Tag Californias

Share The Article

Arizona plates have already taken over San Diego highways, which means only one thing – it’s the unofficial start to summer.

But this summer will be different than the rest as quite possibly the most highly anticipated hotel in America is set for a soft opening May 15th, followed by the official blue-ribbon cutting the following days.

A whopping $1.3 billion was spent to bring not only the largest hotel on the West Coast, but the first-ever resort to Chula Vista, a lesser-known city sandwiched between San Diego and the Mexico border, and one of the last remaining swaths of untouched land in Southern California for a secluded, paradisal escape.

As many vacationers seek out ritzy stays in Coronado and Del Mar and family-friendly fun in San Diego’s Mission Beach, it’s actually Chula Vista that’s destined to be California’s new summer vacation hotspot with the grand opening of Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center.

Chula Vista? Where?

Most often, San Diego tourists stay central in and around Balboa Park or venture west to nearby beaches or north to small beach towns or Legoland in Carlsbad, but few tourists even consider Chula Vista unless they’re passing through to have a wild night in Tijuana just across the border.

South Bay, as it’s known, hasn’t been a particular draw to outsiders unless they’ve seen a viral taco stand on TikTok, experienced a classic drive-in theater, or wanted to see the famous “wall”.

Chula Vista boasts a beautiful bay with lush green parks and a vibrant marina, but no proper beaches. Imperial Beach, the southernmost beach in the U.S., is more known for its hazardous conditions due to sewage run-off from Mexico rather than how its postcard boardwalk and the only other South Bay beach, Silver Strand, is a state-run beach with entry fees, and even so, there’s nothing the state can do to temper bacteria from spreading north.

As such, the South Bay didn’t have much of a selling point until this month. In fact, the most notable selling point before the Gaylord’s soon-to-be grand opening is Seven Mile Casino, a couple of blocks away, which gets its name from the 7-mile drive to downtown San Diego.

So, the Gaylord is actually one of the most convenient resorts to San Diego vacationers despite being in a different city.

“This is Chula Vista’s decade. We will have billions of dollars invested in the Chula Vista Bayfront over the next several years […] and we’ll be doing a substantial upgrade on dining, designing, and amenities that the city has never had before.

– Chula Vista Mayor, John McCann

The Gaylord Pacific: A Destination Unto Itself

According to San Diego Magazine, the Gaylord Pacific is set to debut 12 restaurants. Unfortunately, it’s not all-inclusive, but guests will have an array of options from the dry-aged experts at Old Hickory Steakhouse with sweeping bay views, sushi to-go at Taiyo so you snack poolside or fuel up for a sunny day spent floating the lazy river, and even Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom, boasting a 75-foot tv screen to watch the big game in peace away from noisy kiddos.

Gaylord has something for everyone, but it’s definitely family-friendly, with its 4+ acre water park featuring slides, a wave pool, and a massive water playground.

Not that you would ever want to leave the resort grounds, just last month, Sweetwater Park reopened to the public with miles of pedestrian walkways and bikeways lining the scenic bayside — the perfect place to take in the sunset if you don’t care to make the 20 minute drive to San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs.

The Gaylord offers a wide range of accommodations, from standard rooms with mountain, marina, or Pacific views to 89 spacious suites, including the posh Presidential Suite with an ocean-view balcony worth the sky-high price alone.

Grand opening weekend rates are as low as $350 per night, while mid-summer rates are in the $500s.

What Else To Do In Chula Vista

As a resident of Chula Vista, I have to say I love living here! Out of all the places I’ve lived in San Diego County, this city is my favorite.

Rather than follow the tourists who flood the Gaslamp Quarter, check out Chula Vista’s Third Avenue District, a pint-sized drag of breweries, dive bars, cafes, food trucks, taco shops, and my favorite restaurant in the city, Lime in the Coconut.

Eating in Chula Vista is a loophole for your tastebuds to enjoy authentic flavors of Baja without needing a passport. There are numerous hole-in-the-wall taco stands serving Tijuana-style tacos and mulas like famous Tacos El Gordo, or you can compare Jalisco flavors to Baja’s with newly-opened El Pastor Del Rica, owned by champion boxer Canelo Alvarez.

But Chula Vista isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a highly underrated place to explore the outdoors. The further East you go, the more you’ll want to come back to the coast to cool off during the summer months.

One of my favorite local secrets is Mountain Hawk Park in the Eastlake neighborhood of Chula Vista.

It boasts panoramic Otay Lake views backdropped by the staggering Otay Mountain range.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

After much of the U.S. dealt with frigid cold winters, springtime is essentially an open invitation to explore the great outdoors.

We all know California is one of the best states for an awesome beach getaway, but it also boasts some of the best national and state parks in the nation, such as Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and, most notably for this particular article, Sequoia National Park.

Home to unbelievably towering trees and some of the prettiest scenery I’ve personally ever seen in the Golden State, Sequoia draws crowds from all over the U.S.

But why not visit a place that’s nearly identical with fewer tourists, spacious trails, equally pretty photo-ops, and nearby wineries to cap off a much-needed relaxing escape in nature?

You can do so in far lesser-known Calaveras Big Trees State Park, an underrated state park that undoubtedly lives up to its name, and visitor satisfaction is through the roof!

Reaching Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Word to the wise – Whichever state park you decide to visit this spring; don’t do like I did at Sequoia by renting a cheap Toyota Yaris only to deal with the anxiety of wondering whether it will make it up a rocky hill or if I’d soon be calling AAA for assistance in the middle of nowhere.

Needless to say, a little extra engine oomph goes a long way.

Obviously, you will need a vehicle to explore Calaveras as it’s located roughly 2 hours away from the nearest airport, Sacramento, which is also worthy of spending some time before venturing off into the woods as California’s trending capital city is breaking tourism records.

From Sacramento, you’ll head through some of NorCal’s hidden gems, such as Lodi, before you weave through the western slopes of the Sierra in what’s hopefully not a Toyota Yaris before ultimately reaching this nearly century-old state park.

Day-use passes are $10. Before planning your trip, there are some notable closures to vehicles to be aware of:

• Walter W. Smith Parkway (until May 1, 2025)
• Scenic Overlook
• Lava Bluffs
• Stanislaus River
• South Grove
• Bradley Grove
• Beaver Creek

Emphasis On ‘Big Trees’

A visit to Calaveras is all the more enjoyable without dozens of tourists lined up to take the same selfie you’re trying to take like you might find at Sequoia National Park.

Until you witness Calaveras’ staggering Sequoia trees in person, you won’t believe how huge they truly are.

There are ample trails to taking you deep into the park under canopies of giants that are often thousands of years old.

The South Grove may be off-limits for vehicles for now, but here you’ll find at least 1,000 towering trees, while the North Grove is home to roughly 100.

One of the most popular sites is the “Father of the Forest” a fallen behemoth thought to stand as tall as 400 feet in its heyday and like Sequoia, there are carved-out trees to pass through for the perfect Instagram shot.

Calaveras Holds A Perfect TripAdvisor Rating

Visitors have truly fallen in love with Calaveras and the proof is in the pudding. Park guests have ooh-ed and ahh-ed about their experiences ranging from the cozy on-site cabins, ‘breathtaking trees’, to being the highlight of an entire California road trip.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park holds a perfect rating on TripAdvisor. I repeat, a perfect rating.

Do you know how hard that is to do in a world where everyone seems to feel they can say anything hidden behind their screens?

It truly speaks volumes by how much of an enjoyable hidden gem Calaveras truly is, and spring is a great time to plan a trip as the sun shines bright throughout consistent 60 to 75-degree days in April and May.

Murphys, California: A Blip On The Map Teeming With Relaxing Wineries

If you thought Napa was the only place to sip California’s finest wine, think again! There are numerous inviting wine destinations spread across California; some more popular than others.

The tiny town of Murphys may not have been on your 2025 Bingo card until now, but it should be.

With over 20 family-owned wineries, this charming small town is a far cry from what some might say is overly curated Napa.

Additionally, after a long day exploring Calaveras’ vast wilderness, there’s no better way to reward yourself with sinfully delicious eats than a top-rated V Restaurant, Bistro & Bar.

There are many wineries to choose from along the town’s main strip like fun-to-say Frog’s Tooth Winery or the oldest family-owned winery, Milliaire Winery.

For more space and pretty scenery, there are multiple wineries and vineyards away from the quaint townscape, such as Locke Vineyards, Ironstone Vineyards, and Indian Rock Vineyards.

One recent visitor to Murphy’s Ironstone Vineyards may have put it best by saying, “Basically, Murphy’s is now one huge wine tasting room. The wines on the main street are hit and miss, but when we skipped town and came here, we hit the jackpot”.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

San Diego, Los Angeles, among other quintessential Orange County beaches may be what you envision when planning a Southern California vacation.

You’re not wrong.

However, what’s lost in the shadows of household names lies SoCal’s own “Napa,” teeming with grand Chateau-style wineries, stunning nature, small-town charm, and capped by a newly revamped resort with a fascinating timeline worthy of a 3-part Netflix docu-series.

This former celeb hotspot fizzled out in the hippie era of the 60s and 70s after initially opening in 1902, only to be taken over in the 80s by the Alive Polarity commune (ahem, a cult), followed by Calvary Chapel Bible College, then of course, a Covid shutdown we can all relate to, ultimately finding it’s current newfound glory as a reimagined luxe resort after an extensive remodel.

All in all, it was closed off to the public for 30 years, only to reopen with a bang in February 2024.

While it’s fun to dive into the past, the here-and-now Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is where it should have been all along – a tranquil hideaway roughly an hour from both LA and San Diego in the surging Riverside County town of Murrieta.

Whether you’re an overnight guest or opt for a $49 Day Pass, there’s no question this unsuspecting retreat with a serene setting of ample hot springs for leisure is the ultimate destination to kick back, relax, and recharge.

Warm Up, Cool Down, And Recharge

You don’t need me to tell you life is full of stresses, but Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is just the place to set your phone aside, focus on rest, and let your problems back home melt away.

Upon arriving, you’re welcomed by friendly, knowledgeable staff who genuinely seem to enjoy their job. That alone is refreshing, isn’t it?

You’re provided with a detailed map of the expansive property grounds, but the staff does a great job helping you understand what’s open at certain hours and the best route to take from your room.

Plus, you’re provided with waterproof wristbands serving as the key to your room and gated pool area, where you’ll be hanging out the most during your stay.

There’s a 24/7 unlimited towel and robe exchange simply by calling the front desk or swapping out garments at the labeled exchange station near the “Mud Cove”, where you’ll definitely need a new towel after lathering yourself in detoxifying “mud” like your auditioning for a Papua New Guinea tribe.

Every aspect of the resort encourages overall well-being from curated Sleep Guide packets in your room, a variety of massage treatments and calming activities like Aqua Sound Baths (my favorite), Aqua Yoga, and the Roman Spa, a spitting image of authentic European bathhouses; not to mention the adults-only panoramic sauna.

If you’ve been paying attention to the latest trends in healthy living, cold plunges are all the rage right now.

While certainly not a requirement, to max out health benefits from mental health to inflammation ailments, industry experts encourage alternating between hot and cold pools.

Start off by relaxing in one of the resort’s 20+ pools, then switch to a teeth-chattering cold plunge, and warm up again.

Each pool is marked by a temperature reading from that morning. My sweet spot was 102 degrees, but I saw measurements as high as 104.

Fun Fact: The resort can accommodate upwards of 1,100 guests, but occupancy is capped at 50% to ensure a relaxed atmosphere and prevent overcrowding.

Hot Tub Bloody Marys & Midnight Stargazing: Enjoy 24/7 Pool Access

The worst part about vacationing is some fellow travelers ruin all the fun. How often do you book a hotel with a nice pool only for it to close right after dinner?

That’s the case for most stays. Murrieta Hot Spring Resort is the antithesis to resort rigidity by trusting guests to conduct themselves respectfully.

While drinking is allowed in the pools, I’ve gotta say this was the quietest resort I’ve ever been to, even during peak hours.

The surprising part about that is this resort is very family-friendly, but there weren’t any loud, snot-nosed kiddos ruining our Zen.

Everyone seemed zoned in on all-day soaking in 100% natural geothermal waters, which explains the masses of Utah plates in the free parking lot – or perhaps the former “commune” housed here cast as lasting spell on all of us.

Kidding, of course. The springs were truly rejuvenating, even soothing a lingering foot injury.

My only conundrum was deciding between partaking in my comfortable bedroom’s Sleep Guide goodie bag of earplugs, protein snacks, and aromatherapy products or taking advantage of 24/7 pool access as an overnight guest – so, I did both.

The first night I slept like a rock, followed by late-night stargazing the next night, where I had endless choices of empty springs to soak in while gazing into the night sky.

While I didn’t see any alien-crafted drones, I did see 5 shooting stars; a really cool experience since Murrieta is tucked away just enough from light pollution.

Know Before You Go: Day Pass users are not permitted 24/7 access. The Spa is open daily 9am – 9pm, where Day Pass users have free range of Serenity Garden pools and receive a robe, towel, and storage locker.

Explore SoCal’s “Napa” With One-Of-A-Kind Wine Cave

Don’t sleep on Murrieta; there’s a lot to do for a soccer-Mom town. Albeit sometimes you may cross over into Temecula, Southern California’s version of the North’s Napa Valley.

Temecula is just a stone’s throw away, boasting immaculate landscapes cruising the backroads, especially at sunset.

For a nice evening out, I highly recommend checking out The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery.

Just as it sounds, you’ll be escorted into ‘SoCal’s only subterranean mined wine cave‘ for curated tastings (and/or dinner).

It’s a really unique atmosphere inside, but the patio steals the show with sweeping mountain views. Enjoy them best with a glass of velvety Syrah in hand.

There are numerous wine tours to book throughout the region, but a fun way to see the sites is by horseback riding at Susie Q Ranch, who work in tandem with Lorimar Vineyards & Winery for post-tasting rides and also offer lessons as young as 5 years old compared to competitors’ age 8 requirement.

Make sure you ask for Karen; she’s an incredibly insightful guide whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice like me, who doesn’t know the difference between a Seabiscuit and a seahorse.

You can also book a rustic, remodeled barn apartment onsite for overnight stays at Suzie Q’s, but you’ll need to contact them directly for more info.

Talia Kitchen: A Destination Unto Itself

Whether you’re a resort guest or not, Talia Kitchen alone is worth driving from anywhere in SoCal for an unforgettable meal.

For perspective, I recently traveled across France, wined and dined in the Algarve, splurged on Marrakesh’s finest tagines, but all it took was one bite at Talia Kitchen to send my tastebuds around the world.

Every dish was a masterclass of culinary precision, from sinful sumac-spiced fritters to pillowy scallops locally sourced (sadly, no longer offered).

Equally great was the service from rockstar waitress Isis to funny quips from the Chef who took time out of his busy shift to provide some off-menu delights just because.

Talia Kitchen may be housed at Murrieta Springs Hot Resort, but it’s a destination unto itself.

Here is what I recommend ordering:

• Bottle of Robert Renzoni (Tempranillo wine)
• Roasted Delicate Squash (appetizer)
• Prime Back Loin Center Cut Local Swordfish (entree)
• Caramelized Honey Panna Cotta (dessert)

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

Last Updated 1 month ago

They say there are two sides to every story, and in some cases, two sides to every town.

But this one is truly a unicorn!

Nestled along the California – Nevada border lies a gorgeous getaway packed with fall splendor and ritzy resorts.

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat.

Home to crystal clear waters, even Californians find themselves “stay-cationing” inland away from the Golden State’s renowned coastline, especially as the surrounding backdrop begins to blooms with fall colors.

It’s time to wave goodbye to the ocean, and say hello to the magical mountain town of Lake Tahoe, a rare multi-state destination whose beauty and luxury will leave you speechless this fall.

The North Side Is All The Rage This Fall

No need for another California turf war.

With Tupac gone (or living his best island life) and the Kendrick-Drake beef subsided, let’s just say there’s no need for Tahoe to spark a North vs. South battle.

If anything, Outside Magazine has stoked the campfire, so to speak, claiming Tahoe’s North side is all the rage this fall, and they’re right!

While there’s certainly more to California than pristine beaches and bustling cities, many travelers are seeking out the best spots to ‘leaf-peep’.

For the West Coast, one of the best is surely Lake Tahoe. Already boasting dreamy blue waters, the allure increases tenfold back-splashed by the vast Sierra Nevada mountain range showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors September to winter.

North Lake Tahoe spans across both Nevada and California, and I bet you can guess which side beholds the ‘nude beach’!

While you’re free to show off whatcha mama gave ya, so is Lake Tahoe, as Mother Nature gifted this region with some astounding sites to explore.

There are 12 delightful towns dotted around this side, all offering their own unique flair. Many visitors love going for scenic hikes, with over 100 trails to choose from, or enjoying the pristine water by kayak or SUP.

Outside Magazine calls fall the ‘secret season’ for Tahoe; one key reason being how festive it becomes with fun events like a pair of different Oktoberfests and the Made in Tahoe Festival.

Cozy Cabin Or Ritzy Resorts: Lake Tahoe Has You Covered

For what it’s worth, don’t sleep on the South side, figuratively speaking. But, hey, you literally can sleep in South Tahoe – and in style, too.

There’s a variety are cozy cabins, lodges, and luxurious stays to choose from wrapping around the gorgeous lake.

As you surely may have guessed, Nevada is the side of the lake where you can visit casinos, such as famous names like Hard Rock and Golden Nugget.

The California side is just as splendid but lacking the neon lights and cheesy, over-the-top decor.

Here are some of the most noteworthy luxury stays in Lake Tahoe (all 4-star accommodations or higher):

• Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
• Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino
• Bally’s Lake Tahoe
• Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
• Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
• Franciscan Lakeside Lodge
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino

And this is just a sample size!

Keep in mind, during the winter months, Lake Tahoe transforms into a quintessential winter wonderland where hordes of tourists visit to hit the Palisades’ slopes, many of which are marvelous ski resorts too, like Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Reaching Lake Tahoe

For some, Lake Tahoe is the ultimate road trip destination to explore the scenic, winding California back roads oozing fall splendor.

For others, we just like to hop on a plane and get there when we get there.

Either way, Tahoe is easy to reach, with ample flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Offering 23 flights through 9 different carriers, the airport is located under an hour away from your next fall escape.

These two providers offer shuttles from the airport, as well as Uber:

• North Lake Tahoe Express
• South Tahoe Airporter

Travel Tip: Warm up from the breezy mountain air by visiting Lake Tahoe’s top hidden gem – Travertine Hot Springs. Free to enter, and no permits required, take a dip surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.