Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fun in the sun at one of California’s many beaches. The sunshine state’s coastline offers a diverse array of experiences – from the north’s mountains thrusting straight up from the sea to the pristine beaches of San Diego. Here is a roundup of the top 5 spots to soak up the California scenery.
Santa Monica
Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
310/581-5533
Santa Monica is …
Holidays have become all about the destination, not the journey. We cram ourselves into an airplane, jet off for a couple of weeks in a different culture, and often return more exhausted than when we went away. Maybe that’s because we’re forgetting that life is a journey, not a destination.
Yet in today’s fast-paced, instant-access world, there are still amazing journeys to be had if you take a trip on a freighter ship. Deep within …
In the middle of the little town of Lahaina on the island of Maui, there is an ancient banyan tree that is massively huge. It has spreading, winding branches that fill the little park where it’s located. It’s quite impressive and was the largest tree we had ever seen.
But it could have been gobbled up whole by the huge redwood we were gazing at in the middle of Muir Woods. Soaring high above our …
In the early morning hours of a new day, when all is calm, a feeling of serenity permeates the air. As you walk through the dew-kissed fields in this small Pennsylvania town, it is difficult to imagine the bloodiest battle of the Civil War taking place here. Welcome to Gettysburg, where 51,000 Union and Confederate soldiers died in three days of intensive fighting July 1-3, 1863.
The Gettysburg battle is considered the turning point of …
The world is full of beautiful beaches, but some places are better than others to spend your vacation. Think about what you really want to do on that trip before deciding where to go. You will find more to do than lying by the ocean at the best beach destinations.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Perfect blue water, white sand and beach beds (not just chairs) everywhere. It’s hard to match Punta Cana. There are many …
The latest Las Vegas indulgence is the ultra pool. Today, Sin City swimming options are as much a fixture in resorts as poker tables and slot machines. Sunbathers can find everything from massive sandy beaches to partying dayclubs to relaxing poolside massages. Here is a round up of the latest cool pools:
MGM Wet Republic
3799 South Las Vegas Boulevard
This adults only 53,000 square foot venue combines an exclusive nightlife vibe with poolside pampering, …
Any summer vacation has got to include a visit a theme park or water park. With hundreds of park to choose from it can be a challenge finding one to suit your time and budget. So many rides, so little summer! Here are five top locations for kids of all ages to ride, slide, fly or float and have family fun in the sun.
1. Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels near Austin, Texas has been voted the …
Autumn is my favorite season. Its cooling winds bring an end to the scorching summer sun. Three months of perfect weather before winter starts to show its fury. Fall also signals the beginning of soccer and football seasons, to the excitement of millions of eager fans. The best thing about autumn, however, is the changing of the leaves. Fall foliage is part of the beautiful way nature signals to humans that the season has begun. …
South Beach is a section of Miami, Florida, that is known for its art galleries, boutiques and great beaches. It’s also an easy area to find the perfect place to stay. Whether you are looking for a large resort or a small boutique property, you will find hotels lining the streets of Collins Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Hotel Riu South Beach
The Spanish Riu Hotel chain brought a little bit of Europe to South Beach. …
It is easy to romanticize the past, making it out to be even more enjoyable than it was in reality…and I’ve been known to indulge in a harmless bit of embellishment myself now and then…so it is with conscious effort to keep hyperbole to a minimum that I continue.
During my years living in San Francisco, I was a member of what can only be described as a loosely organized street gang. I ran with …
When many hear of a Smoky Mountain Vacation they may picture rustic cabins, hunting or animal watching, perhaps a lazy walking trail or two, and a whole lot of peace. While peace is plentiful in many areas of the Great Smokys, there is also a plethora of highly active entertainments that will leave you with a thirst for adventure long after you make your way back home.
If …
I have something to confess. I’ve been having a luscious affair with New York City since the day I first set foot on its bubblegum-pocked streets. I try to leave, I try to explore other cities and cultures, but somehow I find myself back on Gotham soil at least once a year. I even lived here once. The adage goes that if you can survive one year in the city, you can adorn yourself …
Rich in 18th century history, Colonial Williamsburg has much more to offer its visitors than just vast stores of historical knowledge. The lush landscape takes on a nearly tropical feel during the summer months and can make a visit to this lovely, educational vacation destination feel like more of a life experience than a quick vacation getaway. Family members of all ages will be able to find activities and entertainments to suit their desires …
Just 95 miles north of L.A., but a world away from the home of hype, understated but cosmopolitan Santa Barbara is home to its own eclectic community of surfers, socialites, Hollywood escapees and transplants from around the globe. Somehow, it all coexists well in this city strung along a gorgeous strip of coastline, bordered by pristine beaches and the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. This variety is reflected in the diverse activity that Santa Barbarans enjoy. …
