When To Go

Deciding when to go on your California vacation can really make a difference in the kind of experience you have. There are so many different regions and attractions that create different factors that can affect your California travel plans. Many of the larger attractions will offer a California vacation package, which often includes airfare, lodging, and tickets, so you can focus your energy on your family and friends instead of travel arrangements.

Aside from the weather, other factors like the tourist season have to be considered when you are making your California travel plans. In smaller areas like Napa, the crowds can be real problem for visitors who came to the area to ride on the Napa Valley dinner train and enjoy an idyllic California vacation in the peaceful wine country area of Northern California. You can avoid this by coming in the spring or fall, when the weather just sunny but not as hot as the summertime. Aside from buying a California vacation package, you can save a great deal by booking well in advance or traveling in the off-season.

Aside the California mountains and the High Sierra region, you will encounter comfortable weather on your California vacation. For some visitors, the 100 or more degrees of heat in the deserts of Southern California might not be considered comfortable, but it is the very reason visitors come to the California Beaches.

Travelers with asthma and respiratory ailments would be well advised to be aware of the smog in Los Angeles. In the summer, the heat of Southern California can increase the amounts of smog, making this city a hazard for those with sensitive lungs. If you're worried about this, you can bring an inhaler or a small facemask, so that the smog doesn't get in the way of your California travel plans.

In the north, fog and rain are the norm, with most of the rainfall occurring in the winter. In cities like San Francisco, it rains as you would expect in the winter, but in the summertime, a thick fog blows into the higher elevations in the city, clouding the sun with a cool wind.

Aside from crowds, prices rise considerably when demand is high. Prices for flights, attractions and California hotels increase quite a bit. Planning far ahead of time or using a discount airline ticket company can help you navigate these issues. A California vacation package to an attraction like Disneyworld or one of the ski resorts is a great way to save time and money, but it does require some advance planning.

Another option is going with a smaller hotel or a motel, which may not be the most luxurious option but it can help save you a lot of money on your California vacation.

Things To Do in California

If you planning a California vacation, this guide will help you figure out what to see and do in California. Having some information on the things to do in California can help you plan your trip, so that you can make the most out of your California travel plans. From the bronze stars of Hollywood to the red-orange hues of the Golden Gate, there is a lot to see and do in the Golden State.

One of the most scenic cities that is known all over the world is San Francisco. Most tourists come here to take a cruise to Alcatraz, visit the Golden Gate Bridge, and ride the Cable Car.

The inspiration for the Cable Car came when a horrible accident was witness by the man who would become to inventor of the Cable Car. Horses pulled the streetcars in the mid 1800s in San Francisco. On the incredibly steep, wet slopes of a hill in the city, five horses perished in a tragic accident, sparking the idea of a motorized car to safely traverse the steep hills of San Francisco.

Today you can still see original cars in use. The two main routes start at Powell and Market, where you can watch the Cable Car turnaround. You can take one of the lines up California Street. The Powell Mason line goes up Mason street and stops at the Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 area, while the Powell Hyde lines, and takes you to the same area, but goes further west and leaves you at Ghirardhelli Square. This is one of the most authentic things to do in California, so there is always some waiting involved when you visit the Cable Car.

Once you're in the Fishermans Wharf, you can miss the sign for Pier 39, since all the crowds and activity is centered around here. In the winter, there are sea lions that lounge on the floating docks, sunning themselves and occasionally making their odd barking noises. There are also a few that live here year-round. On Pier 39, there are attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay, which has a walk through tunnel, and various shops, restaurants, and arcades for kids. No visit to the wharf would be complete to Pier 39.

If you're in the Bay Area, make time to go to Napa Valley. This is an area northeast of San Francisco, is a peaceful grape-scented valley, whose ripening smells catch on the summer breeze. You can tour the wineries and sample excellent wines in the tasting rooms of the Napa Valley wineries, and top it off with a romantic evening on the Napa Valley Dinner Train. Here you can enjoy the countryside from the comfort of a train car as you enjoy fresh California cuisine. There are a number of charming bed and breakfasts in the area to spend the night at.

Further to the east, Lake Tahoe is a major destination to getting away for the weekend. From all over California, locals and visitors come here to ski, snowboard, or enjoy watching all the action while one simply relaxes in their Lake Tahoe vacation rentals. All year round there are things to do in California, from fishing, to mountain biking or relaxing by the beach in the summer. Lake Tahoe is in the High Sierra, close to the border with Nevada, and is only a few hours from San Francisco.

On the Central Coast, you should stop at visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and then take the Famous 17 mile drive through Carmel to San Simeon. Stop at take pictures of the famous landmark, the Lone Cypress.

In Southern California, you should be sure not to miss Hollywood, Disneyland, and the famous Venice Beach, where the Doors used to hang out. There are lots of other California Beaches to visit in the area as well, like Malibu or Long Beach. Disneyland is the reason many tourists come to this region alone, since it is one of the most popular things to do in California. From the Chinese Theatre, to the movie studios to the walk of fame, Hollywood is a full days adventure, and one of the things to do in California you should make sure not to miss.

There are a few different parts of Disneyland, there is the main park and the smaller California Adventure theme park, which children and adults will enjoy.

Scenic Drives

With its miles of coastline, scenic state parks and outdoor California attractions like the Giant Redwoods; scenic drives can be enjoyed in any part of California. With some of the best rates in the country, the large vehicle rental companies all compete to have the most cheap car rental California has to offer the visitor.

State Route 29 is one of the lesser-known drives in California. This drive takes you through Napa Valley to Calistoga. You will drive through the sleepy Northern California town of St Helena, after which State Route 29 goes through a couple of State Parks that have areas for swimming, hiking, and camping. While not a road trip, the Napa Valley Dinner Train is also a great way to tour wine country.

Old Faithful is in Calistoga, so if you want to see one of the major California attractions, then you should take a ride on State Route 29. Just before you reach the Napa County line, right off the road you will run into Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, which is one of the last things you'll find on one of the most scenic drives in California.

17 Mile Drive is actually a part of Highway 1 but it is one of the most scenic drives in the state of California that it deserves its own moniker. Starting at Monterey and ending at Carmel, the 17 Mile Drive is a great way to see the Monterey Area. Pebble Beach golf course is set on these lovely, manicured grounds, and you must pay a toll to get on 17 Mile Drive and enjoy this most scenic area of the California coast. Stop and visit the Lone Cypress, a symbol of Monterey that is recognized all around the world. If you factor in airfare and the cost of guided tours, you will realize that touring the state in the most cheap car rental California has allows you to see it all at your own pace while saving hundred of dollars.

Highway 1 is truly the greatest of all the scenic drives in the Golden State. Stretching hundreds of miles, Highway 1 takes you all the way from Mendocino County in the Northern Coast to San Juan Capistrano, Orange County in Southern California.

If you drive south, you will be on the ocean side of the highway, so this is one of the best ways to see unimpeded views of the Pacific Ocean. On your way south from San Francisco, you will pass by the scenic Monterey Peninsula, home to the famous Monterey Aquarium and the lovely boardwalk and waterfront of Monterey.

Next, you will come upon the mystical shores are Big Sur, which stretches from Carmel just south of Monterey all the way down to San Simeon. These fog-shrouded areas of the Central Coast are simply beyond description. The closest thing you could compare this to is a lovely isle on the Ireland coast. Rocky cliffs, large boulders protruding out of the water, and the most inspiring, pristine beaches make you feel like a king, with everything you see as your castle.

As you wind towards San Luis Obispo past Central California beaches, the temperature begins to rise and the colors of the landscape have taken on a hue. The sun breaks through the coastal fog and you can see the rolling green foothills that occasionally block your views of the lush Central Valley.

Yosemite is one of the most visited parks in the state. Driving its 64-mile scenic route can be done whether you're just driving through or are spending a few days in the park. You will drive from west to east, seeing glacial lakes, sub alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, and dense forests of Evergreens filled with towering giant Sequoias, like in the Avenue of the Giants. One of the most scenic drives in California, you can choose to drive or hike on this beautiful road.

You can rent a car in this state more cheaply than you will find anywhere else in the country. California Car Rentals have some of the best deals around. So, what are you waiting for? Find the best cheap car rental California has and begin an adventurous, inexpensive tour of California State.

Events and Holidays

A state like California that is filled with tons of different cultures and regions has great outdoor festival and fairs all year round. California events range from wine and food tastings at area wineries to county fairs.

Chinese New Year has been celebrated in San Francisco for the past 150 years. Celebrated for the past 5,000 years in China, Chinese New Year is a spring festival that is two weeks long. The largest event of its kind outside of Asia, Chinese New Year also has a Flower Fair and a community street fair to showcase the rich Chinese culture. One of the largest California events in the northern part of the state, this vibrant parade is punctuated by hundreds of thousands of exploding firecrackers and a 200 foot long paper dragon.

There is a large Mexican American community in California. While San Francisco and Los Angeles are both major population centers for people of Mexican descent, this California events biggest display is in downtown Los Angeles, on Olvera Street. Cinco de Mayo is more than an excuse to party. This holiday is important to Mexicans because it was the day that the French forces were defeated in Puebla Mexico on the fifth day of May, 1862. Mexico and Los Angeles are two places have been intertwined for many years, and this festival can bring you closer to this lively celebration.

There are plenty of other interesting California events outside of the big cities like SF and Los Angeles. Californians love good food and wine, so the yearly Gilroy Garlic Festival is one of the most well-known food festivals in California. It all started with the Rotary Club luncheon that featured a menu with garlic in every dish. 27 years later, the festival is still popular. Held on the last weekend in July to mark the end of the garlic harvest, the Gilroy Garlic Festival has live shows, arts and crafts stall, and a Garlic Queen Pageant.

Be sure to stroll down Gourmet Alley if you go to the Gilroy Garlic Festival - here you can try all the garlic dishes from garlic soups to garlic ice cream. The cook off is an exciting part of the event. This is where all the kooky garlic recopies are reviewed and the best 8 invited to prepare them and enjoy a final award from a tasting panel of celebrity chefs.

With so many Californians that are involved in sports and outdoor activities, it is no wonder that many take part in triathlons. One of the most well known in the country is Ironman. The Ironman Triathlon is an international competition, held in destinations all over the world, culminating in a final challenge in Kona, Hawaii. Only a few US states host part of the Ironman competition. Knowing that you are watching what will eventually be an international competition in Hawaii adds to the excitement of attending the Ironman triathlon, which has separate competitions for women and men.

A fun way to enjoy the outdoors and all the best California has to offers is at a state or county fair. In the capitol Sacramento, the California state fair has been held for since 1854. Events like livestock competitions are still a part of the state fair, but this festival does not focus on the longest peanuts or the largest beets anymore.

There is also a county fair that you can find in just about every mid-sized city in California. This is the perfect setting for family fun and diversion, with amusement park games, carnival style-rides, and educational exhibits on interesting topics, like bears and exploring the woods. A county fair is going to be smaller than the state fair, but with more of a local feeling you enjoy from going to one.

California event tickets can be purchased easily online. Online outlets allow you the option of having tickets mailed to you or on a will call basis. Often, the prices are higher if you buy your tickets on the same day as the events. Certain events may not have pre-sale tickets, so the fastest way to find out when or if the tickets will go on sale ahead of time is to look online, since online ticket booking places will know ahead of time when the tickets will go on sale. Many California event tickets are only available at the gates, so if you're planning to attend an event its wise to do some research ahead of time. While it is easy to get tickets for events like concerts and the symphony, smaller fairs and festivals are some of the hardest California event tickets to obtain ahead of time. All you can do is arrive early, get in line, and hope they don't sell out.

Whatever you are looking to enjoy in the Golden State, California events like fairs, parades and festivals give you a taste of culture and entertainment at the same time.

cheap flights to California

Getting in and out the airport can be expensive as well. San Francisco Airport came up with a great solution to this problem and extended the light rail BART service to go to SFO. Now, it is only a few dollars and a quick train ride to the financial district and the attractions of San Francisco.

Both San Francisco and Los Angeles can be expensive to visit, so you can save a lot of money by booking your flight to go to either San Francisco Airport or LAX. You can also save money by doing some research online. You can get cheap airfare whether you're going to a ski resort or a theme park when you buy a California vacation package. At the ski resorts, lodging, lift tickets, lessons, and rentals are often available in one price. At a theme park, your California vacation package will likely include airfare, hotel, and park admission.

If you’re looking for discount airline tickets, the web is an invaluable tool. If you're using a search engine to find your cheap flights to California, then you always want to enter the nearest major airport to your destination, like LAX or the San Francisco Airport. It’s always cheaper to get a California car rental than to pay more for your airline tickets to get close to where you want to go.

If you keep these tips in mind, you can find good rates and discount airline tickets so that you have more spending money on your California vacation.

Airlines and Flights California

Visitors come from all over the US and the entire world to experience what a California vacation is like. If you don't want to choose one region over another, then an airline is an efficient means of transportation in California. If you're visiting major attractions like Disneyworld or Seaworld, the airfare, lodging, and entry are often included as part of a California vacation package.

Flying into massive airports like the LAX Airport can be intimidating for the visitor new to the state, but the money you save by flying in and out of these transportation hubs is significant with the cheap flights to California you can purchase which will more often than not land here. Smaller regional airlines like Aero California Airlines can help you make the most of the time you have for California travel quickly and cheaply.

A trusted and well-known California airline, Aero California Airlines has been operating flights to California for over 53 years, with flights to Mexico and Baja California as well. The service on these cheap flights is so good; you'll use Aero California Airlines instead on the major carriers that travel to South America.

Airfares for flights to California generally are about the same most times of the year. The only exception to this is on holidays, when California airports inevitably fill and prices on airline tickets go through the roof. If you travel during the week, you are more likely to get cheap flights to California. If you want to be flexible, this might cost you, since open return tickets are more expensive. Discount airline tickets can save you a lot of money on your trip to California, but a little time and patience is required to get the best deal.

cheap car rental California

Amtrak is the alternatives between the two extremes of car rentals and California flights to destinations in the Golden State. Every day there are multiple Amtrak trains offering service from San Diego all the way to the Bay area, and many of the cities of the Central Valley along the way. Although it is general slower, taking a train in California on Amtrak is going to run you well under a hundred dollars each way, halving the price from what is would cost to fly.

No matter what method you choose, whether it be a discounted flight from SF to LA, or the most cheap car rental California has to offer you, getting around the state is inexpensive and easy to do, making your California travel a breeze and adding to the ease and enjoyment of your California vacation.

flights to California

Enterprise car rental has the famous pick up service, while other places like Dollar and Budget Car Rental compete to give you the best rate any cheap car rental California has. National car rental and Thrifty car rental are two other well-known companies you can rent a vehicle from. If you really want to save, a company like Rent-A-Wreck rent has older and used cars and is one of the most cheap car rental California has to offer.

Depending on what time of year you travel and where you are going, California highway conditions can vary a great deal. In the California Mountains, you might be in trouble if you're caught on a mountain pass with no tire chains. In other areas like the Mojave Desert, you have to consider the heat and it effects on your car. All in all, the roads are well-marked and in excellent repair, so highway conditions and concerns about this aspect of California travel is mainly in relation to getting around in the mountains and California State Parks.

If you don't have time to make a scenic trip on the coast as you travel north or south on your California vacation, you can take a plane. There are several major airlines that service the big airports and have flights to California. Some of these may not have service between the cities, so you c can save time and money on California flights by booking with one of the smaller commercial airlines such as American Eagle, Southwest Airlines, and United Express. On average, a round trip ticket between Los Angeles and San Francisco is going to run you between $79 to $200 for a round trip ticket.

California car rental

Being one of the largest states in the country, you might wonder how you're going to get around the state on your California vacation. With so many lovely regions to explore, from the idyllic farms of California wine country to the barren flatlands of the Mojave Desert, California travel can seem like a daunting task. Whether you go with a discount car rental or you take a train around the state, there are many ways to get around.

While roads in the state are plentiful and in good repair, it’s wise to plan ahead of time what you want to see. Also, airfare between the major cities is often well priced, so California flights are a great way to get around the state as well.

Unless you really enjoy driving over long distances, its safest and least tiring to rent a car if you're going to be in only one region of the state on your California vacation. Some of the best rates in the whole country on rental cars can be found in California. The major car rental companies in California all vie for the tourists dollars that flow into the state, so you are sure to find excellent rates on a discount car rental.

You can compare rates and ask about weekly car rentals, though it is wisest to book well in advance to get the best discount car rental. California travel is made all the more convenient and fun when you have the luxury of choosing when you travel with a California car rental.

Sacramento California Attractions

You can see what happy reptiles look like in the Reptile House, which houses dozens of animals from rattlesnakes to the Chinese Crocodile lizard, which is a rare species that wasn\'t discovered until 1928. In the Red Panda exhibit, you can see the results of the Species Survival Plan that the Sacramento Zoo participates in. There are three of these majestic animals, and the setting that they are housed in is so close to their natural habitat you will feel as if you\'ve been transported to the foothills of the Himalayas, so this is one of the most captivating Sacramento California Attractions. On display in this exhibit is a large, natural looking aquarium that has the only Chinese Striped-Neck turtle in North America.

Watch a cheetah taking an afternoon nap in its shady enclosure and forget about the days of restless animals pacing back and forth in their tiny pens. There is also a fascinating snow leopard exhibit, which has a young snow leopard that was born at the zoo as part of its conservation programs.

Spread out over 15 acres, there is a lot to see and do in this beautiful setting that just happens to be one of the most scenic, centrally located Sacramento attractions. The Bongo antelope that is on display here is part of an effort to reintroduce these animals to their native habitat in Africa. You will be even more impressed when you see these animals flourish at one of the most scenic Sacramento California Attractions and consider that one day they may be roaming the fields of Africa one day.


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Sacramento Zoo

Right in downtown Sacramento, inside the beautiful William Land Park is the excellent Sacramento Zoo. Open since 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is the largest zoo in the Central Valley of California. You can see for yourself the 32 endangered and threatened species, which are among the 400 animals housed in the Sacramento Zoo. >From the acres of parks bordering the river that runs through the center of town to Old Sacramento, the State Capitol is scenic, and filled with Sacramento California Attractions that allow you enjoy the outdoors.

The Sacramento Zoo helps threatened animals by managing national breeding programs for two of its resident animal species. Almost half a million visitors come to the zoo every year, so this is undoubtedly one of the top Sacramento attractions.

Monterey Bay Discount Ticket

With admission costing $20 for adults, a Monterey Bay Discount Ticket is in high demand at any time of year, so you should ask about their military discount or look into their group sales, both of which offer reduced admission. While it takes coordination to plan for a large group of people to travel together, it makes the experience a lot more fun when you have people you know to share it with, and you can appreciate the value of saving on what will likely be an expensive trip overall with a Monterey Bay Discount Ticket.

The Monterey Aquarium now enjoys a reputation of being the best aquarium in the country, and is rated the third most popular attraction in the US, after Disneyworld in Southern California and Florida\'s SeaWorld. One of the reasons visitors will come here is because of the unparalleled scenery of Central California, which has some of the most Scenic Drives in the West. If you head further south, you will experience some of the incredible views down California Highway 1, which will lead you to the scenic 17-Mile Drive past the lone Cypress tree and the most magnificent vistas you will ever experience in the Golden State. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is unarguably one of the most unforgettable destinations in California.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

From the massive kelp forest to the stingrays hovering inches above the sand to the tide pools where you can touch some of these animals, the Monterey Bay Aquarium draws annual crowds numbering into the millions that fill local Monterey hotels, especially in the summer. This aquarium underwent massive expansive since it opened, and added a million gallon tune tank, where you can see the massive schools feed in a frenzied but coordinated dance of gleaming silver reflections.

Monterey Aquarium - kelp Whether you want to stay in the most charming accommodations around or want to stretch your dollars so that you can afford all the different California attractions on your next trip, there are scores of Monterey hotels for every taste and budget. From the oak tree shaded English Tudor style Old Monterey Inn to the reasonably priced yet excellent Best Western Beach Resort, despite the small town setting, there is no lack of variety in Monterey hotels.

Monterey Aquarium

One of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world is continually on display at the Monterey Aquarium. 26 species of marine mammals live in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, in this scenic part of Northern California.

Monterey Aquarium - Jellyfish Harbor seals, seabirds, and otters are some of the animals that you can see above the water; but when you visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a whole new world opens up to you. Discover 94 types of seabirds, hundreds of different kinds of fish, 4 turtle species, and 450 types of large algae that flourish in the warm waters off the Central Coast.

Right on Cannery Row, which is the center of Monterey's tourist area, is where you can find the Monterey Aquarium. It has been open since 1984 and has showcased the magnificent marine creatures in large glass tanks.

Monterey California hotel

For those who are looking for a budget Monterey California hotel, rest assured that there are a number of them available. Monterey is well-served by a number of Super 8s , Holiday Inns, Ramadas, Roadway Inns, Quality Inns, etc. However, if you are looking for the ultimate Monterey California hotel, the Portola Plaza Hotel, Monterey is your ideal choice.

Imagine this. The Portola Plaza Hotel Monterey is set against the dramatic and picturesque backdrop of the Monterey Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf and scenic downtown Monterey. Take a stroll to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Relax on one of Monterey’s pristine beaches. Explore the Monterey Harbor. The Portola Plaza Hotel Monterey is the place to luxuriate of the beauty of your surroundings.

Monterey California lodging

If you love the water and the aquarium, and are seeking a Monterey California hotel nearby, the Canary Row Inn is a superb choice! Its location in the historic Canary Row district conveniently places you four blocks form the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman’s Warf. Walk out on to your balcony. Don’t you love the views of the Monterey Bay and the Coastal Trails? Park your car then go out and see Monterey as it should be seen: by foot!

How would you like to take a trip back into California’s history? Would you like to stay in a Monterey California that will transport you back in time? The Casa Munras Hotel was modeled on the original hacienda of Don Esteban Munras, who was the last Spanish diplomat to California. Its location on 4.5 acres of land consists of 166 luxurious guest rooms which are spread throughout 11 majestic buildings. Are you planning a meeting, family reunion or corporate retreat? The Casa Munras Hotel has 4,800 square feet of meeting space!

Portola Plaza Hotel, Monterey

In your quest to find Monterey California lodging, you discover a diverse variety of options. Monterey California is filled with hotels, motels bed and breakfast and resorts that will suit every kind of budget, as while as every vacation preference. Whether you are seeking a chain hotel or some unique Monterey California lodging, you will surely find something that will suit your tastes.

Portola Plaza - Deluxe Room The Blue Lagoon Inn, Monterey, which was remodeled in 2004, is conveniently located three miles from downtown Monterey California, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Airport. You’ll enjoy taking a two-mile tour of near by Old Monterey. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning.

Portola Plaza Standard Room For those of you who wish to find Monterey California lodging that is close to Carmel by the Sea, take a good look at the Bay Park Hotel. The Bay Park Hotel is nestled in a secluded grove of trees on Camel Hill, which is located half-way between Monterey and Monterey by the Sea. This small and intimate size of this Monterey California hotel accentuates the charm of Monterey. Your dog will love the fact that the Bay Park Hotel is pet friendly.

San Diego beach boardwalk

If historic architecture and animals isn’t your thing, then San Diego also has the Mission beach Boardwalk, a classic beach boardwalk. The boardwalk has roller coasters, an arcade, restaurants, and surf shops in Belmont Park. There are also rentals on bikes, surfboards, blades and anything else that can be rode upon. If you love to be by the beach, there are San Diego Vacation Rentals that line the boardwalk. A great place for July 4th!

It doesn’t stop there, San Diego also has many attractions like the famous Miramar Base where Top Gun the movie was filmed, Silver Strand beach National Park or Mt Soledad. For any kind of trip you desire, hotels in San Diego are easily accessible and will meet the needs of all budgets. Depending on where you’d like to visit, choose one of the hotels in San Diego that are near all of your attractions. Or enjoy your trip by planning one of the San Diego Vacation Packages that allows you to visit the many tours, attractions and sights to see in San Diego, California.

San Diego

Set around a gracefully curving bay, relatively free from smog and Byzantine freeways, sits the beautiful city of San Diego. Although it was the site of the first mission in California, the city only really took off with the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in the 1880s, and in terms of trade and significance it has long been in the shadow of Los Angeles. Even in the shadow of Los Angeles, San Diego tourism has things to do for everyone. Plan out your next trip with one of the many San Diego Vacation Packages or create your own vacation.

With all that San Diego has to offer, your next San Diego Vacation will be filled with many memories. For the art lovers, San Diego, features Balboa Park. Get the feeling of an “old Spanish city.” You’ll find various architecture styles of Spanish Colonial Renaissance and Gothic & Moorish. Balboa Park is not only for the art lovers but it is also home to the San Diego Zoo, home to over 4.000 animals. Hillcrest also sits on the edge of Balboa Park with its stylish, friendly, unique neighborhood of theaters, vintage shops, and cafes.

Palm Springs - things to do

The private pools, daily maid and in-room or poolside massages make this a favorite for frazzled celebrities that need to get away. You will be able to enjoy your Palm Springs vacation in relative peace without the distractions of a lot of other hotel guests. Many other Palm Springs hotels dont meet the standard of service here.

If you want to break from the idyllic resorts, there are a number of nearby attractions and things to do. Visit the Living Desert, which is a wildlife preserve that has desert creatures on display in a number of different desert habitats. To experience an irresistible combination of natural beauty or physical comfort, visit Palm Springs on your next trip to Southern California.

Palm Springs - The San Jacinto Mountains

The San Jacinto Mountains serve as the scenic background for this resort, which is only two and a half miles from the Palm Springs International Airport. If you want, you can forego the crowds at the major California attractions and come and unwind at one of the many luxurious Palm Springs resorts.

The Spa Resort Casino is the latest resort to open in Palm Springs. If you feel on top of the world after receiving a great spa treatment, youll probably enjoy some luck in the Spa Resort Casino. This Palm Spring Hotels casino is a popular and exciting place to spend park of your California Vacation.

There are 228 elegant rooms with all the modern amenities you need to stay happy and wrap yourself in comfort. The rooms were recently renovated, so after enjoying a soak in the healing mineral springs, you too will feel renewed. The California weather in the Palm Desert in usually warm and dry, so if youre trying to figure out when to go, just keep in mind that many of the Palm Springs resorts are open year round.

Palm Springs

Fertile farmlands, world-class spas, and excellent golf courses are things that Palm Springs a well-known destination in the California deserts. Palm Springs is an oasis for well-heeled residents of Southern California who come here to unwind at the spas and escape the bustle of California. The Palm Desert begins west of the town of Palm Springs, which is a rich farming area with fertile soil.

You will find the area of the California Deserts a welcome escape as well. The Mojave Desert contains the Death Valley National Monument and Joshua Tree. The barren landscape will erase all the distractions of city life from your mind, and buildings do not interrupt the sunsets. The sky seems to stretch to forever in the Palm Desert.

In this area, you will find the ultimate spa getaways where you can spend your Palm Springs vacation. Merv Griffins Hotel and Givenchy spa is set on 14 acres. You can drop you bags here and prepare for the ultimate pampering experience at one of the finest Palm Springs resorts. There are rose gardens to wander through. The building is in elegant French mansion. There are a few different choices of accommodation, with 11 suites and 103 guest rooms. The luxurious rooms and suites come with bathrooms lined with fine marble, a private terrace, and mountain views.

Napa - winemaking - Napa wine tour

From one day excursions to shorter tours as you can get if you visit the Napa wineries, there are a number of companies in the area that can show you an excellent time in Napa Valley. You can learn about the winemaking process, take a seminar on pairing food and wines, which include gourmet-cooking classes while you learn about wine. Add in a bicycle tour or a hot air balloon ride and you’ve got the ultimate in Napa wine tours.

The Napa Valley Dinner Train is a major attraction that lets guests enjoy an excellent meal while they pass some of the most scenic areas in Napa Valley CA. The train goes between the town of Napa and St Helena, which is 18 miles to the north. There are three different dining cars, so you can enjoy lunch, brunch or dinner while you take in the peaceful countryside.

You should give yourself at least a weekend to take in the lovely countryside, enjoy elegant dinners, and enjoy a Napa wine tour. You will be sampling the finest wines in the country and see the wine making process first hard in a lovely setting when you take a Napa wine tour. Whether you go for full day event with a local tour operator of simply arrive for one of the scheduled tours at an area vineyard, you will savor the wines, the sun, and the relaxing country vistas of Napa Valley CA.

Napa - most popular - grapes - restaurants - Driving a car

This area is most popular in the summer, when it is warm and sunny. Springtime has more comfortable weather, but the area stays warm into the fall, when the grapes are harvested. You can learn about the winemaking process if you take one of the Napa Valley wine tours during the fall harvest season.

If you enjoy peaceful country roads, then a car rental of your dream car and a scenic drive on Highway 29 is one of the best things to do. Going north on Highway 29 takes you through the western part of Napa Valley, past world-class wineries and excellent restaurants. Food is synonymous with wine, so there is no lack of fine dining in Napa. The most scenic part of Highway 29 is from Yountsville in the south to Calistoga, home of California’s own Old Faithful Geyser.

Driving a car and doing your own Napa wine tours allows you to spend as much time as you like in the tasting rooms of Napa wineries. You can purchase bottles of the wines you enjoy to take some of Napa home with you.

Napa - dinner on a train - wines

About an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is the sunny countryside where you will find excellent wineries and scenic vineyards. Between one and five by 30 miles, drives to Napa to sample California wines or a fine dinner on a train are both great ways to experience the popular Napa wine tours.

There are miles of open countryside and hundreds of acres of farmland in Napa Valley, since most of the development in the area has been limited to the cities. The vineyards of Napa Valley CA are the top producers of wine in the country, with Washington State wineries coming in second. Napa wine tours can be anything from a map of Napa wineries and a tank full of gas, or an elegant dinner on the Napa Valley Dinner Train.