Southern California has long existed in the minds of many as a land of allurement. It's a place that evokes images of star-studded sidewalks, golden shores, and carefree living with opportunity for endless enjoyment. Fortunately, it has become easier than ever to take in the region's majesty and wonder by enjoying a getaway cruise that affords comfort and adventure from both land and sea.
San Diego
Just miles from the border between the United States and Mexico, San Diego is a city that combines elements of the fabled Old West with the urban charms of a modern metropolis. The city is conveniently laid out in distinct neighborhoods that allow visitors easy access to its many entertaining sights. Visitors to Mission Valley can explore Old Town San Diego State Historic Park which features structures including missions that predate California's inclusion into the United States or admire the stunning Victorian homes in Heritage Park. Further north, take in the beautiful beaches and coast line of La Jolla, considered the "Jewel of Southern California".
Santa Barbara
While Napa Valley and vineyards are practically synonymous, further down the coast in Santa Barbara, aspiring sommeliers can stroll from the heart of downtown to the city's serene beach along the Urban Wine Trail sampling the finest regional wines. On California cruise vacations, wine lovers can visit two of Santa Ynez Valley's wineries and sample their products.
Los Angeles
The extraordinary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said of Los Angeles, "Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles." It is this sentiment that has allowed The City of Angels to create such an eclectic culture and flourish as a beacon of creativity. Get a taste of Hollywood's glitz and glamour by strolling past over 200 stars' handprints and footprints at the famous TCL Chinese Theater, walk down Hollywood Boulevard to see over 2,500 brass stars honoring Hollywood's best, or splurge on a piece from the world's top designers along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Foodies of all types will be tempted by the diverse restaurants and food trucks serving up the authentic Mexican food that LA is known for, the Asian cuisines that abounds in the Chinatown and Little Tokyo neighborhoods, and the world-class chefs who are churning out innovative dishes from the four corners of the world.
Catalina
Catalina Island lies just 22 miles offshore but seems like an entirely separate world from Southern California. Far from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, visitors will feel as though they've gone far out to sea to an island retreat as part of their getaway cruise. The two settlements on the island, Avalon and Two Harbors, have many of the amenities of the mainland combined with unique island charm. Even more adventure awaits for those interested in investigating the island's interior. Catalina's dramatic landscape comprises remarkable canyons, picturesque coastline, and bucolic countryside that is home to deer, wild boars, wild turkeys, bald eagles, Catalina Island foxes, and buffalo.
Few things are as cherished as rest and relaxation. It's what makes existing in the workaday world possible and allows for time to make precious memories with loved ones. Occasionally though, a helping hand is required to make the most of this precious time — and a getaway cruise in Southern California has it all.
