Mama And Papa Had A Dream In California

It is said that there are almost as many aspects to California as there are people who live there. While this may be a bit of an exaggeration, the fact is that California is a very diverse place with something for everyone including romantic wine tours of some of the world’s premier viticulture regions. The Napa Valley is as close to old Tuscany and Provence as you are likely to find in the United States. North of this area is the spectacular northern coast of California, where some say the Pacific Northwest really begins. This is home to the legendary Redwood forests, where the largest trees on the planet still thrive.

Of course, this is only a sample of the many areas that California bed breakfasts are available, which range from warm, sandy beach vacation rentals on the state’s southern shore to pristine desert cabin rentals, snowy mountain cabin rental facilities in the High Sierra, and more.

One of the most romantic environments in California is Big Sur, near Monterey. With a diverse terrain that ranges from sea level to greater than a mile up (Cone Peak, the highest mountain on the Pacific Coast of North America outside Alaska and British Columbia), Big Sur offers some of the most amazing vistas in the world. One of the most well-known beach rentals in Big Sur is the Post Ranch Inn which has actually won a number of awards over the past two years.

One of the best-kept secrets in what is known as California’s “Steinbeck Country” (so-named because it was the setting of novels such as Cannery Row and Of Mice and Men) is a quaint little town known as Occidental. Founded in 1876 when the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived, it is no “occident” that it became a popular destination for romantic getaways early on. Two Italian restaurants established in the 1880s are still doing a thriving business, and the two-block long business district is lined with a variety of unique shops. The town features a weekly Farmer’s Market on Fridays from June until October as well as a unique Japanese-style spa in nearby Freestone.

Located in Sonoma County, Occidental is not far from California’s most romantic city, San Francisco. Rich in history and culture, there is not room here to describe everything that the City by the Bay has to offer (books have been written on the subject), but a good place to start is the city’s own official tourist guide.

Across the hot, dry Central Valley that is nonetheless one of America’s main foodbaskets, there is a much different side to California to be discovered in the High Sierra. This is where the drama of the Gold Rush was played out in the 1850s, and includes some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in North America. From condo rentals, one can explore famous Yosemite National Park, one of the country’s most valuable natural treasures and home to excellent backpacking trails with regular facilities along well-market routes.

When it comes to romantic California getaways, there is a never ending limit of experiences awaiting you.

Wesley Mathews is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on cabin rentals and things to do.