California Travelers Recommend

No trip to southern California would be complete without spending some time soaking in the sun and lapping up the waves on the sand. While Long Beach has its own beaches, many enjoy driving about 30 minutes to Huntington Beach for a truly scenic experience. With almost nine miles (15 kilometers) of connected beach. While Long Beach is a coastal city with beaches and water activities, it’s also home to a number of interesting historical and cultural experiences. Spend the morning perusing museums like the Long Beach Museum of Art, Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Adobe, the Museum of Latin Art, Scorpion Submarine Museum and the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum. Having a meal, shopping on or touring the historic Queen Mary is also a treat, as the ship was once considered the most luxurious liner in the world and today is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At night, take in a show at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, home to the Center Theater.

A full San Diego experience can be had in three days if you plan an itinerary with tours that combine the sights, culture, and adventures of Southern California’s Pacific coast. Here are our top ideas for how to spend your time, including a day trip to wine country or Mexico. Day 1: San Diego City TourConsider getting settled into your host city with a guided Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour, or add the harbor to your itinerary by way of bus and harbor cruise, or orient yourself by sticking to simply the most famous San Diego sights. Day 2: San Diego AdventureStart your day off with a visit to Balboa Park, where you'll find the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Then head to SeaWorld for another dose of wildlife, or go further afield to Legoland in Carl

A lot is said about San Francisco, both by visitors and locals alike. Foreigners often dub it "the most European" city in America. W.H. Taft called it "the city that knows how," and Rudyard Kipling was known to have said "San Francisco has only one drawback: 'Tis hard to leave." Day 1: See the City Consider one of the many tours available to get your bearings and see some of the traditional “must-sees” like the Cable Car, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Day 2: Local Flavor Today, take time to see the colorful neighborhoods while sampling some local fare. Many wonderful museums and parks are easily accessible as well. Day 3: Day Trips from the Bay Less than an hour from town awaits many a gorgeous vineyard, wine-tasting galore, culinary delights and fresh country air. Head to the Napa Valley and see where those famous California wines are grown.

The Napa Valley Wine Country is the premiere destination for wine enthusiasts in the United States with an unrivaled history of quality wine making. Napa and Sonoma make up California's most famous wine region, home to hundreds of wineries and acres upon acres of beautiful vineyard country. Enjoy the views of rolling vineyard hills while tasting wines from world-renowned wine makers including V. Sattui, Madonna Estate, and Chandon on the Wine Country Tour. If you have more time, check out the Wine Country Day Trip and learn the best wine tasting techniques while enjoying a picnic lunch. The Wine Country Explorer Pass gives you great deals on wine tastings and discounts at associated retailers. Tour the cutting-edge facilities of the new ""biodynamic vineyards"" on an Eco Wine Experience. Combine your visit to the various wineries with a stop at Muir Woods, home to some of northern California's famous redwood sequoia trees.