Article Advise

submitted: Aug 19th 2008 | by: TessKirkpatrick | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 1050 | |

From the redwood forests of the north to the sunny shores of San Diego to the snow-capped peaks perfect for skiers, California offers a little something for everyone. With so much do and see, planning that California trip can be a little daunting, so the best advice is pick a region and explore.

A Coastal Trip You Won't Soon Forget

Hit all the hot spots from north to south on a scenic coastal vacation. Begin in San Francisco, where you'll need several days to really take in the city. Be sure to visit famous sites such as Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. From there, head south along the coast past the beautiful seaside town of Half Moon Bay and the colorful city of Santa Cruz. Head to the Monterey Bay area, where you'll find incomparable views and many of the state's most idyllic bed and breakfasts. There's plenty to do, from visiting Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium to taking nature walks and golfing.

Carmel, famous for its beaches, golf courses, art galleries and scenic drives, offers several great bed and breakfast choices. Tickle Pick Inn, named as California's Most Romantic property by Karen Brown readers, is perfect for honeymooners or those celebrating a trip just for two. Some of the rooms offer private balconies, where you can relax and enjoy a wonderful sea view, and several also include a wood-burning fireplace. The Sea View Inn, another Carmel gem and the Karen Brown Readers' Choice winner for Greatest Value, is perfect for those who seek luxury and romance on a budget. The charming historic bed and breakfast has eight individually decorated guest rooms, ranging from cozy third-floor rooms to more spacious abodes -- one room includes a king-size canopy bed. Plus, this inn offers a great location; it's just a three-minute walk to the beach.

After leaving the Monterey area, head on down south and take a tour of Hearst Castle. The meticulously maintained mansion will leave you speechless. Whether you choose to stay here for its beauty or extravagance will be up to you. Keep on driving south toward Santa Barbara, a classy little city that marks the southern end of the Central Coast region. From there, it's a short drive along the 101 to Los Angeles and its many attractions. You could easily spend a week here, exploring beach towns such as Venice, Malibu and Santa Monica, visiting museums, or exploring the posh shops of Rodeo Drive.

Enjoy Your Vacation, Southern California-style

Southern California often gets a bad rap as being a bit too glossy and over-the-top, but you really can't judge this region by its cover. Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties offer a wide variety of attractions. The Getty Center and Norton-Simon museums display works by some of the world's most renown artists. There are several historic missions, most notably the Mission San Juan Capistrano in south Orange County, which dates to 1776. For outdoor lovers, there are miles of scenic beaches to enjoy, as well as tide pools, bicycle routes and nature trails. Family-friendly attractions, such as Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland and Legoland are sure to please the whole family. In San Diego, don't-miss attractions include Sea World and Balboa Park, home to many museums and the San Diego Zoo.

As you head into Orange County, you'll find Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland, as well as Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. In historic San Juan Capistrano, you can tour one of the state's many old missions, this one built in 1776. From there, it's on to San Diego, where you can enjoy the surf and sand of La Jolla or Pacific Beach, explore shops in Old Town or visit the world-famous zoo and museums of Balboa Park. In Orange County, the Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point overlooks the harbor and offer spacious, luxurious guest rooms. As you go south into San Diego County, La Jolla offers a host of great places to stay, such as the historic and charming La Valencia Hotel. Don't forget to loop back up to Los Angeles via the Gold Rush town of Julian and the oasis that is Palm Springs.

Northern California Offers Variety of Attractions

This journey begins by spending a few days in the San Francisco Bay area, with its myriad of attractions. Tour the cells of Alcatraz, enjoy a picnic at Golden Gate Park or enjoy the shops and sites of Fisherman's Wharf. From there, head north to Mendocino, stopping to visit Point Reyes Station National Seashore, which includes nature trails and a lighthouse. Mendocino is a quiet little town that reminds one of a quaint New England village. As you keep heading north, don't forget to spend some time touring the Avenue of the Giants, where you'll find the tallest trees in the world.

For a lavish treat near San Francisco, head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and the posh Inn Above Tide (winner of the Karen Brown Readers Choice Award for Splendid Splurge). The view is absolutely spectacular -- a panorama of city lights and rugged coastline. The spacious, contemporary rooms are pricey, but this is one experience you'll always treasure. All guests enjoy a great view, whether you choose a simpler double room or the opulent Penthouse. Many rooms have private decks, fireplaces or spa tubs.

From Bordeaux to Zinfandel, the Wine Country Has It All

Napa and Sonoma counties produce some of the nation's finest wines, and the hardest part of a trip to this scenic area is choosing which of the hundreds of wineries to visit. There are other things to do as well; the region is bursting with fine restaurants and shopping, as well as plenty of outdoor adventures. Calistoga is a particularly memorable town, offering hot springs and a variety of excellent spas. The Chateau de Vie is one of Calistoga's best inns, surrounded by rolling hills covered with vineyards. The inn sells its own special vintages, as well. Enjoy a glass as you lounge beneath a starry sky in the inn's outdoor hot tub. This inn was named by Karen Brown readers as offering California's Warmest Welcome.

Whether you are planning a two-week vacation, or you just have a few days, a trip through California is a great escape from everyday life. So get going and plan your Golden State adventure.

About the Author

Tess Kirkpatrick loves romantic hotels and planning travel itineraries. For more information on these California hotels and inns or other romantic hotels in California, visit the Karen Brown site today.

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