Short getaways and weekend trips provide a quick and cost-effective respite for anyone short on time or cash. In a state like California, finding a beautiful, relaxing place to rest up or an exciting spot to try out a new sport is as easy as getting in your car and driving down the street. For the more culturally-oriented, local wine-tastings and art walks pop up year-round all around the state.
Surfers can ride the waves to the shore in northern California in places such as Half Moon Bay, where advanced athletes can take on some of the largest waves in the state. In southern California, beaches close to San Diego feature warmer waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities, while scuba divers can find abundant sea life and diving opportunities in Monterey Bay.
Going to California
154-A Foothill Boulevard #444
Upland, California 91786
(909) 825-1297
goingtocalifornia.com
Sonoma and Napa Valleys, home to some of the best California wineries, offer some of the best and easiest to access romantic escapes in the northern part of the state. Visitors can enjoy moderate temperatures year-round, excellent wines, and gourmet dining. Accommodations vary from bed and breakfasts and luxury hotels to less expensive motels.
WineCountry.com
550 Gateway Drive Suite 103
Napa, California 94558
(707) 265-1835
sonoma.winecountry.com
From the redwoods in Marin County to the trees dotting the coast further south, the mountains and woods in California provide close vacations at lower costs. Hikers and campers can visit state parks year-round, while more serious backpackers can follow the Pacific Crest Trail along the coastline. Anyone seeking more pine trees and a cooler climate can head to Lake Tahoe or Yosemite for more extreme adventures.
California State Parks
Department of Parks and Recreation
1416 9th Street
Sacramento, California 95814
parks.ca.gov
(800) 777-0369
Theme parks pepper the cities throughout California. In southern California, visitors can check out Legoland and play with the latest toy inventions or go to Disneyland and experience the newest rides. Movie buffs can travel to Universal Studios and see firsthand how Hollywood producers make their movie magic. Further north, vacationers can go on a safari at Safari West.
California Travel News
P.O. Box 947
Sunset Beach, California 90742
(714) 847-3277
californiatravelnews.com
