Get Out Of Town
Nearby Weekend Getaways Offer Alternatives to Summertime Travelers
The Signal - Business Section, April, 2005
Summer is nearly here and have you made any travel plans? Since airline tickets may be hard to secure this close to the hectic summer travel season, why not consider a road trip. Did you ever think about hopping in your car and heading out of town to a desert resort or quaint mountain property for a little mid-year rest and relaxation?
Here are a few of our favorite destinations to consider for last minute summer getaways. All are driving distance from the Los Angeles area, and offer a variety of activities and seasonal packages. From four-star luxury suites and spa facilities, to charming coastal inns and artistic communities, we’ve got your weekend travel options covered.
Get out of the June gloom in search of better weather, and head south to enjoy the warmth of a different climate. Toward San Diego in the costal foothills of Carlsbad is La Costa Resort and Spa. Well-known for unsurpassed spa services, championship golf courses, tennis facilities and other high-end features, La Costa offers the old-world charm of Spanish-Colonial Southern California. The recently renovated 474-room La Costa Resort and Spa boasts remodeled guest facilities and grounds, as well as the addition of a new, upscale restaurant the Rancho Grill. Enjoy a menu of pampering services available at the Spa at La Costa, including Ayurvedic treatments, water therapies, massages, body wraps, facials and more.
If you want to venture out from the resort, you’re right in the towns of Carlsbad and San Diego just 15 miles south. Carlsbad is home to the only Legoland Theme Park in the country, with the Museum of Making Music right next door. Downtown Carlsbad Village by the Sea offers a quaint shopping district with interesting boutiques, antiques, restaurants and a small train station. San Diego features the Wild Animal Park, the world famous Zoo and Sea World. For an adventure beyond, Temecula Valley Wine Country hosts more than 12 local wineries, an old town district and hot-air ballooning. In La Jolla, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a fascinating museum dedicated to conservation and ocean science.
Not warm enough for you, then head to the desert for spectacular scenery and luxurious accommodations at La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort. Settled in the heart of San Diego County’s Anza Borrego Desert, the largest state park in the United States, La Casa del Zorro offers an experience like none other. A four-diamond desert resort with lavish accommodations including private suites called casitas with their own personal swimming pool or spa, La Casa del Zorro provides visitors the chance to recharge and rejuvenate.
Located in the middle of the desert, La Casa del Zorro is the ideal getaway for peace and quite. There is not much going on beyond the resort itself. The Borrego Springs area offers a true desert experience and some 17 different nature attractions. For a good workout, hike to the top of Villager Peak and get a birds-eye view of the desert below, or explore Granite Mountain’s abandoned mine shafts. Just beware of the bats.
La Casa del Zorro began in 1937 as a simple adobe ranch house. Remodeled and expanded over the years, the luxury resort features fine dining, a full-service spa and salon, fitness center, tennis horseback riding, hiking, bike rentals and golfing. The first-class, 18-hole Rams Hill Country Club is located adjacent the resort facilities for visitors to enjoy during their stay.
If spending the weekend exploring a quaint mountain community is appealing, head for the San Jacinto hills and visit Idyllwild. This mile-high historic lumber town is located less than an hour away from Palm Springs in the middle of the San Bernardino National Forest. Well-known as a rustic resort town with a thriving artist community, galleries and cultural arts programs, Idyllwild is home to the Idyllwild School of Music and Arts. Bed and breakfast inns and local restaurants are the only option. This authentic town known as the oasis for sanity is ideal for most outdoor activities from mountain climbing to horseback riding.
With only about 20 rustic inns available in town for lodging, Idyllwild’s homey accommodations feature scenic views from guest rooms, fireplaces, Jacuzzis and quaint names like Bluebird Hill Lodge and Creekstone Inn. For an amazing fine dining experience in a mountain casual environment, be sure to try Restaurant Gastrognome. Located in town in the middle of a pine forest with a view of Tahquitz Peak, this is a culinary centerpiece.
With all of these possibilities just a drive away, what’s not to enjoy about a summertime weekend adventure. Happy travels make for great memories.
Commentary provided by Eric Maryanov, president and founder of All-Travel.com, the Los Angeles-based travel management company with an office in Valencia. He can be reached at 661.775.7511..
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