California Seaside Hotels

Sleep with an Ocean View at the Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego.

Rising from water's edge on the quaint island of Coronado in San Diego , the Hotel del Coronado is considered one of America 's most beautiful beach resorts. A classic historic hotel, The Del was built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Today, The Del offers travelers contemporary luxury in an enchanting Victorian atmosphere. Add to this, the resort's beachfront location, and it's no wonder USA Today calls The Del "one of the top ten resorts in the world." The Del offers a quintessential Southern California resort experience. For those seeking a romantic retreat, the resort's magical architecture and island setting are perfect. In fact, the Travel Channel rated The Del the number one wedding destination in America . The Del is also a wonderful family vacation destination, featuring abundant recreation, as well as, seasonal teen and children's programs. And, for getting down to business, meeting and incentive planners can work with over 65,000 feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and exhibition space.

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California Architecture

Visit Julia Morgan's grand design at Hearst Castle, Cambria

Julia Morgan was born in San Francisco on January 20, 1872 and grew up in nearby Oakland. She was the second child of Charles Bill and Eliza Parmelee Morgan. Miss Morgan was one of the first women to graduate from University of California at Berkeley with a degree in civil engineering. During her tenure at Berkeley, Morgan developed a keen interest in architecture which is thought to have been fostered by her mother's cousin, Pierre Le Brun, who designed the Metropolitan Life Insurance Tower in New York City. At Berkeley one of her instructors, Bernard Maybeck, encouraged her to pursue her architectural studies in Paris at the Ecole Nationale et Speciale des Beaux-Arts. Arriving in Paris in 1896, she was initially refused admission because the Ecole had never before admitted a woman. After a two-year wait, Julia Morgan gained entrance to the prestigious program and became the first woman to receive a certificate in architecture. Miss Morgan opened her own architectural firm in 1904, quickly establishing herself as a fine residential architect, and securing a number of commissions in the Piedmont, Claremont and Berkeley neighborhoods. One of Morgan’s first residential commissions was to remodel and complete Phoebe Hearst’s Hacienda del Pozo de Verona in Pleasanton, California. Morgan's style was characterized by her use of the California vernacular with distinct arts and crafts attributes, including exposed support beams, horizontal lines that blended with the landscape and extensive use of shingles, California Redwood and earth tones. One of her first independent projects was the bell tower on the campus of Mills College in Oakland, which withstood the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Other notable projects included the rebuilding of the Fairmont Hotel after the 1906 quake, the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California and a series of YMCA buildings in California, Hawaii and Utah. Throughout her career she designed nearly 800 projects in California and Hawaii. In 1919 William Randolph Hearst hired Julia Morgan to design a main building and guest houses for his ranch in San Simeon, California. Mr. Hearst instructed her to build "something that would be more comfortable" than the platform tents which he previously used at the ranch. Hearst's mother, Phoebe, had recently died in the influenza epidemic and Hearst had inherited this land as well as other Hearst property and an estimated $11 million. Morgan's classical training in Paris, her background in engineering, and her use of reinforced concrete, suited her well for the project. Over the course of the next 28 years, Morgan supervised nearly every aspect of construction at Hearst Castle including the purchase of everything from Spanish antiquities to Icelandic Moss to reindeer for the Castle's zoo. She personally designed most of the structures, grounds, pools, animal shelters and workers' camp down to the minutest detail. Additionally, Morgan worked closely with Hearst to integrate his vast art collection into the structures and grounds at San Simeon.

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California Colleges & Universities

Go to the Big Game at Stanford or Cal.

California Hiking

Take a hike in Topanga State Park, Pacific Palisades

Located in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park features 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The park is located entirely within the Los Angeles city limits and is considered the world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. More than 11,000 acres of land are preserved in the park. Excellent recreational opportunities abound for hikers as well as mountain bikers (restricted to fire roads) and equestrians. The park is bound on the south by Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, on the west by Topanga Canyon, and on the east by Rustic Canyon. Numerous geologic formations can be found in the park, including earthquake faults, marine fossils, volcanic intrusions, and a wide variety of sedimentary formations. Park Trails Many of the park's trails can be accessed from Trippet Ranch. The Musch Trail leads north to Musch Trail Camp by winding in and out of the sun and shade where plant assemblages change with every subtle difference in light and moisture. Two miles from Trippet is Eagle Junction, where hikers encounter the Eagle Spring loop trail. Eagle Rock, one of the many boulder outcrops on the trail, looms over the terrain and provides panoramic views of the park. At the eastern end of the Eagle Spring loop, hikers will come to the Hub Junction and the Temescal Fire Road. Going north, hikers travel through chaparral to unpaved Mulholland Drive, which traverses the park. South on Temescal Fire Road takes hikers high above the wild canyons with sycamore and oak riparian forests below. At Rogers Junction, hikers can opt for the Backbone Trail, a trail that winds through the Santa Monica Mountains from Will Rogers State Historic park in the east to Point Mugu State Park in the west. Rustic Canyon can be seen from the Backbone Trail. Another option from Trippet Ranch is to walk east to the Topanga Fire Road and then north for a short distance to the Santa Inez Trail. Descending into the Santa Inez Canyon, hikers can see crumbly sandstone formations containing pockets where moisture can collect, supporting numerous small plants that form tiny cliff gardens. Close to the bottom of the trail is a side trail leading to a lovely waterfall. Directions: From Pacific Coast Highway, travel north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, pass the post office at the center of "town," then turn right on Entrada Road. Keep to the left at every opportunity until you reach the park's main parking lot (about one mile). From the Ventura Freeway (101), exit at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, drive south over the crest of the mountains and proceed three miles to Entrada Road and turn left. Address: 20825 Entrada Road, Topanga Phone: (310) 454-8212 Check out the comments for more California Hiking Or Click to Add your own recommendation

California Film Festivals

Eat, Drink and Watch a Movie at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival.

Named one of America's "Top Ten Best Vacation Film Festivals" (Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide), The Sonoma Valley Film Festival is a premier destination experience unlike any other. Set amidst the unparallel beauty of the Sonoma Valley wine country, the Festival welcomes filmmakers and film lovers to an intimate and luxurious extended weekend, pairing good food, fine wine and over 75 new independent films from all over the world.

Los Angeles Shopping

Shop on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

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California Parties

Crash a party in Holmby Hills

California Rock 'N' Roll

Hang Out at the World Famous WHISKY A GO GO

As long as there has been a Los Angeles rock scene, there has been the Whisky A Go-Go. An anchor on the Sunset Strip since it's opening in 1964, the Whisky A Go-Go has played host to rock 'n' roll's most important bands, from the Doors, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin to today's up and coming new artists. Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart The Doors - Light My Fire

California Public Fireplaces

Cuddle Up by the Fire

Try the Pelican Inn Pub, Muir Woods.

Los Angeles Magazine May 2001 “This slate-roofed hideaway tucked in a valley at the center of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is so saturated in British hostelry tradition that in each of the seven guest rooms a tiny stone with a hole hangs over the bed to ward off witches and rickets. By day, guests can explore nearby hiking trails, catch some sea mist at rugged Muir Beach, and then refuel on prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, and cottage pie in front of the fireplace. At night--after a round of pilsners and darts in the paneled Tudor bar--they retire to snug rooms filled with English antiques, heavily draped canopy beds, and worn Persian rugs. Morning brings a copper vase of fresh flowers outside the door and a classic English breakfast of bacon and eggs, bangers, and grilled tomatoes.”

California Military Tributes

Celebrate Fleet Week on the Jeremiah O'Brien (one of the last remaining Liberty ships) in San Francisco.

Witness aerial demonstrations by the Navy's Blue Angels, Team Oracle, and the Air Force's F-16 Demonstration Team! Performers: Blue Angels Team Oracle USAF F-16 Falcon Demonstration Team Location: Air Show: SF Waterfront (Directions) Premium Seats are available on 10/7 (Sat) & 10/8 (Sun) Ticket Information To avoid the crowds and guarantee yourself a great seat to view the action, consider purchasing a Reserved Seat on Municipal Pier for $25. Treat yourself to a VIP seat in our luxurious, fully-catered Flight Deck Club on Marina Green. Tickets are $125 for adults and $85 for children aged 4 to 12. Corporate Packages are available. Consider a company picnic while watching the ful show dress rehearsal on Friday, Oct 6, 2006. For more information contact SFFleetweek@airshownetwork.com Get a FREE topside tour of several Naval ships conducted by ship crewmembers! Fleet Week Ships USS BOXER (LHD 4) USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8) USS HOPPER (DDG-70) USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53) USCGC MORGENTHAU (WHEC 722) HMCS PROTECTEUR (AOR 509) HMCS VANCOUVER (FFH 331) HMCS VANCOUVER (FFH 331) HMCS CALGARY (FFH 335)

Inland Empire Activities

Soar above it all Parasailing at Big Bear

Come experience the most beautiful Ride of your life, with the thrill of powerboating, hot air ballooning, hang gliding and parachuting all in one, at a fraction of the cost. With a lake elevation of 6,743 feet and a parasailing height of 300 feet we promise a great risk free flight. Age has no factor in this ride, because all take offs and landings start and end directly from the boat's landing platform. There is no running evolved like the original sport. And you don't even have to get wet. We also do tandem flights so you can take your kids up with you so they don't have to be left out of the fun. Pricing: 2005 Season Single $75.00 Tandem $125.00 Observer $20.00 Check out the comments for more Inland Empire Activities Or Click to Add your own recommendation

California Poker & Texas Hold 'Em

Go "All-In" at the Bike, Bell Gardens.

Welcome to The Bicycle Casino! Located just 10 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles, The Bicycle Casino is home to the best gaming action in all of Southern California. With over 135 tables featuring Poker Games, and California Games, The Bicycle Casino ranks as one of the world's largest Card Casinos and is renowned for its World Class Poker Tournaments, Pro-Sporting Events, Car and Cash Giveaways and unsurpassed Customer Service. But non-stop gaming isn't the only thing going on under our roof! New additions and renovations abound inside the casino including the recently unveiled Bicycle Casino Deli, a place to meet and eat. Featuring "piled-high" deli sandwiches, an expresso/coffee bar that offers Starbucks coffee, tasty dessert treats, The Bicycle Casino's famous bakery items (eat there or take a cake home!) and house specialties that include some of the tastiest tacos and burritos this side of Mexico! For a truly elegant experience in dining you can visit The Bicycle Grill (formerly The Steak House) where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. And if you're looking for a trip to the Far East, you can visit the Jade Dragon, an intimate setting that features delicacies from around the world. There's also the King's Bar, a beautiful marble and brass cocktail lounge created with the comfort and relaxation of all The Bike's players in mind and the NEW Prince Bar, located in the Freedom Court, a full service smoking bar! Check out the comments for more California Casinos Or Click to Add your own recommendation

Monterey Bay Activities

Watch the sea otters play in the water at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and read Steinback's Cannery Row while enjoying a bowl of Clam Chowder soup.

Deep Sea Days Exploration Weekend June 10-11 Lots of way cool creatures live way down deep in the ocean, but it's almost impossible for anyone to go see them. Still, a few lucky people HAVE made it down there, and this is your chance to meet some of them—plus others who made the equipment they needed for the trip. They're scientists and engineers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and they'll show you some fancy machines and tell you some fascinating stories. You might even win an exclusive tour of their amazing facilities! Whenever you come to the aquarium, be sure to get your free Official Explorer's Passport and bring the current Online Exploration Activity so you can collect cool passport stamps. And why not wear a special aquarium t-shirt when you're here? It's easy to make one—just download one of our iron-on designs Check out the comments for more Monterey Bay Activities Or Click to Add your own recommendation

California Rock 'N' Roll Music Festivals

Listen To The Music, Sonoma

-Doobie Brothers -written by Tom Johnston Don't you feel it growin', day by day People gettin' ready for the news Some are happy, some are sad Oh, we got to let the music play What the people need Is a way to make 'em smile It ain't so hard to do if you know how Gotta get a message Get it on through Oh now mama, don't you ask me why Oh, oh, listen to the music Oh, oh, listen to the music Oh, oh, listen to the music All the time Well I know, you know better Everything I say Meet me in the country for a day We'll be happy And we'll dance Oh, we're gonna dance our blues away And if I'm feelin' good to you And you're feelin' good to me There ain't nothin' we can't do or say Feelin' good, feeling fine Oh, baby, let the music play

Tickets are on sale now for the 19th Annual B.R. Cohn Charity Fall Music Festival will be held Saturday, October 1, 2005, at the B.R. Cohn Winery Amphitheater featuring the Doobie Brothers, Little Feat, the Turtles, Lisa Loeb and other special surprise guests. This year, the annual B.R. Cohn Winery charity event is dedicated to the late Doobie Brother drummer Keith Knudsen, who passed away in February. The concert and golf tournament has raised nearly a million dollars over the years for youth related charities! Tickets for the concert are $60.00 in advance (special VIP seats at $200 are only available through the winery tasting room) and $65.00 day of show. They are on-sale now at the winery and all Ticketmaster outlets. The winery ticket number is (707) 938-4064 ext. 24. Cohn's annual celebrity golf tournament will be held this year on Friday, September 30 at the beautiful Chardonnay Club in Napa. This year's golf price is $275.00 and includes dinner. This is the tournament's third year at the popular course. Tee-off is at 10:00 am. >> CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR GOLF REGISTRATION FORM <<, fill it out and fax it to B.R. Cohn Winery at (707) 938-4585. You may also contact the Winery Tasting Room regarding invitations to the tournament and auction at (800) 330-4064 ext. 24 or email charityevents@brcohn.com. The charity auction and dinner will be held following the golf tournament and will feature an auction of collectables, exciting trips, and hard-to-get wine. This year's main beneficiaries are the Valley of the Moon Children's Home, Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance and new beneficiary for 2005, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. "With VH1 Classic on board again this year as a sponsor, and very worthy charities in place and we are hoping to raise even more money than last year," commented Bruce Cohn. "This is an incredible line-up and promises to be a great day and it’s all in memory of Keith Knudsen." Parking for this year's show will again be off-site at the Sonoma Developmental Center soccer field, with shuttles moving crowds in and out. The show will start at 12:00 noon with doors opening at 11:00 am. Please watch for and follow parking signs at the approach to the B.R. Cohn Winery on Highway 12. Parking and shuttle are included in the price of the ticket. No beverages, food, or lawn furniture will be allowed onto the grounds. Concessions and lawn seating are available. The B.R. Cohn Winery is located at 15000 Sonoma Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. Founded in 1984 by Bruce Cohn, the estate winery is known for its critically acclaimed, world-class, ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. For more concert information please call 1-800-330-4064 ext. 24 or other information www.brcohn.com.

Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music Check out the comments for more California Outdoor Concerts Or Click to Add your own recommendation

California Kayaking & Scuba Diving

Kayaking on San Luis Obispo Bay followed by soaking in Sycamore Springs

This is our most exciting tour!!! There are a series of arches, caves, and rock gardens that are only accessible from the water and your kayak is the best vehicle for exploring. This tour is exhilarating and at times strenuous. Your guide will instruct and assist you with a surf zone launch. Once passed the breakers you will venture along spectacular coastal vistas, kelp forests, and protected coves to dinosaur caves. This tour can be taken by the novice or experienced paddler. These caves are both intriguing and challenging, so you choose how much adventure you can handle. Our guides teach you the basic strokes and show you some of the best caves in our area. Central Coast Kayaks has offered this expedition longer than any other. Be careful you might get hooked!

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California Antiques & Flea Markets

Go to the Rose Bowl Flea Market and get some really GOOD junk.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is the World's most unusual shopping place. The shopping place of the "Stars". Held every 2nd Sunday of each Month from 9am till 3pm. Over 2200 vendors and 20,000 buyers. Check out the comments for more California Antique Shows & Flea Markets Or Click to Add your own recommendation

California Christmas Events

Watch the Christmas boat parade in Newport Harbor.

Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 97th Annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat ParadeThe Christmas Boat Parade, which has been hailed as “one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation” by the New York Times, is truly a magical holiday tradition for all ages. The parade continues to be a premier event during the holiday season in Southern California that brings joy and happiness to all that view it.

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Sacramento Activities

Tour the State Capitol (way cooler now that Arnold has arrived) Welcome! California's State Capitol is both a beautiful historic building and the place where California's governing bodies do their work. Come in and take a tour. Features: Explore the new Art & Architecture multimedia tour and re-visit the Multimedia Library's interactive timeline, which has been expanded to add 50 events with accompanying media about California's history. California life and lore is replete with remarkable women. On May 13, 2004, the California State History Museum premiered the "California's Remarkable Women Exhibit." Check out the comments for more Sacramento Activities Or Click to Add your own recommendation

California Great Steaks

In the mood for some Red Meat?

Boboquivari's | 1450 Lombard | San Francisco The story of “The Steak” What is the difference between a very good steak, a great steak and The Steak? Aging is a natural process that improves the tenderness and flavor of beef. There are two types of aging: dry-aging and wet-aging.In the ‘70s, a less expensive aging process became popular that put the beef in vacuum-sealed Cryovac bags, allowing the meat to age in its own juices, hence the term “wet-aging.” This produces a tender steak, but does not enhance the flavor. Some quality steakhouses serve top grade 100% USDA Prime, corn-fed aged beef. A few of the better steakhouses can dry-age their beef on premise for a maximum of twenty-one days, which may produce a very good steak. 99% serve wet-aged “Angus choice” or “choice”. Historically, dry-aged beef was the gold standard. It is a respected, time-honored technique of preparing high-quality beef. A great steak must be dry-aged four to six weeks in a large, specialized facility that provides a sanitized and closely monitored environment; the temperature must be maintained at 33-34 degrees (F), the humidity must be precisely 82% and there must also be a constant air flow of fifteen feet per second around the open meat at all times, all of which takes place under the watchful eye of a highly-skilled butcher. The texture and taste of the meat becomes richer and more buttery. The result is the best steak you've ever tasted! Bobo’s is a boutique restaurant that caters to the discriminating steak eater and does not age its beef on premises but has partnered with one of the few purveyors who has a Total Quality Control (TQC) USDA-rated facility (only 8% qualify for this designation in the country) that can age beef for four to six weeks and fulfill our rigid specifications. Pan searing the meat in its own natural juices with a hint of garlic and rosemary then de glazing it is what makes our steak… the steak, The best steak west of Brooklyn’s famed 19th century landmark restaurant, Peter Luger’s. What is a Bobo's Style Porterhouse? To provide the consummate steak, we offer a Porterhouse that is a little different from the norm. The size of the filet on a typical Porterhouse varies and can be quite small. The differing thickness in the meat on either side of the bone often means that one side is over done. We separate the Porterhouse into its components, a New York and a Filet Mignon, and cook them separately so that each steak is perfect. The steaks arrive at your table on one plate, Bobo's style: tender and delicious. Boboquivari's | 1450 Lombard | San Francisco

California Dude Ranches

Go City Slicker at the Alisal Guest Ranch

Santa Barbara's Premier Golf Resort, Family Resort, Horseback Riding Facility, Fly-fishing Resort & Wine Country There are few places in the world where time seems reluctant to move forward. The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, nestled in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley and the renowned Santa Barbara County wine country, is one such rare retreat. The Alisal has been a hideaway for generations of families, couples and groups since first welcoming guests in 1946. Today, the romance and majesty of the “old west” remain in the Ranch’s wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty. As California’s premier guest ranch, the Alisal transports guests back to a bygone era. Set on a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch, this one-of-a-kind resort blends the best of nature with exceptional golf, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, first-class accommodations and fine dining.