1. Travel

Memorial Day in California

It's a day for remembrance and honoring war veterans, but it's also the kick-off holiday of summer.

Plan Your Summer Trip
California Travel Spotlight10

Hotels With Unexpected Pluses

Wednesday May 16, 2012

Forget the overdone fresh-baked cookie, wine and cheese or bottle of water some hotels offer, when you stay at these places, you'll get some really fun (and unexpected) extras. These are some of the ones we've come across during our travels:

  • It's the closest you'll get to a safari without leaving the country, and at Vision Quest Bed and Breakfast near Salinas, your breakfast will be delivered by one of the elephants (accompanied by their trainer, of course).
  • At the Montage Beverly Hills, meet with fashion consultant Joe Katz, one of the most charming and knowledgeable folks you'll ever meet. Joe can give you ideas, fill you in on the latest fashion trends and even arrange for dressing rooms full of items to be ready for you to swoop in and try things on. The first hour of Joe's services are complimentary to hotel guests.
  • It's just a small thing, but at San Diego's Pearl Hotel, every room has a real, live fish in it (in a bowl, of course) - and they show movies once a week beside the swimming pool at their "dive in" theatre.
  • In San Diego, the Grand Del Mar may not be quite on the beach, but they make up for it: they'll take you to the beach and back, set up beach chairs and umbrellas and provide beach towels, too.

If you know of others, just leave a comment.

California in June

Sunday May 13, 2012

In June, you can listen to some great music, watch hot air balloons take off or enjoy a classic car show. See what's going on.

More: California Summer Getaways | California Summer Concerts | Summer Outdoor Theatre

What Are You Going to Do This Summer?

Friday May 11, 2012

California Vacation Location of the Month: East of the Sierras

Wednesday May 9, 2012

One of California's least-visited vacation destinations is also one of its most fascinating: the area east of the Sierras along US Hwy 395. It's a high valley, with mountains on both sides, steaming hot springs, weird rock formations, ancient trees and California's best-preserved ghost town.

For northern Californians, the best place way to get there is across Yosemite over Tioga Pass, but that won't be open until the snow melts. That leaves you plenty of time to have a look and plan a summer trip to see it all.

More: Photo Tour of Hwy 395 | Places to Visit East of the Sierras

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.