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Aug
19
Whether you are looking to spend your next vacation sipping fine wines and sampling gourmet cuisine, relaxing on the beach with a good book, or visiting some of the nation’s top tourist attractions, you’ll find it all in California. But, the Golden State is filled with diversity, so it’s best to plan a trip to one area at a time and explore.
From the North to the South
One way to hit a lot of major attractions is to plan a coastal trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles; you’ll be amazed at the scenery and the myriad of places to visit. You’ll want to spend at least two or three days exploring San Francisco, hitting the big sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and maybe Alcatraz and Chinatown. From San Francisco, head south toward Monterey and Big Sur, where you’ll find some of the best views on Earth, as well as some of the best bed and breakfasts.
If budget is an issue, the Sea View Inn in Carmel (winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Greatest Value in California) offers the best location with the best rates. The charming historic Victorian is within walking distance to Carmel’s beautiful beaches, and the home’s third story offers a peak view of the sea. Continental breakfast is served, as well as afternoon tea and evening wine and sherry. If it’s romance you seek, the Tickle Pink Inn is ideal for couples. Many of the rooms boast stunning ocean views, and guests can enjoy a soak in the ocean-view spa. Several rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and balconies. The Deluxe Ocean View Suites include the aforementioned, as well as a whirlpool tub and wet bar. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a glass of champagne, and each night there is a wine and cheese reception. The Tickle Pink Inn won the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Most Romantic in California.
After your stop in Carmel, head south to Hearst Castle and on to Santa Barbara, where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants. After that, it’s just over an hour’s drive to the edge of Los Angeles, where you’ll find everything from the finest shopping to art galleries to museums to amusement parks to spectacular sunsets at the beach. Head into Orange County for a trip to Disneyland or the art Mecca of Laguna Beach.
Take a Leisurely Loop Around Southern California
With its sun-drenched beaches and near-perfect weather is it any wonder that millions of visitors flock to Southern California? You can enjoy high-end shops of Newport Beach and Rodeo Drive, take a surfing lesson, or perhaps visit one of the many amusement parks. Los Angeles also offers a variety of museums, from art to natural history. In Orange County, you’ll find Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, as well as a historic mission dating back to 1776. San Diego offers sun-kissed beaches, historic sites and Sea World. Its world-famous zoo is located in Balboa Park, which also features a variety of interesting museums.
Santa Monica, just a few miles west of the downtown Los Angeles, offers several places to stay and is still close to all the city’s attractions. The Channel Road Inn, located in a restored historic building, offers a variety of well-appointed rooms just a few blocks from the ocean. In Orange County, try the Blue Lantern Inn which overlooks the Dana Point Harbor. The inn is about midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, a half-hour from Disneyland and just a few minutes from the artist colony of Laguna Beach. In La Jolla, a stunning seaside village just north of San Diego, you’ll find the historic La Valencia Hotel. After spending some time in San Diego, head east and visit the Gold Rush town of Julian, now famous for its apples and apple pies. Keep going north, and your last stop will be Palm Springs, an oasis of shopping, spas, golf and relaxation.
From San Francisco to Points North
This itinerary begins in the “City by the Bay” and ends up toward the Oregon border. Spend the first few days exploring San Francisco. Ride a cable car, shop along Fisherman’s Wharf, explore Chinatown and take a tour of Alcatraz. From there, head north up to the Point Reyes National Seashore, where you’ll enjoy great views and a picturesque lighthouse. From there it’s on to Mendocino, a charming seaside village, and then keep going to points north, such as the Avenue of the Giants, California’s famous towering redwood trees.
Splurge a little, or maybe a lot, with a stay at the Inn Above Tide. Located across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco in nearby Sausalito, this exclusive inn boasts some of the best views around and won the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Splendid Splurge. Most of the rooms have private balconies that look out to the city and bay. The rooms are lavishly appointed, and range from stylish rooms with two queen beds to an opulent penthouse fit for a queen.
Explore California’s Famed Wine Country
Napa and Sonoma counties offer more than 200 wineries, and you can take tours and sample different vintages to your heart’s content. There are plenty of other fun activities, from hot-air balloon rides to antiquing to enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. Pamper yourself with a stay in Calistoga where you can enjoy the famous hot springs and spend some time at one of the area’s many spas. Be sure to book a room at Chateau de Vie, a charming bed and breakfast surrounded by vineyards and the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice selection for Warmest Welcome in California. You can relax in the inn’s garden hot tub or take a leisurely stroll through the vineyard and soak up a little Napa County atmosphere.
Whatever itinerary you choose, your California trip will be full of fun and surprises. With so much diversity, you’ll be amazed that it’s all captured in one state.
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