California Travel Tips

California travel expert Veronica Hill shares her San Diego travel guide in this episode of "California Travel Tips." San Diego, California, is home to more activities per square mile than perhaps any other place in the world. This laid-back surfer town is packed with hotels, restaurants and attractions, making it a great choice for any budget. And with an average summer temperature of about 70 degrees, you don't need to do any heavy packing. San Diego is extremely casual, so flip flops and sundresses are standard attire around most of the city. Be sure to plan at least 3 days to explore — but a week is even better. Most San Diego hotels offer great discount packages. Some even include free tickets to San Diego attractions, so don't be shy about asking. If you only have one day in San Diego city, be sure to visit the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. It's home to one of the finest collections of animals in the world, and it's a great place to brush up on your wildlife photography. At San Diego Wild Animal Park, you can explore the African Savannah by Jeep, go camping on an overnight safari, or rush down Flightline, the longest zip line in the continental United States. There are so many things to do in San Diego, but one of the most popular is Sea World San Diego, a marine animal theme park that's home to fast-moving water rides, entertaining dolphin shows, and that famous killer whale, Shamu. Don't miss a chance to take part in their Dolphin Interaction, where you can put on a wetsuit and swim with dolphins just like the pros. It's truly unforgettable. Small children will love Legoland California, a Danish theme park filled with animated characters, rides and miniature cities made of Lego bricks. The Apple Fries are loaded with calories, but worth every bite. San Diego is a huge metropolitan city, the second largest in California and 9th largest in the U.S. Downtown San Diego is home to the San Diego Padres, who play in Petco Park, and the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The San Diego Trolley is the city's rapid transit system, running three separate lines from the Mexican border north to El Cajon. On weekends, up to two children ride free with a paying adult. One of the most popular San Diego tours is offered by the San Diego Old Town Trolley. Your tickets include all day hop-on, hop-off access to the city's top sights, including the USS Midway, Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, Whaley House and Seaport Village, where you'll find great San Diego shopping and some of the best San Diego restaurants. You can also go on a San Diego tour with a GPS-enabled Go Car, available through some San Diego rental car agencies, or board a hydra-terra vehicle for a land-to-sea experience on the San Diego Seal Tours. Marine buffs will appreciate the Maritime Museum of San Diego, home to one of the finest collections of historic ships in the world. Book an adventure at sea on a tall ship, or take part in a real cannon battle. Each September, the museum hosts the annual San Diego Tall Ships Festival, drawing salty sea dogs from around the world. For a glimpse at where it all started, be sure to visit Mission San Diego, founded in 1769 by Father Junipero Serra. It was the first of 21 Missions in California, and is considered to be the birthplace of Christianity in the Far West. When planning a San Diego vacation, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the lodging choices. A few San Diego resorts include the golf course and spa resort of La Costa in Carlsbad, the family-friendly Paradise Point in Mission Bay, the business-savvy San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina and the pet-friendly Loews Coronado Bay Resort. But my all-time favorite is the historic Hotel Del Coronado, one of the grandest oceanfront resorts in the West. Opened in 1888, the hotel offers tours by reservation, or you can explore on your own. While you're in Coronado, you'll find plenty to do, from sunbathing on Coronado Beach to kite surfing at the Silver Strand. Rent a bike from Holland's Bicycles and cruise the Bayshore Bikeway, take in the sights and shops of Orange Avenue, or spend a romantic sunset at sea on a Venetian gondola. In June, you can catch the annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition, one of the best San Diego events, where you're guaranteed to have a dog-gone good time. It's impossible to mention all of the great things to do in San Diego, but then again, maybe we shouldn't. It's always fun to discover new and exciting things every time you travel.

California travel expert Veronica Hill interviews Montage Resort Hotelier James Bermingham in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Bermingham offers an overview of the Montage Laguna Beach resort in Orange County, California. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

In this video from California travel expert Veronica Hill, fromagier Janice Howell of The Loft Cheese Gallery at Montage Laguna Beach resort, explains how to become a fromagier, or cheese expert. A fromagier is a specialty in culinary schools, specializing in the world's many types of cheese, planning a cheese course, and wine and cheese pairing. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

In this video, fromagier Janice Howell of The Loft Cheese Gallery in Montage Laguna Beach prepares "The Sexy Bite" goat cheese recipe. The goat cheese appetizer is made from an Anise Lavender chevre from Rolling Stone Dairy. Herbs show off goat cheese recipes because the grassiness really comes out in this fresh goat cheese. Fresh cherries and amaretto are reduced down together and really shows off the delicate floral essence of this gourmet goat cheese. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel journalist Veronica Hill shares her Montage Laguna Beach Review & Travel Guide in this episode of "California Travel Tips." This stunning Laguna Beach resort, perched on the cliffs of South Laguna CA, is an elegant California Craftsman style hotel with a casual beach bungalow decor. Montage Resort is home to some of the best Laguna Beach restaurants — Studio Laguna Beach and The Loft — which afford some of the best oceanfront views in California. The luxurious Montage Spa Laguna was the first luxury spa to receive a 5-star Mobil rating. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

Fromagier Janice Howell of The Loft Cheese Gallery in Laguna Beach shares her cheese pairing tips in this episode of "California Travel Tips" with Veronica Hill. This lovely Laguna Beach restaurant, located inside Montage Resort, specializes in cheese pairings from around the globe, with hundreds of artisanal cheeses, specialty honeys and homemade accompaniments to make the cheese burst with flavor. Janice also explains the basics of cheese and wine pairing. The gallery's fromagier works closely with the resort's sommelier for the best wine and cheese pairings, and beer and cheese pairings, for the perfect balance of flavor. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel expert Veronica Hill enjoys an Artisan Cheese Tasting at Montage Laguna Beach in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Veronica learns the basics of artisinal cheese with fromagier Janice Howell, Montage Resort's cheese expert. In The Loft, Howell expertly pairs each of the artisan cheeses with a delicious honey, homemade cracker and accompaniment, making artisan cheese "bites" with fun names such as the "Trip to Hawaii" or "The Night to Remember." In our companion videos, "Cheese Pairing" and "Goat Cheese Recipe," Howell will share more of her artisan cheese pairing tips and advice. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill meets with Studio Laguna Beach Executive Chef Craig Strong in this episode featuring their famous Crab Salad Recipe. This crab appetizer is one of the signature items at Studio, located inside Montage Laguna Beach. The crab salad recipe is made extra special with fresh melon and a homemade mayonnaise recipe that can be tailored to your tastes. First, Chef Strong shows you how to make mayonnaise, followed by a quick and simple preparation of his fresh crab salad, which is perfect for elegant entertaining. The crab meat salad can also be served on its own, but the delicate melon, honey and sherry vinegar accompaniments are not to be missed. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel expert Veronica Hill shares a California Tide Pools Animals Guide at the tide pools of Laguna Beach in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Montage Resort's resident tide pool expert, Stacy Adelman, points out some of the most common tide pool animals and plants found in the Southern California tide pools, and Treasure Island tide pool is considered one of the best tide pools in California. These fun tidepool tours are one of many special outdoor programs offered for children enrolled in the Montage Laguna Beach "Paintbox" children's program. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel expert Veronica Hill tours the Las Vegas Lego construction at Miniland USA in Legoland California. This Legos construction features many of the top Las Vegas hotels and Las Vegas casinos, including The Mirage, MGM Las Vegas, Treasure Island Las Vegas, Las Vegas Luxor, Excalibur Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas and Las Vegas attractions including the Stratosphere, Las Vegas monorail and Candlelight Wedding Chapel, famous for Las Vegas weddings. We hope you enjoy this cute little Lego City video and that it inspires you (or your kids) to make your own mini Las Vegas with your legos construction set. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill tours Lake Havasu Az, London Bridge, Topock and Needles in this special Lake Havasu Travel Guide. Located on the border of California and Arizona, about 300 miles from Los Angeles, Lake Havasu sits along the Colorado River with Parker Dam to the south and Davis Dam to the north. Lake Havasu hotels include the chic new Lake Havasu hotel Heat and the Lake Havasu London Bridge Resort, home to the popular nightclub, Kokomos. Colorado River camping is available at The Islander Resort in Lake Havasu and Crazy Horse Campground. Havasu Palms and Black Meadow Landing are popular down near Parker Dam, and Palms River Resort is a good choice near Needles. In 2009, Pirate Cove Resort and the Naked Pirate Beach Bar opened in Needles to the delight of Lake Havasu party people. Along the river, there are a few gas stations for boaters. Topock Marina is one of the most popular stops, and its bar and grill serves up great burgers, ribs and other American barbecue fare. If you're looking for another great place to cool off with a cold drink, the Naked Turtle Beach Bar at Nautical Inn Resort in Lake Havasu always has a party going on. Speaking of parties, while you're here, don't miss Spring Break Lake Havasu hot spots like Copper Canyon, popular for cliff diving; Steamboat Cove, popular for Lake Havasu boat parties, and the famous sandbar in Topock Gorge. Topock Gorge Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, home to Indian petroglyphs and bighorn sheep, is also a popular spot for birding, Colorado River rafting and kayak or canoe Colorado River trips. The Colorado River water current averages 3 mph here, and it's a lovely place to beach your boat and spend the day. When planning your Lake Havasu vacation, remember that Lake Havasu weather averages about 110-119 F during the summer, and up to 100 F at night. Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunblock and food when going out on the boat. For more information about Lake Havasu and the Colorado River, or to see more California travel videos, tips and advice, SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel expert Veronica Hill checks out one of the most popular Big Bear hotels, The Lodge at Big Bear Lake, in this episode of "California Travel Tips." One of the largest and best Big Bear Lake hotels, The Lodge at Big Bear Lake (formerly known as the Northwoods Resort and Conference Center) is used for business conferences and spa retreats. It is centrally located in Big Bear Village. The Lodge at Big Bear Lake is located at 40650 Village Drive in Big Bear Lake. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel expert Veronica Hill shares her Big Bear Discovery Center Travel Guide in this episode of "California Travel Tips." This children's discovery center is packed with activities, from gold panning and hatchet throwing to bird house and feeder crafts. The discovery center also offers weekend guided tours in Big Bear Lake, from kayaking and canoe trips to snow shoe hikes in the winter. Rated one of the top discovery centers in California, the discovery nature center is also near several great hiking trails, including Cougar Crest Trail, which intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel expert Veronica Hill tours Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City in this episode of "California Travel Tips." This Big Bear Lake Travel Guide highlights Big Bear hotels and Big Bear restaurants like Sweet Basil Bistro and Evergreen restaurant and Big Bear activities including the Pirate Ship tour, which takes you on a 1 1/2 hour tour around the lake, passing the Big Bear house of cartoonist Mike Judge, historic Big Bear cabins near Garstin Island, and the Big Bear lodge used in the movie "War Games." At the Big Bear Discovery Center, you can go gold panning, join a kayak or canoe tour, or hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Alpine Slide Big Bear offers cool bobsled rides, miniature golf and go-kart racing. And at the Snow Summit Big Bear Sky Chair, you can ride a ski lift 8,200 feet to the top for a scenic picnic or mountain bike ride down Big Bear mountain. Pedestrians can take the chair round-trip, or also hike down the trails. The Big Bear restaurant, View Haus, offers barbecue-style dishes during the summer. After a long day on the mountain, rest your tired bones at the Big Bear spa, Elevations, which offers massages, facials, body scrubs and other spa services. Big Bear weather averages about 300 days of sunshine per year, though you should bring a light jacket, even in the summer. At higher elevations, it can still get chilly. During the winter, Big Bear snow can come unexpectedly, so always be prepared with snow chains and four-wheel drive if possible. The narrow roads to Big Bear resort can be quite dangerous during inclement weather. Big Bear cabin rentals are available year-round, or if you prefer there are some beautiful Big Bear bed and breakfasts, such as the Windy Point Inn and Inn at Fawnskin. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel expert Veronica Hill interviews sea captain Mike Burske of the RV Sea Explorer whale watching boat in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Burske highlights the features of the marine science / oceanography research vessel, which include a plankton net and benthic sampler. It departs from the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor for weekend excursions at sea, which are open to the public. To watch the Sea Explorer in action, see our "Whale Watching" video. SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips

California travel expert Veronica Hill tours the Catalina Island Casino in Avalon in this segment of "California Travel Tips." The Avalon Casino is one of the most popular Catalina Island attractions, drawing hundreds of visitors a day to its beautiful ballroom with sweeping views of the Pacific. The Catalina Island casino is also home to new movie releases, and special concerts. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips