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Articles for ‘California’ Category

Pastoral and perfect: Family vacations in Northern California

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Minutes from Monterey, the Carmel Valley Ranch plays host to all ages with pools, golf, hiking trails & more.

By David Escobar

When it comes to family vacations, Northern California’s wine country may not be the first place you consider. But when I planned a trip to Monterey/Carmel with two of the toughest travel critics I know – my children, ages 8 and 11 – we wound up discovering a family favorite. From a castle in Calistoga to burgers and shakes in Napa Valley, consider these family-friendly spots on your California vacation. (more…)

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Posted in California, Family Vacation, Food and Drink | No Comments »

Beach bars & bike paths: What to do this fall in the O.C.

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

A shore thing: The laidback charm of artist enclave Laguna Beach. Credit: Lavender Dreamer.

By Stephanie Toller Negrete

Seaside mansions. Tan, buff bodies. Convertibles and high-end boutiques. Sure, they’re all part of the California dream, but only part of the reality. In the O.C., embrace a more laidback lifestyle, especially in the fall when the summer crowds are gone and the weather is just gorgeous. Enticing lodging rates help, too, so that we can all coast to a cheap Orange County hotel during one of the best seasons of the year. (more…)

Posted in Beach Vacation, California, Tips & Advice, Travel | No Comments »

Life is sweet in NoCal: An indian summer in Santa Cruz

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

See why Santa Cruz consistently earns accolades for its seaside amusement park and boardwalk.

By Stacey Meyer

It wouldn’t be a proper California vacation without the beach, the boardwalk and a magnum of wine. But here’s a local secret: One of the best spots to live out that fantasy – minus the crowds from summer – is Santa Cruz, Calif. (more…)

Posted in Beach Vacation, California, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Pumpkins, lederhosen, drag queens: Autumn in L.A.

Friday, October 14th, 2011

Geishas and monsters: Drama at the West Hollywood Halloween Party and Street Carnaval.

By Abby Samler

Originally from the East Coast, I didn’t think that fall existed in Los Angeles, but I quickly learned that even West Coasters can enjoy the changing of the season. Take it from me — a 16-year resident — there are plenty of ways to celebrate the harvest season in L.A. (more…)

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Posted in Big Cities, California, Events | No Comments »

5 postcard-perfect hotel pools for lounging and fun

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

Lounge at the Valley Ho in Scottsdale.

By Derek Brown

Sunglasses are required luggage to check into these hotels.  The glistening pool water could be blinding. So pull up a chair, lather on the sunscreen and kick back at these 5 refreshing hotel pools. (more…)

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Posted in California, Florida, Hotels, Travel | No Comments »

5 new muscular roller coasters for 2011

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

By Derek Brown

Stomach turning, scream inducing and heart racing roller coaster rides are as much of a summer tradition as barbecues and beaches.  Every year there’s a race to build faster, more exhilarating and technologically-advanced rides.  From coast to coast, 2011 is no exception. (more…)

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Posted in California, Family Vacation | No Comments »

Hotel rock stars: Singing for an upgrade

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

By Derek Brown

Warm-up the vocal cords, practice in the shower and break out in song when you check in at some Southern California hotels.  Guests are “Singing for an Upgrade” (more…)

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Posted in Beach Vacation, California, Music | No Comments »

3 boutique chic San Diego hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

In San Diego, the only way to cocktail is by rooftop at the Solamar's LOUNGEsix.


By Valerie Moloney

San Diego, once defined by Shamu and sailors, won’t be upstaged by its camera-ready SoCal sister, Los Angeles. A look inside three cheap San Diego hotels in the reigning neighborhood of hip — the Gaslamp Quarter — reveals big-city swagger with VIPs, stylish restaurants and look-at-me spaces to boot. (more…)

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Posted in California, Food and Drink, Hotels | No Comments »

Gate crashers: 3 cheap California hotels across Disneyland

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

The post-Disneyland fun continues from the rooftop pool at Carousel Inn -- literally across the maingate.

By Valerie Moloney

Whether in a crowded restaurant waiting area or standing in line at the Teacups, we’ve all been witness to a child about to have a meltdown. Cue shrills of frustration in all octaves, and ones you never knew existed. Cue kicking and screaming, and my personal favorite: the throwing of objects, from sippy cups to Dad’s new sunglasses.

The child needs a nap – pronto.

In Disneyland and its sister California Adventure, parents can find relief in knowing that three cheap California hotels are within walking distance of the theme parks. And when we say close, we mean across-the-maingate close on South Harbor Boulevard. Because if you’re going to plan your vacation in the Happiest Place on Earth, you better be prepared for when your little mousketeer isn’t so happy. (more…)

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Posted in California, Family Vacation, Hotels, Tips & Advice | No Comments »

Sweet on SoCal: 3 great cheap hotels in Los Angeles

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

By Maria Mora

Cheap hotels in Los Angeles are surprisingly ritzy for the price. When booking your Los Angeles vacation, do some investigating ahead of time to find cheap Los Angeles hotels with great reviews and convenient locations. No matter what part of the city you want to stay in and explore, you can find Los Angeles hotel deals perfectly suited for your spring break vacation or summer vacation. Here are some of our favorite go-to hotels in Los Angeles.

What's more L.A. than cruising with the top down? Lounging by a rooftop pool. (Pictured: AVIA Long Beach)

Long Beach
AVIA Long Beach has rooms at under $150 a night. With the new Rooftop bar opening mid-March 2011, this affordable hotel is becoming a must-visit hot spot for poolside drinks and entertainment. In the morning, rejuvenate with fresh seasonal juices at the Barista Bar. This cheap Los Angeles hotel is a great option for couples and singles.

Universal City
Traveling with the family to see some of the iconic sights in Los Angeles? Try Sheraton Universal Hotel. With rooms just more than $150 a night, it’s an affordable option for families — and you’ll know exactly what to expect from the clean and comfortable Sheraton brand. This property was recently upgraded with a $30 million renovation. (more…)

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Posted in Big Cities, California, Hotels | No Comments »

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