PHOTO COURTESY OF LANGHAM HUNTINGTON PASADENA<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/view-from-pool-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”viewfrompool” title=”viewfrompool” title_text=”viewfrompool” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
PHOTO COURTESY OF LA VILLA DEL VALLE<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Rose-Garden-landscape-1-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”RoseGarden” title=”RoseGarden” title_text=”RoseGarden” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
PHOTO COURTESY OF DESCANO GARDENS<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/1509396-801_ryan_miller-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”Broadmuseum” title=”Broadmuseum” title_text=”Broadmuseum” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
PHOTO BY RYAN MILLER, COURTESY OF THE BROAD<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″]
Simply finding your way to Catalina can turn into a trip highlight if you arrive in a movie scene\u2013worthy seaplane that lands on the water. Charter one from Long Beach or San Pedro via Seaplanes of Los Angeles, which can also arrange to have kayaks and a secluded beach picnic waiting for you upon arrival. Alternatively, it doesn\u2019t get more convenient than Island Express Helicopters, which offers charters from every major SoCal airport, including Palm Springs (a little over an hour ride to Catalina). The number of activities available on the 75-square-mile island is downright dizzying. Start with a hike around the lovely town of Avalon with its streets of tiny cottages or get ambitious and strike out on the road that leads out of the village and into the interior of the island. The newly launched Twilight at the Casino Tour lets visitors tour the 1929 art deco landmark after dark and amps up the glam factor with ballroom dancing and big band music.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> The six-room Cape Cod\u2013style Snug Harbor Inn provides a slew of nice touches like a wine and hors d\u2019oeuvres hour, breakfast brought to your room, and complimentary beach chairs and mats.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/AvalonAerial_2008_2-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”AvalonAerial” title=”AvalonAerial” title_text=”AvalonAerial” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] PHOTO COURTESY OF CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] Those who recall the downtown L.A. of decades ago may still find it mind-blowing that the urban neighborhood has also become the city\u2019s coolest (one, mind you, that didn\u2019t even have a full-service grocery store as of 10 years ago, let alone renowned culinary and art scenes). For a shot of culture, head for The Broad, which, since opening in 2015, has become a sort of museum trifecta thanks to its impressive collection of contemporary art, innovative design, and free admission. You can still catch the trippy Infinity Mirrored Room (which requires a timed same-day reservation that you can make when you arrive at the museum) until October and, if you have time to squeeze in some theater, there\u2019s lots of buzz around the Tony Award\u2013winning whodunit The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time<\/em>, which kicks off a monthlong run at the Ahmanson on Aug. 2. Of course, prepare for lots of eating. Chef Josef Centro\u2019s lauded new veggie-centric P.Y.T. will give you new respect for everything from romanesco to ruby red grapefruits, and on weekends you can gorge yourself on Peruvian tacos, vegan doughnuts, and pork-belly musubi at the Brooklyn-imported outdoor food-porn-fest Smorgasburg.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> Go high at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, where rooms start on the 22nd floor and city views surround you, or put on your hipster hat at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, with groovy rooms housed in an ornate 1927 Gothic Revival building.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] Sure there\u2019s the Pacific Ocean across the street, but you can easily spend all day (and night, for that matter) strolling the stylish new dual-level shopping and dining destination Pacific City. Fun restaurants abound here, but the hottest seat (and there are only 28 of them) is at LSXO, a sexy speakeasy-style Vietnamese eatery from the team behind L.A.\u2019s Little Sister. It\u2019s tucked behind an unmarked door within the larger restaurant Bluegold. The nearby Ways & Means Oyster House has a solid raw bar, or you can peruse the artisanal Lot 579 food hall where vendors dole out specialty stuff like Technicolor popsicles and handheld pies. The place is also dotted with a couple dozen shops \u2014 including cool custom-tee store Tankfarm & Co. and board maker Surfing Supply \u2014 and it hosts outdoor summer movie nights and live musicians weekly.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY: <\/strong>The brand-new Pas\u00e9a Hotel & Spa blends a laid-back luxe feel with beach vibes. Floors are named for various shades of blue, and you\u2019ll quickly notice the outlines of waves in everything from the carets to the wall art (check out the piece hanging in the lobby made entirely of flip-flops). Rooms are done up in natural woods and neutrals and are equipped with loungey furniture, balconies, and LED TVs. Don\u2019t miss drinks around the fire pit at Treehouse, perched on a roof deck overlooking that ocean you (almost) forgot about.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Noon_Pool-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”NoonPool” title=”NoonPool” title_text=”NoonPool” ][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/From_Pier_DSC06450-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”FromPier” title=”FromPier” title_text=”FromPier” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAS\u00c9A HOTEL & SPA<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] Those who love Ojai, looooove Ojai. Maybe it\u2019s the hovering Topatopa Mountains, which famously turn a vibrant shade of pink at sunset, or the tranquil downtown village, dotted with art galleries, independent boutiques, and wine tasting rooms, or the historic Spanish Colonial Revival\u2013style architecture like the landmark bell tower that tolls on the hour. Of course, they\u2019ll also point to the little town\u2019s vibrant Sunday farmers\u2019 market overflowing with colorful locally grown produce and a summer calendar full of outdoor festivals, including the impressive classical music\u2013focused Ojai Music Festival (June 8\u201311), which this year is being directed by Grammy-nominated composer-pianist Vijay Iyer. Still, many of Ojai\u2019s biggest fans also insist it\u2019s simply got one of the best spas in the country at Spa Ojai.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> The iconic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa boasts the 31,000-square-foot Spa Ojai, a comfortable and serene facility that swears you\u2019ll walk out feeling renewed and reinvigorated. Indulge in a 100-minute Himalayan salt stone massage (you get to keep the stones) or a service that highlights local ingredients like the orange blossom and honey body wrap or the lavender sugar full-body exfoliation. The spa also offers a top-notch roster of mind and body classes, ranging from chakra meditation and stretching at sunset to calorie-burning boot camp and TRX classes; there\u2019s also a lovely caf\u00e9 touting vibrant juices, grain bowls, and seasonally inspired salads.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/SpaOjai_WomensArea-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”SpaOjai” title=”SpaOjai” title_text=”SpaOjai” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] PHOTO COURTESY OF OJAI VALLEY INN & SPA<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] Hit up a trio of beach towns in one weekend, starting with the most southern of the three, retro Redondo Beach. Some of its kitsch may be giving way to shiny new development (with more on the way), but much of Redondo still feels like that beach town you loved as a kid. A walk from King Harbor to the pier will wind you past shell-necklace shops, glass-bottom boats, fishermen camped out in folding chairs, and the terrifically tacky Fun Factory arcade (slated to shutter in 2019 to make way for a new project) complete with Skee Ball and a Tilt-A-Whirl.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] It\u2019s hard not to get out on the water here, as businesses touting stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and fishing boat excursions are around every turn. At sunset, you\u2019ll want to get a maraschino-garnished mai tai in a take-home glass at the gloriously trapped-in-time Tony\u2019s on the Pier, but for dinner head inland a few blocks for standout homemade pastas at the modern Bettolino Kitchen, tucked in a strip mall.The most fun way to get to northern neighbors Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach is to rent a ride and pedal up on the South Bay Bicycle Trail. Hermosa is home to about as vibrant a beach scene as you\u2019ll find anywhere, and much of it revolves around volleyball, with dozens of nets anchored in the sand year-round. Pickup games, local leagues, and lessons take place daily, and from July 21 to 23 the Open draws top players from around the world. Plenty of restaurants, bars, and more bars dot the happening Hermosa Pier, but none as pretty as Palmilla Cocina y Tequila, known for upscale Mexican fare and craft cocktails. And a South Bay trip is never complete without a visit to Manhattan Beach, the tony town that\u2019s home to some of L.A.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] County\u2019s priciest real estate. Take a shopping stroll through the streets lined with the likes of Trina Turk, Splendid, Margaret O\u2019Leary, and oodles of independent and locally owned boutiques that stock everything from $300 bikinis to Australian-imported beach towels. But the buzziest bit of Manhattan Beach revolves around its dining scene with standouts like David LaFevre\u2019s MB Post, where locals share plates of farm-to-table fare such as blistered green beans with Thai basil and crostini of beef tartare.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> You can\u2019t get any closer to the sea (or its resident seals) than at the seriously oceanfront Portofino Hotel and Marina, a New England-meets-contemporary-SoCal property complete with a formal lobby living room with a massive stone fireplace. For a taste of the new and hip, try boutique hotel Shade Manhattan Beach or its brand-new sister property Shade Redondo Beach, with a rooftop pool and rooms equipped with adjustable colored mood lighting and soaking tubs on the balconies.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] You\u2019ve got your pick of gorgeous gardens nearby, but the best known is probably the 120-acre botanical gardens at Huntington Library, which is also home to a historical library and art collection along with its famous Rose Garden tea room. Descanso Gardens, meanwhile, boasts a tranquil Japanese garden, full of flowering cherry trees and Japanese maples and its oft-photographed red bridge that crosses a stream. Weekend visitors to Descanso have to deal with more crowds, but get to take part in free guided morning walks and indulge in an upscale comfort food brunch at the new Maple (fried chicken and beignets, anyone?). Next up, hit Colorado Boulevard to browse titles at Vroman\u2019s, the region\u2019s oldest indie bookstore, and sample perfectly Parisian macarons at the tiny Euro Pane Bakery. Wind down in Old Pasadena with craft cocktails and small plates at the dark-wooded and dapper White Horse Lounge.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> The historic Langham Huntington hotel, originally built more than 100 years ago as a winter resort for the well-heeled, still feels like a grand getaway spot with high tea service, manicured gardens, lawn croquet, and a picture bridge overlooking the Hollywood-esque pool. Rooms all have large windows (often with views of the San Gabriel Mountains) and Italian marble baths.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/12-The-Langham-Afternoon-Tea-Wedgwood-Matt-Armendariz-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”LanghamAfternoonTea” title=”LanghamAfternoonTea” title_text=”LanghamAfternoonTea” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] PHOTO BY MATT ARMENDARIZ, COURTESY OF LANGHAM HUNTINGTON<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] Art lovers luck out in Laguna Beach, as the busy beach town that\u2019s already home to more than 100 art galleries and nearly as many public art installations also hosts multiple outdoor art festivals within a mile of one another every single summer. The original Festival of Arts is one of the nation\u2019s oldest juried fine arts shows, featuring works by O.C.\u2013based artists along with weekly concerts, art talks, and jazz-and-wine nights. The Laguna Art-A-Fair is the only one of the three to feature artists from around the world. And the quirkier Sawdust Art & Craft Festival (which began as a sort of splinter show to the stuffier Festival of Arts in the \u201960s) takes place in a rustic village-like setting where Laguna artists hawk everything from surf art to upcycled birdhouses. Hitting all three is a no-brainer, as an unlimited passport to the trio costs only $24. After you\u2019ve gotten your fill of art, cross over into the glitzy coastal community of Newport Beach, the perfect summer venue to combine beach days, upscale shopping, fine dining, and plenty of outdoor activities (surfing, kayaking, kite-flying, and, well, you get the idea\u2026) as well as lounge in luxury at a lavish resort overlooking the pristine Crystal Cove State Park, a 3.5-mile oceanfront nature preserve, the perfect backdrop for a round of golf or a morning cardio class.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> Laguna\u2019s historic La Casa del Camino has a Mission feel with beamed ceilings, arched windows, and ornate chandeliers in the lobby. Upstairs, The Rooftop lounge pairs cocktails with panoramic ocean views. Fresh \u2028off a $1.5 million renovation, the Laguna Beach House lives up to its name with a laid-back beach cottage vibe, while the grander cliff-perched Montage features Craftsman-style architecture and a 20,000-square-foot spa. At the 504-acre Italian Renaissance\u2013style The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, bungalow rooms and suites are dotted along scenic, landscaped pathways and appointed with limestone fireplaces, marble baths, and soaring wood-beam ceilings. Tuscan restaurant Andrea boasts a 1,200-bottle Italian wine collection and a temperature-controlled pasta room where chefs make the spaghetti and gnocchi by hand.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/PHRESORT-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”PHRESORT” title=”PHRESORT” title_text=”PHRESORT” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] Yes, it\u2019s best known for prolific autumn apple picking, but there\u2019s more to this historic Gold Rush town than fruit. Besides its art galleries, wineries, antique shops, and impressive pioneer museum, Julian also makes a handy home base for outdoor activities at the nearby Lake Cuyamaca and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Rent a kayak for a couple of hours or tackle the 8-mile Oakzanita Peak Trail, which gains 1,300 feet in elevation and rewards hikers with killer coastline views. For dinner, the bistro-style Jeremy\u2019s on the Hill, 3 miles west of downtown, serves classic dishes like chicken cordon bleu and pork schnitzel along with a California-focused wine list. Find dessert at your pick of multiple pie shops, including Mom\u2019s Pie House, which offers nearly two dozen dreamy varieties, from apple-boysenberry to peach crumb, along with baking classes.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> The Julian Gold Rush Hotel in the center of town dates back to 1897 and has 16 antique-appointed rooms, while Orchard Hill Country Inn offers lodge-style rooms in addition to a dozen cottages with private porches and gas fireplaces. Both include house-made breakfasts and an afternoon tea or wine hour.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/16033525664_6f828fd05b_o-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”pies” title=”pies” title_text=”pies” ][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/16656427355_eb6e3ea231_o-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”grapes” title=”grapes” title_text=”grapes” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, VISIT JULIAN<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] When it comes to libations, Mexico may be better known for its margaritas than its malbecs, but these days, Baja\u2019s burgeoning wine scene is worth the time for the trip. About a two-hour drive from the border, Valle de Guadalupe is now home to more than 100 wineries that vary from decades-old family-run operations pouring wines in back barns to newly built architectural gems set up as tasting rooms. Your itinerary will depend on how long you have, how much tasting you\u2019re up for, and if you want to trade paved roads for the region\u2019s many dirt ones. The patio at Sol y Barro, a rustic cob-constructed boutique winery owned by a Swiss designer, is a solid spot for sipping. For a totally different atmosphere, step inside the glass-and-steel structure at Vi\u00f1a de Frannes, a striking contrast to the surrounding vineyards. And the not-to-miss meal that the food world is talking about is chef Diego Hernandez\u2019s ever-changing five-course tasting menu at Coraz\u00f3n de Tierra, showcasing stunning ingredients from the property\u2019s garden and local purveyors for a very reasonable $75 per person.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> The hilltop six-room La Villa Del Valle (which shares a property with Coraz\u00f3n de Tierra) feels like an intimate Mediterranean inn. Casa Ocho at Bruma is a bed-and-breakfast drenched in natural elements of wood, stone, and boulders anchored by an infinity pool, with plans to add a new restaurant this summer.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] Sure, you\u2019ve probably made the windy trek up the Palms to Pines Highway to Idyllwild for a day trip before, but it\u2019s well worth making it an overnight visit next time, especially in the dead of summer when the mountain town is a delightful 20-plus degrees cooler than its valley counterpart. Plan your visit around one of Idyllwild\u2019s summer festivals, none as renowned as Jazz in the Pines (Aug. 11\u201313), when more than two dozen jazz, blues, and R&B artists perform on multiple stages over the weekend on the grounds of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, located in the San Jacinto Mountains. You can also peruse offerings like jewelry and crafts by local artists along with festival merch at the on-site marketplace. For something quirkier, check out the annual Lemon Lily Festival (June 24\u201325), an event filled with guided hikes, kids\u2019 events, lectures, and live music, all focused on celebrating and restoring the native lemon lily wildflower.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> The Grand Idyllwild Lodge blends a boutique feel with a craftsman-style lodge, providing lovely common spaces like an expansive wraparound outdoor deck shaded by towering pines, a leather furniture\u2013filled living room with fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing dramatic views of the mountains. The nine rooms and suites come equipped with hardwood floors and a mix of d\u00e9cor ranging from mosaic tiles to floating furniture to vintage fixtures.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] All that winter rain we received hasn\u2019t just been good for drought relief and wildflower blooms. It has also amped up the rapids for whitewater rafting. Thanks to a heftier-than-normal snowpack on Mount Whitney, the melt will be flowing down to the Kern River all summer long, equating to what the pros are calling the most epic conditions in decades. Kern River Tours offers a menu of trips that range in both length and heart-pounding factor. Get a good overview with the outfit\u2019s Sampler Run that starts with a 3-mile ride on a calmer stretch of river, then moves to two more intermediate runs, totaling about 10 miles and three-plus hours on the water. And if you want to throw in some sleeping under the stars, consider an overnight excursion, where you\u2019ll raft 9 miles to a campsite complete with horseshoes, cliff jumping, and a staff to cook your meals (you simply bring a sleeping bag and, hopefully, a toothbrush), before rafting another 13 miles back the next day.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] WHERE TO STAY:<\/strong> If camping isn\u2019t your thing, drive to the nearby town of Kernville where you can rent a riverfront cabin, with some of the more upscale options offering gourmet kitchens and outdoor showers.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”1″ _module_preset=”default” ][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.palmspringslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BlackOwlMedia_KernRiverTours-8393-cc-resize.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”KernRiverTours” title=”KernRiverTours” title_text=”KernRiverTours” ][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”] PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK OWL KERN TOURS<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″] DOWNTOWN L.A.<\/strong> HUNTINGTON BEACH<\/strong> OJAI<\/strong> SOUTH BAY<\/strong> PASADENA<\/strong> SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY<\/strong> BAJA MEXICO<\/strong> IDYLLWILD<\/strong>Downtown L.A.<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Huntington Beach<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
OJAI<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
South Bay<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Pasadena<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
South Orange County<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Julian<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Idyllwild<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Kern River<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
THE GREAT ESCAPES (RESOURCES)<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
CATALINA ISLAND<\/strong>
Sea Planes of Los Angeles<\/strong><\/em>
1140 Wall St., Ste. 125, La Jolla. 808-732-7526;
seaplanesoflosangeles.com<\/a>
Island Express Helicopters<\/em><\/strong>
1175 Queens Highway, Long Beach. 800-228-2566; islandexpress.com<\/a>
Twilight at the Casino Tour<\/strong><\/em>
1 Casino Way, Avalon. 800-626-1496;
visitcatalinaisland.com\/activities-adventures\/catalina-casino\/twilight-casino-tour<\/a>
Snug Harbor Inn<\/em><\/strong>
108 Sumner Ave., Avalon. 310-510-8400;
snugharbor-inn.com<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
The Broad<\/strong><\/em>
221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-232-6200; thebroad.org<\/a>
Ahmanson Theatre<\/em><\/strong>
135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-628-2772; centertheatregroup.org\/visit\/ahmanson-theatre<\/a>
P.Y.T.<\/em><\/strong>
400 S. Main St., Los Angeles. 213-687-7015; pytlosangeles.com<\/a>
Smorgasburg<\/strong><\/em>
785 Bay St., Los Angeles. la.smorgasburg.com<\/a>
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles<\/strong><\/em>
900 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-743-8800; ritzcarlton.com\/en\/hotels\/california\/los-angeles<\/a>
Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles<\/strong><\/em>
929 South Broadway, Los Angeles. 213-623-3233; acehotel.com\/losangeles<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Pacific City<\/strong><\/em>
21010 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 714-960-3647; gopacificcity.com<\/a>
LSXO<\/strong><\/em>
1016 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. D200, Huntington Beach. 714-374-0038; dinebluegold.com\/lsxo<\/a>
Ways & Means Oyster House<\/em><\/strong>
21022 Pacific Coast Highway, B140, Huntington Beach.714-960-4300; wmoysters.com<\/a>
Tankfarm & Co.<\/em><\/strong>
1034 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 714-374-0055; tankfarmco.com<\/a>
Surfing Supply<\/strong><\/em>
21010 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. gopacificcity.com\/surfing-supply<\/a>
Pas\u00e9a Hotel & Spa<\/strong><\/em>
21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 866-478-9702; paseahotel.com<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Ojai Music Festival<\/strong><\/em>
201 South Signal St., Ojai. 805-646-2094; ojaifestival.org<\/a>
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa<\/strong><\/em>
905 Country Club Road, Ojai. 855-697-8780; ojairesort.com<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Tony\u2019s on the Pier<\/strong><\/em>
210 Fisherman\u2019s Wharf, Redondo Beach. 310-374-1442; oldtonys.com<\/a>
Bettolino Kitchen<\/strong><\/em>
211 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach. 310-375-0500; bettolinokitchen.com<\/a>
Marina Bike Rentals<\/strong><\/em>
505 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, 310-318-2453; marinabikerentals.com<\/a>
Hermosa Beach Open<\/strong><\/em>
Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach. avp.com\/event\/avp-hermosa-beach-open<\/a>
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila<\/strong><\/em>
39 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. \u2028310-374-4440; palmillarestaurant.com<\/a>
Trina Turk<\/strong><\/em>
333 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. 310-303-3153; trinaturk.com<\/a>
Splendid<\/strong><\/em>
329 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. 310-546-6081; splendid.com<\/a>
Margaret O\u2019Leary<\/em><\/strong>
1012 \u00bd Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. 310-363-8830; margaretoleary.com<\/a>
MB Post<\/strong><\/em>
1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. 310-545-5405; eatmbpost.com<\/a>
Portofino Hotel and Marina<\/em><\/strong>
260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. 310-379-8481; hotelportofino.com<\/a>
Shade Hotel<\/strong><\/em>
1221 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach. 310-546-4995; mb.shadehotel.com<\/a>
Shade Hotel<\/strong><\/em>
655 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach. 310-921-8940; rb.shadehotel.com<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
The Huntington<\/strong><\/em>
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. 626-405-2100; huntington.org<\/a>
Descanso Gardens<\/strong><\/em>
1418 Descanso Drive, La Ca\u00f1ada Flintridge. 818-952-4390; descansogardens.org<\/a>
Vroman\u2019s Bookstore<\/strong><\/em>
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320; vromansbookstore.com<\/a>
Euro Pane Bakery<\/strong><\/em>
950 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-577-1828
White Horse Lounge<\/strong><\/em>
41 S. De Lacey Ave., Pasadena. 626-583-9013; whitehorsepasadena.com<\/a>
The Langham Huntington<\/strong><\/em>
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena. 626-568-3900; langhamhotels.com\/en\/the-langham\/pasadena<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Festival of Arts<\/strong><\/em>
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-497-6582; foapom.com<\/a>
Art-A-Fair<\/strong><\/em>
777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-494-4514; art-a-fair.com<\/a>
Sawdust Art & Craft Festival<\/strong><\/em>
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org<\/a>
La Casa del Camino<\/strong><\/em>
1289 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 855-634-5736; lacasadelcamino.com<\/a>
Montage<\/strong><\/em>
30801 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. \u2028866-271-6953; montagehotels.com<\/a>
Laguna Beach House<\/strong><\/em>
475 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 800-297-0007; thelagunabeachhouse.com<\/a>
The Resort at Pelican Hill<\/em><\/strong>
22701 S. Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast. 855-315-8214; pelicanhill.com<\/a>
JULIAN<\/strong>
Lake Cuyamaca<\/strong><\/em>
15027 Highway 79, Julian. 760-765-0515; lakecuyamaca.org<\/a>
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park<\/em><\/strong>
13652 Highway 79, Julian. 760-765-3020; stateparks.com\/cuyamaca.html<\/a>
Jeremy\u2019s on the Hill<\/strong><\/em>
4354 Highway 78, Julian. 760-765-1587; jeremysonthehill.com<\/a>
Mom\u2019s Pies<\/em><\/strong>
2119 Main St., Julian. 760-765-2472; momspiesjulian.com<\/a>
Julian Gold Rush Hotel<\/strong><\/em>
2032 Main St., Julian. 760-765-0201; julianhotel.com<\/a>
Orchard Hill Country Inn<\/strong><\/em>
2502 Washington St., Julian. \u2028760-765-1700; orchardhill.com<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Sol y Barro<\/strong><\/em>
Carretera El Sauzal de Rodr\u00edguez Tecate KM87, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. +52 -646-155-3254
Vi\u00f1a de Frannes<\/strong><\/em>
Camino Vecinal al rancho Ca\u00f1ada del trigo s\/n Valle de Guadalupe C.P. 22750 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. +52-646-155-2433; vi\u00f1adefrannes.com<\/a>
Coraz\u00f3n de Tierra<\/strong><\/em>
Rancho San Marcos S\/N, El Porvenir, 22750 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. +52 646 156 8030; corazondetierra.com<\/a>
La Villa Del Valle<\/strong><\/em>
Rancho San Marcos Toros Pintos S\/N Km 88 +300, Francisco Zarco, 22750 Ensenada, BC, Mexico. +52-646-156-8007; lavilladelvalle.com\/lavilla<\/a>
Casa Ocho at Bruma<\/em><\/strong>
Carretera Tecate-Ensenada km 74, Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. \u2028+52 646-116-8031; bruma.mx<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]
Jazz in the Pines<\/strong><\/em>
Idyllwild Arts Foundation, 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild. 951-468-7210; jazzinthepines.com<\/a>
Lemon Lily Festival<\/strong><\/em>
Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Highway 243, Idyllwild. 951-659-3850; lemonlilyfestival.com<\/a>
The Grand Idyllwild Lodge<\/strong><\/em>
54820 Pinecrest Road, Idyllwild. 951-659-2383; grandidyllwildlodge.com<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”1″ text_font=”|400|||||||”]