We’ve spent 10 years writing about beach vacations in California, but early on, we were alerted to the vacations in California that didn’t have a beach anywhere in them. After visiting over 250 beaches, it was time to go exploring the other California assets such as its mountains, state parks and beautiful national parks. In recent months, we’ve checked out Sequoia National Park and in the past, visited the beautiful Big Trees park in Calaveras County. If we had strictly stayed at the beach, can you imagine what we might have missed? And why wouldn’t you want to report on something so compelling, and so delightful as the world’s largest and tallest trees? California has many, many biggest and best assets, and offers some of the best vacations in the world. We know, because we’ve seen tourists from around the world in the national parks, especially. Sure, beaches are a dime a dozen. There are warmer beaches, there are sandier beaches, and there are more aqua-colored waters than our ocean colors here in Calif. On a recent road trip of the state’s beaches, we discovered in fact, that there are really no more than 150 beachfront hotels in the entire state, and that’s not very many! In Florida you will find a lot more, which explains why Florida does so well when it comes to lurury vacations and resort stays. California can’t compete, mainly because there are laws in place to protect and preserve the beaches for all people. That’s absolutely great and we love California for making the beaches public!
Now for the vacation in California that has nothing to do with a beach. In the winter the mountain tops glisten white and many head to the mountains for a winter wonderland snow and ski trip. From Mammoth to Lake Tahoe, Big Bear to Bear Mountain, skiiers know when it snows, and they go. For us year-round sunshine fans, a winter mountain vacation can be a nice change. Another delight is the desert in the winter and spring. In the summer it is downright hot. Businesses shut down and come back into operation when the fall comes along, thanks to high temps. Check out places such as Palm Desert and Palm Springs in the winter, and your desert vacation is optimal for relaxation. I can go on for hours about the opportunities to travel in California in non-beach destinations. Suffice to say, the beach is one thin strip of land that runs 1000 miles along the oceanfront, but the other 99 percent of land is not a beach, and that’s where the fun begins for those willing to explore.
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:42 pm In my ultimate guide to Vacations in California, I drove the coast in 14 days (2 weeks). Finding that there are countless gems along the way, I can say that ocean still calls my name. Some highlights I discovered included: Hampton Inn & Suites Crescent City, 100 A St., Crescent City, CA. With a couple dozen rooms and fairly new accommodations, this hotel was built in 2003 right at the edge, offering a beach to wander and collect driftwood, plus lighthouse views, indoor pool, and breakfast on site. Very nice and the price was quite affordable, around $99. I have more tips I will post for your readers from my book.