the port to receive more ships, the president said. He also urged businesses to keep workers in the area on their payroll. Mr. Biden said the full channel will reopen by the end of May. 

"We're coming back. We're coming back soon," the president promised, adding that the government was "going to move heaven and earth to rebuild this bridge as rapidly as humanly possible."

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, thanked Mr. Biden for his support. 

"We get knocked down, we stand back up, and we dust ourselves off, and we move forward," Moore said, as he stood next to the president. "That is what we do. And the people — and the people of Maryland are grateful to have a full partner in this work like President Biden." 

"President Biden might not be a Marylander by birth, but I tell ya, he's proven what it means to be Maryland tough and Baltimore strong," Moore said. 

At the president's briefing in Baltimore, Brigadier Gen. John Lloyd of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers described the situation as a "mangled mess" below the water. The president was shown a 3D underwater scan of the debris and wreckage. 

Mr. Biden says the federal government should pay for the entire cost of the bridge's reconstruction, which Congress would need to approve. 

It's not yet clear what that will cost, and some Republicans have expressed opposition to having the federal government foot the bill. The Biden administration has approved $60 million in immediate aid to help clean the wreckage. 

"My vow is that we will not rest ... until the cement has dried on the entirety of a new bridge," the president said Friday. 

White House Office of Management and Budget director Shalanda Young on Friday wrote to Congress and called on lawmakers to authorize "a 100 percent federal cost share for rebuilding the bridge." She reminded them that "Congress acted in a bipartisan manner within days" to provide similar funding after the 2007 collapse of the I-35W bridge collapse in Minnesota.

Next Tuesday, Maryland's congressional delegation will be meeting with Gov. Wes Moore and Young Tuesday to discuss emergency funding for Baltimore and its response to the  bridge  collapse.

• Families of victims in Baltimore bridge collapse speak out: "Tremendous agony"

A second temporary channel opened this week for some water traffic to proceed, but it will take years to rebuild the bridge, a key artery for the city, state, and Northeast corridor. The fall of the bridge has been a drag on the local economy, too. About 35,000 cars crossed the bridge each day, and those travelers will now need to take longer and more congested routes.

• United States Congress
• Francis Scott Key Bridge

Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C.

More from CBS News

Trump campaign says it raised $50.5 million at Florida fundraiser

State senator speaks about what's next for abortion in Florida

Pilot rescued after helicopter crashes into water near Key Biscayne

Officials tour of Florida's Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2 training center

The best photos of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour — so far

• Taylor Swift has shattered records and moved markets with The Eras Tour.
• The tour heads to Europe this summer with a few additional US stops in the fall.
• Photos show Swift performing in a multitude of costumes with guests like Ice Spice and Haim.

Taylor Swift is not only on top of the world — she's traversing it on her record-breaking Eras Tour.

Celebrating 17 years of her genre-spanning music with tributes to the songs, costumes, and Easter eggs that have made her a global superstar, The Eras Tour is the first-ever tour to gross over $1 billion in revenue.

The tour has made Swift a billionaire and boosts the economies of every city it visits with an estimated $4.6 billion in US consumer spending connected to the concerts. Swift's opening shows in Glendale, Arizona, generated more local revenue than the Super Bowl.

Here are photos that capture some of the most memorable moments of The Eras Tour — so far. After completing legs in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Australia, and Singapore, Swift continues on to Europe this summer and circles back to the US in the fall.

The Eras Tour has boosted local economies, with Taylor Swift fans spending thousands on travel, hotels, and restaurants in concert cities worldwide.

Trading friendship bracelets has also become a staple of the concert experience, inspired by a lyric in Swift's song "You're On Your Own Kid."

Fans come dressed in costumes representing Swift's many eras of music.

Swift's Versace bodysuit sparkled during the opening number of her March 2023 show in Las Vegas.

The spotlight shone on Swift at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in April 2023.

Swift received a standing ovation after performing "Champagne Problems" in Nashville in May 2023.

She braved the pouring rain while performing in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Rapper Ice Spice joined Swift at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium to perform their "Karma" collaboration featured on a deluxe edition of Swift's 10th album, "Midnights."

To celebrate the release of "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)," Swift brought out the koi-fish guitar from her Speak Now Tour to play "Long Live" in Kansas City, Missouri, in July 2023.

She also brought out Presley Cash, Joey King, and Taylor Lautner for the premiere of the "I Can See You" music video from "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)."

Haim opened for Swift and later joined her onstage at her shows in Santa Clara, California.

Thousands of fans' wristbands lit up in rainbow colors during the singer's "Lover" set in Inglewood, California, in August 2023.

During her "Fearless" set in Inglewood, Swift took a break from strumming her sparkly guitar to create a heart shape with her hands.

At the same show, Swift surprised fans with the news that "1989 (Taylor's Version)" would be available in October 2023.

When The Eras Tour came to Brazil in November, the famous Christ the Redeemer statue featured a message dedicated to the singer and Swifties who flew in from around the world.

A young fan traded friendship bracelets with Swift at a show in São Paulo.

She nailed the choreography in her "Reputation" era in Sydney in February.

The "Reputation" set also featured looks from Swift's past eras during "Look What You Made Me Do."

Opening act Sabrina Carpenter sang "White Horse" with Swift during the acoustic set in Sydney.

Wearing sparkling fringe jackets, Swift and her backup dancers took their final bows after performing in Melbourne, Australia.

• Main content

Willow Glen Lifestyles Home Tour celebrates…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

• Things to Do
• Real Estate
• Marketplace

Willow Glen Lifestyles Home Tour celebrates 40th year

Benefit for san jose day nursery set for may 4-5.

The Willow Glen Lifestyles Home Tour is celebrating its 40th year on May 4-5. As ever, the event benefits the San Jose Day Nursery (SJDN), a nonprofit early learning center founded in 1916 in downtown San Jose. Funds raised from the tour will enhance SJDN programs and provide scholarships for children of low-income working parents.

Each of the five homes on the self-guided tour is no more than a five-minute drive from the next. Docents will be on site at each home to answer questions.

Featured homes this year include the historic 110-plus-year-old former Wilcox Manor on Pine Avenue with seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Just across the street is a lovely Carmel -style contemporary five-bedroom, 4.5-bath home.

A renovated cottage, a modern farmhouse and a two-bedroom, two-story Spanish-influenced home in downtown Willow Glen round out the tour this year.

One of the homes on Pine Avenue has been designated this year’s “garden home,” where attendees will be able to enjoy beverages and refreshments in a garden setting, mingle over complimentary wine tasting and purchase snacks and gift items from local vendors and artisans.

Tickets for the tour, set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on both days, are $50 in advance at  willowglenhometour.com or in person at D’Anna’s Florist, 1712 Meridian Ave., and Bella James, 1371 Lincoln Ave. Home addresses will be revealed after purchase of a ticket. No pets or children under 12.

• Report an error
• Policies and Standards

More in Local News

Science | Solar eclipse: When it begins, and 4 other things to know

Saratoga High teacher is finalist for All-Star Teacher award

Saratoga City Council authorizes Chamber of Commerce budget increase

Sunnyvale Community Players stage ‘Superstar’