Posts Tagged ‘California’

What are the first things you think of any time anyone says the word San Francisco? Maybe the hills. Or the cable cars. Or Alcatraz prison. However, you will discover the city offers more than you might even imagine. You’ll discover lot to see and do while you’re visiting this magnificent city.

One of the great things about San Francisco is that you can explore the city by foot nearly year round. The climate rarely gets too cold or too warm for wandering outside and the city is so beautiful; a stroll is a great method to take in all that San Francisco has to offer. And, should you find yourself tired from walking, all you have to do is jump on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars until you reach your next destination. This form of transportation is unique to San Francisco, the city where the trolley originated, and is a great way to put yourself right into the city’s special culture.

While in San Fran, Fisherman’s Wharf is a must see for your itinerary. Make a stop at Pier 39 for a good time. Pier 39 is famous for its great shopping center, which is filled with shops, games, and street artists. Take a look off the piers and see the local inhabitants of the docks—sea lions! Fisherman’s Wharf is also the place to go if you’re looking for great seafood. While there are many great restaurants to be found, be sure to stop by Boudin’s and try their famous sourdough bread (you can see the chef in action!) and unbeatable clam chowder. Fisherman’s Wharf is swimming with fun; don’t ignore this landmark area!

The local neighborhoods of San Francisco are another great stop if you want to live the amazing varieties of San Francisco culture. From North Beach to Chinatown, each neighborhood has an experience of its own that you won’t find anywhere else. The neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury is one of the highlights of San Francisco. Considered the Bohemian center of the city, this neighborhood is the birthplace of such legendaries as Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin. The spirit of these artists and their music still lives on in this district. Haight-Ashbury also boasts of some small but great local eateries, bars and shops, including Amoeba Music, a bowling alley that was converted into a record store. Here you can buy almost any type of music you can think of, with a huge variety of vinyl. And just a short distance from this district is also located the Golden Gate Park—a large, gorgeous park that echoes New York City’s Central Park.

Also near Haight-Ashbury and the downtown area, you will find Castro, the very popular gay destination of San Francisco. This district is chock full of great restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops as well as the the best of San Francisco nightlife. Try to watch a film at the historic Castro theatre and relax at one of the elegant and tasteful bed and breakfasts the district has to offer. And if you visit at the right time of year, you can experience one of the great San Fran festivals such as Pink Saturday in June.

So when you plan your San Francisco vacation, be sure to not just do the tourist stuff. In San Fran you will find unique adventures everywhere you turn. Indulge in the culture of the city; it’s the only way to explore San Francisco!

Many travel websites welcome all travel enthusiasts, but some specialize in meeting the special, gay accommodation needs in San Francisco or anywhere for our friends with alternative sexual orientations.

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If you’ve already been to the Southern part of California, why not go to Northern California this time, particularly El Dorado County? It’s an exciting CA Vacation destination any time of the year. And when it comes to hotels, activities, and tourist attractions, there is nothing to worry about since there is a lot to pick and choose from in a Northern California Trip.

All you have to do is to get that laptop or computer running and search for Northern CA Getaway packages through the search engine. In less than a minute, you’ll be flooded with results, all waiting for you to check them out. But before you do, why not read on this article to have a brief overview of what Northern California has to offer to Vacationers like you?

The El Dorado County

In Northern California, a place called El Dorado County hosts some of the most exciting tourist attractions. Located 2 hours away from San Francisco Bay Area and between two major access roads to South Shore and North Shore Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County is an excellent getaway choice because it is not only easy to reach but it also boasts some of the richest history in the United States. In 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold in this place.

So if you want to explore where the epic Gold Rush took place, then you can visit the Gold Discovery State Historic Park. The park is a good place to start your local getaway. If you are a history lover, it will definitely catch your fancy as it showcases many artifacts from the Gold Rush era, museums, replica of the mill, and a nature trail where you will be guided by a park ranger. 

Now, if it isn’t just a day or two-day getaway, you might as well look at some other places that El Dorado County has to offer. You can check out the campgrounds in the Lotus/Coloma area like the American River resort on River Road and the Camp Lotus on Bassi Road. This will be the perfect place for you to go on a picnic or a little camping at that.

If you are Triping with the kids, they will sure love being closer to nature, while you can also enjoy doing activities like rafting and wine tasting. You can find lots of rafting companies in the area, but you can do your search ahead of time by going online. As for wine tasting, the South Eastern part of El Dorado County is known as one of the best lands for wine-grape varietals. So, you can find here some of the famous wineries like Windwalker and Oakstone wineries to name a few. 

The Northern part of Cali, particularly El Dorado County, can really make your California Getaway an experience of a lifetime. Now, if you really want to make it even more exciting, you can also spend a couple of days in the beautiful South Lake Tahoe. Here, you can do a lot of hiking, biking, shopping, gaming, entertainment, and many more. Everything will basically depend on your plan. If you think your Holiday period can still accommodate visiting more places than just El Dorado County, then why not include them in your itinerary?

After all, it’s fun, enjoyment, and relaxation that your after in this Cali Holiday, so why not make the most out of it?

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Encinitas has a different vibe than any of the beach towns north of San Diego – but what is it that makes it so captivating, so special? Many feel its because Encinitas is still lost in time back in the 1960s when California was a much simpler place with small roadside motels along Highway 101. Encinitas hotels didn’t exist back in the 60s, nor were there any Encinitas Bed and Breakfasts or hotels in Del Mar or the Cardiff Lodge.

Encinitas is home to romantic bed and breakfasts, Stone Steps Beach, The Roxy Restaurant where you can buy a glass of rum and an ice cream cone, cute boutiques, funky old hotels on the historic Pacific Coast Highway, Moonlight beach, the La Paloma theater (still featuring weekly surf movies) and romantic Encinitas bed and breakfasts. Encinitas is so laid back that it is often referred to as “San Diego’s Sleepy Surf Town.”

Students, tourists and surfers jam Karina’s Mexican Restaurant for lunch and dinner. The wide sidewalks along the old historic Pacific Coast Highway through “downtown” Encinitas are lined with outdoor restaurants, a seaside “bazaar” and boutique shops. No other beach town in the San Diego area has such a great selection of restaurants – from Mexican take-out to fine Italian dining. If you come to visit, make a reservation at an Encinitas B&B or Carlsbad Bed and Breakfast and bring your appetite!

Moonlight Beach has the best of San Diego beaches and is an easy walk from the Inn At Moonlight Beach Bed and Breakfast Inn. It’s a great spot to soak up some sun, enjoy a game of pickup volleyball, have a picnic or cookout at the big fire-rings, try your hand at surfing or boogie-boarding, body surf, read a book, people watch or just kick back and “chill.” You won’t find a better beach in Encinitas to work on your tan.

Ann Dunham owns and operates an intimate, romantic Encinitas Bed and Breakfast just off the Pacific Coast Highway. Her lovely boutique inn is often called the San Diego Beach Bed and Breakfast said to be more romantic than Del Mar Hotels and more lovely than the Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts.

The four suites at the romantic Inn At Moonlight Beach are decorated like a Spanish seaside resort. All rooms have coffee maker with Starbucks coffee, refrigerators, wireless internet, color televisions and a private bath. What makes Ann’s Encinitas bed & breakfast so very special is that the hostess, Ann Dunham, bakes delicious breads and muffins for your breakfast every morning.

Terry Hunefeld retired as President of a California coaching company to follow his love of exploring the ocean to monitor birds, dolphins and whales. Hunefeld and his wife Ann Dunham own the Inn At Moonlight Beach in Encinitas near Del Mar and San Diego. For more information visit: Solana Beach Bed and Breakfasts or Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts.

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If you have been working all your life, you surely have reached the point of breaking down. You end up being fed up with your daily routine. Well, how about a short break? For sure you have been wanting to temporarily escape your everyday activity and you want something brand new for a change. Hence, brace yourself because here comes your chance of experiencing an ultimate relaxation. Why not try a California spa Holiday?

CA is branded as a famous tourist spot all over the world. In fact, a visit to this paradise allows you the access to the best and most romantic resorts and spas that are sure to revitalize and soothe your mind and body. These spa Vacations are becoming more and more popular among people all over the world. California is known for its great weather and scenic spots and many spa resorts are surfacing here and there. Thus, weather you love nature and the outdoors or simply the feel of the place, a California spa Vacation is something worth trying!

What comprises the California spa Trip?

As a spa Vacation destination, CA furnishes the most luxurious spots dotted with swanky hotels as well as spa resorts. As a state, California presents mountains, deserts, as well as the ocean side resort spas for all guests to enjoy. The famous Golden Door spa of Escondido is found in California, so to speak. The other best spa resorts are located in San Diego, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and San Francisco. 

A spa Trip in Los Angeles and San Diego is a wonderful time for you to see for yourself a lot of captivating scenery. These resorts feature several deluxe world-class European models. The stylish oasis that is located in the heart of South CA is none other than Palm Springs. More so, the very lavish spa hotels found in San Francisco has a lot of treatment packages to offer you.

What spa treatments can be availed of?

Most of the day spas in California offer the treatments like waxing, facials, massage, make up, pedicures, manicures, hot stones therapy, herbal body wraps, and the so-called micro-dermabrasion treatment.

The hotel spa resorts also provide packages that allow you to enjoy other activities like spa cuisine and physical fitness programs. Sports like golf, tennis, hiking, and aerobics are likewise among your choices.

What are the top Vacation spa destinations in California?

Among the best places to consider going to include the Peninsula Spa, Spa Gaucin, Spa Montage, Beverly Hills Spa by La Prairie, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, to name a few.

Why is the hiking Vacation spa worth trying?

The hiking Trip spa is not like your typical spa experience. Yes, the services include all sorts of relaxing treatments but the main difference is that the spa is actually located in the hills or in the mountains. The prime activities offered are massages, yoga, mountain trekking, tae-bo exercises, fitness programs, weight loss programs, camping, spa treatments, and of course, hiking.

Anyhow, prior to going on a Cali spa Holiday, it is necessary to make your plans and make the arrangements. Inquire on the available services, accommodations, rates, and the other options offered. You may choose from the destination spas, day spas, and resort spas all over the state.

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If you are thinking about what to do in San Diego there is one top place that ranks as one of the best of most lists. The famous San Diego Zoo, located in Southern California is one of the best zoo’s in the United States and is also highly rated internationally. Along with the San Diego beaches and San Diego Seaworld the San Diego Zoo is one of the top reasons to visit San Diego.

The Zoo houses nearly 4,000 animals for visitors to see. Among the animals on display at the Zoo, the entertaining pandas are no doubt the best known attraction. They are one of the main reasons why the Zoo is so popular. Everybody loves watching the cuddly and playful pandas. It is best if you enquire when their feeding times are scheduled so you can see them at their most active.

As well as the pandas, the Zoo has an impressive variety of animal species on display. There are giraffes, lions, leopards and more from Africa. There are snakes from Asia and camels from the Middle East. Pretty much any creature that you can think of will be represented.

The animals themselves have plenty of space to live in their enclosures. The San Diego Zoo is well known for its natural habitat enclosure designs in which the animals live. The Zoo is located in spacious Balboa Park, one of the best public parks in the world. Both the animals and the people who come to see them enjoy the attractive gardens of the Zoo.

You can view the animals in several ways. You can ride on the overhead cableway that gives a wide overview of the zoo from above. If you are keen on photography the view from the upper level of the double decker bus tours gives you an unobstructed view right into the animals enclosures. You are, of course, free to walk about the Zoo as you wish, but it is more entertaining to be there for the scheduled feeding times of the various animals.

Even if you are looking forward to a beach vacation in San Diego, you should set aside time to spend a few hours at the Zoo. Especially if you are holidaying with your family, a visit to the San Diego Zoo will be a great family experience.

Florida

This state is perfect to visit all-year round. With theme parks galore in Orlando alone, there’s sure to be a place or two able to welcome last-minute travelers like you. While in Florida, you can also head off to Miami and enjoy its beaches and exciting nightlife. For more adventure, you can book a day trip to Key West and enjoy its exotic locale. In Key West, make sure you set aside a portion of your day for fishing and shopping.

New England Coast

If you need a last-minute destination during the fall, there’s no better place to pick than the New England Coast. Its spectacular fall foliage is famous worldwide and you can enjoy it for free just by walking around. The same beauty shall greet you whether you’re traveling to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or some other place in the New England coast.

Paris

Lovers will always have Parisat any time of the year. Really, it is packed all the time, however you might not really notice these things when you are in love? In Paris, you immediately know a couple of well-known attractions to visit and activities to check out. Besides the ever-famous Eiffel Tower, there’s also Versailles Palace to check out. You know as well that it’s imperative to give the street-lining cafes a try for authentic French cuisine, to walk around and just enjoy the romantic atmosphere and appreciate the works of Bohemian artists.

New York

Another city you won’t lack for excitement is the Big Apple. But beware, native New Yorkersdon’t like it when people refer to NYC as the Big Apple. You will find always something to see because it is a town that never sleeps, and no need to worry what time you arrive there. Just be careful of pickpockets. That’s one authentic NYC experience you can certainly do without!

Nevada

Like NYC, Nevada or Las Vegas in particular is a city that comes especially alive at night. If you think gambling is the only thing to do in Vegas, think again. You can drop by at Caesar’s Palace, for instance, at certain times in the evening and you’ll be treated by a special presentation…for free.

California

First stop: Hollywood. Walk around Beverly Hills, buy a map to know where the stars live, walk a couple of minutes more and you can spot a famous actor or two while shopping in any of the equally famous boutiques lining the streets. A food tour won’t be amiss because Cali is a melting pot of various cultures! You’ll see a Thai restaurant right next to a fine-dining French restaurant and a fastfood joint.

London

History buffs wanting to do some last minute travel should immediately head to London. Thereafter, you can visit Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and do not forget the London Bridge, the ultimate star of nursery rhymes. If you have some extra time, check out the Thames Park – this was the most fashionable place for nobles to visit and to be seen.

Hawaii

Hawaii has nice tropical weather all year round. They may have stormy bouts once in a while, but the weather channel will easily let you know if visiting the islands now would be bad timing. In Hawaii, you can enjoy luaus after frolicking in the beach.

Egypt

Pyramids! There’s no need to think when you get to Egypt. You can also try riding a camel and visit the various museums found in Cairo.

Shanghai

Take advantage of the currently welcoming regime in China and see the secret wonders of this once-forbidden country. The language barrier could take a bit getting used to but the extremely cheap cost-of-living makes struggling with Mandarin worth every second.