San Francisco has a lot of interesting places.

Most of us are used to the typical tourist destinations.

Like Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can watch Sea Lions bask in the sun and interesting street performers. You can see our favorite, the Bushman, who’s been surprising guests for years.

There’s also Alcatraz, which was once home to some of the toughest and dangerous criminals. But now you can go on guided tours and experience solitary confinement first hand (It’s scary, even for a few minutes!).

Or you can take your kids to the Aquarium of the Bay, where they have a 300 foot glass tunnel, petting pool and feeding sessions.

And stay at a hotel that’s in the center of San Francisco. From Union Square, everything is just a couple blocks away!

But there’s also a few “hidden treasures” that you may never have seen before…

Image courtesy of Shayne Kaye

The San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel just ran a Facebook contest asking participation about their favorite San Francisco hidden treasures. Here is what their winner’s suggested:

Kristina Wilson suggested hunting down the locations made famous by Alfred Hitchcock movies: Muir Woods, the Vertigo Hotel and an apartment on Lombard Street.

The grand prize winner, Gina Braden suggested exploring Distillery 209, home to craft spirit brewing. Known for its 209 gin, the Distillery offers gin tastings and distillery tours once a month and is located near great San Francisco attractions, like the AT&T Park. Gina also suggests taking the T Line Muni train, which stops extremely close to the distillery.

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.

Hotel Diva is always one of the best priced hotels in San Francisco. But it’s not a budget hotel. It has way to much style for that.

Image courtesy of BG³Photo

You really can’t find a better location. It’s located right next to Union Square in the heart of Downtown San Francisco. You’re across the street from the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) and the Curran Theatre.

The Hotel Diva also has common areas and meeting rooms. You can work or relax in one of their unique lounges created by award winning designers. Their meeting facility is the perfect size for meeting clients or coworkers.

If you’re traveling with young children, you can rent one of their Little Divas Suites. The kid-friendly room has bunk beds, personal flat screen with child-appropriate movies and toys to keep them busy for hours.

Image courtesy of El Frito

It also just underwent a $2 million face-lift.

The guest rooms, common areas and exterior will be finished in November, while a new Perrier Lounge will open in January. The lobby will be redesigned as an open-air lounge.

Oh, and they’re also pet friendly!

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.

This is a guest post by Kieron, one-half of the team at travel blog Don’t Ever Look Back. With the support of Fox Rent a Car, Kieron and his partner Amy are driving around California for 12 days later this month and will be sharing some of their stories on the Fox Rent A Car Blog.

A California Road Trip. It’s something that every serious traveller has to do at least once in his or her lifetime. But if you’re lucky enough to be able to road trip through this great state twice, then you know you’ve struck the jackpot. And that’s exactly what we get to do!

Between August 21 and September 1, the two of us driving from San Francisco, California to Las Vegas, Nevada via Yosemite National Park and several other Californian cities. Here’s a map of our planned road trip:

The Plan

12 days, 7 cities and approximately 1500 miles of driving. Here’s a quick rundown of where we’re visiting on this epic adventure.

• San Francisco – where we are currently and the starting point of our road trip (San Francisco International Airport).
• South Lake Tahoe – via Sacramento. There are plenty of great outdoor activities which we’ll take advantage of.
• Yosemite National Park – via Bodie, a ghost town east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. We’ll be doing plenty of great hikes in the National Park.
• Bakersfield – a great place to rest our weary eyes and have a nice long shower after camping in Yosemite.
• Los Angeles – there’s so much to do in this city and we’ll be stopping in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica/Venice Beach among others.
• San Diego – the drive down the Pacific Coast Highway will be half the fun with many stops in the beachside towns through Orange County.
• Palm Springs – this desert resort town is a perfect place to explore on the way to Vegas.
• Las Vegas – the last destination is the Sin City – Las Vegas, Nevada. Just in time for the Labor Day Long Weekend!

Want to follow our big adventure? Keep following the Fox Rent A Car Blog or visit our website Don’t Ever Look Back.

Image courtesy of humbertomoreno

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.

Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly when to travel.

I mean the right place at the right time.

Well a great article from About.com has given us some clues and detailed when you should travel to specific U.S. cities.

Image courtesy of BG³Photo

January

New York, NY
San Francisco, CA

March

Los Angeles

June

Phoenix

August

Las Vegas

November

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Reno, NV

December

Napa-Sonoma, CA

What do you think?

Do you know of a good time to travel? Let us know in the comments below!

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.

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

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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.

There is a lot to do in San Francisco and some may actually wonder why you would want to check out the museums when in the city. For one there are many people who live in and around San Francisco and have had enough of the other fun and activities. And then there are some of those rare days that are cold and foggy and the best thing to do on those days is to stay indoors and take a look at the intriguing exhibits that the city has to offer.

Here are the top 10 museums that you should visit when you drive down to San Francisco. Take a look at the specific location to plan your itinerary for the day in addition to the cheap or free days that each one of them has.

1. San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

Located on 3^rd Street this is a museum that has different operation timings on different days. As many museums, the protagonists of this museum believe that the objective of the place is to ensure that everyone develops a certain appreciation of the world of art. There are more than 26,000 paintings and sculptures that you can watch. The museum can be visited free of cost on the first Tuesday of every month and the fee is halved on Thursday between 6pm to 8:45pm. While the exhibits that are showcased are changed regularly, some of the exhibitions that are on currently include the Henri-Cartier-Bressen (The Modern Century), Exposed (Voyeurism, Surveillance, and the Camera Since 1870), The More Things Change (extraordinary things made since 2000), Bill Fontana: Sonic Shadows, How Wine Became Modern + Wine 1976 to Now, The Anniversary Show and Art in the Atrium: Kerry James Marshall (monumental murals in the Haas Atrium). The modern art collection includes paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture, media arts and ArtScope.

2. Exploratorium – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

A place that prides in being more than a museum, this is a place where you can interact with various exhibits and explore the world of art and science. There are pieces that will challenge your perception and those that will play tricks on your sight and touch. The place has everything for everyone irrespective of whether you are an educator, a parent, a teen, a scientist, an artist or plainly someone who is curious about what you can discover. Among the various things that you can explore here, you can find a cow’s eye dissection, seasons and shadows, a planetarium and details of sub zero gardening. You can also make your own petroglyph, find out your age and weight in other worlds, create solar images and cute-ify too. The museum is located on Lyon Street and is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

3. Cartoon Art Museum – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

On Mission Street, you can find this museum that is surely one of its kind. It would be a crime to miss out on this museum when you are in the city because it offers an experience that is unparalleled. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm, the entrance fee is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, $3 for children between age 6 and 12 and free for kids under the age of 6. The first Tuesday of every month is a ‘Pay What You Wish Day’ and so access is available for free if you so want. The museum presents the history of cartoons and animation, development, a showcase of the life of creators, comics, digital animation and more. Exhibitions are organized regularly in the museum for the delight of kids and adults alike. One of the upcoming one is Overture: Looney Tunes Behind the Scenes that is being organized between December 4^th 2010 and May 15^th 2011.

4. De Young Fine Arts Museum – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5:15pm with the exception of Friday when it is open till 8:45pm, this museum is has been operational since 1895. It is located on the Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive in the heart of San Francisco;’s Golden Gate Park. The entrance fee is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for students. Children 12 and under are allowed free admission. The museum is designed collaboratively by renowned Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and Fong & Chan Architects and boasts of a collection that includes American Art from the 17^th century to the 20^th century. Some of the famous collections include African Art, Oceanic Art and Textile Arts too.

5. The Legion of Honor – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

Located on 34th Avenue and Clement Street in Lincoln Park is the Legions of Honor, a museum that is based on the Palais de la Legion d’Honneur in Paris. The museum was built to commemorate the soldiers from California who participated in the World War I. There are paintings of the medieval era till the 20^th century. This is one museum from where you can also get to see a gorgeous view of the ocean since it is located slightly on the outskirts of the city. The place is operational from Tuesday to Sunday and is open from 9:30am to 5:15pm. Entry on the first Tuesday of every month is free but admission to special exhibitions is charged. The museum includes exhibits and collections like European paintings, European Decorative Art, Ancient Art, Works on Paper and more. In December there is Japanesque woodblock printing demonstration by Tom Killion and film screening of “Yojimbo” that is planned.

6. Asian Art Museum – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

One of the largest museums, this is a museum that has been dedicated to Asian Art alone. Here you can travel through history and learn about the last 6000 years of history of some of the major areas in the continent. The museum is located on Larkin Street, the place has programs that are developed for families, teens, Japanese and more. Some of the highlights of the place include Beyond Golden Clouds: Five Centuries of Japanese Screens, Music of the Japanese Biwa and Special Concert by Kitaro.

7. Wax Museum At Fisherman’s Wharf –  10 Best Museums in San Francisco

This wax museum at Jefferson Street is open from 10am to 9pm and has exhibits from World War II, Axis Gang, Royalty, World Leaders, presidential Library and various halls of religions like Catholism, Buddhism, Taoism, Hindiism and more. There are also some sports and entertainment exhibits like Hollywood Hunks, Gone with the Wind, Titanic, The Wizard of Oz and more. Tickets are at $14 for adults, $7 for children between 6 and 11 years, $10 for juniors between 12 and 17 years and seniors.

8. Maritime Park and the Historic Ships at Hyde Pier – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

A museum for the lovers of the sea and the oceanic world, here children can bird watch and spend an entire day holidaying at the park. There are historic ships to view at the Hyde Pier like the 1895 C.A. Thayer, the last commercial sailing ship of Pacific Coast. You can also look at the 1890 Eureka, the last diesel ferry that left the shores of the US and the 1883 Balclutha, a ship built in Scotland.

9. Zeum – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

The Zeum is a children’s museum that gives a hands on exposure to multimedia art and technology. There is a lot of information about creativity, collaboration and communication. Opening hours can be checked here. Exhibits and activities include the main gallery, animator studio, digital workshop, spiral gallery and Studio Z.

10. California Academy of Sciences – 10 Best Museums in San Francisco

Located in the Golden Gate Park area, this museum is open from 9:30am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday. The museum and academy presents expeditions and science heroes too. There are specific events like the Reindeer Rendezvous, Winter Themed Craft and behind the Scenes.

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.

These days some have taken to spending New Year’s Eve at home to avoid the traffic and the crowds. But New Year’s Eve is not the same if you sit at home alone or with a couple of friends. The idea really is to get out there and enjoy with these very friends and welcome the next year with gusto. To help you in picking a great destination this year, here are the top 10 destinations in the United States that you should consider going to.

1. New York – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

Millions of Americans have watched the famous ball drop from a building in Times Square in New York. But to experience the Waterford Crystal New year’s Eve Ball come down from a flagpole on top of a Times Square Building as you stand among the thousands of people who come to visit each year is a completely different feeling altogether. There are people who start to assemble in the Times Square as early as 3pm to be a part of the celebrations. If you would rather be more comfortable as you watch the ball descend, get a reservation in one of the fine dining restaurants in Times Square that has a view of the proceedings. These are extremely sought after reservations and so you may want to book in advance. The party goes on till after midnight and there are amazing fireworks that you can witness too.

2. Las Vegas – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

For a city that knows how to party every night, the New Year Eve celebrations are a class apart. The place sees the busiest night of the year on the thirty first of December with all restaurants and clubs packed to the brim. So do make your reservations if you do not want to starve. With tequila shots and margaritas flowing, the city offers two prominent options for the party. The Strip is a vehicle free area where you can carry your drinks on the road and enjoy the fireworks as they start about 10 to 15 minutes before midnight. Those looking for a less crazy night may choose America’s Party that is a closed block party and is charged at $20 for non Nevada residents.  An electronic firework display with tribute bands awaits all those who decide to go here this New Years.

3. Los Angeles – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

With the diversity that Los Angeles is known for, there is a New Year’s Eve celebration for every budget. Some of the events that you can check out include the annual Giant New Year’s Eve at The Hollywood Palladium. Tickets are for $65 and the VIP passes are priced at much higher at $165. There is also the Gridlock that is being held at the Paramount Pictures Studio Lot. The show with multiple stages and fireworks shall be hosted by Pamela Anderson this year. General admission is for $150 and the VIP passes go for $250. Another interesting event, the Cleopatra’s New Year’s Eve Ball is being organized at the Egyptian Theatre. Tickets are available between $25 and $100. A large outdoor New Year’s Eve Countdown Bash is being organized at the Universal City Walk for anyone who wants to come and visit and be a part of the city’s celebrations. Some other options that you can also check out in LA include Together As One at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, Chromeo at Club Nokia, Glow Masquerade NYE at the Marriott Marina Del Rey, Giant Hotel 2010 at The Westin Bonaventure and more.

4. New Orleans – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

The fact that you are in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve is celebration enough due to the large number of events that are planned in the city. The atmosphere is just right and the place is abuzz with the Sugar Bowl Teams, students and alumni. The city that rocks every nights, rocks even harder on New Year’s Eve with numerous events that are too many to even list. Celebrations at Jackson Square begin as early as 9pm with local musicians and fireworks. There is also the famous gumbo drop and street parties that you can enjoy. For heralding 2011 on the river the Steamboat Natchez allows for two interesting hours on board. You can also depend on the House of Blues to have a good concert on for the weekend.

5. San Francisco – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

San Francisco and the Bay Area offer a lot on all days of the year and the New Year celebrations are a class apart. Celebrate the eve with a twist this year at the Comedy Countdown New Year’s Eve, a show that includes Sklar Brothers, Shane Mauss and Charlyne Yi among others. The show starts at the Palace of Arts at 9:30pm on New Year’s Eve. If you would rather enjoy the fireworks outside than those inside the hall, walk towards Bay Bridge and you could catch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks with Kayak. There is also an open bar and fireworks at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion starting at 9pm where you can enjoy music till the wee hours of the morning. Some other events that have been planned in San Francisco include Sea of Dreams NYE at the Concourse Center, Sensation Feat. DJ Collette and DJ Heather with Bali at Ruby Skye, Dawn of a New Decade at the Infusion Lounge and Front Row NYE 2010 at Sens.

6. Denver – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

The mile high city has concerts, fireworks and various events to offer this New Year’s Eve. You can choose to start the celebrations slightly earlier for the little ones at the Children’s Museum of Denver. There are five ball drops planned just like the way they do in Times Square and these are planned by the hour between 9am and 4pm. The fireworks at 16th Street Mall promise to be spectacular as you watch among magicians, costumed entertainers, artists and comedians. A quieter and yet mesmerizing option is the concert at the Boettcher Concert Hall by Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Bring in the New Year with polkas, waltz and other classics. Some other options that are recommended include the trendy nightclub Beta that brings the Manufactured Superstars, The Church that has 6 dance rooms and 8 bars open for the night and miniBar at Cherry Creek if you want to avoid downtown.

7. Phoenix – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

Celebrate a country style New Year in Phoenix at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino. This place promises to have live music and other interesting options like building your own slide, grilled wood fire vegetables and more. The Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party has been named as one of the best places to bring in the New Year. The place is likely to have more than 150,000 people enjoying rallies, fireworks and carnivals. Good New Year’s Eve theatre can be enjoyed at the Celebrity Theatre with Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers.

8. San Antonio – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

Another favorite destination to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the Alamo City has many parties to offer on the riverside this year too. The Carnaval de San Antonio is free for all. If you can afford to continue the festivities for some more time, then you can also catch the Alamo Bowl that will be held in the city on Jan 2, 2011.

9. Atlanta – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

Atlanta’s largest New Year’s Balloon Drop is planned at Downtown Countdown. This open to public event is likely to have the young and the old enjoying side by side with musical performances from Coolio and Soul Asylum. Check out Atlanta’s very own version of the Times Square ball drop – The Peach Drop. There is a Spiral Entertainment party on Peachtree with open bars, DJ’s, gourmet buffet and much more. The Château Élan New Year’s Eve Parties in the foothills of Georgia promise to be bewitching with the Masquerade New Year’s Party and Carnival celebrations.

10. San Diego – 10 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve 2010

San Diego has some large events that San Diegans can enjoy in their own city. In fact these events are so great that they are also an attraction for outsiders. The First Night Escondido 2010 at Grape Day Park, Escondido City Hall and California Center for the Arts, Escondido brings in the New Year with dazzling fireworks and music. Celebrate New Year’s Eve on a Midway Aircraft Carrier and witness the fireworks from the best location. The Yacht Party at North Harbor Drive where you can enjoy the best wines, chocolate fountains, hors’ d’œuvre and much more.

No matter where you celebrate New Year’s this year, Fox Rent A Car wishes you a Happy New Year and a wonderful New Years Eve 2010!

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.