Vacation Rentals California Coast

If California coastal scenery is what you’re looking for, start your journey in Bodega Bay and head north. Breathtaking scenery, historical attractions and charming bed-and-breakfast inns await your exploration.

The drive starts in Bodega Bay, just 22 miles through rolling hills from Petaluma and Highway 101. For us, Bodega always reminds us of the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie, The Birds, which was, of course, was filmed at Bodega Bay. While its been more than 50 years since Cary Grant was in town filming that movie, there is no question that Bodega still finds birds are big business.

You cant cross the street without some reminder that the movie was filmed there. The Tides Restaurant featured prominently in the movie now has an unusual gift shop that seems almost like a museum with its many Birds-related clothing, posters, photos and toys.” Of course, no matter that the “real” restaurant burned down long ago and the replacement buildings bear no resemblance to those used in the movie.

What does remain is the same sleepy seaside village that appeared in the movie. Down at the Tides Restaurant, there still is a bit of the waterfront flavor seen in the movie. Fishing trawlers bring their fresh catch to a seafood company on the dock, and there are always plenty of barking sea lions hoping to dine on leftovers. In the movie, Tippy Hedron rented a small motorboat at this dock before motoring across the bay to her new boyfriends house.

About 20 miles north of Bodega is Jenner, a small coastal town with commanding views of the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean. Vacation rentals are popular in Jenner, and youll be tempted to stop at Goat Rock State Park, a photographers favorite with its views of the craggy rock towers that poke dramatically through the frothy waves.

About 12 miles north of Jenner, we stopped at Fort Ross State Historic Park, a well-preserved piece of California coastal history. One of the oldest parks in the state system, Fort Ross had its beginnings in 1812 when a party of 25 Russians joined with 80 native Alaskans to start construction of a fort including a stockade, blockhouses and several log buildings. They chose a relatively flat bluff overlooking the Pacific that offered plenty of space for Native American encampments that would sprout up alongside the fort.

Fort Ross was established as a California colony for the Russians, who could not grow enough food in Alaska to support themselves. Not only was this area a source of food, but also of sea otters which proved quite profitable for the Russians. Today, visitors can tour the buildings, some of which offer authentic displays with artifacts such as 19th Century musket rifles or household tools and other items actually used by the Russians. Out in the courtyard we noticed there were several real cannons we know they were real because Park Service employees were firing them off in a demonstration for a group of school children. The park, in general, is well worth the $6 per car admission.

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Heading northward on Highway 1 there are almost continuous vistas of the ocean, including many opportunities for beach access. The day we were touring, a thick layer of white fluffy clouds was just offshore and had descended enough that tourists could stop at the coastal vistas and actually look down on the clouds.

Another 40 miles of spectacular views and we approached the Point Arena area, where we planned to spend the night. About a mile off the highway is the Arena Cove and perched on a hill overlooking the cove was the Coast Guard House Historic Inn, a popular bed-and-breakfast that figures prominently in this areas history.

The Coast Guard was preceded by the U.S. Life-saving Service which was established in the late 19th Century as a means of providing rescue to the many mariners who lost ships or got into trouble in the fog or on the stormy seas just off the point. In 1901, the Cape Code-style building now known as the Coast Guard House was built as a life-saving station — a place for members of the Life-saving Service to live. Much like todays firehouses, the rescuers lived together and were available on short notice for emergencies. In those days, they rowed out to the stricken ships in long boats that seemed almost as hazardous as the ships they were rescuing.

This historic building makes a charming inn, where innkeeper Kevin Gallagher offers guests a choice between separate cottages and rooms in the main building. We enjoyed a tiny, yet unique accommodation called the Flag Room which was ideal for a couple or single person. The room basically is a Queen bed, a private bathroom and a dining or reading area that includes a couch-like bench, table and three large windows overlooking the Arena Cove and the sea beyond. The bedroom area, while small, seems open because it also has a wall full of windows. Furnishings, floors — everything in this room is upscale.

Judging from the conversation at the breakfast table, guests do find the inn to their liking. Over an elaborate Spanish-style omelet, fresh pastries, juice and coffee, we enjoyed meeting an extended family that had booked several rooms for their group as they toured California with family members from Israel. The guests who stayed in the cottages enjoyed their breakfast in their rooms. Like innkeepers at many bed-and-breakfast inns, Gallagher a Philadelphia native — is a gracious and affable host who makes a point of getting to know each of his guests, whether at breakfast or while they are enjoying some quiet relaxation in the reading room.

In addition to the life-saving station, a strong light beam was needed to direct ships away from the many coastal hazards. During the 1860s, ships carrying lumber past Point Arena would go aground almost weekly. So it was in 1866 that the government funded the Point Arena Lighthouse. While the original was damaged beyond repair in the 1906 earthquake, the replacement lighthouse stands to this day and is a popular stop just a couple miles north of the town of Point Arena.

Near the base of the Point Arena Lighthouse is a small museum and gift shop where visitors can spend a few minutes while they wait for the next tour to the top of the lighthouse. With more than a hundred steps, the stairs to the top can be challenging for older visitors, but the spiral staircase leads to a unique up-close look at the famous Fresnel lens a lens that makes the light visible 18 miles at sea. There are also great views of the coastline from the top, although the best photo opportunities are just a quarter-mile or so from the lighthouse where you can also look out on the rocks and tidepools.

Maybe the best place of all to view the rocky coastline is the Stornetta Public Lands, just a short walk on a trail located at the first bend in the road once you leave the lighthouse. For wide open beaches, there is no better place along here than Manchester State Park, with its dunes and scenic views of the Point Arena Lighthouse.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: This tour starts in Bodega, just a half hour drive from Petaluma, and there are fascinating coastal views and attractions all the way up to Point Arena and beyond. Further up the road is Mendocino, famous for its seaside landscapes and fine restaurants and lodgings.

WHAT: The Bodega to Point Arena drive is an easy half-day drive that is ideal for a weekend daytrip, or better yet, an overnight in Point Arena and return trip the next day.

WHEN: Year-round, although the weather along the coast can change quickly and be quite unpredictable.

WHY: The California coast is a national treasure, and it simply lifts the spirits to see what Mother Nature has given us along this gorgeous stretch of Highway 1.

HOW: For more information on the Coast Guard House Historic Inn, phone 707-882-2442 or visit www.coastguardhouse.com.

Originally published here.

Spanish for “The Jewel,” La Jolla is located 15 miles from San Diego and holds its own among all the other gems that make up California’s coastal cities. Consistently nice weather and beautiful natural scenery provide the backdrop for a community filled with art galleries, fine restaurants, and shopping galore. A visit to La Jolla will show you all the best aspects of America’s Golden state, so go west, young travelers.

Several beaches are certainly worth visiting along La Jolla’s coast, including La Jolla Cove, one of California’s most photographed beaches. Though relatively small, this strip of shoreline is striking in its beauty and within easy walking distance of the town. Another notable spot is Black’s Beach, which is located at the base of the cliffs. It makes a great place for surfing, but due to often difficult trail access it attracts only the most adventurous hikers.

Golfers will find themselves in a veritable paradise here in La Jolla, thanks to the Torrey Pines course and two country clubs. Prepare to swing your clubs in the most breathtaking of environments, and be prepared to test your skills by playing through a little fog if you choose to visit the seaside courses. Culture-minded travelers will want to take notice of the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library as well as the Contemporary Art Museum, and if your budget permits, make an appointment at the local spa for an end of the day massage or pedicure.

If you like to enjoy a hearty day of shopping, La Jolla is the right place for you. Pick up a priceless piece at one of the many antique shops, find the painting that will fit above your mantel among the gallery offerings, or check out ever-trendy California’s latest offerings as you cruise through the clothing shops. An array of fine jewelers will make window shopping a must, or if you’ve been saving up perhaps you’ll even step inside for a better look. Finally, several specialty boutiques will make bringing home unique souvenirs a distinct possibility, so keep your eyes open for that special something that will help you remember this trip for years to come.

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After filling your days with these activities, it’s likely that you’ll work up an appetite for a satisfying meal. Nestled into the cliffs and providing a front-row seat to what’s sure to be a striking sunset, many restaurants have created enticing menus to match the ideal ambience of La Jolla. Seafood is a popular offering, but other than that the primary theme of the dining scene is eclecticism and tantalizing flavors. From elegant to casual, the assortment of establishments will ensure that you never go hungry. Don’t forget that you’re pretty close to wine country, so be sure to pick out a locally created bottle to go with your dinner.

Many special events make La Jolla an even more magnetic place to visit, and it’s likely that something fun will be going on at the time of your visit. Book readings, swimming events, movies by the sea and an annual Summerfest filled with music and dancing are just a few examples of the ways that this jewel of a city likes to celebrate, so be sure to take advantage of everything that’s happening while you’re here.

To make this vacation truly stellar, look into renting a vacation property so that your home base will be as fabulous as the rest of the trip. Choosing a one-of-a-kind spot along the beach with high ceilings, ocean views, and modern decorations will make you feel truly privileged. And on a practical note, having access to a kitchen, washer and dryer, and plenty of closet space means that you won’t have to worry about the little things that can sometimes bring a vacation down.

There are many vacation rentals available in the La Jolla area, so whether you’d prefer to be within walking distance of the shopping district or tucked away in the hills with a 180 degree view of the seascape, you’re sure to find something elegant and comfortable. Victorian style cottages and attractive adobe casitas stand out from the usual lodging options, and choosing to stay in a unique and cozy place for your visit to this traveler’s paradise will definitely seem like the right thing to do.

Go online to weigh your options, and settle for nothing less than the La Jolla Vacation Rental of your dreams.

Originally published here.

Even teetotalers have to admit, there is something luxurious and intriguing about the idea of visiting California Wine Country. This is a place where generations of growers have toiled away to perfect the art of bringing fine wine to the world’s tables. Pleasing the palate is the number one priority, and the air is rich with tradition, complexity, and romance. Come for the wine or for the atmosphere, but visit Wine Country some time soon.

The area just north of San Francisco provides the traditional scenes sought after by wine connoisseurs; ancient vineyards, winery tours, and plenty of tastings, all surrounded by beautiful countryside. Napa Valley is perhaps the most famous of California’s regions, and contains about 45,000 acres of grapes and several hundred different wineries. This isn’t large by world standards, but that doesn’t stop it from being a well-visited and internationally respected wine-producing region. Within the valley you’ll find Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville, Rutherford, and Yountville. Each of these has tours to offer as well as restaurants, prime picnic spots, and plenty of chances to taste the fragrant fruits of the earth.

Sonoma County, birthplace of California wine making, will certainly impress you as well. From family-run operations to large businesses, each stop on your tour will be different than the last. Just as no two wines are alike, you’ll never find two wineries that use the same methods, grapes, or label art. Treasure this notion as you wander the picturesque vistas and keep your senses alert, as you’ll likely discover a wine with a blend of elements perfectly suited to your taste buds. Hopefully you have some room to bring a few bottles home with you.

Follow the Russian River to the north for a visit to historic Healdsburg and experience stunning natural beauty along with even more wineries. Spanish-style architecture, small-town friendliness, and lots of vacation rentals will make this seem like the ideal place to hide away for a while. The redwoods that surround the town and the welcoming atmosphere that pervades it will make you feel instantly at home. If the mood strikes you, settle in for a while and let the culture, music, and sweet aroma of wine take you far away from the hubbub that you’re used to.

If you’d like to see what else California Wine Country has to offer, make space in your day for some antique shopping, golfing, or a hot air balloon ride. You or your traveling companions may need a break from the Merlots and Chardonnays, so be sure to open your eyes to the big picture and all the opportunities that surround you. The wine is sublime on its own, but when mixed with a full day of varied activities, all the flavors will mingle with extra passion.

From Petaluma to Cazadero, you’re sure to find bike trails, spas, fine dining options, and all varieties of entertainment everywhere you look. So whether you and your traveling companions stick together or take an afternoon apart, no one has an excuse to be bored or dissatisfied with the activities at hand in Wine Country. Even the decision to explore a back country road or wander along the coast could lead to great memories, so let your instincts take over as you delve into the mysterious and sensuous terrain of this most charming of areas.

Just as the wine must be well-paired to your meal, your place of lodging must complement your vacation. You’ve traveled all this way in order to revel in life’s small pleasures and you’ve sharpened your senses in order to distinguish between “full” and “medium” bodied, so don’t settle for anything less than amazing when it comes to where you stay.

Look into a vacation rental for the true Wine Country experience. Properties all throughout the valleys will appeal to your delicate senses and will invite love and friendship to flow along with the wine. No matter what area you’re partial to, you’re sure to find a place nearby. A Monte Rio loft with down comforters and a hot tub would be a fine choice, as would a Guerneville forest lodge. Many are a stone’s throw away from one or more wineries, and most provide other options for keeping busy or letting go of stress.

Look online to find the Wine Country Vacation Rental that will satisfy your discerning taste, and prepare to toast to a very fine trip.

Originally published here.