25 of our favorite family getaways
by DON and ANN JACKSON
Here in San Joaquin, we’re uniquely lucky to live in the beautiful climate of California. We have the mountains, the ocean, lakes, sunshine, snow, valleys, and deserts, all within our expansive coastal state.
With so many choices, narrowing down the list to just 25 of our favorite getaways was quite the task. You’ll see some locations on this list that are old favorites, hideaways that you’ve never heard of, and getaways that you haven’t been to in years—it’s about time to take your own kids and show them the sights. Most importantly, get out there and enjoy the summer.
1. Wild & Wooly
Safari West Animal Sanctuary, Santa Rosa
www.safariwest.com
Ever been to an animal sanctuary? Safari West in Santa Rosa is justifiably referred to as the “Sonoma Serengeti” and “the spirit of Africa in wine country.” This is one of the few places outside of Africa that you can get an authentic safari experience while on board a 1950s vintage expedition vehicle. While exploring 400 acres of open space, you’ll see up-close-and-personal Cape buffalo, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, gazelle, kudus, and numerous other African animals wandering free. A few endangered animals are on-site, as well as a separate enclosure area for the cheetah and other animals that can‘t be left to roam.
Tip: Opt for the overnight stay after your safari experience. You and the kids can stay in a comfortably warm, imported African tent cabin, complete with hot water showers and a fireside barbecue dinner.
2. Awe-Inspiring Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
www.montereybayaquarium.org
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, on historic Cannery Row, is considered one of the finest sea-life exhibitions and research centers on the globe. Do not miss the otter feedings, the jellyfish exhibit, and the penguin enclave. For your own feeding time, at least one meal at the renowned Sardine Factory is highly recommended (www.sardinefactory.com). A host of other activities on “the Row” can add immeasurably to this family outing that’s equal parts fun and education
(www.canneryrow.com), and when visiting the aquarium, we always choose to stay right on Cannery Row at the Monterey Bay Inn (www.montereybayinn.com).
Tip: Don’t miss a dip in the Monterey Bay Inn’s rooftop Jacuzzi with views of the bay, harbor, and downtown Monterey.
3. Zenith of Zoos
San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, San Diego
www.sandiegozoo.com
San Diego’s famous zoo and its sister Wild Animal Park in North San Diego County are the most acclaimed zoological developments in North America, and a must-visit for all animal lovers. The city of San Diego itself remains our favorite urban community in the U.S., and why not? Nearly perfect year-round weather combined with a laundry list of attractions, recreation activities, and cultural venues are magnetic draws that can easily fulfill a family vacation of two weeks or more. We love staying downtown in the historic Gaslamp District (www.gaslamp.org) or at the Marina, where hotel and dining options reign supreme.
Tip: If you’re heading down south for an extended vacation, a City Pass is valid for 14 days and includes admission to the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park, plus Sea World, Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure (www.citypass.com).
4. Awesome
Amusement Park
Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Our state is filled with family attractions for thrill-seekers: Northern California’s Great America, Santa Cruz’s Boardwalk, and Vallejo’s Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, to name a few, but for this feature we opted for a trip south. Universal Studios in Universal City tops our list in this category. As genuine movie and TV buffs, we had as much fun as our two young granddaughters at this Southern California theme park and entertainment complex. Be sure to take the studio tour and keep your eyes peeled for recognizable actors/actresses as well as ongoing movie and TV filming. For thrills, don’t miss the Jurassic Park ride—a breathtaking 84-foot raft plunge. Afterwards, enjoy the glittering Universal City Walk (www.citywalkhollywood.com), with eateries, cinemas, shops, street performers, live music, and unforgettable experiences like indoor skydiving.
Tip: Be sure to check the website for special admission to the park and “all you can eat” deals, and don’t forget the City Pass option mentioned earlier.
5. Camping or Glamping?
Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp
www.costanoa.com
Yep, you read that correctly. ‘Glamping’ was a ‘90s catch-word that was meant to imply ‘glamorous camping’. Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp on the coast halfway between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay offers just that and more. This unique resort offers most every camping option, from bring-your-own-tent to RVs, from tent cabins to super deluxe cabins w/fireplaces (but sans bathrooms), and even a four star lodge, with ultra amenities. How many campgrounds offer a full service spa plus saunas and heated floors in their comfort stations? This is the only one we’ve seen. We understand the ‘glamping’ idea first originated in Bali, but Costanoa has brought the concept to new esteemed heights.
Tip: It’s a somewhat long walk to their beach, but it’s worth every step when you’ll more than likely find yourselves alone on a pristine, secluded beach walk.
6. Beautiful Biking
Redondo Beach
www.visitredondo.com
For an easy-level biking vacation try Redondo Beach, where paved bikeways start near their north city limits along the beaches and go for about 20 miles all the way to Marina del Rey and beyond. This low-key beach town may also be the most affordable Southern California oceanfront resort area, with accommodations available to fit most budgets. Our personal pick for where to rest your weary heads after all that biking is the oceanfront Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club (www.hotelportofino.com). Enjoy at least one meal at Baleen, their signature fine-dining restaurant.
7. Great Golf Getaway
Pebble Beach
www.pebblebeach.com
If we don’t pick Pebble Beach as the golf Mecca, we might be pelted with hundreds of golf balls by our fellow sports writers or our golf-addicted friends. Even first-time golfers dream of playing one of Pebble’s signature courses at least once in their lifetime. Staying at the famous Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay on the famous 17-Mile Drive overlooking the Pacific adds dramatically to the experience.
Tip: Even if you’re not a golfer, why not walk a course or two at one of the annual pro tournaments to gain a sense of this golf utopia’s greatness and oceanfront setting.
8. Tennis Anyone?
The Claremont Hotel, Berkeley
www.claremontresort.com
The Claremont Hotel, Spa, and Tennis Club in the Oakland/Berkeley foothills is not only our first choice when it comes to a tennis vacation, but this historic resort is also one of our favorites when it comes to staying at a nearby urban resort. Superb spa, beautiful swimming pool, and award-winning dining all within less than an hour’s drive add considerably to the stay.
Tip: If it’s a clear day, be sure to take the short easy hike up into the hills behind the resort for inspiring views of San Francisco, the bay itself, and the University of California campus. The hotel will provide directions.
9. Breathtaking Boating
Camp Richardson Resort and Marina, Lake Tahoe
www.camprichardson.com
Lake Tahoe has long been a personal pick when it comes to a boat outing—calm water for miles, and mountain views unmatched anywhere else in the state. One of our favorite places to stay in the Tahoe area is on the southwest shore at Camp Richardson Resort and Marina. Historic rustic accommodations, Tahoe’s longest stretch of sandy beach, and modest prices are all hallmarks of this easy-going lakefront property. A variety of boat types as well as fishing charters are available at their marina.
Tip: Into learning something new? Why not consider Camp Richardson’s water skiing or sailing schools.
10. Big League Sports
San Francisco Giants
www.sfgiants.com
Hands down, our favorite team venue or stadium in the country is AT&T Park, home to the San Francisco Giants. As baseball fans we’ve been to a lot of the Major League parks across the land, and AT&T Park has stood out as a beacon of superlatives in the sports venue world since its grand opening in 2000. We recommend staying at the stunning Hotel Vitale (www.hotelvitale.com) or boutique-style Harbor Court Hotel (www.harborcourthotel.com), both on the Embarcadero and just a short walk to the park.
Tips: 1. On game day go to the box office and often you’ll find tickets for less than $15. 2. Sign up for the Insiders Tour of the ball park and experience the visitors clubhouse, press box, a deluxe suite, team dugout, indoor batting cages, and more. 3. No interest in seeing an entire game? Watch the game for free out by the right field fence and still get a feel for this ballpark’s greatness.
11. Romantic Rendezvous
Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Island
www.hoteldel.com
When it comes to an anniversary, honeymoon, or even a birthday recommendation, we always agree going to San Diego’s Coronado Island and the famous Hotel del Coronado is our first choice. We don’t always have the time to travel that far, but that doesn’t dissuade us from trying to get there as often as possible. The historic architecture, pristine beaches, to-die-for gourmet dining, and the entire secluded ambience add up to a dream-worthy memory. There’s just something special about “The Del” that no other resort has ever been able to replace it as our paramount choice for a special occasion.
Tip: Sign up for the resort tour and be prepared for some interesting stories about past guests, possible ghosts, and historic trivia.
12. Relax and Recharge
Mendocino
www.mendocinocoast.com
As we wrote in the October issue: “If you’re looking for rejuvenation, we refer to Mendocino as our prescription for stress reduction.” This quaint seaside town is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway, and the most relaxing pastime is just ambling through the downtown village and on the pathways at the headlands or along any of the blustery cliffs. It’s one Kodak moment after another in Mendocino. The dramatic and hospitable Brewery Gulch Inn (www.brewerygulchinn.com) and historic Little River Inn (www.littleriverinn.com) remain our two favorite lodging choices. In our eyes, little Mendocino has more fine lodging and dining choices per capita than any other destination in California.
Tip: If you are on a tight budget consider staying in nearby Fort Bragg, where lodging and dining choices have improved ten-fold since our first visit in the ‘80s.
13. Beach Hideaway
Santa Barbara
www.santabarbaraca.com
Santa Barbara, coined the ‘American Riviera’, will always be our quintessential beach city destination. No other California destination comes close to delivering such a picturesque setting resembling the Mediterranean Riviera. Santa Barbara brings to mind a gushing of superlatives when referring to lodging, dining, sightseeing, beachfront activities, and those breathtaking vistas wherever you might be. Be sure to check out the 3-mile paved path along the beach starting at the harbor, especially during the weekly Sunday morning arts-and-crafts walk on Cabrillo Blvd. A new favorite place to stay is the cozy, near-to-the-beach Eagle Inn (www.theeagleinn.com).
Tips: Go to the top of the grandiose Courthouse downtown for panoramic views of the city, and to take the free tour of this one-of-a-kind Spanish/Moorish building. Driving by its night-lit splendor is another must.
14. Primp and Pamper
Rita Carlton Half Moon Bay
www.ritzcarlton.com
A spa resort is a must if you’re seeking to be spoiled to the max. Mega spas like La Costa in the San Diego area are famous, but our personal platinum pick is the Ritz Carlton perched on a glorious bluff in nearby Half Moon Bay, the closest beach city for our readers. Their state-of-the-art, yet smaller, more intimate facilities provide maximum appeal to us.
Tip: Consider signing up for a couples massage in your room or at the spa. We find them to be fun, casual, and considerably more relaxing than a one-on-one. Try it, you just might love it.
15. Superlative Shopping
San Francisco
www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com
San Francisco has to be our top choice for shopping. Whenever friends or family visit from anywhere, including Europe, they always want to shop in ‘The City’. Union Square, Market Street, the Ferry Building, or even the touristy Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf are on the wish lists of the true shopaholic. Be sure to check out Union Square for all the big names like Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Tiffany and Co., Anthropologie, and five floors of Nordstrom. Our favorite place to stay when in town to shop (or attend the theater) is the famed St. Francis on Union Square (www.westinstfrancis.com), but let’s face it, the City has plenty of top-notch hotels to choose from to meet everyone’s preferred location and budget.
Tip: Tired of a congested downtown or the bustling Pier 39? If yes, then head for Union Street where tons of fun boutique shops await.
16. Cultivating Culture
Legion of Honor, San Francisco
www.famsf.org
For arts and culture, San Francisco comes out on top again. World-class art museums, live theatre, opera, ballet, symphony, and the list goes on and on. Our personal favorite cultural experience in S.F. has always been the Legion of Honor, where fine art and one of the world’s most picturesque settings collide. The art masterpieces and views overlooking the bay from atop the hill captivate us every visit. Standout new additions include the Walt Disney Family Museum (www.disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum) in the Presidio, and the California Academy of Sciences (www.calacademy.org) in Golden Gate Park.
Tip: The Legion and the de Young Museum both offer free admission the first Tuesday of each month. Many museums in S.F. do the same, so check their websites or call for details.
17. Foodie Nirvana
Michael Mina, San Francisco
www.michaelmina.net
Okay, okay already—it’s San Francisco again. We think the City has set the culinary gold standard for California as well as North America, and many critics agree. Our favorite restaurant is Michael Mina in the St. Francis Hotel and our top new restaurant pick is RN74, another of celebrity chef Michael Mina’s gastronomic gems. The RN74 wine list is way out of our league, but we were still intrigued that a number of their 3,000-plus wines cost upwards of $10,000 per bottle. We have so many foodie faves in the city, we don’t have room to mention them all, but it’s safe to say that there’s a quality restaurant in San Francisco for most every ethnic cuisine in every price range.
Tip: For you genuine foodie aficionados go to the www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com website, click on Where to Eat, and then click onto Taste/Foodie Site or Foodie411Blog.
18. Mother Nature
Yosemite National Park
www.yosemitepark.com
Heading up to Yosemite National Park is always an alluring prospect. Of all the National Parks we’ve explored throughout the country, Yosemite is far and away our number one favorite. Whether you prefer camping or cabins in Curry Village, or moderate accommodations in the Lodge at Yosemite Falls, or a luxury four-star stay at the famous Ahwahnee Hotel, your every day vistas, outdoor hiking, climbing, exploring, and adventure options at Yosemite are unparalleled.
Tip: Don’t miss the short walk up to the foot of Yosemite Falls, one of the highest in the world but more importantly, stunningly breathtaking. Try to visit in late spring when the water is usually at its highest.
19. State Pride
Asilomar, Pacific Grove
www.visitasilomar.com
Looking for the best State Park to visit? We love Asilomar in Pacific Grove, a historic, rustic, “no major frills” property, and the only state-owned park we are aware of that has so many lodging and dining choices. Many of the buildings, once owned by the Hearst family, were designed by Julia Morgan, the famous female architect who also designed Hearst Castle. It’s a very popular place to have family or friends’ reunions with moderate rates, buffet breakfasts included, and family-friendly accommodations and facilities.
Tip: Be sure to use their beach, which adjoins the property of the ultra-expensive Inn at Spanish Bay, right next door in Pebble Beach. Lucky you—you’ve just paid a fraction of the price to stay at Asilomar.
20. Next Best Thing to Europe
Solvang
www.solvangusa.com
Solvang, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara, is a charming replica of a turn-of-the-century Denmark village founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. We always enjoy our stay-overs and walks around town, and are confident our readers will feel likewise. Browse and nibble your way through Danish pancakes, windmills, traditionally-dressed street performers, wines (Solvang is located in the middle of wine country—think movie Sideways), specialty shops, and art galleries. The most highly regarded lodge in Solvang: Petersen Village Inn (www.peterseninn.com).
Tip: Stop in at the Solvang Restaurant Café for decadent Danish aebleskivers with jam, or try Danish pastries and butter cookies at Mortensen’s or Olsen’s Bakery.
21. Escape from the Mainland
Catalina Island
www.catalinachamber.com
Why head to Hawaii, when you can stay in California and enjoy an island getaway? A quick high-speed catamaran ride on the Catalina Express out of Long Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro allows you to do just that (www.catalinaexpress.com). Visiting and trekking this tourist-friendly, picturesque isle and the main town of Avalon is the perfect way to isle away the day in this island paradise. Our favorite place to stay right on the Avalon waterfront is the charming Villa Portofino (www.hotelvillaportofino.com).
Tip: Slow down, take moonlit walks, have a tropical drink in a local bar, and absorb the sense of tranquility that locals call ‘Island Time’.
22. Striking Gold
Nevada City and Grass Valley
www.nevadacitychamber.com
www.downtowngrassvalley.com
Nearby Nevada City and Grass Valley are still our favorite historic destinations. These towns are joined at their geographical hip and are very similar in many ways but also distinctly different. The smaller Nevada City has striven to maintain its yesteryear heritage, while Grass Valley, with three times the population, has a more modern look. Try a gold mine tour at Empire Mine State Historic Park, once the largest gold mine in California (www.empiremine.org), or browse historic downtown shops and dining in Nevada City. Our favorite place to stay: Deer Creek Inn (www.deercreekinn.com), a historic 1880s Queen Anne B&B in Nevada City.
Tip: Plan to make another visit during the Christmas season as both cities put on holiday extravaganzas: Victorian Christmas in Nevada City, and Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley.
23. The Royal Treatment
Hearst Castle
www.hearstcastle.org
A getaway to San Simeon on the central coast will provide many activity options, but tours at the world-renowned Hearst Castle will surely be the highlight. The second largest estate ever built in the U.S. never disappoints. Tour number one is our personal favorite and is the best for first-time visitors as it gives a unique overview of the entire property. For lodging, stay at the oceanfront Cavalier Resort in San Simeon (www.cavalierresort.com). Consider taking extra time to visit and stay in nearby Cambria, Morro Bay, and Pismo Beach, where a plethora of beach-front accommodations, surprisingly excellent restaurants, and a multitude of activities should tempt you to extend your getaway (www.sanluisobispocounty.com).
Tips: Reserve tour tickets in advance, tours sell out quickly especially in the summer
24. Desert Discovery
Palm Springs
www.visitpalmsprings.com
Palm Springs will always rank high on our vacation list. Where else in the world can you be hiking near sea level on ancient but well-maintained Indian trails in 90 degree weather, and then cross country ski after taking a 20-minute tram ride? Sure, most of the famous golf resorts are “down valley” in newer Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, and La Quinta, but historic Palm Springs still holds a very special place in our getaway hearts. Our personal pick for accommodations is the totally redone Riviera Resort and Spa (www.psriviera.com). Indulge yourself by lounging here, around Palm Springs’ most beautiful pool area.
Tip: If you don’t mind the heat (which we don’t), summers in this dessert utopia are much less crowded and provide unbelievable lodging, dining, and golfing price reductions.
25. Wine Tasting Weekend
Geyserville
www.geyserville.com
We all know and love nearby Lodi for some of the best wine tasting in California, but if you’re looking for an out-of-the-area getaway, we have another great wine country region in mind. Sure, we could pick Napa or Sonoma, but why not try out the tiny community of Geyserville? This little town is like Sonoma fifty years ago so it’s not crowded at all, and even though lodging choices are slim, the number of exceptional nearby wineries should satisfy any wine connoisseur. Clos du Bois, Geyser Peak, Ferrari Carano, and Francis Ford Coppola are just four of the town’s many vintners. Stay at the recently and tastefully renovated Geyserville Inn (www.geyservilleinn.com).
Tip: If you are a fan of Coppola movies, plan a late summer trip when the Coppola winery’s renovation should be completed and will include museum-like displays of his film memorabilia (www.franciscoppolawinery.com).
>>> The Jacksons have been writing travel articles and guidebooks since 1985 and have traveled throughout the world, but maintain “there’s no better place to live than California.” Next month, we will feature their getaway to Santa Cruz with their two young granddaughters.
