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Betsy's California Travel Blog

By Betsy Malloy, About.com Guide to California Travel since 1998

D23

Friday July 10, 2009
I'm more of a Disneyland fan than a Disney fan in general, but I recently learned about a fun way to connect with Disney if you love their stuff. It's called D23 (23 for the year Walt Disney arrived in California), the "Official Community" for Disney fans. Members get to do some pretty fun things, including behind-the-scenes visits to place like the Disney archives. Check it out at the D23 website.

More Backstage Adventures

Wednesday July 8, 2009
Yesterday, I only hinted at the special activities available on Disney's Backstage Magic Tour, but you may want to know more. Here's a hint: when you own a movie studio, a cool engineering company and the home of the Muppets, you can take your guests to some pretty fun places. Read the day-by-day tour description to get a better idea of what you can do and see.

Adventures by Disney: Backstage in Southern California

Tuesday July 7, 2009

You may have heard about Adventures by Disney, the new travel company they started a couple of years ago. They offer trips in locations around the world, but since California is my territory, I was most interested in their Backstage Magic tour, which takes place in Hollywood and at the Disneyland Resort. I can't say enough good things about it.

I've been writing about California travel for over 10 years, logging dozens of trips to Hollywood and Disneyland, but Backstage Magic was unlike any other trip I've ever taken. Any one of several experiences would be enough to make a person want to go back again, but taken as a package, this is one extraordinary trip that you'll never forget - and couldn't arrange on your own. Read the detailed review to find out more.

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Lake Tahoe is Cool in Summer

Friday July 3, 2009
Lake Tahoe is a popular summer travel destination, a respite from the heat of the central valley or foggy San Francisco summer evenings. With almost-perfect daytime temperatures and cool nights, it's a great place to go for the weekend. In fact, despite its reputation as a skiing destination, Lake Tahoe is busier in summer than in winter.

Among the fun things you'll find there only in summer is the Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, a pleasant night out even if you're not a big fan of "The Bard."

Keep Cool at California's Seaside Amusement Parks

Thursday July 2, 2009
Pacific Park, on the Santa Monica Pier is the only California amusement park on a pier. You may recognize it from television and movies. Take a look at our pictures.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has also seen its share of time on film, including Clint Eastwood's Sudden Impact and Dangerous Minds. The boardwalk is over 100 years old (see photos) and over 50 million riders have experienced its 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster.

In San Diego, you'll find Belmont Park near Mission Bay.

Beat the Heat: Big Bear

Wednesday July 1, 2009
Unless you live in Los Angeles or nearby, you may not have heard of one of Southern Californians' favorite playgrounds. Maybe they're trying to keep it for themselves, but this Alpine setting just 100 miles from the busy metropolitan area deserves more attention than it often gets.

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest northeast of Los Angeles, Big Bear, California centers on a fresh-water lake seven miles long and a mile wide, at an altitude of 6,750 to 9,000 feet. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, winter snow and moderate summers, it's a favorite Southern California vacation spot. Our Big Bear Visitor Guide has all the essentials you'll need to plan a trip.

California's Best Beaches for Bird Watching

Saturday June 27, 2009
It's a double bonus for bird-watchers and beach-goers when you can do both in the same place. Some of the best beaches in California for bird-watching include McGrath State Beach near Ventura, Bolsa Chica in Newport Beach and Rodeo Beach, north of San Francisco.

If you have a favorite bird-watching beach that's not listed, just click "Comments" below and tell us where it is. We'll read everything you have to say. We promise.

Herons and Egrets in California

Friday June 26, 2009
They're a common sight around California's wetlands: tall, long-legged, long-necked birds wading in the shallows, looking for fish. If they're white, they're probably egrets. The gray ones are herons. Right now, it's nesting season and we've got some great places you can go to see them.

California Condors: B-I-G Birds

Thursday June 25, 2009
Courtesy of Getty Images North AmericaComing back from the brink of extinction, California condors are once again soaring above our landscape. In fact, in 2008 the wild population of the magnificent birds exceeded the captive ones for the first time in over 20 years. If you'd like to get a look, our guide to seeing California condors summarizes all your options.

Free Weekends in the National Parks

Saturday June 20, 2009
How's this for a deal? Many of the national parks are waiving all entrance fees for select weekends this summer. This weekend June 20-21, July 18-19 or August 15-16, 2009, you can get into all the most popular national parks for free.

Participating California parks include: Cabrillo National Monument, Death Valley, John Muir National Historic Site, Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lava Beds, Muir Woods, Pinnacles, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Sequoia and Yosemite.

If you live in another state, here's the list of all 100 participating parks.

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