California is a giant-sized wonderland of preserved wilderness, world-class cities, famous beaches, tantalizing cuisine and unparalleled wines. Be close to the action from any destination in California, whether it is Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego or Bakersfield! Travel within California is fantastically scenic and simple; with the largest network of state highways that bring all of the Golden State’s wonders to your car door, you can surf, ski and enjoy fine dining all in one day… but you might want to make it two or ten!

A California for Every Kind

California is the third largest state in the United States, as well as the most populous state in the country. Consequently, California attracts visitors for all kinds of reasons. National Parks such as Joshua Tree in the expansive Mojave Desert, Pinnacles National Monument in the Central Coast, and Ansel Adam’s famously photographed Yosemite are rocky havens for rock climbers and hikers alike. The Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east boasts California’s premier ski resorts, including Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe.

North of the easy-going Sacramento capital lies California’s world-class wine region. Enjoy a trip through Napa Valley for some of the most exquisite restaurants and wine tastings the country has to offer. Lose yourself in quaint luxury at a Bed & Breakfast along the Carmel coast after spending a day at the Hearst Castle. Get star struck during a visit to Hollywood or wonder-struck at Southern California’s Disneyland Resort and California Adventure theme parks, across the street from each other. Don’t forget to explore California’s coastline with a trip to the historic Channel Islands or a whale watching expedition off of San Francisco’s Pacific shores.

The Platinum State

When you book your airfare to California, you will soon discover why this massive and diverse region along the Pacific Ocean is more precious than gold. The 48 state’s tallest peak resides in the Sierra Nevada region of California. Mt. Whitney welcomes thousands of climbers and hikers each year to its 14,505 feet of serene wilderness. Giant Sequoias, the largest living organism in the world, reside in Sequoia National Park and the tallest organisms on Earth, the California Redwood trees, grace the shores of California’s rugged northern coastline. California’s Death Valley is the largest National Park in the country as well as the hottest place on earth (in the summer) and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Treat yourself to Death Valley’s spectacular wildflower bloom in March and April.

California also offers one of the most superb collections of luxury resorts, celebrity chefs and nightlife. It is not surprising, considering the state is home to America’s entertainment, music and tech industries as well as one of the largest economies and ports in the world. Don’t wait another minute to book your airfare to California; you could be tanning on the beach or summiting a mountain tomorrow!

About the Author: For more information on California and cheap airfare & flight tickets, go to www.cfares.com.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=121550&ca=Travel

So it looks like another weekend of heavy rain in Boston.
This is, what, the 7th or 8th weekend in a row with rain? I
love Boston, but this is ridiculous.

With the rain, my daydreams of San Diego, CA, seem to
keep popping up more and more (call it California
dreaming). The other night, I was listening to a great rock
station from Encinitas on Internet radio. It got me to thinking
about Encinitas, where my cousins used to live before they
moved up the coast to La Costa.

One of my favorite restaurants in Encinitas is the 101 Diner. Located about 4 blocks from my favorite beach in the world (Moonlight Beach), the 101 Diner has everything, from great breakfast and lunch entrees to outdoor seating to a friendly, all-around nice guy of an owner. Almost as good, and just down the street, is Kim’s Restaurant, which has terrific Vietnamese food. Better yet, neither of these restaurants is well-known (if you have looked at the site I founded, Boston’s Hidden Restaurants, you would know I have a thing for great restaurants that haven’t been discovered). Heading south toward San Diego, another memorable, but little-known, restaurant can be found in beautiful Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Pipes Cafe is a breakfast spot that is mainly frequented by surfers and Cardiff residents looking to show up late to work (word is, Trevor Hoffman, the great reliever for the San Diego Padres, is also a regular here). Pipes has fantastic breakfast plates, and the dining outdoors on the patio is a must. As you continue down the coast, you come to artsy Solana Beach, home to Fidel’s, which is fairly well-known, and for good reason; Fidel’s may be the best Mexican restaurant north of San Diego (though I have my personal favorite, which I’ll mention in a minute). Fidel’s is tough to find, since it’s hidden in a neighborhood away from the ocean, but worth seeking out.

Just before you reach San Diego, you hit La Jolla, a tony
community that seems to have more investment places
than restaurants. I like La Jolla, though, with its spectacular
downtown park above the ocean cliffs, and its narrow,
crooked lanes. Just south of the center of La Jolla is a little
restaurant called Bahia Don Bravo. The owners of this
authentic Mexican restaurant have a few branches in San
Diego, but this one is special, since you can order the food
to go and walk a few blocks down a side street to one of the
most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean that you will
ever see. And there is even a bench where the view is, so
you can eat in relative comfort. Bahia Don Bravo has the type
of Mexican food that you just can’t find in Boston. I always go
there when traveling to San Diego, and always miss it when
I’m back in Boston.

Finally, you reach the wonderful city of San Diego. Where to
go for food? Well, there are too many great places to
mention here. A couple of standouts are Point Loma
Seafood, with its memorable view of the city across the
harbor, and the Coyote Cafe in Old Town. But my favorite is
a little hamburger joint in Ocean Beach called Hodad’s,
which is where I had the best cheeseburger I have had
anywhere in the country (and I’ve had a lot of
cheeseburgers!). Juicy, thick, hearty, and smothered in
cheese, the burgers here are impossibly good. Hodad’s is
truly amazing.

Well, I guess my daydream of eating my way through San
Diego is about done. As I look out my window and see the
skyline of Boston, I realize that I do live in a great city. I just
wish it wouldn’t rain so much.

Copyright © 2005, Boston’s Hidden Restaurants. All Rights
Reserved.

Boston’s Hidden
Restaurants is a restaurant guide that
features top little-known dining spots in Boston and New
England.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Hurwit

La Jolla is the definition of “enchanting seaside village.” With great weather, swaying palm trees and spectacular ocean views, it’s just like a trip to Hawaii.

This was decades ago and we had just returned from our first real long-distance travel experience – an unforgettable, eye-opening journey to Hawaii that exposed a couple of soggy Pacific Northwest college students to bright sunshine and warm saltwater that we never even knew existed. The very next month we were taking a Southern California vacation when we came upon La Jolla and it was, as Yogi would say, déjá vu all over again.

To be sure, the water in Southern California was prettier than it was warm. And there weren’t too many native Hawaiians – although Hawaii doesn’t seem to have many either. WHAT La Jolla did have was the views and that bright sunshine, and we were determined that someday we would come back and live there.

We did eventually live and work there, if only for a brief time, and this special coastal haven delivered on all its promises. The “Village,” as the locals call Girard Avenue and the community surrounding it, is a gourmet blend of those spices that make life so enjoyable – fine dining, world-class shopping, countless outdoor activities, surf, sand, incredible views and, of course, almost-constant sunshine.

Nowadays, the local home values have priced out the average mortal and, if you’re living there, you’ve either done very well for yourself or had the good fortune to grow up in a family that bought local real estate back when local land prices were reasonable – probably sometime just after statehood. But there are two groups of people who are living in the Village temporarily: the renters and the tourists. The renters plunk down several thousand each month for the barest of digs; the tourists stay only briefly but much more economically.

Which is why it’s great to be a tourist in La Jolla. With a choice of several tasteful hotels and spa resorts – and, yes, some are quite reasonably priced – visitors can pretend they’re living the lifestyle for a few days and still go home with money in their pockets.

It all begins with watching the people parade down on Gerard Avenue. Plan to have a gourmet sandwich down at one of several cafes and then plop yourself at an outside table. Leading the parade is a 20-something bombshell dressed in a spaghetti-strapped halter and capris, dragging along a five-inch poodle that is decidedly disinterested in being part of this parade. Next up: a 30-something clean-cut guy wearing lumberjack boots up to his ankles, his pants squished into the boot tops, and his long-sleeve shirt well down over his belt buckle. It must be new La Jolla fashion because his stylish 20-something model-like girlfriend doesn’t seem the least bit embarrassed to walk beside him. Then along comes two 30-something men, dressed almost identically in turtlenecks, expensive sports jackets and shades, surely sweltering in the mid-day sun but cool in their own minds. And on it goes all during lunch, making it almost worth the nine bucks it cost for the sandwich.

You might even see celebrities in this neck of the woods. We came upon Geena Davis and her kids one time, while beautiful people such as Cindy Crawford have actually bought houses in the Village. Barbra Streisand is said to have bought her wedding ring down at Bowers Jewelers. Movie and TV filming are common and the longtime series Silk Stalkings used the local scenery quite often to depict the glitzy glamour of Southern California.

Walk down Gerard just a little ways and there seems to be plenty of temptation to bring out your credit card. There are specialty stores like Rangoni shoes, art galleries like Cosmopolitan Fine Art and Images of Nature, and then more typical “mall” stores like Banana Republic and the Gap. Side streets have their own offerings, many of them related to health, fitness and well-being – even if you need a little plastic surgery to be well.

Gerard is one of two main streets in the Village. Also famous for its shopping is Prospect Avenue which also has lots of trendy boutiques and popular eateries. Check out George’s for spectacular views of the ocean and award-winning cuisine. Brockton Villa’s another one just off Prospect that seems a perennial favorite. A Caesar salad on the outdoor deck at Moondoggie’s can be a refreshing and relatively inexpensive pause as the breezes from the shoreline find their way to this part of the shopping district. Just footsteps from Scripps Park are such outdoor cafes as Cody’s, the French Side of the West and Fay’s Gourmet Seafood.

Scripps Park is, in fact, just a block down from the main shopping district, and yet is anything but commercial. You might find an ecology tee-shirt stand but mostly it’s green lawn and meandering walkways that entice friends, lovers and families to stroll along one of the most picturesque shorelines in all of California. The shoreline is jagged and rocky in places while at the same time offering up just enough beach to lay out your beach towels in some privacy. Stroll about 10 minutes south and you’ll find La Jolla Cove where you can watch the local seals sun themselves on a scenic beach.

Skirting the east edge of Scripps Park is a scenic roadway that is often used as a bike route between La Jolla and the more touristy beach town of Pacific Beach. The ride takes you through beautiful neighborhoods – never far away from ocean views – and through the fascinating town of Birdrock. It, too, is artsy and trendy but maybe down a notch in price.

La Jolla Shores is just north of the downtown area and offers a mile-long beach where locals and tourists alike congregate for outdoor activities. Nearby are the expensive homes of the La Jolla Shores area as well as a few hotels and a tiny shopping district.

Nearby is a marine preserve so it’s common to see divers preparing for their scuba sessions out in the deep. If you don’t scuba, you’ll find other ways to get close to the ocean such as paddling a kayak in an area near what is known as the La Jolla Caves. Or you can actually climb down in the caves by visiting the La Jolla Cave and Shell Shop, where there is a 145-step walkway to the Sunny Jim Cave, the largest of these grottoes.

Another seaside favorite is the Birch Aquarium, a popular place to take families for an up-close look at sea life such as coral reefs, tide pools and even sharks. The Aquarium has a 70,000-gallon tank in which many sea creatures are on display.

If you simply want to drive around the area, the spectacular homes make it worthwhile. One especially rewarding drive is to head up Nautilus Street to the highest elevations in town where the Mt. Soledad Memorial Cross is dedicated to veterans of the two world wars and the Korean War. While there has been a political tug-of-war about whether the cross will remain, the views from this part of La Jolla offer one of the best ways to see the topography of the entire San Diego area.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: La Jolla has often been called “the Beverly Hills” of San Diego and is located about a 15-minute drive north from downtown. Several of the best San Diego hotels are located here, so this is an excellent base of operations for a Southern California vacation.

WHAT: A seaside village that offers some of the best shopping, restaurants and ocean views of the entire San Diego area. Spa vacations are big here, and there is a good selection of spa resorts and facilities in the area.

WHEN: Year-round. Always keep an eye out for travel deal, and travel packages at San Diego hotels are more plentiful during slower times of the year.

WHY: La Jolla is quiet and has a village-like atmosphere, and is perfect for a vacation — or even retire if one could afford it.

HOW: For more information, contact the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau at (619) 236-1212 or visit sandiego.org. For a list of San Diego hotels and recommended lodgings, please click here.

Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of websites focusing on Northwest travel and California travel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cary_Ordway

If you’ll be visiting Los Angeles and want to stay in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills, choosing a hotel can be difficult. There are many great hotels to choose from, each offering its own brand of luxury accommodations and exceptional service. For the best possible experience, make a reservation at one of these three Beverly Hills hotels, consistently rated highly by expert reviewers and customers alike.

Raffles L’Ermitage Hotel
9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills

Nestled in a residential area of Beverly Hills, the L’Ermitage hotel offers quiet surroundings and an array of luxurious amenities. Though it is only a few blocks from the shopping on Rodeo Drive, inside L’Ermitage is an oasis of peace and relaxation. Guests receive the ultimate in pampering at the hotel’s Amrita Spa, which offers a wide selection of treatments along with steam rooms and a heated outdoor pool. Those forgoing spa services will still enjoy the poolside cabanas and incredible vistas of the Hollywood Hills. The hotel’s French-Asian fusion restaurant utilizes local organic produce and patio diners are treated to a romantic fireplace and lighted waterfall. High-speed internet access is free throughout the property and the hotel welcomes pets, who will love the surrounding tree-lined streets and nearby park. Nightly room rates typically average $425 and up.

The Peninsula Hotel
9882 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills

Set back from the busy intersection of Santa Monica Blvd and Wilshire Blvd, The Peninsula Hotel offers old world charm with all the modern amenities travelers demand. But what makes the Peninsula truly stand out among Beverly Hills hotels is its commitment to going above and beyond the expected. The hotel’s rooftop pool offers city views along with private cabanas that can be reserved in advance. If services at the Peninsula’s spa aren’t your cup of tea, try a workout in the fitness room or a personal karate, yoga or pilates training session. Guests can stop into the hotel’s living room for a cup of afternoon tea (accompanied by a live harpist) or cozy up to the fireplace for a cocktail in the evening. Recently renovated rooms provide complimentary high-speed internet access, touch-screen temperature controls, DVD players, fax machines and marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Pets are welcome at this luxurious hotel, which is walking distance from Rodeo Drive and Century City Mall. Nightly room rates typically average $450 and up.

The Mosaic Hotel
125 S. Spalding Dr., Beverly Hills

This recently renovated boutique hotel is situated at the heart of Beverly Hills, just two blocks from Rodeo Drive. Though it’s relatively small in size (less than 50 rooms), the Mosaic is big on style and comfort. Flowering plants and the hotel’s yellow and brown color scheme bring the outdoors inside for a lush, romantic atmosphere. Weary travelers will appreciate the luxurious bedding, bathrobes and toiletries in the guest rooms, which also offer free high-speed internet access, flat panel televisions and the option of in-room massages. A splash in the pool provides refreshment from the warm Los Angeles weather when paired with complimentary fresh fruit and water. Active guests can utilize the Peninsula’s fitness room or walk to a multitude of shops, boutiques, restaurants and parks. And transportation to some of L.A.’s most popular tourist attractions is a breeze with the hotel’s Land Rover chauffer service, which will take you up to three miles from the hotel at no charge. Pets are allowed, but lighting up is not on this smoke-free property. Nightly room rates typically average $325 and up.

Danielle Mead is a 10-year Los Angeles resident and editor of the website LA4Beginners.com, an insider’s guide to visiting or moving to Los Angeles. Travelers can visit LA4Beginners.com for additional information on Beverly Hills hotels, attractions and shopping.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Mead

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If you’re a vegetarian, eating out can sometimes be a challenge. This is thankfully not the case in Los Angeles, where vegetarians have a wide variety of options when it comes to meat-free dining. This is somewhat due to the sheer multitude of restaurants in the Los Angeles area and the variety of cuisines available. But much of the ease that vegetarian diners experience in L.A. is due to the general health-conscious attitude of Los Angeles residents.

Los Angeles, and California in general, is known by many to be progressive in its thinking. Additionally, because of Hollywood’s focus on appearance, Los Angeles has evolved into a city where healthy eating is practically a job requirement. For both of these reasons, Los Angeles restaurants are more likely to offer meat-free or vegetarian entrees than restaurants found in other cities.

For example, Los Angeles restaurants that offer hamburgers almost always provide a veggie burger option that can be substituted for the standard meat patty. Some restaurants offer meat-substitutes such as tofu, seitan, textured vegetable protein or tempeh that can be used in traditional dishes such as meatloaf, deli-style sandwiches, asian stir-fries, chili and more. It is not unusual to find breakfast restaurants offering veggie bacon or veggie sausage as a side for your eggs or pancakes. Plus, most Los Angeles restaurants are accommodating to vegetarians and those who simply want to eat less meat, making menu items without meat for those who request it.

Another reason Los Angeles is great for vegetarian diners is its variety of cuisines. There are a large number of Indian, Ethiopian and Thai restaurants located in L.A. which, due to cultural and religious traditions, offer a wide selection of vegetarian appetizers, entrees and side dishes. Vegetarians who have adventurous palettes or who like spicy foods will find these cuisines to be an ideal choice, for both dietary and taste reasons.

Of course, Los Angeles is also host to a large number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Some of the more popular dining establishments catering to vegetarians include Real Food Daily, Vegan Glory, California Vegan, Native Foods and Vegan Express. Because of their incredibly tasty and healthy food, these restaurants are loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

So whether you’re looking for a strict vegan or vegetarian restaurant where you can avoid meat all-together, or simply want to find a restaurant where you can eat out with your meat-eating friends, you’ll find a wide variety of dining establishments in Los Angeles to fit your needs.

Danielle Mead is a 10-year Los Angeles resident and editor of the website LA4Beginners.com, an insider’s guide to visiting or living in Los Angeles. The website offers many reviews of popular Los Angeles restaurants for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Mead

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L.A. has a lot to offer. The City of Angels is always on-the-go and seemingly driven by glitz and glamour. And if you’re willing to fight the traffic, you’ll find some of the world’s best restaurants, shopping and attractions – from studio tours to museums, from beaches to piers.

L.A. is the epitome of big, bold and beautiful – and most of the hobbies in this town hover around “the scene”. So, if you’ve had your share of the beach, head inland to tour the star-studded Sunset Boulevard or Melrose Avenue – and keep your eyes out! Since the restaurants and bars drive the social hustle n’ bustle, you’d better allow yourself that afternoon power-nap if you want to keep up with the cool kids.

Remember: the stars come out at night – this is LA after all. This town seems to shimmer after sundown… you can rock it out on the Sunset Strip or club it up in Hollywood. So, if you like your bars cool, your martinis dry, and your restaurants scrumptious, make sure you’ve got your wallet, your appetite and your energy for your night on the town Hollywood style.

Here’s our insiders guide to some of the best restaurants and nightlife options. Know this: fights broke out between our editorial staff when somebody foolishly suggested we limit our journeyPod Picks in L.A. to only 10 Restaurants and 10 Bars. We had so much fun tearing it up in Tinseltown that we had to go with 15 selections in each category. Of course, another fight ensued when we tried to assign numbers to all of these hotspots — so cooler heads prevailed and we have since removed the rankings.

Be assured of one thing… all 30 of these places are ridiculously fantabulous and require your own A-game. Maybe even after a night on the town, you too will understand why even people in the biz think “Entourage” seems so real…

Bars & Nightlife

1. The Derby: (Los Feliz) “Swingers” wannabes hoping to catch a glimpse of Vince Vaughn or Jon Favreau join swing fans in this hotter-than-ever dance hall. With 1940′s decor, live music (seven nights a week) and dance lessons, your whole posse will have a blast! FYI: The Derby was named a historical/cultural landmark by the Los Angeles City Council in May ’06. Located at 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. (and Hillhurst Ave.).

2. LAX: (Hollywood) We’ve all been introduced to DJ AM by Nicole Ritchie – but he now needs no introduction! Known as one of the most sought out DJ’s, DJ AM (a.k.a Adam Golstein) opened this first-class airport-themed lounge for all the L.A. jet-setters. Located in the heart of Hollywood, this destination hotspot boasts mirrors in the shape of airplane windows and metal hangar doors. The dance floor often gets cramped (similar to dancing in an airplane cabin), but it’s tons of fun in a “Mile High Club” kinda way! LAX is located at 1714 Las Palmas Ave. (and Hollywood Blvd.).

3. Forty Deuce: (Melrose) The small parking lot across from Paramount Pictures houses this modern institution that’s been transformed into a retro-cool lounge reminiscent of a 1920′s speakeasy. The parlor-style seating, burlesque shows (strutting to the rhythm of a live jazz band) and fine cocktails keep the Hollywood crowd happy and partying until closing time. Located at 5574 Melrose Ave. (at Beachwood Dr.).

4. Barney’s Beanery: (West Hollywood) In L.A., most people think that nothing can get better with age. But the city’s third-oldest restaurant (located at 8447 Santa Monica Blvd. near La Cienaga Blvd.) manages to prove everyone in Hollywood wrong. Since opening its door nearly 90 years ago, it has attracted celebrities to regular Joe-shmoes who crave good ol’ comfort food (your choice of 150 different burgers, 65 chilis and 90 omelettes). While many may refer to this as just a “dive”, the good food and cheap drinks keep this Beanery jumping nightly. (Just make sure you bring your I.D. – even Johnny Drama got carded here recently!).

5. Stone Rose Lounge: (West Hollywood) This recently opened LA version of the NYC nightspot houses itself in the redone Sofitel Hotel (at 8555 Beverly Blvd., near La Cienaga Blvd.). A destination for young starlets (and the guys who want them) boasts a 5,000 square foot lounge and outdoor patio. While it’s not your usual L.A. nightlife scene, this laid-back atmosphere with refined martinis and the outside fire pit cabanas are well worth visiting.

6. Social Hollywood: (Hollywood) What’s old is new again! This place used to be the massive Hollywood Athletic Club and now boasts a lounge, restaurants, games rooms with PlayStations and Xboxes, a screening room and a private club. The Moroccan-inspired venue features food that has been strong right off the bat and a social scene which has won over the cool kids. Located at 6526 Sunset Blvd. (at Schrader Blvd.).

7. Sky Bar: Tagged as one of L.A.’s hottest nightclub spots since the day it opened, Sky Bar is open, airy and makes you feel like you’re floating up in the clouds atop the Mondrian hotel (located at 8440 Sunset Blvd.). Boasting some of the most beautiful views in all of L.A. (along with its trees, pool and candlelight) and the cities most fashionable set – please don’t let the long lines and bouncers deter you. If and when you do get past the red tape, please don’t stare at that hunk that regularly appears on the pages of US Weekly and People!

8. Formosa Cafe: (West Hollywood) An area classic (served as the location for the movie L.A. Confidential), this Chinese-themed dimly-lit hotspot features red leather booths and a bar that serves intoxicatingly powerful martinis. Known as one of the movie industry’s watering-holes, Formosa features autographed shots of Hollywood stars lining the walls (and you may even be lucky enough to spot Bono or Beck in one of the booths). Better for drinks than dinner (and make sure you dress the part to avoid hassles at the door). Formosa Cafe is located at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd. (between La Brea and Formosa Ave.).

9. Privilege: (West Hollywood) Madonna isn’t the only one who knows how to reinvent herself. Nightlife guru Sam Nazarian knows all too well about reinvention. Before its new look and name, this club was known as a gothic playground called Shelter, a Nordic lounge, a St. Tropez-style resort and a mock construction site. Now Privilege is a sensuously white-on-white oasis that has the feel of a South Beach resort (sans the humidity and sand in between your toes). Saturdays are tough since Brent Bolthouse (godfather of celebrity events) hosts parties here – so if you can, opt for a weekday visit. Unless of course, you can get your name on the guest list or finagle past the ear-plugged security guards. Privelege is at 8117 W. Sunset Blvd. (and Crescent Heights Blvd.).

10. Guy’s Bar: (West Hollywood) Ever wonder where the stars go for karaoke? You’ll find the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie at this intimate and exclusive WeHo club. Guy’s is a simple mishmash of cushy couches that’s mostly reserved for private industry-related events. However, try this place on a Saturday (promoter-run) night when the door policy is a bit more relaxed (and yes, do show some leg!). Guy’s Bar is located at 8713 Beverly Blvd.

11. Tropicana Bar: (Hollywood) Old Hollywood meets New Hollywood at this bar in L.A.’s Roosevelt Hotel – where you’ll find stars lounging in style at an outdoor patio that boasts a 60′s vibe with cozy plush seating and a glowing pool. A typical hipster joint, the bar is also a tropical oasis with neon-illuminated palm trees, private bungalows, a fireplace and linen-covered chaise lounges. If you’re in no mood to rub elbows with the nighttime fashionista/glamourista crowd, Tropicana Bar is ideal for sunny CA afternoons. Just don’t forget to notice the David Hockney blue-wave mural at the bottom of the pool at 7000 Hollywood Blvd.

12. The Bar: (Hollywood) Not just a bar, The Bar! Nestled between a gas station and a seedy hotel (5851 Sunset Blvd. and Bronson Ave.), this place is easy to miss. But those who find their way to one of Hollywood’s hottest revamped watering holes will see newly renovated digs and eye-catching patrons. Some days you’ll hear a rock n’ roll jukebox blast the sounds of the Ramones, other days you’ll find local DJ’s spinning old and new pop. For those who feel like a cig, some air or just a break from the sounds, cram your way outside to the bamboo-lined smoking alley.

13. Mood: (Hollywood) This 6,500 square foot former office building at 6623 Hollywood Blvd. has been transformed into a tropical Garden of Eden – think South Pacific! The club’s Balinese design boasts sensuous colors/textures and in-the-flesh trumpeters and bongo drummers that accompany the hip-hop and rap sounds that you’ll hear. Stocked with exotic treasures made from bamboo, batik and carved wood, Mood draws sexy young Hollywood socialites and other glitz and glam from Tinseltown.

14. The Lounge: (West Hollywood) Okay, so here’s the lowdown…This sexy Miami Beach-style club draws a great crowd with its borderline location (WeHo and Beverly Hills) and open-door policy. The Lounge boasts a main room with bar and dance floor, and a spiral staircase that leads up to a swanky lounge area filled with comfy booths and table service. DJ’s here spin a dance-party mix of hip-hop, R&B and house music favorites. The Lounge is located at 9077 Santa Monica Blvd. (and Doheny Dr.).

15. Key Club: (West Hollywood) A state-of-the-art live music venue (located at 9039 Sunset Blvd. and Doheny Dr.) with futuristic audio, video and lighting technologies, Key Club is one of WeHo’s most popular spots. The VIP area downstairs, called the Plush Lounge, is typically crammed with the Hollywood “It” crowd. A full restaurant and menu is also available on the second floor (reserving a table there is the secret to actually getting in on busy nights). Key Club features a few bars and plenty of ways to get your drink on – a perfect place to either start or end your night out on the Sunset Strip.

journeyPod.com is the only place you need to visit for information on the trendiest bars and restaurants, the most luxurious hotels, and the most exclusive parties and shops for discriminating travelers. Visit journeyPod.com for the lowdown on where to go in Atlanta, New York, Miami, LA and other major cities around the world, and listing to our monthly travel podcast for the best in upscale travel and entertainment. If you like the finer things in life, journey to journeyPod.com!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Bifulco

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Looking for the perfect romantic getaway? You will find a number of hotels in Los Angeles where you can relax and enjoy a few special days with your special someone. Here are some of the most romantic hotels in Los Angeles.

Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica is a wonderful hotel. You can get a room facing the ocean here. Fine food and excellent ambience will set the mood for you stay.

The Beach House at Hermosa Beach is a beautiful boutique resort. Time seems to move at a much slower pace than in the city. You can book yourself into a luxurious studio suite facing the ocean to make your trip the ultimate beach getaway.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills on Santa Monica Boulevard is an elegant hotel with large, lush grounds and excellent service, that makes it once of the city’s most luxurious hotels.

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, is considered to be one of the most romantic hotels in the world. If you can get a room facing the ocean, you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the Pacific. Or you could also make a reservation at the Ritz-Carlton Hutington Hotel in Pasadena. This property used to be owned by Henry Huntington and looks a lot like the Huntington Library. You can take a romantic walk through the Japanese Gardens or sip wine in the splendid lobby as the sunsets.

The Grafton Hotel on Sunset Boulevard feels like an exotic hotel in Miami. This hotel, built in the art deco style has some fantastic city views and unique rooms.

Los Angeles Hotels provides detailed information on Best Los Angeles Hotels, Cheap Los Angeles Hotels, Discount Los Angeles Hotels, Downtown Los Angeles Hotels and more. Los Angeles Hotels is affiliated with Old Montreal Hotels.

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Believe it or not even the rich and famous of Malibu (the Bu), West Side Los Angeles and Hollywood have cut their retail shopping escapades. Everyone is cutting back their shopping purchases, even those who have what others might believe to be extraordinary wealth. In fact, the shops along Beverly Hills’ famous Rodeo Drive often do not sell enough high-end merchandise to even stay in business or turn a profit.

Still, those big glitzy brand names must keep their image up and operate those stores even at a loss. Some have posted dismal monthly results losing in excess of 30 to 40,000 dollars per month, just to be in the lime light and have a place in the World Famous shopping district. Tough times never last, but strong brand names will, is their feeling.

Why not take advantage of these big high-powered brand name retail outlets while merchandise is highly discounted? Ever want to own a $14,000 dress or a purse that costs $35,000? Well you might get that dress for $4,000 or that purse for under $10,000 right now. You can find all the wonderful outlets in the local give-away Beverly Hills City Guide at all the local hotels or on the corners of the Rodeo Drive Shopping District.

There are also so very nice full-color glamour magazines at local coffee shops and restaurants. Of course, if you are planning a trip to Beverly Hills, give yourself 2-3 full days of shopping, book your travel plans online and check out the wonderful city guides on the Internet. Beverly Hills needs you more than you think right now. It’s time to take advantage of their low prices and movie star status hospitality, while the getting is good! Think on this.

Lance Winslow – Lance Winslow’s Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

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