OT: Vacation ideas for Southern CA

[jd]

I know this isn't really cooking related ... my SO and I are planning a vacation in California. Our flights are out of LA and we are spending the first weekend in Palm Desert. I'm looking for hotel/resort ideas for the rest of the week. From looking at the map, I think we want to stay within the Las Vegas, San Diego, Santa Barbara boundaries. I don't want to take out a second mortgage, but would like a nice place to relax in, hopefully with golf near by and a spa and workout facilities. I appreciate any suggestions you would have. Once I know where I am going, I'll be looking for restaurant ideas too! TIA.

[ellielk]

You might want to check out the bulletin board at the Fodor's web site. I always go there before traveling to get reviews or recommendations on hotels, restaurants, etc., before a trip.

Originally posted by jd:
I know this isn't really cooking related ... my SO and I are planning a vacation in California. Our flights are out of LA and we are spending the first weekend in Palm Desert. I'm looking for hotel/resort ideas for the rest of the week. From looking at the map, I think we want to stay within the Las Vegas, San Diego, Santa Barbara boundaries. I don't want to take out a second mortgage, but would like a nice place to relax in, hopefully with golf near by and a spa and workout facilities. I appreciate any suggestions you would have. Once I know where I am going, I'll be looking for restaurant ideas too! TIA.

[Don]

Hi JD,

I don't know what time of year you are considering, but you might want to squeeze in a day for Death Valley (though not if you're going April to October--it's too darn hot!). It is truly a gorgeous area, and Scotty's Castle in the park is worth visiting. When I lived in L.A., my mother came out for two weeks each year to go sightseeing. The two things that stand out most in her mind are Death Valley and Hearst Castle (which is located north of Santa Barbara along the coast in San Simeon). They were her "only in California" treats. The Universal Studios, Disneyland stuff she had already seen in Florida. Hearst Castle may be a little out of the way for you, but the drive is beautiful and the castle is really something to see. You need tickets in advance though. Check out www.hearstcastle.org (http://www.hearstcastle.org) for more info. Have fun!

[jd]

Thanks ellielk and Don - I'll check out both sites. We are going in March so the weather should be good.

[Cathy]

The San Diego Wild Animal Park. It is fabulous!

[MaryH]

LaCosta - (worldclass resorts and championship golf courses) and/or Del Mar. Both are in San Diego County about an hour's drive north of San Diego.

BTW, Heast castle is in San Simeon which is quite a ways north of Santa Barbara. It is actually closer to Monterey. I would save that one for a trip where you do Northern California (i.e. Napa, etc.)




[This message has been edited by MaryH (edited 02-05-2001).]