From wine tasting to historic prisons, Northern California has something for everyone. Here is the perfect spring vacation in Northern California presented by Fox Rent A Car.

Spring Vacation in Northern California: Napa Valley

With picturesque views that have vineyards planted on slanting hills, a Napa Valley weekend getaway is actually a place you can visit at any time of the year. Even though you may have driven to this town, make sure that you rent a bicycle to take advantage of the numerous bike tracks and the scenic beauty that lines them. You can do a 10 mile trip to Yountville or a 30 mile one to Calistoga if you feel fit.
Obviously you have to stop by the vineyards for some interesting and rejuvenating wine tasting. The Artesa Winery offers a great view as you sip the refreshing wines too. You could also choose to take a sip out of the goblets at the Domaine Carneros or the Clos Du Val Winery.
While you are at the Napa Valley, you cannot afford to miss the Napa Valley Wine Train or the hot air balloon ride that the place offers. The best places to eat out here include Celadon and Zuzu.

Spring Vacation in Northern California: Alcatraz Prison

If you are visiting San Francisco, one of the places you have to go to is Alcatraz. There are several tour companies that offer cruises to The Rock and you should not miss out on this adventure. The official website to book tickets from is Alcatraz Cruises, prices range from $26 for the “basic” Alcatraz tours, to up to $58 for the combination ticket for Alcatraz Island and Angel Island. Today, we have prepared a list of 10 things to do to get to Alcatraz when you want it, and to fully enjoy the tour.

Spring Vacation in Northern California: Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe promises to be a great short vacation spot irrespective of the time of the year. The place has a lot to offer in summer and winter too. And this is true for the North side of the lake as well as the South side. The Lake sits on the California-Nevada border and is one of the most popular locations for snow boarders and skiers. There are a large number of ski chalets and after a tiring yet invigorating day of skiing, the casinos offer great night activity too.

Spring Vacation in Northern California: Half Moon Bay

Shaped like a crescent, this bay is actually a nice small town and is a great place to go if you want to get away from the regular tourist attractions. A great place for families that are active Half Moon Bay offers a host of water sports. While you are here you should make sure not to miss the murals painted along the side streets.
Beach activities include taking a trip in the California Canoe and Kayak other rides. Between February and March you can see the elephant seals coming up to the beaches. If you are visiting Half Moon Bay during the Cork and Bottle days you will be surprised at the rate at which you can fill your own wine bottle and get it corked too. Some of the annual events that happen here include the Maverick Surf Contest, the pacific Coast Dream Machine, Tour Des Fleurs and the Pumpkin Festival.

Spring Vacation in Northern California: Santa Cruz

If you are a sail boating fan and find it interesting to move with the wind, then Santa Cruz may be the place to go. While the town is known for its surfing competitions and more, it is also host to the country’s best Shakespeare festivals.
The West Cliff Drive is a pretty site and covers most of the attractions that there are to see in the town. Monarch butterflies with orange and black coloring fill the area and adorn the trees.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

There is nothing better on a relaxing vacation than to spend a day at the spa. And if you’re looking to soak up the sun, there’s no better place than California. So go ahead, kick your feet up and relax. Pamper yourself at the 7 best California spas.

Best California Spas: Dolce Vita Day Spa & Salon

If you are looking for total body care, you have to go to this place. It has been voted the #1 Beauty Salon & Spa of the year by The Metro. Whether it is the steam sauna or an aroma bath (they even have it for couples!). This salon also offers an amazing range on facials and no matter what you pick, you will look refreshed.

Best California Spas:  rA Organic Spa Burbank, CA

Heated massage beds, sauna, wonderful body wraps, plenty of space to relax and to calm down from the weekly stress. Everything at an affordable price in Burbank, CA! Parking is easy in the garage close by so that you can fully relax and enjoy your day.

Best California Spas: The Lounge Spa Los Angeles, CA

The Lounge Spa in Los Angeles offers wonderful massages of all kinds. Couple massages, therapeutic massages, food massages of all kinds and so much more! Before you start your massage, you get to enjoy the elixir of the day, getting you in the right mood after the massage is over.

Best California Spas: Atelier Salon Spa and Atelier Studio

This place won the prestigious 2008 Global Salon Business Award and has also been the appointed for the Salon Today Top 200 award for five years in a row. Slightly more expensive but here you know what you can expect. Pure relaxation, clean and healthy skin, beauty and a new haircut.  Is this not a nice gift to give?

Top Spas in Southern California: Argyle Salon & Spa Los Angeles, CA

You go there once, you will return for sure. Argyle Salon & Spa in West Hollywood give excellent massages and treat your face like most likely you will not have experienced before. Services range from hair cuts, to facials, massages and much more. Los Angeles Magazine even awarded this place as the “Best Spa Treatment Room” in Los Angeles!

Best California Spas: Serenity Day Spa

Guys, listen to this: Serenity Day Spa offers couple massages. Other Spa packages they offer inluce Hydrotherapy Bath, Seaweed or Mud Wrap, Swedish Massage and so much more. If you want to get permanent makeup done, you may want to check out Serenity Day Spa as well.

Best California Spas: Enviouskin San Diego, CA

The name says it all: skin comes first here. Get affordable Brazilian waxing, or give your skin healthy vitamin wraps and pamper yourself for a few minutes. They also offer a Sun Recovery Mask – ideal for San Diego summers! Enviouskin is the place to come to when you want to give yourself some nice and caring moments.

A healthy mind in a healthy body – is this not what everybody is looking for? Especially in Southern California beauty and relaxation can be very important and for many belong to regular routines. Spoil yourself and enjoy your time at the best cheap spas in Southern California, recommended by Fox Rent A Car!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

California his home to some of the most unique landmarks and beautiful countryside in the entire nation. This diversity lets you surf in the morning, have lunch at a winery, and go skiing the next day. However one of the best things you can do is a California Coast Road Trip. Driving down Highway 1, you’re able to really see the best California has to offer. For the perfect week trip, Fox Rent A Car suggestions going from San Francisco, all the way through the Central Coast and down to Southern California.

California Coast Road Trip through Northern California

San Francisco is a small, bit city packed with everything imaginable. You can visit a Bed & Breakfast, take a romantic trip with your loved one, and visit one of the most infamous prisons ever! It’s also home to great live music and nightlife. A great way to plan a fun night out and experience the San Francisco Nightlife is to go listen to some live music. One of the most famous live music places for live music in San Francisco is the Boom Boom Room. The San Francisco Opera has an amazing program every season. If the tickets are a little bit over your budget, you can discover Opera at the Pocket Opera.

California Coast Road Trip through the Central Coast

You follow the coast, most likely drive along the Highway 1. An especially breathtaking scenic drive is the 17 Mile Drive, where you can also see the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. An amazing scenic drive you cannot miss!!! Of course there is San Jose, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara along the way. Close to San Luis Obispo you’ll find Paso Robles. What makes Paso Robles such a great wine destination is the down-to-earth people, and lack of wine-snobbery that may be at some winery destinations. Even casual wine drinkers will have a great time relaxing at the vineyards and enjoying a wine tour.
Paso Robles wineries grow mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. However they’re also known for their great Zinfandels.
So where do start? One of my personal favorites, the Tobin James Cellars, is a great place to begin, and has one of the best tasting rooms.
On your way down the cost you are passing by  Hearst Castle. Just a short drive from Paso Robles, you can visit the famed Hearst Castle. In 1919, William Randloph Hearst inherited the land that would become one of the greatest showpieces in the world. Hearst Castle stands at 90,080 square feet, 56 bedrooms, 41 fireplaces, 61 bathrooms, and 19 sitting rooms. They offer guided tours, as well as self-guided tours, however it’ll be difficult to take in all the buildings, gardens, and pools in one day. You have to see it, just for the architecture alone! As the road is beautiful, but winding, it is a good idea to make a stop along the way. I would recommend Cambria. This town is beautiful, friendly and the Bluebird Inn absolutely charming and all the restaurants are have great food at affordable prices! If you’re hungry on your way to the finish line, the La Super-Rica Tacqueria in Santa Barbara  is a great place to savour authentic Mexican cuisine.

California Coast Road Trip to Southern California

Los Angeles is known for Hollywood, the Lakers and traffic. But it’s also home to some of the most interesting museums. The Getty Center has gathered an impressive collection of the 20th century European and American Art. The Getty Center is a must see in Los Angeles for its fascinating galleries, architecture and gardens. You are promised an unforgettable experience. The Page Museum and La Brea Tar Pits will give you glimpse of California during the Ice Age. The Page Museum is a geological, science and paleontological museum where you can discover one of the largest fossil collections in the US. Venice Beach Boardwalk a different world. It is crazy, over the top and loud, but definitely a must see, when you are in LA. You are surrounded by a mix of cultures, arts and creativity in a funky atmosphere.

On your way to San Diego
On your way to San Diego, San Juan Capistrano is a great place to take a break. You can visit the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano and its peaceful gardens. Who knows? You might actually need it after LA traffic! L’Hirondelle is a wonderful place to have lunch especially on their charming patio. In San Diego you have quite a list of things to see and do. In function of the time period in which you are visiting San Diego, certain hotels offer great deals you should check out. Every neighborhood of San Diego has a large choice of cuisine from Thai to Italian, French to Mexican; and great happy hour deals.

About Fox Rent A Car

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Our heart truly goes out to those in Japan affected by this massive earthquake and tsunami. We’d like to update those living or traveling on the West Coast about related Tsunami Warnings. Thankfully, no major damaged has been report here on the West Coast yet. However tsunami’s a series of waves that could last several hours. If you’d like detailed information regarding Tsunami Warnings, please visit the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. We will update again if any breaking news happens.

Tsunami Warnings on the West Coast

Seattle, Washington – Tsunami Warnings on the West Coast

Tsunami advisory has been issued for Washington. There has been a limited evacuations of coastal areas, however no damage or distress has been reported.

San Francisco, – Tsunami Warnings on the West Coast

Waves have already begun reaching Northern California. As of 10:19 a.m., the BART system is still running. They’ve been receiving 5+ foot tidal changes, but no substantial damage as of now. San Francisco beaches and some school districts have been closed.

Southern California – Tsunami Warnings on the West Coast

It’s believed that Southern California should be less affected by the tsunami. The areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego are all under caution though with some tsunami warnings along coastal cities. People are obviously advised to stay away from the water. They are expecting strong currents and tidal surges throughout harbor areas. Some flights and travel plans are also being affected, so please check and allow yourself plenty of time.

About Fox Rent A Car

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

We’re now on Facebook Places and Foursquare!

Fox Rent A Car is pleased to announce that we’re now on Facebook Places and Foursquare! This will allow us to help deliver a better experience, and enable us to connect and reward our loyal customers.

What is Facebook Places?

Facebook Places is a service that lets you do several things:

• Share Where you Are
• Connect with Friends Nearby
• Find Local Deals

How do I Use Facebook Places?

You can find Fox Rent A Car by going to your mobile device:

Or you can find us by searching:

You’ll be able find the address, map, and contact information for each of our U.S. corporate locations.

What is Foursquare?

Foursquare is a location-based service just like Facebook Places.

Simply download the app on most smart phones:

How do I Check-In

Now search for the location, and simply “Check-In”.

Customer Loyalty Specials

Using Facebook Places and Foursquare locations will allow us to provide location-specific specials to reward and thank our loyal customers! In the future, when you arrive at Fox Rent A Car to pick up your car, all you have to do is “Check-In” and receive the free special. Over the next few weeks, we will be adding specials to several locations.

What locations would you like to see first? Let us know in the comments!

About Fox Rent A Car

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Small-town comfort and family-owned wineries make Paso Robles a relaxing, quaint year-round destination. Paso Robles is situated in California’s Central Coast, roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. For the best experience book a hotel in the historic downtown, like the Paso Robles Inn. You’ll be able to stroll the shops, try all the restaurants, and you’ll be surrounded by 200 wineries.
For current and up-to-date information regarding Paso Robles Wines, you should check out their Facebook page.

Wineries

Let’s be honest, you’re here for the wine. And as you look at this AVA Map http://www.pasowine.com/ava-map/ it’s clear you have a ton of good choices. What makes Paso Robles such a great wine destination is the down-to-earth people, and lack of wine-snobbery that may be at some winery destinations. Even casual wine drinkers will have a great time relaxing at the vineyards and enjoying a wine tour.
Paso Robles wineries grow mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. However they’re also known for their great Zinfandels.
So where do start? One of my personal favorites, the Tobin James Cellars, is a great place to begin, and has one of the best tasting rooms.

Hearst Castle

Just a short drive from Paso Robles, you can visit the famed Hearst Castle. In 1919, William Randloph Hearst inherited the land that would become one of the greatest showpieces in the world. Hearst Castle stands at 90,080 square feet, 56 bedrooms, 41 fireplaces, 61 bathrooms, and 19 sitting rooms. They offer guided tours, as well as self-guided tours, however it’ll be difficult to take in all the buildings, gardens, and pools in one day.
For film buffs, you may remember that the acclaimed Citizen Kane, by Orson Welles was loosely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst. You can visit the Hearst Castle Website for more information.

All beautiful images courtesy of Ron Bez Photography, www.ronbez.com

How to Get There

The best way to get there is on California’s Highway 101, which is a beautiful drive along the ocean and through the Central Coast.

Fox San Francisco

US-101 S/Hwy 101 S
194 mi – 3 hours 23 mins

780 N McDonnell Rd
San Francisco, CA 94128
1. Head north on N McDonnell Rd toward San Bruno Ave
154 ft
2. Take the 1st left onto San Bruno Ave
0.4 mi
3. Turn left to merge onto US-101 S/Hwy 101 Stoward San Jose
192 mi
4. Take exit 231A for 16th St
0.2 mi
5. Slight left at Riverside Ave
0.2 mi
6. Take the 1st left onto 13th St
0.2 mi
7. Continue onto Creston Rd
0.5 mi
8. Turn left at Walnut Dr
0.5 mi
9. Turn right at Vista Grande St
0.1 mi
10. Turn left at Osos Way
489 ft
Paso Robles, CA

View Larger Map

Fox Los Angeles

US-101 N and US-101 N/Hwy 101 N
219 mi – 3 hours 54 mins

5500 W Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
1. Head east on W Century Blvd toward S Concourse Way
0.6 mi
2. Take the I-405 N ramp to Sacramento
0.5 mi
3. Keep left at the fork and merge onto I-405 N
16.1 mi
4. Take exit 63B to merge onto US-101 Ntoward Ventura
82.9 mi
5. Take exit 101B for State St toward CA-154/Cachuma Lake
0.2 mi
6. Merge onto Calle Real
0.3 mi
7. Turn right at CA-154 W/San Marcos Pass Rd
32.5 mi
8. Turn right to merge onto US-101 N/Hwy 101 N
84.1 mi
9. Take exit 230 to merge onto Paso Robles St
0.6 mi
10. Turn right at 13th St
0.2 mi
11. Continue onto Creston Rd
0.5 mi
12. Turn left at Walnut Dr
0.5 mi
13. Turn right at Vista Grande St
0.1 mi
14. Turn left at Osos Way
489 ft
Paso Robles, CA

View Larger Map

About Fox Rent A Car

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

The best skiing conditions this winter may not be in Colorado or Utah.

Mammoth Mountain has received over 17 feet of snowfall in 12 days.

Set high atop an ancient volcano, Mammoth Lakes is a 7 mile ski resort divided into four areas. Situated on the eastern edge of California, Mammoth is accessible from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe / Reno, and Las Vegas. This winter has seen record breaking snow fall (over 3 times the December average); 17 feet of snowfall in 12 days. (Don’t buy it? Check out these Web Cams)

If you’re a pro, you should check out Avalanche Chutes, Wipe Out, Paranoids and Gravy Chute. If you’re more into cruising, St. Anton, Broadway and Forest Trail are perfect.

Some of the best lodging includes The Village Lodge, Juniper Springs Resort, Mammoth Mountain Inn, and Tamarack Lodge. If you’re going with a group of people, you can also rent condos and homes. Mammoth also has a mix of fine dining, casual dining, and nightlife that complement a full day on the slopes. If you want more inside info – check out the official Mammoth Mountain Blog.

There’s something for everyone in Mammoth. With record snow fall, and perfect conditions, what are you waiting for?

2010/2011 Opening Day Video, Courtesy of TheMammothMountain

How to Get There

From FOX Los Angeles

5500 W Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
1. Head east on W Century Blvd toward S Concourse Way
0.6 mi
2. Take the I-405 N ramp to Sacramento
0.5 mi
3. Keep left at the fork and merge onto I-405 N
26.6 mi
4. Merge onto I-5 N
3.0 mi
5. Take exit 162 for State Route 14 N/Antelope Valley Freeway toward Palmdale/Lancaster
0.6 mi
6. Merge onto CA-14 N/State Route 14 N
69.0 mi
7. Turn right at CA-14 N/Aerospace Hwy/Midland Trail
48.8 mi
8. Continue onto US-395 N/Three Flags Hwy
123 mi
9. Keep left at the fork
38.0 mi
10. Take the CA-203 exit toward Mammoth Lakes/Devils Postpile
0.2 mi
11. Slight left at CA-203 W
3.2 mi
Mammoth Lakes, CA

View Larger Map

From FOX San Francisco

This route has tolls.
780 N McDonnell Rd
San Francisco, CA 94128
1. Head north on N McDonnell Rd towardSan Bruno Ave
0.2 mi
2. Continue onto S Airport Blvd
0.3 mi
3. Turn left onto the ramp to I-380 W
0.5 mi
4. Merge onto US-101 N
9.2 mi
5. Slight right at I-80 E (signs for Bay Bridge/Oakland)
Partial toll road
81.2 mi
6. Continue onto I-80 BUS E/US-50 E (signs forInterstate 80 Business/Sacramento/South Lake Tahoe)
5.3 mi
7. Continue onto US-50 E
93.4 mi
8. Turn right at CA-89 S/Luther Pass Rd(signs for Markleeville/Jackson/CA-88)
11.2 mi
9. Turn left at CA-88 E/CA-89 S
11.9 mi
10. Continue onto NV-88 N
4.4 mi
11. Turn right at NV-756 E/Centerville Ln
1.2 mi
12. Turn left to stay on NV-756 E/Centerville Ln
0.7 mi
13. Continue onto Dresslerville Rd
1.4 mi
14. Continue onto Riverview Dr
0.6 mi
15. Turn right at US-395 S
113 mi
16. Take the CA-203 exit toward Mammoth Lakes/Devils Postpile/National Monument
0.3 mi
17. Keep right at the fork, follow signs forMammoth Lakes and merge onto CA-203 W
3.1 mi
Mammoth Lakes, CA

View Larger Map

From FOX Las Vegas

8801 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89123
1. Head south on S Las Vegas Blvd
0.1 mi
2. Make a U-turn
1.0 mi
3. Turn left at Blue Diamond Rd (signs forState Route 160)
0.4 mi
4. Merge onto I-15 N via the ramp to Salt Lake City
9.0 mi
5. Take exit 42A to merge onto I-515 N/US-95 N toward Reno
1.8 mi
6. Continue onto US-95 N/Veterans Memorial Hwy
74.0 mi
7. Continue onto Veterans Memorial Hwy
40.7 mi
8. Turn right at US-95 N/Main St
51.7 mi
9. Turn left at NV-266 W
40.1 mi
10. Continue onto CA-266 N
4.4 mi
11. Slight left at CA-168 W
37.6 mi
12. Turn right at CA-168 W/US-395 N/Three Flags Hwy
15.4 mi
13. Keep left at the fork
38.0 mi
14. Take the CA-203 exit toward Mammoth Lakes/Devils Postpile
0.2 mi
15. Slight left at CA-203 W
3.2 mi
Mammoth Lakes, CA

View Larger Map

About Fox Rent A Car

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

California and the neighboring Nevada are almost always mentioned in any top skiing areas in the world. The terrain offers a wide variety for all kinds of skiers irrespective of whether they are novices or beginners or experts looking for a challenge. The great part of most of the ski resorts in California is that they are accessible by air and by road at most times. Those who are looking at South California for some skiing resorts have the option of choosing between San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains and those who live in North California drive to North or South Lake Tahoe is an extremely desirable option.

Skiing in California – Typical Skiing Season

The typical time of the year when skiing is open for all is between the months of November and March. But given the weather conditions in the state, sometimes skiing is possible right up till June in various parts of the mountains. While you may not need to check whether the resorts are open during season time, you may want to make a reservation since the sport is extremely popular among Californians.

Alpine Skiing in California

California offers alpine skiing options and cross country ones too. There are four main areas for skiing in California – Northern California, Southern California, Lake Tahoe and Central California. While Northern California offers popular areas for skiing like the Cascade Mountains, the Gold Mountains, the Cedar Pass, Mt. Shasta Ski Park and Coppervale, Lake Tahoe has the North shore slopes, South shore slopes and the Donner Summit. Central California includes areas like Badger Pass, Dodge Ridge, Bear Valley, June Mountains, Shirley Meadows, Cottage Springs, Sierra Summit, Mammoth and Montecito-Sequoia.

Cross Country Skiing in California

Some of the cross country skiing areas in California include the Lassen National Park, Mt Shasta Ski Park, Camp Richardson, Clair Tappan, Eagle Mountain, Northstar, Squaw Valley, Spooner Lake, Tahoe Cross Country, green Valley Nordic, Rim Nordic and palm Springs Aerial Tram.

Some Popular California Ski Resorts in Detail

The numbers of ski resorts in California are many. Each one has its own characteristics that attract certain people. While some choose the ski resort on the basis of proximity to the place where they stay, others who are more enthusiastic about skiing choose resorts on the basis of the variety of slopes that they offer and the challenges that the slopes present. Below, we have discussed some popular ski resorts in California for your perusal.

Bear Mountain Resort – Twenty four chairlifts, 400 acres of skiing area and over 50 trails is what attracts skiing enthusiasts to this resort. The Park at the Bear Mountain is also a great place to learn skiing and therefore is a great place for beginners too.

Mt Shasta – This is a ski area where you will find trails that are lined with trees giving you a spectacular setting for skiing. At more than 14,000 feet, this mountain allows you to ski, snowboard and snowmobile too. There are also some terrain parks for those who are just beginning to try their hand at the sport too.

Coppervale Ski Area – Slightly south of Mt Shasta is the Copeprvale Ski area that is mainly manned by volunteers. A community supported skiing facility the numbers of jumps in the area, are limited. The attraction of this place lies in the warm comfort and ambience of the place.

Donner Ski Ranch – Known to be one of the first ski resorts of California, Donner Ski Ranch is still a popular destination for skiers. A few chairlifts can provide you access to acres of skiing slopes. The ranch is family run and can provide the perfect family vacation feel to the whole trip too.

Tahoe Donner Downhill – Not to be confused with the Donner Ski Ranch, the Tahoe Donner ski area is great when skiing is not all that you want to do on the vacation. It is a great place to go when you want to take a day off from the tourist activity in the Tahoe region and make a dash for the mountains. There is also the Snowflake Ski School where the instructors provide comprehensive sessions to all who are above 3 years of age. Those interested in cross country skiing can also explore 39 trails that are available.

Snow Valley Ski Resort – Located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, this is a resort that is only a few minutes away from Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs. So if you want to combine an angling and skiing trip, this may be the place for you. The place has 11 lifts and 30 trails to offer serious skiers.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

At the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Reno is known to be a great place for a weekend getaway. It is also called the ‘Biggest Little City in the World’ and is most known for the casinos. But there are more than casinos that you can enjoy in this place because there is so much to do in the area.

Weekend Getaway Reno – Climate

The climate of Reno is dictated by the fact that it lies in the rain shadow area of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It gets extremely little rainfall and the average annual rainfall is around 7 to 8 inches. The snowfall in the area also ranges from light to moderate. In the summer, the temperatures range between the 90’s and 100 degree Fahrenheit and winter sees the temperatures drop to a range between 45 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit approximately.

Weekend Getaway Reno: Beautiful Drives

If you are one of those who enjoys driving and taking in the beauty of the locale, then you must take some of these scenic drives in the Reno and Lake Tahoe area. There is the fort Churchill to Wellington Back Country Byway that offers a 67 mile drive. It is along the Pony Express Trail and also takes you into the Pine Nut Mountains. On this drive you can stop to see the fort Churchill State Historic Monument, Dayton State Park, Alkali Lake Wildlife Management Area and more.

Not far from Reno is the drive that is often called the most beautiful drive in America. The Eastshore Drive on Lake Tahoe is a drive of approximately 72 miles and it presents a spectacular view of the lake. You can check out the Zephyr cove resort, the Tahoe Rim Trail and take in the mountains as you drive leisurely through this mesmerizing road.

Very close to Reno is the Pyramid Lake that you can drive up to for some interesting animal life, plant life and angling. The lake is estimated to be about 300 feet deep and has fresh water flowing into the Truckee River. The lake is also known for Cui-ui fish, Lahontan cut throat trout and other fishes. You have to opportunity of viewing the bighorn sheep, antelope and other wildlife too.

Weekend Getaway Reno – Things to Do

Gambling – When you drive to Reno you cannot leave without checking out the nightlife and the gambling scene in the city. While Las Vegas may be more popular for gambling overall, Reno beats the city in the dice and card games. Often considered to be a hot sport for the Hollywood people due to its relative privacy, this is a place where you can get some serious game.

Weekend Getaway Reno – Family Fun

Reno is also known to have various places that families can enjoy. So don’t shy away from the Reno holiday assuming that gambling is the only interesting activity in the place. Check out the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park that has about 600 acres of wetlands, meadows, picnic areas, trails, playgrounds, splash pads and more. The Wild Island Family Adventure Park is a hot favorite during summer but can be visited during winters too. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is a place where your kids can learn about camping safety and other aspects of adventure and camping that they need to know. And then there are some great bowling alleys that you can visit too.

Weekend Getaway Reno – Winter Fun

The Tahoe Meadows Snow Play Area is easily accessible from Reno and you should be prepared to literally pull your kids away at the end of the day due to the kind of fun that they will have in the place. Snowmobiling, sledges and more are common and you will love the number of snowmen in the place. There are other areas such as the Spooner Summit, Hope Valley Winter Recreation and Sierra Adventures that you can visit too. Ice skating is another option that you can explore at the Arlington Square Ice Rink, Rink on the River, Olympic Ice Pavilion or the South Lake Ice Arena too. Some of the skiing areas and resorts that you can enjoy include Spooner Lake Cross country skiing area, the Tahoe Donner Cross Country, Hope Valley Outdoors, Resort at Squaw Creek Nordic Center, Kirkwood Cross Country & Snowshoe Center and Clair Tappaan Lodge – Sierra Club.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.

Planning an elaborate vacation is sometimes so arduous, time consuming and stressful that one prefers to stay at home and chill out rather than take all the tension that comes with flying and flight delays especially during the holiday season. But if you could just drive down to an expansive coastline or take a day trip to the mountains, the whole affair can turn out into an enjoyable few days that you get off from the ennui and boredom.

While it is extremely difficult to choose from among the various beach, mountains and entertainment weekend escapes that California has to offer, here are the top 5 that are a must visit if you have not explored them already.

1.       Lake Tahoe – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

Lake Tahoe promises to be a great short vacation spot irrespective of the time of the year. The place has a lot to offer in summer and winter too. And this is true for the North side of the lake as well as the South side. The Lake sits on the California-Nevada border and is one of the most popular locations for snow boarders and skiers. There are a large number of ski chalets and after a tiring yet invigorating day of skiing, the casinos offer great night activity too.

2.       California Hot Springs – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

There is nothing more relaxing than an hour spent in the hot springs of California with mineral water directly from the depths of the Earth. In California there are hot springs that can be found in various styles. There are those that have wooden tubs and those that are created in the Japanese style baths too. Hot springs can be found all over Northern and Southern California. You can check out Drakesbad Guest Ranch at Mt. Lassen National Park, Orr Hot Springs, Surprise Valley, Vichy Springs or Wilbur Hot Springs in Northern California or Agua Caliente County Park, Beverly Hot Springs, Delight’s Hot Springs, Tecopa Hot Springs or the Fountain of Youth Spa in Southern part of the state. There is also the Desert Hot Springs Resorts in the Palm Springs Area too.

3.       Orange County Beaches – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

No list of weekend escapes of California is complete without a beach destination. While the coastline offered by the state is large and each beach boasts of something unique, the Orange county beaches are a ‘must-visit’ for all. When you drive over to Orange County, take time off to visit the Seal Beach, Surfside, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente and the Sunset Beach. The beaches in these areas offer the quaint peacefulness and you can avoid the extreme crowds that you may otherwise encounter in other locations.

4.       Yosemite National Park – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

With about 761,268 acres of national park area, the Yosemite National Park is another hot favorite weekend escape in California. The park has land at various elevation levels that range from 2127 feet to 13114 feet. It is accessible and open throughout the year though the Tioga Road is closed during the winter. Though the road to glacier point is closed towards the end of November, it is opened later in the year from mid December up till early April for those who want to drive up to the Badger Pass Ski Area. This is a place for the nature lover and one can see various kinds of flora and fauna. Adventure enthusiasts love the place for the numerous trails that it offers.

5.       Disneyland – Top 5 California Weekend Escapes

Many may feel that Disneyland is probably not the best of places for a weekend getaway. But ask any parent and they will tell you the kind of pleasure it gives them when their children squeal with joy on encountering the Disney characters. If you are planning to visit Disney’s California Adventure Park or the Disneyland Park during the Christmas break, make sure that you have reservations in advance since it is likely to be full to the brim.

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rates for rental cars since its founding in 1989. Today, our success in these areas has enabled us to develop into the largest independent car rentals company headquartered in California. You will find Fox Car Rental offices conveniently located at major airports throughout the world.