I’m taking a 3-4 day trip up the California coast from LA to, maybe, Santa Cruz. Just interested in some cheap but fun things to do driving up. What cities to stop @ and what to see.

santa cruz
Big Sur/Carmel/Monterey
san luis osbisbo
pismo beach
Santa Barbara
Sonoma Coast
Mendocino

I know about Hearst castle, and the Acquarium at Monterey. But any other suggestions?

Family Houseboating Vacations

If you a liking for the water and take pleasure in traveling around miles of lake shore, then going for an excursion on a houseboat may be a grand choice for your next family vacation. There are numerous huge, striking lakes and rivers to decide from in the United States and different parts of the world.

These provide a selection of activities, in addition some fine-looking scenery, and cool, stimulating water to engage in recreation. Going in a houseboat is truly a sensational experience , and actually provide all the usual luxuries found in a home — from roomy living areas, kitchens and dining areas, to relaxed sleeping accommodations.  
Food preparations , stereos, color television with dish, and several other gadgets are also fairly common on a lot of of modern houseboats. So, if you are keen to spend some grand time on the water, and in actuality travel in style, look into hiring a houseboat for you subsequent family vacation. Some of the houseboat vacations are-  

Seven Crown Resorts

Seven Crown Resorts is perhaps one of the major houseboat rental vacation companies in the U.S. and they give you the most excellent facilities and the most alluring rates anywhere. They offer houseboat vacations on Lake Shasta in Northern California ,Lake Mohave in Arizona and the California Delta in the state’s Central Valley. Along with the houseboat on a rent, they also provide a selection of small boats for fishing, skiing and other frivolous and entertaining activities, harbor services, and at a number of locations restaurants, lodging and RV sites.  
Houseboat Rentals on the Mississippi River –It is an exceptional vacation experience. The Mississippi River is America’s mainly admired houseboat waters.

On the Mississippi River houseboats are parked on any beach which attracts the captain or the crew. Many a times the tourists in the houseboats will feel the tranquillity of their personal private island .Whether you have the privacy of a personal island or the companionship of other house boaters you will notice that you are in houseboat paradise.  

Every houseboat beach on the Mississippi River will offer your family an experience of a life time . Whether it’s fishing from the rear part of the houseboat, hunting for clam shells beside the shore, plunging into the Mississippi River, narating stories around a camp-fire, walking around an islands interior, hiking to the peak of a sand dune, or taking a moonlit leisure walk along the beach; you will experience that Mississippi has something for all and sundry.

Related Vacation In Northern California Articles

Outdoor Furniture – Fill Your Patio Paradise With Style That Lasts

So you want to create a backyard retreat? Well once you have built a patio or deck and installed a pond or maybe a pool you need to furnish the area with comfortable chairs, and a table or two and it will become a place where many happy memories are made.

You may try browsing your local stores for your outdoor furniture options but unfortunately patio furnishings may not always be in season where you live. Instead try shopping online to peruse not only the best selection, but also the best prices. And outdoor furniture is always in style online.

Choose from classic wood pieces, resin chairs that are available in a rainbow of colors or even aluminum furniture that will make you feel like you stepped into a posh five star resort when you cross the threshold of your patio door. The most common woods for patio chairs and tables are pine, alder, cypress, cedar, mahogany, redwood, shorea and teak. All can withstand the elements to an extent and some need to be treated to maintain their beauty. Teak is probably the best wood for outdoor furniture because of its natural resistance to water. You can leave teak furniture outside year round and it will last season after season weathering to a silvery gray patina.

If you don’t want any maintenance at all try resin or aluminum outdoor furniture. Resin furniture has the thickness and appearance of wood without the bother of annually applying protector. They come in a variety of colors that will never fade to match your backyard décor with enduring beauty. Aluminum furniture can be delicately scrolled and topped with different, brightly hued cushions for a decidedly sophisticated look.

So, as you browse the internet for some new outdoor furniture consider your many seating options once you have decided on a material. Try a bench in the garden and some chaise lounges by the pool. If you like to entertain a sitting area with a thickly cushioned couch might be in order in addition to a table and chair set. Maybe a pub table and chairs for your poolside cantina will complete the resort vibe you are going for?

Finish your cottage’s yard with a charming white-washed porch swing or try some rocking chairs for a Southern touch. Who wouldn’t want to rock gently while sipping a cold mint julep in the afternoon sun? You could even create an outdoor living room complete with matching sofa and chairs, coffee table and end tables topped with outdoor lamps. Or create your own Spanish island getaway with scrolling aluminum lounge chairs and loveseats topped with plush orange and red cushions.

No matter what type of outdoor furniture you are looking for you’ll find it online any time of year. So dream big and create your ultimate backyard retreat with a few classic Adirondack chairs or some elegant aluminum benches. And don’t forget to bring a little nature in with a few planter boxes filled with cascading blooms. Complete your patio with great, long-lasting outdoor furniture and enjoy it for many summers to come.

Related Redwoods Resort Articles

Cheap But Comfortable Motels in California

California is a tourist’s haven. It is best for tourist to know the cheap but comfortable motels where they can rest before proceeding to their destinations.

California is situated on the western coastal area of the United States. The state is around 200 miles wide from the western pacific shores to the eastern deserts that border the states of Arizona and Nevada. It is bounded in the south by Mexico and in the north by the state of Oregon, a stretch of almost 900 miles.

California is blessed with various geological features that cover almost the entire length and width of the state. These create a variety of climates and unique sceneries that makes California an excellent place for tourists. In fact, the California coastline stretches from the tropical soft sand beaches of San Diego to the craggy northern coastlines near Oregon. The pacific waters is warm in the southern portion of the state, reason enough for surf loving tourists to flock its beaches dotted with palm trees.

Down north, waters are cooler and sandy beaches scarcer. But this lack is amply compensated for by a more scenic coastline. Swimming and hiking take a backseat in northern California, while visiting isolated beaches to watch sea otters, seals, birds or whales are the more popular activities for tourists.

There are many motels in California that do brisk business with tourists who are on their way to visit the numerous vacation spots of the state. The following are some of the relatively cheap motels that cater to the needs of tourist and locals alike:

Vagabond Inn Sacramento Midtown
The Vagabond Inn is located some 12 miles from the Sacramento International Airport and within easy distance from local attractions that would include the California State Railroad Museum, Fort State Historic Park, Old Sacramento and the ARCO Arena, home of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA.

The Vagabond’s amenities consist of a continental breakfast, free weekday newspaper, free parking, and free local calls, free incoming faxes, a swimming pool and a Spa. The guest rooms come with data ports, cable TVs, free internet access, and work tables with lamps. There are also family rooms and pets are allowed.

Half Moon Motel
Half Moon Motel is located in Sepulveda Blvd. in Culver City. It offers non-smoking rooms, airconditioning, and free Internet access. It is a few blocks or minutes away from some of California’s landmarks like Disneyland, Sony Studios, Downtown LA, Century City Beverly hills, and the Dodger Stadium, Universal Studios, Chinatown, Getty Center and many others.

It is conveniently near excellent restaurants and a community park where guests can dine and perhaps relax for a few minutes. It offers free parking and constant maid services.

Ayres Inn Alpine
Ayres Inn Alpine is located near the Cleveland National Forest, three miles from the Viejas, and 30 miles from downtown San Diego and some 40 miles from the town of Tijuana, Mexico. Alpine offers a comfortable lobby with pleasant furniture, European decors, and charming outdoor patios. There is a heated swimming pool where guests can swim and a whirlpool where you can relax your tired limbs. For some stretching exercises Alpine provides a fitness facility.

Hotel guests are offered free continental breakfast as part of the room rate. Although Alpine does not have a restaurant, there are excellent eating places nearby. There is also a meeting place for guest, free morning papers, fast service dry cleaning, and free shuttle services to the Casino and the San Diego Airport.

Rooms have four-poster beds, mahogany armoires, a television, coffeemaker, telephone, and a desk, mini-refrigerator iron and ironing board.

Here is some pictures from the trip I took to Northern California in 2002. Included are shots from my Grandparents (Mandville) 60th Anniversary and family reunion as well as my visit to other Grandparents (Street). Other things include are shots from the Trees of Mystery and The Exploritorium. Some of the people in the video are no longer with us and I really like this video that shows them at a happy time.

More Vacation In Northern California Articles

Cheap But Comfortable Motels in California

California is a tourist’s haven. It is best for tourist to know the cheap but comfortable motels where they can rest before proceeding to their destinations.

California is situated on the western coastal area of the United States. The state is around 200 miles wide from the western pacific shores to the eastern deserts that border the states of Arizona and Nevada. It is bounded in the south by Mexico and in the north by the state of Oregon, a stretch of almost 900 miles.

California is blessed with various geological features that cover almost the entire length and width of the state. These create a variety of climates and unique sceneries that makes California an excellent place for tourists. In fact, the California coastline stretches from the tropical soft sand beaches of San Diego to the craggy northern coastlines near Oregon. The pacific waters is warm in the southern portion of the state, reason enough for surf loving tourists to flock its beaches dotted with palm trees.

Down north, waters are cooler and sandy beaches scarcer. But this lack is amply compensated for by a more scenic coastline. Swimming and hiking take a backseat in northern California, while visiting isolated beaches to watch sea otters, seals, birds or whales are the more popular activities for tourists.

There are many motels in California that do brisk business with tourists who are on their way to visit the numerous vacation spots of the state. The following are some of the relatively cheap motels that cater to the needs of tourist and locals alike:

Vagabond Inn Sacramento Midtown
The Vagabond Inn is located some 12 miles from the Sacramento International Airport and within easy distance from local attractions that would include the California State Railroad Museum, Fort State Historic Park, Old Sacramento and the ARCO Arena, home of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA.

The Vagabond’s amenities consist of a continental breakfast, free weekday newspaper, free parking, and free local calls, free incoming faxes, a swimming pool and a Spa. The guest rooms come with data ports, cable TVs, free internet access, and work tables with lamps. There are also family rooms and pets are allowed.

Half Moon Motel
Half Moon Motel is located in Sepulveda Blvd. in Culver City. It offers non-smoking rooms, airconditioning, and free Internet access. It is a few blocks or minutes away from some of California’s landmarks like Disneyland, Sony Studios, Downtown LA, Century City Beverly hills, and the Dodger Stadium, Universal Studios, Chinatown, Getty Center and many others.

It is conveniently near excellent restaurants and a community park where guests can dine and perhaps relax for a few minutes. It offers free parking and constant maid services.

Ayres Inn Alpine
Ayres Inn Alpine is located near the Cleveland National Forest, three miles from the Viejas, and 30 miles from downtown San Diego and some 40 miles from the town of Tijuana, Mexico. Alpine offers a comfortable lobby with pleasant furniture, European decors, and charming outdoor patios. There is a heated swimming pool where guests can swim and a whirlpool where you can relax your tired limbs. For some stretching exercises Alpine provides a fitness facility.

Hotel guests are offered free continental breakfast as part of the room rate. Although Alpine does not have a restaurant, there are excellent eating places nearby. There is also a meeting place for guest, free morning papers, fast service dry cleaning, and free shuttle services to the Casino and the San Diego Airport.

Rooms have four-poster beds, mahogany armoires, a television, coffeemaker, telephone, and a desk, mini-refrigerator iron and ironing board.

What to Photograph in San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful city, known for its world-famous landmarks and its uniqueness that sets it apart from other cities in California. It has a European flair combined with a Pacific camaraderie.

Looking for subjects to photograph in the city is not at all hard given all these well-known attractions but to help you guide, here’s a list of what’s worth capturing.

City’s Panorama – The best place to go is the Twin Peaks where you get a sweeping 360 degrees view of San Francisco. Another great choice is from the Alcatraz Island, which offers a perfect view of the city from the Bay Bridge all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge – This is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges of the world and San Francisco’s most famous attraction. With clouds or strong sunlight, don’t ever miss to capture it.

Palace of Fine Arts – A Roman and Greek-inspired building with its beautiful park in the heart of San Francisco is just hard to miss. The place is a common destination for wedding photography.

North Beach – Historically an Italian neighborhood and even these days, it’s mostly occupied by Italian merchants. To get a good view of the place, climb up the Coit Tower or alternatively somewhere near Lombard Street where it is elevated.

Victorian Houses – It will take days to hunt these beautiful Victorian houses but for the most interesting, go find the Painted Ladies which are directly facing the Alamo Square. From the Alamo Park, you can have a perfect picture of these beautiful Victorians and even with the city’s skyline in the background.

Fisherman’s Wharf – The wharf is a very busy place, people bustling around to get to something interesting. What’s here to be photographed anyway? Look for the colorful fishermen’s boats resting on the dock and a group of sea lions enjoying the sun.

Alcatraz Island – The Rock is a famous destination in the city, both a historical fort and prison. And aside from the magnificent view of the city from the island, it offers several interesting subjects like its untended garden and of course the different buildings which were used during its penitentiary era.

Pier 39 – Catch the lively atmosphere in this place. Pier 39 is normally full of visitors looking for a place to eat, shop or just plainly strolling around.

Financial District – This part of the city is where the financial institutions and big companies are residing. To get a great view of the Financial District, go to Alcatraz Island or to the higher part of the Alamo Square.

The Bay – The San Francisco Bay is definitely an add-on to the city’s beauty.

It’s blue, clear and normally serene water is a common place for sailing boats.

Cable Cars – Capture the historic cable cars, another famous attraction of the city which goes through Powell & Hyde Sts. and Mason St.

Lombard Street – Nothing more interesting than the Crookedest Street of San Francisco. Its sides are regularly planted with plants and flowers which are normally colorful during spring and summer seasons.

Ghirardelli Square – The square’s famous attractions are its historical chocolate factory buildings, which are turned into museums and shops, and its beautiful courtyard.

Sausalito – This is a very charming place across the Golden Gate Bridge. It is being compared to the French Riviera because of its mediterranean flair and beautiful views.

Muir Woods – This is the home to several giant Coast Redwoods which live between 500 to 800 years long. A great place for nature photography.

With all these, you can make an excellent San Francisco photo collection. Enjoy!

Our 1st vdo Royal Family… Squin, Kisqo, Gully Desh, Shatta Linxx, Tiny Tot, Jay R, Gaza Greene, Jayel, Knievil, Jahson, JamWorld, Red Ariesz, Mel Mel, Shy, Bogga, Crawd, Jaylad, RoRo, Tabz

Find More Redwoods Wedding Articles

An Arbor To Shade Your Patio

I recently had a nice visit at a friend of mines new house she was especially proud of her arbor while I was imagining a traditional trellis type arbor over a path like you might see at a wedding. I was surprised to see an immense patio that was 14 feet wide and 22 feet long the Arbor was supported by 6 round columns that where painted white. Cross pieces made of 2 x 8 cedar where also painted white. The entire arbor was covered with different species of Wisteria which has a beautiful bloom in colors from a white to a dark purple.

An arbor is on choice for creating shade for a deck or patio other options would include a retractable awning, a covered roof or a temporary solution such as an umbrella. The arbor I believe requires the most care and maintenance to keep up but also provides the best solution for most homes.

Building an Arbor is not an extremely difficult task you will want a little help. You will want to check with your local township for any permits that may or may not be necessary for area. The next step is to measure ad draw a picture of your patio or area that you want to cover with your arbor. Take your drawing and any pictures of what you want your arbor to look like to your local home store, most home stores have professional on staff that can tell you exactly what you will need for materials for the job they can also answer any question that you may have in constructing your new arbor.

You will need to start with the support columns they can be any design you like from the standard square 4×4 pressure treated wood to elaborate columns it just depends on your taste and pocket book. A header piece is secured across the top of the columns, this header will support the joists that will cross the arbor and create the “roof.” The choice of materials include Cedar or Redwood these species of wood are naturally rot resistance and will last many years with out any maintenance the same is true with pressure treated wood which is commonly used fro building decks. If you plan on painting your arbor you could use standard untreated wood however you will always need to keep a good
covering of paint to protect the wood.

There are many choices of climbing types of ivy available for covering your arbor from the aforementioned Wisteria to Boston ivy, Clematis and some Hydrangea also climb. Your climate and soil types will limit your selection. You can mix and match to get flowers that bloom at different times of the year or for a straight ivy look. Whatever type of climbing plant you choose at some point you will need to get out the pruning shears and go to work even when they are young you will need to help out the ivy to train it to grow where you want it.

Stay at the Haunted Hotels of San Jose

San Jose is the third largest city of California located at the end of the southern Bay area. San Jose presents an old California and high-tech business environment. Some of the great family destinations around San Jose offer exciting haunted but elegant accommodations you would surely treasure.

San Jose is the region in Northern California known as Silicon Valley. It was founded as the first town of Nueva California as a Spanish colony. The city offers a wide variety of cultural, recreational, business and entertainment opportunities. Hence, many tourists decide to stay at the many hotels that guarantee a pleasurable, comfortable and relaxing experience.

Haunted hotels are the perfect place to experience thrill and comfort at the same time. It can also test one’s bravery. Many of the haunted hotels have a past history, sheltering unwanted spirits. Below are the three haunted hotels in San Jose.

Ramada Limited

Ramada Limited is a three story Motor Inn by the San Jose Convention Center. It is located at the center of the downtown area. This hotel is just 3.5 miles from the airport and 3 blocks away from the San Jose State University.

Hotel amenities include free wireless high speed Internet, continental breakfast and a parking area. The hotel also provides modern equipments at the fitness center as well as outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and a steam room. Guestrooms are equipped with refrigerators, coffeemakers, data ports and direct dial phones. Functions and special events can be held at their spacious meeting rooms.

You can enjoy all these amenities with a thrilling and unforgettable stay for one or two nights. Guests and workers had experienced people screaming because of a green glowing light and rattling locker doors. A dancing couple also happened to disappear on thin air at the ballroom.

Hyatt Hotel St. Claire

Hyatt Hotel is a deluxe Lakspur Hotel at the heart of downtown San Jose. It is just three miles away from Mineta International Airport and a walk-away from San Jose McEnergy Convention Center. The hotel offers elegant and enchanting accommodations that suit one’s comfort. This hotel presents a free-spirited atmosphere with superior services and cuisines. Guests who want to experience business or pleasure can be dazzled with the luxurious and stylish setting of Hyatt Hotel.

Some people who visited the hotel believe that it is haunted. Stories indicate that the hotel has a resident ghost named Julia. She is a prominent young woman who was married at the Palm Room in the 1930s. Her fiance abandoned her at the altar and she took her life at the basement.

Guests experienced hearing footsteps of a high heeled woman and background pictures that contain a wedding gown train with bride’s feet. There was also a strange incidence at the second and sixth floor.

Unwanted sightings are just one part of the hotel’s exciting offers. The hotel’s first rate amenities and services are the important features you can’t afford to miss. This includes complimentary Internet access, a mobile office, business center, lobby and restaurants. Guest rooms are equipped with flat screen televisions, Microsystem CDs with MP3s and audio cables.

Hyatt Hotel also offers a relaxing evening entertainment at the restaurants like I1 Fornaio and Panetteria. I1 Fornaio offers authentic Italian dining for 220 seats, while Panetteria has a wide array of baked goods.

The hotel also offers more than 10,000 square feet of meeting spaces. The modern authentic venues can accommodate 450 guests. Hyatt also recommends exclusive perks for discounts, gift cards and hot deal pricing on packages.
Winchester Mansion

Winchester mansion is a 162 acre residence of Sarah Winchester. The mansion is continuously constructed from 1884 until her death on 1922. It was estimated to cost about .5 million.

The story of the haunted mansion started when Sarah Winchester’s husband and son died. A medium told her to move west and build a house for the deceased spirits killed by Winchester rifles of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Sarah’s family was cursed and the only way to save her life from death is to build a house for the spirit to reside in. Sarah will live as long as she keeps on building the house.

It originally has seven storeys before it was reduced to four after the 1906 earthquake struck the building. It was made entirely with redwood and a floating foundation. There are 160 rooms with 40 bedrooms and 2 ballrooms. It also has 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 2 basements and 3 elevators.

Today, the house is owned by the Winchester Investments LLC and declared as a Historical Landmark in California.

Looking for a spot for my 1985 motorhome, in the south bay area California preferably around the silicon valley. Need it in about 2 weeks, so anyone know of such a place

Best Beaches in California: Six Sweet Shorelines for a Dream Vacation

When it comes to fun in the sun, southern California has it all. With its year round tropical climate, average water temperature of 78 degrees, perfect waves, excellent dining, and numerous oceanfront resorts, this earthly paradise also boasts picturesque harbors and a shimmering coastline filled with sand, surf and sun.

Not only is it home to millions of people, but it beckons millions more each year from all over the globe. Whether you are a California resident looking for the best beach to soak up the sun for a day or two, or you are planning a family vacation that your kids will remember for a long time to come, you will find some beaches to add to your itinerary here.

Here are six of the best beaches in California, including nice, quiet beaches as well as a few beaches that are particularly nice for visiting families.

1. Santa Monica Beach. The West Coast answer to Coney Island, this magnificent stretch of wide, sandy beach located in the seat of Los Angeles County features the famous Santa Monica Pier which houses its own amusement park atop one of the oldest wooden piers on the west coast. The site has also appeared in dozens of movies and television shows. Take a ride at sunset on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular ocean view. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the many different eateries in the area and be sure to check out the nearby attractions, which include Venice Beach and Palisades Park. This is one place that is sure to make a splash with the entire family.

2. Newport Beach. A fascinating and trendy bit of real estate located in Orange County, Newport Beach offers locals and tourists a variety of activities. Stroll on a scenic walkway, embark on a refreshing harbor cruise, or go boating, scuba diving, or bodysurfing Dining at most restaurants includes panoramic views of the harbors. Make sure to check out the Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion.

3. Cardiff State Beach. Located in San Diego County, this recreational facility features lifeguards, restrooms and a smoothly sloping beach for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, surfing and kayaking. People love Cardiff State Beach for its quiet beach, casual atmosphere, fewer crowds and excellent restaurants. Nearby points of interest include Restaurant Row, which features savory seafood and Mexican fare; San Elijo Lagoon, which boasts great bird watching; and the Seaside Market where you can purchase a wide variety of healthy foods and snacks.

4. La Jolla. If your preference is sheltered coves and unique landscapes, then visiting these beaches in San Diego County should definitely be listed on your itinerary. The versatility of La Jolla beaches makes for intriguing and enchanting getaways or they can be loads of fun for the entire family. Investigate the underwater marine life while snorkeling or simply walk the shoreline barefoot. Nearby attractions include The Scripps Institute of Oceanography and The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum.

5. Oceanside City Beach. Tropical palm trees stretch along the shores of this tranquil and eloquent beach located in northern San Diego County. Take a leisurely walk, ride your bicycle or rollerblade down what is called “The Strand” (the main street alongside the beach) or spend some time fishing off the pier at Oceanside. Nearby Cape Cod Village offers lots of great restaurants and the beach has lifeguards and restrooms.

6. Coronado Beach. If you are in San Diego, you will love the wide expanse of Coronado Beach with plenty of room for the family to spread out. While the kids are playing volleyball, soccer or tag, or tossing Frisbees, flying kites or building sand castles, you and your spouse can kick back and enjoy the surf, the sand and the seagulls.

This enchanting locale is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado and is just a short ferry ride away from San Diego Bay. Or you can opt to pack everything you will need for a day at the beach and drive across the Bay Bridge. No food is sold at the beach so be sure to bring along sandwiches, soft drinks and other snacks. There is free parking on Ocean Avenue but it gets crowded quickly so try to get there early.

It is interesting to note that the entire California coastline is constantly changing due to tides, currents and weather conditions. Beaches erode and new ones form when sediment washes in from the Pacific Ocean.

With all its coves, cliffs and inlets, islands and harbors, jetties and piers, it would take eons to fully explore this magnificent geographical location. That is why many people return year after year to experience its magic and appreciate its treasures.

A drive from San Francisco North along highway 101 reveals the hidden beauty of California. A spectacular road and drive with postcard scenery at every turn. Music: Alex Yiannaras MySpace.com/Elixirion www.elixirion.com