Known as The Ancient City, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is brimming with historic landmarks while also embracing some unique attractions that will keep all visitors entertained throughout their time in this remarkable city.
Castillo de San Marcos. Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest and largest masonry fortress in the continental US. Built by the Spanish to protect against raids by pirates, it was ceded to the British and, in 1821, was purchased by the United States and was in use until 1899. Today, you can see parts of the original wall, participate in re-enactments and demonstrations of colonial life and enjoy the views of Matanzas Bay. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. No trip to St. Augustine would be complete without a visit to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park! While it capitalizes on the story of Ponce de Leon’s search for the Fountain of Youth, this park is the site of the original city of St. Augustine. Here, you can drink from the artisanal well, visit the Native Timucua Village of Seloy to learn how the local Native Americans lived, and explore the surrounding 15-acre waterfront park. St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Florida is known for its alligators, so a stop at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a must. Located on Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is one of Florida's longest continuously running attractions, having first opened in 1893. It is the only crocodile farm in the world to have all 23 species of crocodilians recognized by biologists. It also includes other exotic reptiles, birds and animals. For a bit of fun, try the zip line over Crocodile Crossing. Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. Originally built in 1798 by a Spanish merchant, the Ximenez House became “Miss Fatio’s” boarding house and was the place to stay during Florida’s first tourism boom from the 1830s through the 1850s. Each room has been meticulously restored to reflect these early visitors and their stories. If you are visiting over a weekend, plan to take part in the “Heist at the Museum”, a 90-minute adventure built around the premise that a rare 17th-century relic has been stolen and participants need to figure out who stole it, what they stashed it in and in which room it can be found (think life-size Clue game). Colonial Quarter. Located in downtown St. Augustine, the Colonial Quarter is a living museum that walks you through three centuries of Spanish and British colonial occupation from its early beginnings in the 16th century as a trading port to becoming a fortified city and then through its beginnings as the 14th British colony in the 18th century. Immerse yourself in each time period with the live demonstrations, historic tours and authentic tastes of each period. Lightner Museum. The Lightner Museum is housed in the former Hotel Alcazar in downtown St. Augustine. Built in 1888, it was the winter retreat for the wealthy during the Gilded Age of the 1890s. At the time, its amenities included the world’s largest indoor swimming pool, sulfur baths, casinos, a bowling alley and much more. The museum offers a glimpse into Victorian life, including a science and industry room, a music room, and a vast array of costumes, furnishings and glass works. Fort Matanzas National Monument. Fort Matanzas was built in 1742 to defend St. Augustine from British attack. Today, you can explore the original fort and the surrounding 100 acres of salt marsh and barrier islands that protect the coast from hurricanes and other storms. There is much more to see and do in St. Augustine and Luxury Destinations Concierge is happy to help you plan your trip. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437 to get started.
0 Comments
Founded in 1733, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia, so it’s no wonder that a visit to Savannah is like a walk through history. From moss-covered trees to cobblestoned streets, Savannah is a beautiful example of Southern charm and hospitality at its finest. In fact, Savannah’s downtown area is one of the largest National Historic Landmarks in the United States. Here are our must-see stops that will make the most of your visit to Savannah:
Forsyth Park. Beautiful squares and parks abound in Savannah. It’s oldest and largest is Forsyth Park, named after John Forsyth, one of Georgia’s governors. The centerpiece for this 30-acre park is the Forsyth Fountain, which was installed in 1858. While there take some time to explore the Garden of Fragrance – a garden designed with plants whose texture and fragrance appeals to those with limited site. Georgia State Railroad Museum. The Georgia State Railroad Museum is thought to be the oldest, most complete pre-Civil War railroad complex in the United States. Now a museum, it exhibits a collection of historic, restored railroad cars and engines. Take a tour to learn more about the history of railroading and the role it played in Georgia. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. For all the current and former Girl Scouts, a tour of the home where Juliette Gordon Low, was born will be a highlight of their trip to Savannah. This home pays homage to the founder of the Girl Scouts, celebrating her belief in the potential every girl has in her and the lives she has changed in the 100-plus years since she founded it. First African Baptist Church. While there are several churches of considerable note in Savannah, one that you don’t want to miss is the First African Baptist Church. Thought to be the oldest African-American congregation in the US, the church has its origins dating back to 1773. The church played an important role in the Underground Railroad, housing runaway slaves in a 4-foot space beneath the sanctuary floors – there are air holes visible in the floors. Now run as a museum, you can learn more about its place in the history of Georgia and our country. Wormsloe Historic Site. Located just outside of Savannah proper, Wormsloe Historic Site is the former plantation of a carpenter named Noble Jones who came to Georgia with James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah, in 1733. Upon arriving, the mile-long tunnel of oak trees will take your breath away. Then, you can explore the spectacular nature trails, visit the museum to learn more about the beginnings of Georgia, and visit the oldest standing structure in Savannah – the ruins of Noble Jones’ tabby house. Fort McAllister State Park. Fort McAllister was one of three forts to protect Savannah and played a significant role in the Civil War. It was the last defense to fall to General Sherman on his famous March to the Sea. Today, the park has the best-preserved earthen-work fortifications of the Confederacy. You can still see cannons, barracks, palisades and more remnants of the Civil War on the grounds and in the museum. The park is also open for camping, fishing, boating and other outdoor activities. Mercer-Williams House. For movie buffs, the Mercer-Williams House needs to be on your list of things to do in Savannah. Originally built in the 1860s, the house was eventually bought by Jim Williams in 1969 as part of his historic restoration projects throughout Savannah and the surrounding area. While the house itself and the eclectic furnishings throughout are incredible to see, the real draw is that it’s the site of the 1981 murder of Danny Hansford as covered in the book and movie, Midnight in Garden of Good and Evil. The Forrest Gump Bench. If you’re a fan of the movie Forrest Gump, you’ll need to carve out time in your trip to visit two locations for the famous bench. The first is Chippewa Square where the bench was located and filmed during the movie. The second is the Savannah History Museum, the home of one of the prop benches used in the film. As you can see, Savannah is brimming with the history of the South from its founding through modern times. There is much more to see in Savannah and the surrounding and Luxury Destinations Concierge is happy to help you plan your trip. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437 to get started. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Charleston’s beauty is steeped in a history dating back to its beginnings in 1670 when it was Charles Towne. Known as the “Holy City” for its over 400 churches, Charleston allows you to step back in time to explore its beginnings and how it has become a vibrant destination worldwide. Here are just some highlights of what you can expect to see when you visit Charleston:
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is at the top of the list for any trip to Charleston for a couple of reasons. Founded in 1676, it has witnessed the birth of the nation, saw the ravages of the Civil War and was able to change along with the times. The gardens are America’s oldest publicly accessed gardens, opening to visitors in 1870. It is also America’s largest (and last) romantic-style garden, where you can wander down seemingly overgrown paths and get lost in the beauty of it all (just watch out for alligators!). Take the guided tours of the main house where you’ll learn the history of the plantation, and the Magnolia Cabin Project tour which is dedicated to preserving and understanding the history of slavery and their struggle for freedom. John’s Island and Angel Oak. John’s Island is the largest island in South Carolina and is the fourth largest island on the East Coast. Considered part of Charleston, it’s easy to get to from downtown. Make sure that you stop to see Angel Oak Tree – one of the nation’s oldest living trees and is thought to be over 400 years old. And if you are a fan of The Notebook, several places in and around John’s Island will look familiar. Sullivan’s Island Beach. Charleston has some beautiful beaches to her name, and the one that stands out above the others is Sullivan’s Island. It has seen very little commercial development, making it a great getaway to enjoy a weekend in the sun. While there, make sure to visit the Sullivan Island’s Lighthouse, which is by far one of the more modern lighthouses in the country (it even has an elevator!). It was built as a replacement for the Morris Island Lighthouse which was in danger of being destroyed by erosion in the 1950s. Fort Moultrie. Fort Moultrie is one of the oldest forts still standing on the East Coast. Located on Sullivan’s Island, American colonists began to build this fort as a defense against the British during the Revolutionary War. While it withstood the initial attack in 1776, it was eventually captured in 1780 before being returned at the end of the war. It played a role in the Civil War and was an active fort through 1960. Take the guided tour of the Fort to learn more about its storied past. McLeod Plantation Historic Site. Established in 1851, the McLeod Plantation is an important Gullah/Geechee heritage site that has recognized its cultural and historical significance. Here you will learn the story of the slaves that worked the sea cotton plantation and their fight for freedom, justice and equality. The tour of the plantation will allow you to experience the lives of all people who shaped and influenced Charleston’s past and future. Historic Charleston City Market. Opened in 1804, Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States, and is one of the most-visited places in Charleston. Initially housing meat, vegetable and fish vendors, today it is home to over 300 vendors selling a variety of unique items. Fort Sumter. No trip to Charleston would be complete without stopping at Fort Sumter where the first battle of the Civil War began. Before taking the ferry out to the fort itself, spend some time in the Visitors’ Center to give you a little context to the history behind the fort and the surrounding area. As you walk around the fort, you’ll see remnants of its history from the Civil War until it was officially decommissioned in 1948, including cannonballs still lodged in the walls and the old cannons pointed out towards the sea in defense of the fort. Are you ready to experience the charm and rich history of Charleston? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re happy to help you plan your trip. Independence Day is right around the corner, so why not visit some of America’s most iconic landmarks? No matter where you live in the U.S., take advantage of the long weekend an learn a little more about our history. Here are our suggestions:
Freedom Trail, Boston, MA. Boston played a significant role in our fight for independence. The Freedom Trail in the heart of Boston will take you on a 2.5 mile journey to museums, churches, historic markers and more that tell the story behind the American Revolution. Sites include Boston Common (the oldest public park), the Old South Meeting House where the Boston Tea Party began, Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church which is synonymous with his midnight ride, and more. Mount Rushmore. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is truly a national treasure. Carved into the mountains are the faces of 4 presidents – Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, felt that these presidents represented some of the most important events in the first 150 years of America’s history. Spend some time in the visitor’s center to understand the history and gain a greater appreciation for the historic monument. Then walk the Presidential Trail to get a closer view. And don’t forget to enjoy learning about each state and territory through the Avenue of Flags. Jamestown, VA. One of the first permanent English colonies in America, Jamestown offers a peek into what life may have been like for colonists in the early 1600s. There are two sites to visit in Jamestown, and both are literally right down the street from each other. The Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that replicates the fort, the nearby Indian village and the ships that the colonists sailed to America in. Historic Jamestowne is the actual site of the original fort where you’ll be able to see what archaeologists have uncovered about the settlement. Make sure you take the guided tours at both sites to get the most out of your trip. Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, PA. In addition to Boston, Philadelphia was central the American Revolution. It’s here that the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the U.S. Constitution was drafted. Take a tour through these historic halls and learn more about our fight for freedom and democracy. Explore the surrounding Independence National Historic Park and stop by the Liberty Bell to learn how it has been used throughout history by abolitionists, the women’s suffrage movement and more. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA. Telling the story of the first English settlements, Plimoth Plantation brings the lives of the Pilgrims and the Native Wampanoag Indians to life. Learn the traditions of the two cultures, how they interacted with each other. And learn the REAL story behind the first Thanksgiving! Are you ready to plan your trip to these and other historical sites in America? Let Luxury Destinations Concierge be your guide. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re ready to help you create a memorable experience! When it comes to retreats, where you hold them can make or break the experience for your participants. Choosing a resort atmosphere where they can indulge their senses will most certainly refresh and rejuvenate them, bringing out their creativity and increasing their productivity. There are wonderful resorts throughout the United States that fit the bill, and some of the best are in Arizona. Here are our top 5 recommendations:
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa. Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains outside of Tucson, this 400-acre resort is ideal for your next corporate retreat or large meeting. Their all-inclusive packages can be customized to your specific group and can include a wide range of activities, such as outdoor challenges to culinary classes and wellness-focused activities. If you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience for your group, consider including one of their private villas in your package for your next strategy session or mastermind. Enchantment Resort. Surrounded by the red rock walls and panoramic views of Sedona’s Boynton Canyon, the Enchantment Resort offers a wide range of meeting facilities and group activities that will make your next retreat memorable. Known for their unique offerings of Native American activities, this is a place that will encourage team building and renew their passion. All-inclusive packages are available, making it a choice destination. L’Auberge de Sedona. Located on the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of Sedona, L'Auberge de Sedona is one of the top resorts in the area and perfect for your next meeting or retreat. A retreat at the L’Auberge can creatively combine your meeting activities with memorable experiences ranging from spa workshops to food and beverage classes and many outdoor team-building activities. Whether you choose one of their extraordinary meeting packages or create a custom experience for your group, L’Auberge de Sedona will not disappoint. Amara Resort & Spa. Also located on the banks of Oak Creak in Sedona is the Amara Resort & Spa, which takes a modern approach to their Native American heritage. Whether your retreat is for team-building, brainstorming, or masterminding, Amara Resort will meet all your needs. When planning your event, don’t forget to take advantage of the activities that Amara Resort offers – biking, hiking, wine tasting, or just relaxing with one of their amazing spa packages. El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort. Names “Best Experiential Hotel”, El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort stands out from other resorts with its unique Southwestern vibe, mixing Old West with Native American touches. Whether you are having a small intimate event or a large conference, El Conquistador Tucson can accommodate your needs. Choose from an assortment of activities for your group’s downtime – from hiking and biking, to spa treatments and 3 world-class golf courses. Are you ready to plan your next retreat in Arizona at one of these resorts? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re ready to help you create a memorable experience! Washington is known as the Evergreen State, and it’s no wonder – lush evergreen forests, beautiful national parks and wildlife preserves and more. Hopefully your trip to Washington will explore some of these wonders as well as the traditional stops in Tacoma and Seattle. Here are some out-of-the-way sights you won’t want to miss:
Port Angeles Underground. While Port Angeles is the headquarters for Olympic National Park, there is so much more to this small town than meets the eye. One of the most interesting sights is the Port Angeles Underground Heritage Tour. At the turn of the 20th century, residents were faced with increased flooding risks in the downtown area. In 1914, they decided to raise the city by about 15 feet, which left a maze of underground tunnels and buried storefronts that are yours to explore during this 2-hour tour. Mount St Helens. On May 18, 1980, this active volcano erupted and made headlines the world over. Today, you can tour the blast zone to see the devastation. Visit the Johnson Ridge Observatory to get an overview of the area and then hike the Eruption Trail to see how this volcano changed the landscape forever. Leavenworth. Tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains is the picturesque Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. After enjoying the old world charm of the city’s restaurants and shops, there are plenty to do to keep you busy. Take a hike along Icicle Ridge, go tubing or white water rafting down the Wenatchee River. Take a tour of the Eagle Creek Winery and do some wine tasting. And when you’re back in town, don’t forget to visit the Nutcracker Museum, home to over 6,000 nutcrackers! Fall City Wallaby Ranch. Ever want to see wallabies and kangaroos up close and personal but didn’t want to go to Australia? Then visit the Wallaby Ranch in Fall City, a USDA-certified breeder of Gray and Albino Bennett’s Wallabies and Red kangaroos. Book an appointment for your tour, learn more about these marsupials and get a chance to play with them at the petting zoo. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Located on the site of a former Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum offers visitors a chance to step back to experience life in the 1850s. Yakima Valley. Want to know a secret? Yakima Valley is the #1 hops region in the world, beating out Germany for this important component of beer making. Take a hop tour of the area’s craft breweries, or if wine is more your style, visit some of the areas leading wine cellars for some wine tasting. San Juan Island. If you’re ready for a laid-back trip, then San Juan Island will fit the bill. Walk around the quaint fishing village of Friday Harbor. Explore the nature trails of Lime Kiln Park. Take a whale watching or kayaking tour around the island. Visit the American and English Camps with garrisons left from the Pig War of 1859. Tour the Pelindaba Lavender Farm and immerse yourself in all things lavender. Or visit San Juan Vineyards for some wine tasting. Are you ready to plan your trip to Washington? Give Luxury Destinations concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re happy to help you plan your vacation to the Pacific Northwest! Famous for stunning beaches and breathtaking views, a trip along the Oregon Coast is a marvel to explore. Add these to your must-see destinations on your next down Oregon’s Coast Highway:
Peter Iredale and Fort Stevens State Park. The Northern coast of Oregon is infamously known as the Graveyard of the Pacific due to over 2,000 shipwrecks off its shores. While most are still under water, the Peter Iredale – a 275-foot sailing ship – sits along the shore near Fort Stevens exactly where ran aground in 1906 and was abandoned. During low tide, you can walk right up to it. While there, take time to explore the beaches, hiking and biking trails and historic Fort Stevens at the Fort Stevens State Park. Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Named as one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, no trip along Oregon’s coast is complete without a stop at Cannon Beach. While there, make a point to visit Haystack Rock – one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks. Formed millions of years ago by lava flows, this 235-foot rock is home to a variety of wildlife that can be seen at low tide – everything from colorful sea stars and other tidepool creatures to puffins. For movie buffs, this is where The Goonies was filmed. Hug Point. Before Highway 101 was completed in the 1920s, beaches were the main way to travel the Oregon Coast. For obvious reasons, this was a challenge even at low tide. Today, you can walk along the old road that stagecoaches took and see the wheel ruts left from their trips carved in the ruts. While there, visit the beautiful waterfall at Adair Point. Depoe Bay. Besides being the Whale Watching Capital of Oregon, Depoe Bay is also the world’s smallest natural navigable harbor. If you don’t want to go out in a boat to see the whales (which we highly recommend), head over to Boiler Bay to see migrating and resident gray whales, oceangoing birds or just take in the spectacular panoramic view. Devil’s Punchbowl. Devil’s Punchbowl began as a sea cave created over hundreds of years by the ocean. At some point, the cave’s ceiling collapsed and exposed the sea’s undercurrents you see today. Visitors can stand by the edge and observe this site, and perhaps glimpse the frequent groups of seals and sea lions congregated nearby. If you are brave enough, you can take a short hike down into Devil’s Puchbowl itself during low tide and explore the tidepools and the various sea creatures that live there. Tillamook Cheese Factory. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory on your trip down the Oregon Coast. The self-guided tour of this dairy farm gives a close-up view of the cheese-making process and draws more than one million visitors each year. While Tillamook is best-known for its cheese, try some of its other products too – yogurt, ice cream, sour cream and butter. Yaquina Head Lighthouse. At 93-feet tall, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest along the Oregon Coast. Take a tour of this lighthouse that’s been active since 1873, or walk along the rocky shore to explore the tide pools, see bald eagles, the resident peregrine falcons and other sea and wildlife. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. This 12-mile corridor encompasses high cliffs, stunning seastacks, beautiful beaches and secret coves. Take time to get out and explore the area as you pass through. Visit the Natural Bridges and Thunder Rock Cove, picnic at Arch Rock, or hike around Cape Ferrelo. These are just some of the highlights for a trip up the Oregon Coast. Looking for a more extensive itinerary? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re happy to help you plan your next vacation! Sometimes you need a diversion away from the tried and true day trips to amusement parks, beaches and the like. Here are some fun “alternative” day trips to take if you are in Northern California.
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (North Bloomfield, CA). Malakoff Diggins is a park like no other. Located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, it’s the home to California’s largest hydraulic gold mine. Here, you can walk back into history and experience the historic gold rush of the mid-19th century. Instead of panning for gold, miners here set up huge water hydraulics that literally washed away the mountains just to find gold. What’s left are large cliffs that define the area. Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz, CA). Discovered in 1939 by a group of surveyors, the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz is a gravitational anomaly where your perceptions of gravity and physics will be questioned. Here, balls roll uphill and chairs sit on walls. It’s one of a dozen or so places in the US where the optical illusions make visitors do a double-take. No one knows for sure what causes it, but speculations run the gamut from UFOs and aliens to a magma vortex or a hole in the ozone layer. Whatever the cause, this is certainly worth the trip. Old Faithful Geyser of California. While not as big (or well-known) as Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, this geyser in Calistoga shoots steam about 75 feet into the air every 30 minutes. It’s also a great predictor of area earthquakes – when the eruptions are delayed or diminished, chances are good that there will be an earthquake within 500 miles in the next few weeks. While there, don’t forget to visit some of the local wineries. Safari West African Wildlife Tours. If you’ve ever wanted to go on safari in Africa, the Safari West African Wildlife Tours in Santa Rosa, CA may be the next best thing. This former sheep ranch has zebras, cheetahs, giraffe, and more. The 3-hour tour led by an experienced guide takes you through the 400-acre preserve. Afterwards, you can see some animals up closer. If you are adventurous and want more than a day trip, you can stay overnight at the preserve in an authentic safari tent! Advanced reservations for the tour are required, so make sure you plan ahead. Point Reyes National Seashore. A visit to Point Reyes National Seashore is jam-packed with things to do. Take a drive along the Cypress Tree Tunnel. Visit the historical Pointe Reyes Lighthouse. From the lighthouse, walk down the road to the Sea Lion Overlook and catch a glimpse of sea lions sunning on the shore. If you’re ambitious, hike to Alamere Falls where the water falls over cliffs to the beaches below. And don’t forget to take a drive down the Cypress Tree Tunnel! Bumpass Hell and Sulphur Works. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the wonders and mysteries of volcanoes, this is the place. Located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Bumpass Hell and Sulphur Works areas are teaming with boiling springs and mud pots, hissing steam vents and roaring fumaroles. These are all an indication of the volcanic activity below Lassen Peak which last erupted in 1914 and is currently dormant. Need help planning your day trip in Northern California? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re happy to help you plan a great day! Southern California is just bursting with things to see and do beyond the usual theme park attractions. The options are endless – from a day at the beach to exploring the mountains or desert. Here are our top picks for a day out:
Catalina Island. Located about 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Santa Catalina Island is a wonder to explore. Take the Catalina Express from Long Beach, Dana Point or San Pedro and enjoy the 1-hour ride to this island paradise. There you can explore the town of Avalon. Take a glass-bottomed boat tour of the harbor where you can see dolphins, seals, sea lions and, of course, the fish. Or get your feet wet by exploring in a kayak or paddleboat. You can take a walking tour of the Catalina Casino – an art-deco building built during the Great Depression that housed a theater, ballroom and more. And don’t miss the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden – built by William Wrigley Jr. , the head of the Wrigley chewing gum empire - with 38-acres of California island endemic plants. Ojai. If you’re looking for a laid-back trip to the countryside, then Ojai is a great escape. Don’t miss the Ojai Olive Oil Company, a family-owned business that produces 3 different types of olive oil from 2,000 trees. Visit the tasting room where you can sample the oils and balsamic vinegars they have for sale. The town is brimming with shops to explore, wineries and more. If you are up for a hike or bike ride, The Los Padres National Forest is right around the corner. Temecula. For the wine-tasting afficionados, Temecula is Southern California’s answer to Sonoma or Napa Valley. There are more than 30 wineries in the area, which you can explore on your own or take a guided tour from one of the local wine touring companies. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the wineries either – it’s a spectacular view you won’t want to miss. Solvang. Solvang is a step back in time to Old World Denmark. Here, you’ll find windmills, quaint shops and even a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower. Taste some Danish specialties, explore the Christmas shops and breweries. On the outskirts of town you’ll find Quicksilver Ranch with adorable mini horses and OstrichLand to see, pet and feed the ostriches and emus. Mission San Juan Capistrano. California is dotted with missions founded by the Franciscan order of Catholic priests. The mission at San Juan Capistrano, founded by Father Junipero Serra, is probably one of the prettiest of all the missions. Known for celebrating the swallows migration in February, it’s a wonderful glimpse of life during that time. Take a stroll through town and explore the Los Rios Historic District of historic homes and museums. Palm Springs. Palm Springs is known for it’s hot springs, luxury resorts, famous residents and great golf courses. Take a ride on the Aerial Tramway up to the San Jacinto Mountains. Explore the nearby Cabazon outlets. Or just relax by the pool, get a massage and enjoy your day. Julian. The heart of the San Diego gold rush in 1870, Julian is a charming historic town and popular mountain getaway. Shop downtown in historic buildings, explore the hiking trails, or enjoy the self-guided History Walk. And don’t forget to sample their famous apple pie! Venice of America Canals. What started out as a whimsical experiment, tobacco millionaire Abbot Kenney set out to create his own version of Venice in America – a seaside luxury resort that mirrored its counterpart in Venice, Italy. The network of canals lined with flowerbeds, crossed by charming bridges, and dotted with colorful gondolas fell into disrepair, but after 40 years of neglect, the canals have been renovated and it is now a fun (and funky) place to visit. Looking for other day trip ideas in Southern California? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’re happy to help you plan a great day! Now that we are emerging from lockdown, it’s time to start thinking about vacations. While a long vacation with lots of travel may not be in the cards right now, you can always plan fun day trips and explore some of the hidden treasures nearby. Here are seven tips to help you make the most of your outing:
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2023
Categories
All
|