SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
ORANGE COUNTY
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
DESERTS
HIGH SIERRA
GOLD COUNTRY
CENTRAL VALLEY
CENTRAL COAST
SHASTA CASCADE
NORTH COAST
Solage Summer Getaway, Napa Valley
Enjoy Napa Valley in a casual and contemporary setting. Reserve a Vega Studio for $355 midweek and $440 weekend in May and June or $400 midweek and $510 Weekend July through April. This offer includes a daily continental breakfast for two in Solbar and complimentary access to our Geothermal Mineral Ponds at Spa Solage. Up to a 45% savings.
St. Bernard Lodge, Mill Creek
Serving guests for more than 80 years, the St. Bernard Lodge is located in the heart of Northern California…just 10 miles west of Chester/Lake Almanor on Highway 36. They are a unique bed and breakfast lodge with inn-like qualities and amenities. They offer close access to unprecedented outdoor natural activities saving you time and money! Book a two night stay at the St. Bernard Lodge this summer and receive your third night free. Contact the lodge for more details.
Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration Marin County
For over 45 years, the towns of Corte Madera and Larkspur located in Marin County are the hosts of a truly memorable event each year starting with a fabulous parade with over 75 parade entries. After the parade the Town Park of Corte Madera is the place to be with live bands, food booths, arts and crafts and an array of children’s activities. Make a week end of it with a deluxe guest room at the Best Western Corte Madera Inn, which is within walking distance to the July 4th events. Included with your rate is a continental breakfast basket delivered to your room each day. Rates start at just $159 plus tax per night.
Greenest County Fair on Earth, Marin County
Come to Marin County over the 4th of July weekend and enjoy the Marin County Fair. Voted the “Greenest County Fair on Earth”, the Marin County Fair boasts things to do for everyone in the family. Make a weekend out of it - the Embassy Suites San Rafael – Marin County, located adjacent to the Fair Grounds offers Fair packages through the weekend. Packages begin at $209 and include overnight accommodations in a large comfortable suite, complimentary full cooked-to-order breakfast, Manager’s Reception, complimentary parking, two adult admission tickets to the fair and best of all a cool place to rest during or after the fair. To make reservations call the hotel direct at 415-499-9222 or 800 Embassy and ask for the “Fair Package.”
Seaway Inn, Santa Cruz
The Seaway Inn is located on scenic West Cliff Drive directly across the street from Santa Cruz’s Main Beach.
Package Includes: One night stay plus “Attractions Plus” passes to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Each pass includes an “All-Day Unlimited Rides Wristband” plus the choice of 2 bonus attractions. Package Price: July: Weekdays - $255 includes two tickets, July: Fri-Sat - $338 includes two tickets, August: Weekdays - $236 includes two tickets, August: Fri-Sat - $268 includes two tickets.
Summer Fun in the Sun Package with Beach and Boardwalk. This fun special includes two All Day Unlimited Ride Wristbands for the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. Includes two tickets to be used toward your choice of bonus attractions. Summer Fun in the Sun includes: one night at the West Cliff Inn in the room of your choice, two All Day Unlimited Ride Wristbands at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, Four Sisters Inns™ celebrated breakfast buffet, and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres at the inn. Valid Sunday through Thursday, June 1, 2009 - October 31, 2009: $250, King Guest Room (package value: $325), $275, Deluxe King Guest Room (package value $350), $300, Deluxe King Spa Guest Room (package value: $375), $325, Superior King Spa Guest Room (package value: $400).
Pajaro Dunes, Santa Cruz
Stay Three Nights for the Price of Two at Pajaro Dunes. Unique beachfront rental homes and condos located along the beautiful Monterey Bay. Use promo code CVC-1 when making your reservation.
University Inn, Santa Cruz
Save on Two and Three-Night Stays at the University Inn Centrally located, walking distance to downtown, beach, Boardwalk and wharf. Receive 20% off a two-night stay or 30% off a three-night stay. Reservations must be made by calling 1.866.827.2426.
Save $5 off the price of a ticket this season, as Shakespeare Santa Cruz presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Julius Caesar, performed outdoors in a redwood glen. Or, choose Shipwrecked on the indoor mainstage. Mention promo code CVC if calling.
CityPass Savings, San Francisco
San Francisco CityPass includes admission to the California Academy of Sciences, Museum of Modern Art, a Blue & Gold Bay Cruise Adventure, Aquarium of the Bay and either the DeYoung Museum (plus bonus visit to the Legion of Honor if on the same day) or the Exploratorium, plus a seven-day MUNI passport for $59 adulot and $39 for youth 4-12.
Passport to the Santa Cruz Mountains Wineries, Santa Cruz
We invite you to explore our extraordinary viticultural region and become acquainted with the incredible diversity of the wines and winemakers therein. At each winery you visit, a page of your Passport will be given a unique commemorative stamp. Passports do not expire until completed and cost a one-time fee of $40. This is a special opportunity to visit many of the wineries that are not open to the public at other times!
Doubletree Hotel, San Jose
Add a little mystery to your stay when you book our Winchester Mystery House package including a deluxe overnight stay and two admission tickets. Tour 110 of the 160 rooms and look for the bizarre phenomena that gave the mansion its name; a window built into the floor, staircases leading to nowhere, a chimney that rises four floors, doors that open onto blank walls, and upside down posts! Additional tickets can be purchased directly from the Winchester Mystery House. To reserve this package call 1-800-222-Tree.
Four Points by Sheraton, San Rafael
Escape to San Rafael and enjoy rates from $89 at Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael for stays through September 7, 2009. These special rates are even available for travel over upcoming holidays like Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
For those who want to trek around the city on one of the world’s most popular landmarks, Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is featuring the Explore Cable Car Package, which starts at only $184 per night and includes guestroom accommodations and two unlimited use all-day Cable Car passes per stay. For reservations and additional information, visit fishermanswharf.hyatt.com or call (415) 563-1234 or toll free (800) 233-1234 and click on or ask for the EXPLORE Cable Car Package.
Great America Hotel Packages, Santa Clara
Save on California’s Great America theme park when you spend a night at one of 10 Santa Clara hotels. Discount packages include one night’s weekend accommodations and two California’s Great America general admission tickets (extra tickets can be purchased at a discount at participating hotels). Book online at santaclara.org/hotelpackages.
Ballpark Fun, San Jose
If you’re looking for fun, affordable, family entertainment, the San Jose Giants have you covered. In addition to fun activities, contests and a chance to see future stars, the best BBQ in baseball is right here in San Jose. Visit newly renovated Turkey Mike’s BBQ and taste what many believe is the best ballpark cuisine in the country. You can take your whole family out to a San Jose Giants game for less than the price of seeing a movie and kids four and under are free. For more information or tickets for the 2009 season, please call (408) 297-1435.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk's Free Friday Night concerts made Travel & Leisure’s 2008 list of the World’s Best Free Stuff. This summer, hit bands making their Boardwalk debut include The Knack, Patty Smyth and Scandal, Loverboy, Ray Parker Jr., and The Sweet. Rounding out the twelve band lineup, returning fan favorites include Eddie Money, Papa Doo Run Run, The Tubes, The Fixx, Santana original lead singer Gregg Rolie, Greg Kihn Band, and Starship starring Mickey Thomas. This truly unique California beach experience gets underway with the Fixx on Friday, June 19.
The “2009 Fly/Drive & Dine on Us” promotion offers valuable travel and dining incentives and competitive hotel rates and runs through September 30, 2009, based upon room availability. No minimum stays are required. Rates start at $103 per night. When guests book a stay in one of 10 participating Costa Mesa hotels during the promotional period, they will receive a $25 per night dining certificate per reservation for each night they stay in that is redeemable at many fine Costa Mesa area restaurants. Additionally, a $25 reimbursement on airfare or purchase of gasoline will be mailed to guests within a few weeks of their stay in Costa Mesa. That amount rises to $50 for visits of three or more consecutive nights. The gasoline or airfare reimbursement is also limited to one per hotel reservation. Guests also receive a VIP Passport from South Coast Plaza filled with valuable special offers from leading retail establishments.
Disneyland Resort: Get 2 More Nights Free, Anaheim
For a limited time, when you purchase a three-night Disneyland Resort vacation package you get an additional two nights for free, totaling five nights at the Disneyland Resort and five days of theme park admission.
Pay-What-You-Will, South Coast Repertory
Pay-What-You-Will performances are on the first Saturday matinee of each subscription show (excludes Theatre for Young Audiences and A Christmas Carol), subject to availability. Pay what you can afford, $10 minimum. Limit two tickets. Cash only. Some restrictions apply; call for details. Tickets go on sale at 10 am the day of the performance in person at the Box Office.
Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach
The Refuel Package is perfect for a recharge of the battery, and offers guests overnight accommodations, a $50 gas card, a flight of five wine tastings served fireside at the resort’s trendy bar, and a 2 p.m. checkout for some extra rest. Rates for this package start at $337 per night, plus tax and gratuities. The
Surf on Us Package allows guests to swap the business suit for a wetsuit and paddle. Bringing some fun-in-the-sun into work related travel, this package includes overnight accommodations, complimentary in-room high-speed internet access, complimentary fax services, and a surf lesson for one with Toes on the Nose surf instructors. Rates for this package start at $387 per night, plus tax and gratuities.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing, Dana Point
Dana Wharf Sportfishing is offering a free dockside fishing clinic for young anglers. Ask the experts and learn new fishing techniques, new hook tying secrets, win raffle prizes and so much more! No reservations needed. Try out your new techniques on the 1/2 day trip departing immediately after the clinic.
Affordable Activities, Laguna Beach
With miles of pristine beaches, hiking trails, wilderness parks and more, Laguna Beach offers a wonderful array of choices. Adventurous individuals can enjoy the many great hiking trails that
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park has to offer, along with mountain bike rides led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For a more leisurely activity, Heisler Park is the perfect spot for a picnic, complete with amazing ocean and coastal views! For a self-guided tour of art in public places, public sculptures and artist-designed benches (an annual competition that began in 1998) throughout the city, pick up a Public Art Brochure at the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau. Heritage Walks & Tours reveals the charm of Laguna Beach’s historic bungalows and cottages. For a leisurely self-guided tour, take the local Laguna Beach Bus. You can obtain a brochure on city buses, at City Hall or the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau.
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Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau is partnering with local hotels to offer a ‘Book Two Nights, Get the Third Night Free’ promotion, running through the rest of the year. In honor of the world-famous Santa Monica Pier’s Centennial Celebration, the Pier will provide a complimentary whirl on their historical Carousel to all visitors who participate in the ‘Book Two Nights, Get the Third Night Free’ program, and Pacific Park will offer a ride on their solar-powered Ferris Wheel. In addition, the package will include a bicycle rental from one of the several Perry’s Café locations along Santa Monica Beach, and visitors will have an opportunity to explore Santa Monica via the City’s award-winning public transportation with a fare card from Big Blue Bus. Learn more about the ‘Book Two Nights, Get the Third Night Free’ offer and make your reservation online.
CityPass savings on theme parks
The Southern California CityPass includes a 3-Day Park Hopper for both Disneyland park and Disney's California Adventure theme park, plus one day at Universal Studios, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park. Adults, $259 (a savings of $106) and youth 3-9, $219 (a savings of $87). Hollywood CityPass will include the new Madame Tussauds when it opens August 1. Four attractions with option tickets will be $59 for adults, and $39 for youth 3-11.
A Four Points Universal package allows you to take advantage of the latest deals and customize your vacation, creating the experience that is best for you and your family. You can stay as long as you wish, and include a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. Universal Studios Hollywood Vacation Package includes: Hotel Accommodations at the Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Westside for 3 nights including full breakfast buffet for 2 and attraction tickets for 2 at Universal. Come back another day, complimentary on us. Starting at $540.00 for travel 4/15/09 – 12/31/09.
Free and low priced offerings found at attractions and restaurants throughout the city: For the art connoisseur, visit Long Beach’s two largest art museums, both offering free admission. The Long Beach Museum of Art offers free admission every Friday and the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA) is free on Sundays. After a lively day exploring the city and surf, you don’t have to sacrifice style and comfort for affordability at The Varden Hotel, Long Beach’s first European style boutique hotel offering rates as low as $109 per night. Visit Belmont Shore to people-watch and browse the eclectic shops and then take a break at the Shorehouse Café for a variety of $4 menu items. Savor fine dining with Tracht’s Appetite Stimulus Plan, a $35 three-course dinner offered Sunday through Wednesday evenings through the summer. Ride in downtown Long Beach for free on the Passport shuttle, or travel around the rest of the fifth largest city in California for $1.10. Cheer on the 49ers with $3 admission to games at Long Beach State, available at
www.longbeachstate.com with the promotional code “CVB.”
Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
The “Front of the Line Pass,” giving visitors priority access to all rides, shows and attractions is $5 off per ticket when you buy your passes at www.universalstudioshollywood.com. In addition to $5 savings, guests will also receive an exclusive bonus with the purchase of a “Front of the Line Pass” – the chance to experience iFly Hollywood at Universal CityWalk for either $10 off a First Time Flyer Package or the First Time Flyer 2-for-1 deal. Also available online only is the "2 Days for the Price of 1" ticket option, enabling guests to return to Universal Studios Hollywood and redeem their pass for a second free visit anytime within 30 days of the original ticket purchase. Guests who buy the “All You Can Eat Pass” on the website will be rewarded with 10 percent off the regular price of the pass, making dining at three of the park’s most popular restaurants an even better deal.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia
For the price of single day general admission, just $59.99, guests can purchase a 2009 Play Pass and enjoy unlimited visits to America's top thrill park until the end of the 2009 season. A Six Flags Play Pass is also good for unlimited free concerts and all special events. Additionally, the Six Flags Play Pass can be used at all Six Flags theme parks across the country and comes with a Bonus Book with value-added Six Flags offers including FREE friend admissions, a free Hurricane Harbor admission ticket and discounts on food and merchandise. Play Passes can be purchased online at sixflags.com, over the phone, by mail or at the park.
Free TV Tapings, Los Angeles
Be a part of a studio audience on your favorite television shows and game shows like “
Jeopardy!” and “
Wheel of Fortune.” Tickets are free but must be obtained in advance. Write for tickets or pick them up in person, since free tickets are available daily at some studio complexes. Remember: tickets and seating for shows are on a first come, first served basis. Most shows have a minimum age requirement of 14. For more information, contact: Paramount Television Audience Shows, Guest Relations, 323.956.1777; Audiences Unlimited at Fox Television Center, 818.506.0043 and Audiences Associates, 323.467.4697. Free tickets are also available outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood and Glendale Galleria.
At La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, the site of the richest discovery of Ice Age fossils in the world, more than 100 tons of fossilized bones representing nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have been unearthed from pools of sticky asphalt dating back to prehistoric time. It’s quite a collection (even Prince Charles asked to visit during an LA trip). You can wander the tar pits themselves, including the big pit still oozing goo near Wilshire Boulevard. The George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries offers free admission on the first Tuesday of every month.
Griffith Park is the largest city park in the country — 4,107 acres — and provides a mix of free activities for the whole family. Picnic on one of the broad lawns or hike one of the park’s many free trails. One of the prettiest spots to walk is Fern Dell, a calm, shady hideaway with waterfalls and ferns.
Free Activities, Los Angeles
Walk or jog in the sand along LA’s 75 miles of coastline; explore the tidepools at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro; marvel at the muscular bodies at Venice Beach; and admire the surfers at Surfrider Beach near Malibu Lagoon (that’s free to explore, too). Popular among travelers and locals hitting the beach with kids in tow,
Cabrillo Beach is a tranquil setting near San Pedro with everything you need for the perfect family outing. Located on a thin peninsula near Point Fermin Park, the beach actually has two sides — one outside the breakwater that’s open to the surf, and one that’s open to the harbor. After you’re finished with the beach, head to the nearby
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and enjoy the interactive exhibits, tidepool touch tanks and other unforgettable attractions. Venice Beach is one place where it’s almost as much about the people as it is about the surf or the sand. As you’re strolling the boardwalk, keep your eye out for Harry Perry, the turbaned guitar player on roller blades who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. This is also the spot to see the rubber-snake wrangler, the metal-ball-rolling, Speedo-wearing bodybuilder, the chainsaw juggler and a full complement of palm readers, folk artists and other colorful characters.
Offers a choice of three Summer Getaway Packages. Guests can choose from either a three, five or seven night stay, which all include meal credits at the onsite Capistrano's Restaurant, bike rentals, in-room movies, self-parking, Internet access and more. The packages are valid from June 1 through September 10, 2009.
The San Diego Padres’ season sizzles during the summer months. Baseball fans can watch the pros in action at the Padres’ downtown PETCO Ballpark with 46,000 seats, garden terraces, spacious concourses and state-of-the-art amenities for the fans. This summer the Padres are offering great deals for fans, including the Padres 5 for $5 Value Meal, which includes a hot dog, regular soda, peanuts, popcorn and a cookie for $5. This package is available during every Padres home game.
Del Mar Racetrack, Del Mar
The “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack, where fans flock each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, July 16 – September 3. And every Friday, guests get an amazing deal with the 4 O’Clock Fridays, a free headliner concert following the day’s last race.
Grande Colonial, La Jolla
Indulge for two nights in a luxurious ocean-view junior suite or a junior suite in our exclusive Little Hotel by the Sea wing of the Four Diamond Grande Colonial. Also enjoy a $100 dining credit for use at the award-winning NINE-TEN Restaurant. Rates vary, based on availability.
SeaWorld, San Diego
Back by popular demand, the 2009 SeaWorld Fun Card allows visitors to come back to the park again and again through 2009 (except May 24, July 3-5 and Sept. 6) for the same price as regular, single-day admission. AAA members can save this summer by taking advantage of two Fun Cards for $119, or getting adult's admission at kid's prices and kid's admission at half price. During Military Appreciation Days, May 23-Sept. 7, members of the military may purchase SeaWorld tickets through their base ticket office at a special admission price of $44 (for all ages), plus get a second visit free.
Balboa Park, San Diego
Take a walk through Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and discover its beautiful Spanish Colonial-Revival architecture and glorious gardens. Also take advantage of the Park's variety of other FREE offerings, including FREE admission to select museums on Tuesdays. During June 16 – August 27, guests can visit Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion as Twilight in the Park kicks-off a FREE 33-concert series. The performance line-up offers an eclectic mix of music including Latin rhythms, military bands, Dixieland jazz and big band swing. Performances run from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening.
Free Activities, La Jolla
Visitors will find a variety of free outdoor activities at
La Jolla Cove and
La Jolla Shores. As one of the only beaches in San Diego with fire pits, La Jolla Shores is a great place to gather around a bonfire for cookouts and s’mores. Families can watch sea lions play on the beach at the La Jolla Children’s Pool. Snorkeling La Jolla’s Seven Caves provides adventure-seekers the opportunity to get face-to-face with marine life and explore the Underwater Preserve.
Palomar Observatory, Palomar Mountain
Sitting near the summit of Palomar Mountain, Palomar Observatory showcases a stellar view of San Diego North. Free tours of the world-class astronomical research facility are offered daily, highlighting the Observatory’s celestial discoveries and famous, 200-inch Hale Telescope.
Visitors can embark on a free self-guided hike along the Ghost Mountain pictograph trail in the Anza Borrego Desert. Along the trail, hikers will have the opportunity to encounter historical “forgotten artists” rock paintings created by Native Americans and the ruins of a Depression-era mountaintop homestead, Yaquitepec.
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, Escondido
Queen Califia's Magical Circle sculpture garden is the only American sculpture garden created by internationally-acclaimed artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The garden is free to the public and contains large colorful mosaic pieces inspired by California’s mythic, historical and cultural roots.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado
Loews Coronado Bay Resort announces plans to offer its award-winning summer activities for free. Families will enjoy complimentary access to all the resort’s family activities, including bayside marshmallow roasts, dive-in movies, pizza-making workshops, sandcastle building, family bingo, educational beach tours, grunion runs, Guitar Hero “Battle of the Band” competitions, family baking classes and herb garden tours. Activities change daily and are available from July 3 to September 7, 2009. (Kids’ Club and marina rentals are not included.) Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s summer rates start at $299, plus tax. Reservations can be made by calling 619-424-4000, 800-81-LOEWS.
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The Palm Springs hospitality industry has put out the “free” welcome mat for visitors seeking a wallet-friendly summer vacation. A website,
www.ComePlayInPalmSprings.com, lists “free” summer offers on lodging, restaurants, attractions and shopping.
Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa is currently offering an Unlimited Golf Package for Two (includes guest room and unlimited golf for two). Rates start at only $139 in the summer months (June - September).
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Resort at Squaw Creek, Lake Tahoe
Memorial Summer-Launch Bed & Breakfast Package for $179 per night, per Deluxe Guestroom, which includes nightly accommodations, breakfast for two adults and a daily resort credit of $25 per room valid in the spa, restaurants, at High Altitude Adventures, and property-owned retail outlets. In addition, during the package period, children ages 12-and-under eat breakfast, lunch and dinner for free (one child per paying adult) from a special children’s menu. The package is valid May 20-26, 2009. For reservations, or for more information, visit www.visitsquawcreek.com, or call 800.401.9501, and utilize promo code MEMRSC.
Lake Tahoe is the nation’s largest alpine lake and the Sierra Nevada’s main attraction, but scattered throughout the mountains are countless serene alpine lakes worth an afternoon trek or even a daytrip. A grouping of five small picturesque lakes can be found in Granite Chief Wilderness, via the two-and-a-half mile Five Lakes trail accessed from Alpine Meadows Road. Shirley Lake in Squaw Valley is easily accessible for intermediate hikers. This two-and-a-half mile hike starts at the end of Squaw Peak Road and follows a creek up to the pristine lake. The trail to Eagle Lake starts at Eagle Falls Picnic Area, across from Emerald Bay. The one-mile hike crosses Eagle Falls via a steel footbridge.
Lake Tahoe’s AAA Four-Diamond Resort at Squaw Creek is presenting the Freedom of Choice offer for a limited time. Book two or more nights by June 15, 2009 and receive your choice of either 2 FREE Rounds of golf, or 2 FREE 50-minute spa treatments, or 2 FREE Mountain Buddies sessions. Offer valid June 5 – October 10, 2009. Subject to availability. Restrictions may apply. For reservations use promo code CATRFRESC.
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Cool off at New Melones Lake and take a complimentary Ranger guided hike on the many trails around the lake. New Melones offers different educational hikes on selected weekends throughout the summer. This activity is fun, free and educational for the whole family. Check the calendar at www.gocalaveras.com for the latest hike schedule and more details!
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Enjoy special Hotel Deals at Holiday Inn Express for only $79.00 when you mention this ad.
Saturday July 4th: Taste of San Joaquin (11 am – 8 pm) Admission to Taste is free! Pay only for what you taste. Simply buy a book of 20 tasting tickets for $20 at the information booth and enjoy playing in the sun on the waterfront while tasting from locally owned and operated San Joaquin restaurants. Live entertainment, wine and beer new this year!
Pub Crawl, Stockton
Friday, July 3rd: All American Crawl plus fireworks, 5 pm – midnight. Start by purchasing a wristband starting at $25 from Stocktontickets.com. Then join 500 crawlers and enjoy no cover to more than 10 bars, pubs and restaurants, trolley transportation, several drinks and appetizers, entrance into the Ports Baseball Game with fireworks!
Downtown Art Walk, Stockton
The Art Walk returns to Downtown Stockton on Friday, April 10th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. This community art festival is a free self-guided tour of local and regional art showcased in commercial and “phantom” galleries near City Centre Cinema, PG&E, Bob Hope Theatre and Tidewater Art Gallery. Fine art, photography, sculptures, student art, live music, spoken word and street performances will bring the heart of our city to life the second Friday of every month April through September. All art is available for purchase.
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Visitors can get the most bang for their buck in Summer 2009 by tapping into “Hot Deals” value-added packages and special offers on www.santabarbaraCA.com. Whether it’s receiving a 3rd night free at a luxury hotel like the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara, or cashing in on special admission rates at area attractions like the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, there’s a “Hot Deal” to suit every taste and budget. Dozens of hotels sweetened package deals with discounted wine tours, complimentary wine tastings and meals, indulgent spa treatments and family-friendly perks.
Celebrate Car Free-dom, Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Car Free Project offers four new “Celebrate Car Free-dom” vacation packages at eight hotels featuring enjoyable ways to contribute to cleaner air and a healthier planet: “Paradise Package with Wine Tour, Sunset Sail & More” the Santa Barbara Hotel Group properties, “Coastline Cruise and Trolley Tour Package” at Hotel Santa Barbara, “Farmer's Market Package” at Inn of the Spanish Garden and “De-Stress on Foot, by Bike or Electric Shuttle” at Old Yacht Club Inn. Additionally, the project’s ongoing “Take a Vacation from the Gas Pump” promotion offers savings up to 50 percent at 40 hotels, activities and restaurants just by showing a current Amtrak ticket. For complete information on the “Santa Barbara Car Free-dom Packages” promotion and hundreds of car free options.
Visit historic landmarks like Mission Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. Enjoy natural beauty walking through the Douglas Preserve, Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Franceschi Park. Soak up local culture on State Street, at the Harbor and at East Beach. Take advantage of photo ops at Stearns Wharf and the County Courthouse. Hike along the pristine Gaviota Coast and front country trails. Bike the Cabrillo Bikeway. Check out art at the Sunday Arts & Crafts Show and take advantage of free admission days at many museums.
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Shasta Marina Resort, one of the premier houseboat rental companies on Shasta Lake, is offering a $400 gas credit for any vacation booked during the 2009 season! The credit will generally cover gas for a 3-4 day weekend or will help to reduce the cost of a week-long vacation under normal driving and generator.
For the perfect way to beat the summer heat, Cave Springs Resort in the cool mountain town of Mt. Shasta is the ideal retreat. This beautiful resort, located on the Sacramento River features a pool, Jacuzzi, playground, tennis and more in addition to the pristine accommodations. This summer, a single cabin will run just $76 or $89 for a two bedroom. Both include kitchens. For travelers simply looking for a room, a single is $54 and a double is $65. Consider an extended stay with a one week rate of $305 for a single or $372 for a double.
JnR Hotel Summer Special, Ceaderville
Visit the JnR Hotel located in the peaceful town of Cedarville for some well deserved rest and relaxation at a great rate. Book a stay in one of their queen rooms for the surprisingly low rate of $49.95 plus tax. Or for those traveling with a large family, consider the two bedroom suite that includes one queen, three twins, a full kitchen and a front/dining room for just $150. Every guest at the JnR Hotel will have access to free DSL and in-room DirecTV. Cedarville is a great location to access the Great Basin and National Conservation Area as well as the Warner Wilderness.
Burney Mountain Guest Ranch Summer Special
The Burney Mountain Guest Ranch, located in picturesque eastern Shasta County, is offering accommodations this summer at the 2008 rates. In addition, guests staying for five nights will receive the sixth night free. The Burney Mountain Guest Ranch has countless opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, swimming, volleyball, archery, hiking and more.
Pay a visit to Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms for an inexpensive way to relax and refresh your spirit. The farm is located in the shadow of majestic Mt. Shasta and the views are absolutely unparalleled. Admission is free and a delicious glass of complimentary lavender lemonade is available for each visitor. Take a bundle of fresh self-cut lavender home for only $3 for 100 stems. Spend an hour or spend the afternoon, the choice is up to you.
Free or Low Cost Activities, Shasta Cascade
To stretch your dollar further this summer, be aware of the free activities available throughout the Shasta Cascade. Go to MarketFest in Redding’s Downtown Library Park, which features live music and local vendors Thursday nights during the summer season. Tour
Shasta Dam, with tours in the summer running 7 days a week. Walk across the
Sundial Bridge in Redding and bike or walk the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail. Enjoy a day at Brandy Creek Beach at Whiskeytown Lake, and take advantage of the
kayaking tours offered by the park for free in the evenings. Take a drive on the
Lassen Scenic Byway. View wildlife in the
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.
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This summer the Country Inn is offering a great deal: $65 per night (two night minimum) which includes breakfast (Sunday–Thursday only). In addition they are offering two great packages: one with the Skunk Train ($364), the other in conjunction with the Mendocino Music Festival ($300). Both packages include two nights at the inn, two tickets on either the Skunk Train or to the Music Festival, two passes to the Mendocino Botanical Gardens, and dinner at Mendo Bistro.
Guests will receive 3 nights for the price of 2 (Sunday-Thursday only) throughout the summer. Some restrictions may apply (such as during a holiday or festival weekend -- please call for pricing). They are also offering the “Getaway & Play” package, which includes discounted lodging, unlimited Mini Golf passes, continental breakfast, and dinner at D'Aurelio's restaurant. This package starts for as low as $204 (plus tax) Sun-Thurs, higher on weekends. The Mini Golf and Arcade is the best place for families and couples this summer, as beginning June 12th, it’s open 7 days a week and until 10PM on weekends. One of the only outdoor activities to enjoy after dark!
Fensalden Inn, Albion
Stay 2 or more nights at the Fensalden Inn midweek (Sunday-Thursday) and receive 35% off your entire stay! Stay 2 nights on a weekend and receive a 20% discount off (excluding holidays).
Baechtel Creek Inn, Willits
At the Baechtel Creek Inn, visitors can enjoy a variety of affordable packages, such as 1 night ($187) or 2 night’s ($285) lodging, 2 tickets on the Skunk Train, and a free gift (for weekends, add $10 per night). They are also offering at Summer Spa Package, which includes 1 night lodging, and a 1 hour spa treatment for two ($275, add $10 per night for weekends) or 2 nights for $380.
Take a scenic tour of the Klamath River with River Dancers on their “Tree of Heaven Klamath Afternoon Trip.” The trip meanders down a gentle 7 mile stretch of the river and is perfect for families and children of all ages. Opportunities are plentiful for viewing an abundance of wild life including turtles, river otters and heron, as well as providing some of the most spectacular scenery in the north state. For anyone looking for added excitement, inflatable kayaks are also available. The cost for this trip is $72 per person with all fees included.
Skunk Train, Fort Bragg
We invite you to see California while experiencing rail travel at its finest. Come ride the "Skunk Train" in its natural habitat. Cut through the coastal mountains to towering redwood forests as you experience the vintage rail cruiser. Our Package includes 1 or 2 night's lodging and train tickets.
Affordable Activities, Petaluma
Home of the world renowned "World's Ugliest Dog Contest," the ever popular
Sonoma-Marin Fair opens at the Petaluma fairgrounds on June 24 and runs until June 29. Ticket prices include carnival rides, concerts featuring head-line performers and more. The
Petaluma Art & Garden Festival is a favorite for the 100 or more booths of fine food, wine, music, arts, crafts and is free for the browsers. Later in the month, the
Wine, Jazz and Blues Festival on Aug. 29 features great jazz and blues bands the likes of Charlie Musselwhite, the headliner this year, along with fine wine and great atmosphere. All the good music and more, only costs $40 per person. There are free and low cost unique activities all year long in Petaluma, including tours of the Historic Downtown. Petaluma lodging provides a great alternative to more expensive places and offers easy access to the wine country, redwoods, the wildly beautiful Sonoma Coast and more.
