May 2, 2005 - Exploring LA's Beaches
The best part of Los Angeles lies along the coast, in the beach cities. Here, you'll find a little bit of something for everyone.
If you really want to get away from it all, you'll find a big chunk of pristine wilderness in Malibu, with miles of hiking trails, camping and spectacular scenic drives. Or head to the rugged shoreline of Palos Verdes, where you can spend some quiet moments in the Wayfarers Chapel.
If you're looking for fun, the place to go is Santa Monica's Pacific Park, an amusement park right on the pier. You'll also find an arcade and an aquarium in the area. Or check out weird and funky Venice, where something a little bit different is always going on.
If surfing is your thing, you'll want the beaches along south Santa Monica Bay -- Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. The atmosphere is laid back, and you'll find plenty of beach activities.
Families enjoy the major attractions in Long Beach, like the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, board the Catalina Express for a visit to the island of romance, Santa Catalina.
Keep this in mind when visiting the Los Angeles area -- the air is clear and fresh at the beach. The sea breezes blow away all the smog, which, alas, winds up in the Los Angeles basin. When there's an inversion layer, this nasty stuff gets trapped, creating LA's famous smoggy conditions. But you won't have to worry about any of that along the coast..
More info: Enjoy the Best of Los Angeles Along the Coast
May 4, 2005 - Celebrate Delicious Thistles in Monterey County
Castroville Artichoke Festival
May 14-15, 2005
Artichokes really are quite an amazing vegetable. Who would have thought of eating a thistle? At the festival, you'll be able to sample the many ways artichokes can be prepared, and even take field trips to the artichoke fields. Castroville holds the title of Artichoke Capital of the World, and it's quite a sight to see fields full of these very large and dramatic plants.
There will also be plenty of entertainment, including two days of live music, children's activities, cooking and flower arranging demonstrations, wine tasting, and arts and crafts. You'll also be able to stock up on artichokes and other fresh produce at the Farmers Market.
Where to stay on the Monterey Coast
May 17, 2005 - Antique Planes Fly In Santa Cruz County
41st Annual Watsonville Fly-In
May 27 - 29, 2005 Watsonville Municipal Airport
If you love planes and flying, you won't want to miss this Antique Fly-In and Air Show, the largest of its kind in the West. You'll find over 300 aircraft on display, including antique, classic, neoclassic, homebuilt, and Warbirds. Many of the world's most talented pilots will demonstrate their aerobatic skills. Watsonville is located on the central coast, between Santa Cruz and Monterey.
Where to stay in Watsonville
Where to stay on the Santa Cruz coast
May 19, 2005 - Surfin' Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Longboard Competition
May 28 - 29, 2005
The 21st annual Memorial Day Contest
If you're up for watching some great surfing, head to Santa Cruz. Some 350 surfers of all ages will compete at Steamer Lane and Cowell Beach. The competition is hosted by the Santa Cruz Longboard Union, and is the oldest, if not the largest, such competition in the world. There will be a Sunday auction and raffle to benefit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Ride-a-Wave Foundation, Jacob's Heart Childrens Cancer Foundation, and other charities.
Dave Collins, Event Coordinator: 831.454.9888
Where to stay in Santa Cruz
May 24, 2005 - San Diego: The Perfect Vacation Spot
San Diego has just about everything you'd want for a vacation. The weather is as near perfect as you're likely to find, with average daily temperatures of 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about your summer fun being ruined by rain, because rain in the summer is almost unheard of here.
San Diego is California's second largest city, but it doesn't feel like a vast metropolis. Maybe that's because it's so easy to get around in, and so darn sunny.
San Diego County boasts some 70 miles of gorgeous beaches and numerous world-class attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and Legoland California. Historic and cultural attractions include Old Town San Diego, Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter.
You'll also find 92 golf courses, numerous beachfront resorts and spas, spectator sports, and festivals and celebrations throughout the year. There's also plenty to do in the great outdoors, including surfing, boating, sailing, swimming, horseback riding, hiking and camping
Plan the Perfect San Diego Vacation
