With art galleries, museums, parks and a central district filled with shops, SLO offers plenty to see and do. Thats in addition to a state mandate that forbids overnight stays on nonessential trips, whether in hotels or short-term rentals. 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.. Constructed in 1933, the one-mile-wide Golden Gate is an international emblem. No trip to California would be complete without a stop at the famous Golden Gate Bridge. All rights reserved. No matter where you go, health experts urge you to wear a mask unless youre eating or in the water. South of town, take lovely, two-lane Foothill Road (California 192) between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. 1. All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should test 3-5 days after arrival. (Its awkward, we know, but err on the side of caution as much as possible.). From celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Miley Cyrus to cultural icons (think: Barbie), many have called this quintessential California beach town home and it's easy to see why. Designed to highlight the regions rustic beauty, its 130 rooms and suites all but disappear into the Sonoma landscape. Because your mileage will vary depending on where you live, weve included some borderline cases (such as San Diego). California Travel During Crisis: Frequently Asked Questions | Visit It's also known as a haven for creative types and for its food scene especially its fresh seafood and produce and top-notch wine. Known as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara is a favorite of celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Tom Cruise for a reason. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. The southern endpoint is Torrance County Beach. Guests swim in the scenic pool at the Montage Laguna Beach. Hotels we write about are independently vetted and recommended by our editors. 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. Not only is the valley filled to the brim with impressive hotels, but you'll also find a number of Michelin-starred dining establishments. Best Places to Visit in California Catalina Island Lake Tahoe Mammoth Lakes Yosemite National Park Monterey Sequoia National Park San Diego San Francisco Big Bear Lake Kings Canyon National Park. Must-Visit Attractions in California - Culture Trip 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. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and agrarian landscape, the farmhouse-inspired lodge takes a fresh approach to the wine country vacation with a spa focused on performance enhancement. If you like Franco-California cuisine instead,Auberge du Soleil is home to Napas first fine-dining restaurant, led by French restaurateur Claude Rouas. And take a break from wine at the California Brandy House; grape brandy has a rich history in the state, and well-priced flights in the stylish downtown Napa space include gems like the Germain-Robin XO. Lots of water (more than 1,000 lakes and rivers! A few miles south, in St. Helena, taste your way through luscious Cabs at the striking new Faust Hausyou cant miss the jet-black restored 1878 Victorian perched on a hillside above the valley. Statewide, vaccine verification (this includes self-attesting) and/or negative testing is required only for indoor mega events of 5,000 attendees or more. 10 Fun Things to Do in Southern California April 2023 | Expedia The Golden Gate Bridge. Keep a lookout for brown pelicans, which often fly at eye level. All restaurants in these stories are now limited to takeout meals; some may have closed. Or grab a burger at the Spot (389 Linden Ave.; [805] 684-6311), which has a rustic patio and food to go. Its also a good idea to follow the CDCs travel recommendations and we encourage all visitors to travel responsibly. But this small town is worth a longer stay. Other must-do activities in Death Valley include viewing exhibits at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, watching the sunrise at Zabriskie Point and stargazing from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Or you could kayak around La Jolla Shores or the cliffs and caves near La Jolla Cove. $$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. Things to do in Los Angeles during COVID | COVID-19 Advice - Go City California has moved Beyond the Blueprint to safely and fully reopen the economy. Miles from DTLA: 2-8. A Guide to All 50 States' COVID-19 Travel Restrictions - Leisure 9 Best Weekend Getaways in California to Escape LA, San Francisco, and San Diego | Cond Nast Traveler SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5 North America United States California Getty. 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. Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi. Crystal Cove State Park, which stretches from Laguna Beach to Newport Beach, has 3.2 miles of beach, a campground, the Beachcomber Cafe (where you're invited to order by phone rather than touching. Bear Valley Search & Rescue - High-Tech Escape Room. There are all sorts of floating accommodations across the United States. The Santa Barbara Zoo is open; advance reservations are required. The normally busy Geisel Library at UC San Diego is now quiet. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? to Default, About the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Lab, CDER Information for Health Professionals, Communicable Disease Emergency Response Program, DCDC Information for Local Health Departments, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch, VRDL Guidelines for Specimen Collection and Submission for Pathologic Testing, State of CaliforniaHealth and Human Services Agency, en Following years of #vanlife fantasies, romanticized by vintage camper vans and shining silver Airstreams, the bring-your-accommodation-with-you road trip suddenly found itself back in the spotlight thanks to COVID. Or go tide-pooling or picnicking along Coast Boulevard near Childrens Pool Beach. On Saturday, September 18, 24.99 new cases were registered per 100,000 inhabitants. Old Mission Santa Barbara tours and museum are still closed, but the nearby Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 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). The grounds and view from Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. Theres no way around it: Its been a rough few years for Napa Valley. 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. State of CaliforniaHealth and Human Services Agency 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. A historic cottage at Crystal Cove State Beach, a popular site for the film industry since the 1920s. 25 Best Places to Visit in California | U.S. News Travel Guests can sample local wines and cheeses by an ocean-facing firepit. And keep a distance from strangers. Make a week of it and wander your way around California or New England, or up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway on one of these classic road trips. All travelers who test positive or develop. You might hike in Malibu Creek State Park (parking is limited; Rock Pool and Century Lake are closed). Check the aurora borealis off your bucket list. Don't know where to start? This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Use apps such as Hipcamp and the Dyrt to find off-the-beaten-path RV and glamping sites instead. (About 2-3 hours from Los Angeles or San Diego). You can opt to go for an on-site hike with a prepared picnic lunch, followed by a dip in the lakeor a long bath in your own deep-soaking tub. Review testing and quarantine rules in your home state and destination. 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. Now, where to go? The Best Vacation Rental Sites The Best Cabin Rentals 13 Top Hotels With Work-From-Hotel Packages Top Glamping Resorts in the U.S. Charming Bed-and-Breakfasts Across America Hotel Cleaning During. Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. As such, the State is issuing the following recommendations, which supersede all prior Travel Advisories: PO Box 997377 At night . Enjoy the efficiency of an organized tour led by experts who bring Rome's history to life. Opened just this spring, the 24-room Palihouse Santa Barbara immediately established itself as one of the citys best boutique hotels. (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. Whether you're hiking the trails in one of the state's scenic national parks, sampling some bubbly in the northern valleys, kicking back on sunny shorelines or walking in the footsteps of Hollywood stars, California is truly a sight to behold. For coffee or a snack, head to Pannikin (outdoor seating) at 7467 Girard Avenue. Just remember to check local restrictions before you go. But even in peak summer, Palm Springs, with its vibrant art scene, top-notch dining, and mid-century glamour, is a worthy destination. Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. 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. (About 3-4 hours from San Francisco, 4.5-5.5 hours from Los Angeles), If redwood groves, endless stargazing, and the vast expanse of the Pacific factor into your idea of a California getaway, Big Sur is waiting. End in San Pedro, where you can walk to the Korean Friendship Bell in Angels Gate Park, with wraparound views on a clear day. 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. We were also eyeing socially distanced stays with our friends at the cottages at LAuberge de Sedona; suites or casitas at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa and JW Marriott Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort and Spa; and the studio suites at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale. If you just want a view and some sunshine with your meal, claim a table at Ventana Big Sur. Author Paul Haddad wanted to help Angelenos feel fitter and learn more about their neighborhoods. Even as borders begin to open and international travel becomes ever-more feasible, many travelers would still rather stay closer to home. With some exceptions (see bulleted list below), the mask requirement for vaccinated individuals has been lifted. Bike-rental options include Hermosa Cyclery ([310] 374-7816, hermosacyclery.com) in Hermosa Beach and Marina Bike Rentals ([310] 318-2453, marinabikerentals.com) in Redondo Beach. Bring your bike: There are 28 miles of trails. The Shields shop and restaurant are open (patio dining only). As of June 15, 2021, in accordance with the new Beyond the Blueprint reopening guidelines, California is now fully open for travel for any and all purposes. Epic wilderness, here we come. Before visiting, check the beach website at crystalcovestatepark.org for updates. The Palm Desert Prowl Scavenger Hunt. Mount San Jacinto State Park Idyllwild At the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, you'll find the magnificent Mount San Jacinto State Park. Bank rates are up. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Crystal Cove State Park, which stretches from Laguna Beach to Newport Beach, has 3.2 miles of beach, a campground, the Beachcomber Cafe (where youre invited to order by phone rather than touching a menu) and the Crystal Cove Shake Shack at 7703 East Coast Highway (which, believe it or not, has no website). One of the country's most popular national parks can be found about 170 miles east of San Francisco. Always a dining destination, Healdsburgs newer culinary hits include bakery hotspot Quail & Condor, the impressive Asahi Sushi & Kitchen, and the phenomenal Hazel Hill up the road at the Montage; worth a drive even if youre not booked in at the resort. M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM 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. Become one with nature at these amazing treetop retreats. To be sure youre traveling safely and responsibly across the United States, check local travel restrictions before you go. Be patient and tip well. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Stick around until nighttime to gaze at the clear, starry sky. You might want to linger on the Malibu Pier, where the Malibu Farm restaurant and cafe serve breakfast, lunch and dinner alfresco. He also phased out the executive actions put in place since March 2020 as part of the pandemic response. 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 Point Vicente Lighthouse in San Pedro. Safe Travels During the Pandemic | Visit California Miles from DTLA: 112 for La Jolla, 50 for Laguna Beach. For a quiet reprieve from city life, check out the quaint coastal community of Half Moon Bay, which lies approximately 30 miles south of San Francisco. However, Pitkin County home to Aspen requires visitors to complete an online. READ MOREMy Family Vacation to the Chesapeake BayDuring COVID, On Moosehead Lake, Finding Calm in the Chaos. For the best weather, arrive between November and March (in summer, the park's average daytime temperature can often surpass 120 degrees). Pack your bags and leave the kids behind for your next cruise adventure. 33 Best Things to Do in LA | U.S. News Travel If you love: Off-the-radar Italian villages and rustic vineyardsWhere to stay: The Goodstone Inn & RestaurantBefore you go: Note that masks must be worn inside public places. Note: All of the properties mentioned in this story are open as of publishing, and weve noted states with quarantine and testing restrictions in place. If you've never thought of the Golden State as a ski destination, Mammoth Lakes might change your mind. Things to do in San Francisco during COVID | COVID-19 Advice - Go City Get inspired to plan your next vacation to the Volunteer State. That desert sky and Camelback mountain hikes are calling: Weve already booked a long weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the fall at this Marriott home near Old Town. A few sites, including group campsites, remain closed to the public due to the pandemic, wildfire impacts and other issues. We also love the family-friendly Snowcreek Resort in Californias Mammoth Lakes. The good news is that the film, all 17 minutes of it, is now viewable on the Shields website and YouTube. Montage Healdsburg, stretching over 258 acres of oak forests and vineyards, is the countys most impressive opening in years. What it does have, in spades? Check the current COVID-19 Community Level at your destination . By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Travel - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response - California 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. Despite a dramatic drop in travel due to COVID-19 this year, summer 2020 turned out to be the season of the road trip. Please reference Visit CaliforniasTravel Alertsfor more information and links. Since Jan. 6, they have urged (but not ordered) residents to stay within 120 miles of their homes. Determine how your current coverage works and what options to consider. Sample a few natural wines at the 60s-inspired Venus in Furs before venturing around the corner to La Paloma Caf. A giraffe stands on a green hillside in its habitat at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. Numerous Kampgrounds of America (KOA) sites are also open and taking bookings. Must-visits include the House of Flowers, where youll sip estate vineyard Pinot Noir under sleek cabanas; and the swank new tasting room at the Aperture Estate, specializing in cool-climate Bordeaux varietals, with spectacular views out onto the Russian River Valley. Who knows, you may love it so much youll decide to join the ranks of the growing number of families who are on the road full time. Boasting everything from wild bison (which roam the interior of the island) to upscale boutiques and restaurants in Avalon, Catalina Island constantly wows travelers with its diverse offerings and unparalleled natural beauty. In winter, Lake Tahoes panoramic snow-capped mountains beckon to skiers, and when summer hits, locals rent boats in droves as a way to unwind on the lake. And there are three state parks in the area. There you can stop and meander Linden Avenue, which ends at a beach with lots of sand and gentle waves. Weve been crunching numbers on day trips for you and keeping the number 120 in mind. Enjoy the efficiency of an organized tour led by experts who bring Rome's history to life. Though not mandatory, the CDC's latest guidelines state that in a majority of California counties, all people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, should wear masks in public indoor spaces.(The most current local guidelines are available here.). For a bite, try Nelsons, the scenic patio restaurant, at Terranea (walk-in customers are OK). 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. No. In 10 miles, Harbor Drive delivers vintage ships, seafood, a ballpark and an aircraft carrier. Start in Redondo Beach and follow Palos Verdes Drive as it loops around the dramatic peninsula to San Pedro. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Check if attractions require a booking. Get inspired to plan your next vacation to the Volunteer State. Book a private vacation rental to limit interactions with others. Miles from DTLA: 125. Officially, its the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, 14 feet wide and shared by cyclists, skaters, pedestrians and wheelchair users. With 1 in 6 Americans now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the CDC saying that travel is safe for vaccinated individuals, it's expected that travel will return in a big way. Availability of Campgrounds Open During COVID-19 From airports to resorts to restaurants, this episode of the California Now Podcast explores how different segments of the travel industry are innovating to put consumers at ease California Now Podcast Safe Travels During the Pandemic 30 00:00:00 30 Podcasts Safe Travels During the Pandemic Food & Drink Craft Beer & Breweries The dome on Pasadena City Hall is 206 feet high, just 82 feet short of the Capitol dome in Washington, D.C. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, See 16 of Pasadenas architectural gems in one easy drive, This driving tour of Wilshire Boulevard reveals landmarks hidden in plain sight, La Jolla, Laguna Beach and other dramatic meetings of land and water, The magical new Chinese Garden at the Huntington may be the 11.5-acre getaway you need, Explore an old winery site on a La Crescenta ramble, This writer/hiker set out to find 57 cool walks in L.A., each at least 10,000 steps. Info: visitcalifornia.com/experience/malibu. Cyclists, walkers and a skateboarder enjoy the Manhattan Beach Pier. All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. General Admission - Richard Nixon Presidential Library. These Small Towns in France Are Straight Out of a Storybook. 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 . Want to live the RV life without dealing with the parking? Prowl Palm Canyon Drive, the main drag through Palm Springs, and consider a meal at festive Las Casuelas Terraza (222 S. Palm Canyon Drive; [760] 325-2794), which dates to 1958. Seagulls perch on a pier railing at Paradise Cove in Malibu. Pasos dining scene is as vibrant as ever; dont miss The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar, with wood-fired cuisine and local wines on tap, or a stellar French meal (and equally compelling wine list) at Les Petites Canailles. But with planning and care (and perhaps some weeks of waiting until infection rates slow), you can take a day trip that meets state guidelines and still slakes your wanderlust. While the percentage of Californians fully vaccinated and boosted continues to increase, we continue to have areas of the state where vaccine coverage is low putting individuals and communities at greater risk for COVID-19. Check the COVID regulations in the destination you plan to visit. It will be about a thousand degrees here, which explains why youll find lots of room. The 46 guest rooms are filled with midcentury modern furnishings, pendant lamps, and Crosley record players. And as virtually all of Palm Springs is designed for indoor-outdoor living, those who still prefer patio dining are spoiled for choice. While you'll no doubt contend with the city's infamous bumper-to-bumper traffic during your stay, knowing you have world-famous hot spots like Hollywood and Beverly Hills at your fingertips will leave you exhilarated. Theres also pleasant strolling along the Coast Walk Trail near Cave Street. ), scenic campgrounds (more than 2,200! But it feels like every RV should come with a first-timers manualwhich is why we compiled this step-by-step guide to traveling in a RV during a pandemic, including how to rent (check out Outdoorsy RV, pictured), where to park, and how to stay hygienic while traveling.