Because the California Coast is so vast and geographically varied—from misty redwood forests to gold-sand beaches and rugged mountain ranges—it would take weeks to see all its major attractions. I’m guessing your summer vacation days are limited, so I’ve put together this recommended itinerary to help you make the most of your time.
This 8-Day Dream Getaway begins with a scenic coastal drive to Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz, then continues south to Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel before ending in beautiful Big Sur. And on this getaway the journey is half the fun: The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the nation’s most thrilling drives, twisting and turning, climbing and descending along Highway 1 as it takes you past coastal redwood forests, ocean cliffs, and secluded coves battered by the dazzling Pacific Ocean. Read full article »
Now that springtime is here, it’s time to get outdoors and pay homage to Mother Nature’s handiwork. Blooming orchards, bright swaths of field mustard, and splashes of roadside poppies signal the crescendo of wildflower season, which is building to a peak now and should continue into mid- or late May on the coast and in the Central Valley, depending on the weather. Late-winter rains created ideal conditions for a bumper crop of blooms. So why wait? An overnight getaway with a floral focus is a great way to welcome the spring season. 
Spring officially arrived on March 20th, and so did the sunny weather (finally!). But don’t hang up your skis and sleds just yet, because the best time to head to the Sierra for some fun in the snow is right now. Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts have enjoyed a phenomenal winter season and there’s still a LOT of snow up on the slopes. Now throw in some warm weather, a flurry of end-of-the-season discounts, several spring skiing festivals, and voila! The perfect recipe for a fun and affordable snow-play getaway. 
If you’re looking for something interesting and affordable to do this winter, Mother Nature is putting on some pretty good free shows this time of year. Much of the wildlife in Northern California is doing the wild thing, and they don’t care who’s watching. Some of the most fascinating eco-excursions in the state only take place in the winter, such as the monarch butterfly migration to Pacific Grove, millions of migrating waterfowl in Sacramento Valley, and elephant seal mating rituals at Año Nuevo State Reserve (believe me, if you’ve never seen a pair of 2-ton elephant seal bulls fighting over a lady, you’re in for a treat). So grab your day-planner right now and carve out a few days this December for a winter wildlife watching getaway. 
There’s something about riding on a train that’s just… cool. And to ride along with your family, friends, or significant other while celebrating the holidays is all the better. Each year several local train companies festoon their engines and vintage passenger cars with thousands of lights and ornaments. It’s quite a sight to see at night, a massive torpedo of luminosity rolling down the tracks as bands play and revelers dance the night away.
Romantic Getaway: A romantic 2-night Santa Cruz getaway package to 
