Travel to Venice

A Trip to Venice to get enthralled by its vivacity…

Located in the northern part of the county, an Italian city is famed around the world for its magnificence. Nevertheless, official name of the city is ‘Venice’ but it is more famous by its secondary names such as ‘queen of Adriatic’, ‘City of Water’, City of Bridges’ and ‘City of Light’. One among the most gorgeous cities in the world, Venice is supposed to be the adored destination of lovebirds from all across the globe.

Giving a depiction of fairyland, the city is a treasure trove of cultures and traditions, which are centuries old. Set on almost 117 tiny isles and comprising hundreds of canal, the city covers an area of 458 kilometers. Miles away from the impression of a metropolitan city struck with traffic jam and chaotic setting, Venice trails are as clear as a remote village in oriental Asia. This elegant getaway is all time favorite for beauty-loving expeditors or camera-clad beings of the world.

Accommodation in Venice

Known for its inexhaustible festivity, Venice calls tourists through out the year. Nevertheless, the city is very small and population is less, yet, it is abundant with restaurants and hotels. Venice hotels are full of every facility and available on a good range. Some of the most famous hotels in Venice are respectively Hotel Giorgione , Ca' Gottardi, Historic palazzo, Hotel Al Vagon, Hotel Ambra, Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, Hotel Mignon, Hotel Gabrielli, Hotel Torino, Venice Hotels, Hotel San Giorgio etc.

You will be able to find almost every sort of hotel in Venice. Some Venice hotels are budget hotels, while some are specially designed with a corporate look. If are looking forward for something lavish at the dazzling destination, opt for multi-star hotels in Venice, which are ready to offer you the most impeccable services. Comfortable beds, aromatic ambiance, flawless service, good food, plush spas and top quality gym are the normal features of these hotels.

Start your morning with the tawny shade spread outside your window and spend the entire day playing with canal mazes in the city. You can wander around also, as car is a strict ‘no-no’ here. Yes, car is banned in Venice. But if, you do not want to get lost in the watery web of the city, you can opt for busses, which run all across the city.

Best season to go-

Nonetheless, Venice is an year round destination but if you want to take the maximum fun of party mood of the city, land here in spring. It will be best if you will come here during Easter. This is supposed to be the perfect season to enjoy the vivacity of the city but this time you can face a problem of accommodation in Venice hotels.

Read More …

Travel to Venice

A Trip to Venice to get enthralled by its vivacity…

Located in the northern part of the county, an Italian city is famed around the world for its magnificence. Nevertheless, official name of the city is ‘Venice’ but it is more famous by its secondary names such as ‘queen of Adriatic’, ‘City of Water’, City of Bridges’ and ‘City of Light’. One among the most gorgeous cities in the world, Venice is supposed to be the adored destination of lovebirds from all across the globe.

Giving a depiction of fairyland, the city is a treasure trove of cultures and traditions, which are centuries old. Set on almost 117 tiny isles and comprising hundreds of canal, the city covers an area of 458 kilometers. Miles away from the impression of a metropolitan city struck with traffic jam and chaotic setting, Venice trails are as clear as a remote village in oriental Asia. This elegant getaway is all time favorite for beauty-loving expeditors or camera-clad beings of the world.

Accommodation in Venice

Known for its inexhaustible festivity, Venice calls tourists through out the year. Nevertheless, the city is very small and population is less, yet, it is abundant with restaurants and hotels. Venice hotels are full of every facility and available on a good range. Some of the most famous hotels in Venice are respectively Hotel Giorgione , Ca' Gottardi, Historic palazzo, Hotel Al Vagon, Hotel Ambra, Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, Hotel Mignon, Hotel Gabrielli, Hotel Torino, Venice Hotels, Hotel San Giorgio etc.

You will be able to find almost every sort of hotel in Venice. Some Venice hotels are budget hotels, while some are specially designed with a corporate look. If are looking forward for something lavish at the dazzling destination, opt for multi-star hotels in Venice, which are ready to offer you the most impeccable services. Comfortable beds, aromatic ambiance, flawless service, good food, plush spas and top quality gym are the normal features of these hotels.

Start your morning with the tawny shade spread outside your window and spend the entire day playing with canal mazes in the city. You can wander around also, as car is a strict ‘no-no’ here. Yes, car is banned in Venice. But if, you do not want to get lost in the watery web of the city, you can opt for busses, which run all across the city.

Best season to go-

Nonetheless, Venice is an year round destination but if you want to take the maximum fun of party mood of the city, land here in spring. It will be best if you will come here during Easter. This is supposed to be the perfect season to enjoy the vivacity of the city but this time you can face a problem of accommodation in Venice hotels.

Read More …

The Truth About Travel Safety

It is often when we are out to enjoy ourselves on vacation that we are more likely to experience events which can affect how much we enjoy the break. These things can often ruin a vacation and leave a bad taste in the mouth for a particular location; they can even be expensive! Situations like this can even escalate and it is not uncommon where people are reluctant to leave their room or even have to spend time in a Police station trying to explain the problem. Perhaps it is just that traveling safely requires some common sense and most of the time these days, we do not require it as someone else is always responsible for our mistakes!

Whatever it is you are doing or wherever you are, when you get that feeling that something doesn't feel right, that is your instinct; learn to listen to it. When you go out to discover new places, bars and restaurants, think about what you are taking with you; are all your credit cards, passport and airline tickets for example necessary where you are going? Consider just what you require for your trip out and take that, placing everything else that is of importance in your room or hotel safe. If you place your cash, traveler's checks and credit cards in various locations about your person, then there is less likelihood of pickpockets stealing all your financial assets and leaving you with nothing.

It is also never a good idea for a couple to use the same credit card, when to travel safely it just is a simple matter to take a second card from a completely different account; as a replacement should one be mislaid or taken. A big thing now is bag and camera snatching from people strolling along, often in the road and unaware of the potential danger so make sure you wear the backpack on your back and sling your camera over your head and shoulder. Some of the easiest crimes involve snatch thieves that may actually work in teams; they locate unsuspecting victims who have a bag on their shoulder for instance that can be easily grabbed by a passing cycle or scooter. The reason most people fall for these tricks is because we are more relaxed on vacation and the people that carry out these crimes are very good at it.

The truth is we always believe it won't happen to us because we are too streetwise but it is that arrogance that gets us caught out and these individuals do this every day. If you use a small backpack or day bag when wandering the streets or local markets why not buy a small padlock because would be pickpockets will be put off straight away.

Read More …

The Truth About Travel Safety

It is often when we are out to enjoy ourselves on vacation that we are more likely to experience events which can affect how much we enjoy the break. These things can often ruin a vacation and leave a bad taste in the mouth for a particular location; they can even be expensive! Situations like this can even escalate and it is not uncommon where people are reluctant to leave their room or even have to spend time in a Police station trying to explain the problem. Perhaps it is just that traveling safely requires some common sense and most of the time these days, we do not require it as someone else is always responsible for our mistakes!

Whatever it is you are doing or wherever you are, when you get that feeling that something doesn't feel right, that is your instinct; learn to listen to it. When you go out to discover new places, bars and restaurants, think about what you are taking with you; are all your credit cards, passport and airline tickets for example necessary where you are going? Consider just what you require for your trip out and take that, placing everything else that is of importance in your room or hotel safe. If you place your cash, traveler's checks and credit cards in various locations about your person, then there is less likelihood of pickpockets stealing all your financial assets and leaving you with nothing.

It is also never a good idea for a couple to use the same credit card, when to travel safely it just is a simple matter to take a second card from a completely different account; as a replacement should one be mislaid or taken. A big thing now is bag and camera snatching from people strolling along, often in the road and unaware of the potential danger so make sure you wear the backpack on your back and sling your camera over your head and shoulder. Some of the easiest crimes involve snatch thieves that may actually work in teams; they locate unsuspecting victims who have a bag on their shoulder for instance that can be easily grabbed by a passing cycle or scooter. The reason most people fall for these tricks is because we are more relaxed on vacation and the people that carry out these crimes are very good at it.

The truth is we always believe it won't happen to us because we are too streetwise but it is that arrogance that gets us caught out and these individuals do this every day. If you use a small backpack or day bag when wandering the streets or local markets why not buy a small padlock because would be pickpockets will be put off straight away.

Read More …

The London Travel

One among the financial pillars on the planet, London is also among the most sough-after destinations of the world. The British capital is all engrossed with unique captivation and pulsating magnetism.

The economic leader of Europe was supposed to be the largest capital once. The city calls for an unusual bewilderment. Set on the shore of River Thames, the city offers attraction for people of every age. It is an astonishing blend of cultures, which boasts more than two hundred lingual diversities. Drawing double Decker buses, magnificent sides of Thames and measureless greenery, London is crammed with tourism attractions. The city is not exactly about serene beaches, secluded island or snowy cliffs, which are supposed to be the best tourist alluring places but London still draws millions of spectators throughout the year from all around the globe.

Checkout what lures voyagers to London - Buckingham Palace - Royal court of a dynasty that is supposed to be among the most powerful rulers ever, Buckingham place is the dwelling of royal family of Britain.

Madame Tussauds Gallery - While on a trip to London, a tour to this unusual museum is must watch… Tussauds gallery is famous for its wax statues of numerous famed names from all around the globe.

London Wetlands Centers – The lush patch on London metropolis; the area is maintained by London Wetlands Trust and covers more than 43 hectares and supposed to be one of the largest wildlife abode in entire European continent. If you are making a plan of London Travel, you should surely include this vibrant area in your list.

Tower Bridge- among the most south after destinations in London, Tower Bridge is more than hundred years old. The bridge has twin drawbridges or bascules, which are of more then 1000 tons each. The striking bridge of London is visited by almost every expeditor, who comes to London to gawk on its enchantment.

Accommodation- there is plenty of hotels in London. Many of them are more than hundred years old but if you are looking for a best London hotel, you need to do an extensive research on it. You must need to choose the exact hotel location, an appropriate deal and a hotel that is meeting all your requirements. London hotels are located in almost every area that is supposed to be a tourism attraction in the city.

London is all enchanting. If you too are planning a trip to London - the scenic European metropolis – checkout internet for best deals available. To plan a London travel in wonderful manner, you can take help of online travel guides. These sites are great in knowing itinerary of London. Plant a tour to London to know more about its enthrallment.

Read More …

The London Travel

One among the financial pillars on the planet, London is also among the most sough-after destinations of the world. The British capital is all engrossed with unique captivation and pulsating magnetism.

The economic leader of Europe was supposed to be the largest capital once. The city calls for an unusual bewilderment. Set on the shore of River Thames, the city offers attraction for people of every age. It is an astonishing blend of cultures, which boasts more than two hundred lingual diversities. Drawing double Decker buses, magnificent sides of Thames and measureless greenery, London is crammed with tourism attractions. The city is not exactly about serene beaches, secluded island or snowy cliffs, which are supposed to be the best tourist alluring places but London still draws millions of spectators throughout the year from all around the globe.

Checkout what lures voyagers to London - Buckingham Palace - Royal court of a dynasty that is supposed to be among the most powerful rulers ever, Buckingham place is the dwelling of royal family of Britain.

Madame Tussauds Gallery - While on a trip to London, a tour to this unusual museum is must watch… Tussauds gallery is famous for its wax statues of numerous famed names from all around the globe.

London Wetlands Centers – The lush patch on London metropolis; the area is maintained by London Wetlands Trust and covers more than 43 hectares and supposed to be one of the largest wildlife abode in entire European continent. If you are making a plan of London Travel, you should surely include this vibrant area in your list.

Tower Bridge- among the most south after destinations in London, Tower Bridge is more than hundred years old. The bridge has twin drawbridges or bascules, which are of more then 1000 tons each. The striking bridge of London is visited by almost every expeditor, who comes to London to gawk on its enchantment.

Accommodation- there is plenty of hotels in London. Many of them are more than hundred years old but if you are looking for a best London hotel, you need to do an extensive research on it. You must need to choose the exact hotel location, an appropriate deal and a hotel that is meeting all your requirements. London hotels are located in almost every area that is supposed to be a tourism attraction in the city.

London is all enchanting. If you too are planning a trip to London - the scenic European metropolis – checkout internet for best deals available. To plan a London travel in wonderful manner, you can take help of online travel guides. These sites are great in knowing itinerary of London. Plant a tour to London to know more about its enthrallment.

Read More …

A Place for All Seasons

The Auvergne is one of Frances best kept secrets. Yet it is hardly hidden away in some distant corner. On the contrary, you will find it bang in the middle of the country as bold a brass saying 'look at me, here I am, come and have a look around!. So why, so far, has this beautiful area of France remained largely unnoticed by the British, who would seemingly rather travel around or through the area to holiday in the more populous, and far more crowded, regions further south. The French love it, and descend in numbers for their annual holidays.

So, why go there? The answer is obvious. The Auvergne is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of France with a great variety of landscapes, demonstrated by the contrast between the dramatic volcanic uplands of the Puy de Dome and Cantal departments and the vast plains of the Allier river in the north.

The Auvergne is home to the 'Monts Dome', a range of mountains located to the south west of Clermont Ferrand, made up of over 80 volcanoes which became extinct less than 4000 years ago. This stunning terrain has several high peaks (known as Puys) with the imposing Puy de Dome overlooking Clermont Ferrand reaching 1465m and the Puy de Sancy an impressive 1886m, the highest peak in France outside of the Alps and Pyrenees.

Most visitors enjoy the region in the high summer and winter (for skiing) but the area really does offer something for the tourist all year round.

Spring

Ahh... the snows have melted on the higher ground and the true beauty of the landscape is revealed as the trees emerge from their winter torpor and start to re-gain their healthy green complexion. The myriad of colours displayed as the trees blossom adds to the feeling of re-generation. Life is breathed back into the countryside and the terrain becomes a sea of green once more, enhancing the many panoramic views which greet you, seemingly at every turn.

This season is excellent for walking. From the casual ramble to the more serious hike the area provides a multitude of choice along the many marked tracks and paths. The weather is pleasant and generally warm although do not discount the possibility of the occasional thunderstorm on the higher ground where you may also find the last pockets of snow clinging to the hillsides.

Cyclists are also well catered for. The variety of terrain, from the high mountain passes to the gentler plains of the Limagne offers a good choice for the road cyclist. For the off roader the choice of trails and tracks to traverse is plentiful and suitable for all standards of cyclist.

Summer

This is obviously the most popular season with holidaymakers and as such is the busiest time of the year. Despite the increased numbers it is still easy to get about, although parking at some of the more popular sites can be more difficult - but you must have a car.

With the summer foliage in full bloom the area plays host to a variety of tourists, not only the enthusiastic rambler or cyclist but also lovers of many other outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hang gliding, horse riding, fishing...the list is seemingly endless. The climate during the spring and autumn is often more suited to many outdoor activities and the less crowded roads and footpaths are attractive to many visitors at these times of year.

For the family visitor there are many excellent campsites, most of which have a high standard of facilities. The lack of a coastline is no barrier to sunbathing on a beach or swimming in the open air as many of the Auvergne lakes have beaches and swimming zones, all of which are patrolled by lifeguards. Of course, for such a popular tourist area there is a plentiful supply of decent hotels, gites and rental accommodation to choose from. The value for money offered by much of the accommodation compared to many other areas of France is an important consideration, particularly in the current economic climate.

Autumn

There is no shortage of trees in the Auvergne. The Domainal Forest of Troncais in the Allier, covers over 27,000 acres and is the largest oak forest in Europe. But even this is dwarfed by the vast 'La Chataigneraie' area of the Cantal which boasts over 500,000 acres of chestnut trees. As you would expect, the abundance of deciduous trees makes the Auvergne a great place to experience the autumn leaf displays. You will know, of course, the rich diversity of colours which this season can display and the region is perfect to experience such arboreal beauty at this time of year.

The climate is generally milder than the UK making conditions ideal for travelling by car, foot or bike to view this wonderful spectacle.

Winter

To the average ski enthusiast the Auvergne is not an area associated with skiing. However, although not anywhere near as vast as the Alps, the area does have three decent sized ski resorts with some very good facilities.

The two main classified ski-centres of Superbesse and Le Mont Dore are located on the south and north side of the Puy du Sancy respectively and are linked to form an overall ski terrain of 85km. In December 2008 a new cable car opened in Superbesse improving access to the summit; the Puy de la Perdix (1850m). The other major ski centre is Le Liorian in the Cantal which offers 40 downhill runs and several kilometres of cross country ski trails.

In total the 'Grands Espaces d'Auvergne' ski region offers over 200km of downhill pistes and 900km of cross country trails. If you are new to skiing then the Auvergne resorts are an ideal place to learn with ski schools in each of the main resorts.

The Auvergne, for sheer variety of landscape and range of activities has to be one of the great all season destinations in Europe. Why not give it a try?

Read More …

A Place for All Seasons

The Auvergne is one of Frances best kept secrets. Yet it is hardly hidden away in some distant corner. On the contrary, you will find it bang in the middle of the country as bold a brass saying 'look at me, here I am, come and have a look around!. So why, so far, has this beautiful area of France remained largely unnoticed by the British, who would seemingly rather travel around or through the area to holiday in the more populous, and far more crowded, regions further south. The French love it, and descend in numbers for their annual holidays.

So, why go there? The answer is obvious. The Auvergne is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of France with a great variety of landscapes, demonstrated by the contrast between the dramatic volcanic uplands of the Puy de Dome and Cantal departments and the vast plains of the Allier river in the north.

The Auvergne is home to the 'Monts Dome', a range of mountains located to the south west of Clermont Ferrand, made up of over 80 volcanoes which became extinct less than 4000 years ago. This stunning terrain has several high peaks (known as Puys) with the imposing Puy de Dome overlooking Clermont Ferrand reaching 1465m and the Puy de Sancy an impressive 1886m, the highest peak in France outside of the Alps and Pyrenees.

Most visitors enjoy the region in the high summer and winter (for skiing) but the area really does offer something for the tourist all year round.

Spring

Ahh... the snows have melted on the higher ground and the true beauty of the landscape is revealed as the trees emerge from their winter torpor and start to re-gain their healthy green complexion. The myriad of colours displayed as the trees blossom adds to the feeling of re-generation. Life is breathed back into the countryside and the terrain becomes a sea of green once more, enhancing the many panoramic views which greet you, seemingly at every turn.

This season is excellent for walking. From the casual ramble to the more serious hike the area provides a multitude of choice along the many marked tracks and paths. The weather is pleasant and generally warm although do not discount the possibility of the occasional thunderstorm on the higher ground where you may also find the last pockets of snow clinging to the hillsides.

Cyclists are also well catered for. The variety of terrain, from the high mountain passes to the gentler plains of the Limagne offers a good choice for the road cyclist. For the off roader the choice of trails and tracks to traverse is plentiful and suitable for all standards of cyclist.

Summer

This is obviously the most popular season with holidaymakers and as such is the busiest time of the year. Despite the increased numbers it is still easy to get about, although parking at some of the more popular sites can be more difficult - but you must have a car.

With the summer foliage in full bloom the area plays host to a variety of tourists, not only the enthusiastic rambler or cyclist but also lovers of many other outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hang gliding, horse riding, fishing...the list is seemingly endless. The climate during the spring and autumn is often more suited to many outdoor activities and the less crowded roads and footpaths are attractive to many visitors at these times of year.

For the family visitor there are many excellent campsites, most of which have a high standard of facilities. The lack of a coastline is no barrier to sunbathing on a beach or swimming in the open air as many of the Auvergne lakes have beaches and swimming zones, all of which are patrolled by lifeguards. Of course, for such a popular tourist area there is a plentiful supply of decent hotels, gites and rental accommodation to choose from. The value for money offered by much of the accommodation compared to many other areas of France is an important consideration, particularly in the current economic climate.

Autumn

There is no shortage of trees in the Auvergne. The Domainal Forest of Troncais in the Allier, covers over 27,000 acres and is the largest oak forest in Europe. But even this is dwarfed by the vast 'La Chataigneraie' area of the Cantal which boasts over 500,000 acres of chestnut trees. As you would expect, the abundance of deciduous trees makes the Auvergne a great place to experience the autumn leaf displays. You will know, of course, the rich diversity of colours which this season can display and the region is perfect to experience such arboreal beauty at this time of year.

The climate is generally milder than the UK making conditions ideal for travelling by car, foot or bike to view this wonderful spectacle.

Winter

To the average ski enthusiast the Auvergne is not an area associated with skiing. However, although not anywhere near as vast as the Alps, the area does have three decent sized ski resorts with some very good facilities.

The two main classified ski-centres of Superbesse and Le Mont Dore are located on the south and north side of the Puy du Sancy respectively and are linked to form an overall ski terrain of 85km. In December 2008 a new cable car opened in Superbesse improving access to the summit; the Puy de la Perdix (1850m). The other major ski centre is Le Liorian in the Cantal which offers 40 downhill runs and several kilometres of cross country ski trails.

In total the 'Grands Espaces d'Auvergne' ski region offers over 200km of downhill pistes and 900km of cross country trails. If you are new to skiing then the Auvergne resorts are an ideal place to learn with ski schools in each of the main resorts.

The Auvergne, for sheer variety of landscape and range of activities has to be one of the great all season destinations in Europe. Why not give it a try?

Read More …

Take a Romantic Vacation in California

If you are looking to take a romantic vacation with your loved one this year, California should definitely make it to the top of your list. One of the things that makes California a great state is the variety in geography and cities, and it’s this variety that also makes it a prime target for vacation.

If you and your partner pampering on your romantic vacation in the Golden State, a great destination is Palm Springs. Between spa treatments and strolling around the golf course, there’s something for everyone in Palm Springs. If you’re looking for a quiet get-away retreat to spend time reconnecting with your spouse whilst soaking up a little California sunshine, this is a great choice as Palm Springs is located in the Mojave Desert and it rarely falls below freezing - even in winter.

If connecting with nature is more your idea of a romantic retreat, northern California may be just the ticket. Yosemite National Park has it all: Beautiful scenery, lavish hotels, and if you seek them out, special offers that give you the chance to enjoy it all without breaking the bank. Whether you want to be a hiker out in the daytime wilderness with your loved one, or whether you want to snuggle together at night next to a roaring fire, Yosemite may be just what you're looking for. If you’re looking for a romantic winter break, northern California has great skiing to offer to both novice and expert alike.

Of course, you can't forget the tourist destination, Disneyland. It may not sound romantic, but if that’s the reason for your vacation, you’ll find that you’ll have relaxed quality time during the day as you wander around the park, then at night you can relive the memories of the day over a candle-lit meal at one of the restaurants in the area – and what could be more romantic than watching a fireworks display with someone you love?

So whether your idea of a romantic vacation is wanting to relax, hike, or sightsee together, you'll love what you find in California.

Visit here for California Vacation Guide

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Get a Taste for Romance in the Napa Valley, California

The Napa Valley area of California is synonymous with good quality wines, but it’s also a great place for a romantic vacation with a touch of class! It’s also within easy driving distance of San Francisco.

The vineyards in the Napa Valley are a wonderful place to explore, many of them open their doors to the public – some owners even allow wine tasting (so check in advance what’s available if this is something you’d like to take part in) evenings – and give visitors an opportunity to see where and how the wine is nurtured and matured. Some vineyards also offer a restaurant service, accompanied by good wine of course, and because they aren’t commercial restaurants, they usually only cater for small numbers making it a special romantic experience.

You don’t have to like wine to enjoy a romantic vacation in the Napa Valley. This part of California doesn’t attract as many visitors as either the larger cities, or even the nearby Yosemite National Park, and the kind of visitors who do choose the Napa Valley are usually those who are looking for a little peace and quite on their holiday. Because of the tourist demographic, you are unlikely to encounter large groups with families and loud teens looking to party – both of which could ruin a time when you want to spend quality time with your partner!

That doesn’t mean however that the Napa Valley is without its own form of excitement. There’s more to this area than watching grapes grow, and wandering around musky wine cellars! The scenery of the Valley is one of it’s major features, and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary would be to take a hot air balloon ride over the area. There are a number of different options available to you, but most of them start at the crack of dawn so be prepared for an early start to the day. Once the balloon rises, and the Napa Valley spreads out below you, the tiredness will soon be forgotten however! Make your reservation for the trip of your choice before you leave home, balloon trips are quite popular and especially in peak vacation times have their places booked out quickly!

If you are in the process of planning a vacation for you and your partner, and want to go somewhere romantic, take a closer look at the Napa Valley. It could be just what you’re looking for.

Visit here for California Vacation Guide

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Revealing the Real Orange County, California

After The O.C. hit the airwaves, people everywhere began to associate California with snobs and over-the-top riches, and even though the show has now ended, the obsession with Orange County hasn't abated.

There’s a good reason for this. Orange Country is an amazingly beautiful and diverse area, with Mediterranean-like weather year-round. Residents surf the waves on Christmas, something that people from northern states like Idaho or Wisconsin could only dream about. Many consider Orange County to be one of the most perfect places on earth because of the juxtaposition of temperate weather, beautiful scenery, high job growth, and of course its ideal proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego.

Of course when all of these factors combine together into one area, you'll quickly find that another, not-so-perfect aspect comes into play: soaring housing prices and cost of living. As a place to vacation however, this only affects the average tourist in terms of the cost of accommodation and eating out as this may be higher than in an area where property owners/restaurateurs have less overheads to pay. The main problem isn’t so much that holidaymakers are faced with higher prices, but rather that Orange County isn’t a vibrant cosmopolitan city with many different cultures woven into its backdrop. Many tourist attractions, and even stores, are generic with little local color. This doesn’t apply everywhere however, the world famous surfer’s paradise of Huntington Beach can be found in this area, as can the unique Crystal Cathedral! For kids there’s Disneyland, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and even a toy museum to keep them amused.

You may not be able to relive the highlife from the TV show – unless you are part of that scene, but you will have a great holiday because the natural beauty of Orange County can’t fail to charm you.

Visit here for California Vacation Guide

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Plan Your Visit to the Gold State - California

If you’re tempted to “go west” for your vacation, and love the idea of long days full of sunshine, then the Gold State is the one for you. California has something for everyone and can cater for all manner of vacation dreams; young and old, budget and high-fliers, vibrant or serene, this state has it all!

The first thing you need to do is decide what you’d like to do on your vacation, this will help you locate the right part of the state to begin your holiday. Do you want to center your vacation in one of the major cities of Los Angeles or San Francisco, and either have a one-center holiday where you explore only that city? Alternatively, do you want to use that city as your gateway and base for a vacation that allows you to explore the coastal areas such as Santa Barbara, or the desert areas of the Joshua Tree National Park? Are you hoping to sample some home-grown Californian wines in the Napa Valley? Is the Yosemite National Park somewhere you’ve always wanted to go? Are you interested in the anticipation of celebrity spotting? Are you hoping for a round or two of golf? Does the idea of taking a short trip into Mexico excite you? Are you taking children who are hoping to visit theme parks? All of these factors will help you identify which part of the Gold State is the right one for you. One things for sure, you’ll be able to do all of those things and a lot more besides in this vibrant state!

Once you know where you’re going, identify what you’ll need. How will you get there? If you intend to hire a car whilst you’re there, is there adequate parking around the place you hope to stay? Would public transport be a better idea for most days with car hire on the days you want to go outside the city? Do you need to make reservations for any accommodation? How about attraction tickets? Do you need to book in advance for any special event at the Rose Bowl? What about any sporting activities you hope to do – is equipment available locally to hire or do you need to take your own?

There are endless opportunities for a vacation of a lifetime in California, and you’ll be able to pack a number of them into your holiday as long as you plan the right destination, so take a good look at the map and carefully plan out a preliminary itinerary – you can always change it when you get there, but at least you’ll be off to a good start by being in the right part of this beautiful part of America.

Visit here for California Vacation Guide

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Info for Taking a Mexican Day Trip whilst in San Diego, California

So going to California may sound like a great vacation place, but to add a bit of vitality and exotic excitement to your holiday, how about taking a short day trip across the border into Mexico? If you are in the San Diego, a detour into Tijuana, Mexico is easier than you might think – you can even take the San Diego Trolley down to the border from where you can walk across.

One of the most important things to remember is that this is legally leaving the US and so you MUST have your passport, or other forms of ID (including photographic) with you otherwise you’re going to have problems getting back into the US! Although you can’t use your driver’s license in place of a passport, you can use this as photographic evidence along with other proof of nationality. Whilst you are in Mexico make sure that you keep your official papers in a safe place and never unattended.

The US/Mexico border is open 24 hours a day, so there’s no closing time, but if you are relying on the trolley bus to get you back to central San Diego, you need to find out the time the last trolley runs each night and ensure you cross the border at least an hour before that – depending on how many tourists have spent the day in Mexico, and how many of them have paperwork problems on their return, it can take over 45mins to clear customs – better still, aim to catch the one-before-last trolley so you have a fallback plan if something goes wrong at the border patrol!

If you have a hire car for your California vacation, you won’t be allowed to take this across the border so be prepared to park it on the American side of the border and then either walking or taking the shuttle bus across. If you have your own car, you have the option of taking your car into Mexico, or parking it on the US side of the border. If you take your car, note that you will need to allow for more time to clear customs and immigration at the US border on your return into America, than you would if you were on foot.

Make sure you get a map with local information on it before entering Mexico. Find out which areas are “safe” and tourist friendly, the areas to avoid, and where you can go for help if you get into some kind of trouble. Most tourists to Mexico have a great time and return to the US unscathed and wanting to return another day, there are however, those who don’t. As long as you stick to the tourist “rules” and take warnings issued by the US government seriously, you’ll have a great time and be one of those people who long to return to Mexico another time.

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Golfing Vacations in California

If theme parks and celebrity spotting isn’t your thing, you can let the family go off and do their thing whilst you make use of the many golfing opportunities available in California. If you are a serious golfer however, perhaps you’d prefer to have a vacation where golfing is the main event rather than something you do to escape from the tourist crowds in the noisy attractions! California offers a wide variety of different types of backdrops for its golf enthusiasts, so make sure you check out what’s available before making your reservation!

For example, if you like the desert then you’ll love Palm Springs where there are many golfing vacations available. The Classic Club offers up a beautiful view of the desert, and you’ll have a great course to try your luck on. This 18 hole green has 7,305 yards to play in with 14 bridges and little lakes to work around. This is desert area however, and temperatures can soar during the day and drop at night so make sure you pack for both extremes!

If desert isn’t your idea of a fun golfing vacation location, about the beach? Imagine waking up and hitting some balls in front of the ocean as the sun is just starting to rise. Monterey Courses has various packages available, and their golf course is 18 holes over 7,009 yards.

If you want to combine your love of golfing with a family vacation however, you could do worse than to base your location in Orange County which is close to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm – and has a golf course where you can relax whilst the rest of the family enjoy the thrills and spills of the local attractions.

Once you’ve decided on where you want to spend your vacation, check with the local clubs in that area as to whether they hire out equipment, or if you need to take your own. If you don’t want to pack the equipment, this could be a final deciding factor in which of California’s many beautiful golf courses you decide to play on.

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Things to do with Kids in San Francisco, California

Want to have a little bit of fun with your kids while in San Francisco, California this summer? That’s not hard with so many wonderful attractions, all you need to do is figure out which ones are perfect for your child.

Most children delight in seeing things that are just unbelievable or disgusting and they can find all sorts of “odd” items over at Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Museum. Imagine their faces when they see a two headed cow or a cable car made entirely out of matchsticks. These are just a few of the weird things they have in this two floor museum,

If the museum isn’t to their liking maybe they’d like to walk over to the Golden Gate Park. Try burning off some of that energy they have by taking them to the children’s playground. There are swings to swing on, a carousel to ride as well as many tubes to slither through. The adults may enjoy a picnic at one of the benches, followed by visiting the De Young Museum. Before you leave, make sure you all get a chance to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. This will be something they can tell all their friends once they get home.

Older children, and boys in particular, should be fascinated by a trip Alcatraz – and even if the ex prison itself isn’t of interest, they’re sure to at least enjoy the boat trip to get there!

If you don’t think your kids will be scared, a visit to the Wax Museum down at the Fisherman’s Wharf is a good way to spend some time. Your child will get to walk through the chamber of horrors, meet King Tut and all his glory and walk back through the history of sports and entertainment. Each figure looks so like the real thing it’s freaky.

Back in the outdoors Pier 39 is a great place to take kids, and in particular, a visit into the Aquarium of the Bay where they can not only admire the many varieties of sea life on display, but can walk through an arch where the fish swim overhead! Less gentle entertainment can be found at the Riptide Arcade and nearby Turbo Ride.

San Francisco is a great place for adults to spend a vacation, but it’s also a city that has something for everyone – including the kids!


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Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles, California

Taking your children on vacation often means planning ahead to make sure that you uncover all of the interesting places and activities that will be fun for them, as well as for the grown-ups. There are a number of great places in Los Angeles that are child friendly – these are just a taste of what LA has to offer!

La Brea Tar Pits- Imagine being back in the time of the dinosaurs. Well for a brief while you can walk the lives of the ancient animals as once they walked on the Earth. You’ll take a walk along paved paths that overlook the La Brea Tar Pits. Animals such as the Saber Tooth Tiger, woolly mammoths and many others can be found in the pits. These animals have all been preserved because of the Ice Age and they are in the very spots they were found. Now you can see them as once they were. Inside you’ll be able to actually watch as paleontologists dust off bone fragments of those they’ve found, or take a tour inside and look at the dinosaur bones they have on display. If your kids love dinosaurs, they’re going to love this!

Santa Monica Beach/Pier- The Santa Monica Pier never closes, so you can arrive at night or bright and early in the morning. The best part of the pier for adults is that it’s free. Children will love the Playland Arcade which has over 200 different types of games, even teens will be happy here! The pier is also where they have the beautiful antique carousel, designed in 1916, that your child will beg to go on repeatedly! There are more than just rides and games on the pier however. There are restaurants, vendors, shops, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the Pacific Park itself.

Griffith Park - Inside this park your children will be entertained by the Merry-Go-Round and the railroad. The Merry-Go-Round was actually built in 1926 but still runs smoothly today. Children aren’t the only ones that’ll enjoy this park however; even adults will have a great time exploring its horse paths, golf course, etc. The train station has many types of trains from throughout history and even two special trains for the kids to enjoy. The secret botanist in you will love all the different types of greenery at the park. Before leaving this park don’t forget to visit the “Griffith Observatory,” this is the place that’ll let you view the entire city from atop its roof. You’ll be amazed at just how beautiful everything looks, especially at night.

Los Angeles is more than just a place for celebrity spotting, and expensive high profile theme parks, take a look around at the smaller parks, you’ll be surprised at how entertaining your children will find them.


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Things to Do on Vacation in Santa Barbara, California

Whether you’re a new visitor to the area or have lived in Santa Barbara your entire life, there are many fun things for you do in this lovely part of California. The obvious activities are connected to the great outdoors and natural environment, from biking, to swimming or watching dolphins and whales swimming from the deck of one of the boats offering cruises around the waters just off the coastline. But there’s a side of Santa Barbara that’s away from the ocean, and it’s full of interesting things to do on your vacation.

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum which focuses on marine life is one such place. Alternatively, the Museum of Natural History is home to eleven different exhibit halls, containing many birds, mammals, insects and much more. Paleontology will be busy trying to discover what it is they’ve found, while you examine all of the marine life they’ve discovered. As you tour the building, don’t be shocked when you turn a corner only to discover many varieties of reptiles! The museum’s planetarium is a fascinating place to visit and even has introduction to astronomy shows for children.

Animals are another big attraction at the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens where you’ll be able to see over 700 animals from across the globe, not to mention walk amongst the beautiful gardens. Built in 1817, the Casa de La Guerra is still standing and a very interesting place for anyone with a passion for history, but if railways are more your thing, take a look at the Stow House & Railroad Museum. Wine aficionados however will be looking to travel a little bit further north of the main Santa Barbara area where they can find the local vineyards.

Although Santa Barbara is well known for it’s ocean views and lifestyle, there’s more to the area than just sand, sun and water – it’s a place where you can spend some of your time enjoying the beach, and the other part of it checking out the other various activities the area has to offer.

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Things to Do on Vacation in San Diego , California

If you are looking for something fun to do while your vacationing in San Diego, California, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Besides the usual BIG attractions like Lego Land, Sea World, etc, there are many out of the ordinary activities that are just as much fun, and not quite as packed because they are not as well known.

Put on those walking shoes because your first stop in San Diego should be Balboa Park. Why? Simply because this place has so much to do that it’ll make your vacation in San Diego one you’ll never forget. Imagine 15 museums, beautiful gardens everywhere and the added attraction of concerts. If you’ve children with you they’ll enjoy the mini railroad and carousel within the park. On the northern side of the park you’ll find the San Diego zoo. The zoo consists of 800 species of mammals such as the giant pandas to the hundreds of slithering snakes, but one of its greatest attractions is actually the Skyfari cable car! If you want to see more animals, you should also check out the San Diego Wild Animal Park which you tour around on a monorail that takes about 50 minutes to complete the loop which circles a preserve containing many types of wild animals such as zebras, rhinos and giraffes.

One “must do” activity on your vacation should be to the San Diego maritime museum. It may look on the outside, but looks are deceiving as it has a lot of amazing exhibits inside. This museum itself is housed on a ship. If you like pirates, you’ll love Pirates of the Pacific, inside this ship are all the wonders from William Dampier. Many other ships such as Berkeley, Californian, Pilot, B-39 Submarine, etc are on display. If you are in anyway interested in ships or love maritime history this is going to be a fun place for you.

For something completely different, make sure you visit the La Jolla Underwater Park. This is an awesome natural marine environment complete with caves, sandstone cliffs, reefs, canyons and kelp forests.

San Diego may not have the glitz and glitter of LA, but it has a character all of it’s own, and one things for sure, you won’t get bored there!

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Venice Beach, California

Do you love the atmosphere, food, and fun of being involved in a carnival? How about street vendors and artists? Do you love beaches, swimming, and waves? If the answer to these questions is “Yes”, you may just find that Venice Beach is your own personal paradise.

Venice Beach is like no other place on earth, with street vendors hawking their wares, beautiful waves crashing on the golden beaches, and artist's easels as far as the eye can see. Originally built at the very beginning of the 20th century, Venice Beach has gone through a lot of changes and growth in the last century. The founder and builder, Abbot Kinney, had imagined an American version of Venice, Italy, with large canals and boats to take the residents to their destinations. Few of the canals originally dug by Kinney remain, but those that do have been transformed into a beautiful, postcard perfect area.

The beauty of the area has meant that many artists have moved to the Venice Beach area and made it their home. Aside from the paintings on easels there are also murals on almost every building, and even the lifeguard towers for the beach have been decorated! Everywhere you look you’ll see evidence of an artistic community.

Venice Beach is well-known for its free-spirited roots. The most famous person of the hippie era to make his home there was Jim Morrison of The Doors, but during that time period, almost everyone who lived in Venice was a part of the hippie movement. Gypsies are a large part of the scene at Venice, and so whether you're looking for your palm to be read or your fortune to be told, you'll find what you're looking for in Venice.

It has a long, colorful history that is still be changed and added to today—visit Venice and see history in the making for yourself!

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Discover Yosemite National Park, California

California had been a fully-fledged state for about a year before Yosemite was discovered. These days the park isn’t quite so secluded but it’s still home to some of the most stunning scenery to be found in the world. Although it can’t boast the huge canyon panorama’s of the Grand Canyon, or the fabulous powerful waterfalls famous at Niagara, Yosemite has something that’s quite unique in that it has so many different natural environments within the one area – from amazing mountain top views, to crystal streams, natural water features, glaciers and meadowlands, Yosemite has something different to show at almost each turn in the road.

The first place you need to stop at is Yosemite Village. If you’re planning on staying overnight in the park, this is also the area you’ll probably be sleep as almost all overnight park guests prefer to stay within this 8 square mile area. The Village is where you’ll find a good map to help you locate all the park highlights (invaluable if you don’t have much time to spend in the park!), as well as tell you what’s happening around the park that day. If you want to take advantage of any of the shuttle buses that operate between the Village and some of the park’s highlights, this is also the place you need to be.

If you want to get more in touch with nature, whilst not getting to far off the beaten track (and there’s plenty of opportunity for that too!), then plan to explore the eastern side of the park where there are stricter restrictions on transportation with cars not being allowed into the area. Here you can ride the shuttle bus into the area and then enjoy some hiking or alternatively cycle in, without the sound of constant car engines interfering with the sounds of nature.

Yosemite isn’t just for summer, and although some of its finest views such as the meadow will be covered over, it’s also a winter playground for those who love snow sports. If you plan on visiting the park during the winter months however, make sure you check what parts of the park are accessible and open, and what facilities you’ll find there. You’ll also find that the type of accommodation will be more limited during the winter months so book in advance around any main holiday periods.

Even if you only have a day to spend at Yosemite National Park, you’ll see things that will provide memories to last a lifetime, whether it’s the Yosemite Falls (North America’s highest falls), the huge redwood trees of Mariposa Grove or the alpine beauty of the Tuolumne Meadows.

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Discover the Highlights of Northern California

When people think of California, they usually think of Los Angeles and movie stars, or alternatively, Palm Springs and golf courses. But there's a lot of fun to be had up north too.

San Francisco is probably the most well-known city in northern California, and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From trolley cars to Ghirardelli chocolate and onto Pier 39, there's no limit to the amount of fun to be had in this cosmopolitan city. With shopping galore, sea lions down on the beach, restaurants enough to satisfy even the most varied of taste buds, and history that includes earthquakes and the infamous Alcatraz prison.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful trip to the area, Yosemite National Park offers something for the inner nature lover in all of us. Whether you want to enjoy the scenery from a hotel room window or camp out in a tent to enjoy nature up front and personal, you'll find what you're looking for at Yosemite. Even farther up north is the amazing Redwood National Park, with its gigantic trees and serene atmosphere. Here you’ll gain not only a true appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this world, but will also find a new perspective on life!

It’s not really possible to mention northern Californian highlights without mentioning the Napa Valley area. For the wine aficionados of the world, Napa Valley is heaven on earth. There are wine tasting parties and open houses almost year-round – just make sure to call ahead or check on the Internet to see what the latest information is. The Napa Valley also has some amazing landscapes to appreciate.

For history buffs, the northern California is a gold mine of Spanish missions, gold rush exhibits, and railroad museums. If you're interested in how California evolved into to what it is today, you'll love exploring all of the museums and exhibits dedicated to this time period.

Whatever you’re looking for in a vacation, whether it’s wild nights or wildlife, or high living or high summits, you’re sure to find it in beautiful northern California.

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Discover Redwood National Park, California

If exploring nature is your idea of a good vacation, then a trip to the Redwood National Park in northern California is a great choice for a holiday destination. This park is home to the world’s tallest tree which is known as “Tall Tree”, and is a beautiful natural exhibition of redwood trees. These trees can only be seen in California and China so your visit to Redwood National Park isn’t just a chance to be in the great outdoors, but it’s an opportunity to see these rare tall trees up close and personal. It’s even possible to camp out in the park, but facilities are extremely limited so you might want to look further into what’s available before deciding you’re going pitch a tent for the night!

There isn’t an entrance fee to this national park, nor is there an entrance station from the highway, so make sure that you call into the Redwood Information Center in nearby Orick, or the headquarters in Crescent City before entering the park. The information center also shows a short introduction to the park so you know what you’re looking at when you get there, and you can obtain a permit there to enter the gated Tall Trees Grove area inside the park – only a limited number of car permits are allowed each day so if you want to take the opportunity to admire the tallest trees in the world, a short detour to the Information Center before you enter the park is a must! Be warned however, this trip takes about 4 hours to complete and some of it is on a slow-speed dirt road so make sure your vehicle’s up to the challenge before setting off into the grove!

Hiking the Redwood National Park is possible but again, you’ll need a permit to be in the Tall Tree Grove area, and there are times of the year when hikers aren’t allowed in this area because of the footbridges across the creek being inaccessible. Another way to enjoy this beautiful part of upstate California is on horseback with riding trails being offered locally.

The Redwood National Park is one of America’s natural gems and is extremely protected. It’s also well worth the effort of experiencing these magnificent trees up close if you are lucky enough to be able to do so.

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Discover Malibu, California

Located west of Los Angeles on the coast of southern California, the name Malibu brings to mind beaches, bikinis, and beer – and a few movie stars! Boasting an astounding 21 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, it's one of the most popular beachside towns in America. One of the geographic highlights of this area is that most of the Malibu beaches facing south – offering a touch of paradise for those who love the sun!

Despite it’s reputation for being a star-magnet, Malibu tends to be a secluded town—many celebrities make their home, or weekend retreat, in Malibu, and the privacy of those stars is well protected with gated areas that only the lucky few with personal invitations can get through – as long as you walk below the high tide line however, you can walk the beaches in front of many of the homes belonging to the rich and famous! Some of the beaches are private however, including some nudist beaches, but these beaches are in secluded locations. If you want to check out the Hollywood scene and perhaps rub shoulders with the rich and famous in an informal setting, you'll find that Malibu is a great the place to go – you never know who you might bump into on the beach!

Although Malibu isn’t a place to find attractions and theme parks, it is a place where you can enjoy some of the finest coastal views that the world offers, and the area is not without a few highlights – including the Malibu Pier which was damaged by storm, but has now been restored, and the Sierra Retreat with it’s beautiful gardens.

Because of the strict parking laws enforced in Malibu, it may be worth paying a little extra for an accommodation nearer the beach if you’re just there for the sun and surf and leave the car hire for tourists who aren’t so well-informed!

With stunning ocean views, and endless sun-filled golden beaches, Malibu is the ultimate beach vacation – and the possibility of bronzing up next to a celebrity just add to the fun of a relaxing vacation.

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Discover Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most famous areas of Los Angeles, and one that is a must-see for movie lovers who want to visit their favorite actors star on the Walk of Fame. If this is your intention on visiting the area however, be prepared – there’s now a lot of stars on that boulevard, and finding the one your looking for could take some time. Unless you’re interested in seeing who else is honored with a star, save some time and buy a guide map which will show you exactly where your idol’s star is located!

Once a part of the seedier side of LA, Hollywood Boulevard has had something of a face lift in recent years and there are now a number of interesting places worth taking a look at, as well as a modern mall which provides some relief from the California heat, as well as allowing a little retail therapy to help take your attention away from your tired feet having walked around the Boulevard! Movie lovers will have a great time at the Hollywood Museum on Highland Avenue – here they’ll find not only props and posters, but exhibits such as the Hannibal Lector’s cell from the “Silence of the Lambs”. If you prefer your exhibits to be a little more interactive and educational however, walk a little further on past the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and you’ll find the Hollywood Entertainment Museum which has, amongst other things, a backlot tour.

For those visitors who want to see the home of “Oscar”, as well as the “Hollywood” sign, Hollywood & Highland is the place to be. Here you’ll find the familiar building of the Kodak Theatre which is the current Academy Award venue, as well as an archway through which to admire the “Hollywood” sign in the distance.

There are a number of smaller museums which offer a taste of Hollywood’s past as well as the celebrities who made it famous so make sure that the first stop you make is at the Visitor’s Information Center so that you don’t miss anything on your walk down one of the world’s most famous Boulevards.

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Discover Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the major tourist areas of San Francisco, California and it’s one of the major “must sees” in the city not only because of its links to maritime history but also because of the amount of things to do there.

One of the most easily recognized buildings in Fisherman’s Wharf is the Maritime Museum, known almost as much for its ship-shape building as it is for the exhibits that document San Francisco’s maritime past. Anyone who is even a little bit interested in ships or their history will enjoy a wander around this museum.

For a taste of a different kind of history, check out Ghirardelli’s original premises that are also located in the Wharf area. Although the world class chocolate is no longer made here, you can see where the Ghirardelli story began and even purchase some chocolate there.

Some of the major attractions in Fisherman’s Wharf are to be found on the piers. In particular vibrant Pier 45 where amongst other things you can buy some freshly cooked seafood right on the pier, visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum, and if you’re up early enough, catch the fishermen taking their boats out into the ocean. Pier 49 may be a great place for the tourists, but it’s still a working pier for the local fishermen.

Pier 39 is another place you’ll find fun and attractions such as the Riptide Arcade and the Turbo ride making it an especially good place to visit if you’ve got kids in your party. For a little less “excitement” but no less awesome, visit the Aquarium of the Bay and look at the beautiful sea life that surrounds you as you walk through the glass-roofed cave. Finish off your visit to Pier 39 with a ride on the beautiful two-tiered San Francisco carousel.

No visit to Fisherman’s Wharf would be complete without taking an ocean trip out into the bay, and so Pier 41 must be on your itinerary as this is the departure point for most of the boat trips in and around the bay – including those to Alcatraz.

San Francisco is full of amazing things to see and visit and Fisherman’s Wharf is just one of them! Be sure to make some kind of itinerary before you leave home or you’re sure to miss something out that you really wanted to see.

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Celebrity Spotting in California

There are several approaches to spotting your favorite celebrity in California, but one of the easiest is simply by walking out your front door. In Santa Monica, an 8 square mile city, is packed with jogging paths, shops, farmers markets, and eateries, so it's common to see a celebrity out and about, exploring the shops and the beautiful beaches. In Los Angeles, it's Rodeo Drive that the celebrities hit the hardest—the shops are exclusive and the price tags high, which means it attracts the rich and famous.

If finding celebrities partying down at the nightclub is more your style, then you'll want to check out some of the hottest nightclubs around, such as the Cabana Club where Britney Spears and Nicole Kidman have been spotted, to the Mood, where Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton have been seen dancing the night away. A new “hot spot” can be decided upon as fast as it takes for someone to simply whisper the name out on the streets, so the current trendiest nightclub destinations can sometimes be tricky to stay on top of. If you're sure you want to check a place out, always try to call ahead to reserve a table when possible (which costs money on top of the cover charge) but with a table reservation, you're more likely to get in the door. And make sure to dress the part, or the bouncer may conveniently “lose” your reservation anyway. The fun of this approach is that you have a chance to show off your moves and dance right along your favorite celebrity, giving you a chance to mingle with them on a more personal level than you may have any another way.

Dining out is also a popular way to spot celebrities, although of course this makes it a bit more difficult to really interact with them other than interrupting their dinner and making it obvious you're trying to get some face time with them. However, if you just want to observe them from a distance, restaurants are the way to go. Make sure to check out The Ivy or Fred 62, as they are two of the hottest restaurants around.

Whatever approach you take, California has got plenty of hot spots to check out and have fun in, even if you don’t end up seeing your favorite celebrity.

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California Vacation Guide

California Vacation Ideas:

A Peaceful Retreat on Catalina Island, California

California surfing - where are the best places to catch wave?

Celebrity Spotting in California

Discover Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California

Discover Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

Discover Malibu, California

Discover Redwood National Park, California

Discover the Highlights of Northern California

Venice Beach, California

Discover Yosemite National Park, California

Things to Do on Vacation in San Diego , California

Things to Do on Vacation in Santa Barbara, California

Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles, California

Things to do with Kids in San Francisco, California

Golfing Vacations in California

Info for Taking a Mexican Day Trip whilst in San Diego, California

Plan Your Visit to the Gold State - California

Revealing the Real Orange County, California

Get a Taste for Romance in the Napa Valley, California

Take a Romantic Vacation in California

Catalina Island California - Video Introducton

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California surfing - where are the best places to catch wave?

The Beach Boys made California synonymous with surfing on the world stage but it with the ocean and beautiful shores; it was already “the” place to surf! If you feel like some fun hitting the waves, you'll want to head to one of the following beaches in California; with the good weather and great waves, they're some of the most popular surfing areas in the world!

Huntington Beach: Home to the Huntington Beach Surf Series, many pro surfers call this their home. Located in Orange County (the real OC!) this is probably one of the most popular places to surf in the world. They even have a church in the area just for surfers. Now that’s bringing spiritual to the people!

San Diego: Warm weather and great waves is what you'll find at San Diego. A large surfing community has sprung up in the San Diego area, and you'll find many locals are hitting the waves along with the tourists!

Santa Cruz: You'll have nothing but fun at the beaches of Santa Cruz! For an avid surfer, Santa Cruz is a favorite area to find the best waves.

A lot of surfers, especially those who are more experienced, have preferred conditions in which to surf and so a lot of the more popular beaches have webcams (surf cams) set up facing the waves so that a surfer can go to a website and check out the conditions before they head to the beach. There are also dedicated phone numbers you can call to find out the weather conditions, if you prefer to get your information that way.

If you're looking to learn how to surf but don't know where to start, you'll find that there are many surfing schools all along the beaches of California. The varied selection makes it easy to find one that fits your level of experience and learning style, and your pocketbook. Alternatively you could always just head for the beach and hang out with the surfers to pick up tips!

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A Peaceful Retreat on Catalina Island, California

When life’s stresses and strains get too much for you, head over to Catalina Island and you’ll find a peaceful retreat that’s bound to have you relaxed in no time. The island, is only approximately 22 physical miles from the mainland, but in terms of lifestyle and sheer population, it’s a lifetime away. With only 2 ports on the island, one into the main town of Avalon, and the other into the more secluded side of the island at Two Harbors, and only two ways onto the island, via the water or helicopter, there’s very little noise from vehicles. Relatively few cars exist on the island and most visitors either get around on foot or bicycle.

Despite being such a small island, there are things to do here on the days when you feel like doing something a little more energetic than watching the sun move around, and when you first arrive on Catalina Island you should visit the local Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau which will give you all the information you need about what’s on, where to find it, and of course ideas of where to stay and eat if you haven’t already made reservations. In the peak months however, you should always at least reserve your room before venturing across to the island. Although you may be lucky to arrive and find a room free, it’s not likely during high season because of the limited amount of accommodation available.

Two of the most popular places to visit on Catalina Island are the Catalina Island Museum which charts the history of the island through it’s various stages from the more recent history through the Hollywood era (the island was one of the first main Hollywood film sets) right back to the Native Americans. Just about 2 miles out of Avalon you’ll find the Wrigley Botanical Gardens which will delight anyone who has an interest in flora and fauna. William Wrigley (as in the chewing gum empire) once owned the island and you could even stay in his mansion which is now converted into a bed and breakfast establishment.

Catalina Island may not sound very exciting when compared with the attractions of Los Angeles and San Francisco, but for anyone needing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s a perfect beach oasis.

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Wine Country Gift Baskets: Why They Make Great Gifts

Are you in need of a gift? Whether that gift is for a close friend or family member and for their birthday, Christmas, or another special occasion, you may be looking for the perfect gift. If your gift recipient is twenty-one years of age or older, you may want to give the gift of a wine country gift basket. After a close examination, you will find that there are a number of reasons why wine country gift baskets make great gifts.

One of the many reasons why wine country gift baskets make great gifts is because they are perfect for a wide range of occasions. As previously stated, wine themed gift baskets make great gifts for birthday, Christmas, and other special occasions. They also make great “just because,” gifts for close friends and family members. One occasion in particular that wine country gift baskets are perfect for is that of weddings. Wine country gift baskets are also the perfect gift for wine drinkers or at least those who are known to consume alcohol.

Your buying options are another one of the many reasons why you should consider giving the gift of a wine country gift basket. In terms of the gift basket itself, you will find that you have so many options to choose from. For starters, there are many wine country gift baskets available for sale with themes. These themes may be congratulations, get well, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just a simple miss you theme. It is also important to remember that many wine gift baskets have much more than just wine in them. Often times, the wine is paired with other great items, such as California cheese or even wine jelly.

In keeping with buying options, there are a number of ways that you can go about buying wine country gift baskets. One of the easiest ways is to place an order online. With a standard internet search, with a phrase like “wine country gift baskets,” you are sure to find many sellers. Many of these individuals are actually winery owners themselves! When shopping online, be on the lookout for deals and discounts, including free shipping. This is ideal as it can sometimes get expensive to ship full gift baskets, especially those that are large in size.

In addition to ordering wine country gift baskets online, you can also do so in person. If you have the opportunity to visit a wine country, whether you do so in California, New York, or Washington, you will want to. For many wine enthusiasts it is worth the travel time. When there, be sure to examine wine country baskets. In fact, wine country gift baskets not only make great gifts for close friends and family, but for yourself as well. If you ever choose to visit wine country, a wine basket can be a nice souvenir of your trip.

As you can see, from being highlighted above, there are a number of reasons why wine country gift baskets make for great gifts. No matter who the gift is for, as long as your intended recipient is twenty-one years or older, and no matter what the occasion, a wine basket may be the perfect choice. If you need your gift soon, be sure to place your order online as soon as possible or use the internet to plan a trip to wine country.

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Why You Should Take a Wine Country Tour

Are you wine drinker? If you are, have you ever thought about the history of wine, such as how it is made or why wine drinking and tasting is known as a popular activity? If you have, you may want to plan a visit to wine country. With that being said, a “traditional,” visit isn’t all that you should do, you should also take a wine country tour.

As nice as it is to hear that you should visit wine country and take a wine country tour, you may be wondering why. After all, depending on where you live, you may need to travel quite far to visit an area that is referred to as wine country. After a close exanimation, you will see that there are a number of reasons why you should not only visit wine country, but also take a wine country tour.

One of the many reasons why you should arrange to take a wine country tour is because of the options you have. For starters, wine country is a phrase that is used to describe an area that is known for their production of wine. When many of us think of wine country, California, namely Northern California, is often what first comes to mind. With that said, there are other areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country as well, such as part of New York State and Washington State. Many of these other areas and their wineries also offer tours for wine enthusiasts.

As previously stated, depending on where you live, you may have to travel quite a distance to arrive at California’s wine country or another state’s wine country. Even so, you are still urged to examine your options. This is because wine tours make for great vacations. Depending on where you visit, you can spend a few hours touring local vineyards and wineries or you can spend a few days doing so. Also, in terms of being a great purpose for being a vacation, many of the communities surrounding well known vineyards and wineries have an unlimited number of fun activities, such as hiking and dancing, as well as affordable overnight accommodations.

Returning back to the options that you have, it is important to know that wine tours come in a number of different formats. Guided wine tours are perfect for tourists who want to see the “best parts,” of wine country, as well as those who are unfamiliar with the area or may not have their own mode of transportation. Although you will find some variations, many guided wine tours have tourists meet in a public place and then travel is provided, often by van or bus.

Although guided wine tours are popular with tourists, there are many more individuals, including both tourists and locals, who are interested in taking independent wine country tours. Independent wine tours are ideal for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy wine and its history without feeling rushed or pressured by other tourists and tour guides. Most wineries and vineyards in California, as well as Washington and New York, have open doors. If not, information on ideal times for visiting should be readily available online. This information is typically posted to prevent conflict with planned events, such as weddings.

For the most part, tourists find that taking wine tours are affordable. Many wineries and vineyards provide free access to visitors, but there are no guarantees. For most part, the costs associated with wine tours comes from wine tasting, which is a must do. However, you still shouldn’t have to be worried with the costs. Most wine country wineries and vineyards have affordable wine tasting rates, which are typically between five and fifteen dollars per person. As for taking a guided wine tour, you will likely be charged a fee, but your fee may include wine tasting at a number of wineries along the way.

Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should take a wine country tour is because it is an experience that you will never forget. Not only are wine tours fun for wine drinkers, but they are also enlightening and educational in nature.

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What is Wine Country?

Are you interested in taking a vacation or even just a weekend trip? If you are, you may hear that wine country is an area that you should visit. If you are like many other Americans, you may be curious as to what exactly wine country is. If you are, you will want to continue reading on.

When looking to understand what wine country is, you will find some variations. This is because wine country is a phrase that is used to describe areas in the United States that are well known for their production of wine and their large assortment of wineries and vineyards, many of which are open to the general public. The general gist of wine country is that it is the perfect destination for those who enjoy drinking wine and learning about how it is made.

As previously stated, there are a number of areas in the United States that are commonly referred to as wine country. Generally speaking, when you hear someone talking about wine country or when you use the internet to research wine country, you will find that most are talking about California. California wine country is an area in Northern California, which includes both the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley. With that said, two other areas also commonly referred to as wine country are the Finger Lakes Region of New York and Woodinville Washington.

As nice as it is to know what wine country is and where some wine country areas are located, you may be curious as to what makes wine country a great vacation destination. One of the many allures of wine country is all that you can do and see, as there is so much. Popular activities that you can enjoy in wine country include wine country tours, wine tasting, private winery tours, and so much more. It is also important to mention that many wineries host their own private events, such as courses that focus on paring wine with food, the history of wine, and so forth.

Speaking of events, wine country is not only a great place to vacation, but it is also a great place to get married. In fact, wine country weddings are popular and they come highly rated and recommend. Many public wineries and vineyards have spaces on their properties that can be rented for wedding receptions, wedding ceremonies, or both. If you or someone that you know would like to get married in wine country, be sure to make your plans to do so as soon as possible.

Another question commonly asked by those new to wine country is where they can stay. When vacationing in wine country, tourists usually have a number of different options, in terms of lodging. Unfortunately, many individuals believe wine country is solely filled with wineries and vineyards, but this isn’t the case. Scattered throughout many wine country areas, namely California’s wine country, you will find a number of lodging options, including inns, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, and public campgrounds.

Now that you know more about wine country and a few of the things that you can do and see while visiting it, you may be interested in planning a trip. As a reminder, California wine country comes highly rated and recommend, but if you are unable to travel that far, you may have a number of options locally or at least a little bit closer to home.

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