Where is the best place to vacation in California?

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texasgirl

texasgirl

Master Chef
Joined
Apr 16, 2005
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9,509
Location
North Texas
We are looking at going to California next year and want to find out where to go?
We want to be either on a lake or near the ocean. I would like Lake Tahoe in a secluded cabin.
Can't be expensive though.
Any suggestions for us to look online at would be appreciated.

DH is also looking at Florida.
 
TG, altho I haven't been there, from what I hear/read about Lake Tahoe, it's going to be hard to find something "secluded." Major tourist area, altho beautiful.

Sierra Cook, mish, and jkath - need your help here.

Also depends on whatcha want to do - Fish? Look at movie stars' homes (or their privacy gates)? Gamble? Shop?
 
Texas,
there are many lovely places in California, Tahoe is beautiful, it can be expensive, but there are some beautiful camp grounds a little away from the crowds that are so nice. I love the lake. San Diego is lovely, Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Napa, Sonoma, and a stop at CJ's country Kitchen is always FREE :LOL: :ROFLMAO:

kadesma
 
Big #1 is Fishing. Swimming{dolphins, preferrably} maybe something like we did in Corpus Christi, we went on the USS Lexinton. We like seeing military things. We're don't do many things, as, dh is more into MANLY things LOL. No foofoo museums or theaters or anything like that.
Maybe snorkling. If I can get the nerve to do this. I get kinda Chlosterphovic {sp} and being underwater for a long period of time may freak me out. LOL Would love to do it though.
 
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TG. Go to San Francisco!

See Fishermans Wharf.
Eat REAL Sour Dough Bread.
Go to [SIZE=-1]Ghirardelli Square.
Then swing by the college and pop my daughter upside the back of the head and tell her to call her parents.
img_278941_0_e343f24151babaf1b566028c4e0f8c89.gif


~ Raven ~
[/SIZE]
 
Raven said:
TG. Go to San Francisco!

See Fishermans Wharf.
Eat REAL Sour Dough Bread.
Go to [SIZE=-1]Ghirardelli Square.
Then swing by the college and pop my daughter upside the back of the head and tell her to call her parents.
img_278948_0_e343f24151babaf1b566028c4e0f8c89.gif


~ Raven ~
[/SIZE]
Click to expand...

I'm so glad that I had already swallowed my drink!!:ROFLMAO: :LOL:
That sounds good though. I'll see if there is a website for Fisherma's Wharf.
 
Well Texas Girl it looks to me like San Diego is the correct place! Contact the Convention/Visitors Bureau for material, motels, beach rentals, museums, etc. We have the carrier Midway which is now a Museum. Most weekends there is a Navy ship open for visiting at North Island or the Embarcadero. The world famous San Diego Zoo is a definite do not miss. Sea World is a favorite with many. A seal rookery on the beach at LaJolla as well as scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, etc. Point Loma Nat'l Monument and Nat'l Cemetery has tide pools that are wonderful. The Natural History Museum sponsors many hikes into the local mountains and seashores.... I could go on and on but you see the wonders of beautiful San Diego! Just a short drive south (15 mi) and you can visit Tijuana, Baja, Mexico. Another 15 miles further south to Rosarita Beach. Nice hotels and motels there too.
Need more info?? Oh yes I forgot there are more Indian casinos in San Diego County thany any other county in the US!! That probably covers it all! Need more info just ask.
 
If you want to get away from the hubbub of touristy areas like Tahoe, but still want to be near a lake I would suggest Lake Almanor near Chester, CA. It is not as expensive as Tahoe, but just as beautiful. Also, it is only a couple of hours north of Tahoe, so you could still take a day trip there. Almanor is about a half hour from Lassen Volcanic National Park which as great hiking trails, mudpots, and the Sulfur Works.

If you want to go the ocean. I like the North Coast. The coastal areas north of San Francisco are less touristy and the crowds tend to be less. Plus you get to see the magnificent redwoods. I particularly like Humboldt County. Great historical buildings, miles of coastline, Patrick's Point State Park and Praire Creek Redwoods offer great views, beaches, and hikes. A particular favorite of mine is the hike into Fern Canyon at Praire Creek. Also, at Praire Creek you can see Roosevelt elk up close. The hike down to Agate Beach at Patrick's Point is a little steep, but it is fun to hunt for agates on the beach. The hike at Trinidad, CA to Trinidad head has awesome views of the coastline and ocean.

TG, if you want more suggestions let me know.
 
Wow, thanks you guys!! I'm having fun looking up all of the info. We've never been to he west coast, so, it's all new territory.
 
What time of the year are you planning on visiting? So is hot and No is cold. If you opt for the beach in So Ca, make sure it's not during the rainy season -- and in the dead of summer temp can go to 110. If you're going No in the winter, bring lots of warm clothes. So many terrains here - snow (skiing etc.), ocean/beach, desert, mountains.

If you drive to Palm Springs, take the helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.

I prefer so ca, because it's warm and you can drive or take a short flight to No. (San Fran, or Tahoe, San Diego, Santa Barbara, etc.), the desert (vegas, palm springs, etc). I'm not a fisher, mostly into beach, dining, & shopping, or if you like nightlife - being in proximity to a big city, rather than a remote secluded area.

You could rent a house on the beach or condos/timeshares. Off season is reasonable for anything - just about anywhere you go. Check out prices and time of the year. Take a drive up the 101, from the beaches in so ca to Montery or Carmel or just keep gong to San Fran. Check out all the Piers- santa Monica, Malibu, Oxnard is nice. Catalina is a good day trip.

If you like touristy things - check out the Hearst Castle or Solvang. San Francisco is awesome - but too cold for me in the winter. Visit the Napa Valley and go wine tasting. If you're in No ca, Kings Canyon is breathtaking -- as well as Yosemite. So much to do here and nearby.
 
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We are talking about the summer, June or July. We are only going to be there a week. San Fran sounds and looks like what we're looking for, but, I've got stuff coming from San Diego also.
Thanks for everyones suggestions!!
 
Go to Morro Bay...half way betwen SF and LA ... on the coast, lots to see and do...old hippie town...BIG rock in the water. kewl place, great food.
 
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I agree with Raven. Go to SF. It's a wonderful town with a million things to do! It can also be very very romantic, if your in that kind of mood.
 
Since you're going in the summertime, I second San Fran and Wine Country. A good way to do it would be to split it up with 3 days in SF, 2 days in the Sonoma Valley region, and 2 days in the Napa Valley region. Also, it depends on how much you guys like wine. If you're not wine drinkers, you wouldn't want to spend as much time in Napa and Sonoma unless you guys wanted to do more outdoors type stuff like hiking. Some things to see (I know some were already mentioned):

San Francisco:
  • Chinatown
  • Fisherman's Wharf
  • Coit Tower
  • TransAmerica Pyramid
  • North Beach (lots of good Italian restaurants)
  • Alcatraz
  • Japanese Tea Garden
  • Golden Gate Park (nice place for a lunch picnic)
  • California Academy of Science
  • Lombard Street
  • SF Museum of Modern Art
Napa Valley:
  • Wineries (of course)
  • Calistoga Hot Springs
  • Wine Train
  • Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
  • Napa River Tours
  • Petrefied Forrest
Sonoma Valley:
  • Wineries
  • Champagne Caves
  • Hot Air Balloon ride
  • Russian River
  • Jack London Park
  • Tomales Bay (eat some oysters fresh from the water)
  • Mendocino (quaint east-coast type fishing town)
  • Goat Rock Beach
 
I'd say, go to kadesma's house. You would be well fed with extraordinary food!

San Fran is a good city if $$$. I lived close by for a year and went to the city every weekend. There is an excellent restaurant on the tip of my tongue but just can't remember it. I'll let you know when I do. Looks like you have some good info already.
 
SierraCook said:
If you go up towards Mendocino and Ft. Bragg you should go see the Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse. It is a fully operating lighthouse. The Mendocino Mustard Company in Mendocino has some really great mustards. I like their sweet hot mustard for dipping pretzels.
Click to expand...

Also, you can go to the Mendocino Brewing CO. and try their various micro-brews. A nice destination place in the event you're sick of and/or aren't into wine.

In SF there is also Anchor Brewing which makes some nice beers as well.

Admins/Site Helpers...maybe this thread should be moved to the DC Road forum?
 
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