Drives and Destinations
When it comes to the arts, Los Angeles has raised the bar and has set the standard with the quality of art that it creates and presents. With more than 100 museums boasting priceless works of art, original sculptures, avant-garde objects and pop-culture icons, LA boasts the highest percentage of visitors who cross the thresholds of its many museums of any major U.S. city. "We have an extraordinary collection of art museums, performing art venues, and galleries," says Michael McDowell, senior director of Cultural Tourism & Affinity Markets for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. "Cultural tourism ranks high…
West Los Angeles, which stretches from the Miracle Mile to Brentwood, is an oasis of culture paired with chic, urban perks. A wealth of amenities, including world-class museums, chic shopping areas and chef-driven restaurants, are in store. Miracle Mile The Miracle Mile is home to several of LA's top museums, all within walking distance of one another. Among them is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), one of nation's top art institutions. Since it opened in 1965, the museum has grown into a 20-acre campus that exhibits 100,000 objects dating from ancient times to the present. Seven buildings…
Venice is a neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles, but that doesn't stop a lot of people from mistaking it for its own city. Some would go as far as calling Venice its own planet. From the chaos of Ocean Front Walk to the fashion consciousness of Abbot Kinney Boulevard to the dozens of narrow streets lined with a mix of century-old homes and modern architectural statements, Venice is a singular destination in a city known for its individualism. The brainchild of New Jersey-born entrepreneur Abbot Kinney, Venice opened as a beach resort modeled after the world-famous Italian destination…
Key components of the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge are the 75 Cars lined up on the Bridge on opening day. From the holdings of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, used with permission, www.goldengate.org Community Tributes being hosted by a diverse array of San Francisco Bay Area organizations and talents. The complete year-long schedule of all 2012 Community Tributes—including the dozens of events over Memorial Day weekend leading up to the official Golden Gate Festival celebration on the San Francisco waterfront May 27, 2012—is updated frequently on the official Golden Gate Bridge…
Historically known for the 1848 cry of "Eureka!" at John Sutter's American River Mill and the resultant gold rush of the following year, California's Gold Country is possibly the most authentic early California experience for visitors. Once beautiful but sleepy, it's now beautiful and sophisticated but has retained the historic charm of smallRafting provides thrills. Photo by Hot Shot Imaging towns, friendly outfitters and hospitable innkeepers and vintners. California's Gold Country delivers an historic, yet polished, travel experience for visitors to San Francisco or Sacramento who want to move away from metropolitan areas and do some exploring. First time visitors…
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Temecula Valley is Southern California wine country. There are vineyards, of course, but the area includes a wider variety of agriculture. This casual, picturesque valley is located 1 hour from Orange County and Palm Desert; 1½ hours from Los Angeles. Oranges, other citrus fruit are important. Photo: Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.The following ten farms and ranches are family-owned, commercial enterprises. With advance notice, every one of them can welcome groups of agribusiness professionals, academics, researchers, and just interested enthusiasts. 1. Cunningham Organic Farm Tour, learn, pick, sample and taste special tree crops in-season at eclectic Cunningham…
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San Luis Obispo County has all the ingredients for a delicious culinary adventure. Area farms and orchards produce fresh, seasonal fruits, nuts and vegetables. Ranches raise natural beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, while coastal Pacific waters offers more fresh choices for discerning palates. A gourmand's playground, the dining scene has exploded with new restaurants showcasing innovative dishes prepared by chefs choosing local, organic and sustainable food available in San Luis Obispo County. Complementing the culinary experience are award-winning vintages produced by the many wineries dotting the Paso Robles wine country and San Luis Obispo County landscape. Fastest Growing Wine Region…
Spring in The Napa Valley is the perfect time for getting outdoors and up-close-and-personal with blooming wild mustard and budding vines. Conservation organizations, nature-minded hotels and sporty tasting rooms serve up exciting adventures in the great outdoors with treks that include biking, kayaking, art and yoga. Canopy of trees on Hwy 29Connecting to the LandDedicated to the preservation of the Napa Valley, the Land Trust of Napa County has successfully protected 26,000 acres of pristine wilderness, designating these spaces as public parks and recreational areas featuring fabulous vistas and wildlife corridors. Throughout the year, the Land Trust offers unique and…
Avalon Harbor. Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Santa Catalina Island is accessible by boat from three southern California ports; San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. It's better known to most as just Catalina Island. Most residents live in the town of Avalon and some in the coastal village of Two Harbors. Avalon is clean and safe and offers the quintessential beach town and island adventure. Blessed with clear blue waters and Greek-isle scenery, Catalina Island is a Shangri-La. This laid back island town is chock full of places to eat, drink shop. Catalina has a…
The song lyrics say, "nobody walks in L.A," but everybody walks, bikes or skates in Redondo Beach. The following tour can be safely enjoyed by traveling on city streets or the South Bay Bicycle Trail and pedestrian walkway. And some even paddle at Redondo Beach. Sitting at the north end of Harbor Drive, the tour starts with the artist Wyland's famous mural depicting the California gray whale on the exterior wall of the AES powerplant building. The mural is one of the artist's largest and most extraordinary works. Don't forget to visit the S.E.A Laboratory and see local marine life…
While known for the “summer camp” vibe of Guerneville and environs, Sonoma County has grown into a year-round gay and lesbian destination that mixes upscale wine country living with rural charm. Less than 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County includes the rugged coast, the celebrated wine country, historic towns and quaint villages. Wine tasting is a top draw, as are spa getaways, sophisticated dining, world-class lodgings, golf and more. Guerneville, along the Russian River, continues to be a hotspot for fun. The friendly town boasts gay and lesbian bars along its strip, as well as hotels, campgrounds and…