From the North to the South



One way to hit a lot of major attractions is to plan a coastal trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles; you'll be amazed at the scenery and the myriad of places to visit. You'll want to spend at least two or three days exploring San Francisco, hitting the big sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and maybe Alcatraz and Chinatown. From San Francisco, head south toward Monterey and Big Sur, where you'll find some of the best views on Earth, as well as some of the best bed and breakfasts.

Carmel, famous for its beaches, golf courses, art galleries and scenic drives, offers several great bed and breakfast choices. Tickle Pick Inn, named as California's Most Romantic property by Karen Brown readers, is perfect for honeymooners or those celebrating a trip just for two. Some of the rooms offer private balconies, where you can relax and enjoy a wonderful sea view, and several also include a wood-burning fireplace. The Sea View Inn, another Carmel gem and the Karen Brown Readers' Choice winner for Greatest Value, is perfect for those who seek luxury and romance on a budget. The charming historic bed and breakfast has eight individually decorated guest rooms, ranging from cozy third-floor rooms to more spacious abodes -- one room includes a king-size canopy bed. Plus, this inn offers a great location; it's just a three-minute walk to the beach.

After your stop in Carmel, head south to Hearst Castle and on to Santa Barbara, where you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants. After that, it's just over an hour's drive to the edge of Los Angeles, where you'll find everything from the finest shopping to art galleries to museums to amusement parks to spectacular sunsets at the beach. Head into Orange County for a trip to Disneyland or the art Mecca of Laguna Beach.

Take a Leisurely Loop Around Southern California

With its sun-drenched beaches and near-perfect weather is it any wonder that millions of visitors flock to Southern California? You can enjoy high-end shops of Newport Beach and Rodeo Drive, take a surfing lesson, or perhaps visit one of the many amusement parks. Los Angeles also offers a variety of museums, from art to natural history. In Orange County, you'll find Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, as well as a historic mission dating back to 1776. San Diego offers sun-kissed beaches, historic sites and Sea World. Its world-famous zoo is located in Balboa Park, which also features a variety of interesting museums.

Santa Monica, just a few miles west of the downtown Los Angeles, offers several places to stay and is still close to all the city's attractions. The Channel Road Inn, located in a restored historic building, offers a variety of well-appointed rooms just a few blocks from the ocean. In Orange County, try the Blue Lantern Inn which overlooks the Dana Point Harbor. The inn is about midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, a half-hour from Disneyland and just a few minutes from the artist colony of Laguna Beach. In La Jolla, a stunning seaside village just north of San Diego, you'll find the historic La Valencia Hotel. After spending some time in San Diego, head east and visit the Gold Rush town of Julian, now famous for its apples and apple pies. Keep going north, and your last stop will be Palm Springs, an oasis of shopping, spas, golf and relaxation.

From San Francisco to Points North

This journey begins by spending a few days in the San Francisco Bay area, with its myriad of attractions. Tour the cells of Alcatraz, enjoy a picnic at Golden Gate Park or enjoy the shops and sites of Fisherman's Wharf. From there, head north to Mendocino, stopping to visit Point Reyes Station National Seashore, which includes nature trails and a lighthouse. Mendocino is a quiet little town that reminds one of a quaint New England village. As you keep heading north, don't forget to spend some time touring the Avenue of the Giants, where you'll find the tallest trees in the world.

For a lavish treat near San Francisco, head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and the posh Inn Above Tide (winner of the Karen Brown Readers Choice Award for Splendid Splurge). The view is absolutely spectacular -- a panorama of city lights and rugged coastline. The spacious, contemporary rooms are pricey, but this is one experience you'll always treasure. All guests enjoy a great view, whether you choose a simpler double room or the opulent Penthouse. Many rooms have private decks, fireplaces or spa tubs.

Explore California's Famed Wine Country

Napa and Sonoma counties produce some of the nation's finest wines, and the hardest part of a trip to this scenic area is choosing which of the hundreds of wineries to visit. There are other things to do as well; the region is bursting with fine restaurants and shopping, as well as plenty of outdoor adventures. Calistoga is a particularly memorable town, offering hot springs and a variety of excellent spas. The Chateau de Vie is one of Calistoga's best inns, surrounded by rolling hills covered with vineyards. The inn sells its own special vintages, as well. Enjoy a glass as you lounge beneath a starry sky in the inn's outdoor hot tub. This inn was named by Karen Brown readers as offering California's Warmest Welcome.

Whether you are planning a two-week vacation, or you just have a few days, a trip through California is a great escape from everyday life. So get going and plan your Golden State adventure.