Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Santa Barbara Get Away. How to extend your weekend get away!

In a recent post, I mentioned train travel and the joys of including the transportation as part of the vacation... A few days later, Gov. Jerry Brown, here in California, announced the first leg of construction on California's first bullet train had started... ..
With the new year in full swing, getting away for a short vacation is difficult... But you can still have a short, non-hectic, relaxing or family get away for a very reasonable price.
From San Diego, Ca. it is very easy to take the Amtrak to Santa Barbara... From where I am located, Carlsbad, Ca. it is only 39.00 each way to take the train....
You are able to sit back and enjoy the trip up the California Coastline.
While in Santa Barbara, you may either take advantage of a winter hotel get away package or use (for a couple) AirBnB... For families there are also other private options to find a short term rental.(AH!!! my next Blog Article, Coming out on Jan. 14th, 2015)...
Walking around the town is part of the fun... but as with lodging, you can rent a car or use Uber, Lyft or a Taxi (list of all taxi's in S.B.)... Santa Barbara also has a program to encourage and highlight that you can visit there and enjoy all it has to offer  Car Free.
The beaches, wineries, art galleries and shops make for a great vacation close to home.. Taking the train, allows you to extend your vacation from the moment you leave your home to the moment you arrive home...
Please use the links in this article to explore more of what Santa Barbara and Amtrak have to offer.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Birch Aquarium La Jolla, Ca.


Living in Carlsbad, I get asked a lot about my opinion of Sealife in Carlsbad vs. Birch aquarium.. 
Here is my post from Trip Advisor.. that says it all.. and it isn't far from Carlsbad...
“One of San Diegos best experiences, location and activities 5 stars”
5 of 5 starsReviewed July 10, 2012
Living in San Diego, we have been here several times.. We also travel and have been to many other aquariums.. This one is always awesome.. The views from the patio (with interactive sea life)
the multiple ever changing learning centers and the great hands on exhibits are 5 star.. The fact that UCSD is right here allows for even more research and new finds.. all of which get integrated into the exhibits... top this off with a stroll thru many of the local tide pools and this is a perfect day.
For Locals and Visitors alike.. this is a can`t miss experience.
Visited June 2012

Sunday, January 15, 2012

La Jolla Inn

While on our short get away.. we stayed at the La Jolla Inn.: for a location it can't be beat..
The room was clean and tidy and I would recommend this hotel to anyone that wanted a nice place close to all in downtown La Jolla with an ocean view..
They had a continental breakfast each morning that can be delivered to your room or rooftop terrace.
The breakfast included:
Bagels, croissants, cereal, bananas and juice. Coffee is in the library area along with hot water and the toaster to heat up the bagels. (it appears they buy in bulk from Costco) Which isn't horrible but just not fresh and what I would expect from a place in La Jolla.
The room again was clean and organized. Although it was outdated, the curtains were stained and old and the kitchenette area needed repair. They do have water in your room for $3 a bottle as well as other snacks.. I suggest putting those all in a cupboard so you don't get dinged.
The front desk has hit and miss hospitality. On the day we arrived the level of friendliness was not there.. On day two, a very nice and helpful woman was there and on day three a real grump..
Parking is great, $5 a day and once you park about a block away in underground parking, you really do not need a car.
So out of 5 Fair Dinkum stars, I would give the La Jolla Inn a 3.5
To make it a 5, update the older rooms, personalize the breakfast and increase the hospitality of the staff.
So go to the La Jolla Inn, it is a great place to stay.. located right next to the Valencia..... and just a short stroll to La Jolla Cove and the seals.