California Travelers Recommend

A lot is said about San Francisco, both by visitors and locals alike. Foreigners often dub it "the most European" city in America. W.H. Taft called it "the city that knows how," and Rudyard Kipling was known to have said "San Francisco has only one drawback: 'Tis hard to leave." Day 1: See the City Consider one of the many tours available to get your bearings and see some of the traditional “must-sees” like the Cable Car, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Day 2: Local Flavor Today, take time to see the colorful neighborhoods while sampling some local fare. Many wonderful museums and parks are easily accessible as well. Day 3: Day Trips from the Bay Less than an hour from town awaits many a gorgeous vineyard, wine-tasting galore, culinary delights and fresh country air. Head to the Napa Valley and see where those famous California wines are grown.

A full San Diego experience can be had in three days if you plan an itinerary with tours that combine the sights, culture, and adventures of Southern California’s Pacific coast. Here are our top ideas for how to spend your time, including a day trip to wine country or Mexico. Day 1: San Diego City TourConsider getting settled into your host city with a guided Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour, or add the harbor to your itinerary by way of bus and harbor cruise, or orient yourself by sticking to simply the most famous San Diego sights. Day 2: San Diego AdventureStart your day off with a visit to Balboa Park, where you'll find the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Then head to SeaWorld for another dose of wildlife, or go further afield to Legoland in Carl

No trip to southern California would be complete without spending some time soaking in the sun and lapping up the waves on the sand. While Long Beach has its own beaches, many enjoy driving about 30 minutes to Huntington Beach for a truly scenic experience. With almost nine miles (15 kilometers) of connected beach. While Long Beach is a coastal city with beaches and water activities, it’s also home to a number of interesting historical and cultural experiences. Spend the morning perusing museums like the Long Beach Museum of Art, Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Adobe, the Museum of Latin Art, Scorpion Submarine Museum and the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum. Having a meal, shopping on or touring the historic Queen Mary is also a treat, as the ship was once considered the most luxurious liner in the world and today is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At night, take in a show at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, home to the Center Theater.

If movies, stars and Hollywood are your first thoughts when you think of LA, you’re probably missing out on some unique experiences that the city has to offer. Swarming with tourists and wannabe starlets, LA is also home to some top-notch music, food, architecture, theme parks and museums. To do it justice, you must experience at least three different sides to this city extraordinaire. Day 1: More Than Movies Start your day in LA with breakfast at the legendary Original Pantry Cafe in downtown LA before embarking on some sightseeing! Take the trolley tour to get a basic orientation of LA and take pictures of famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame. Take a walking tour behind the scenes of Hollywood’s most televised locations. Alternatively drown yourself in the world of art at the Getty Museum before heading downtown to enjoy dinner at one of many cafes and restaurants reminiscent of 1930s and 40s.

Southern California, stretching from Los Angeles to Anaheim to San Diego, is dotted with theme parks across a variety of genres. From the magical Disneyland to the world of water creatures at SeaWorld, there is something for both adults and children alike. Here’s a quick overview of some of California’s most famous theme parks that definitely merit a visit. Disneyland, home to Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and a host of other memorable characters is a must on every kid’s wish list. Its many themed areas offer unparalleled rides, shows, shopping and dining opportunities for the entire family. Adults can enjoy the spas and bars at the ESPN Zone and House of Blues or partake in the food and wine festivals held from time to time. Seaworld is a must for animal lovers as visitors come face to face with dolphins, whales, penguins and a flurry of exciting sea creatures.

Experience the finest wine in northern California on a tour to both the Napa and Sonoma regions. Once you reach the historic wine regions, you'll visit famous grape-growing centers such as Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Yountville, Stags Leap, Los Carneros, Sonoma Valley, Kenwood, and Glen Ellen. Tours include visits to Nicholson Ranch Winery, Madonna Estate, Mount St. John and Sutter Home, with lunch in Yountville at V Marketplace. Take a day tour from San Francisco to wineries including Domaine Chandon, Andretti Winery, V. Sattui and Rutherford Ranch. Or take a two-day tour to these wineries combined, on the second day, with a visit to the famous prison island of Alcatraz. Combine your wineries visit with a stop at Muir Woods, home to some of northern California's famous redwood sequoia trees. This national monument is the site of a virgin forest of California Coast redwood trees, among the oldest and tallest on Earth.