Situated about 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica easily stands alone as its own must-visit destination. This includes state and national parks, campgrounds, amusement parks, beaches, museums, sports venues, movie theaters, retail establishments, hotels, restaurants, bars, and wineries. For a memorable overview of nearby beach, cliffs and sea, park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, watch paragliders take off, get a sandwich at the Cliffhanger Cafe and sit at one of the outdoor picnic tables. The 46 guest rooms are filled with midcentury modern furnishings, pendant lamps, and Crosley record players. EAST COAST: Beach season continues well into September across much of the country, which means you could grab a towel and some sustainable sunscreen and make a day trip to one of these beloved small beach towns. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. The tramway takes passengers to an elevation of 8,516. This article was originally published August 21, 2020; it was updated March 2, 2021 with new information. Were very strong on weekends, he said. Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More 2,464 Full-day Tours from $99.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise 140 National Parks from $139.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco 886 Full-day Tours from $209.00 The fountain in front of the Old Santa Barbara Mission dates to 1808. No. 5. Miles from DTLA: 125. The state's official tourism body, Visit California, says that COVID-19 travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic "still allow travel in California, and many tourism assets have reopened." So, essentially, recreational travel is strongly discouraged right now. Follow the rules of the communities you visit. (1-833-422-4255). Some counties (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa) are requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining or to attend indoor events or large outdoor events. Split Rock provides a narrow opening for cars inside the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. Here are nine California weekend getaways within just a few hours drive of San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Head to Kings Canyon National Park if you want to see more of California's famous sequoias after visiting Yosemite and Sequoia national parks. It will be about a thousand degrees here, which explains why youll find lots of room. Bank rates are up. These Small Towns in France Are Straight Out of a Storybook. This ranking would not be complete without mentioning Anaheim, home to "The Happiest Place on Earth." Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Big Surs epic Post Ranch Inn has carefully considered its reopening plan, and after a global (!) Decrease, Reset Indeed, Dr. Thomas Russo, chief of the division of infectious disease at the University . In response to this ever-changing situation, we're doing everything we can to make sure that sightseeing with us is flexible for you. Must-Visit Attractions in California - Culture Trip If you love: Attractive lakeside villages in SwedenWhere to stay: Mayhew InnBefore you go: People are required to wear masks inside businesses and public places (unless they are completely alone). As for wineries, youve got access to world-class wine regions of the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley. Do they encourage masking and social distancing? To get the flavor of the valley, you might need a date shake. Theres no way around it: Its been a rough few years for Napa Valley. As of June 1, 2021, adults can check into one of 12 free-standing homes on property, the new Green O. Sign up for The Wild, our outdoors newsletter and Escapes, our travel newsletter. $$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. (916) 558-1784, COVID 19 Information Line: It's also known as a haven for creative types and for its food scene especially its fresh seafood and produce and top-notch wine. Los Angeles has an exhaustive array of fun things to do, from the family-friendly La Brea Tar Pits and the must-visit Natural History Museum to a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal. A surfer rides a hydrofoil surfboard at Paradise Cove in Malibu. Today, this desert paradise attracts vacationers looking to lounge by the pool or hit up one of the citys lively bars or restaurants. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. While art and design are inescapable here (mid-century everywhere you look), the recently-reopened Palm Springs Art Museum is of particular note, with an extensive collection of modernist photography and art; book your timed ticket in advance. But as mentioned, CDC travel requirements are still in effect, which means all international air passengers to the U.S. are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. Isolated highway closures remain in the Eastern Sierra and on the Central Coast. Flexible cancellation policies are more common now, thankfully, though be sure to read all the fine print. 10 Classic California road trips to drive right now Timber Cove Resort, a 1963 stone, timber, and glass A-frame on the Sonoma County coast, delivers fresh sea air and hippie, rustic modern vibes. (If a car-free weekend sounds appealing, the citys new electric-bike fleet, Santa Barbara BCycle, has visitor-friendly passes.) Don't know where to start? A Guide to All 50 States' COVID-19 Travel Restrictions - Leisure Is it Safe To Travel To California Right Now During Covid? (December If youre looking to beat the crowds, plan to visit lesser-known, locally loved gems like Grand Central Market and Griffith Park. You can still find snow on these slopes near L.A. While Northern California has the states best-known wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, Paso Robles, near the Central Coast, has just as much to offerone part scenic, rolling-hill vineyards, one part laid-back horse country. to Default, Certificates, Licenses, Permits and Registrations, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, California Health Facilities Information Database, Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research, Division of Radiation Safety and Environmental Management, Center for Health Statistics and Informatics, Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program, Office of State Public Health Laboratory Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, All travelers arriving inor returning to California from other states or countries should follow. But if you do manage to snag oneor book a room at the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel, the rustic Yosemite Valley Lodge, the tents at Curry Village, or any of the now-reopened campgroundsthe park is yours to explore, with shuttle services temporarily suspended but all roads open, all trails open, and fewer crowds than ever. 6. Recommended time: At least five days, ideally one or two weeks. Looking to splurge and feel good about it? Officially, its the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, 14 feet wide and shared by cyclists, skaters, pedestrians and wheelchair users. 15 Best Places to Visit in California Right Now - Time Out And with coronavirus restrictions across California lifted as of June 15, the states scenic roadways have never looked more appealingmaking it ideal territory for day trips and more. Laguna Beach, with its gorgeous stretch of sand, cliffs and rockscapes, once was an artists colony. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Travel Restrictions During COVID-19: Can I Take a Trip in California? Start in Redondo Beach and follow Palos Verdes Drive as it loops around the dramatic peninsula to San Pedro. At dawn or dusk, hike in one of the Indian Canyons Palm Canyon is the most popular or dawdle in the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, with admission by timed ticket. Located in central California about 40 miles south of Santa Cruz, Monterey is awash with picture-perfect beaches and charming seaside neighborhoods. But California is famously resilient, and Napa in particular is ready for your return. You might not be ready to spend $1,000 for a night at the Montage, but you might consider breakfast, lunch or dinner on the patio at the resorts Mosaic Bar & Grill. While the percentage of Californians fully vaccinated and boosted continues to increase, we continue to have areas of the state where vaccine coverage is low putting individuals and communities at greater risk for COVID-19. The U.S. admitted only 11,411 refugees in fiscal year 2021, the lowest number since Congress passed the 1980 Refugee Act for those fleeing persecution in their home countries. SLO is packed with highly regarded wineries, breweries and restaurants and even hosts a popular farmers market every Thursday night. (About 1.5 hours from Los Angeles, 3.5 from San Diego), With palm trees, beaches, and blue skies overhead: Santa Barbaras appeal is obvious. Opened in October, this immaculately pruned haven is the latest phase in many years of development at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Gardens in San Marino. California, which was the first state to report 2 million coronavirus cases in December 2020, is now a state with the lowest COVID-19 incidence, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. to Default, About the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Lab, CDER Information for Health Professionals, Communicable Disease Emergency Response Program, DCDC Information for Local Health Departments, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch, VRDL Guidelines for Specimen Collection and Submission for Pathologic Testing, State of CaliforniaHealth and Human Services Agency, en Why? If you love: Off-the-radar Italian villages and rustic vineyardsWhere to stay: The Goodstone Inn & RestaurantBefore you go: Note that masks must be worn inside public places. Though vaccination is not required to enter the state, it is strongly recommended. Bearing the exclusive title of the lowest, hottest and driest place in the United States, Death Valley National Park deserves a spot on every traveler's bucket list. Since Jan. 6, they have urged (but not ordered) residents to stay within 120 miles of their homes. Wake up early, bring your bike or rent one and ride the Strand, a paved 22-mile beachfront route that spans Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. READ MOREHow an Unplanned Road Trip Helped a California Family Reclaim the Van, What Camping During COVID Is Actually Like. Big campgrounds in Yosemite, the Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and Yellowstone national parks, among others, may have limited availability or amenities. If its your debut RV trip with your family, this beginners guide to taking an RV trip with kids will help you create a journey thats just right for your crew. Find relaxation and natural beauty at Nicks Cove, set on Tomales Bay, across from Point Reyes National Seashore in northern California. Santa Barbara, 95 milesSolvang, 128 milesBakersfield, 111 milesPalm Springs, 106 milesJoshua Tree National Park (west entrance), 131 milesTemecula, 85 milesSan Clemente, 61 milesCarlsbad, 87 miles. Originally opened in 1925 as a place for Chicagoans to escape Prohibition laws, the lakefront getaway reinvented itself in the 1970s as a church camp for Latvian Catholics. In NYC, you may be charged a COVID surcharge of up to 10 percent of your pre-tax bill at restaurants, to help cover costs incurred during the pandemic. The City of Angels is really as dreamy as they say. Become one with nature at these amazing treetop retreats. Sitting about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, this island paradise isn't hard to reach the Catalina Express will get you here in an hour from Long Beach but it will be hard to leave. Visitors can also explore various beaches, wander down to the Point Reyes Lighthouse and hike some of the area's miles of trails, including the Earthquake Trail, which travels along the San Andreas Fault. Regardless of when you visit, you'll find ample ways to enjoy the outdoors. On December 1, 2021 the first confirmed U.S. case of Omicron, a Variant of Concern as labeled by the World Health Organization, was identified. For COVID-19 rules and advice, visit the Los Angeles government website. Reset Want to live the RV life without dealing with the parking? California Department of Public Health. The Floating Farmhouse in Eldred, NY, sits right on a swimming creek (hence floating); the beautifully renovated 1820s manor house comes with a wood-fire pizza oven, a barn fit for dinner parties, and sleeps 10 (from $1,550 a night). Yes. Downtown, theres plenty of window-shopping among the galleries and shops. You might hike in Malibu Creek State Park (parking is limited; Rock Pool and Century Lake are closed). Guests can sample local wines and cheeses by an ocean-facing firepit. A paraglider takes flight at sunset over the ocean at Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla . To find a Port of Entry in your state or territory, select it in the map below or use the form in the right column. The pandemics toll on tourism was compounded by devastating wildfires that damaged some iconic hotels, took out others entirely, and wreaked havoc on winemakers during the all-important harvest season. If traveling to an area with high or medium COVID-19 Community Levels, and you are, live with, or are visiting someone who is . Bring your to-go meal from the Boathouse to the dock or down by the lake and finally . Fabulous But Fastidious: Planning The Perfect California Road - Forbes Numerous Kampgrounds of America (KOA) sites are also open and taking bookings. RV rentals increased a staggering 1,000 percent from April to June nationwide last year, according to RVShare.com, the largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. Youll find houseboats floating in places you may not expect, such as a private lake in Virginia or a glampsite on the Mississippi River. try the Calistoga Motor Lodge in Napa Valley, where the motel-style rooms open to the outdoors for plenty of fresh air and guests have access to complimentary bikes for solo rides through the vineyards. (Its spa is open now.) Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What You Need to Know Up in Calistoga, Solage Resort and Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, has just completed a $30 million redesign featuring restyled suites and studios, appealing pool cabanas, and a new poolside restaurant, Picobar, with modern takes on Mexico City-style street food. The nearly 100-year-old Spanish-revival Ojai Valley Inn is an ideal jumping-off point to appreciate the landscape, whether your idea of getting outside is a round of golf or tennis, or horseback riding, hiking, and a leisurely bike ride under the ridge of the Topa Topa Mountains. Thats in addition to a state mandate that forbids overnight stays on nonessential trips, whether in hotels or short-term rentals. 9 Best Weekend Getaways in California to Escape LA, San Francisco, and San Diego | Cond Nast Traveler SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5 North America United States California Getty. The downtown main drag has been reborn as the car-free State Street Promenade, a now-permanent walking zone with bars and restaurants spilling out onto the street. The COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant challenge in California. In summer, enjoy adventurous pursuits like hiking, mountain biking and kayaking, and in winter, go skiing and snowboarding at Big Bear Mountain Resort. South of town, take lovely, two-lane Foothill Road (California 192) between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. Sample a few natural wines at the 60s-inspired Venus in Furs before venturing around the corner to La Paloma Caf. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. Stop for a meal at one of Ojais famously health-conscious restaurants, including Farmer and the Cook, a caf, bakery, and smoothie bar supplied by the owners twelve-acre organic farm. After a busy day of exploring top sights like Fishermans Wharf and Alcatraz Island, head to the beautiful and tranquil Golden Gate Park to relax. 33 Best Things to Do in LA | U.S. News Travel For a bite, try Nelsons, the scenic patio restaurant, at Terranea (walk-in customers are OK). If you like olive oil tasting more than winetasting, visit one of these nine amazing olive orchards across the U.S. Now, where to go? A visitor gets a close-up view of two giraffes in their habitat at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on Sept. 15 in Palm Desert, Calif. An endangered African wild dog emerges from its pool of water at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. Visitors can tackle some of the park's thousands of rock climbing routes or explore dozens of hiking trails, though they should be mindful of the weather many of the paths should not be attempted on especially hot days. Two brother bobcats look up from their nap together at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. There are no travel restrictions in California, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a detailed collection ofsafe travel practicesthat is worth reviewing. When the temperatures rise and the snow melts, vacationers can try other outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, paddleboarding and taking a dip in the area's hot springs. Or you could kayak around La Jolla Shores or the cliffs and caves near La Jolla Cove. Looking to satisfy your taste buds? It is also a major luxury hot spot. Make a week of it and wander your way around California or New England, or up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway on one of these classic road trips. The Santa Barbara Zoo is open; advance reservations are required. As work from home and homeschooling became a reality and travelers sought ways to safely hit the road, RVs offered the kind of seclusion and social distancing many of us craved. To be sure youre traveling safely and responsibly across the United States, check local travel restrictions before you go. Must-visits include the House of Flowers, where youll sip estate vineyard Pinot Noir under sleek cabanas; and the swank new tasting room at the Aperture Estate, specializing in cool-climate Bordeaux varietals, with spectacular views out onto the Russian River Valley. Weve been crunching numbers on day trips for you and keeping the number 120 in mind. If so, consider Hadley Fruit Orchards in Cabazon or Shields Date Garden in Indio, which is surrounded by date palms. As COVID cases swell in the Bay Area, here's why mask mandates aren't With art galleries, museums, parks and a central district filled with shops, SLO offers plenty to see and do. Other can't-miss amusement parks in the area include Knott's Berry Farm (a local favorite) and Adventure City (a more budget-friendly option). We were also eyeing socially distanced stays with our friends at the cottages at LAuberge de Sedona; suites or casitas at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa and JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort and Spa; and the studio suites at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale. If so, book lodging and restaurant reservations in advance as best you can. If you want an eyeful of the state's iconic, towering sequoias during your California vacation, there's no better place to visit than Sequoia National Park. Good rule of thumb nowadays is to get a COVID-19 PCR or rapid test before you go and when you return home. The Funk Zone district is full of art galleries and tasting rooms, many of which are part of Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail. ). Just because theyre open now doesnt mean you have to visit today. 9 Best Things to Do in San Jose, CA | U.S. News Travel Travel Advisory - California If youre new to the South Bay, Manhattan Beach is the priciest of these places, Hermosa is more casual and rowdy, and the Redondo Pier and King Harbor Marina are often more diverse. Its always busy, so its best to try this early in the day, preferably a weekday. Keep an eye out for more restaurant openings later this summer: long-anticipated tri-level The Matheson, from local talent Dustin Valette, and vegetarian restaurant Little Saint, from the team behind triple Michelin-starred SingleThread. Following the California coastline, the iconic State Route 1or Highway 1is one of the best road trips in the world. Joshua Tree National Park Travelers looking for an outdoor escape should consider visiting Southern California's Joshua Tree National Park. 1-833-422-4255. As of February 28, 2023, the Governor terminated the state's COVID-19 State of Emergency. At night . All restaurants in these stories are now limited to takeout meals; some may have closed. Current safety measures - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response - California The Best Weekend Getaways in California - Cond Nast Traveler Stick around until nighttime to gaze at the clear, starry sky. Or you could enjoy a lazy lunch and swim at Paradise Cove, a selfie-ready nook on the sand that humbly calls itself the best beach in the world.. Info: visitcalifornia.com/experience/malibu. A flock of black skimmers flies over a pool of water in Santa Barbara. Beyond Main Beach (and its landmark blue-and-white lifeguard tower) in downtown Laguna, a path leads from Treasure Island Park (just south of the Montage Laguna Beach resort) to Treasure Island Beach (good for families, tide-pooling and snorkeling). What to Know About Ongoing Protests, For a Wild West Adventure, Head to These 10 Family-Friendly Ranches and Lodges, This Is the Destination Families Cant Get Enough of Right Now, According to Travel Experts, How to Earn and Burn Hotel Points This Summer, Waikk Is So Much More Than a Place for Tourists, How to Make Sure Your Travel Dollars Actually Benefit Local Communities, Inside A South Africa Safari Lodge Run Entirely on Solar (Even the Electric Land Cruisers). Montage Healdsburg, stretching over 258 acres of oak forests and vineyards, is the countys most impressive opening in years. 2022 California Travel Guide | TravelPulse Travel north across the Golden Gate Bridge and you'll discover Sausalito, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. An alternative is to pick one or two piers Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo each have one and build a walk. Miles from DTLA: 45 to 110. We also love the family-friendly Snowcreek Resort in Californias Mammoth Lakes. Get tested. 10 Fun Things to Do in Southern California April 2023 | Expedia All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. READ MORE11 Places in the United States That Feel Like Europe, How to Recreate Your Canceled Europe Trip at Home, Pretend Youre in Paris With This Itinerary. Here, culled from recent L.A. Times stories, is a collection of options, all outdoorsy or car-based. Local outfitter Blue Waters Kayaking will literally meet you on the deck of your cottage (if youre lucky enough to secure one of the rooms on the water) and show you the magic of the area, the true way it needs to be seenfrom the water. If you love: Fresh mountain air and hiking in the Swiss AlpsWhere to stay:The Little NellBefore you go: Read and follow the five steps to care for Coloradans.

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