I’ve also been to LA, and yes there were a few places, but I think it’s highly overrated as whole. Even California’s nature places aren’t that great, in my opinion. Sure we have a few nice zoos, and many theme parks and beaches if you’re into that, but this state isn’t where I would choose to visit if I lived in a different state or country. Maybe I’m jaded because I live here, but this state is not that great as a whole.
Many Europeans come just to see Death Valley. Especially in Feb March after any rain. Wildflowers etc.
Uhm, let’s see:
Yosemite in the winter. Check.
Redwood Forests. Check.
Natural Bridges. Check.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Check.
Cable Cars. Check.
Golden Gate Bridge. Check.
Point Bonita. Awesome Check.
Marine Headlands. Check.
Eating at any restaurant in Tiburon which has an unobstructed view of the city. Check.
The model, which is exact in it’s detail of the entire San Francisco Bay and Estuaries and us used by the Navy, Coast Guard, NOAA and a host of other people to study the Bay, its tides and the effects of any number of things.
Castroville. Artichoke capital of the world and Marilyn Monroe was the 1st Ms. Artichoke. Stop at The Giant Artichoke and eat fried artichoke hearts. I never have just one order. Check.
Montery? Uhm, the aquarium, Cannery Row, deep sea fishing, restaurants, beach, etc. Check.
Carmel. Walk the place it’s so beautiful and there are no restaurants that have bad food and all are dog friendly.
17 mile drive. Views? In spades. Gorgeous homes to die for? Oh yeah. Check.
The lone tree thing? WTF ever but, if it’s some metaphor for your life. Check.
Rocky Point Restaurant. 12 miles south of Carmel. Sits on a cliff over looking the ocean and the Bixby Bridge, one mile south. Food? I love the hamburgers and I don’t think I ever had anything else. Menu is great.
Back in the Carmel Valley is a hotel/spa/golf course “Carmel Valley Ranch”. Stupendous! Rooms are huge, with two queen beds, you’ll be tempted to take the plush towels home, shampoos and soaps that are heavenly. This place can make you pass out for its serenity and the beautiful valley it overlooks.
You cross a bridge to get to the restaurant and at mid point can stare off, in a daze, looking at the ocean. I live here and see the ocean all tbe time but, this view picture frames it.
Also, the deer, turkeys and other wildlife abound here and add to idylic setting.
The restaurant has its own farm for produce. All organic, non GMO, no pesticides and the staf is content competing with deer to keep the farm productive.
The food? Out of this world and flavor full. You will never guess it’s spa cuisine, because it’s not.
It’s just great.
Wine $2 million dollar worth and pretty much what ever you want.
The bar is all the stuff I drink and none of that pedestrian swill.
After dinner, you can have some making oversized Smores, at one of three huge fire pits.
Best part? The smores are free.
Big Sur. Ventana, Post Ranch and others are great places to relax, be pampered and just think. .. about notbing.
Solvang. Little Switzerland. Fun. Check.
Santa Barbara. Two best Hotels, IMO. Fess Parker. Right across the street from the ocean and fairly central to anything in the area. The restaurant is decent and you can find better fare elsewhere.
But, when I’m there I could care less and happy drinking wines and scotch, smoking cigarettes and cigars.
I always order a particular room. It’s on the 1st floor, with a huge patio, just above eye level of the ocean.
I just sleep when I’m there and once paid to have someone move, so I could have the room. (Pretty sure they weren’t inconvenienced, as I paid for their weekend. Had to be done).
Baccara. Probably not affordable for many and might be too high falootin as well. But, for total privacy, service, food and drinks. I love the place.
Always spend a little time in the courtyard entrance. Some pretty spectacular vehicles, some only two wheeled.
Beach? Stunning and private.
L.A.? Stuff everywhere to do.
San Diego? If that is ever a disappointment then being called an insocient ass probably has a familir ring.
Palm Springs? One day I’ll do a world class write up of all the things to do around there.
My only gripe about it? It’s Palm Springs and I can’t stand the heat.
Winter is pretty dang’d nice though.