When it comes to romantic getaways, Oceanside, California offers couples a version that is quintessential Oceanside— quirky, offbeat, thrilling and uniquely heart-stirring. From matching tattoos to helicopter wine tours and being the only place in the U.S. to experience culinary delights from one of Japan’s most decorated ramen chefs, Oceanside’s playful side makes this San …
It is nice to know that the rugged “old west” still exists, marked by wide, open spaces backed by lofty mountain ranges and populated with ancient saguaro forests, blooming cacti and marauding deer and coyote. These vast desert expanses conjure days of the grand ranchos, dust-filled cattle round-ups and campfire dinners under the stars. On …
Historic hotels are perfect places for creating lifelong memories, making a visit to one an ideal location for a romantic proposal. You could say that every day is Valentine’s Day at a historic hotel. In fact, many of these romantic destinations have a special spot or package especially designed for proposals. Here is a listing …
It’s not that we dislike red roses, champagne and chocolates. But a truly creative way to celebrate the day of love is worth a whole year of cupid points. Here are some unique outing ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day in SoCal, from stargazing and desert cruises to sexy jazz. Cruise to Valentine Bliss At …
You might not know that Laguna Beach has more beachfront lodging properties, from cozy inns to luxury resorts, than any other California coastal city. That means more breathtaking panoramic ocean views backed by waves to soothe the soul. And, you may not know that Laguna is constantly adding more hotels and restaurants to love. Check …
It is already magical when you have the opportunity to travel aboard one of the West’s historic rails with steam locomotives tracing some of the nation’s most beautiful scenic valleys and mountain ridges. Combine such a journey with a holiday tradition that makes little ones wide-eyed and you have pure holiday magic. Just hop aboard …
See Windmills (Really) Close Up Not long after the dinosaurs “welcome” you to the Coachella Valley along Interstate 10, another landmark signals your arrival in Greater Palm Springs. You are soon greeted by the more than 2,000 towering “ambassadors” that make up the wind-powered energy farms of the region. Even if you’ve never been to …
Skiers and snowboarders at Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, may or may not be in for the record snowfalls, but that’s not a problem. Although the most recent storm dropped a respectable amount of snow, the $12 million investment in snowmaking equipment a few years ago guarantees snow buffs non-stop powdery …
For wine-lovers like me, Lompoc’s stellar location – at the base of the award-winning Santa Rita Hills wine region – makes it a perfect base of operations for wine tasting. It is also a great place to find a few secrets to discover! I arrived on a recent weekend, checked into the year-old Hilton Garden …
As the scorching heat of summer turns Death Valley nights to cool and starry and days to perfection, it’s a perfect time to uncover the Secrets of Death Valley, and, as winter turns to spring, the hope of wildflowers adds to the discoveries at every turn. Design your own fascinating nature exploration filled with history, …
Who says you can’t combine luxury with adventure? Or perhaps your idea of luxury is taking a vacation while your holiday shopping is being done for you. And, we all want to take a flight without all the hassle of navigating security and walking down long corridors to your terminal. It’s time for your next …
Each of these 10 California B&Bs gifts guests with a spectacular “breakfast with a view”—whether its wave-crashing action, wildlife spotting or panoramic vistas of a city skyline. Seven Gables Inn, Pacific Grove Every room of the opulent Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove—including its oceanfront dining room—offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The dining …