March 9, 2005 - Whales and Jazz on the Mendocino Coast
April 1 - April 3, 2005 Point Arena and Gualala, California
Good food, good music and whales! That's what you'll find at the Redwood Coast Whale & Jazz Festival, which takes place this spring in one of the most scenic areas of the California coast.
Point Arena juts out into the Pacific for two miles, making the Lighthouse area an excellent spot to view the migrating gray whales. They pass by close to shore here, especially in the spring, when they're returning with their calves from their breeding grounds in Baja, California. The mothers and calves travel more slowly, so you'll have an excellent chance of spotting them. And the views from Point Arena are simply stunning.
For the ultimate experience, try staying at the Coast Guard House Historic Inn or in tiny Gualala.
Festival events include Dinner & Jazz in Gualala, Whale Watching at Point Arena Lighthouse, Whale Watching Walks in Gualala, Chowder Challenge & Jazz Concert in Gualala, and more.
Find out more:
California Whale Watching
Point Arena Attractions
March 13, 2005 - Bird Lovers Flock to Godwit Days on Humboldt Bay
10th Annual Godwit Days Spring Migration Festival
April 15 - 17 Arcata, California
Celebrate the Spring migration of the Marbled Godwit and see how many bird species you can spot. (Over 250 species have been sighted in this area.) Held at the peak of the spring migration, the festival offers nearly 100 field trips, lectures, workshops, and boat excursions. You can meet celebrated wildlife and nature artists and talk to the expert field trip leaders. There will also be videos, beginning birding seminars, live birds of prey, original art, and bird related products and information.
California's north coast is an outstanding scenic area, with its dramatic rocky coastline and towering redwoods. And Humboldt Bay offers a variety of birding experiences, including expansive mud-flats and the world-renowned Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Perhaps you'll see a Marbled Murrelet, Spotted Owl, or Snowy Plover. You can also take advantage of special pre- and post-festival birding trips to expand your birding holiday to a full week. You can register for the festival on-line.
More information:
Humboldt Beaches
Arcata Lodging
Humboldt Coast Lodging
March 20, 2005 - Winter Rains Bring Outstanding Wildflower Season
The heavy winter rains California suffered could have an upside this spring with outstanding displays of wildflowers throughout the state. Wildflowers are already blooming like crazy, and if the weather remains warm, things will only get better. Some of the most dramatic displays are in the desert areas, but you'll find plenty of color along the coast.
Chances are, you won't have any trouble finding great wildflower spots, but just in case, here are a few suggestions:
Northern California
Azalea State Reserve
MacKerricher State Park
Point Arena Lighthouse
Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve
Bay Area
Point Reyes National Seashore
Milagra Ridge
Central California
Garrapata State Park
Montana de Oro State Park
Southern California
Topanga State Park
Crystal Cove State Park and other locations in Orange County
Cabrillo National Monument
Where to Stay Along the California Coast
March 21, 2005 - Explore Santa Barbara's Wine Country
Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival
April 7-10, 2005
If you enjoyed the movie Sideways, perhaps you'll be inspired to explore Santa Barbara's Wine Country. At the Vintners' Festival, you can follow the Sideways trails, enjoy wine tasting from over 70 wineries, or have a picnic at your favorite winery. There will, of course, be plenty of good food, with special dinners and events, and live music.
Santa Barbara County is home to over 80 wineries, with over 21,000 acres of vineyards -- all set in one of the loveliest regions on the California coast.
Where to Stay on the Santa Barbara Coast
March 23, 2005 - King Tut Returns to LA
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
June 16, 2005 through November 15, 2005
The last time The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) displayed the treasures of Tutankhamun, it inspired Steve Martin to create his historically ridiculous hit "King Tut." That was way back in 1978. Now over 130 treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other Valley of the Kings tombs will once again be on display at LACMA.
Tickets are on sale now, and if this exhibit is anywhere near as popular as the 1978 Tut Fest, you'll want to get your tickets early.
Included in the exhibit will be Tutankhamun's royal diadem and one of the gold and precious stone inlaid coffinnettes that contained his mummified internal organs. All of the treasures in the exhibit are between 3,300 and 3,500 years old.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
March 25, 2005 - Bodega Bay Celebrates Fishing
Bodega Bay's Fisherman's Festival
April 16 - 17, 2005
Celebrate the opening of the Salmon fishing season at Bodega Bay. Enjoy plenty of music, food and entertainment. There will be wine tasting, food booths, live music and entertainers, and artisans and vendors. Activities for the kids include games, a golf tournement, bathtub races, llamas on parade, kite lessons, and various activities.
There will be a decorated boat parade out of the harbor on Sunday morning, and a flower wreath will be cast on the waters in honor of fisherman who have lost their lives in this dangerous occupation.
A raffle will be held, with proceeds going to Bodega Bay Community Services. The festival is held in Westside Park, Bodega Bay, California.
Where to stay in Bodega Bay
