Exploring California
by Victor Amos
When you think about honeymoon destinations, you often think about tropical beaches, scenic cliff-side resorts, and historic architecture. What if I told you that you can find all of those things right here in America? Well, hold your breath no longer, because you can! California is the perfect place to experience luxury and history, all without a passport.
I started my journey through California in San Francisco. Oh man, what a romantic city! The picturesque hills, world-class shopping & dining, and myriad of art institutions make San Francisco a perfect destination for honeymooners seeking an urban experience. With boutique hotels abound, you are destined to find comfy accommodations that fit your personality. While chain hotels can be appealing, I highly recommend the experience of a boutique hotel. The architectural details and personal service make them my choice when visiting the city. The Mosser Hotel (www.TheMosser.com) is a great choice. Located in downtown San Francisco, you are in walking distance to the phenomenal shopping around Union Square, and one block away from street cars that take you all around the city.
Whether you rent a car or choose to tackle the city by foot, you will have no problem getting around San Francisco. For $6.00/per ride, you can crest the hills of the city on an open-sided cable car, one of San Francisco’s cultural icons. These are fun ways to summit the city while also getting fantastic photo ops! The city also offers a multi-day pass that will offer you unlimited rides at an enormously reduced rate.
One of the perks of renting a vehicle, however, is escaping the city for wine country! One hour north of the city lies a treasure trove of wineries ripe for exploring. My journey took me to the city of Napa. A short ride past the Golden Gate Bridge and I was immersed in a totally different landscape. I went from a concrete jungle to a botanical pasture. For as far as the eye could see, I was engulfed in rows upon rows of grape trees. My first stop in wine country was the Nicholson Ranch Winery (www.NicholsonRanch.com). Upon arriving at the estate, I was greeted with an introduction to the wines that are produced, and presented with a tasting menu. For $10, you can taste 4 wines, and for $15, you can taste 6. Their assortment of whites and reds were genuinely exceptional. I don’t know if it is the nostalgia of being at the winery that produces the wine, which makes the wine taste better than any I’ve ever tasted, but I was impressed and compelled to leave with a bottle.
Once you’ve completed your stay in San Francisco, a hop down to Los Angeles could be an enjoyable second-leg to your trip. Ah… the “City of Angels.” Home to the Hollywood Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica Beach. A trip to California would not be complete without visiting this urban oasis. And lucky for you, a trip down to Los Angeles from San Francisco is painless and affordable. There are regular “shuttle” flights that take you from San Francisco to Los Angeles in about an hour and a half, and for about $80.
Now, unlike San Francisco, it is virtually impossible to get around Los Angeles without a vehicle. There are a ton of rental car options when you arrive at the airport… pick one. You do not want to be at the mercy of public transportation. If you don’t want to spend most of your vacation plastered in your seat on the interstate, then I’d recommend picking a hotel that is near the attractions that you want to experience. For my stay, I wanted to spend the bulk of my time exploring the hills, so I chose to stay in West Hollywood. I would say this was a prime location, as I was less than 10 miles away from everything that I wanted to do. During my stay, I visited the Hollywood Reservoir, Runyon Canyon, Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, Downtown LA, and the Santa Monica Pier. I can’t say that I have ever experienced better weather or friendlier people in California. Los Angels has a calming affect on the soul and I think I am going to attribute it to the gratuitous palm trees and sunlight.
For the final leg of my trip, I took a 2-hour car ride down to San Diego. As huge as San Diego is, it has still managed to retain its small-town, maritime feel. I spent the bulk of my time hugging the coast along Mission Beach and La Jolla. One of my favorite attractions was the La Jolla Cove. Seeing that huge, hollow rock jetting out from the coast was awe-inspiring. While at the cove, you can enter into a quaint gift shop, and for $4, go down a creaky staircase that leads to the bottom of the cove. It’s an experience that should not be missed!
For those of you looking to freshen up your tan, Mission Beach is your remedy. It is a fantastic place to experience the nostalgia of a beachside theme park or a pick-up game of beach volleyball. If you want to add a little romance into the picture, you should consider staying at one of the beach resorts. You can spend your free time roaming the art galleries, eating at the boutique restaurants, and drinking at the many bars.
Overall, California is a great place for a domestic getaway. There is something for everyone. Whether you want to go shopping, hiking, surfing, learning, or do nothing at all… you will be satisfied.
