I’m going with my friends to California from New York. Never been out west and I can’t wait. What are the best spots where events are held and to relax at?

I wish to "cash out" my vacation pay, (work a 40 then cash out my vacation time w/o taking a time off) which has seemed to be a non-issue in the past with my current employer. However, given economic times, that benefit seems to be null in void. By law are they required to give me vacation time when I ask for it even if I am not taking time off?

I have not been to California but I like the people I meet from there. Where is best to go how to look?
Thank you Kate. My frend Jeff lives in San Diego so I will go there first or last. But he is geek only a friend.
Thank you all but do you have anything provocative but not too over the top.

I need to know when Spring Vacation is, for the College of the Desert, in Palm Springs California.
Is it in March or April?
Do you have a link to an academic calendar that has this information?

"Subject to state laws, unused vacation time made available to any Employee under
this policy but not taken prior to the end of each calendar year or termination from
employment (whichever occurs first) is forfeited."

I know that California has a different rule, what is it? How much am I allowed to accrue before my company doesn’t have to pay me?