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

Beach Vacation

If you are looking for a great place to enjoy the beach with your family, you should consider Northern California because it is the perfect beach vacation destination. It offers beautiful views, good fishing, and good weather. If you are looking for the perfect beach for your family there are a few things to consider. While the beach you are looking for does not have to be private, a beach that is not too crowded is certainly better as kids are not really blessed with lots of patience and a high tolerance for discomfort. Make sure also that the beach you are intending to visit is one appropriate for kids.

When you have discovered the right beach, the next thing to search for is the right accommodation. Do you wish to stay on a hotel or a resort? Perhaps you would wish to rent a cottage instead of a room. Think about how much budget you have for your accommodation as well.

After you have determined where to live, the last thing to do is scout the area and try finding out what types of activities and events can you expect to engage in and which will provide lots of fun not only for you and your partner but your kids as well.

In addition, make sure that you bring clothes that are appropriate for the weather in your destination. Pack as lightly as you can but do not skimp on necessities. Bring floating devices with you to reduce the chances of harm befalling on any of your kids. Skincare products are also important especially if you intend to hit the beach in the heat of summer. Make sure that you bring shades and lots of sun block.

Make sure you do not make any concrete plans until you have successfully obtained a vacation leave or anything similar to it from your boss. Ask favors from neighbors or friends to keep an eye on your mail and your house. This will take your mind off troubles at home and allow you to have more fun with your family.

Also, do not allow your kids to hit the road with an empty stomach as this will only make them more irritable than usual. Make pit stops frequently to allow your kids to stretch their legs and visit the rest room regularly. Entertain your kids with toys, activities, games, and stories during the ride to keep them from noticing the amount of time they’re spending cooped inside a vehicle.

When you get there, have your kids freshen up and rest a bit before hitting the beach. Make sure that your kids are all properly attired and their skins properly protected from harmful UV rays. Warn them continuously about the dangers of swimming too far and without adult supervision. Nevertheless, don’t allow your kids to leave unaccompanied and especially if the weather channel hints about an unfavorable climate.

You can also allow them to have snacks while swimming as this will make their vacations twice as better. To make things more interesting and pleasant for your kids, you can give them basic surfing and diving lessons and accompany them when trying out different water sports and activities.

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Five Cheap Beach Vacation Ideas

The typical trip to a beach resort is expensive, to say the least. How, then, can you find a cheap beach vacation? Start by identifying what you really want.

Do you really need to stay at a big resort? If that’s important to you, and you still want to save some money on your trip, you need to be flexible on dates a bit. Try the “shoulder season” (just before the season gets going or right after it starts to wind down). Often there are deals that save you as much as 50% at these times. Also, you can just keep checking different dates for both plane tickets and hotels. Sometimes the difference of a day or two can save you hundreds of dollars.

What if you don’t need a big resort experience? What if you just want to visit any warm and relaxing sandy shore? What if you aren’t sure what you want, but you know it has to be a cheap beach vacation? Here are some of the less expensive alternatives.

Caretaking Vacations

In Hawaii, California or Costa Rica there may be somebody just waiting for you to come and stay in their house while they’re absent. Oh, you might have to water the plants and get the mail for them, but in exchange you get to stay in a beautiful home. Just find one of these caretaking opportunities near a beach. For more on this, you can check out the Caretaker Gazette online.

Find A Friend

It is good to have friends with spare beds who live in interesting places, especially if that is near the beach. Perhaps some friends have already told you to come and stay a while. Why not take them up on it? While you are at it, encourage your friends to move to nice beach resort towns.

Beach Camping Vacation

You have probably seen those Corona beer advertisements. Relaxing on the shore with a drink – now that sounds like a great time. Restless? Collect seashells and driftwood up and down the shoreline, or bring a metal detector and search for treasure. Take a swim when it gets too hot, and watch the sunset every night.

How do you make this into a cheap beach vacation? By camping. In Florida, Texas and many other places you can camp in your RV, or in a tent, right next to the ocean. We liked the state parks in northern Florida, where we saw dolphins swimming by and flew a kite while collecting some of the most colorful sea shells we have seen. per night was a lot cheaper than the hotels in the area, and if you wanted to go really cheap, there were free campgrounds within thirty minutes of the coast.

Pick A New Beach

The great lakes are like oceans of fresh water, but cheaper to visit. In the upper peninsula of Michigan in particular, you can often find cheap motels on or near the beach. Most people visit these beaches in summer only, although the best deals may be in September, while the days are still hot and the water is at it’s warmest.

Share The Cost

If you have friends who also want a cheap beach vacation, you can get together to reduce the cost. This can mean sharing a room as college kids do during spring break, or renting an RV together. If you are going really cheap you can all get in the car and drive to the nearest warm beach with a couple tents.

The Best Places To Live In California

California is home to several stunning luxury communities and homes. Whether you’re searching for California ocean view homes or lakeside estates, you’re sure to find properties that suit your fancy in the Golden State. The following are some of the best places to call home in California.

Beverly Hills – Big City Living

Beverly Hills boasts some of the largest residences in Los Angeles County and the nation at large. The homes in Beverly Hills are extravagant and luxurious. Beverly Hills has often been ranked as the most expensive housing market in the United States. The city features excellent schools, world-class shopping, and beautiful streets. It has a warm, moderate climate year-round.

Private California Coastal Real Estate in Malibu

Located in Western Los Angeles County, Malibu is a 21-mile long stretch of beach community. It is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and the fact that a number of celebrities and movie stars reside there. Activities like horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking can be enjoyed at the area’s state parks, which offer magnificent ocean and canyon views. California ocean view homes abound in Malibu, where you can find a wealth of luxury estates overlooking the blue waters of the Pacific.

Luxury Homes for Sale in Northern California – Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the top ski destinations in the United States. Located in northern California, Lake Tahoe real estate claims stunning views of the lake’s blue waters and snow-capped mountains. Due to its proximity to the ski lifts, Lake Tahoe luxury real estate is popular with ski enthusiasts. However, Lake Tahoe isn’t just a ski lover’s paradise. It is considered a year-round vacation destination due to the abundance of other activities that can be enjoyed there throughout the year. Lake sports, horseback riding, biking, and hiking are just a few of the activities that visitors and residents can enjoy in Lake Tahoe.

California Acreage for Sale in Carmel, California

Carmel, California is located on the Monterey Peninsula and offers spectacular luxury real estate. Tehama, just outside of downtown Carmel, enjoys a generous elevation above the fog, providing breathtaking views of Monterey Bay, Carmel Bay and beyond. The land consists of rolling hills and is home to deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife. The climate in Carmel is warm, sunny, and inviting. There is a plethora of activities to enjoy in Carmel and its surrounding areas, including hiking, wine tasting, scuba diving, sailing, and golf.

Been at the computer too long? Need a little break? Take this 1-minute vacation. Look, listen and imagine yourself in the Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness, just south of Pleasanton, California. Then you can get back to work.

Moving to California – State Information

Moving to “The Land of Milk and Honey” – California – is a really good idea if you love sunny beaches, beautiful forests, Hollywood celebrities, and lots of fantastic opportunities. If you decide to relocate to California, you will be joining the many thousands of people that move here every year. Read on for some interesting facts about California and why you should move to “The El Dorado State”.

California is the most populous U.S. State with a population of over 30 million. This state alone also has one of the world’s largest economies and it is America’s richest State. Moving to California opens lots of career opportunities but this state is also great if you’re looking for some of the best schools and even some of the most quite, serene retiring places; California won’t disappoint anybody. If you’re considering moving to California, you should know this state is usually divided into three regions and each of these regions has its own type of environment and unique way of life.

Moving to the northern region of California is an excellent idea if you love striking natural scenery. In this part of California you can visit beautiful national parks such as Crater Lake, Redwoods, Muir Woods, or Point Reyes. You can choose from a large variety of cities if you decide to move here and you are sure to find the surroundings you’re looking for. From big cities like San Francisco, to cozy towns somewhere along the cost, Northern California will certainly meet all your requirements.

For those considering relocation to the Central part of California, you should know the options here are very diverse as well. Central California offers a fantastic blend of beautiful coastal land and agricultural zones. In places such as the sunny city of Santa Barbara, you will enjoy the perfect mix of surf and shore. The good news is that if you decide to move to Central California you will have very easy access to the rest of the states’ regions.

If you are looking for a more adventurous environment full of attractions, Southern California might be the right place for you. Home to renowned cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, Southern California offers an exciting way of life that you could only dream about if you lived anywhere else in America. This beautiful region of California offers a constantly temperate climate that will make every day seem like a vacation.

Easter Vacation Specials, Deals, Rentals And Packages

Although often not named as such, Easter can be situated right alongside Thanksgiving and Christmas as one of the must-travel holidays for families. All it takes is finding some cheap airfare and you could take part in one of the world’s best Easter festivities. I have outlined below a number of easter destinations,specials and cruises for you.

Central Park Egg Hunt Extravaganza

Until you’ve scoured 40 acres of New York’s 834-acre Central Park for the perfect egg, you haven’t truly lived the egg hunt experience. The event is free and includes an egg roll race and a bunny petting zoo. Fortunately it’s pretty easy to nail down cheap flights to New York year round if you play your cards right, so you don’t have to miss out on this exceptional experience.

Miami Seaquarium Easter Egg Hunt

Score some cheap flights to Miami for Easter and be prepared for one of the less-traditional egg hunts. More like a carnival, the Seaquarium sets up a 5-acre Bunnypalooza every year, complete with rides, music, and face painting. And don’t miss the Easter Bunny arrival ceremony.

Hayes Easter Egg Roll

You can pack some U.S. history into your Easter festivities this year in Ohio. President Rutherford B. Hayes started the White House egg hunt while in office, and his traditional is carried out every year at the historic Hayes home in Freemont, Ohio. Pack your history book for the flights and you’ll be well-versed to be the family historian for your trip.

Wells Fargo Golden Bunny Classic Candy Hunt and Fun Race

Combine your spring ski vacation packages with your Easter celebration in Winter Park, Colorado. Airlines will often offer discount airfare for spring skiing, so you could easily find some cheap airfare to the resort and become part of the 30-year Golden Bunny Classic, complete with a candy hunt on the mountain and a ski “bunny” race for the tots.

Roaring Camp Railroad Extraordinary Easter Egg Hunt

Catch the train just outside Santa Cruz, California and in just over an hour you’ll find yourself among the world’s largest trees in the redwood forest atop Bear Mountain for a chocolate candy egg hunt. In addition to booking your airline tickets in advance, you’ll want to make sure you make train reservations with plenty of time to spare in order to secure your spot.

Cypress Gardens Easter

Visit the site of the Guinness World Record holder for the largest Easter egg hunt at the Cypress Gardens theme park near Winter Haven, Florida. The park just reopened March 28, so the Easter festivities this year may be not as extravagant, but that just means it’ll make for a cheap vacation package for your Easter weekend.

Guatemala Easter Festival

For a more traditional Easter travel to the Guatemala Easter Festival in Antigua for one of the world’s largest Holy Week and Easter celebrations. The whole city partakes in the festivities and if you can find some cheap airfare you too could be whisked away to the city where some of the Easter traditions date back to the 16th century, including the processional where residents line the cobblestone streets with hand-laid carpet designs of dyed sawdust, pine needles, plants, and flowers.

Easter in Europe

For some of the most scenic Easter egg hunts, travel to the United Kingdom. The castles and rolling green hills of England and Scotland are sure to offer a memorable family Easter vacation. If you can handle making last-minute travel plans, you might be able to snatch some affordable airline tickets for the whole family. Also check for the days and weeks following Easter weekend for some off-season discount airfare.TAC is excellent in providing Vacation packages,cruises,deal and specials.

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Stay at the Haunted Hotels of San Jose

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 fiancé 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.

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Travel California: Certainly The Golden State

California is a giant-sized wonderland of preserved wilderness, world-class cities, famous beaches, tantalizing cuisine and unparalleled wines. Be close to the action from any destination in California, whether it is Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego or Bakersfield! Travel within California is fantastically scenic and simple; with the largest network of state highways that bring all of the Golden State’s wonders to your car door, you can surf, ski and enjoy fine dining all in one day… but you might want to make it two or ten!

A California for Every Kind

California is the third largest state in the United States, as well as the most populous state in the country. Consequently, California attracts visitors for all kinds of reasons. National Parks such as Joshua Tree in the expansive Mojave Desert, Pinnacles National Monument in the Central Coast, and Ansel Adam’s famously photographed Yosemite are rocky havens for rock climbers and hikers alike. The Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east boasts California’s premier ski resorts, including Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe.

North of the easy-going Sacramento capital lies California’s world-class wine region. Enjoy a trip through Napa Valley for some of the most exquisite restaurants and wine tastings the country has to offer. Lose yourself in quaint luxury at a Bed & Breakfast along the Carmel coast after spending a day at the Hearst Castle. Get star struck during a visit to Hollywood or wonder-struck at Southern California’s Disneyland Resort and California Adventure theme parks, across the street from each other. Don’t forget to explore California’s coastline with a trip to the historic Channel Islands or a whale watching expedition off of San Francisco’s Pacific shores.

The Platinum State

When you book your airfare to California, you will soon discover why this massive and diverse region along the Pacific Ocean is more precious than gold. The 48 state’s tallest peak resides in the Sierra Nevada region of California. Mt. Whitney welcomes thousands of climbers and hikers each year to its 14,505 feet of serene wilderness. Giant Sequoias, the largest living organism in the world, reside in Sequoia National Park and the tallest organisms on Earth, the California Redwood trees, grace the shores of California’s rugged northern coastline. California’s Death Valley is the largest National Park in the country as well as the hottest place on earth (in the summer) and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Treat yourself to Death Valley’s spectacular wildflower bloom in March and April.

California also offers one of the most superb collections of luxury resorts, celebrity chefs and nightlife. It is not surprising, considering the state is home to America’s entertainment, music and tech industries as well as one of the largest economies and ports in the world. Don’t wait another minute to book your airfare to California; you could be tanning on the beach or summiting a mountain tomorrow!

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