Blue Whale Sightings  - Santa Barbara!
Your Subtitle text
CALIFORNIA COAST
Whale watching with Condor cruises, Santa BarbaraSANTA BARBARA
HOLIDAY WEEKEND(S) IN WINE COUNTRY

The classic holiday atmosphere still rings true in the towns, villages and wine trails of Santa Barbara Wine Country. With only three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas to get holiday shopping done this year, why go to the mall and stand in long lines hoping to find the right gift when you could take a weekend trip to wine country and get your holiday shopping done while enjoying a mini-vacation! Avoid the mall traffic and take advantage of all of the events and discounts available in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Although the holiday season is celebrated here throughout the month, the first weekend of December is particularly full of festivals, open houses, tree lightings, music and art openings. Join the festivities December 4-6, designated “Holiday Weekend in Wine Country”.
winecountryholiday.com
 




CELEBRATE A CENTURY OF CINEMA
ON THE AMERICAN RIVIERA
Santa Barbara offers film lovers, star-gazers and history buffs a cinematic feast this winter. 2010 marks the 100th year of filmmaking in Santa Barbara—where California’s film industry originally planted roots before migrating south to Hollywood. Kicking off the milestone, It’s Complicated, a new film by writer/director Nancy Meyers, opens Christmas Day and showcases the destination’s enduring aesthetic appeal beautifully. The celebration continues with the 25th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival February 4-14, when Oscar-contenders and the industry’s best will gather on The American Riviera for ten days of screenings, tribute events, panel discussions and parties. Visit the SantaBarbaraCA.com/filmtour microsite for Santa Barbara film trivia, suggested movie tour itineraries, a guide to It’s Complicated locations, Film Festival information and a list of hotels with star-studded histories—including Charlie Chaplin’s Montecito Inn. NOTE: Full release on this story to follow.
 
VIP WINE TASTING UPGRADE
Santa Barbara's oldest winery, Santa Barbara Winery now offers Private Wine Tasting in the Barrel Room. A senior staff member guides tasters through a flight of six wines, including a library or estate vineyard designated wine, and describes the winery's history and current focus. Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro provides an artisan cheese plate to accompany the tasting. Private tastings are $25 a person and are available daily with 24 hours advance notice. sbwinery.com
NEW TOUR COMBINES CUISINE & ART — Captain Jacks Tours introduces a new tour in their line-up of Santa Barbara experiences. The “Taste of Santa Barbara Tour” begins with a lunchtime cooking demonstration by a local chef. After lunch, visit Chocolats du CaliBressan to witness chocolate transform into “art” as chocolatier Jean-Michel Carre conducts a demonstration and shares samples. The last stop is the studio of local artist Saul Alcaraz, who demonstrates the ancient art of glass blowing and guides participants as they create their own work of art—a souvenir of a day of fine food and art. $99 per person. captainjackstours.com

    •    February 4-14:  The Santa Barbara International Film Festival rolls out the red carpet for its 25th year. sbiff.org
    •    March 12-14:  As seen in the film Adaptation, commercial and amateur orchid growers from the US and around the world will display thousands of their most perfect orchids at the 65th annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. sborchidshow.com
    •    March 19-21:  Savor the “Danish Capital of North America” during Taste of Solvang. solvangusa.com
    •    April 17:  Annual Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival at River Park in the Sta. Rita Hills. sbcountywines.com
    •    April 22:  Celebrate Earth Day in its hometown at the annual South Coast Earth Day Festival at Alameda Park. sbearthday.org
    •    May 9 & 10:  Speaking of Stories presents “Celebration of Stories” featuring the Speaking of Stories debut of film and stage veteran David Selby, the return of Pamela and Bradford Dillman as well as a special appearance by T.C. Boyle (a local resident) reading from his newest book to be released in spring of 2010. speakingofstories.org
MONTEREY Lone Oak Lodge, Monterey, California
PENINSULA
REAL DEAL FOR NATURALISTS
 
Whale Watching
Nutrient-rich and naturally wonderful, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the United States’ largest protected region and a prime viewing area for exotic species including blue, humpback, minke and orca whales. Winter delivers the magnificent California Gray Whales on their annual migration south from Alaska to Baja, California. www.seemonterey.com
831-375-4658, 831-372-7440, 831-372-2203
Whale Watching at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (Weekends throughout January):
Don’t miss these California State Parks ranger-guided whale watching presentations. Celebrate the migration of the California gray whales off the Big Sur Coast. Meet at the vista point on Highway 1 at mile marker 37, just north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. http://www.seemonterey.com/julia-pfeiffer-burns-state-park; 831-667-2315

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
A feast for the eyes, hundreds – sometimes thousands – of beautiful Monarch butterflies flutter in this protected shelter of eucalyptus and Monterey pine trees. Docents are available to answer questions and point out the ‘hanging butterflies’ as they rest camouflaged in the trees. http://www.seemonterey.com/monarchgrovesanctuary; 831-648-5716
 
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Before a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary stop by this informative natural history museum to learn about the migration patterns of the wintering Monarchs, whales of Monterey Bay and other mammals, birds and wildlife of Monterey County. http://www.seemonterey.com/pacificgrovemuseum; 831-648-5716
 
Bald Eagles Retreat at Lake San Antonio
One of the largest winter habitats for bald eagles in Central California, Lake San Antonio is also home to deer, rabbit, quail, and a variety of other wildlife. The lake covers 5,000 acres and birders can explore 40 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and 60 miles of shoreline. http://www.seemonterey.com/lake-san-antonio-recreation-area-california; 888-588-2267
 
Ventana Wildlife Society
High tail it to Big Sur or the Pinnacles National Monument for a glimpse of the majestic California Condors overhead. Both parks are successful designated release areas for the recovering native species. Or, visit the Ornithology Lab at Andrew Molera Park in Big Sur to watch bird banding activities. Winter banding is weather dependent, but normally takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays. http://members.seemonterey.com/ventanawildilfesociety/; 831-455-9514
 
Pt. Lobos State Reserve
Hike the scenic trails of the 554-acre state preserve, home to some of the region’s most dramatic seascapes and thousands of seabirds, seals, sea lions and migrating whales. Noted as “The crown jewel of the state park system,” Point Lobos is also home to the only two naturally growing strands of Monterey Cypress trees. See wandering deer, watch sea otters and sea lions frolic in the surf. Cypress groves, Bird Rock and Whaler’s Cove round out the adventure. http://www.seemonterey.com/point-lobos-state-natural-reserve-carmel-california; 831-624-4909
 
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Dive in for a day of play at the nation’s top-rated aquarium, home to 250,000+ animals and plants representing more than 550 species of invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants. Book a Morning Rounds: Behind-the-Scenes Tour for a rare opportunity to interact with the aquarium’s exhibit animals as an aquarist would with the daily sea otter feeding and training session, rare look at food preparation and chance to feed some of the animals in the aquarium’s Discovery Lab classrooms. http://www.seemonterey.com/monterey-bay-aquarium; 831-648-4888
 
Elkhorn Slough Safari
All aboard this thrilling pontoon ride scouting some 1,400 acres established as a Globally Important Bird Area. Reaching nearly seven miles inland from the coast, the slough’s freshwater wetlands and marshes are home to some 340+ types of birds, 400 plant species a full raft of otters and 80 species of fish. This is an excellent tour for birders. http://www.seemonterey.com/elkhorn-slough-natural-estuarine-reserve-moss-landing-california; 831-633-5555
 
Sea Kayaking, Surfing, Biking
Rock the boat aboard a guided sea kayak tour of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Adventurers after a true adrenalin rush can hit the surf solo or take to the two-person kayak for a little speed at sea program. Surf lessons stand up paddling and biking rental/tours along the popular waterfront Recreation Trail round out the offer. http://members.seemonterey.com/adventuresbythesea/; 831-372-1807
 
Sailing the Bay
Take the helm aboard a yacht and delve into the deep under the command of one of the region’s top captains. Abundant marine mammals and avians await the avid enthusiast. http://members.seemonterey.com/montereybaysailing/; 831-372-7245
 
Carmel Walks (Ongoing):
Discover the unique charms of Carmel on a two-hour guided walking tour through secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens and enchanting fairytale cottages...the homes, haunts, and history of famous artists, writers, and movie stars. http://members.seemonterey.com/carmelwalks/; 831-642-2700
Central California Getaways

Monterey harborLone Oak Lodge, Monterey, California
 Guests of the Lone Oak Lodge are close to many attractions on the Monterey Peninsula including Laguna Seca Raceway nearby. With its variety of accommodations and family atmosphere the Lone Oak Lodge is a great choice. Featuring family suites, single rooms and junior suites with fireplaces, jacuzzi, steam bath, the Lone Oak Lodge is hard to beat. There's plenty of parking, an indoor Jacuzzi, sauna and exercise room as well as an outdoor bar-b-que area make the Lone Oak Lodge your home away from home.  www.loneoaklodge.com

(Take advantage of this CalLife Courtesy Discount)

Southern California Getaways

  Carlsbad, California is a perfect resort to visit in North San Diego County any season. Devotees of sand and sea will enjoy Seashore-On-The-Sand, an oceanfront inn, a picture perfect panorama from the comfort of cozy one and two bedroom suites. Its well appointed accommodations include full kitchens and fireplaces, a good value for families as well as solo travelers, centrally located just a short block away from Carlsbad's quaint downtown. The hotel is only a short drive to all the sights and sounds of San Diego, combines a slower paced ambiance with its restaurants, spas and unique shops.



  … follow the greatest adventures on the planet!
California Tour and Travel on-line
CALIFORNIA MARKETPLACE
   ART, ENTERTAINMENT, AUTO, HEALTH & LIFESTYLE and more…

California Tour & Travel Magazine Home   •   California Visitor Centers
Latest Events & Festivals by Chris Walker  •  Arts & Entertainment  •  Feature Story  •  CA Star Attractions • Whale Watching
Coast Lodging •  High Sierra & Parks •   Wineries  •  Vintage California • Noteworthy… California Book Reviews • San Francisco
San Diego  • Santa Barbara • Orange County •  Monterey • L.A. Cool Places  •  West L.A. • Hollywood • L.A. Star Attractions
L.A. Getaways • Yosemite National Park • 49er Gold Rush Highway  •  Tour & Travel Destinations • Tour & Travel Survey
California Native Cuture  • Advertising & Marketing  • California Photo Album • Contact /Request  •  California Marketplace
Hillcrest Country Inn, Calistoga, CA   •  Family Travel Deals in California


Click on photo for Coast Slideshow:
Click the image below…
then, press Start Button at bottom of new window
to begin our slideshow on the best Coastal Getaways in the Golden State!

TOUR & TRAVEL MEDIA WEB PORTAL • Copyright . Robert Bellezza Enterprises. All rights reserved.
Web Hosting Companies