For a break from the sun, pop into one of downtown's art galleries or boutiques. Now its more of a gallerists colony but undeniably pleasant to visit. Head to Carmel-by-the-Sea to peruse its boutiques and art galleries, or visit Pebble Beach to hit the links at its world-renowned golf courses. This ranking would not be complete without mentioning Anaheim, home to "The Happiest Place on Earth." (If a car-free weekend sounds appealing, the citys new electric-bike fleet, Santa Barbara BCycle, has visitor-friendly passes.) This awe-inspiring destination at the edge of the Pacific Ocean features scenery so spellbindingly beautiful, it has the habit of putting travelers into a trance. The Mountain Escape: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. For the best weather, arrive between November and March (in summer, the park's average daytime temperature can often surpass 120 degrees). Winter Storms Heavy snowfall in California mountains this winter will extend the ski season deep into the spring, but the residual snowpack may impede travel in some mountain destinations. There are all sorts of floating accommodations across the United States. Statewide, vaccine verification (this includes self-attesting) and/or negative testing is required only for indoor "mega" events of 5,000 attendees or more. 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. Miles from DTLA: 10. Another AFAR favorite in Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, is blocks from the beach and has impeccable Kelly Wearstlerdesigned rooms that are vacated 24 hours before you arrive. And just south of the town center is where educational attractions like the Bay Area Discovery Museum and Fort Baker reside. (About 1 hour from San Francisco), While visiting Yosemite might require a bit more planning this year, the parks major sitesHetch Hetchy, Half Dome, Mariposa Groveare as breathtakingly majestic as ever. COVID in California: Fauci to skip press dinner while Biden forgoes the meal California does not have to require prison workers to get COVID vaccines, court rules "We are seeing about 70 new . . Despite a dramatic drop in travel due to COVID-19 this year, summer 2020 turned out to be the season of the road trip. Decrease, Reset Take a rollicking ride through Sedona's natural beauty in a rugged SUV. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor travel situations (like a ferry or top deck of a bus). Its interior was closed as of Sept. 15, but the grounds are accessible and you can walk along the bluffs. ), Over at Sound View Greenport (pictured) on Long Islands North Fork, guests can book one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and private outdoor decks overlooking the ocean. The COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant challenge in California. Stick around until nighttime to gaze at the clear, starry sky. The City of Angels is really as dreamy as they say. 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. Even if your goal is to simply relax, don't leave without a light stroll or hike through Emerald Bay State Park or D.L. (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 just this spring, the 24-room Palihouse Santa Barbara immediately established itself as one of the citys best boutique hotels. Info: rpvca.gov, pvestates.org, spcvb.com, Head up Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy some beach time, then head back through Topanga Canyon. Outdoor adventures abound including hiking fern-laden redwood groves and dramatic coastal bluffscheck out Van Damme and Russian Gulch State Parksand kayaking wondrous sea caves. 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. If you just want a view and some sunshine with your meal, claim a table at Ventana Big Sur. READ MOREA Family-Friendly Road Trip to Californias Mammoth Lakes, 19 Cozy Airbnb Cabins Where You Can Escape From the World, The Best New Hotels in the Catskills and Hudson Valley, New York in 2020. Guests can sample local wines and cheeses by an ocean-facing firepit. The Palm Desert Prowl Scavenger Hunt. 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. Vote below to help influence next year's list. Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, 13 Best Cape Cod Hotels, From Falmouth to Provincetown, A Guide to Maryland's Eastern Shore: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play, The 13 Best Hotels in Jackson Hole for a Warm-Weather Trip, The Best Small-Town Day Trips From Denver, Colorado, Denali National Park Guide: The Best Tours, Lodging, and Things to Do, Courtesy Ojai Valley Inn and Spa Califronia, Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. South of town, take lovely, two-lane Foothill Road (California 192) between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. Designed to highlight the regions rustic beauty, its 130 rooms and suites all but disappear into the Sonoma landscape. In Vermont near Mount Snow, look to Treehouse Village Inn where you can book a luxury A-frame treehouse on sweeping grounds and enjoy the perks of a B&B and the region (lakes, waterfalls, hikes, and IPA for days). Nature lovers will also be impressed: The city boasts flora- and fauna-filled attractions like the Coachella Valley Preserve and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens; it is also located less than 40 miles west of Joshua Tree National Park. The fountain in front of the Old Santa Barbara Mission dates to 1808. You might hike in Malibu Creek State Park (parking is limited; Rock Pool and Century Lake are closed). The Omicron variant is likely to spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant and has been detected throughout the United States and the world. There are no current restrictions on air travel to California from within the United States. Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner. 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.. Thats in addition to a state mandate that forbids overnight stays on nonessential trips, whether in hotels or short-term rentals. Availability of Campgrounds Open During COVID-19. On Saturday, September 18, 24.99 new cases were registered per 100,000 inhabitants. Cyclists, walkers and a skateboarder enjoy the Manhattan Beach Pier. Lots of water (more than 1,000 lakes and rivers! Tours & Sightseeing Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner (1807 reviews) from $ 169.00 Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens (207 reviews) from $ 158.00. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. As such, the State is issuing the following recommendations, which supersede all prior Travel Advisories: PO Box 997377 Paso's vineyards should not be overlooked for the better known wine countries up north. Check in at Casa Codythe oldest operating hotel in Palm Springsrecently revamped by new owners the Casetta Group, with 30 refreshed rooms and a prime downtown location. With some exceptions (see bulleted list below), the mask requirement for vaccinated individuals has been lifted. This one-of-a-kind destination straddling the California-Nevada border can be experienced on a self-guided auto tour of Badwater Road or Artists Drive, or by hiking the popular Dante's View trail. 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. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Cyclists ride along the Strand, a beachfront route that spans Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Good rule of thumb nowadays is to get a COVID-19 PCR or rapid test before you go and when you return home. (1-833-422-4255). Bliss State Park for some of the best views of the lake. Here, as a mostly homebound school year resumes and we enter our seventh month of pandemic-altered existence, are seven day-trip ideas within a several-hour drive of Los Angeles, some with overnight options, a few with beaches. 7. Not only is the valley filled to the brim with impressive hotels, but you'll also find a number of Michelin-starred dining establishments. Head to Kings Canyon National Park if you want to see more of California's famous sequoias after visiting Yosemite and Sequoia national parks. However, Pitkin County home to Aspen requires visitors to complete an online. The Post Ranch Inn sets the gold standard for understated-rustic luxury and pure escapism, perched 1200 feet above the ocean. 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." They also urge you to consider the impact of wildfires in the state on your plans. Or go tide-pooling or picnicking along Coast Boulevard near Childrens Pool Beach. As the U.S. continues to face COVID, please check local regulations before making travel plans. The 46 guest rooms are filled with midcentury modern furnishings, pendant lamps, and Crosley record players. One day you will be ready to roam again really roam across borders, oceans and continents. But California is famously resilient, and Napa in particular is ready for your return. 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. Colorado currently has no statewide travel restrictions when it comes to crossing state lines or quarantining. 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. Even a drive-through trip requires advance reservations; every vehicle entering the park needs to book a pass, and day passes disappear quickly. Hear us out: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have long been a regional getaway, but we have our eye on Gulf State Park6,000 protected acres paid for by the reparations of the Deepwater Horizon oil spilland its accompanying lodge. Theres no way around it: Its been a rough few years for Napa Valley. 1. (About 3 hours from San Francisco, 6 hours from Los Angeles). Bear Valley Search & Rescue - High-Tech Escape Room. Many prefer payment with credit or debit cards right now, to avoid handling cash. Other must-do activities include biking, horseback riding and stargazing; this International Dark Sky Park offers little light pollution, making it a superb place to admire the Milky Way. 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). Kayakers explore the cliffs and caves along the coast near Goldfish Point in La Jolla. (Shout-out to Asbury Park, NJ! Before traveling, familiarize yourself withlocal guidelines and regulationsfor all of the destinations you plan to visit. When you're ready to walk off all of that food and wine, venture to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park for a light yet very scenic hike. 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. Main Beach and Crescent Bay are a couple of local favorites, though travelers also highly recommend taking a trip to the wild shores of Crystal Cove State Park. 1-833-4CA4ALL If youd rather let someone else do the produce picking, follow chef Daniel Boulud (pictured) to Lenox, Massachusetts, where hes using hyper local ingredients to reimagine his French dishes at Cafe Boulud New York at Blantyre. To be sure youre traveling safely and responsibly across the United States, check local travel restrictions before you go. Prepare for the unexpectedand pack for it, too. There you can stop and meander Linden Avenue, which ends at a beach with lots of sand and gentle waves. 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. While each of Sonoma Countys small towns has its own appeal, theres something especially charming about Healdsburgand plenty of recent developments that merit a visit. Miles from DTLA: 2-8. Start by looking to see if there are any coronavirus-related travel restrictions such as COVID tests required or quarantines in the states you will be traveling to or through. Before visiting, check the beach website at crystalcovestatepark.org for updates. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Nearby, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is anticipating an August 15 debut for its new multi-floor wing of contemporary art and photography. I agree and consent to receiveemails from Visit California and its partners with special offers and exclusive content and that I am at least 18 years old, [[ crowdriff-gallery-id: 9523e13f-b333-4906-9c5f-971161933078 ]], Heres what to expect when you go to vineyards and tasting rooms across the state, The Golden State's celebrated national parks and federal lands are open, but plan ahead to ensure the best possible trip, While many rules have been relaxed or eliminated entirely, a few pandemic protocols are keeping the reopening safe and streamlined, Boutiques, shops, and malls look forward to your visitheres everything you need to know about shopping in the Golden State, Raise a glass to the Golden State's craft beer industry while enjoying its pandemic-inspired improvements, More than 1,000 miles of beaches and 280 state parks beckon visitors this summer, Safety measures continue during the states reopening as summer demand for vehicles soars, Join the record number of travelers arriving at Golden State airports, where safety measures help to ensure a healthy trip, As travelers hit the road, California hotels are ready and open for visitors, Most restrictions have lifted but a few protocols remain in place, depending on the location, Ski resorts embrace the 2021-22 winter season with no outdoor mask requirements, more dining availability, and high-tech ticket sales, California Is Open: What You Need to Know. For your browsing pleasure, here are 11 AFAR-approved houseboats you can rent across the U.S. Overlooking Kenoza Lake in the western Catskills in New York, Kenoza Hall is a squeaky-clean, upscale hotel by Foster Supply Hospitality (best known for its stellar restaurants, which have also reopened). Keep a lookout for brown pelicans, which often fly at eye level. 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. If you love film and TV, save time for touring Paramount Pictures Studios and Warner Bros. As for wineries, youve got access to world-class wine regions of the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley. Consider these U.S. alternatives for classic European summer holiday destinations. Co-owner Michael Luscomb said La Jolla Kayak ([858] 459-1114, lajollakayak.com) resumed rentals in late May, tours in early June. Miles from DTLA: 17. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. You might want to linger on the Malibu Pier, where the Malibu Farm restaurant and cafe serve breakfast, lunch and dinner alfresco. La Paloma has a history stretching back to the 1940s and recently reopened with a menu that links the culinary legacies of California and Mexico. Become one with nature at these amazing treetop retreats. Split Rock provides a narrow opening for cars inside the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. And keep a distance from strangers. below) and non-vaccinated visitors (see Are masks still required indoors? California's Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) Start: Dana Point (Orange County) End: Leggett (Mendocino County) Distance: 656 miles. Los Angeles County (L.A.) You'll also stumble upon the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. For coffee or a snack, head to Pannikin (outdoor seating) at 7467 Girard Avenue. All rights reserved. Indoors in K-12 schools, childcare, and other youth settings. Here, culled from recent L.A. Times stories, is a collection of options, all outdoorsy or car-based. Bring extra masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes. Reaching the cliff-hugging town isnt the easiest trip; whether youre coming from Northern or Southern California, youll arrive by the infamous twists and turns of Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (or the PCH), which winter rains have a tendency to shut down for months on end. Or you could kayak around La Jolla Shores or the cliffs and caves near La Jolla Cove. The Andreas Canyon trail in Indian Canyons in Palm Springs has lush palm trees on the left and dramatic rock formations on the right. Dont expect much in the way of shopping or nightlife, but theres really no need; youre here for the stunning landscape of the Pacific coast, truly up there with any in the world. When you go, practice social distancing (stay six feet from people outside your inner circle) and mask up. WEST COAST: You can hear the Pacific lap the shore below your balcony room at Malibu Beach Inntake them up on a picnic basket for two customized by the Picnic Collective. In addition to private homes and safari-style glamping tents, guests can still go horseback riding, fly fishing, and mountain biking. A kayaker paddles by Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. For example, if a restaurant server is taking care of you while youre eating and unmasked, make sure you dont talk directly at the server. These days, when its not booked for a wedding or private retreatm, its vintage cabins, rustic camping cluster, and fully renovated Camp Wandawega Hillhouse are listed on Airbnb. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Info: DowntownManhattanBeach.com, HermosaBeach.gov, Redondo.org. If you like Franco-California cuisine instead,Auberge du Soleil is home to Napas first fine-dining restaurant, led by French restaurateur Claude Rouas. Monterey's stunning natural beauty and small-town soul are what keep travelers coming back again and again. Or grab a burger at the Spot (389 Linden Ave.; [805] 684-6311), which has a rustic patio and food to go. This beachfront city is equipped with ample hotels, restaurants and shops in addition to its star attractions: Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier (an oceanfront amusement park), and the family-friendly Santa Monica State Beach. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. Today, this desert paradise attracts vacationers looking to lounge by the pool or hit up one of the citys lively bars or restaurants. During the day, check out tourist attractions like Balboa Park (where many of the city's museums reside), the USS Midway Museum (which is housed in an aircraft carrier) and the San Diego Zoo (widely considered one of the best zoos in the country). Joining Cond Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award winners Allegretto Vineyard Resort and the more intimate Hotel Cheval on the town square are newer lodgings including the Stables Inn, from the same team as the stately Cheval but with a more laid-back vibe. 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. Whether you're planning a daytrip or a relaxing weekend getaway, there are countless ways to spend your time here, from zip lining and snorkeling to sipping cocktails on the beach. Or walk the coastal side of the road (Point Fermin Park) to see the vintage lighthouse and rocky cliffs. AFAR may earn a commission if you book through our links, which helps support our independent publication. For a fancy dinner, you might try Georges at the Cove, a longtime Prospect Street mainstay whose Level 2 and Ocean Terrace dining areas are open. All travelers arriving inor returning to California from other states or countries should test 3-5 days afterarrival. Everyone should honor masking and distancing rules in place at private businesses. It is imperative that California continue to take steps necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants and reduce new sources of infection until we can achieve higher levels of vaccination in California and beyond. 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. Get inspired to plan your next vacation to the Volunteer State. This driving route take you deep into the heart of Craftsman style. Views include plenty of peaks, granite domes, and conifer forests; prime stops include Jesse Ross Cabin, which dates back to the 1860s; and the 2,700-year-old Bull Buck Tree, one of the world's oldest sequoia trees.
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