With the summer season started, many fishers are heading out to get some good-sized catches and to relax in the nature. But where should you go to if you live in Northern California? Fox Rent A Car knows it! Have fun at the best fishing places in Northern California.

Fishing places Northern California: Clear Lake

Clear Lake has some records to its name. Not only is it the largest freshwater lake in the state of California, it also has been awarded to be the number one lake of the nation for bass fishing! You will find a good amount of largemouth bass here, as well as channel catfish, bluegill and crappie. Best time to come is from March through June and in September and October. Save the date for your fishing trip!

Fishing places Northern California: San Joaquin River Delta

San Joaquin River Delta is an ideal place for fishing. Five important rivers meet here and build a huge delta. This delta has been connected through artificial channels, so the total water ways add up to more than 1,000 miles! The delta is known to be one of the nation’s best bass fisheries. However, be careful since there are huge tidal fluctuations that you have to be prepared for. On the other hand – the fish that you can catch here is just as huge as those fluctuations, so good luck!

Fishing places Northern California: Lake Oroville

Lake Oroville is a beautiful 15,500-acre lake in Northern California. All year long you can catch decent-sized spotted and largemouth bass, which may not have record sizes, yet the sheer number is a fishermen’s dream.  The most action takes place in the four arms of Feather River, North, idle, West and South forks. You can come here for fishing all year long, yet best times are April and May, as well as September and October.

Fishing places Northern California: East Park Reservoir

Northwest of Sacramento, you can go for some great fishing at East Park Reservoir, which is open year-round. Especially in the spring time the size of bass gets big, yet there is less bass in the summer months, which can get very hot. If you come here for fishing in the summer, come very early or late afternoon, or what do you think about a night fishing trip? Other fish that you can find here include bluegill, catfish and crappie fish.

The Fox Rent A Car team wishes you a sensational summer and great fishing trips. What are your favorite fishing places in Northern California, and when is the best time to go there? Have a great catch!

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.

After we already presented good and cheap golf courses in Seattle and Las Vegas, we are now heading to the San Francisco Bay area. At our three locations in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland are plenty of golf courses you should give a try. Fox Rent A Car presents 9 of those courses that you will love!

1. Lincoln Park Golf Course San Francisco

Lincoln Park Golf Course offers a well-maintained ground with a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge! If you just can’t see this bridge often enough, this is your Golf Course of choice.

2. Harding Park Golf Course San Francisco

Harding Park Golf Course does have quite some history and if you go there, you may even see some celebrities! It is a municipal park and you should definitely go there, especially when the grounds are dry.

3. Golden Gate Park Golf Course San Francisco

This golf course does not have the golf-pro atmosphere, but rather allows you to relax, chill and to just enjoy your game. Beginners and medium players will feel very comfortable practicing their skills on this course.

4. Montclair Golf Course Oakland

Montclair offers double the entertainment! Hit a bucket of balls on the golf driving range, or enjoy the nine hole par 3 pitch and putt course. No matter how much time you have in Oakland, you will spend it well in this place.

5. Metropolitan Golf Links Oakland

A driving range and 18 holes is what expects you at Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland, CA. Despite its size, this place is welcoming and affordable, so definitely something you should check out.

6. Alameda Chuck Corica Golf Complex Oakland

This place offers you a lot of entertainment for the buck! It has three courses that you can discover and you will not have to spend a lot of money for a whole day of golfing. What else do you want?

7. San Jose Municipal Golf Course San Jose

San Jose Muni Golf Course offers flat, well-maintained and beautiful holes, as well as a two-story driving range. It is relatively easy to play and therefore a very good spot for beginners.

8. Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course  San Jose

Rancho Del Pueblo offers nine rather easy holes and is a good place for those of you who either like to play a smooth and fast game, and also is great for beginners! The golf course is very affordable and you will actually get more for your money than you thought.

9. Santa Teresa Golf Club San Jose

In the South corner of San Jose you will find yourself at Santa Teresa Golf Club, where you can chose between a long course and a short course, both of them at great affordable rates. The greens are very well maintained and it’s a great spot for you and the whole family.

Not all places mentioned here? Let us know what other golf courses you can highly recommend and where our readers should go to. Have a lot of golfing fun at an affordable price!

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.

Northern California history – what are you thinking of when you hear those words? Mostly, your thoughts will cover Woodstock, eventually Alcatraz and of course the Golden Gate bridge. This is quite a good beginning, but there is more to see! Fox Rent A Car today presents you the most historic places in Northern California.

Historic Sites in Northern California: The Presidio in San Francisco

The Presidio is located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and for more than 200 years presented a strong and military station. The Presidio was in the hands of the Spanish and of Mexico, and now belongs to the United States. In 1994, the Presidio could retire, yet even today it is the place for the annual Memorial Day Parade in San Francisco.

Historic Sites in Northern California: The Tribune Tower in Oakland

In the 1920’s the 21-story Tribune Tower in Oakland was built. Until 1989 it was home to the Oakland Tribune, but now provides office and condominium space. Despite its age, the Tribune Tower belongs to the tallest buildings in Oakland and proves itself to be one of the city’s most important landmarks.

Historic Sites in Northern California: Old St. Mary’s Church in San Francisco

Since 1854, Old St. Mary’s Church has been in use and except for a break of three years after the big San Francisco earthquake in 1906, this building got used permanently. Even though the building was not destroyed from shaking, it got burned to the ground, even the church bells melted! Today, it serves Chinatown and Nob Hill and is a must-see of Califoria’s Historical Landmarks!

Historic Sites in Northern California: Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Old Sacramento State Historic Park is one of the most important sites of the city, when you plan on visiting the old landmarks. Among others, it hosts the city’s oldest remaining firehouse and the Big Four House. A must see and host to several museums, carriages and historic trains!

Historic Sites in Northern California: The Dutch Windmill in San Francisco

The Dutch Windmill is also located in the Golden Gate Park and its construction began and ended in 1902. The purpose of this windmill was to ensure a constant water supply for the city and it is only thanks to this construction, that the Golden Gate Park was created around it. Even though the windmill got restored in the 1980s, it desperately needs another restoration very urgently.

You see, there are quite a few other historic landmarks in Northern California that you should see when you are around. Plan a whole day or even more to stroll around in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, there is so much more to see! Enjoy your trips and send us some pictures!

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.

WIN A FREE CAR RENTAL FOR JULY 4th HOLIDAY!!!

Leave a comment on this post and win a complimentary three day rental
overthe July 4th weekend from Fox Rent A Car!

It’s easy… Here is all you have to do.  Simply comment on  this post and tell us your most funny and hilarious July 4th story in 200 words or less. The story can be about you, your  family, your friends and any funny or compromising situation that any of you have been involved in over a July 4th  holiday. This could be a story that you have been telling each other for the last several years, and it always comes up over the July 4th holiday. Share your story with us and it may be chosen as the best one posted. We look forward to hearing from you.Win a Rental Car for 4th of July!

Requirements of participation:

1. Participants cannot be employed by Fox Rent A Car.

2. Leave a comment on this blog with a short story (up to 200 words), about your funniest event on a 4th July.

3. Promotion ends on June 24, 2010 at 12.00 PM PST

4. Winner will be notified by email on June 26, 2010 and have to respond within 48 hours with the complete contact information. If we do not receive a response within this given period, we will select another winner.

5. Winner will be selected for originality and creativity by the Fox Rent A Car Marketing Department and therefore may be subjective.

6. Available Cars: Economy through Full-size cars and intermediate SUV.

7. Fox Rent A Car will give out 1 (one) rental car to the selected winner for a rental period of 3 days. (Fees, taxes, and optional insurance are not covered by the promotion and have to be paid by winner)

8. Pick up date must be anytime from July 1-31, 2010 at any of our Fox Rent A Car locations.

9. Fox Rent A Car Standard Policies apply.

What are you waiting for?

Make us laugh really hard and win a free rental car for the 2010 4^th of July Weekend from Fox Rent A Car!

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.

1. Book well in advance: You can book tickets up to 90 days earlier. We recommend to book them about one month in advance, especially during the summer season and if you book for a family or larger group.

2. Take the Early Bird Tour: The first tour to Alcatraz Island starts at 9.00am from Pier 33. It is a day less to sleep in, but well worth it since you can stroll over an almost empty prison island. The later you go, the more packed it will be, or you even have to rush to get the last ferry back to the city. Parking around Fishermen’s Wharf is expensive and rare, so you may simply want to take public transport from your hotel, or ride the Cable Car.

3. Take advantage of the Audio Tour: you will already purchase it with your ticket and audio tours are available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese Dutch and Mandarin. Former prisoners and guards tell their stories and explain Alcatraz Island from their point of view, and you will hear about living at Alcatraz. For those who prefer to read those routines, check out this Facebook page.

4. Talk to people who work there: Eventually, you run into a former inmate or guard and who else can tell you amazing stories that hardly anybody else will hear?

5. Dress accordingly: It is San Francisco, and Alcatraz is about 15 minutes from the Coast by ferry. Cold gusts can quickly ruin the outside activities, such as walking on the island to other buildings or simply enjoying the view over the city. Remember – you can always take the jacket off, but you won’t be able to buy one when it gets too cold or windy.

6. Stroll around The Rock: See as much as you can, walk everywhere you can (and is allowed). Go and see the kitchen, the guard’s cells, the garden and the housing for the guards and their families. Much is burned down, yet there is still a lot to see and learn.

7. Study the breakout of Frank Morris and the brothers John and Clarence Anglin: Try to imagine how desperate they must have been to get through this breakout. The famous Escape from Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood may be a good preparation for this trip.

8. Plan enough time for visiting: Getting to, through and from Alcatraz will easily take you 4-5 hours. Take something to eat and drink with you to avoid the tourist prices on the ferries.

9. Get souvenirs: It may sound kitschy, but there is so much fun stuff to buy for yourself and loved ones that it would be too hard to just walk by.

10. Watch out for the birds: Alcatraz Island is home to thousands of seagull, so pay attention where you step and what is above you.

With a little planning, Alcatraz will become one of the most memorable San Francisco tours you have done in the City by the Bay. Even though the Alcatraz prison is closed for almost 50 years now, you can feel the cold and stiff atmosphere of a prison that hosted the toughest and dangerous inmates. Later on, let us know how you liked it! We are excited to hear your stories.

Enjoy your trip!

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.

Memorial Day 2010: a day to remember, a day to honor. Nevertheless, the Memorial Day weekend is the official time to start off into a great summer! Throughout the country you will find all kind of events and places to go to. Whether you love crowds and the festive parades, or rather explore new hide-away spots, here are the 5 best Memorial Day Events and getaways in Northern California:

Memorial Day Weekend in San Francisco:

The thing to do on Memorial Day weekend is to go and see the traditional parade at the Presidio. The parade starts in the Main Post and ends at the San Francisco National Cemetery, where the Memorial Day ceremony takes places. Afterwards, feel free to stroll around on the Cemetery grounds and honor veterans and the fallen soldiers. You can see last years’ pictures here .For more information on how to get to the parade and where you can park your car, click here

Memorial Day Weekend at Yosemite National Park:

The park on the Memorial Day weekend may be crowded, but for a good reason. Spring is here! The snow is gone, flowers are blooming, the nature is awake and presents itself in the most beautiful and amazing ways you can imagine. Watch wild animals, hike through untouched nature, admire nature’s power. A drive to Yosemite National Park on the holiday weekend is definitely worth a second thought. You are want to go to Yosemite National Park, but not on the Memorial day Weekend? Find some handy tips when is the best time to visit.

Memorial Day Weekend in Arcata, CA:

About 7 hours north of San Francisco you will find yourself in Arcata, CA, a little college town on the Humboldt Bay. A few minutes out of downtown there is a 10-mile trail through redwood trees and an amazing variety of other plants. Hiking, bicycling, bird-watching, relaxing and enjoying pure nature on one of America’s most important holidays – what else do you want!

Memorial Day Weekend in Santa Clara/ Milpitas:

Events in Milpitas start very early. Already at 9am you will find yourself at the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park. For those of you, who rather relax and sleep a little longer, just visit at Oak Hill Memorial Park at 11am, where a group of boy scouts lays wreaths for the fallen. Some of the graves you will find there even are from Civil War veterans. For more events in Milpitas year-round, click here.

Memorial Day Weekend in Mountain View:

The Mountain View Cemetery proudly presents the 89th Annual Memorial Day Commemoration. Afterwards, feel free to participate in a tour where you will learn more about the Civil War, and especially how Californians were involved. Herer is a short outline of the moving moments of last year.

You see, there are hundreds of events on Memorial Day weekend in Northern California to honor the fallen soldiers. Where will we find you? Make sure you plan ahead so you won’t get stucked in traffic and be the early bird to catch parking! Often, the websites of event venues can give you a clear picture of how to get there and where to park. We are definitely looking forward to your stories about how you spent your weekend. Where did you go, and what did you to? Have a great Memorial Day getaway in Northern California!

About Fox Rent A Car:

Fox Rent A Car, your discount car rental company, has been providing excellent customer service along with low rental car rates 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.

Earth Day is a very important event, celebrated around the world for the past 40 years. As we need to become more and more aware of the peril our planet is facing, Earth Day is a great opportunity to teach visitors about the challenges Earth faces due to climate changes. It also teaches us about the ways, habits and solutions we can find and apply to our daily life to help preserve our planet. Earth Day is the same day as the spring equinox, the 22d of April. However it is often celebrated the weekend before, this year it is on Sunday April 18th. So if you want to learn and be part of this green global community, here is some information about diverse Earth Day celebrations on the West Coast and other major cities.

Earth Day events in San Diego

San Diego Earth Day is one of the largest Earth Day events in the world. The festivities take over Balboa Park. As it is an important environmental awareness event, it brings together a very large diversified crowd, and is a great family attraction. Many boothes are built to teach and make you aware about how to conserve energy, and other environment friendly topics; there is a large food court with lots of different cuisines, from meat to vegan and organic food. It presents various activities and introduces green concepts to reach out to a vast age ranch. So come to Balboa Park from 10 am to 5 pm on April 18th to celebrate Earth Day to learn how you can help save our planet or support organizations who works for this.

Earth Day events in Bay Area

If you are in Northern California not to worry, you will find a way to celebrate Earth Day as well! Earth Day in San Francisco is not a large festival like in San Diego, but it is still an important event. Instead of a large festival, you can find a lot of various events, sometimes even for the whole week after the actual Earth Day. On the 18th, between 11am and 4pm you can go to Sausalito to celebrate Earth Day with a group of hikers. This is a great family experience to learn about the environment.
The major event in the Bay Are is Oakland Earth Day on the 17th of April between 9am and noon, where you can volunteer to help clean Oakland! Otherwise, you should stop by the Oakland Zoo, where a great Earth Day celebration is organized between 10 am and 3 pm. Boothes, demonstrations and activities are planned to share tips with you on how to be more green and care for our planet.

Earth Day events in Seattle

Seattle also has many events planned in the honor of Earth Day. If you like to give your time and help the community, the Pacific Science Center Earth Day event is an interesting plan. You can help take care of the park. For sportive people you can participate to the Earth Day 5K and Alumni Run on the 18th. This event is a fundraising event to help protect the environment and support the community. For more Earth Day events in Seattle read here.
If you are looking to share your knowledge and be part of Earth Day to actively help the planet, a special event is planned at St. Edwards State Park. You can be there as a visitor or as an exhibitor. So don’t wait check it out and help make this day special and successful.

Earth Day events in Phoenix

On April 22d, Phoenix celebrates Earth Day at the Cesar Chavez Plaza. This business event allows people to interact and exchange ideas and projects to save the environment such as recycling techniques, water waste management and such.

Earth Day events in Las Vegas

Though Earth Day is an important celebration, not every city organizes a festival with booths and such, Las Vegas keeps it up to the business around town to celebrate Earth day in their own way. From Macy’s to the Las Vegas History Museum, various projects happen during Earth Day week to help raise awareness for green habits.

Fox Rent A Car Earth Day Event

And because at Fox Rent A Car we also believe in change toward a better and greener way of life, we decided to organize our own Earth Day celebration! We give you a whooping 15 % off on all Hybrid Rentals with Fox Rent A Car for this special day! So make sure to support the cause and rent an Hybrid on Earth Day!

Fox Rent A Car presents you with some cool Easter Events  2010. Why not take a short vacation and chase the bunny in a different (warmer) part of the country or go egg hunting in the desert this year? Read about the coolest Easter events in Burbank, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland and Phoenix.

Not only is Easter one of the most important religious festivals, it is also a time for fun and frolic. Easter parades, egg hunts, egg rolling and painting are all part of the festivities, not to forget the Easter bunny with all the candies that we can eat. Celebrating Easter can be even more fun when you can get away from home and drive to another town and celebrate Easter with your family amidst all the events that are talking place. Check out some of the Easter events that are happening this year in some towns.

Burbank Easter Events

You could celebrate your Easter with a scrumptious brunch or dinner with the family and then move on to get some photos clicked with the Easter Bunny at the Burbank Town Center. The Spring Egg-Stravaganza has been planned for April 3rd at McCambridge Park. Scheduled between 9am to 11am, the event will have games, prizes, candies and a lot more ‘eggy’ fun that you can imagine. You obviously do not want to miss the egg hunt organized for different ages here!

Las Vegas Easter Events

You could enjoy carnival games for all ages at the Mirabelli Community Center at Hargrove Avenue on March 26th in the Family Flashlight Easter Egg Activity Night. And if you are looking for some activities around this festival, then the Easter Festival Egg-Decorating Workshop for 7 will be held on March 27th. The instructor Bobbie Ann Howell will encourage participants to submit their completed works of art for display and competition at the East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center.
Other Easter events scheduled in Las Vegas include photographs with the Easter Bunny at the Hash House. You could also check out the Boulder City Annual Easter Egg Hunt scheduled to be held on Easter for toddlers to first graders.

Los Angeles Easter Events

If you find yourself in Los Angeles during Easter, here is what you can do to keep the kids happy. They are sure to love the Bunny’s Spring Fling at the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens where they can make bunny ears and have their faces painted too. The Easter Festival at the Orange County Marketplace will include a treasure hunt, a puppet show, free face painting and photos. This is organized every year on the Saturday before Easter, so you should be there on 3rd April if you want to catch the fun. The Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt at Descanso Gardens is a perfect location to go to if you want your kids to be busy hunting for eggs while you enjoy a relaxed afternoon lunch.

Oakland Easter Events

On the Saturday before Easter, you can visit the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate to enjoy some solid old fashioned Easter with a modern twist. You have the option of the Easter bunny photo, picnic on the lawn, loads of games and entertainment with a host of other kids. Or celebrate Easter with a difference with Tree Planting and Easter Egg Hunt at the MA Center in Castro Valley on April 4th. The Moraga Commons Park is also organizing an egg hunt on March 27th. So go out there and get some practice before Easter as well!

Phoenix Easter Events

The Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant, thought to be the world’s largest annual outdoor Easter Pageant takes place on a stage that is 4 storey’s high. This show shall be performed between 23rd March and 3rd April and will be staged at the Mesa Arizona Temple. It is worth driving to this location especially for this event given the grandiose manner in which it is conducted and organized. Egg hunts and other Easter events have been organized at the following locations too:
-    Earl Edgar Recreation Facility – The Buckeye’s 12th annual “Spring Celebration on March 27th from 9am to noon
-    Bakery Café at el Pedregal – Easter Cookie Decorating Workshop on 2nd April
-    Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek – Easter Egg-Citment Easter Egg Hunt on 3rd April starting from 11 in the morning
-    Peoria Sports Complex – Dolly Sanchez Memorial Easter Egg Hunt on 3rd April all day long
-    Ahwatukee Community Park – Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee’s Annual Easter Parade and Spring Fling on 3rd April from 10am till 5 in the evening

So, what are your plans for Easter? If  you know about another cool event for Easter in your city, please share it with us and we will include it in our list!

We at Fox Rent A Car wish you a very happy Easter!

So close to San Francisco, Oakland is often left in the shadow. Don’t let this fool you! There are so many great attractions and sighs to visit in Oakland and it is a wonderful city for traveling with children. So if you plan a family trip, here is a list of things to do with children in Oakland.

Traveling with Children in Oakland: Fairyland

Just by Lake Merritt, you can find one of the oldest children parks in Oakland: Fairyland. It is full of fun attractions based on children books, puppet shows, animals and small rides. This small amusement park is more for younger kids. You can feel safe, no one without kids is allowed in. And when you are done, since it is close to Lake Merritt, you can enjoy a nice walk around the lake, or even plan a picnic before going to the park.

Traveling with Children in Oakland: the Bay Area Discovery Museum

Though you probably already go to museums every once in a while at home, every city offers a new perspective, and new possibilities and discoveries to make in the local museums. So if you encounter a rainy day in Oakland, check out the Bay Area Discovery Museum with your children . There is an art studio, discovery exhibits and games, a theater and even an outdoor lab! It is a great experience for kids, with a lot to learn while playing.

Traveling with Children in Oakland: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

If you like to spend time in the outdoors with your children when traveling to Oakland, you should consider a day at the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. This park is a wonderful family destination and makes for a great hiking day, or even to go horseback riding. Kids will enjoy being able to run around, you will be glad to get a nice bowl of fresh air and the whole family will be amazed by the beautiful views. Check out their calendar of events to take advantage of special fun days!

Of course don’t forget to plan a visit to the Chabot Space and Science Center of Oakland. And you can also take them to the Zoo, where you can have a fun ride around the park with the Zoo train.
And of course as San Francisco is just across the bridge you can also take advantage of all the San Francisco kids attractions as well.

Now that you are better informed about what to do when traveling with children in Oakland, you just have to reserve your hotel and come visit. Make sure to take advantage of all the free attractions as well and if you need a night away fro the kids, for its fun night life!

Even though the kids get time off from school during the summer months, spring time is the best time to go to most of the locations. The summer months get too hot spend time on the beach and therefore are just not ideal for a vacation at times. What then should you do? Should you just forget the idea of getting time off just because the kids cannot take off during spring?
Check out some of the weekend spring getaways in Northern California that are worth a visit, with kids or without them!

Spring Time Getaways: The 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 Time Getaways: 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 Time Getaways: 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.

Spring Time Getaways: Gold Country

An interesting and different weekend getaway is Gold Country where you may not get the sun and the sand but the antiques and the mines will mesmerize you equally. The Columbia State Historic Park will take you to the days of the Gold Rush.
Take a tour of the gold mines and shop for antiques. If you are still looking for some water fun, then whitewater rafting is a possibility here on the Tuolumne River.

But what about you? Where do you like to take a break before the heat of the summer? Share your ideas with us!