Travel News from California. May 2015 issue
California: Dream big in the Golden State. Warm summer months make for the perfect getaway to the Channel Islands, one of the most remote yet dramatic national parks. The park’s five islands off the Southern and Central California coast can only be accessed by boat or small plane. Once there, explore by hiking trails or paddling the calm waters. Revered for its endemic plants and plentiful wildlife, this “Galapagos of North America” has no lodging, stores, or restaurants for a real disconnection from everyday life. For families, the ultimate road trip awaits, cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California. From Los Angeles, drive south through the Golden State’s sand-and-surf beach towns. Snag a surf lesson for the whole family or stop in at one of California’s iconic theme parks, such as SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. More for parents, adventures in the Golden State continue into the fall with California Wine Month with special promotions at cellar doors and vineyards such as special tastings, festivals, wine immersion experiences, vineyard tours and live music concerts. For inspiration on a Californian adventure, the newly launched Dream365TV on VisitCalifornia.com provides an on-demand video programming portal filled with engaging, original content that fuels a visitor’s dreams of amazing escapes that only this destination can provide. Dream Big. www.visitcalifornia.com
Carlsbad, Calif.: Known as “The Village by the Sea,” the city of Carlsbad combines the charm of a European town with the conveniences of a metropolitan city. Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Carlsbad is the ultimate summer vacation destination for those looking to strengthen a skill, try something new or have some fun. No other place offers a chance to compete in a triathlon, visit America’s first LEGOLAND® Theme Park, follow in the footsteps of skateboarding legends Tony Hawk and Shaun White at Alga Norte Skate Park, meet working artists at The Art Foundry At New Village Arts and learn to golf like a pro at the Golf Academy of America. Other signature attractions in Carlsbad include: the headquarters of the Gemological Institute of America; the Chopra Center for total wellbeing and the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Where to go for fun. www.visitcarlsbad.com
Huntington Beach, Calif.: Enjoy the experience of a classic California beach town in Huntington Beach, Surf City USA. Visitors can explore the destination’s surf heritage of at the International Surfing Museum and the annual U.S. Open of Surfing, July 25 to August 2. Surf City USA is living up to its name on June 20 by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for both “World’s Largest Surfboard” and “Most People Riding a Surfboard at Once,” with 60+ surfers and local heroes piling onto a custom-made surfboard to ride one epic wave at the Huntington Beach Pier. Alongside the free spirit of Huntington Beach’s coastal lifestyle is a playful imagination highlighted through new cultural and tourism developments, including 4 hectares of new shops and dining at Pacific City. With 16 kilometres of broad sand beaches, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities and a vibrant downtown, Huntington Beach is a perfect family getaway – from parents to pooches! Surf City USA. www.surfcityusa.com
Long Beach, Calif.: Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, with 8 kilomtres of sandy beach front as well as kilometres of inland bays and waterways, Long Beach makes for an ideal SoCal getaway this summer. Catch the Catalina Express to picturesque Santa Catalina Island, embark on a whale watching cruise, or soak up the sun while watching the ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball, August 18 to 23. One giant playground for kids and parents alike, Long Beach welcomes families to the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the fabulous worlds of Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland are within an hour’s drive. The city’s thriving, multi-faceted arts and culture scene comes to life with the debut of POW! WOW! Long Beach, June 21 to 28, a week-long celebration of culture, music, and art, changing the face of the city with large-scale mural installations. The celebration is accompanied by a new exhibition at the Long Beach Museum of Art, opening June 26. The Urban Waterfront Playground. www.visitlongbeach.com
Greater Palm Springs, Calif.: Nestled in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, Greater Palm Springs is located two hours east of Los Angeles and comprised of nine unique cities. Summer in this desert oasis means hotel rates drop, providing the ultimate place to “chill out” with pool parties, tropical drinks and distinctive events. Kick off the summer with Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week May 29-June 7, for special pre-fixed menu offers at more than 100 local restaurants. In mid-June the world-acclaimed 22nd Annual Short Film Festival & Film Market features more than 300 short films from 50 countries. Partiers rock outdoor stages and pool parties twice this summer at Splash House, a three-day live music festival and pool party featuring some of the biggest names in SoCal music. Come fall, the active social and recreational season in Palm Springs commences with the Modernism Week “Fall Kick Off” celebration in October, complete with home tours, films and live music events. Pride Weekend in early November fills downtown Palm Springs with more than 35,000 people taking in live music, an assortment of food vendors from local eateries and an opportunity to engage with the destination’s LGBT community. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com