While hit television shows such as Laguna Beach, The Hills, and The Real Housewives of Orange County may give viewers an impression of California and its locals, the Golden State is known for more than just its Hollywood fame. California offers various attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy along with its warm sunny weather and beautiful coastal beaches. While enjoying your vacation rental in Newport Beach or any other coastal town, here are some fun ideas.
Meet the Grapes
It’s no wonder over 14.8 million people come to the state each year. California is the leading wine producer, making more than 90% of all U.S. wine. As of 2010, there were 3,364 bonded wineries alone in California. One popular place for wine lovers is Napa Valley, where you can visit Beringer Vineyards, home of Napa Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery. You can sample delicious wines such as Cabernet or Merlot. Other popular wineries in California include Laguna Canon Winery, Canyon Road, and Perry Creek Vineyards.
Fun and Sun
In California, the beach is a way of life. You have over 1,000 miles of beach and 118 beach towns, all of which are popular. Why don’t you find vacation rentals in Newport Beach to stay at? Located just north of Laguna Beach, which is home to 26 different beaches, Newport Beach is home to the largest recreational harbor on the west coast. Here you can enjoy sunset cruises with your significant other, take surf lessons, or enjoy live entertainment with your family. This would keep you close to the action, but away from the hustle and bustle of a hotel. Other top beaches and beach towns you can relax at include San Diego’s Ocean Beach, Huntington Beach, and Santa Barbara.
Feel like a kid again
Whether you are on vacation with your kids or your significant other, why not make a trip to Anaheim? Since opening in 1955, Disneyland has offered the West Coast the same excitement as Disney World on the east coast. In 2010 alone, 15.98 million people visited the park, which made it the second most visited park that year. Home to eight different lands, you never know what adventure you will go on next. Before you leave though, make sure to stop and say hello to your host, Mickey Mouse.
Play ball!
Are you a baseball fan? If so, you can enjoy a baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. When it was still home to the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL, seating was at 64,593 for Angels games. Today, after some renovations, you can be one of the 45,050 fans with a chance to catch a homerun hit by slugger Albert Pujols. If peanuts and cracker jacks aren’t your thing, the stadium is home to three full-service restaurants: The KnotHole Club, The Diamond Club, and the Homeplate Club.
California is also home to amazing golf courses. Why doesn’t the golfer in the group hit the links at Pelican Hill Golf Club, home of two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio? Or you could try the South Course at Indian Canyons Golf Resort, featuring 6,593 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.
No matter which activity you choose, whether it’s sipping wine in Napa Valley, building sandcastles at Newport Beach, or catching homeruns in Anaheim, the time you spend in California will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
