California, a rich and large state on the West Coast may boast about a great number of beaches many of which are great spots for kiteboarders. One of the most famous is the area around San Diego. The weather is usually mild here, it does not rain much and there are about 201 days with temperature above 70 °F. Kiteboarding beaches in San Diego are quite diverse; Enchanted Cove and Silver Strand State Beach are very attractive for beginners thanks to large, sandy beaches, shallow water and lack of hazards. Those who like riding on waves, especially big ones, will be delighted with Imperial Beach and Tourmaline Beach. The former is located in the city with the same name. You will find a kitesurfers’ community here. Try to avoid coming here in summer as the beach may be really crowded, not to mention swimmers in the ocean. The latter is not very famous, but undoubtedly attractive. The beach is spacious, large and sandy. The best conditions are when it blows from the west or west-north. Other kiteboarding beaches in San Diego area are Bayside Park and Sail Bay Beach.

Life-sized letters spelling California in front of Disney's California Adventures.

The home of Hollywood, gigantic Redwoods and Sequoias and a beautiful coastline, California has a lot to offer any traveler, whether you are looking for nature, nightlife, educational opportunities, breathtaking views or a night in the limelight.

I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time in quite a few cities in the Golden State of California as I took a road trip from north to south, stopping at all of the famous tourist spots and finding a few hidden gems along the way. Each city has its own special charm that keeps me begging for more. I will start in the north and work my way down, leaving no stone unturned or tip untold. Whatever you do, make sure to bring a camera and/or video camera to soak in the views, they are out of this world. I’ve included just a few to give you a hint to what’s out there.

Crescent City, CA
At the northernmost tip of California is Crescent City, a quiet fishing town with amazing views of the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean and easy accessibility to  Highway 101 (follows the coast of the state all the way down–amazing views).

(TIP: It is a bit chilly here, even in the summer, so be sure to pack a long pair of pants and a jacket.)

The shores of Crescent City with unfamiliar seaweed and loads of smooth driftwood.

Klamath, CA
Not too far from Crescent City is Klamath, a small town with rolling green hills right off of Hwy 101, where you can actually drive your vehicle through a tree, yes I did write tree, these redwoods are ridiculously big! The attraction is called Tour-Thru Tree.

(TIP: This attraction may just seem like a person’s home, and it is, but arrive in the morning to avoid congestion at the attraction. There is also a more well known and similar attraction called Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat and there is a few more attractions there where you can drive on a giant redwood and play in a redwood treehouse.)

Driving through the Tour Thru Tree in Klamath, something you can't do many other places.

Another “must do” is the Redwood National Park. Though you are driving through the redwoods on Hwy 101, which I recommend, you should make multiple stops and take it all in, which is hard because there is so much to look at! 

Northern shores of California off of Hwy 101 throughout Redwood National Park.

Myself in comparison to a gigantic redwood at Redwood National Park.

There is also an area to pull off and you will hopefully get to see some elk eating, bucking or just hanging around. Let’s just say within these few miles I felt very small compared to my surroundings.

Bucking Elk off of Hwy 101 in Redwood National Park. (about 100 feet away)

(TIP: Be very quiet so you do not spook the elk and of course do not get too close, though they are probably used to humans to a certain extent, these are still wild animals.)

San Francisco, CA
I love nature, the serenity of the ocean and towering redwoods, but it was invigorating to get into the city, especially when that city is a lively harbor like San Francisco! There are plenty of hotels within walking distance of the harbor with stops for the trolly, tours of the city and Alcatraz, access to shopping and fairly inexpensive, yet delicious dining with great sunset views at the piers and photo opportunities of the barking sea lions who mate and rest there during the summer; and of course The Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to visit the Boudin bread factory and restaurant as well as Lombard Street, between Hyde and Leavenworth streets to travel down “the crookedest street in the world.”

The Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory on a misty Summer morning.

Sea lions in the harbor of Pier 39 in San Francisco.

Lombard Street on Russian Hill, "the crookedest, most winding street in the world."

(TIP1: Book your tickets to Alcatraz before you arrive and make sure you are at the pier/loading dock early in order to get a good spot on the ferry to take pictures of this landmark attraction. Purchase the extra audio tour, there are some fascinating information and tips for taking great scenic photos.

Alcatraz Island

San Francisco Trolly and city tour with many facts about the city, great views of the steep streets and stops in well known shopping districts.

(TIP2: When on a city/attraction tour of any sort, give your tour guide & driver a small tip when you get on so they know they will be taken care of and will usually throw in a few extra jokes and tidbits about the location–ask questions too! At the end of the tour you can decide if you really enjoyed the tour and give a little extra, or simply say thank you and step off, knowing you already gave something. Keep in mind what you would like to receive if this was your job.)

Yosemite, CA
A national park that is righteously famous for its spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountain views, hiking, wildlife and waterfalls. There are many modern hotels in the park as well as a small grocery store, restaurant, camping areas and cabins. I took the mid ground and rented a cabin from Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders, which turned out to be more like a house and had a wonderful time. I even found pine cones over a foot long! I guess everything is bigger in California.

View of one of many valleys of Yosemite National Park.

One of many waterfalls in Yosemite Valley.

(TIP/WARNINGS:
1. Make sure to keep your food and garbage in provided lockers if you are camping, as there are bears and wildlife that are interested in what you brought.
2. If you are staying somewhere a little off the beaten path, like I did, be careful driving at night on the mountain as there are little to no streetlights, we city people are so accustomed to to guide the way.
3. If you plan on hiking make sure to bring plenty of water, hiking 1 mile may not seem like a lot to some people, but with heightened elevations, your body needs many pit stops and water breaks.)
 

Motown's own, Aretha Franklin, one of thousands recognized in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Los Angeles, CA
The true home of Hollywood, downtown L.A. where the tourist attractions are, is a lot smaller than I first imagined, but there is a ton to do in such a compact area, that’s for sure. The walk of fame lines Hollywood Boulevard and Vine streets and features over 2,000 stars for those who impacted the entertainment industry. Mann’s Chinese Theater and Kodak theater are real movie theaters! They are quite elaborate and offer much more than say an AMC or MJR, but they play movies like any other theater, which I was surprised by. The Hollywood sign is short drive up Mulholland Highway where there is a lookout point where you can see the sign as well as much of the L.A. basin. (The sign is off limits to hikers and is guarded by a fence and alarm system to avoid vandalism.)  It is interesting to take a guided tour to stars homes up Mulholland Highway as well (tickets available at Mann’s Chinese Theater courtyard and many other locations, but I bought my ticket at this location and loved the tour my driver gave we even saw a few stars hanging out in their driveways with their kids!). Get in line for Jimmy Kimmel, all you have to do is sign up during the day outside the studio and return back at night for the taping to be a part of the in-studio audience, but arrive early in the evening to get a good spot in line, it’s first come, first served.

(TIP: CBS and other larger networks do tapings within a few miles of this area and you could be a part of their in-studio audience as well, but again, it is always first come, first served so plan on waiting a long time in line depending on the show even if you have ordered placeholder tickets online or by mail at times. (I had to spend the night on the street in line twice, in order to get on The Price Is Right, but it was worth it!)

There is also a Ripley’s believe it or not museum, The Guinness Book of World Records museum and the Hollywood Wax Museum on the strip for things to do. Some things I need to go back and see are the L.A. Zoo, The La Brea Tar Pits, UCLA’s campus and to spend more time on the warm, sunny beaches that are so close to the city as well.

(TIP: There are many hotels within a block or two from the Hollywood limelight of attractions, but I was on a small budget for a weekend trip once and stayed in  the Liberty Hotel; it was a small, low frills hotel, but it was literally right behind the Kodak theater for under $100 a night (depending on the season and yearly rates), so it was very convenient).

Hollywood Sign from Mulholland Highway lookout.

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse at the entrance to Disneyland.

Anaheim, CA
Mickey Mouse’s first celebratory home–the home of Disneyland, which celebrated 50 years in 2006 is a great place for kids from 1-100 years old. I enjoy staying in the Disney themed hotels as they are very convenient to get to the park and it gets me excited to be there. As a Disney hotel guest, you also get the added perk of “extra magic hours” where you simply show your room key and get a wristband to either arrive a few hours early or stay a few hours later than guests who don’t stay at a Disney hotel. I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, where there was a Neverland themed pool with Ariel’s Grotto and a pirate ship shaped slide into the pool (of course I had to try it just once).

(TIP: Extra magic hours are different each day and some rides may not be open for these extra hours, so be sure to check with the concierge or front desk. Also check for any attraction delays and show times to be able to get the most out of your visit in the time you are there.)

Disney’s California Adventure is more for adults, with a little higher fear tolerance needed when riding these rides, such as the giant ferris wheel that loops and swoops you over a large bay, yikes! Both of these parks are fairly small and weren’t too crowded when I was there in the beginning of August, so you could probably get by with spending one day there and still get to see everything at both parks. I am pretty well versed on everything Disney, so you may want to take a day for each park to really soak in all of the magic and pixie dust . There are many interesting shows with talented characters, enjoyable rides and fantastic parades, but the nightly fireworks show over Cinderella’s Castle is always a must for me–amazing!

Fireworks over Cinderella's Castle at Disneyland.

San Diego, CA
A culture rich environment with a lively nightlife and the best zoo I’ve ever been to! 

(TIP: There are many hotels near The San Diego Zoo in this historic city, so be sure to do a bit of research before you select your resting place as some are less modern and a bit more eerie than others. Park Manor Suites is a fairly nice hotel, but didn’t have the charm and modern accommodations its Web site boasts, nice restaurant with nightly entertainment though.) 

Though I have not spent much time in the city itself, I do know The San Diego Zoo is overwhelmingly interesting and educational. I tried to visit all of the 4,000 animal exhibits and see a few of the educational animal interactive shows and demonstrations, but one full day is definitely not enough even with the “Skyfari Aerial Tram” taking you from one end of the zoo to the other. Not only is it a great zoo to see a ton of animals, there is also lush vegetation, sculpted shrubs and large statues adorning the walkways and exhibits that are sure to please the eye.

(TIP: Bring comfortable walking shoes and take hydration breaks if you aren’t able to spend more than one day at the zoo, there is A LOT of ground to cover!) 

Not positive on the exact species of this primate, but he/she sure is cute!

Panda sleeping in the tree.

Playful polar bear.

If you are already on an animal kick, you should definitely check out Sea World as the bond between the animal trainers and their aquatic companions is very touching and they put on phenomenal shows together.

(TIP: Sit a bit higher in the grand stand if you do not want to get wet, or soaked really, by these massive killer whales and spunky dolphins. You will still get to see a great show and can walk away comfortably.)

Shamu!

Dolphin jumping high for the flag.

At the bottom of the state already? Yup! If you have any questions on any area I’ve covered or have any other insight to offer, please let me know, I’d be happy to update.

Welcome to a Wednesday edition of the Surf Report.

.: God :

Came across this interesting post on the difference between a Teacher and an Exhorter. For those who do not speak Christian-ese, an Exhorter is one who ” urges, advises, or cautions earnestly.”

.: Life :

Just got back from a trip to the West Coast.

Looks like its going to be an amazing summer!

.: Gaming :

3 Guys (Ages 25-28).

3 Games (Pokémon: Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl)

A Summer Filled with Pocket Monsters.

Join JohnnyBGamer.com as we explore what happens when guys in their 20’s engage in the world of Pokémon.

As of today’s date, the games have been handed out and the Pokémon experiment has begun! So far:

Bryan (Platinum):

Having almost played through Pokémon Diamond last year, I decided to see what changes have been made in Pokémon Platinum. So far I am really enjoying the revamped storyline.  Progression wise, I have just made it to Sandgem Town with my Turtwig named Revolver. Hopefully I will have time this week to challenge the gym leader.

Revolver - Stage One

Shooter McGavin (Diamond):

Thoughts of the game so far: the advantage I see, so far, over other RPGs is the ability to add more members to your group whenever you want, plus the hunt/ thrill of finding ones you haven’t yet. The only negative so fat is the annoying “trainers” who want to battle for stupid, made up reasons! Eg “don’t you love the aroma of the flowers? Smell this!” and a battle starts.

I think I’m finding a storyline my “friend” is also annoying. His name is Bryan, in honor of the one who supplied the game and he is always running ahead an not letting me catch up and hang out with him, what a spaz!

Shooter

Scotto (Pearl):

Has yet to enter the world of Pokémon.

That is it for this weeks Surf Report. Make sure to comment below and have a good week!

Located a mere seven miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is an unsuspecting getaway for your entire family!

Redondo Beach, California is a Southern California destination that is easy to get to, but you will never want to leave.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat in Southern California or a California family vacation, Redondo Beach, CA offers accommodations to fit every budget.

Continue reading Visit Southern California Beaches near LAX…

The Famous Hotel Del Coronado at Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is a beautiful wide swaith  of sand on the Pacific coastline of the barrier island located off San Diego.  The island is shared equally by the town of Coronado, and a massive Naval base.  

To drive to Coronado Beach take Interstate 5  through the city. Turn right onto the impressive San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. Cross the bridge, and carry on through Tidelands Park, then hang a left down Orange Avenue. Continue for a mile to get to the waterfront. There’s a lot of parking alongside Ocean Boulevard, but it can fill up quickly on budy days.

The southern end of Coronado beach is named The Shores, and is the least attractive part of the beach, with its high rise condomium buildings behind the sands.  Though if you ignore the ugly condos, the beach itself is very beautiful, and you can walk for miles along the ocean’s edge.

The main part of the beach, in front of the iconic Hotel Del Coronado is called Central beach.  Here the sands are wide, and soft underfoot.  It’s big enough to avoid a feeling of overcrowding, even at busy weekends.  The swimming is excellent, as is the boogie boarding when the waves are a reasonable size.  There is usually the watchful eye of a lifeguard, who work from some very picturesque lifeguard towers.  There are convenient restrooms, beach shops, and snack food outlets.

Behind Central beach lies the signature Hotel del Coronado.  Their rates currently start from $249 per person per night, which is a pretty good deal considering its reputation for luxury, and its famous history. The building is made completely of wood – not a single nail was used in it construction, just wooden pegs.  The Hotel has a glorious Victorian past, and well-know guests have included Babe Ruth, Charlie Chaplin, and Thomas Edison, not to mention just about every single president of the 20th century.

Beyond Central beach lies North Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand.  Much of it is designated a Dog Beach, but it’s so large that the dogs will not bother you, even if you don’t care for our 4 legged friends.  Strangley enough, dog surfing is a popular sport around here - amazingly a competition is held here every June.  At the end of the public section of the beach, there is a fence marking the Naval portion (if you stray beyond here an emergency section of SEALS will be detailed to round you up and press-gang you into the navy).  Several copper sculptures hang from the fence, now weathered bright copper green.

If you’ve young kids to look after, a good idea is to abandon the Pacific coastline and instead head to the bay side of the island, where the water is generally calmer an a lot safer.  Glorietta Park, just across Silver Strand Boulevard, has a fun playground area, and a pretty beach with soft sand ideal for play.

It’s a long way south before you get to a better beach than Coronado.  There certainly isn’t one before the border.  Though Baja California has some very beautiful beaches.  The best known are of course Cabo St Lucas, and those around Ensenada, visited by the Mexican Riviera cruiseships which depart from Los Angeles and San Diego (see here for cruise ship schedules  and times).

Best Beach’s rating : Wilderness feel 0 stars out of 5, Warm water 2 out of 5, Facilities 4 out of 5. Happy times 4 stars out of 5.

Well, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve written – not that I haven’t wanted to but my computer finally crashed! I have been telling myself for months to backup my computer because I have all of my photos and music on here and I have been noticing my system running really slow.  So finally, I woke up and turned the computer on to start the backup – well – not happening.  I saw the “blue screen of death” – this is what I was told.  Not good.  So needless to say – two weeks later, a 250GB external drive, a new internal hard drive  and a couple $100 we are back in action.  I felt like the sex and the city episode where Carrie gets the “sad Mac” and everyone keeps asking her “didn’t you backup?” and her comment was something along the lines of “apparently all of NY is backing up their computers – I didn’t get the memo”.  That’s how I felt.  Luckily we were able to retrieve all of our photos and music – phew!  That won’t happen again. 

Then while that was going on we headed to Florida to see my in-laws.  Oh, to put on a sundress and have my toes in the white warm sand felt soooooo good!  That warm saltwater air and the gentle lapping of the water on the sand is so relaxing. 

There is such a difference in the beaches on the East Coast vs. the West Coast.  There is no going in the water we we live (well some people do, but it’s freezing and slightly intimidating – rogue waves, wicked undertows, sleeper waves and the all mighty Great White).  So at home I keep my feet on the sand (which is more like small crushed rocks and kinda cold) that has its own beauty. 

We had so much fun playing in the sand and swimming in Grammy and Papa’s pool everyday (Ryder).  We couldn’t keep him out- even when it was pretty chilly in the morning.  Nothing kept him down. 

 We even went for a sail on a Pirate ship!  That was a riot.  Whenever I am there (or pretty much anywhere) I always think “could I live here?”  I try to imagine myself living daily in the location.  I could definitely get used to going to the beach on the weekends and playing in the sand and collecting sea shells with the kids and the layed back attitude is great, but then I always come back to our home – I love where we live.  It’s nice to visit – but also nice to come home – especially to our 4 legged family members.

So, here we are back to Cali and our life.  So in the next couple days I will try to catch up on some past due posts.

Pismo Beach Morning 8x6 oil on canvasboard

Click for more information and to bid here

Welcome to the

 Huntington Surf Inn!

As our address on Pacific Coast Highway indicates, the Huntington Surf Inn is right across from the Pacific Ocean and the world famous Huntington City Beach, home of the US Open of Surfing.

We are also a very short walk  to the Pier, as well as all the restaurants and stores of Main Street.

The Inn features nine luxurious and charming rooms with convenient amenities such as wireless high-speed internet access, free parking,  free local telephone service, and premium cable TV.

All our rooms are air-conditioned, of course. For the traveling family, each room also features a refrigerator and a microwave oven.

We actively update our property to maintain our clean, comfortable, and modern appearance.

The Huntington Surf Inn caters to many returning guests from all over the world. You will make new friends from Japan, England, Italy, Australia, Brazil, and other exotic locations all year long.  Don’t be surprised to have neighbors who are professional surfers competing in major events in Huntington Beach.

Please call or e-mail us at your convenience to arrange for reservations.

We look forward to serving you on your next visit to Surf City USA^®!

 

720 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

714-536-SURF or 714-536-2444

reservation@huntingtonsurfinn.com

We are at the corner of
Pacific Coast Highway and Eighth Street

Current and Upcoming Events

March 6, 2007 to December 31, 2012
Every Tuesday (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Surf City Nights
301 Main St. (approximate address between Walnut and Orange Avenues)
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-841-3034

This is a great chance to stroll and see a special street fair along a closed-off section of Main Street every Tuesday night. Within a short walk from the Inn will be a farmer’s market, musical and non-musical street performers, sidewalk sales, and special fares from local restaurants.

March 23 – March 24, 2009
(8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Vans Pier Classic
1 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA  92648
714-889-6700

The Vans Pier Classic will be the season’s first West Coast event of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North American Tour.  It will feature Men and Women World Qualifying Series 2-star events(Vans Pro and Vans Women’s Pro), and a Men’s Grade 2 Pro Junior event(Ezekiel Pro Junior).

April 03 – April 04, 2009
(8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
April 05, 2009
(8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

2009 Surf City Paintball Open

1 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA  92648 714-858-1923   The U.S. Paintball League presents a thrilling three-day event pitting professional and divisional teams from all over the world in a competition for trophies, prizes, and series points for the overall championship of Paintball. Sunday features the finals and a trade show.

April 26, 2009
(12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)

Taste of Huntington Beach
The Huntington Beach Outdoor Sports Complex
18100 Talbert Avenue
Huntington Beach , CA 92648
714-321-8582The 2009 Taste of Huntington Beach pairs samplings of culinary specials from local restaurants with beverages from premium California breweries and wineries to benefit several local charities. Good food for a good cause!