State-By-State: Discover the Rich Treasures
of the Golden State--California
Since the days of the Gold Rush, California has been looked upon as a paradise where dreams come true. Fertile valleys are nestled beneath rugged mountains, grapevines cover the hillsides and the tallest trees in the world stand high above a rocky ocean shore. Maxum cruisers may be the ones who come closest to finding a utopia in this state. With so many water-related attractions and activities, opting for one over the other may be your hardest work. You may find yourself making plans for future trips before you finish the one you're enjoying.
Because of the rich diversity of culture in this state, the feature on California is divided into three articles. This article discusses the southern coastal region of California embarking on Santa Barbara, Long Beach (and the Los Angeles area) and San Diego.
Santa Barbara
In the tranquil expanse that lies between San Francisco and Los Angeles, you'll discover "California's Middle Kingdom," a romantic and fairytale-like coastline. Its dramatic seascapes and coastal resorts make this region an ideal destination. In the heart of this coastal "kingdom" is Santa Barbara, a leisurely-paced community one hundred miles north of Los Angeles. Beautifully situated overlooking the Pacific, Santa Barbara's Spanish Colonial architecture looms with the red-tiled roofs and white stucco walls. It touts of golden beaches that are wide, clean and lined with palm trees. While retaining its upscaled character, Santa Barbara's tranquility is only interrupted by a shopping mall and an assortment of restaurants, boutiques and night clubs downtown. Other attractions include El Presidio de Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, both brimming with Spanish and Victorian history and memorabilia. Stearns Wharf offers an array of shopping stalls and food vendors, with magnificent beaches stretching in either direction. Santa Barbara positions itself as the "American Riviera" with "azure seas" and plenty of vineyards, complementing this mission-style town.
Long Beach
Long Beach's cool ocean breezes keep the summer temps in a coveted 70-80 degrees (55-65 during the winter), making it a year-round vacation destination. A cultural and economic renaissance is taking place in the City of Long Beach, making it a fun urbanized destination. In fact, USA Today has called it the "most diverse city" out of the 65 most populous cities in the nation. Home to residents of African American, Asian, Caucasian, Native American/Alaskan, Hispanic and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Island descents, the visitor will find an assortment of food and festivities to enjoy. Catering to the cruising visitor, the City operates and maintains an excellent international deep-water harbor, several beaches and marinas. After the festivities, you can relax for a romantic evening in a Venetian gondola and cruise around the Canals of Naples in Long Beach.
While docked in Long Beach, you may want to take a taxi to the second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles. Los Angeles offers a cultural diversity reflected in its museums, architecture, art and restaurants. Stargazing--celebrity spotting--is a likely pasttime, because L.A. is home to Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, Madonna and Brad Pitt, just to name a few. You can stop by the California Welcome Center in Los Angeles (or visit their website below) where their staff will customize a unique travel itinerary filled with fun and exciting activities for you and your family. From a unique shopping experience to a stroll down the Hollywood walk of fame, there is much to see and much to do in L.A.
Newport Beach
From Long Beach, you can navigate further south toward Mexico and notice the "Colorful Coast," a.k.a. Newport Beach. It is one of Southern California's most vibrant recreation and entertainment centers. Famous worldwide for its picturesque sandy beaches, majestic coastline, infinite recreational activities, award-winning dining and excellent shopping, Newport Beach is a sophisticated beach town. The folks there know how to cater to the avid boater. The City and corporate sponsors line up numerous annual festivals such as the Taste of Newport, the Newport Jazz Festival, and the Annual Christmas Boat Parade. You can also fill up your time whale watching, visiting the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, shopping and fine dining. Newport is a destination worth visiting.
San Diego
You'll always find something new to discover and enjoy in California's second largest city, San Diego. The city is ideal for ambling at a leisurely pace to favorite restaurants and shops, and downtown's historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, La Jolla and more. Some major attractions include Legoland and SeaWorld. Balboa Park, the U.S.'s largest urban cultural park, features 15 museums, numerous art galleries, beautiful gardens, a Tony Award-winning theater and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The culinary arts, too, thrive in San Diego with award-winning, five-star restaurants. In addition, its ideal climate and beautiful beaches make San Diego a favorite destination. It's also a city of year-round outdoor recreation catering to the boater and other water sports enthusiasts.
California is a worldwide draw, and its Pacific seaports are no exception. Ride the Pacific Coast waterway in your Maxum Cruiser and experience the melting pot of culture and terrain. It'll make a profound impression, and you and your family or friends will accumulate a lifetime of memories.
Tourism Information
Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau & Film Commission
1601 Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-966-9222
800-549-5133
Fax: 805-966-1728
Email: tourism@santabarbaraCA.com
www.santabarbaraCA.com
Los Angeles California Welcome Center
8500 Beverly Blvd., Ste. 150
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-854-7616
Fax: 310-854-7614
Email: info.losangeles@visitcwc.com
www.visitcwc.com
Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
One World Trade Center, 3rd Fl.
Long Beach, CA 90831
562-436-3645
800-452-7829
Fax: 562-435-5653
Email: juliet@longbeachcvb.org
www.visitlongbeach.com
Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau
110 Newport Center Drive, Suite 120
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-719-6100
1-800-94-COAST
Fax: (949) 719-6101
Email: info@nbcvb.com
http://www.newportbeach-cvb.com/
San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau
401 'B' St., Ste. 1400
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3101
Fax: 619-696-9371
Email: sdinfo@sandiego.org
Website: www.sandiego.org
Marinas
Santa Barbara Yacht Club Information
(Guests from reciprocating yacht clubs only.)
130 Harbor Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 965-8112
www.sbyc.org
Long Beach
Pacific Sailing & Charters
419 Shoreline Dr., Suite S
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-590-0323
Cerritos Bahia Marina
6289 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
P.O. Box 14568
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-431-6575
Fax: 562-431-6576
Long Beach Marine
6400 Marina Dr.
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-594-8888
Fax: 562-799-1102
Email: kevin@longbeachmarine.com
www.longbeachmarine.com
Marina Shipyard
6400 Marina Dr.
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-594-0995
Fax: 562-431-7457
Email: info@marinashipyard.com
www.marinashipyard.com
SeaPort Marina Hotel
6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90803
1-800-434-8451
Fax: 562-596-6480
Email: sales@seaportmarinahotel.com
www.seaportmarinahotel.com
Newport Beach
Lido Yacht Anchorage
201 Shipyard Way #1
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-673-9330
Fax: 949-673-1338
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
101 N. Bayside Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-729-1100
Fax: 949-729-4470
www.newportdunes.com
Newport Harbor Shipyard
101 Shipyard Way, Berth B-2
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-723-6800
Fax: 949-723-6808
Email: nhs@newportharborshipyard.com
www.newportharborshipyard.com
San Diego
Marina Village Marina
1936 Quivira Way
San Diego, CA 92109
619-222-1620
619-224-3125
Fax 619-222-0634
Email: mccarthy@johnburnham.com
www.marinavillage.net/m1.html
Bahia Hotel Marina
998 W. Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, CA 92109
619-539-7695
Fax: 619-488-7055
The Bay Club Hotel & Marina
2131 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-224-8888
Fax: 619-225-1604
Best Western Island Palms Marina
2051 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-223-0301
1-800-345-9995
Fax: 619-222-9760
Email: simarina@islandpalms.com
www.islandpalms.com
Cabrillo Isle Marina
1450 Harbor Islands Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-297-6222
Fax: 619-299-8446
Email: slips@cabrilloisle.com
www.cabrilloisle.com
Dana Inn & Marina
1710 W. Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, CA 92109
619-222-6440
1-800-DANA-INN (326-2466)
Fax: 619-222-5916
Email: res@danainn.com
www.danainn.com
Driscoll Mission Bay
1500 Quivira Way
San Diego, CA 92109
619-223-5191
Fax: 619-223-5098
Harbor Island West Marina
2040 Harbor Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-291-6440
Fax: 619-291-2684
Email: jackzack@aol.com
Marriott Marina
333 West Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-230-8955
Fax: 619-230-8958
Montego Bay Marina
2240 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-224-2471
Fax: 619-224-9117
Nielson Beaumont Marina
2420 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-4255
Fax: 619-222-9109
