Romantic Getaway: A romantic 2-night Santa Cruz getaway package to 
Sometime we need to remind ourselves how lucky we are to be living in Northern California. We have it all: beaches, mountains, volcanoes, coastal forests, and a host of natural wonders—the world’s tallest and largest trees; the country’s highest peak, tallest waterfalls, and largest alpine lake; and even the continent’s deepest submarine canyon. So consider this week’s theme a wake-up call to everyone who loves the outdoors but has yet to explore all of The 7 Natural Wonders of Northern California. Read full article »
The 7 Natural Wonders of Northern California
8-Day Dream Getaway – Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway
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 »
Independence Day Getaways
Independence Day falls on a Sunday this year, making it a three-day weekend for many and the perfect excuse to put some fireworks in your holiday with a getaway trip out of town. There’s hardly a community in Northern California that’s not planning a full day of entertainment, from county fairs and small-town parades to street festivals and beach parties. Here are a few of my top picks for a fun-filled Fourth of July. Read full article »
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Here’s an idea: Instead of driving to Lake Tahoe again for your alpine getaway, consider a detour to one the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states: Lassen Volcanic National Park. Okay, so maybe it doesn’t offer the same incredible scenery as Lake Tahoe (what place does?), but Lassen Volcanic National Park definitely has something Tahoe can’t touch: Lassen Peak, one of the most active volcanoes on the continent. If you live in Northern California, you really should visit this Yellowstone-of-the-West wonderment at least once in your life. Read full article »
The 7 Man-Made Wonders of Northern California
Sometimes you have to go see something simply because somebody was crazy or determined enough to build it. Take the Winchester Mystery House for example: If someone spends 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for 38 years building a nuthouse, people will line up to see it (and they do). So this week’s getaway theme is a tribute to the top seven man-made wonders that people said couldn’t (or shouldn’t) be built, all of which are a fantastic excuse to get away for fun-filled weekend of exploring Northern California. Read full article »
Historical California – The Missions That Made California
If you consider yourself a Californian then you owe it to yourself to discover the roots of your identity, and ground zero on this journey are the historical Spanish missions of California. The original chain of 21 missions stretched from Baja California to Sonoma Valley, and all were situated a day’s travel apart on horseback along El Camino Real, or “The Royal Road.” Read full article »
Memorial Day Getaways
Memorial Day Weekend is coming up next week and you still haven’t made any plans yet, have you? I didn’t think so. Well, now’s a great time to start, so pour yourself another cup of coffee and take a few minutes to comb over my top suggestions for fun and affordable Memorial Day getaways in Northern California: exploring petrified forests, kayaking with sea otters, hiking along the coast, and many more. Read full article »
My Memorable Family Getaway to Monterey
Which of the following words does not belong: a) kids, b) travel, c) relaxation? Any parent who has traveled anywhere with kids knows that c) relaxation is the answer. Sure, it can be enjoyable to watch the smiles on your kids’ faces as they explore new places and experience new adventures, but what about you? If you’ve ever experienced the “I need a vacation after that vacation” let-down, read on. Read full article »