5 minute read
Vacations & Staycations: Exploring Nearby and Within
By: Sydney Smythe
This summer, we’re saving our miles and skipping the plane ticket! Whether you’re staying the night or opting for a simple day trip, these close-to-home getaway destinations are the perfect ways to spend your summer days off. Plus- they are great vacation tips to give to your clients!
Nearby Escapes
Pack your bags! It’s time to leave the county- not the state. Just far enough away to get that out-oftown feeling, these destinations are sure to give you and your clients memories that last a lifetime.
Palm Springs
While Palm Springs may be a go-to vacation for some, others often overlook it. With a wide variety of hotels and resorts to stay at, you are sure to find something that fits your unique vacation style. If lounging by the hotel pool isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Palm Springs has much more to offer. Consider trying your luck at one of the local casinos or hanging loose at Palm Springs Surf Clubs’ cutting-edge surf wave pool. Still looking for something else? The Palm Springs Air Museum is perfect for World War II buffs, and you can’t go wrong with a classic - the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - which traverses two and a half breathtaking miles up to a mountaintop full of hiking trails, places to eat, and more!
Bonus Tip! Get 15% off your tram admission tickets and 10% off at the gift shop and tram restaurant when you use the OCR Alpine Club Card found at www.ocrealtors.org/discounts.
Big Bear
It’s time to become one with nature! With astonishing scenery and endless outdoor activities, Big Bear Lake is a nature lover’s paradise. After finding yourself a scenic campsite or cozy lodge to relax at for the night, you can expect to fill your days with fishing, hiking, and spending time on the lake. To make soaking up the sun as easy as possible, Big Bear offers many rental services for jet skis, kayaks, and boats, just to name a few.
Before you end your trip, make sure to stop by the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain for the ride of a lifetime on the quarter-mile-long bob-sled style track. Plus, if you find yourself visiting on Memorial Day Weekend, the Grill & Chill Festival transforms the town into a memorable event filled with food, drinks, music, a kids’ fun zone, and much more!
Catalina Island
Close to home, yet far enough away to feel transported to somewhere new, Catalina Island is considered the perfect escape. Roughly 22 miles south of LA, the island boasts warm weather year-round and offers unique adventures for any age. Keep in mind, since this is an island getaway, the first adventure is simply getting there! Most visitors opt for the one-hour-long ferry ride from Long Beach or Dana Point, while some take the more extravagant approach – a helicopter ride. If you want to take it one step even further, www.jetski2catalina.com provides jet ski adventures from Long Beach to the island and back, with a couple of hours of free time on the island to explore.
No matter how you get there, once on the island, the possibilities are endless. Spend a day laying out in the sun and strolling through the shops at Avalon. For those that enjoy a little more excitement, hop in a Hummer, and go on a bison expedition or an adrenaline-pumping zip line tour. There are also vacation classics. Have fun scuba diving the reefs, fishing the abundant waters, or golfing the oldest operating course west of the Mississippi. After a day full of fun, if you plan to spend the night, Catalina Island offers hotels, vacation rentals, B&Bs, and even camping spots!
County Retreats
If you’re looking for a getaway without having to travel to get there, these local hotels and resorts are the staycation paradises you’ve been searching for.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Tucked away in the Aliso and Wood Canyons, this resort is surrounded by breathtaking views while only being a short 350 yards away from the beach. The Ranch also connects to endless acres of local hiking trails, but with both an in-house spa and a 9-hole golf course, you may not even want to leave!
Pasea Hotel & Spa - Huntington Beach
For the pet lovers out there, the Pasea Hotel and Spa is considered one of the best pet hotels out there. The hotel even houses its very own outdoor dog park! While your dog has the time of its life, you can picture yourself poolside in beautiful cabanas, visiting their relaxing spa, or getting some exercise in the hotel fitness studio. Beach bikes are also offered for rent. Luckily, being just blocks from downtown Huntington Beach, you are steps away from the local shops and can walk if preferred.
Waldorf Astoria- Monarch Beach Resort and Club
While most locals know about the Monarch Beach Resort, your clients from out of town may not. Not only does this resort have private beach access, but there are 9 ways to dine during your stay, including an American steakhouse, in-room dining, and a festive Cantina. You can even work up your appetite by playing a round of golf at their famous oceanfront golf course or by signing up for various swimming experiences.
On a budget? Get 10-30% off the best rates by visiting www.ocrealtors.org/ discounts and finding the Monarch Beach Resort and Club discount.
waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com
Visit ocrealtors.org/discounts for additional member discounts on car rentals, hotels, and more.
