![partnerlogo](https://www.travelmole.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Visit-California.png)
At Visit California, our mission is to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that inspire travel to, and within, California.
We work hard to promote and market California as a premier tourist destination. From the mountains to the beaches, the redwoods to the deserts and from our metropolitan cities to our unique small towns, we see it as our job to inspire travel to this amazing state, one visitor at a time.
-
20 May 24
Partner News
Statement on Highway 1 (Rocky Creek slip-out) reopening – Visit CaliforniaVisit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta today issued the following statement on Friday’s ...Read moreStatement on Highway 1 (Rocky Creek slip-out) reopening – Visit California - News & announcementsVisit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta today issued the following statement on Friday’s reopening of the portion of Highway 1 closed by the Rocky Creek slip-out north of Big Sur in Monterey County: “Visit California is thrilled to celebrate that travellers can freely explore Big Sur as the summer travel season begins. Highway 1 is a major demand driver for California, inspiring millions of visitors to choose the Golden State for the ultimate road trip experience. “California’s travel and tourism industry is grateful to Caltrans for its diligent efforts and flexibility over the past month and a half to get this critical access point open ahead of original estimates. As Caltrans crews continue to work on the closure at Paul’s Slide north of San Luis Obispo, we look forward to marking the full opening of the highway later this year. “Previous closures have seen tourism businesses face severe revenue reductions and a loss of workforce that can’t be recovered, but community has proven its resiliency time and again. Visitors exploring Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties along Highway 1 and the more inland Highway 101 corridor this summer will certainly help. “Visit California remains committed to highlighting the treasure of Highway 1 to the world and working to provide clear information to coastal visitors and road trippers visiting the state.” BACKGROUND:- The Rocky Creek slip-out closure just north of Big Sur in Monterey County will reopen to traffic in both directions starting 17 May. A temporary traffic signal will provide unrestricted public access with one-way alternating traffic.
- Caltrans crews continue to work on a closure at Paul’s Slide about 22 miles north of the San Luis Obispo County line and a full opening of the highway is envisioned in autumn.
-
12 Apr 24
NEWS
California’s Living Desert Zoo launches interactive appBlending technology with wildlife conservation, California’s Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has teamed up with ...Read moreCalifornia’s Living Desert Zoo launches interactive app - News & announcementsBlending technology with wildlife conservation, California’s Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has teamed up with UK-based attraction experience innovators n-gage.io to enhance the visitor experience. They have launched a new app which aims to boost interactive visitor engagement and conservation education. With over 600,000 annual visitors, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the US's top wildlife attractions. The zoo has now adopted n-gage.io’s SaaS platform and mobile app, to improve the way visitors explore, learn and connect with the natural world. The zoo spans 1,200 acres. The mobile app introduces visitors to interactive trails, rich media content about animal habitats and navigation tools optimised for both online and offline use. It offers engaging content for both passionate animal lovers and plant enthusiasts. The app opens up new pathways to explore the zoo’s 150+ animal species and 1,200 plant species. It has many interactive features that bring the zoo’s conservation efforts to life. Visitors can learn about the zoo’s work with over 70 global partners. N-gage.io is led by entrepreneur Bryan Hoare and incubated by GCV Labs in North East England. “We are thrilled to partner with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to deliver an app that not only enhances the visitor experience but also plays a crucial role in conservation education,” Hoare said. The app serves as a digital mobile pocket guide with multimedia content and real-time navigation. “This app is a game-changer, offering our visitors an unparalleled experience while underscoring the importance of conservation,” said Allison Krupp, VP of Marketing & Communications at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The app can be download hereRelated News Stories: California Desert Road Trip Itinerary Inspiration - TravelMole Visit California - TravelMole 10 Ways to Experience Greater Palm Springs Responsibly ... Become a Western Legend in Arizona - TravelMole American Tours International - TravelMole Travel Nevada - TravelMole G Adventures - TravelMole The Red Sea - TravelMole Partner News - TravelMole Elegant Resorts - TravelMole
-
2024 California Visitor’s Guide - News & announcements
-
22 Jan 24
NEWS
Back to nature in CaliforniaWith two new key lodging resorts set to open this spring near Yosemite National Park ...Read moreBack to nature in California - News & announcementsWith two new key lodging resorts set to open this spring near Yosemite National Park - Firefall Ranch in Tuolumne County and Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa County - visitors to California are spoilt for choice when opting to stay in nature. There are a host of top accommodations best suited for exploring the Golden States’ rich diversity of landscapes. From the cliffs of Big Sur to the Sequoias in Yosemite National Park, there is no better way to connect with nature. Read on to discover the top stays in California\s natural landscapes. In March, a new glamping experience is set to arrive in Mariposa County, just outside Yosemite National Park. Wildhaven Glamping Yosemite will offer glamping tents and cosy cabins on a beautiful property with mountain and valley views. Located less than a mile from the historic town of Mariposa, the extra-large, safari-style tents and modular cabins have all the furnishings needed for a comfortable night’s sleep. Wildhaven provides the comfort, cleanliness and customer service of a hotel while being immersed in nature. Opening in May near the entrance of Yosemite National Park in Tuolumne County, Firefall Ranch Resort is the perfect basecamp for visitors looking for a Yosemite adventure. The Ranch offers understated luxury surrounded by rolling hills located near the park's northwest entrance. It has amenities such as a pool, fine dining restaurant, tavern and wine room. Guests can also access guided excursions to the park, river rafting and snowshoeing, as well as daily wine tastings and nightly fireside s'mores at the ranch. Located 25 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara is the rustic setting of Circle Bar B Guest Ranch. The ranch offers a host of different cabins, all complete with outdoor verandas. Guests can explore the trails of the coastal Santa Ynez Mountains by horseback making use of the onsite stables, or try coastal fishing at Refugio Beach which is located nearby. Set inside a lovingly restored Victorian farmhouse, Park Winters offers a romantic bed and breakfast in the peaceful countryside of Yolo County. Guests can choose from four luxurious guest suites, each with their own unique character. Enjoy farm-fresh food prepared by the award-winning kitchen, using ingredients sourced from the hotel's organic farm. Visitors can stroll the idyllic gardens, tour the organic farm and go on a bike ride through the surrounding countryside. Perched high on a 1200 ft coastal ridge, Post Ranch Inn is a breathtaking retreat in Big Sur. With panoramic views of the Pacific and the Santa Lucia mountains, guests can opt for either mountain or sea views. The surrounding landscape has been incorporated into the design of the hotel ensuring it blends into the landscape naturally. Guests needn’t go far to experience nature as the grounds provide a habitat for the endangered Smith’s Blue Butterfly, California Red-Legged Frog and Western Pond Turtle. The Inn also offers a digital detox experience, with three heated infinity pools, guided hikes, yoga classes and a spa. Found in the heart of Southern California's Wine Country, Temecula Valley, Ponte Vineyard Inn is a wine connoisseur’s dream surrounded by over 300 acres of vineyards. This four-diamond, mission-style boutique hotel stands adjacent to Ponte Winery and within walking distance of other wineries, perfect for sampling the local grapes. The inn's 90 rooms offer views of the vines from private patios or balconies. Visitors can also relax at the heated outdoor swimming pool or dine at Bouquet Restaurant in the garden courtyard. For more information, visit http://www.visitcalifornia.comRelated News Stories: Go Türkiye G Adventures celebrates the relaunch of travel with great savings on ... Glamping in the Golden State Sabah Tourism Visit Quebec City - Discover the Best Things to Do | Air Transat Best of Travel | Canada | WestJet official site Time To Discover The World: MSC Cruises Opens Sales For 2024 ... Exploring the Tranquil Oasis of Antigua and Barbuda A Pre-Hustle ... Destination British Columbia The Natural Wonders of Australia
-
22 Dec 23
NEWS
Latest Storm is Boosting California Ski Resorts’ Season KickoffAs the winter season approaches, California ski resorts are eagerly anticipating the latest storm, hoping ...Read moreLatest Storm is Boosting California Ski Resorts’ Season Kickoff - News & announcementsAs the winter season approaches, California ski resorts are eagerly anticipating the latest storm, hoping it will bring the much-needed snow to kick off the season. The recent weather forecasts have predicted a significant snowfall, which is expected to blanket the slopes and create ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding. This news has brought a wave of excitement among winter sports enthusiasts and resort operators alike, who are looking forward to a successful season. The past few years have been challenging for California ski resorts due to inconsistent weather patterns and less predictable snowfall. Last year, many resorts had to rely heavily on snowmaking machines to maintain their slopes, which significantly increased their operating costs. However, the latest storm is expected to bring a natural snowfall, which is not only more cost-effective but also provides a superior skiing experience. The storm, which is predicted to hit the state in the coming days, is expected to bring several feet of fresh snow. This will not only provide excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding but also help to replenish the snowpack, which is crucial for the state's water supply. The snowpack acts as a natural reservoir, storing water in the form of snow during the winter months and gradually releasing it as meltwater in the spring and summer. This process is vital for California's water supply, as it provides about a third of the state's water. The expected snowfall is also a boon for the local economy. Ski resorts are major contributors to California's tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors each year. A good snow season can significantly boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, which rely heavily on the influx of tourists during the winter months. Moreover, ski resorts also provide thousands of seasonal jobs, contributing to the local employment rate. While the expected snowfall is a cause for celebration, it also brings certain challenges. Resort operators need to ensure that their facilities are prepared to handle the influx of visitors and that safety measures are in place to prevent accidents on the slopes. Additionally, the storm could potentially cause road closures and power outages, which could disrupt operations and inconvenience visitors. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment among California ski resorts and winter sports enthusiasts is one of optimism. The expected snowfall is seen as a promising start to the season, and many are hopeful that it will set the tone for a successful winter. As one resort operator put it, "We're all doing our snow dances and hoping for the best." In conclusion, the latest storm is expected to bring much-needed snow to California ski resorts, helping to kick off the season. While it does present certain challenges, the benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks. The snowfall will not only provide excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding but also help to replenish the snowpack and boost the local economy. As the storm approaches, California ski resorts are gearing up for what they hope will be a successful season. -
26 Oct 23
NEWS
California’s Wild West in Tuolumne CountyCalifornia's Tuolumne County is the heart of Gold Country where thriving Gold Rush towns put ...Read moreCalifornia’s Wild West in Tuolumne County - News & announcementsCalifornia's Tuolumne County is the heart of Gold Country where thriving Gold Rush towns put the region on the map. Beside the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, expect epic landscapes but also the spirit of the Old West. There is no better place to climb in the saddle and live out your cowboy dreams. Explore the Saloons Tuolumne County is home to several Gold Rush era towns that will take visitors back in time> The saloons in these towns have remained much the same as if frozen in time, but luckily, they have modern menu updates. Iron Door Saloon in Groveland is California's longest continually operating saloon, and a must see for visitors. It was founded in 1852. The bar's most unique feature is the dollar bills pinned to the ceiling. Hopeful gold rushers used to pin their cash to the ceiling before heading out in search of a fortune, so that they would always have enough money for one last drink if they returned. Head out on a trail ride Visitors can experience the High Sierra and Emigrant wilderness the way the settlers first saw it on horseback. Pack stations offer visitors the chance to experience the cowboy lifestyle with weeklong pack trips into Tuolumne County's wilderness. Shorter trail ride options are also available. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station sits high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers visitors trips up to 14 days with stops at peaceful lakes and the chance to try out trout fishing. Discover Gold Rush history Thanks to its perfectly preserved Gold Rush towns, Tuolumne County is a treasure trove of history. Jamestown is where gold was first discovered in the county and the first town visitors will encounter when coming into Tuolumne County from the west. Several of the buildings here date as far back as the 1870s. Stay in one of two historic inns, pan for gold on the high street or visit Railtown 1897 State Historic Park for a ride on one of the vintage steam trains. Make your own stetson No cowboy is complete without his hat, and in Tuolumne County visitors can personalise their very own at Heart Valley Mercantile and Ranch Wear located the heart of historic Downtown Sonora. The boutique fits seamlessly into the historic area and was inspired by a dear friend of the owners; an old cowgirl with family roots in Tuolumne County dating back to the 1800's. Visitors can enjoy craft beer and cocktails as they try on their chosen headwear. -
28 Jul 23
NEWS
Made in Central Valley, CaliforniaHome to bustling communities, quirky towns, and some of the most fertile farmland in the ...Read moreMade in Central Valley, California - News & announcementsHome to bustling communities, quirky towns, and some of the most fertile farmland in the United States, Central Valley, California is full of unique sights, sounds and tastes. Visitors will find food, wine, music and art that’s uniquely made only in Central Valley, created and grown by the locals. Made in Yolo Sitting at the most northern part of the Central Valley, visitors to Yolo County will find peaceful farmland and an abundance of locally grown produce. This ranges from fruit and vegetables, to honey and lavender. The Capay Valley Lavender Farm spans 27 acres and grows herbs, figs, pomegranates, citrus and olives. Founded by 64-year-old farmer Sherri Wood in 2017, Capay Valley Lavender grows five acres of lavender and produces many lavender-made products, including lavender lip balm, hand cream, essential oil, candles as well as tea and syrups. Visitors can experience tours of the farm, enjoy a picnic in stunning scenery, and take part in hands-on workshops. Made in Lodi Home to 32% of California’s Zinfandel, Lodi’s 100,000 acres of vineyards produce over 100 award winning wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tours, tastings and dinner pairings whilst sitting down with the people who have grown grapes and made wine for generations. McKenzie Winery is a family run business and has been for six generations, located by the Mokelumne River. Each varietal fruit is hand-picked, then fermented and aged in carefully selected barrels. Made in Fresno As one of the top agricultural counties in the US farming is a key element in Fresno’s economy and culture. With nearly 200 million acres of farmland producing more than 300 premium crops, Fresno County's farms make for scenic landscapes. Visitors can buy produce directly from the farms and learn about the stories behind generational farmers. Basilwood Farm is a family owned and operated goat farm that produces skin nourishing goat milk soap as well as skincare, deodorant and even laundry soap. The farm has been in their family for 20 years and visitors don’t just walk away with a bar of soap, they are welcomed to help milk the goats, name new kids, and help on farm projects and workshops. Made in Visalia Like much of the Central Valley, Visalia has an abundance of farm fresh produce that is never grown far from where it’s bought. Visalia’s farmers market is one of the biggest in the region and runs year-round. Visitors will find an abundance of seasonal, fresh fruits that are grown in the California sunshine on farms that surround the city. As well as being able to buy the farm produce, master gardeners also attend and offer advice to help visitors grow their own fruit, vegetables and plants There is music every first Saturday of the month and every last Saturday kids can take part in a free activity. Made in Modesto Modesto is a growing city that sits at the very heart of Central Valley. The city’s downtown area is a colourful collection of over 100 unique street murals painted by international artists. Wander the streets that serve as an open-air art exhibition, taking in the artwork or follow the Modesto Mural Walk Audio Tour. The first of its kind, this guided street art audio tour takes users from Rodin Ranch farm market past restaurants, coffee shops, museums, and galleries. Taking just under an hour, the audio tour introduces the artists who created the murals and the stories behind them. Made in Bakersfield A buzzing city in the south of Central Valley, Bakersfield has a style of its own and even a music genre named after it. The gritty style of country music, Bakersfield Sound, was born in the Southern California town during the mid-50s and pioneered by country music legends Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Bakersfield, known as ‘Nashville West’, has since become a hub for all kinds of music. The town has many ‘sounds’ for visitors to explore and enjoy in the many music venues, including Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, a celebrated venue among country music fans. For more information visit www.visitcentralvalley.com -
21 Jul 23
NEWS
Family adventures in Lompoc, CaliforniaExplore La Purisima Mission State Historic Park: Step back in time at La Purisima Mission. This ...Read moreFamily adventures in Lompoc, California - News & announcementsExplore La Purisima Mission State Historic Park: Step back in time at La Purisima Mission. This preserved mission allows visitors to explore the grounds, interact with farm animals, and take part in engaging interactive activities. Kids will love the living history demonstrations and hiking along the park's scenic trails. Take a Sweet Tooth Tour of Lompoc: Check out an epic list of places for the sweet tooth in Lompoc. Sample cookies, cupcakes, specialty donuts, Nutella toast, milkshakes, or melt-in-your-mouth soft-serve cones. Lompoc never has any shortage of sweet treats. Catch a Rocket Launch: Plan your trip around a rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base for an unforgettable family experience. Lompoc has several perfect viewing spots, set up your chairs, and gaze up at the sky. Watching a rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base is not the marvel of technology; it's a celebration of human achievement. Visit the Lompoc Museum: Delve into Lompoc's fascinating past, where exhibits showcase the area's cultural heritage and history. The museum offers interactive displays, artifacts, and captivating stories that will fascinate young minds and spark curiosity. Dive into the Cabrillo High School Aquarium: The aquarium showcases a variety of marine life, providing a captivating glimpse into the diverse ecosystems found in the surrounding waters. Children and adults alike can marvel at colorful tropical fish, coral reefs, and learn about the importance of marine conservation. From interactive exhibits to hands-on learning opportunities, the Cabrillo High School Aquarium offers a memorable marine adventure. Lompoc Mural Tour: Lompoc is a vast canvas of art, thanks to its iconic murals that grace the downtown area. Take a self-guided mural tour to view the vibrant artwork that tells the story of Lompoc's culture and heritage. Pick up a map from the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce or download online to navigate through the town's colorful streets. A Day in the sand at Jalama Beach: Just 30 minutes from Lompoc, Jalama Beach offers an idyllic setting for a memorable day trip. Splash in the waves, or simply soak up the sunshine. Enjoy a picnic on the beach, savoring delicious treats like the famous Jalama Burger. Located on scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, just 155 miles northwest from LA, Lompoc is a California hidden delight. A valley setting, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and vineyards, unlocks top class golf, wine tasting, cycling, hiking, skydiving, and surfing at nearby Jalama Beach. www.explorelompoc.com -
08 Jul 23
Expert Hub
California’s Newest and Most Iconic Luxury Hotels and ExperiencesEveryone deserves to be pampered, so do it in style at one of California’s ...Read moreCalifornia’s Newest and Most Iconic Luxury Hotels and Experiences - News & announcementsEveryone deserves to be pampered, so do it in style at one of California’s newest luxury hotels, a once-in-a-lifetime event or an unforgettable dining experience. You truly won't regret planning a fabulous getaway to one of these many luxury offerings. It’ll be the best time of your life!
-
08 Jul 23
Expert Hub
Unique Wine Experiences in CaliforniaAs the fourth largest wine producer in the world, California is synonymous with wine ...Read moreUnique Wine Experiences in California - News & announcementsAs the fourth largest wine producer in the world, California is synonymous with wine travel in the United States. From the well-known areas of Napa Valley and Sonoma to less discovered areas like El Dorado County and San Diego, the Golden State is a mecca for oenophiles. Here are some of our favorite wine experiences throughout the state.
Classic Wine Country Experiences
Yorkville Cellars From the Medoc to Mendocino, Yorkville Cellars is the only winery outside of Bordeaux to produce wine from all eight major Bordeaux grapes. Opt for the Oakview Tasting to experience an intimate tasting amidst the organic vineyard. Historic Boeger Winery Boeger Winery – the birthplace of wine in El Dorado County –offers a tasting of six wines in its enchanting garden. Celebrating its 50th anniversary as a winery, visitors can sip wine and tour the historic winery, grounds and vineyards for a behind-the-scenes look. The winery produces a portfolio of reds, whites, rosé and dessert wines. Food & Wine With so many wine producers in the Napa Valley, one way that wineries are setting their experience apart is with elevated food and wine paired tastings. The Chef’s Tasting Menu at Joseph Phelps is a gourmet feast pairing nine seasonal dishes with single-vineyard wines and its famous Insignia Cabernet. At Trefethen Family Vineyard, bites crafted from their home-grown produce are paired with wines in the Taste the Estate flight. The Clif Family Winery offers the fun Clif Family Bruschetteria food truck for guests to pair their favorite dishes with the vineyard’s wines. Cellar Tours Serious oenophiles will enjoy the many cellar tours offered by some of Paso Robles 300 wineries. Eberle is one of the pioneering wineries of the region and offers complimentary tours of its 16,000 square feet of underground caves. Taste the award-winning wines of Robert Hall and explore their caverns on a cave and barrel-tasting tour. Lompoc Ghetto The name might be lowbrow, but the wine inside is anything but. The Lompoc Wine Ghetto is a group of small urban wineries and tasting rooms housed in an industrial park complex. The Lompoc Ghetto represents the largest concentration of world-class, small-production tasting rooms in Santa Barbara County. Jalama Wines Tasting Room Jalama Wines is known for some of the coolest climate Pinot Noir produced in California, but its tasting room is in the desert heat of Palm Springs. As the only winery tasting room in Palm Springs, Jalama is a must-see hotspot for wine lovers. Pali Wine Co. Trade Pluto for Pinot at Pali Wine Co. in Anaheim. Head to Pali Wine Co. to taste top Central Coast Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays on tap. The spacious outdoor patio is pet-friendly and offers full service from the bar and kitchen. Natural Wines While it just opened in summer 2022 in San Diego’s hip North Park neighborhood, Little Thief is already stealing wine lovers’ hearts with its lineup of natural wine from independent producers. The wine bar offers 20 wines by the glass and 50 by the bottle. The bar has a European feel and serves up tapas to perfectly pair with the wine.Unique Experiences
Water into Wine The New Clairvaux Vineyard in Redding is a collaboration between the Trappist-Cistercian monks who call it home and fifth-generation winemaker Aimee Sunseri. Visitors can taste the award-winning wines, as well as tour the Abbey.LOLA Wines It’s hard to beat wine and caviar for sheer decadence. At LOLA Wines, founder and winemaker Seth Cripe is also one of the world’s only producers of bottarga, a caviar delicacy usually only found on the menus in top restaurants in the world. Wine & Design Stay at the boutique MacArthur Place in Sonoma and book the Wine + Design package which takes wine lovers on a day trip exploring the area’s most design-forward wineries. Guests will enjoy wine tastings and a gourmet lunch and receive a copy of The New Architecture of Wine book. Art & Wine Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills just a stone’s throw from Yosemite National Park, Casto Oaks winery serves up its Zinfandels and Bordeaux varietals in a tasting room that doubles as an art gallery. Here you’ll find the blending of fine art and fine wine in historic downtown Mariposa. Cause and Effect Wine geeks can do a truly original tasting at the fifth-generation, family-owned Lange Twins Winery in Acampo. Appropriately named Cause and Effect, guests will taste a variety of wines stored in different conditions to see how it impacts the look, aroma and taste of the wines. Guitars and Grapes Wine and music are a perfect pairing, and at Solvang’s Cali Love Wine, guests are treated to an authentic sensory experience with a pink tasting room and the first-ever guitar museum housed within it. Malibu Discovery Wine Tour Did you know a wine region is hidden behind the Santa Monica Mountains? With Malibu Discovery, you can choose from four tours to explore this secret wine area. Tours include wine room tastings and either brunch, lunch or dinner. Winemaker for a Day Test your skills at crafting wine at the Blending Lab at the BOTTAIA Winery in Temecula Valley. Guests will barrel taste a variety of wines to create three red blends. Once you pick your favorite creation, the staff will bottle, cork and capsule it for you to take home. -
27 Jun 23
NEWS
Beach vibes in the Golden StateThe Golden State’s Pacific coastline is lined with breathtaking California beaches for any type of ...Read moreBeach vibes in the Golden State - News & announcementsThe Golden State’s Pacific coastline is lined with breathtaking California beaches for any type of trip. Whether you're looking for wildlife spotting, surfing or simply chilling on golden sands, California has you covered. Read on to discover 13 destinations with spectacular beaches with unique coastal attractions. Natural beauty Golden sunsets in Carlsbad Carlsbad State Beach offers a picturesque view of the sunset. Every night, people gather at the north end of the beach to watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean. The Palisades and walkway above the Seawall is another romantic spot for sunset watching. The beaches of Whiskeytown Lake East Beach is a local favourite spot for relaxation and swimming, as well as catching sunsets. Brandy Creek Beach, on the south side of Whiskeytown Lake, caters to families and groups with a snack shop and shaded picnic areas. Oak Bottom, a beachy cove surrounded by trees, provides a peaceful setting for nature lovers. Visitors can hike to nearby waterfalls through forests. The "Mountain of Gold" in SLO CAL A short drive from San Luis Obispo, Montaña de Oro State Park is one of the largest state parks in California. With over 8,000 acres, including seven miles of shoreline, spectacular views surround the rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches and coastal plains. The park's name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the explosion of golden wildflowers. Find your beach in Sonoma County Loved by beachcombers, Schoolhouse Beach in Bodega Bay in Sonoma County is a vibrantly coloured shore filled with small ocean-polished stones and seashells. The tidepools are teeming with colourful marine life, such as starfish, mussels, hermit crabs, and other crustaceans. Portuguese Beach is the ideal place to watch a stunning, golden sunset. Activity-packed Seaside fun at Oceanside Harbor Beach, Oceanside Oceanside Harbor Beach offers a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, perfect waves for swimming and boogie boarding, and is where the USA Surfing team trains. Surrounded by a New England-style harbour village, it also includes the "Love the O" interactive sculpture where loved ones can leave a special love rock. Spot surfing pros at Ventura's beaches Rincon Beach in Ventura is known as one of the best places to surf in California. The Rincon is home to the annual Rincon Classic where professional and rookie surfers all gather. Surfer's Point/C Street is also famed for its long rides on perfectly shaped waves and big winter swells that turn C Street into a world-class playground. The beach made history as one of the first pro surfing contests held in California. Swim, surf and hike at Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego Torrey Pines State Beach in La Jolla is a popular beach off Highway 101 with lifeguards and a safe place for kids to play by the lagoon. The bluffs above the beach are part of the 1,750-acre Torrey Pines State Reserve Park. Eight miles of trails offer views of the Pacific Ocean, while walking among native chaparral plants, wildflowers, and wildlife. Family-friendly Coronado Beach, San Diego Recognised as one of the ten best family beaches in North America, Coronado Beach is perfect for an all-day stay for families. The long, white sand beach offers plenty of space for paddleball, sandcastle building, kite flying and volleyball. In the village of Coronado, the small-town atmosphere is ideal for dining. Bike rentals are available at the Coronado Ferry Landing and are the perfect way to explore the island, with or without parents. Dana Point water activities, Orange County Dana Point Beaches are best suited for water activities from paddle boarding and kayaking in Baby Beach, to surfing at Doheny State Beach. There is even whale watching at Strands Beach and Salt Creek Beach. Nature spotting Año Nuevo State Park Located on the southern coast of the San Francisco Peninsula, Año Nuevo State Park is an extraordinary wilderness experience. Up to 10,000 elephant seals return to breed every year and it is also a major bird migratory route. Offshore on Año Nuevo Island, find the remains of a 19th-century lighthouse and fog signal station. Historic tide pools in Encinitas Running parallel to historic Highway 101, Cardiff State Beach in North San Diego County is known to have the best tidepools in Encinitas. They are composed of 45-million-year-old sedimentary rocks containing embedded fossil clams and can be found on the southside of Seaside Beach along with starfish, sea cucumbers and other mollusks. Goleta Beach Park, Santa Barbara County Fondly known as "The Good Land," Goleta is a community located 12 miles north of Santa Barbara. The large sandy beach features ample room for picnicking and fishing off the pier. The area is a haven for bird watching, with plentiful local and migratory bird species like snowy egrets and great blue herons. Pedal along the scenic bike trail or rent kayaks to glide through kelp forests and view wildlife. The Campus Point surf break is great for beginners. The Ellwood at Goleta Beach, a new coastal cuisine restaurant, is expected to open in late summer 2023. Morro Bay, SLO CAL Morro Bay's beaches supply over six miles of continuous sand, offering their own unique set of activities, wildlife and atmosphere. Visit North Point Beach to observe aquatic creatures up close through its tidepools. The bay is a protected sanctuary brimming with wildlife such as sea otters, seals, whales, monarch butterflies and various bird species. -
10 May 23
Partner News
10 Ways to Experience Greater Palm Springs ResponsiblyAs increasing numbers of leisure and business travelers strive to travel more responsibly and ...Read more10 Ways to Experience Greater Palm Springs Responsibly - News & announcementsAs increasing numbers of leisure and business travelers strive to travel more responsibly and consciously, Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) has doubled down on its commitment to ensure that the values of sustainability, community, collaboration, and inclusion are not only embedded within the organization itself but also in the region's travel industry. New partnerships, content, and web guides are making it even easier for sustainably-minded travelers, meeting planners, and event producers to find the information and resources they need to curate thoughtful, carbon neutral, and regenerative itineraries throughout the nine desert cities and surrounding protected wildlands. Here are 10 ways travelers can tread lightly when visiting Greater Palm Springs:- Be a Kind Traveler
- Go Car-Free
- Charge Up
- Learn About Sustainable Energy
- Take a Bike Tour
- Tee Off Mindfully
- Embrace Mother Nature
- Shop Antique, Vintage & Consignment
- Savor Farm-to-Table Dining
- Support the Local Indigenous Tribes
-
Explore a Hidden Speakeasy in Sacramento #Shorts
-
Stop Here Next Time You’re in Mount Shasta! | Yaks Shack California #shorts #travel
-
Go Tubing and Snowmobiling in South Lake Tahoe (via lightwriteralana on IG) #Shorts
-
Aerial Views of Sonoma County, California | Relaxing 4K Drone Video
-
Ride a Mountain Coaster at Mammoth Mountain (via pitstop.pen on IG) #Shorts
-
Jurassic Park Was Filmed at this Fern-Lined Canyon in California! #shorts
-
Explore a Gorgeous Library and Garden in Corona Del Mar (via apictureoftime on IG) #Shorts