One of the best ways to enjoy America’s stunning beauty is by train. And, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight that transports passengers from Los Angeles, winding up the West Coast to Washington with spectacular views of nature, is one of country’s most beautiful train rides. It’s also a very reasonable way of catching the beauty with rates …
Just a short jaunt from San Francisco, Silicon Valley is blessed with thirty miles of San Francisco bay-fronting bliss, as well as twice that amount of Pacific Ocean frontage along iconic Highway One. No wonder many CEO’s have opted to locate their headquarters in the valley with incredible scenic beauty. In addition to dazzling water …
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park recently reopened following three years of restoration to save the lives of the trees. Along with the unveiling comes a new hassle-free option for traveling to the grove that’s filled with some of the largest trees on earth if you are headed from various Southern …
Those in search of wineries tucked away down winding country roads and over the rolling hills of Paso Robles, not far from San Luis Obispo, are likely to stumble upon a new form of tasting and touring—the Distillery Trail. And to visitors’ delight, many of these distilleries operate out of existing wineries, so you get …
It is probably redundant to say the word “hidden” in describing the idyllic berg of Ojai. The town that is found on a winding road leading inland off the 101, on the outskirts of Ventura, CA is fairly well secreted in general. But, within the citrus-dripping artist community there are bountiful hidden finds awaiting the …
A dozen miles off Southern California’s Pacific coastline near Ventura is a sparkling ribbon of rocks that seem to float on the horizon. The Channel Islands, named for the deep troughs that have isolated them from the mainland for thousands of years, are home to more than 2,000 species of animals and plants, 145 found …
FOR BEST ACTRESS, THE WINNER IS CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA & CARMEL VALLEY Joan Fontaine won the Best Actress Award for her role in Suspicion in 1941. Scenes for the movie were shot along the dramatic coastline between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur, standing in for the English coast. Carmel’s quaint architecture and shop-lined Ocean Avenue have also appeared …
The Coastal Sand Dunes Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes These dunes on California’s scenic central coast are the second largest in the state, spreading from Santa Barbara County to Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County. At Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park in the hidden town of Guadalupe near Santa Maria, a paved road leads to the Rancho …
While camping has been considered one of the more economical ways to travel, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) recently asked campers why they camp, and, surprisingly, the top answers weren’t about money at all. The top responses were reconnecting with nature, getting away from the stress of our lives and spending more time with loved …
Borrego Springs after Dark The small community of Borrego Springs is aptly designated one of only two International Dark Sky Communities in the world. “USA Today” rated Borrego as one of the top ten stargazing locations in the nation. The quiet of the area combined with the dark, star-filled sky make Borrego Springs a …
As Valentine’s Day approaches, romance takes center stage. For some people, romance comes in the form of candy and roses. But just ask any “princess” what really defines romance and her answer would be a hilltop castle to share with her Prince Charming. Even though we tend to associate fairytale castles with medieval Europe, California …
Travel surveys reveal that Whale Watching is consistently listed in the Top Ten Travel Bucket List. People arrive from all over the world for this uniquely West Coast phenomenon that can only be experienced a few months of the year—late winter through spring. Choose from a long list of whale watching experiences—from guaranteed whale sightings …