Tour the Airship Venture Zeppelin and California Attractions

November 6, 2009 by 247 Travel Guides  
Filed under California, Travel Tips

There exist a lot of things to see and do while touring California!  So explore out the new and exciting California attractions when you vacation in our vast state!  Whatever you enjoy – urban centers, mountains, forests, or oceans, the State of California offers incredible variety of tourist attractions and events.  You can find the ideal chance to slow down and getaway from the hectic schedule of daily routine.

Tour Idea #1:  So Much to do at Six Flags Magic Mountain/Hurricane Harbor in Los Angeles. Everyone likes a fun theme park. One of the best theme parks in California is Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor. No matter what you like in a theme park, the rides or shows, you will find plenty of great things to love at Six Flags.

As well as the traditional California attractions, there are a diversity of many exciting activities to see and do.  Do you reminisce about camping when you were a child?  You can fish and enjoy an outdoor fun adventure.  Located within just a short distance, you can enjoy a variety of attractions and natural beauty. Explore the natural beauty of the state and enjoy the outdoors.  Whether it is exploring the historical trails or boating or hiking, there are experiences for everyone. These are just a few of the things you will discover, for more ideas, check out this California attractions video.

Tour Idea #2:  Skunk Train -- Fort Bragg, California. Take a trip back in time and ride the Skunk Train at a speed of 29 miles per hour through the towering trees, see deer drinking from the Noyo River, get a peek at a cabin sitting in the forested area.  The train has been running this same path, the coastal “Redwood Route” since 1885.  Now it takes you on a trip that will have your camera clicking and the memories in place for years to come.

Balancing the unusual attractions with the more traditional attractions will create a remarkable group vacation escape.  To make the most of your family vacation time, you may desire to consider one of the many vacation packages or tours.  Many vacation packages include airfare, lodging, and auto rentals  or provide a guided tour.  Some packages include activity or museum tickets, so you can find packages interesting to everyone.  If you are fascinated in antiques and heritage, there are many arts and historical attractions, along with museums of all types of themes.

Everyone can save money by visiting online travel guides. Many guides will summarize the various attractions.  Quality guides will share more detail than just a short snippet or sentence. Enjoy your time and discover everything about your California travel.  Enjoy your vacation escape and enjoy the opportunity to make family memories that will last a lifetime.

San Francisco Luxury Hotels

October 13, 2009 by 247 Travel Guides  
Filed under California, Travel Tips

San Francisco luxury hotels are more expensive than typical hotels you would find in other parts of San Francisco. However, if you decide to stay in these hotels, you will more likely get your money’s worth. There are many luxury, five star hotels in San Francisco. Whether you are visiting San Francisco for business reasons or you are with your family on vacation, you will certainly find the right place for you. The city offers some of the most luxurious and classiest hotels on the west coast.

These hotels are located near the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, and they offer all the best amenities. Hotels are located near the financial district of San Francisco, close to Union Square. Union Square is a popular attraction for people who are interested in theaters and shopping. The Union Square Shopping Center houses some of the biggest department stores in the country. Its known to be the top destination of anyone who enjoys shopping.

If you traveled to San Francisco for a vacation, and you want to stay in the most luxurious San Francisco hotel rooms, the Fisherman’s Wharf is a place to look for. The main attractions in San Francisco are the Golden Gate Bridge, the Fisherman’s Wharf, China Town, the cable cars, the Alcatraz islands, Theater District, the Financial District etc. Most of these luxury hotels are located within easy reach of these places. Some of them are on the Union Square, some on Nob Hill, some close to the Financial center for business travelers, and some near the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Whether you are on a business trip or on vacation with your loved ones, San Francisco is a great place. Stay in the best luxury hotels, where your comfort and convenience are given priority. San Francisco is visited by many throughout the year. Some may be senior citizens on a holiday, others may be enjoying a holiday with their families, while others may be honeymooners. There are those who go there on business trips. Each might have their own budget and you will be able to reserve a hotel according to their needs. The place should provide all the comforts needed and should be a home away from home. Many of these places have a scenic view and cater to the tourists of San Francisco. If you want spring break vacations just do an online search to find them.

Getting Away to San Francisco

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If you are looking for an ideal holiday destination for you and your family I would like to recommend San Francisco and have listed some suggestions for hotels and activities that you are sure to enjoy.

Plan to stay at the Westin St. Francis hotel which I highly recommend.The hotel is within walking distance of fabulous shopping, the theatre district, restaurants, and museums.  The hotel has been touted as the best family hotel in San Francisco.  This is not surprising as its accommodations are truly exceptional and you have a choice of family or deluxe rooms.  Amenities include: refrigerators, cribs, rollaway beds, a children’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menu at the hotel’s restaurant. 

What is so unique to this particular hotel is that upon arrival, your children will receive gifts such as hats, shampoo, and crayons, which is part of this hotel’s personality.The hotel also caters to the adult members of your party with onsite barber and beauty shops, concierge services, dry cleaning services, a fitness center, and room service.

There are three restaurants at this hotel that offer incredible cuisine from traditional to casual dining.  They even have a Westin Kid’s Club for children 12 and under, as well as specialized meals that are high in protein and low in salt.  Whether it’s formal meals or ala carte, you and your family will be delighted with the variety of meals available at this hotel.

Ferry rides around Alcatraz Island, minivan tours through Yosemite and Sequoia National Park, visiting the cities of Monterey and Carmel, cable car tours, Lombard Street, Coit Tower … these are only a small sample of the things you can do in San Francisco.

Plan on spending lunch or dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf where Ghirardelli Square is home to over 50 restaurants, shops, plazas, and incredible views of the bay.  Take your kids to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop for their world-renowned hot fudge sundaes.Also their world-famous chocolates are great souvenirs.

You and your family will create memories of a lifetime while in San Francisco.  With is rolling hills and beautiful landscape, this is one vacation that will steal your heart!


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Making The Most Of Your Napa Valley Wine Country Vacation

Beautiful woman smiling as she is wine tasting on a summer day.Napa Valley is an immensely popular vacation destination. It’s located in Napa County, California and is renown as one of the world’s foremost wine producing regions. In fact, the region in which it is settled is known globally as ‘Wine Country‘. If you are planning on taking a luxurious vacation getaway to this hidden gem, keep reading and soon you’ll know how to make the most of your Napa Valley Vacation.

First, you should know that if you want to take a Napa Valley vacation, you’re in good company. Napa Valley and the surrounding areas receive almost 4.7 million visitors every year. That makes it the second most visited destination in California, right behind Disneyland.

Why do so many people venture to California to visit Napa Valley? Because wine enthusiasts will be in absolute heaven. There are currently over 700 wineries in the Napa Valley area. They produce all kinds of wine from Pinot Noir to Zinfandel to Chardonnay. While tourists are visiting, they can participate in world-class wine tasting sessions where they will sample some of the finest wine in the world. In fact, Napa Valley became very famous at the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, when several wineries from the region produced Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon that beat several high label French wines in blind taste tests.

Visitors can also enjoy wine tours which can include visits to famous wine cellars and wine caves. Groups or individuals can be given guided tours through the region. These usually include stops at 4 or 5 wineries and some time in between for lunch. But, they can be customized through special arrangement to include large or small wineries, or they can include just your favorite wineries. Some visitors find that taking a bus tour through the region is a great way to experience ‘Wine Country’.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when you participate in a wine tasting during your Napa Valley vacation. Remember that these wines are famous for the rich aroma, so avoid wearing any perfume or cologne that could interfere. Also avoid smoking just before a wine event, as this could interfere with the taste. Last, drink some room temperate water in between each sample to cleanse your palate.

The best way to make the most out of your Napa Valley vacation is to decide ahead of time which wineries you want to visit. Most visitors find that touring wineries that produce their favorite varietal will make for the most enjoyable visit. You need to stay organized, because once you arrive, it is easy for any wine enthusiast to become overwhelmed.

Napa Valley is not only home to some of the world’s best wineries, but it is also a hot spot for fine dining. The small town of Yountville within Napa Valley is the place that you’ll want to visit to enjoy a blend of local wines and famous cuisine. The town is full of high class restaurants that will suit any appetite.

It’s really no surprise that the region known as Napa Valley is a very popular getaway location. The combination of great wine, visitor activities and fine dining is sure to make your Napa Valley vacation an absolutely memorable experience. Take a trip to the famous wine region of Napa Valley for FREE

Drive California Big Sur Highway

April 22, 2009 by Travel Guide Greg  
Filed under California, Travel Tips

For a road trip full of visual highlights, drive California Big Sur Highway… the central part of California Highway 1. The whole highway is dotted with names that show up on tourist’s list from all over the world.

Small towns to linger in, parks and beaches to explore and enjoy. We’ll explore the northern and southern sections between Los Angeles and San Francisco elsewhere, but the most popular section is the one we’ll deal with here… the Central California Coast. The California Big Sur Highway is the section from Cambria in the south to Carmel in the north.

This 90 miles (140km) of highway packs a lot of visual punch. It compares with driving Italy’s Amalfi Coast Road or Australia’s Great Ocean Road. When you drive California Big Sur Highway, you’ll find you’re on a two lane road that hugs the mountains with dense pine forests, stands of redwood trees, and California chaparral depending on where you are.

It clings to steep cliffs above the Pacific on the shoreline side. It twists and turns and climbs over spectacular bridges that span precipitous canyons.

There is really no way to get lost, since you are pretty much caught between the mountains and the sea. There are lookouts where you can pull off to admire the scenery and a limited number of places where you can stop to eat. There are numerous state parks and beaches where you can enjoy a picnic.

The little town of Cambria and Hearst Castle at San Simeon anchor this section of the Big Sur Highway to the south. Once you leave Cambria, be sure you have enough gas… there is a long stretch of about 40 miles (65 km) where no gas is available.

Allow plenty of time… 90 miles doesn’t sound like it’s too far, but you will only average about 30 miles a hour (50 km per hour) due to the traffic, the other gawkers, and the time you spend at scenic spots. You’ll go even slower if you have a passenger prone to motion sickness.

Big Sur and Carmel anchor this section of California Highway 1 to the north. If you’re not making this part of a longer drive along the whole of Highway 1, you can drive it round trip in a day if you want to. If you are only driving one way, you might want to make it from south to north.

You’ll be driving on the inside of the curves, and most guides say that the views are clearer toward the north. That said, it’s still a very pretty drive heading south.

The scenery of Big Sur is the main attraction for this part of your drive. In the spring, the wildflowers are spectacular. Be sure to check on road conditions though. California Highway 1 is prone to landslides during the rainy season which is winter in California.

So if you plan to drive California Big Sur Highway, you’ll want to know if it is closed at certain times of the day for maintenance… or possibly even closed completely into spring if a slide was particularly bad.

There are plenty of places to stay in the Cambria area and again in Carmel and Monterey. In between your options are limited though there are places to camp, a few modest and quirky hotels, and a couple of very high end places. It’s best to check into this before you start driving. If you want to drive in only one direction, check around with different car rental companies and compare dropoff fees.

Whether you make it one way or round trip, if you drive California Big Sur Highway, you are in for a treat.