If you are traveling with children in San Jose, they might not be interested in the same attractions then you are, so you might want to find fun attractions for the whole family. Here are the top 5 things to do in San Jose with kids presented by Fox Rent A Car.

Things to do in San Jose with Kids: The World’s Largest Permanent Outdoor Monopoly Board:

Do you and you kids like to play board games? Then why not enjoy the great weather in California and play Monopoly outside! Just next to the Children Museum, in the middle of the Guadalupe River Park, you can find a huge Monopoly Board painted on the floor with large dice to play. Reservations might be required.

Things to do in San Jose with Kids: Children’s Discovery Museum

The angular purple building is impossible to miss if you are riding in the area. This is not a museum that your kids will get bored in as you go through exhibit after exhibit that is displayed. This is one place where they can get involved and explore the various exhibits that have been put in. Your kids can prod, poke, tinker, pull and test as they give went to their curiosity and creativity. And there are enough displays for your kids to remain busy for a significant amount of time.

Things to do in San Jose with Kids: Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

This was a park that was later converted into a zoo from a private collection of animals and birds. The Happy Hollow Park and Zoo entry fee is extremely affordable for the amount of fun that it offers to the whole family. Enjoy the rides, the food, the puppet theatre and other entertaining attractions of the zoo and park. In the meantime, the designated driver can even catch a lazy snooze under a tree or a walk on the pathways as the kids have some safe fun.

Things to do in San Jose with Kids: Gilroy Garden

Amusement parks are always a good way to spend a fun afternoon with children. Gilroy Garden is not exactly in San Jose, but steps out of the city, in Gilroy. This amusement park is built with a horticultural theme. It is much more than just a rides and attractions park; it also has a gigantic greenhouse!

Things to do in San Jose with Kids: Tech Museum of Innovation

For the older kids, the Tech Museum of Innovation can prove to be a bewitching area. If you want your pre-teens to wonder at the marvels that technology can provide, you must get them here for some solid entertainment and learning. The 132,000 square feet of live technology covers four themes. There is the Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater and the space also includes workshops and labs. Obviously you also have an upscale café and a retail store from where you can get some nice gifts and other Silicon Valley items.

Things to do in San Jose with Kids: Alum Rock Park

The park may not seem like a typical place meant for the kids, but if you want to expose your children to the wild side of nature and let them explore, then this is a place that you must include in your plans. The 720 acre Alum Rock Park allows you many activities like bicycling, horseback riding and trails. There is the popular Eagle Rock and the hike to the north Rim is also extremely interesting. Get your kids some family time in the nature, show the flora and fauna to your kids and they will just love the variety.

Fox Rent A Car wishes you a safe and comfortable drive in the San Jose area! Do you have any spots that your kids just love to stop at when you are close by in San Jose? Tell us about it, parents and drivers will love you for your tips!

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.

Some of the most interesting events have been planned in the San Francisco Bay Area in Oakland and San Jose. Many of them have been specifically conceptualized and developed for kids and therefore families are sure to have a great time this holiday season if they plan to make a trip to San Jose and Oakland.

Comcast America’s Children’s Holiday Parade in Oakland

The Comcast America’s Children’s Holiday Parade in Oakland is now in its 11^th year and it has become a premier family event in Northern California. The parade and the arrival of Santa Claus in the parade is amazing to watch each year. There are also favorite cartoon characters and storybook characters to look for with giant helium balloons and colorful floats. The parade that lasts for about 90 minutes passes through Downtown Oakland. You will be able to spot Curious George, Bugs Bunny, Snoopy and many other characters. There are also new participating bands each year.

Columbus Store Festivities

There are also some store events like the Columbus Store Festivities with horse -drawn carriages, Specials Delaware Winter Store Events with live music, reindeers, and holiday workshops to include the making of bows, wreaths and sculpting too.

Events at Christmas in the Park

‘Events at Christmas in the Park’ is a traditional manner in which Oakland celebrates Christmas. There is City Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Tree Decorating at the Plaza De Cesar Chavez.

San Jose Holiday Parade

The San Jose Holiday Parade will bring much more than just the parade. You will get an opportunity to have breakfast with Mrs. Claus and her furry friends. To get a good seat, tickets need to be booked well in advance since the parade is a hot favorite among many. There is also an opportunity to volunteer and help in this holiday season by becoming a holiday helper.

Holiday Events for Kids

Other events planned in December for kids include Santa at Play Café (December 3, 14, 17), Holiday Lights at Gilroy Gardens (December 3 to December 30), Dream Circle Holiday Concert at Sausalito (December 18), Elves and the Shoemaker by CTC at Saratoga (December 18), Tis the Season by Singers Marin at San Rafael (December 19) and Noon Year’s Eve at Sausalito (December 31).

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.

Skiing in Lake Tahoe

There is no doubt that skiing is the number one activity that is the main attraction for anyone who is headed to Lake Tahoe in winter. Not only did the SKI Magazine 2007 Resort Guide rate the Heavenly Mountain Resort as the 3^rd best for scenery and view, the Kirkwood Mountain resort also got ranked at number 8 for the best snow in North America. Lake Tahoe has one of the most concentrated of downhill ski resorts and among these are like Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Donner Ski Ranch and more.

Winter at Lake Tahoe: Other Winter Sports

But skiing is not all that you can find in Lake Tahoe during winter. There are other options as well. Sleigh rides can be extremely exhilarating for the younger ones when you can put your feet up and just slide down a nice comfortable hill.

Dog sledding is another favorite for those who like the thrill. Check out the Siberian huskies and the eagerness with which they run when they are tied to the sleighs. Ice skating enthusiasts can find great rinks in this area. Choose from the Olympic Ice Pavilion, resort at Squaw Creek, South Lake Ice Arena, Village Ice Rink at Kirkwood, Village at Northstar.

On the day when you do not want too much of activity, choose a guided tour around the area on snowmobiles. Otherwise you can snowmobile at the Blackwood Canyon Area, Area of Fiberboard Freeway and Mount Watson, Martis Peak Area, Area North of Truckee or Eldorado National Forest and Tahoe National Forest.

Winter at Lake Tahoe: Things to Do

There are also some regular vacation things that you can do in Lake Tahoe in winter. Each of the resorts have a selection of boutiques, gift shops and markets that can be visited. The Boatworks Mall, The Cobblestone Corner, the Village at Squaw Valley and the Christmas Village are all great places to visit.

The holiday spot has some great dinging options as well. These include the Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village, Six Peaks Grille, Graham’s and PlumpJack Cafe in Squaw Valley and Moody’s in Truckee. These are hot favorites for those who come back to Lake Tahoe and a visit to these places is mandatory on a holiday after a long period of skiing.

For those who visit Lake Tahoe only for the gaming element, it should be said that there is a lot that is probably being missed by staying indoors and late at night. But if that is what you are looking for, then there is the Cal-Neva Resort, Crystal Bay Club and Casino, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Jim Kelley’s Tahoe Nugget to consider.

Winter at Lake Tahoe: Getting There

Driving to Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular methods of getting there. It is an easy drive without any hassles. If you are going to North Lake Tahoe, the interstate highway I-80 East towards Reno and exit highway 89 South to Tahoe city is the best option. For those looking at moving towards South Lake Tahoe, US Highway 50 East towards South Lake Tahoe would be a better bet.

When driving to Lake Tahoe during winters in the snow, be careful to check the road conditions before hand because the snow does get extremely heavy in the region. In addition to that try and use a four wheel drive SUV. If you do not have one, renting one would be a good idea for this terrain. Always ensure that you have snow chains (learn how to put on snow chains here) and a snow shovel with you when you are driving up.

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.

Visiting Yosemite in Winter is a very special experience. Snowy peaks and icy forests give it a special tranquil atmosphere, that you can enjoy in solitude, without hordes of day-trip tourists all over the pace.  The Yosemite National Park spans the counties of Tuolumne, Mariposa and Madera in East Central California and reaches the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is estimated that the park is visited by about 3.7 million people every year and most of these spend their time in the Yosemite Valley. The Park is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, streams, Giant Sequoia groves and biological diversity. The elevation range of the park is between 2127 and 13114 feet.

During the winter the Yosemite National Park becomes extremely serene as it is shrouded in white snow. Since there is a lesser amount of crowd, the park makes for a great place for skiing, skating and hikes too.

Yosemite National Park in Winter: Winter Sports

There are various skiing opportunities at the Yosemite National Park. You can choose to ski during the daytime at the Glacier Point or choose the Giant Sequioa Groves too. If you are an enthusiast and have confidence in your skiing skills, you can choose to take an overnight skiing trip to the backcountry trails at Tuolumne Meadows. There are also snowshoeing options at Badger Pass too. Some other trail options include Dewey Point via Meadows #18, Ostrander Lake and Ghost Forest Loop. Those who want to learn skiing can attend classes and there are even classes for the young ones on smaller slopes.

Before you start off on your own it is a good idea to get to know the rules of the specific location where you are headed. Understand the facilities that you are likely to get at the location and what is permitted. For example, you should be aware of the areas where motor vehicles are permitted before you think of driving anywhere inside the park.

Ice Skating is another activity that you can choose and the Curry Village Ice Rink is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The dramatic view of the rock walls and open snow is one to remember. Located near Glacier Point, this rink was build in 1960 keeping in mind that it received sun only for a few hours in the morning.

Seasoned hikers may love the challenge that is posed by Yosemite National Park in winters. The Mariposa Grove Road that is closed to cars and vehicles during the winter makes for a great hiking trail from November onwards.

Other winter activities include snowboarding and snow-tubing. You can also enjoy bus tours, evening presentations, Yosemite Ranger walks and more.

Yosemite National Park in Winter: Getting There

It is practical to inquire about the road conditions before you set off to the Yosemite Park in the winter. For the latest road conditions inside the park you can call (209)372-0200 and then select 1 twice to get the information you want. For road conditions on roads that lead to the Yosemite National Park, visit the site for more information.

When you are driving, make sure that you carry a map, tire chains, flashlight, bottled water and snacks, sleeping bag, first aid kit, spare tire, matches, snow shovel, ice scraper and a cell phone with an extra battery.

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.

Wine Country Escapes this Fall

Even though the sun seems to be giving way to a chillier time, it does not really mean that you have to stash away your traveling bags and say good bye to road trips that you may not have been able to take up during the summer. A great option is to go to the Wine Country in Northern California, especially since the crushing is at its height in September and October and going there just after this season is a great idea.

Covered with oak trees, vineyards and various orchards, Northern California Wine Country has a lot to offer those who prefer the cool Pacific Coast or those who would rather opt for the warmer inland valleys like Napa and Sonoma. It is one of the most exalted viticulture regions and gives France’s vineyards a run to its quality and taste.

It might interest some to know that the Wine Country in and around Napa and Sonoma Valley has been producing great quality wine since 1857. This happened when Hungarian Count Ágoston Haraszthy developed the first commercial winery for the state, Buena Vista. It almost seemed as if this was a greatly kept secret of the Sonoma valley because it was only in sometime in the 1970’s that the wineries received international recognition and fame. The event where this worldwide recognition was bestowed took place in France when 2 entries from Napa Valley Chateau Montelena’s 1973 chardonnay and a Stag Leap’s 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon scored higher than the French Bordeaux in a blind test.

When you decide to visit the Napa Valley or the Sonoma Valley you have the option of choosing from about 450 wineries. This is more than a quarter of the wineries present in the state of California and yet the amount of produce that comes from these valleys is about 10 percent of Californian wine produce. The valleys concentrate on good quality wine and focus on getting great lots every year rather than dishing out large quantities that are ‘not as great’.

Napa is also an extensive of the culinary exquisiteness that you can find in San Francisco. The great part is that while you are likely to find great cuisine here, you will not have to shell out a lot of money for it either. Breakfast in the Napa Valley is something that you do not want to miss due to the lip smacking fruit jams, oven baked breads and delectable cheese.

While Napa and Sonoma Valleys are fairly well known for their wine tasting there are also various other lesser known family owned wineries in the San Francisco Bay Area too. These make great weekend escapes. Check out some wineries at Mendocino County where you can see Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels and Alsatian whites too. Another famous and preferred stop is Navarro Vineyards where you can taste the wine and your kids can enjoy juicey Gewürztraminer grape juice.

If you are driving in this area you can take a turn towards the northern San Joaquin Valley. Here you will be able to taste some of the oldest wines. Or head to the Santa Cruz region where you can taste great stuff at the local favorite Bonny Doon Vineyard.

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 city of Monterey is located in the Monterey County along Monterey Bay. It is famous for being the setting for John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row. It is also known to be a haven for those who are sea food buffs. The historical city has many enjoyable and amazing sights to offer.

Discover Monterey: Getting There

When you are driving to Monterey, you need to know that there are basically 2 highways that get into Monterey County – Highway 1 and Highway 101. Highway 1 will take you from San Francisco to LA and you will get a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline as you drive on this mesmerizing route. Highway 101 on the other hand will take you down the valley corridor and might be a good idea if you want to stop along the way and take some time off from driving.

Discover Monterey: Climate

The climate of Monterey depends largely on the Pacific Coast and therefore is very Mediterranean. October is a great time to visit this city. Average highs are around 70 degree Fahrenheit and the temperature drops to about 50 degree Fahrenheit. The winter rains have also not set in by this time of the year and therefore are not likely to spoil your outdoor fun.

Discover Monterey: Key Attractions

Monterey Bay Aquarium – This famous aquarium is located at the southern end of Cannery Row and houses many aquatic science laboratories. This is mainly because of the quick and easy access to deep waters that this location allows.

MY Museum – Also known as the Monterey County Youth Museum it is a place that younger children love to go to.

Fisherman’s Wharf – This active wholesale fish market is a sight to see. When you ask for directions to this place, make sure that you clarify that you are interested in the historical Old Fisherman’s Wharf and not the commercial wholesale market that is also known as Municipal Wharf #2. A place that is lined with restaurants, street eateries, gift stores and souvenirs, Fisherman’s Wharf, along with Cannery Row is a place where you can sit in one of the restaurants and see the ships leave and enter the harbor. You can also enjoy sailing from the coasts here. Remember that some of the restaurants charge hefty sums of money for the same grub that you get in the eateries outside. After all the crabs and squids that have been caught are from the same waters!

Sealife – Visit this place to experience the deep sea habitat from up close. Scuba diving is extremely popular here and you can visit and experience some scuba diving even if you are a novice and want to try it out for the first time. It is a good idea to check out San Carlos State Beach for short term classes when you are there.

Lake El Estero – If you are looking to spend some time off and relax, take a trip to this park where you can paddle or visit the Dennis the Menace Park. This is also a great place for bird lovers since a variety of species flock in this area.

Monterey is a fun place to visit all year round and a perfect stop over for anybody taking a road trip up or down the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

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.

Halloween in San Francisco is promising a whole lot of spooky fun this year. In 2010 you will have a large number of masquerades, horror movies shows and creepy theme parks that you will be able to enjoy. So put on your best costumes and if you are not sure of what you want to wear check out some of the best costumes at a Halloween store near your house.

San Francisco can be an amazing place to celebrate Halloween and if you have never been in the city during this time of the year, it might be a good time to take a ride and visit the city. Here are some of the best Halloween events in San Francisco for the whole family, just the kids and for adults only!

Halloween Events in San Francisco Halloween Costume Walk

This costume walk will take place on October 31^st between 12 noon and 1:30pm at the Yerba Buena Gardens. This is the 8^th time that this costume walk is being organized and you can be sure to get amused by the interactive games and performances. The walk is hosted by Unique Derique and all families with kids under the age of 10 are invited to participate in their best costumes.

Halloween Events in San Francisco Halloween Ghosts & Jazz

Later in the day at around 7pm you can enjoy some jazz music with a touch of the dead at Yoshi’s Restaurants after the kids have gone to sleep. This dramatic performance by Brenda Wong Aoki has been composed by Emmy award winning composer Mark Izu.

Halloween Events in San Francisco San Francisco Symphony Presents Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

If you have had enough jazz for the day, then you can proceed to the movies at Davies Symphony Hall where the restored version of the 1920 classic shall be screened. A great thing to do on the scariest time of year!

Halloween Events in San Francisco  Halloween Massive 8th Annual Halloween Extravganza

Visit 888 Brannan (known as the Gift Center earlier) on 30^th October and enjoy a huge party from 8 in the morning right till 2 in the afternoon.

Halloween Events in San Francisco Halloween Party at Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids

Starting at 11am on 30^th October, kids can enjoy costume parades, games and workshop. You may have to dodge zombies and watch out for ghouls that pop up from behind your back.

Halloween Events in San Francisco Candle Lighters Ghost House

Be a part of this haunted house and enjoy fairies and witches along with ghouls and devils. There are also devilish games and spooky fun that you can be a part of if you sign up for them. This event for children is open for children above the age of 12 years only.

Halloween Events in San Francisco Hook & Ladder Masquerade Ball

For those who want to start the Halloween festivities much before the final day, Regency Center is hosting a Hook & Ladder Masquerade Ball with tarot reading, drinks and dancing. This is not one for the non-motivated as the music will force you to be on your feet all the time.

Pick up an event on Halloween day or start much before that if you choose. The decision is yours to make, but all of these options sound like a whole lot of spooky fun!

We really hope you enjoyed our Halloween Events 2010 Series! If you missed one of our posts, find them here:

Halloween Events in Los Angeles

Halloween Events in San Francisco

Halloween Events in Las Vegas

Halloween Events in San Diego

Halloween Events in Phoenix

Halloween Events in Seattle

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