First Look: Halcyon Hideaway

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It’s that time when all of your senses are awakened by the unmistakable feel, sights, tastes, smells, and sounds of fall and winter. Experience them all in Tuolumne County in Northern California! Discover a different side of Yosemite National Park in the quieter and less crowded destinations. Watch as history comes to life with local tales and vibrant colors in Gold Country. Temperatures are dropping, but cooler adventures are found on the trails and slopes of the High Sierra and at unique events throughout the County.

Take a refreshing trip to Tuolumne County, where your senses will get their fill and your wallet will stay full with off-peak accommodation prices.

Find Serenity in Less-Crowded Yosemite National Park and Surrounding Area

Yosemite

Yosemite has quieted down, and now’s the time for national park adventures and new explorations. Find yourself in awe as you take in the sights among the giant sequoias backdropped by colors of maples and dogwoods and maybe some glistening snow in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Or, hike around stunning Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Wander in Groveland, outside of Yosemite, and enjoy a warming pumpkin spice latte or a one-of-a-kind seasonal brew. Feel like shopping? Pop into some of the unique shops in town to find gifts and seasonal decor to bring home.

Discover an Era Past in Gold Country

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Explore Gold Country starting with the nooks of Columbia State Historic Park, and let your eyes and nose lead you into candle, candy, and provisional shops where their seasonal creations will warm your heart. Listen for clanging from the blacksmith shop or clinking of the authentic stagecoach as it enters town.

In nearby Jamestown, become immersed by the smells, sounds, and sights of Wild West railroad culture at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, and stroll down Main Street where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and inns housed in picturesque historic buildings.

In Downtown Sonora, you’ll find many shops and restaurants located in historic buildings; as you step inside, you’ll see some interiors are left to show the architecture of 150 years ago. Also, take in a show at the Gold Country’s premier theater company, Sierra Repertory Theatre.

Reach the Mountain Tops in the High Sierra

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High Sierra adventures await where brisk mountain breezes are the perfect excuse for a cozy sweater. Take a hike along the Pinecrest Lake Loop Trail, and catch unreal views of changing leaves set against rugged granite mountains. Feel the invigorating wind in your face as you ski, snowboard, or snow tube down glorious mountain sides.

Visit the nostalgic mountain town of Twain Harte and enjoy a relaxing stroll to find some fun fall fashions or handy cooking gadgets to help with upcoming holiday cooking or gift giving.

Stir Up Your Seasonal Cheer

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Seasonal cheer is found in every town throughout Tuolumne County. Events include Fall Fest at Indigeny Reserve in Sonora and Harvest Festifall in Columbia State Historic Park in October. The night-time Sonora Christmas Parade, the night after Thanksgiving, and the sights and activities of Christmas Town Sonora delight all ages.  The Polar Express departs Railtown 1897 State Historic Park for the North Pole on weekends following Thanksgiving.

Plan Your Trip to Tuolumne County

Rush Creek Lodge

You’ll need a place to stay during your visit. Pick from mountain resorts, historic inns, cozy vacation cabins (perfect for gathering the family), distinctive B&Bs, and full-service RV parks.

Start planning your vacation with the help of travel inspiration and information delivered directly to your mailbox. Request your FREE Tuolumne County Travel Guide at VisitTuolumne.com today. Or, call the Visit Tuolumne County team at 209-533-4420.

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Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is a coastal enclave for those who seek the ideal blend of casual and chic — along with that unmistakable feeling of carefree California living. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean between San Diego and Orange County, and set among 200 lush acres of rolling hills and botanical wetlands, it’s a year-round escape where nature is the architect and tranquility is the focus. Here, after an extensive $50+ million reimagination, the relaxed yet refined vibe offers a sense of effortless style and comfort, from expansive guest rooms to our signature dining experiences. And with championship golf, a renowned spa and a wealth of wellness offerings, the opportunities for adventure and discovery abound.

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The culinary journeys at Aviara share a reverence for the deep, long-established roots that connect us all through culture and geography, evoking a distinct sense of place that endures. This unique blend of heritage, influence and innovation serves as the cornerstone of the resort’s authentic coastal California cuisine.

The resort’s signature restaurant, Ponto Lago, takes its inspiration from the life-giving local waters that have allowed this region to flourish for centuries. It is both invigorating and sophisticated, constantly awakening the senses, yet unrushed and effortless. Emphasizing just-caught seafood, fresh local ingredients and bespoke cocktails, the restaurant is centered around the captivating show of an open-hearth kitchen and the astonishing views of the coastline.

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Experience Pacific Point, the resort’s lobby lounge, offering spacious indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the expansive gardens. Shaped like a nest to honor the 18 types of native birds that call Aviara home, and featuring a large veranda to savor cocktails and small plates while taking in the sunset over the ocean, Pacific Point offers the perfect balance between indoors and out.

Located in the clubhouse of the storied Aviara Golf Club, Ember & Rye is a new experience from renowned celebrity chef Richard Blais and specializes in vintage steaks and fresh seafood with a classic California design. Offering modern twists on time-honored concepts, the restaurant’s menu celebrates the region’s laid-back culture and abundance of fresh ingredients — by land and by sea.

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Seamlessly blending tradition and history with today’s techniques and ideas, Ember & Rye features a centerpiece bar with interactive culinary stations serving samplers such as charcuterie, Carlsbad oysters, and shareable bites freshly sourced from local fisherman, farmers, and foragers. And as you savor the unique flavors, you’ll also marvel at the stunning views surrounding Aviara Golf Club’s 18th green.

Tee up the perfect experience with a Topgolf Swing Suite. Savor food, beverages and music along with multi-sport games on floor-to-ceiling screens to create a unique element of playful competition. Gather your friends for some playful competition or celebrate a special occasion in your private suite.

Aviara Arnold Suite

Experience Aviara Golf Club, the only Arnold Palmer signature-designed coastal California golf course that allows players to test themselves on the same fairways as the top LPGA pros who compete here each year in the JTBC Classic. Named one of the best resort courses in America by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, the 7,007-yard layout is an enjoyable challenge for players of all skill levels: Sculpted around rolling hillsides and overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon nature preserve, it offers a unique blend of playability and drama thanks to its scenic views, water hazards, and extensive bunkering.

Guests also can learn from the best at Kip Puterbaugh’s Aviara Golf Academy and the TaylorMade Performance Center, located on site here in the “Golf Manufacturing Capital of the World” — over 35 golf companies call Carlsbad home.

Experience your home away from home set along seven miles of pristine beaches. Your luxury getaway is calling at Park Hyatt Aviara.

It’s hard to think of two words that go together better than summer and vacation. Every summer, visitors flock to San Diego to explore our breathtaking beaches and awesome attractions—and who could blame them?

But sometimes, even us sun-soaked San Diegans need a getaway of our own. Fortunately, unforgettable experiences abound, around the world and in our own backyard.

This guide will help you pick the perfect summer escape. Want even more ideas? Check out the Central Coast’s tourism guide here.

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VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE

Relax and unwind at Ventura’s seaside Ventura Harbor Village for waterfront treats, fresh seafood, patio dining, coastal shops, artisans, pampering, dive trips, live music, and fun rentals on the water! Walk from Ventura Harbor hotels to scenic beaches, Ventura Harbor Village, and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. SEA you SEAside! venturaharborvillage.com

Solvang

SOLVANG

Solvang’s walkable village is brimming with wine tasting rooms and bars, museums, galleries, independently owned shops, and restaurants helmed by Michelin-level chefs. Architecture reminiscent of Northern Europe frames Danish-pastry-filled itineraries. Spot the Little Mermaid, chase windmills, brush up on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales— then live one of your own. What’s your Solvang story? Solvangusa.com

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STAY COOL IN GILROY

The super-splashy Water Oasis in Gilroy Gardens is the coolest place to play in Gilroy—but there’s lots more to see and do in the Garlic Capital of the World. Enjoy wine tasting, outlet shopping, golfing, hiking, and more. Visitgilroy.com

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VENTURA

Ventura is your portal to life-changing adventure. The closest of the five islands of Channel Islands National Park are just a 70-minute boat ride from Ventura Harbor, and they offer the wild glory you’d expect from one of America’s least visited national parks. “The Galapagos of North America”? Better. visitventura.com

Paso Robles

PASO ROBLES

Escape to the majestic vineyards, oak-dotted hills, and small-town charm of Paso Robles. It’s where world-class food and wine meet small-town cowboy charm, and it boasts endless lodging options, from historic inns and luxury resorts to rustic vineyard escapes. Recently named a “must-visit region” by the New York Times. travelpaso.com

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PISMO BEACH

It’s all here waiting for you—a gentle climate, where sand, sun, sea, and sky converge to create the ideal getaway. California’s golden past is alive and well in Pismo Beach. Visit experiencepismobeach.com to book your stay. experiencepismobeach.com

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MONTEREY COUNTY

Escape to an inspiring place with striking coastline, secluded redwood forests, and a culinary scene as diverse as the landscape. Now is the moment to embrace the unexpected adventures and natural beauty of Monterey County. Why wait? Plan your trip and join us here. Seemonterey.com

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SANTA BARBARA

Discover a gentle crescent of California coast where the sea and mountains meet, the sun feels more golden, and the valleys overflow with a bounty of color. Santa Barbara offers exhilarating outdoor adventure, fascinating arts and culture, an incredible variety of local food and wine, and more. santabarbaraca.com

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BUELLTON

#SkipTheBigCities and head to Buellton, nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills wine region, where you’ll also enjoy feeding an ostrich, horseback riding, taking a stroll through the botanic garden, or enjoying the collection at Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline Pumps and Petroliana. You’ll find accommodations for all budgets, including “glamping.” discoverbuellton.com

Ready to hit the road? California has plenty of options for a quick day-trip or extended stay. We’ve got your planning covered for the beach, desert, and mountains with different itineraries to choose from. All you need to do is pick a destination, pack your bags, and go!

CENTRAL COAST

It’s about time. Time to explore the four regions of Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Each region delivers a memorable road trip along highways 1 and 101. Take the time. If you take the time, it will give you all the time you need. And it’s worth every second, whether you’re traveling northbound from Los Angeles or southbound from San Francisco.

NORTHBOUND FROM LOS ANGELES // SOUTHBOUND FROM SAN FRANCISCO

The Laguna Beach coastline.

LAGUNA BEACH

MORNING: Start at a lively café, followed by some beachfront yoga or a hike in 20,000 acres of wilderness. Or, climb to the top of the world and take in 360-degree views of the city.

AFTERNOON: Immerse yourself in a summer art festival, then enjoy the stunning beaches and coves—for paddleboarding, kayaking, tide pools, surfing, or just sunning. For a twilight tee time, Ben Brown’s golf course and country club offers a private game.

DINNER: With more than 100 restaurants dotting seven miles of coastline, there’s an option for everyone. For example, Las Brisas is an iconic culinary experience with sweeping coastline views.

EVENING: Head to the Pageant of the Masters to watch outdoor art come to life under the stars. Late-night drinks and live music at Skyloft downtown are the perfect cap to your day in paradise.

VisitLagunaBeach.com

DANA POINT

MORNING: Start your day with a game at Monarch Beach Golf Links’ 18-hole beachside course.

AFTERNOON: A whale-watching tour is a must in the Whale and Dolphin Watching Capital of the World.

EVENING: Unwind looking over the ocean while doing sunset yoga with iHeartYoga.

DINNER: Get a taste of celebrity chef John Tesar’s fresh coastal seafood at Outer Reef.

Sailboats at Marina del Rey.

MARINA DEL REY

Just four miles from LAX, Marina del Rey is Los Angeles’ urban waterfront, offering wide-open spaces, waterfront dining, recreation, and luxe coastal hotels.

MORNING: Have fun on the water, with chartered sailing excursions, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, parasailing, and more.

AFTERNOON: Hop on a beach cruiser and follow the 22-mile bike path that wraps around the marina and LA’s beaches.

EVENING: Unwind at any of the marina’s seven waterfront hotels, all of which offer sparkling harbor views.

DINNER: Beachside, Brizo, Cast & Plow, Tony P’s Dockside Grill, and SALT boast some of the best patio and terrace views in town.

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MAMMOTH

Kayaking at Mammoth Mountain

The Mammoth Adventure Center is your portal to family fun and outdoor activities. With a world-class bike park, scenic gondola rides, and the Via Ferrata guided climbing experience, there’s fun for everyone.

DAY 1: Explore the ropes course, climbing wall, junior zip line, bungee trampoline, and more! End the day with a sunset paddle.

DAY 2: Cruise the bike park and hop on the chair lift or load the gondola to explore over 80 miles of single-track, or rent an e-bike!

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TUOLUMNE COUNTY

Northern California’s Tuolumne County is a road trip destination that is worth every mile.

MORNING: Wake up in the High Sierra at McCaffrey House Bed and Breakfast.

AFTERNOON: Get ready for a day of Yosemite explorations and take a hike at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.

EVENING: Wander through the historic gold-country town of Sonora.

DINNER: Grab a local bite at the Diamondback Grill.

Dining at Miramonte.

MIRAMONTE

Enjoy a more transformative getaway just outside Palm Springs at the Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.

MORNING: Wake up to the stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and tee off at Indian Wells Golf Resort.

AFTERNOON: Relax by the saltwater pool and find your bliss at the award-winning WELL Spa, which offers massages, facials and more.

EVENING: Enjoy delicious bites and craft cocktails (pictured above!) around a fire pit on the olive grove patio.

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One hundred and sixty-five miles northeast of San Diego sits Southern California’s best outdoor recreation destination. With clear blue skies and crisp mountain air, Big Bear Lake is the ideal setting for your summer season getaway.

Big Bear Lake Mountains

Hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts flock to Big Bear each summer to tackle miles of forest trails ranging from easy wooded hikes to multi-day treks. The valley has become a hot spot for trail running events and bike races over the years with its high altitude and steep terrain making it the ultimate challenge for even the most seasoned athletes. Not an elite athlete, not to worry, Big Bear also boasts a wide array of easy walks and trails ideal for families and accessible to all ability levels. There’s an adventure for everyone!

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As John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Big Bear trails are alive with thousands of plants and animal species. Kids will love spotting squirrel, chipmunks, and other small critters. Deer are also a common sighting, through more rare. Stop by the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center to pick up information on the trails and what to look for on your forest trek.

Big Bear Lake Views

Big Bear’s most popular summer recreation hub is its seven-mile alpine lake offering endless water sports and relaxation. Cruise the water on a classic pontoon or rip around on a high speed jetski. Paddle the shoreline on a kayak or paddleboard or learn a new skill and learn wakeboarding and waterskiing with a licensed instructor and driver. Big Bear’s numerous marinas offer equipment for every water adventure.

For a more relaxing lake experience, hop aboard any of Big Bear Lake’s tour boats for a narrated cruise. Learn about the history of the valley, see the beautiful mountain homes, and hear about celebrities that have made Big Bear their second home.

Big Bear Lake Coast

Fishing at Big Bear Lake is considered some of Southern California’s best with rainbow trout fishing being the top game. Most of Big Bear’s marinas include a tackle shop to gear up on lures and bait and in-town fishing shops offer more than high end fishing rods, the employees are also seasoned anglers with a wealth of knowledge so don’t be afraid to ask for all the secrets.

Big Bear Lake Kayaking

While Big Bear is an incredible summer vacation spot, it’s known best as a four-season destination which means you get a new experience each time you visit. See the vibrant hues of colorful autumn leaves in October and November, the glittering snow – and festive holiday fun – in winter, wildflowers in full bloom in the spring and – of course – lake activities in summer. Annual events make Big Bear a place to build traditions, like the 4^th of July Fireworks Spectacular, the Fishin’ For $50K trout derby, the Memorial Weekend Grill & Chill, live music festivals, the New Year’s Torchlight Parade and much much more.

So, we formally invite you to enjoy beautiful sunny days, breathtaking views, outdoor recreation, and endless connections to nature here in Big Bear. Welcome to the mountains, we can’t wait to see you!