Story & photos by Barbara Beckley Sipping a michelada, Mexico’s delicious beer, Clamato juice and lime concoction, under a beach palapa on one day. Admiring a 17th century church on the next. Watching artisans at work along a country road on another. Then zipping around town in a Pulmonia, and feasting on the world’s largest …
Visit the destinations behind your favorite movies, novels and music You can hardly watch a television show or movie or read a book or listen to the radio without a reminder of California. Home to innovation and creative minds, California has long been the inspiration behind our entertainment. Stroll through the sets of “Jurassic Park” …
Secret Southern California was written for all of the adventurers, those coming from both far and near, who seek truly unusual getaways. Secret Southern California is a totally updated guide that is a spin-off from the popular Off the Beaten Path Southern California, editions 1-8, by Kathy Strong. Still a guide to those hard-to-find spots, …
We’ve all been “clinging” to one of Monterey County’s craggy cliffs over the Pacific since the first season of HBO’s Emmy Award-winning mini-series “Big Little Lies” ended. However, this June, we will be able to step back from the edge and watch Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and other celebs play out more drama around the …
What more do you need to say about a city that has a Woody as its official car? Huntington Beach, with an abundance of wide, sandy beaches and California dreamin’ surf culture, draws more than 11 million visitors to this SoCal coastal city annually. With temperatures rarely exceeding 90 degrees, along with one of the …
Wouldn’t a Polynesian escape be great about now? Visualize yourself sipping exotic rum drinks while sarong-clad dancers sway to the beat of drums. Flower leis, Tiki torches and white- sand beaches are all part of a “South Pacific state of mind.” If time and budget make a trip to the islands impossible, don’t worry—plan a …
When it comes to romantic getaways, Oceanside, California offers couples a version that is quintessential Oceanside— quirky, offbeat, thrilling and uniquely heart-stirring. From matching tattoos to helicopter wine tours and being the only place in the U.S. to experience culinary delights from one of Japan’s most decorated ramen chefs, Oceanside’s playful side makes this San …
It is nice to know that the rugged “old west” still exists, marked by wide, open spaces backed by lofty mountain ranges and populated with ancient saguaro forests, blooming cacti and marauding deer and coyote. These vast desert expanses conjure days of the grand ranchos, dust-filled cattle round-ups and campfire dinners under the stars. On …
Story and photos by Ellen Clark Being a Southern California girl, my experiences in the tropics leaned toward Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera. But when the chance to visit Antigua, a little gem in the Caribbean, came my way, I was hardly about to refuse. I knew that Antigua and its twin island of Barbuda …
Historic hotels are perfect places for creating lifelong memories, making a visit to one an ideal location for a romantic proposal. You could say that every day is Valentine’s Day at a historic hotel. In fact, many of these romantic destinations have a special spot or package especially designed for proposals. Here is a listing …
We’ve all heard of honeymoons, of course. Also, babymoons for couples pre-birth. But how about taking a solomoon? It’s all about practicing self-love through new, exciting experiences, whether you are taking one last solo trip before tying the knot or just enjoying the fun benefits of going as one. This month of love consider making …
It’s not that we dislike red roses, champagne and chocolates. But a truly creative way to celebrate the day of love is worth a whole year of cupid points. Here are some unique outing ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day in SoCal, from stargazing and desert cruises to sexy jazz. Cruise to Valentine Bliss At …