MARK YOUR CALENDAR

From snow-capped mountains to vineyard valleys to soft sand beaches, the following pages highlight a variety of memory-making activites all year long.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

https://www.theflowerfields.com/

San Diego Whale Watch https://www.sandiego.org/members/tourssightseeing/san-diego-whale-watch.aspx

SAN DIEGO COUNTY CALENDAR

JANUARY • Start the new year off right with San Diego Restaurant Week (https://www.sandiegorestaurantweek. com/). With 100 of the most delicious eateries around the city participating, your palate won’t be disappointed. Make sure to try at least one Mexican food restaurant—a must when visiting San Diego!

FEBRUARY • Have a whale of a good time at the height of gray whale migration season as the majestic 40-foot creatures make their way to the warm waters of Baja. Spot them from high above at Cabrillo National Monument or get a much closer look at San Diego Whale Watch (https://www.sandiego. org/members/tours-sightseeing/san-diego-whale-watch.aspx).

MARCH • Discover a world of art, science, and history at iconic Balboa Park (https://balboapark. org/), the cultural heart of San Diego. Explore dozens of museums from family-friendly to off-the-wall, botanical gardens, and nature trails set against colonial Spanish architecture and lush landscapes. APRIL • Ring in spring by heading to the seasonal Flower Fields (https://www.theflowerfields.com/) in Carlsbad to see the spectacular 50-acre display of blooms bursting in every color that announce the arrival of warmer days. Make sure to have your cameras ready for the many photo-ops.

MAY • Party it up for Cinco de Mayo all month long at the Annual Old Town Fiesta (https://www. cincodemayooldtown.com/) in Old Town, the birthplace of San Diego that celebrates the city’s rich heritage and culture. Enjoy live music, traditional performances, and the best Mexican food this side of the border.

JUNE • Mark the official start of summer at the San Diego County Fair (https://sdfair.com/)! Play carnival games, whip around on rides, and consume as much fried food as your stomach can handle. Make sure to ride the Ferris wheel overlooking the ocean at sunset.

https://hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea/

Oceanside Pier

https://visitoceanside.org/oceanside-pier/

JULY • Unleash your inner superhero at the internationally-renowned Comic-Con (https://www. comic-con.org/frontpage) at the San Diego Convention Center every year. See attendees decked out in costumes, watch live discussion panels with movie actors, and marvel at the out-of-this-world exhibits.

AUGUST • Live like a true San Diego beach bum during the dog days of summer in Oceanside. Pedal a cruise bike to the beach, paddleboard around the harbor, or fish right off the Oceanside Pier (https:// visitoceanside.org/oceanside-pier/). Then enjoy waterfront dining or set sail on a sunset Wine Cruise (https:// www.oceansidewhalewatching.com/cruises/wine-cruise/).

SEPTEMBER • Roll up your sleeves and join hundreds of volunteers on Annual Coastal Cleanup Day (https://cleansd.org/volunteer/), the largest oneday environmental action event in all of San Diego. Help remove trash from San Diego beaches and waterways to keep them clean and pristine! OCTOBER • Step back in time in the gold rush town of Julian (https://visitjulian.com/) for the Annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest Festival. Pick your own apples, ride horses, and pan for real gold. Browse the charming shops along Main Street and don’t leave before sampling their famous apple pie!

NOVEMBER • Head to where the surf meets the turf at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (https:// www.dmtc.com/) for the fall Bing Crosby horse racing season. Place your bets, sip on a wide selection of local beers and wines, and enjoy an A-list lineup of concerts following the races each day.

DECEMBER • Celebrate the holidays San Diego style! Enjoy a local twist on a winter classic by lacing up your skates and heading to Skating by the Sea (https://hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea/), an ice skating rink set up right on the beach in Coronado. As an added bonus, all proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

https://sccarshow.com/

San Clemente Iconic Pier

https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/

ORANGE COUNTY CALENDAR

JANUARY • Discover why everyone from movie stars to politicians fall in love with the charming seaside town of San Clemente. Stroll along the iconic pier (https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/ san-clemente-pier-city-beach/) then visit the beautiful Casa Romantica (https://www.casaromantica.org/) and marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

FEBRUARY • Watch for gray whales as they make their yearly migration from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja. Witness this parade of gentle giants from on land at a Dana Point beach, or get a closer look on a whale-watching excursion with Captain Dave’s Catamaran (https://visitdanapoint.com/what-todo/captain-daves-dolphin-and-whale-safari/).

MARCH • Dip your way to deliciousness at Oliver’s (https://oliversevoo.com/) in San Clemente, one of the oldest olive oil and balsamic tasting galleries in Southern California with 25 varieties all bottled onsite. The best part? You’re invited to sample as much of the good stuff as you like. APRIL • Go shopping with a vintage twist at Stanford Court Antiques (http://www.stanfordcourtantiques.com/), an antique shop in Historic San Clemente dating back to 1910 that offers a wide variety of high-end finds ranging from overseas collectibles to American mid-century modern pieces.

MAY • Hit the road on a classic scenic cruise up Highway 1 (https://www.visitcalifornia.com/road-trips/ highway-one-classic/). You can’t go wrong as you wind your way along this gorgeous stretch of California coastline—just make sure to roll the windows down and turn the music up! See how to offset your carbon emissions here (https://www.cooleffect.org/travel-offset).

JUNE • Admire hundreds of cars ranging from classic to hot rods that line Avenida Del Mar at the annual San Clemente Annual Car Show (https:// sccarshow.com/). This free family-friendly event features vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment, kids' activities, and of course, lots of cars.

https://www.sanclementecove.com/lets-go-to-the-farmers-market/

Ocean Institute

https://oceaninstitute.org/

JULY • Appreciate the ocean at San Clemente Ocean Festival (https://www.oceanfestival.org/) at the San Clemente Pier. From a kids’ beach run, to surf contests, to a Woody Car exhibit, and much more, there’s something for everyone at this free event that’s dedicated to ocean education and conservation.

AUGUST • Head to the Fiesta Music Festival (https://business.scchamber.com/events/details/67th-annualfiesta-music-festival-14711), an annual street celebration that began in 1953 and has become the city’s largest family-friendly summer party. Enjoy live music, delicious food, arts and crafts vendors, and tons of kids' activities.

SEPTEMBER • Learn about all things ocean-related at the Ocean Institute (https://oceaninstitute.org/) in Dana Point Harbor, offering educational marine science, history, and outdoor programs for kids that help deepen their appreciation for the ocean. Swing by the annual Tall Ships Festival, too! OCTOBER • Bring out the foodie in you at the Taste of San Clemente (https://business.scchamber. com/events/details/taste-of-san-clemente-14716), a cocktailstyle celebration in the beautiful and historic Casino San Clemente where you’ll enjoy live music, dancing, and delicious tastings from local restaurants, vineyards and microbreweries.

NOVEMBER • Gather fresh produce at the San Clemente Farmer’s Market (https://www. sanclementecove.com/lets-go-to-the-farmers-market/) that takes place every Sunday. Pick up beautiful flowers, handmade dips, and fresh breads and produce, all of which comes from the many local farms in the surrounding area.

DECEMBER • Ring in the season at Holidays at the Harbor (https://danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor/) in Dana Point. Watch the boat parade, featuring dozens of boats all decked out in holiday cheer as they compete for prizes. You can also book professional photos with Santa in front of a festive holiday display.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

https://castrawberryfestival.org/

Santa Barbara County https://www.channelislandshores.net/scenicsunday-drives-short-on-length-long-on-leisure/

CENTRAL COAST CALENDAR

JANUARY • Start the new year off right with delicious and nutritious foods. Spend a Sunday morning browsing the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market (https://visitoxnard.com/directory/channel-islands-harborfarmers-market/), filled with local farmers and fisherman offering seasonal produce and freshly-caught fish.

FEBRUARY • Embark on the famous Oxnard Taco Trail (https://visitoxnard.com/food-drinks/tacotrail/). If you love tacos and consider yourself a fierce competitor, check into 15 different tact locations around town to win the official "I Conquered the Oxnard Taco Trail" t-shirt. Not for the faint of heart—or stomach!

MARCH • Take a mini road trip through nearby Santa Barbara County (https://www.channelislandshores.net/ scenic-sunday-drives-short-on-length-long-on-leisure/). See three historic California missions as you drive along peaceful country roads where you can spot grazing animals and sip wine in small towns. Offset any emissions for a totally guilt-free road trip. APRIL • Feel like you’re in Venice while in Oxnard on a serene gondola ride through the picturesque Channel Islands Harbor. Gondola Paradiso (https://gondolaparadiso.com/) offers private rides and welcomes you to bring drinks, snacks, blankets, and music. We recommend the sunset cruise!

MAY • Make life sweet in this Strawberry Capital of the world and get in on all the berry fun at the famous California Strawberry Festival (https:// castrawberryfestival.org/). The best part? All proceeds benefit the local community, with over $4.5 million donated to more than 30 charitable organizations.

JUNE • Spend your summer afternoons enjoying free live music along with fresh ocean air at the

Concerts by the Sea Summer Concert Series

(https://visitoxnard.com/directory/concerts-by-the-sea-summerconcert-series/). Featuring a diverse line-up and the best views, this summer-long festival is the perfect way to spend a relaxing day.

https://www.channelislandshores.net/scenic-sunday-drives-ojai/

Sea Dog Yoga

http://www.seadogyoga.com/

JULY • Get spicy at the annual Oxnard Salsa Festival (https://oxnardsalsafestival.com/)! Dance the day away to live salsa bands that are as hot as the featured food. Swing by the designated Kids Zone filled with rides, games, and crafts, making this event perfect for the entire family.

AUGUST • Try yoga…on a stand up paddleboard! At Sea Dog Yoga (http://www.seadogyoga.com/), skilled instructors will help make your paddleboard yoga session equal parts challenging and fun while also teaching you to experience a deeper appreciation for the calming beauty of the ocean.

SEPTEMBER • Take a day trip to Channel Islands National Park. Hop the Island Packer Ferry (https://islandpackers.com/home/) to hike, kayak, backpack, and scuba dive. Or simply take in the wonders of the rugged coastline filled with sea caves and teeming with marine life. OCTOBER • Sip your way through fall in nearby Ventura County, home to more than two dozen wineries and tasting venues. The minerals in the soil combined with cold ocean air make the region the perfect place for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

NOVEMBER • Spend a day in the beautiful town of Ojai (https://www.channelislandshores.net/ scenic-sunday-drives-ojai/), the perfect place to enjoy pastoral beauty, get in touch with your creative side, and simply take a little break from city life. Visit Ojai Meadows Preserve, Heavenly Honey Company, and Bart’s Books along the way.

DECEMBER • Stroll—or drive— down F Street, known during the holidays as Christmas Tree Lane (https://visitoxnard.com/directory/christmas-treelane/), to see all the historic homes decked out in one of the most elaborate light displays in town that’s sure to make your season merry and bright.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

https://www.coachella.com/

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

https://pstramway.com/

PALM SPRINGS CALENDAR

JANUARY • Pedal your way through the bikefriendly Palm Springs city streets while taking in the surrounding mountains and mid-century architecture. Download free maps (https://www. palmspringsca.gov/home/showdocument?id=72900) of citysponsored bike routes that include insight into local attractions and old movie star homes.

FEBRUARY • Explore new heights on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (https://pstramway.com/), a vertical trip inside of a slowly-rotating tram car that transports you from the hot, dry desert floor to the cool, pine-filled mountains in under 10 minutes—a truly one-of-a-kind experience!

MARCH • Head out on a hike of Tahquitz Palm Springs Canyon (http://www.tahquitzcanyon.com/), a beautiful and culturally-rich area belonging to the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Indians Reservation that culminates in a spectacular 60-foot waterfall! Pro tip: If possible, go right after it rains. APRIL • Rock out during official music festival season in the Coachella Valley. Experience cutting-edge artists at Coachella (https://www. coachella.com/) featuring rock, alternative, and EDM music. Or strap on cowboy boots and head to Stagecoach (https://www.stagecoachfestival.com/) to hear the best of country, bluegrass, and folk music.

MAY • Shop small and local every Thursday evening at Village Fest (https://villagefest.org/) when downtown Palm Springs comes alive with hundreds of artists, vendors, and entertainers. Browse fresh local produce and flowers along with hand-crafted jewelry as you enjoy live entertainment.

JUNE • Hit the road on the "Palm to Pines" Drive (https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/blog/post/roadtrip-palms-to-pines-scenic-byway/), a scenic stretch of road that winds through the desert backcountry before eventually connecting to the charming towns of Idyllwild, Julian, and Temecula. Offset (https:// www.cooleffect.org/travel-offset) your carbon emissions afterwards for a guilt-free road trip.

http://www.moortenbotanicalgarden.com/

Off-Road Adventure

http://www.offroadrentals.com/

JULY • Cool off at one of several nearby water parks (https://www.indianpalmsvacationclub.com/cool-off-at-thesewater-parks/). Beat the summer heat by diving into a local oasis like Drop Zone, Buccaneer Cove, or the Palm Desert Aquatic Center—perfect for the entire family and all within an hour drive of the greater Palm Springs area.

AUGUST • Get your culture fix by browsing the galleries within the Palm Springs Art Museum (https://www.psmuseum.org/art), featuring exhibits that will transport you to places both real and imagined. The museum’s timed ticketing and air-conditioned surroundings will help you peruse in comfort.

SEPTEMBER • Channel your inner Mad Max on this off-road adventure (http://www.offroadrentals.com/). After a brief training, hop on a quad and do as many donuts as you can, or race your friends around a sand track in a large private desert area that’s conveniently located right off of Hwy 111. OCTOBER • Feast your senses at the Coachella Valley Certified Farmers Markets (https:// certifiedfarmersmarkets.org/), which runs every Saturday from October–May and offers sustainably-sourced fruits and vegetables along with artisanal products like organic cheese, honey, olive oil, chocolate, and soaps.

NOVEMBER • Check out the funky Moorten Botanical Garden (http://www. moortenbotanicalgarden.com/), home to over 3,000 varieties of desert plants. Make sure to stroll through the “Cactarium,” a greenhouse filled entirely with hundreds of different cactus varietals, including one that’s over 20 feet tall.

DECEMBER • Embark on an illuminated journey around The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. During Wild Lights (https://www.livingdesert. org/events/upcoming-zoo-events/wildlights/), the zoo transforms into a magical wonderland complete with twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and festive fun—the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

https://raymondvineyards.com/experience/winemaker-for-a-day/

Castello di Amorosa

https://castellodiamorosa.com

NAPA VALLEY CALENDAR

JANUARY • Delight your taste buds during Napa Valley Restaurant Week (https://www.visitnapavalley. com/events/annual-events/restaurant-week/), the last week of January. Savor the region’s best farm-to-table cuisines paired with the finest wines at some of the nation’s most delicious Michelin-rated restaurants.

FEBRUARY • Get in touch with your artistic side. Napa has a vibrant art scene and is teeming with galleries, museums, and studios. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the di Rosa Art Gallery (https://www.dirosaart.org/), housing 2,000 pieces of art in a variety of media, all by local Bay Area artists.

MARCH • Visit a castle. Castello di Amorosa (https://castellodiamorosa.com/) is a winery unlike any other in that it was modeled after a 13th century Italian castle. Chiseled out of 8,000 tons of stone, this architectural wonder boasts over 100 rooms, towers, and even a moat and drawbridge. APRIL • Become a winemaker for a day (https:// raymondvineyards.com/experience/winemaker-for-a-day/). Learn the art of winemaking from the masters of their craft while creating your own Napa Valley Bordeaux-style red blend that you’ll mix then bottle with your own custom label and take home that same day.

MAY • Rock on at BottleRock Napa Valley (https:// www.bottlerocknapavalley.com/info/when-is-bottlerock-2023/), a multi-day music festival featuring rock and pop headliners performing on three different stages. True to Napa form, one stage is dedicated entirely to all things culinary, featuring the best local chefs, wineries, and restaurants.

JUNE • Take a break from all the wine sipping to discover over 53,000 acres of rolling hills, mountains, and waterways where you can walk, run, hike, bike, or even brave rapids. Venture out on a day trip to the nearby Mayacama Mountains or Russian River (https://www.riverpointeresort.com/3-day-trips-from-napa/).

https://www.winetrain.com/our-tours/

Napa Valley Harvest

https://www.visitnapavalley.com/events/harvest/

JULY • Pair your wine with an adventure. Sample merlot with a little side of off-roading. The Hess Collection Vineyard (https://www.hessperssonestates. com/) offers wine tasting with the option to enjoy panoramic mountain views onboard a highperformance ATV tour in a true test of your ability not to spill.

AUGUST • Live out your “I Love Lucy” dreams by hopping into a barrel and stomping on grapes at the annual Napa Grape Stomp (https:// napavalleywineacademy.com/product/napa-grape-stomp/). Learn about the art of grape stomping from the state’s best winemakers while enjoying delicious prepared lunches and of course, lots of wine.

SEPTEMBER • Celebrate crush season during Napa Valley Harvest (https://www.visitnapavalley.com/events/ harvest/) when grapes are at peak ripeness and ready for picking. Between the ideal weather, changing scenery, and al fresco dinners, early fall is the perfect time to visit Napa and savor the region’s best wines. OCTOBER • Bike (https://www.riverpointeresort.com/ fall-adventures-best-bike-tours-in-wine-country/) your way through Napa, taking in the vineyards during harvest season along with the beautiful fall colors as you cruise along wine country backroads. Whether you prefer rugged mountain biking or an e-bike is more your speed, there’s a ride for everyone!

NOVEMBER • Go green with your wine. Napa is home to 40 percent of all certified sustainable wineries in California, with over 90 Napa Green Certified Wineries (https://www.visitnapavalley. com/maps-travel-info/sustainable-travel/) and iconic winemakers that carefully consider how to best steward the land and conserve resources.

DECEMBER • Wind your way through wine country onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train (https://www. winetrain.com/our-tours/), offering tours ranging from holiday-themed to murder mysteries to fine dining. Sit back and enjoy the ride while taking in the beautiful Napa scenery.