California Dreamin'

I often take for granted that California is an awesome state! Being born and raised Californian my family has traveled quite a bit through our "Golden" state, but lately I have been spending a bit of time in Southern California. You see this is where I was born and raised, so I come to visit friends and family plus to experience all the vibrant places that can be found throughout this part of the state. And it is no secret that the weather is typically always perfect!

San Diego San Diego Beach Wild Animal Park Wild Animal Park Lioness Wild Animal Park Rhino

On my recent trip down south we visited San Diego, which is one of my favorite places because this vibrant little town offers a little bit of everything. There are a myriad of beaches which offer surfing/snorkeling/sunbathing, there is superb fishing, great shopping, world famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Legoland, wonderful spas such as the renowned Golden Door, golf, biking, tennis, nightlife and military history (Camp Pendleton and North Island are active bases). And if you want to have an island escape, without having to actually fly to an island then Coronado should be your destination of choice. You can rent beach homes, apartments, or stay at world-class resorts. Remember Coronado Island (it really isn't an island but rather an isthmus) is home to the famous Hotel del Coronado...

Coronado is a community that is picture perfect. The gardening club has made every public space in town beautifully landscaped with an amazing variety of flowers and greenery that dazzle the eye. And of course, there is the fabulous beach, which is almost one mile in length. Here you will see all sorts of people playing in the sun-surfers, kids playing in the waves, skim boarders and of course there is a place just for our four legged friends.

Coronado is the quintessential Southern California beach town - a bit modernized, but still exuding all the charm of a bygone era. They still have old surf shops that were around when my husband was a kid, the police station has moved and is a bit larger - but you are on an island - everyone knows everyone!

Disneyland Goofy's Kitchen Tamara and Balou

If you stay on this island you don't even need a car! You can ride your bike everywhere, and if you want to venture to the "Big" city of San Diego - just hop on your bike and take the ferry across the bay and voila you are now in the city. While in the city why not get some dinner and go dancing in the Gas Lamp district? Or you can take the trolley to Old Town and visit the most haunted place in America - the Whaley House (I do have real ghost stories to tell from this place). Or you can go to the largest urban park in America - Balboa Park.

On this visit I mixed up our beach vacation with a stay at the Happiest Place on Earth - Disneyland! But there are so many other options.

Being from Southern California I can arrange fishing charters, family fun sun drenched vacations, cultural adventures (remember this whole area is brimming with diversity), and action packed days at theme parks. You just need a minimum of a weekend to make your California dreamin' vacation a reality!