To this day, I haven’t had a Belmond experience that wasn’t really unique – from the British Pullman to the Venice Simplon-Orient Express trains, the iconic Reids Palace in Madeira, or the stunning La Residencia in Mallorca. This time around, I went stateside and explored my first Belmond property in the Americas: Belmond El Encanto, located in Santa Barbara in California. This is how my stay went. Getting to Belmond El Encanto We flew from London Heathrow to Los Angeles with British Airways and hired a car with Avis for the duration of our California trip (which was 17 days). We drove from LA to Santa Barbara, and that took us around 2h45m (we were lucky with the traffic) – we chose the scenic route, via Santa Monica and Malibu and followed the Pacific Coast Highway for most of the journey. Belmond El Encanto is located in Santa Barbara, in a residential area a few miles from the town centre. The hotel & check-in We arrived at the hotel and made our … [Read more...] about A hotel to remember: Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara, California
California
How to Buy Discounted Tickets to LEGOLAND California
Previous post 12 Things To Know Before Traveling To Mexico City Next post How to Buy San Diego Zoo Safari Park Discount Tickets Related Posts 13 San Diego Discounts May 4, 2018 / 10 Benefits of the Go San Diego Card Discounted Attractions Pass January 28, 2018 / 8 Reasons to Buy the Southern California CityPASS January 22, 2018 / 10 Best Hotels Near LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad January 21, 2018 / … [Read more...] about How to Buy Discounted Tickets to LEGOLAND California
Tips on California Warnings or Dangers
California Warnings and Dangers Dangerous beauty spreads across California in many forms, some natural, and some man-made. Both can be deadly if you ignore the warnings. Tips on Areas to Avoid in San Francisco San Francisco has a lot of fun things to do and beautiful places to see. Here are a few tips to avoid – the unsafe/violent neighborhoods that plague all major cities. Bayview – drugs and violence Sunnydale – drive-by-shootings, active drug use Hunters Point – highest murder rate in the city Visitation Valley – drive-by-shootings and stabbing Tenderloin – Eddy and Ellis Streets are heavily populated with drug users Some parts of the mission – gang related shootings and drug violence Some parts of the Fillmore – drug issues Stay on the Beaten Path in Los Angeles Los Angeles is crime ridden, but so are most other major cities. You should be fine in the tourist corridors. The most dangerous parts of the city haven’t seen a … [Read more...] about Tips on California Warnings or Dangers
An Epic California Spring Break Combining Beach Time and Snow
Spring break sits at the crossroads of winter and summer, a time to trade chilly school days for the promise of sun. But a California spring break offers an intriguing option: Embrace the best of winter and enjoy spring-break-worthy beach time. California Spring Break Magic: Beach and Snow Here’s a taste of what you can do with kids when you plan a California spring break road trip that includes beach-bliss in Santa Cruz and all the winter fun of Lake Tahoe. Related: 10 Insanely Affordable Spring Destionations Santa Cruz Its laid-back vibe means that kids are welcome almost everywhere in Santa Cruz. This stretch of coast is dotted with a tantalizing variety of sandy beaches and tide-pool-festooned rocky seashores. On weekends in winter and spring, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk—named the World’s Best Seaside Park by the amusement industry—is a family crowd pleaser packed with rides, all set against the brilliant backdrop of the Pacific. Look beyond the beach … [Read more...] about An Epic California Spring Break Combining Beach Time and Snow
California Shopping
California Shopping The state of California is known for celebrities, beautiful weather, beaches, and of course, shopping. California shopping is one of the state’s main attractions. The Embarcadero Center The Embarcadero Center near San Francisco is not only filled with convenient shops and places to grab a snack, it has been the backdrop of famous movies due to its distinctive modernist architecture. The Embarcadero Center is in a mixed-use area, however, so there isn’t much activity after 5:00 pm or on the weekends. The shops are mostly corporate, brand-name stores with a number of ethnic restaurants and a cinema. The prices may be higher than average, but the views and atmosphere are worth it. Santee Alley If you’re in Los Angeles, you can shop at Santee Alley in the Fashion District. Santee Alley is a bazaar-like passageway that stretches several blocks through the neighborhood. It is a great place to purchase fabric and designer-inspired items for half the price … [Read more...] about California Shopping
Things To Do in Mount Shasta, California
Mount Shasta Things To Do Mount Shasta is known for its beauty and history. The area has a wealth of nature-related activities as well as beautiful scenery surrounded by interesting communities and historical towns. Of course, the highlight of the area is the 14,000-foot high Mount Shasta itself. Get Out and Enjoy the Landscape You can enjoy the mountain itself in a variety of ways. If you like hiking, then there are several trails to choose from. However, if you want to climb to the top of Mount Shasta, then you will definitely need a guide and some good mountaineering gear as getting to that summit can be difficult. Since there are many other trails of varying difficulty, if your objective is not to reach the summit, then it’s best to take one of those other trails. If hiking is not your thing, drive around the area and view the mountain from various distances. Drive up to Bunny Flats for a fantastic look around at 6,800 feet. You can also camp at Siskiyou … [Read more...] about Things To Do in Mount Shasta, California
Pastoral Alisal Guest Ranch in California
Author: Jill WeinleinDate of Trip: September 2014 Driving to Alisal Ranch along the 101 freeway, past Santa Barbara, I felt the tension release from my muscles as the road offered vistas of the blue Pacific Ocean on one side and rolling hills with grazing cattle decorating the other side of the road. Turning from the 101 onto Old Coast Highway I stopped at a small farm with llamas, pigs and a miniature donkey greeting visitors near the Honor barn filled with fresh produce. You leave money in a cash box for the produce you wish to purchase. Ahh, simpler times. I drove under a canopy of ancient trees before reaching the 10,500 acre Alisal Guest Ranch. Turning onto the long driveway, I saw horses peacefully grazing in grassy pastures. Nearby were couples sitting on their patio in comfy wicker chairs sharing a bottle of wine while watching the sunset. The premier working cattle ranch opened in 1946 for couples, families and now corporate gatherings. Beautifully manicured lawns connect 73 … [Read more...] about Pastoral Alisal Guest Ranch in California
Rhodes End B&B (Northern California)
Author: spagirl1Date of Trip: September 2004 We started our anniversary mini-trip with a stop at Founder’s Grove, Richardson’s Grove and Avenue of the Giants, located on California’s Highway 101. Not only a perfect are for a picnic in either a shady redwood grove or along the picturesque river, these gentle giant trees are sure to take your breath away, no matter where you’re from. We’ve grown up in Northern California, and this area never ceases to amaze both my husband and myself. There are scores of trails and countless ventures for the traveler to suit your various desires, whether it be a gentle short walk, or a longer, more challenging hike. There are also, it should be noted, restroom facilities in this area (always crucial on any roadtrip). If you are up for either a B&B, or tent or RV camping, this area can fill your platter! There are campsites with and without hookups, with firepits, barbecue sites, and a few various inn-type accommodations … [Read more...] about Rhodes End B&B (Northern California)
Things to Do in Sonora, California
Sonora is a former Gold-Rush city with a large downtown that contains some impressive, well-preserved buildings. Attractive and lively, it’s the center of local entertainment, commerce and government. At the heart of downtown, just up the hill and across the wooded plaza from the main street, there’s a pretty, old courthouse. Built in 1898, it has a small clock tower in the middle and looks a little different from any other courthouse in the state. The Sugg House was built in 1857 by William Sugg, a freed slave. The wooden frame was completed in 1880. It was used as a hotel until 1921, when changes in the state law (requiring hot and cold running water in each hotel room) caused it to close. Nevertheless, the house remained in the Sugg family until 1982. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1885 with money from Sonora’s Bonanza Gold Mine, this historic opera house has had its ups and downs over the years. It’s been occupied by a number … [Read more...] about Things to Do in Sonora, California
California Nightlife – Clubs, Bars, & Nightlife Tips
California is known for a lot: beaches, big cities, mountains, and a laid-back lifestyle that draws millions to the state every year. Here are some tips for enjoying the nightlife, bars, and clubs as much as the outdoors. Make sure you bring government-issued photo identification with you or you may not get into any bars or clubs. If a bar gets caught serving an underage patron in San Francisco, for example, the bar will be shut down for 30 days (no exceptions) so establishments rightfully take patrons’ IDs very seriously. If you’re planning to go to the trendiest places in California, make sure you have the money. Some places will charge you $20.00 or more just to get in the door, and then you’ll pay top dollar for drinks. Parking might cost extra in addition to the cover charge you’ll have to pay at the door. California dreaming might make people think of warm sunny beaches, but once night falls it can get cold: wether you’re visiting the … [Read more...] about California Nightlife – Clubs, Bars, & Nightlife Tips