While Northern California has the states best-known wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, Paso Robles, near the Central Coast, has just as much to offerone part scenic, rolling-hill vineyards, one part laid-back horse country. 9 Best Weekend Getaways in California to Escape LA, San Francisco, and San Diego | Cond Nast Traveler SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5 North America United States California Getty. The City of Angels is really as dreamy as they say. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. It is also a major luxury hot spot. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing this? Outdoor adventures abound including hiking fern-laden redwood groves and dramatic coastal bluffscheck out Van Damme and Russian Gulch State Parksand kayaking wondrous sea caves. Other must-do activities in Death Valley include viewing exhibits at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, watching the sunrise at Zabriskie Point and stargazing from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. ), and hiking trails. Theres also pleasant strolling along the Coast Walk Trail near Cave Street. The Mountain Escape: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. When you go, practice social distancing (stay six feet from people outside your inner circle) and mask up. Travel north across the Golden Gate Bridge and you'll discover Sausalito, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. The COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing serious disease, hospitalization, and death from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. At present, 63% of Californians 12 years of age and older are fully vaccinated with an additional 10% partially vaccinated. Cyclists ride along the Strand, a beachfront route that spans Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. 1. The dome on Pasadena City Hall is 206 feet high, just 82 feet short of the Capitol dome in Washington, D.C. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, See 16 of Pasadenas architectural gems in one easy drive, This driving tour of Wilshire Boulevard reveals landmarks hidden in plain sight, La Jolla, Laguna Beach and other dramatic meetings of land and water, The magical new Chinese Garden at the Huntington may be the 11.5-acre getaway you need, Explore an old winery site on a La Crescenta ramble, This writer/hiker set out to find 57 cool walks in L.A., each at least 10,000 steps. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights. Why? All restaurants in these stories are now limited to takeout meals; some may have closed. All travelers arriving inor returning to California from other states or countries should test 3-5 days afterarrival. READ MOREWhat All Travelers Should Be Doing During Coronavirus, Our Picks for Face Masks to Buyand the Latest Rules for Wearing Them. Yes. As work from home and homeschooling became a reality and travelers sought ways to safely hit the road, RVs offered the kind of seclusion and social distancing many of us craved. If its your debut RV trip with your family, this beginners guide to taking an RV trip with kids will help you create a journey thats just right for your crew. At the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds on Lake Oconee, about 90 minutes south of Atlanta, masks are mandated for indoor public spaces, which makes us more inclined to discuss its three-floor Lake House with a private pool, perfect for a family escape. 1-833-4CA4ALL The entire regions scenic vistasespecially scenic during the pink moment, when sunset illuminates the mountains and valley in a spectrum of pink huesare worth every moment of the drive. Prepare for the unexpectedand pack for it, too. Enjoy the efficiency of an organized tour led by experts who bring Rome's history to life. Protect the public. This includes state and national parks, campgrounds, amusement parks, beaches, museums, sports venues, movie theaters, retail establishments, hotels, restaurants, bars, and wineries. For an entirely different tasting experience, wine geeks can book an intimate tasting at Lang & Reeds new St. Helena salon that specializes in Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, varietals rarely given the spotlight in this region. Since the lifting of the Regional Stay at Home Order in January 2021, State Parks has reopened the majority of campground sites throughout the State Park System. An alternative is to pick one or two piers Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo each have one and build a walk. Dont miss the natural mineral pools and mud baths down the road at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, which date back to 1952 and recently emerged from a full renovation that leans hard into its mid-century roots as a wellness destination. Travel Alerts | Visit California Main Beach and Crescent Bay are a couple of local favorites, though travelers also highly recommend taking a trip to the wild shores of Crystal Cove State Park. For a quiet reprieve from city life, check out the quaint coastal community of Half Moon Bay, which lies approximately 30 miles south of San Francisco. Youll find houseboats floating in places you may not expect, such as a private lake in Virginia or a glampsite on the Mississippi River. All of those impossibly fresh local meals are now included in an overnight stay, and only resort guests have access to the Sur House with its elevated patio dining (literallyit seems to soar over the Pacific). Review testing and quarantine rules in your home state and destination. San Francisco brims with life everywhere you go. Stick around until nighttime to gaze at the clear, starry sky. As of June 15, 2021, in accordance with the new Beyond the Blueprint reopening guidelines, California is now fully open for travel for any and all purposes. This beachfront city is equipped with ample hotels, restaurants and shops in addition to its star attractions: Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier (an oceanfront amusement park), and the family-friendly Santa Monica State Beach. 9 Best Things to Do in San Jose, CA | U.S. News Travel And with reservation-only policies limiting the crowds, its an ideal time to visit wineries including Epoch, DAOU Vineyards, and Booker. If so, consider Hadley Fruit Orchards in Cabazon or Shields Date Garden in Indio, which is surrounded by date palms. To find a Port of Entry in your state or territory, select it in the map below or use the form in the right column. What to Know About Ongoing Protests, For a Wild West Adventure, Head to These 10 Family-Friendly Ranches and Lodges, This Is the Destination Families Cant Get Enough of Right Now, According to Travel Experts, How to Earn and Burn Hotel Points This Summer, Waikk Is So Much More Than a Place for Tourists, How to Make Sure Your Travel Dollars Actually Benefit Local Communities, Inside A South Africa Safari Lodge Run Entirely on Solar (Even the Electric Land Cruisers). At Torrey Pines State Beach, swim, fish, walk the sand or sunbathe. On Saturday, September 18, 24.99 new cases were registered per 100,000 inhabitants. As of June 1, 2021, adults can check into one of 12 free-standing homes on property, the new Green O. Today, this desert paradise attracts vacationers looking to lounge by the pool or hit up one of the citys lively bars or restaurants. The best advice is to pick one area or region to explore and then plan to come back for more. At night . A Humboldt penguin goes for a swim at the Santa Barbara Zoo. The Manhattan Beach Creamery at 1120 Manhattan Beach Avenue has been a favorite for years. Youll find us in the garden lounge by the fire pit. And there are three state parks in the area. Check in at Casa Codythe oldest operating hotel in Palm Springsrecently revamped by new owners the Casetta Group, with 30 refreshed rooms and a prime downtown location. Beachgoers explore the tide flow in a tidepool at the Treasure Island Beach arch rock in Laguna Beach. Opened just this spring, the 24-room Palihouse Santa Barbara immediately established itself as one of the citys best boutique hotels. The U.S. admitted only 11,411 refugees in fiscal year 2021, the lowest number since Congress passed the 1980 Refugee Act for those fleeing persecution in their home countries. Numerous Kampgrounds of America (KOA) sites are also open and taking bookings. Farther out on Nantucket, a former retreat for whaling captain Robert Calder in a 19th-century federal-style mansion has been reborn as a 14-room Life House. However, since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 47% and hospitalizations have increased by 14%. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune). No. READ MORE11 Places in the United States That Feel Like Europe, How to Recreate Your Canceled Europe Trip at Home, Pretend Youre in Paris With This Itinerary. Other can't-miss amusement parks in the area include Knott's Berry Farm (a local favorite) and Adventure City (a more budget-friendly option). Fabulous But Fastidious: Planning The Perfect California Road - Forbes You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page. As for wineries, youve got access to world-class wine regions of the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley. One way to narrow down your choice is to come during one of the many events that are back in California this year, including the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco taking place in August or the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2022 in June. This driving route take you deep into the heart of Craftsman style. Get inspired to plan your next vacation to the Volunteer State. As of February 28, 2023, the Governor terminated the state's COVID-19 State of Emergency. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting peopleespecially those who are boosted from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. After a day of fun in the sand, shop till you drop at the popular Third Street Promenade, an outdoor pedestrian-only mall featuring several boutiques, eateries and entertainment options, before heading to Palisades Park for an unforgettable Southern California sunset. Laguna Beach, with its gorgeous stretch of sand, cliffs and rockscapes, once was an artists colony. Most individuals with certain kinds of immunocompromise who have received a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine may receive a single additional dose of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months . You owe it to them to do your best to keep them safe. Constructed in 1933, the one-mile-wide Golden Gate is an international emblem. Timber Cove Resort, a 1963 stone, timber, and glass A-frame on the Sonoma County coast, delivers fresh sea air and hippie, rustic modern vibes. Summer Travel During COVID-19 in California: Can I Do it Safely? When the temperatures rise and the snow melts, vacationers can try other outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, paddleboarding and taking a dip in the area's hot springs. 2. Find relaxation and natural beauty at Nicks Cove, set on Tomales Bay, across from Point Reyes National Seashore in northern California. Want to live the RV life without dealing with the parking? If you have kids with you in wine country, Marriott now rents out homes and villas, like this farmhouse chic (aka beautiful) four-bedroom in Sonoma complete with a hot tub and basketball court. Become one with nature at these amazing treetop retreats. Ad Choices. $$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. Heres a chance to glimpse hints of the French countryside and take a hearty hike without leaving Los Angeles. This awe-inspiring destination at the edge of the Pacific Ocean features scenery so spellbindingly beautiful, it has the habit of putting travelers into a trance. All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. To be sure youre traveling safely and responsibly across the United States, check local travel restrictions before you go. Mount San Jacinto State Park Idyllwild At the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, you'll find the magnificent Mount San Jacinto State Park. nine amazing olive orchards across the U.S. Is Flying This Summer Going to Be a Repeat of the 2022 Air Travel Mess? You might want to linger on the Malibu Pier, where the Malibu Farm restaurant and cafe serve breakfast, lunch and dinner alfresco. Numerous Kampgrounds of America (KOA) sites are also open and taking bookings. This collection of historic buildings includes Neo-Gothic, Art Deco and Midcentury Modern designs. 15 Top Weekend Getaways in California - US News & World Report Decrease, Reset Reward yourself with a slice of pie at the rustic Jones General Store. From airports to resorts to restaurants, this episode of the California Now Podcast explores how different segments of the travel industry are innovating to put consumers at ease California Now Podcast Safe Travels During the Pandemic 30 00:00:00 30 Podcasts Safe Travels During the Pandemic Food & Drink Craft Beer & Breweries Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, 13 Best Cape Cod Hotels, From Falmouth to Provincetown, A Guide to Maryland's Eastern Shore: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play, The 13 Best Hotels in Jackson Hole for a Warm-Weather Trip, The Best Small-Town Day Trips From Denver, Colorado, Denali National Park Guide: The Best Tours, Lodging, and Things to Do, Courtesy Ojai Valley Inn and Spa Califronia, Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. (K.C. . Please turn on JavaScript and try again. #5 Best Value of 196 Quiet Resorts in California "Very pretty panoramic view of the ocean, on a quiet end of the Beach without all the crowds.we.liked being able to walk down the steps daily , and look either way up and down the coastline ." Things to do in San Francisco during COVID | COVID-19 Advice - Go City Monterey's stunning natural beauty and small-town soul are what keep travelers coming back again and again. Old Mission Santa Barbara tours and museum are still closed, but the nearby Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Don't know where to start? But California is famously resilient, and Napa in particular is ready for your return. Wake up early, bring your bike or rent one and ride the Strand, a paved 22-mile beachfront route that spans Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California: Scenic Trip Ideas to See Start at Santa Barbaras Stearns Wharf and get some sea breeze in your hair. Boasting everything from wild bison (which roam the interior of the island) to upscale boutiques and restaurants in Avalon, Catalina Island constantly wows travelers with its diverse offerings and unparalleled natural beauty. Even a drive-through trip requires advance reservations; every vehicle entering the park needs to book a pass, and day passes disappear quickly. Things to do in Los Angeles during COVID | COVID-19 Advice - Go City But CDC travel requirements are still in effect, which means all air passengers to the U.S. are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery before they can board a flight to the United States. 2023 Cond Nast. (If a car-free weekend sounds appealing, the citys new electric-bike fleet, Santa Barbara BCycle, has visitor-friendly passes.) Despite a dramatic drop in travel due to COVID-19 this year, summer 2020 turned out to be the season of the road trip. In summer, enjoy adventurous pursuits like hiking, mountain biking and kayaking, and in winter, go skiing and snowboarding at Big Bear Mountain Resort. Local ski resorts keep snow within reach. San Diego is Southern California at its finest (think: warm weather year-round, endless stretches of surf-friendly shorelines and some of the best Mexican food in the USA). Best Places to Visit in California Catalina Island Lake Tahoe Mammoth Lakes Yosemite National Park Monterey Sequoia National Park San Diego San Francisco Big Bear Lake Kings Canyon National Park. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. The Bridgeway Promenade is where you'll find the bulk of Sausalito's shops, restaurants and art galleries. La Paloma has a history stretching back to the 1940s and recently reopened with a menu that links the culinary legacies of California and Mexico. 33 Best Things to Do in LA | U.S. News Travel try the Calistoga Motor Lodge in Napa Valley, where the motel-style rooms open to the outdoors for plenty of fresh air and guests have access to complimentary bikes for solo rides through the vineyards. Yosemite National Park offers every adventure activity you can possibly think of, from low-impact activities like fishing and bird-watching to daredevil pursuits, such as rock climbing and rafting. The Coolest California Day Trips You Can Take o - DoLA Bring your bike: There are 28 miles of trails. Theres Nicks Cove. Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner. Check the COVID regulations in the destination you plan to visit. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. The nearly 100-year-old Spanish-revival Ojai Valley Inn is an ideal jumping-off point to appreciate the landscape, whether your idea of getting outside is a round of golf or tennis, or horseback riding, hiking, and a leisurely bike ride under the ridge of the Topa Topa Mountains. Must-Visit Attractions in California - Culture Trip (About 3-4 hours from San Francisco, 4.5-5.5 hours from Los Angeles), If redwood groves, endless stargazing, and the vast expanse of the Pacific factor into your idea of a California getaway, Big Sur is waiting. If you love: The lavender fields and rolling vineyards of Provence, FranceWhere to stay:Farmhouse InnBefore you go: Pledge to travel kindly in Sonoma and beyond. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. (About 1.5 hours from San Francisco), If you had a cozy waterfront cabin on tranquil Tomales Bay, youd probably want to stay all summer. One of AFARs top new hotels, Captain Whidbey Inn on Washingtons Whidbey Island, has long felt like a locals secret. Set amongst the thick pines of North Lake Tahoe, the Ritz-Carlton is a tried-and-true . Due to ongoing restrictions, some attractions on our pass will still require you to book a slot before you visit. (Its awkward, we know, but err on the side of caution as much as possible.). Guests swim in the scenic pool at the Montage Laguna Beach. As remote as you can feel within an hours drive of San Francisco, the hotel's dozen beautifully appointed cottages (all with views, many set right over the bay) each feel like an independent retreat, with private entrances and outdoor spaces. Just across the road, Ventana Big Sur is similarly idyllic. For those who prefer the indoor luxuries of a hotel mixed with the privacy of camping in the woods, look no further than this curated list of Blue Ridge Mountain cabins you can rent on Airbnb or Vrbo. For a break from the sun, pop into one of downtown's art galleries or boutiques. ), scenic campgrounds (more than 2,200! These magnificent trees are native to the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in central California. 10 Classic California road trips to drive right now If you love: The artsy and craft-centric coastal region of Cornwall, EnglandWhere to stay:Chatham Bars InnBefore you go: Youll need a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of arriving. Guests can sample local wines and cheeses by an ocean-facing firepit. If you like olive oil tasting more than winetasting, visit one of these nine amazing olive orchards across the U.S. In winter, the region's 150-plus trails welcome skiers, ice skaters and snowboarders in droves. Although most folks seem to have skipped their vacations altogether, many . A new CDC study found that exposure to potentially infectious aerosols decreased by 95 percent when tightly fitted or double masks were worn. Keep a lookout for brown pelicans, which often fly at eye level. Known as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara is a favorite of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Tom Cruise for a reason. Lots of water (more than 1,000 lakes and rivers! Winter Storms Heavy snowfall in California mountains this winter will extend the ski season deep into the spring, but the residual snowpack may impede travel in some mountain destinations. 7 Southern California day trips to take when you are ready - Los WEST COAST: You can hear the Pacific lap the shore below your balcony room at Malibu Beach Inntake them up on a picnic basket for two customized by the Picnic Collective. Straddling the California-Nevada border roughly 40 miles outside of Reno, Lake Tahoe is one of Northern Californias greatest treasures. Within the larger Appalachian mountain range, which runs from Maine all the way down to northern Alabama, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a quintessential American destination, home to bluegrass music, two national parks, and scenic road trip opportunities. Bear Valley Search & Rescue - High-Tech Escape Room. Crystal Cove State Park, which stretches from Laguna Beach to Newport Beach, has 3.2 miles of beach, a campground, the Beachcomber Cafe (where youre invited to order by phone rather than touching a menu) and the Crystal Cove Shake Shack at 7703 East Coast Highway (which, believe it or not, has no website). Its also a good idea to follow the CDCs travel recommendations and we encourage all visitors to travel responsibly. It is imperative that California continue to take steps necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants and reduce new sources of infection until we can achieve higher levels of vaccination in California and beyond. Or vice versa. But with planning and care (and perhaps some weeks of waiting until infection rates slow), you can take a day trip that meets state guidelines and still slakes your wanderlust. The Santa Barbara Zoo is open; advance reservations are required. COVID in California: Fauci to skip press dinner while Biden forgoes the meal California does not have to require prison workers to get COVID vaccines, court rules "We are seeing about 70 new . Theres no way around it: Its been a rough few years for Napa Valley. Miles from DTLA: 17. And as virtually all of Palm Springs is designed for indoor-outdoor living, those who still prefer patio dining are spoiled for choice. Designed to highlight the regions rustic beauty, its 130 rooms and suites all but disappear into the Sonoma landscape. With art galleries, museums, parks and a central district filled with shops, SLO offers plenty to see and do. Get our L.A. Use apps such as Hipcamp and the Dyrt to find off-the-beaten-path RV and glamping sites instead. The Funk Zone district is full of art galleries and tasting rooms, many of which are part of Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail. Check into an Airstream (or tiny house!) But it feels like every RV should come with a first-timers manualwhich is why we compiled this step-by-step guide to traveling in a RV during a pandemic, including how to rent (check out Outdoorsy RV, pictured), where to park, and how to stay hygienic while traveling. Enjoy the efficiency of an organized tour led by experts who bring Rome's history to life. The same is recommended, but not required, for outdoor mega events of 10,000 attendees or more. Check for any local or regional updates while youre on the road and once you return home: Tourism boards and municipalities are constantly updating their information online. Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi. The Resort at Paws Up sits on a 37,000-acre ranch in Greenough, Montana, with 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of Blackfoot River; the 1.5-million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Area is also nearby. MS 0500 A surfer rides a hydrofoil surfboard at Paradise Cove in Malibu. You might not be ready to spend $1,000 for a night at the Montage, but you might consider breakfast, lunch or dinner on the patio at the resorts Mosaic Bar & Grill. Thats in addition to a state mandate that forbids overnight stays on nonessential trips, whether in hotels or short-term rentals. The goal of this boutique hotel is to honor the buildings history as a nonchalant innkeepers humble abode, which sounds like the ideal spot to ride out this pandemic. Officially, its the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, 14 feet wide and shared by cyclists, skaters, pedestrians and wheelchair users. 40 Vacation Ideas During Covid (All Socially Distanced) - AFAR It's also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the country. 10 Fun Things to Do in Southern California April 2023 | Expedia One of the country's most popular national parks can be found about 170 miles east of San Francisco. These coastal coves, beaches, cliffs and trails include some of Californias most coveted real estate. About 4 miles up Old Topanga Road from the boulevard youll find the Los Angeles Horseback Riding ranch (losangeleshorsebackriding.com; $100 for an hour). Some counties (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa) are requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining or to attend indoor events or large outdoor events. But if you do manage to snag oneor book a room at the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel, the rustic Yosemite Valley Lodge, the tents at Curry Village, or any of the now-reopened campgroundsthe park is yours to explore, with shuttle services temporarily suspended but all roads open, all trails open, and fewer crowds than ever. It continues to shine, especially now with its exquisite outdoor dining (and flexible booking). State of CaliforniaHealth and Human Services Agency Big Surs epic Post Ranch Inn has carefully considered its reopening plan, and after a global (!) Point Reyes National Seashore's 70,000-plus acres beckon to wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The grounds and view from Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. Further north on Highway 1, the Bodega Bay Lodge, in the seaside town where Alfred Hitchcock set The Birds, is an equally peaceful sanctuaryideal for coastal bluff walks, cruising on the resorts complimentary bikes, or simply enjoying the bay views by the fire pits of onsite restaurant Drakes Fireside Lounge, with glass of wine in hand. Opened in October, this immaculately pruned haven is the latest phase in many years of development at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Gardens in San Marino.
