THE US CALIFORNIA COAST DESTINATIONS
T
he ‘C’ in California could well stand for choice. Travellers
to the Golden State are spoilt for it, and the itineraries you could create for clients – from desert to evergreen forest, cities to volcanoes – are infinite. But suggesting a little time beside the seaside could prove to be the icing on the cake. The towns that dot the Pacific
Coast Highway (PCH), between San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, don’t just have pretty faces to glance at as you drive by, they’re also packed with reasons to make a pit stop, detour or spend a few nights. Each has a different vibe, and all give a unique insight into the coveted California lifestyle. Here’s a guide to some of the main contenders.
w LOS ANGELES AND BEYOND The ‘beach cities’, or coastal neighbourhoods, of LA – bustling Santa Monica, funky Venice and laid-back Manhattan Beach, among them – are all close enough to LA’s ‘must-sees’ that clients can slink off for a few hours’ R&R on the sand. If they’ve more time to
spare, suggest Malibu. This sophisticated enclave backed by mountains offers great hiking through meandering canyons and quintessential California beaches. Get a taste of what makes Malibu special at Lagoon State Park. You can laze around the sheltered shallows, birdwatch across the saltmarsh, or head to Surfrider Beach, where buff guys and gals make
taming waves look like child’s play. Check out The Adamson House, too, a waterfront Spanish Revival-style home built in the 1920s. Its dream setting and detailed interior set the standard for the bespoke homes you’ll see throughout Malibu today. Just over an hour to the north
is Santa Barbara. Art lovers and green-fingered gardeners could find their heaven here. The Museum of Art has a world- class collection that includes pieces by Joan Brown, Renoir, Rodin, Dali, Picasso and Warhol. Lotusland, meanwhile, is among the most exceptional gardens on the planet. Around 200 types of cacti and nearly 400 types of palms, including the most whimsical of their species, join ponds of lilies and lotus flowers.
Back in Santa Barbara’s
compact and elegant downtown, how about some wine tasting? Santa Barbara County has more than 200 wineries, and you can follow the Urban Wine Trail to many of their tasting rooms downtown or in the Funk Zone, an upcoming arty district set among former fishing warehouses. Wine buffs should check out Jim Clendenen’s Au Bon Climat, and for location, you can’t beat The Conway Family Wines’ Deep Sea Tasting Room on Stern’s Wharf overlooking the ocean. Where to stay: Ramada Santa Barbara, a short drive to downtown, set around an ornamental pond and with a complimentary breakfast.
sbramada.com
23 November 2017
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PICTURE: VISIT CALIFORNIA/DAVID H COLLIER
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