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Top 5 Kid Friendly US Destinations

Posted on : 08-09-2009 | By : admin | In : Travel tips

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Although there are a multitude of destinations considered kid-friendly, here are the top 5 you may want to consider on your next family vacation.

1. Disney World. This ultimate family vacation has been the source of great joy for adults and kids alike. Whether you stay several miles from the theme park or enjoy the onsite amenities, this vacation affords you an endless array of activities designed for the entire family. From Epcot Center to Sea World; from Disney Village to Universal Studios; Water parks to Wildlife parks; no time is wasted at this world-famous resort.

Moreover, many online travel sites are offering special packages to Disney World as well as Southwest Airlines and others. In addition, you can save quite a bit of money by selecting hotels that offer free stays for children, as well as free meals for the little ones. This is one destination where you can easily book a trip based on your budget and stick to it.

2. Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. From Alaska to Wyoming, there are a multitude of dude ranches perfect for a family vacation. But, one of the most notable is the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Colorado, approximately 20 miles from Rock Mountain National Park. Here, your family can engage in an array of activities including: horseback riding, hayrides, nature walks, and a host of amenities provided by the ranch. This dude ranch is perfect for families who love the outdoors as well as enjoy visiting such historic sites as Fort Collins, Old West Museums, and Cheyenne (where you can buy tickets to the world’s largest rodeo held from July 17 to the 26th).

3. Hawaii. While Oahu has always been a popular destination, it is Maui that attracts family vacationers more than any of its islands. The reason is that it offers a wide variety of activities such as whale watching (seasonal); Lahaina, a famous whaling village; and Maui Ocean Center, home to the largest aquarium in Hawaii.

Your family can also take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train, circa 1890; visit Oheo Gulch to marvel at the spectacular waterfalls; spend a day at Iao Valley and view the Iao Needle; or visit the black-sand beaches at Waianapanapa in East Maui.

For fabulous weather, magnificent sunsets, and beautiful beaches; Maui is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy spending quality family time.

4. New York. Probably the most exciting vacation spot for families is New York. The “Big Apple” has something for everyone; from Broadway to Rockefeller Center, you will never run out of things to do here. Among the many sites to visit is Radio City Music Hall where you can take in a show; Madison Square Garden; the Empire State Building; the Village; 42nd Street, the Theatre District; museums; shopping, fabulous cuisine; the list is endless.

Spend a day walking along Fifth Avenue and stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral; take a tour of NBC Studios; spend an afternoon in Central Park and visit the zoo there; go to the South Street Seaport or take in a matinee performance on a Wednesday afternoon.

Whether you stay uptown or downtown, you will always be in close proximity to the many historic sites and sounds that comprise Manhattan. Moreover, your kids will enjoy all this city has to offer.

5. Las Vegas. The city that never sleeps offers a wide range of attractions for kids. This is why it is among the top family destinations in the US today. Moreover, it is an affordable vacation because the hotel packages and meals will fit any budget.

Among the many attractions offered for families include: M&M’s World, the Lion Habitat at MGM, Adventure Canyon, Game Works (a video game-playing wonderland), Sports Park, Circus rides; Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage hotel; Shark Reef; New York, New York’s roller coaster; Madame Tussaud’s; Lake Mead; Children’s Museum (the largest of its kind); and Adventures dome, the largest the theme park in the U.S.

Many of these attractions are free and are well worth visiting. Don’t forget the Flamingo Habitat at the Flamingo hotel or the spectacular water fountain show across the way at Caesars Palace.

For great fun and awesome rides and venues, Las Vegas is a wonderful choice for your next family vacation.

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Best Family Beach Vacations

Posted on : 03-09-2009 | By : admin | In : Parks and Beaches, Travel tips, _ Restaurants and Bars

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The best beaches can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Coast. Here are a few ideas you may wish to consider for your next family beach vacation.

Florida. From Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach, Florida is a prime resort area for family vacations. With perfect weather and miles and miles of beaches, this area is affordable, diverse, and has a wide variety of water-sports, restaurants, and a myriad of activities for children. Cocoa Beach is only an hour away from the Kennedy Space Center and Disney World. In addition, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is considered one of the best in Florida.

Myrtle Beach. Among the many favorite activities for children include: Ripley’s Aquarium, Le Grande Cirque, a show quite famous for its acrobatics and other circus performers; and Myrtle Waves Water Park. For older children, a definite must-see is the NASCAR Speed Park.

With a myriad of dining options, shopping, and other historic sites; Myrtle Beach has been named the number one choice for beach family vacations in the U.S.

Hampton. One of the most affordable vacations for beach-loving families is East Hampton, New York. The best place to stay is at the East Hampton House. The rooms are available in one and two bedroom units that contain fully-equipped kitchens and/or kitchenettes. Moreover, you have guest privileges at the nearby beach.

Although this vacation spot does not offer food, it does have an indoor gym and offers morning coffee there as well. But, across the street is a deli that has an array of items on their breakfast menu and is very affordable. In addition, there is a Chinese restaurant across the street as well as a take-out barbeque, and deli.

The grounds are impeccable and there is a very large pool (one for the kiddies, too) where you can lounge in the sun. A tennis court is also on the premises. Every room has its own balcony with lounge chairs and a table.

If you live in the New York area, it is a 90-minute trip by car. The East Hampton Inn is centrally located – five minutes from town, restaurants, shopping, and a movie house. You can even take a short trip to Montauk and visit the historic lighthouse or spend time at the beach there.

Hawaii. Of course, nothing can compare to the beaches that are in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. No matter what island you choose, Hawaii has the most pristine beaches anywhere in the U.S. Moreover, there are black-sand beaches on the island of Maui as well as a myriad of activities for the entire family.

San Diego. Shifting to the west Coast, your family might enjoy a stay at the Beach Cottages. This site offers numerous amenities such as water sports, biking, as well as an amusement park. For the kids, San Diego Zoo and Sea World are not far from the Beach Cottages.

Centrally located to restaurants and shopping, Beach Cottages is an affordable vacation spot where the family can enjoy the sun, the surf, and other amenities available. In fact, you can book a studio that offers a fully equipped kitchen.

Redondo Beach. Located on Santa Monica Bay, this report haven is perfect for family beach vacations. Here you can enjoy water sports, fishing bicycling, kayaking, as well as fine restaurants shops located not far from the Santa Monica Pier. There are many hotels that are situated across the street from the beach or within walking distance. Each has its own set of amenities that are geared towards families.

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For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat

Posted on : 12-07-2009 | By : admin | In : Airports, Parks and Beaches, San Diego, _ Bed and Breakfast

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Translated, La Jolla means “the jewel”, which is an apt name for a splendid and beautiful town full of blue water. One of California’s best oceanside towns, La Jolla is also home to many of the best beaches in the state.

When you visit, you’ll notice that there are many things to do. If you’re looking for something to do, here are 5 great things to occupy your time:
1. Beaches – When you hear that San Diego has great beaches, it’s the truth. La Jolla Cave, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea are the best in San Diego, and possibly even the state.
2. Birch Aquarium – Although it’s a small aquarium, it’s packed with a lot of interesting stuff and best of all – it won’t wear you out.
3. La Jolla Playhouse – This theater company is highly known around the world.
4. Walking tour – Hike Bike Kayak will offer you a splendid one hour tour that focuses on the beauty and splendor of the La Jolla Coast and the history of the city.
5. Kayaking – The Hike Bike Kayak company also offers a tour of the La Jolla sea caves, with no experience required.

A weekend trip to La Jolla is an excellent time to enjoy a leisurely brunch. The Cottage serves great cuisine in a beach bungalow atmosphere, while the Marine Room at the Sea Lodge was voted the best Sunday brunch in the area several times in a row. If you’re looking for a simple breakfast, with great views and few tourists, follow Coast Blvd. to the Goldfish Point Cafe.

For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat. There’s plenty to do here, with the beaches in the summer. If you visit on hot days, you’ll spend a majority of your time on the beaches – and loving every minute of it. For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat.

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La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction

Posted on : 20-06-2009 | By : admin | In : Parks and Beaches, San Diego, _ Restaurants and Bars

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La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction, and by all accounts is the “jewel” in San Diego. Perched on the bluffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean, the city has captivated millions over the years, and continues to do so to this very day.

With it’s quaint village feel, expansive views, and easy to access coast, it can be said that La Jolla is a great attraction. If you had to break La Jolla down into 3 main areas, it would be the beach, the restaurants, and the shopping.

Home to some of the best coastline in the county, La Jolla offers beach goers and sun lovers the chance to play, relax, and bask in the sun on some of the finest beaches in the area. In their beauty, the beaches rival those of Hawaii for their seclusion and serenity.

From the long white sand of La Jolla Shores to the quiet and relaxing beach off Marine Street, you’ll have plenty to enjoy and find your very own piece of paradise.

La Jolla restaurants are world class, playing host to some of the finest chefs and coming chefs in the entire country. With its year round growing season, these chefs have some of the finest products to work their collective magic with – creating some of the best meals you’ll ever taste.

The village of La Jolla is said to have some of the best shopping anywhere. There are stores all over the area, with something for everyone.

Whether it’s shopping, swimming, or just checking out the area, La Jolla is truly a place to vacation or just visit. Summer is the best time to visit, as the beaches here are truly beautiful. If you’ve wanted to go somewhere different, La Jolla is where you need to be. La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction.

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The La Jolla Cove is an excellent beach

Posted on : 13-06-2009 | By : admin | In : Parks and Beaches, San Diego

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The Cove of La Jolla sits below the Ellen Browning Scripps Park in downtown La Jolla. The sandy portion of the beach is quite small, with plenty of rocky cliffs. During high tide, the surrounding rocks will trap the water that stays behind as mini tide pools when the tide goes out, giving both children and adults something to peer into.

The La Jolla Cove, 1100 Coast Boulevard, is a very small beach that’s tucked between adjacent sand stone cliffs. Due to it’s amazing beauty, the Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in the Southern California area. Although it’s within a short walking distance of the commercial community area of La Jolla, the Cove still retains a style of it’s own.

The north facing has a very unusual amount of coarse sand. The grassy area of Scripps Park is on the other side, and provides a great area for picnics. The water visibility at the Cove can sometimes exceed 30 feet, which makes it a very popular area for scuba divers and snorklers.

The Cove lies within the San Diego Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which will help to ensure that all marine life remains plentiful. This area is look but don’t touch, with the possession of game being against the law.

La Jolla Cove is an excellent area for scuba diving, especially when surf conditions are low. Before you head to the beach, you should always telephone the beach information line and check with lifeguards before you dive.

With plenty to offer your entire family, the La Jolla Cove is an excellent beach. There is plenty of swimming here, with views of the most beautiful water in the area. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a hot summer day – The La Jolla Cove is an excellent beach.

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La Jolla beaches offer something for everyone

Posted on : 12-06-2009 | By : admin | In : Parks and Beaches, San Diego, _ Restaurants and Bars

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From the family beaches that are most often preferred by tourists to the more secluded coves most desired by surfers, divers, and swimmers, La Jolla beaches offer something for everyone. From Blacks Beach to the north and Windansea Beach to the south, the La Jolla shoreline consists of steep sandstone cliffs that are separated by coves and sandy beaches.

They sunny yet beautiful breezes and picture perfect views are a vacation paradise for tourists and a water recreation highlight for locals. There are seven unique beaches that dot the seven mile coastline against a backdrop of real estate, resorts, cliffs, tall palm trees, and lush scenery.

Downtown La Jolla is conveniently located near most of the beaches which not only provide parking for beach visitors but plenty of fine restaurants, intimate cafes, culture, art galleries, and other types of commercial convenience.

Between mid day and 4 PM, the crowds at any of the La Jolla beaches can be very big. The best advice when visiting any of the beaches in La Jolla is to come to the beach early and stay late – so that you can enjoy the magic of the sunsets and dusk views from across the ocean horizons.

Each beach at La Jolla will offer you something unique with different ways to enjoy the bliss of your vacation. La Jolla Shores is the most popular beach for families with the largest expansion of flat, sandy beaches. If you enjoy people watching, sunbathing, and lazy days on the beach – La Jolla Shores is where you want to be.

La Jolla Cove is another excellent beach, with steep sandstone cliffs offering amazing views and the paradise of sparkling blue water the cove is known for. The La Jolla Cove is a swimmer’s dream come true because of it’s gentle water. Along with the Children’s Pool, the Cove is rich with reefs that attract scuba divers and snorkelers to the abundance of marine life.

There are several La Jolla Caves that were carved by nature into the sandstone cliffs between La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores that help attract ocean kayakers from around the world. There is one cave in particular, known as “Sunny Jim Cave” that can be entered through a man made tunnel that leads to a steep descent through a narrow underground tube to a wooden deck.

With plenty of beaches all along the coastline, La Jolla is the place to be during the summer months. La Jolla is a well known tourist attraction, with well over 7,000 people visiting on a daily basis. If you enjoy the beach, La Jolla is going to feel like heaven on earth. La Jolla beaches offer something for everyone.

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The children’s pool in La Jolla is a great place to go

Posted on : 10-06-2009 | By : admin | In : Parks and Beaches, San Diego

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Also known as the Casa, the Children’s Pool is a small beach partially protected by a sea wall. The original intention here was to create a fully protected swimming area, although sand has now filled in much of the area that exists to the inside of the wall.

This is a very beautiful beach, offering several panoramic views. Almost all year long, seals and sea lions are present on or near the beach, with a reserve for these marine mammals, known as Seal Rock being just a bit offshore.

The Children’s Pool is within a short walking distance of the commercial area of the community of La Jolla. You can find grassy park areas a short distance to the north and south. Several small beaches are nearby as well, including Wipeout Beach to the south and Shell Beach to the north.

Children’s Pool is also a popular beach for scuba divers because of the reefs just offshore. These very same reefs can help create very strong currents and other hazards, especially in high surf conditions.

Lifeguard protection

Lifeguards are staffed daily throughout the year. In the summer, lifeguard hours are normally 9 AM until dark. During other times of the year, lifeguards may not begin duty until 10 AM.

Directions

From the north, take I-5 to La Jolla Village Drive, westbound. At the signalized intersection, turn left onto Torrey Pines Road. Follow this road to Prospect Street and turn right. Be on the lookout for signs and bear right onto Coast Boulevard.

From the south, take I-5 north to La Jolla Parkway. Continue following it as it will becomeTorrey Pines Road. Follow this road to Prospect Street and take a right. Watch for the signs then take a right on Coast Boulevard.

Parking

At La Jolla Cove, there is a very limited amount of on street parking. On street parking can be very hard to find, especially in the summer. It’s limited to three hours at a time on weekdays, although there is no limit on weekends.

You should always check the signs for any types of parking restrictions. Paid parking is also available in downtown La Jolla at several locations and it’s also a short walk from the beach.

For a great day of fun, scuba diving, or just enjoying the water, the Children’s Pool in La Jolla is a great place to go. You should always try to get here early, as it can get very crowded in the summer. Once you get here, you’ll find yourself completely amazed with what the Pool will offer you and your family. The children’s pool in La Jolla is a great place to go.

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Travel at a glance in San Diego, California

Posted on : 13-05-2009 | By : admin | In : San Diego, Transportation _

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Referred to as many as being the only travel area in the United States with perfect weather, San Diego remains the oldest port on the West Coast. Complete with a well known Naval Base and a high level of travel for tourism, this breathtaking city continues to dominate the economy.

Aside from offering high mountains, deserts, and over 70 miles of the world’s most renowned beaches, San Diego also offers other great attractions such as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Wild Animal Park.

For art lovers, there are many different museums and even the Shakespearean play at the Old Globe Theater. Throw in the fact that San Diego has more championship golf courses than any other area in the world, and you have a city ready for anyone’s imagination.

As a tourist city or a place to call home, San Diego is one place you should at least visit. The night life here rivals that of Las Vegas, giving you something for everyone in the family. Young or old – San Diego is the one city that you’ll never find boring. Travel at a glance in San Diego, California.

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8 Travel facts about San Diego, California

Posted on : 12-05-2009 | By : admin | In : Parks and Beaches, San Diego

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Considering how San Diego is one of the best cities in the United States, it’s really easy to tell how popular the city is for tourists. Among the many accomplishments behind San Diego, let’s take a look at several facts behind this amazing city.

Fact 1 for travel
Inside the city limits of San Diego, more than 1 million people live there. This makes the city the second largest in California and the sixth biggest in the entire United States! For the city to be this big, the residents still have that hometown experience – which is quite amazing!

Fact 2 for travel
No matter what type of year it is, it’s never the wrong time to visit. The weather is near perfect year round, giving you the chance to experience everything to offer here. With an annual high of 70 degrees and a low of 55 degrees, you can pretty much go swimming year round.

Fact 3 for travel
If you visit between December – March, you can catch some glimpses of the impressive gray whale. All along the coast or on a cruise, you can catch this very amazing mammal.

Fact 4 for travel
If you travel just 23 miles south, you’ll be in the beautiful city of Tijuana. What was once thought of as dangerous happens to be an amazing place of Mexican hospitality, with great restaurants, shopping, and a pleasing nightlife.

Fact 5 for travel
San Diego offers an amazing array of flowers and roses. With the climate being dry, it’s the perfect conditions for roses, wild daises, and other exotic flowers. With different flowers in the winter and summer months, avid flower lovers will fall in love with everything San Diego has to offer them.

Fact 6 for travel
It’s no secret that one of the biggest attractions to San Diego are the beaches. Make sure you read the signs though, as the beauty behind the beaches vary almost as much as the rules do.

Fact 7 for travel
When it comes to nightlife, San Diego has something to please everyone. From country dancing to singing in a bar, the city has a very happening nightlife. No matter what you like to do at night, San Diego has it all – and probably a bit more.

Fact 8 for travel
The most attractive feature to San Diego is the zoo. The 100 acre zoo here houses almost 4000 animals all of which who have plenty of room to roam around. With pandas for everyone to see, the San Diego zoo is reason enough to give the city a visit.

For more reasons than one, San Diego is the perfect city to visit. You can visit here with family or friends and know that you’ll always have places to go and things to see. Winter or summer, San Diego is the one place you’ll never find boring. 8 Travel facts about San Diego, California.

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A scenic travel overlook of Newport Beach, California

Posted on : 10-05-2009 | By : admin | In : Newport Beach, Orange

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Throughout the vast state of California, Newport Beach remains one of the most overlooked travel cities. The city of Newport Beach is actually a very charming island, with great beaches and a peninsula. With all of its charms, it remains overlooked by travel tourists and those looking for an ideal vacation spot.

Lying cradled within the Balboa Peninsula, the seven islands that make up Newport Beach happen to have some of the most expensive real estate in California. Many of the homes here are 1.5 million and up! When you consider that many are surrounded by small yacht harbors and a peaceful yet tranquil environment, you know the price of the homes are more than well worth it.

If you live in California, you can find Newport Beach just off Pacific Coast Highway in beautiful Orange County . Simply take CA, 55 south from I-5 to Newport Blvd. Or, you can also take CA 1 at Newport Blvd. After a short travel, the Newport Blvd. will turn into Balboa Blvd. and eventually take you down the middle of the island.

Whether you live in California or just outside of it, Newport Beach is one place you should visit. Once you visit this overlooked treasure, you’ll probably find yourself wondering why you didn’t visit sooner. Take our word for it – Newport Beach is simply “that good”. A scenic travel overlook of Newport Beach, California.

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