Three Great Sights to Enjoy in California

If you're like my family, you are always looking for ideas on what to do and what to see for vacations and long weekends. The more hectic life gets, the less time it seems we have time to plan. But a little planning goes a long way in payoff for mind, body, and spirit; For you and everyone in the family. We work hard whether that is school, job, or home maker. I received lots of feedback from my timeshare community of avid travelers and read a recent article from Budget Travel to write this article. There are too many wonderful American Monuments that I can suggest so I'll just talk about what's close to me in California. These aren't necessarily my Top 3 but I have done them all, I like them all, and have recommended them to friends.

Most of the times that I have driven into the Bay Area, there has been a fog. I think it is perpetual but locals tell me that's not true. When you drive up to the Golden Gate Bridge it almost appears out of nowhere because the fog hides it and then suddenly these 1 1/2 mile orange bridge apprears before you. It is an absolute mastery of American engineering spanning over 1.5 miles to Sausalito and is factuallly the longest suspension bridge in the world. Although closed to walkers after sunset (for safety) it is open to bicycles. So here's a tip: grab a bike and check out the magnificent stars over the bridge at night.

Highway 1 runs along the entire California Coast and most of the Pacific Coast. The best and most popular scenic drive is the 123 mile stretch from Monterey to Morro Bay. Don't get nervous about record gas prices, this is a wonderful drive that will build lifelong memories. Your family will be aghast at the huge Redwood Trees, the towering cliffs that you drive on, and the at-times violent surf crashing into the rocks below. Be sure to get updated traffic information for this stretch at dot.ca.gov. If you are able to do an overnight, you'll find RCI.com timeshares as well as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt timeshares for inexpensive stays that offer more room that hotels. Also consider pulling over to take a dip in the water or have a picnic lunch. Be careful of the seagulls in Monterey. I was trying to set up a romantic sunset dinner on the beach and these trouble-making gulls sniffed out my food and decided to swoop in and take a stab at it. They didn't get the food but it's given us laughs for quite a few years now.

Everyone has seen the Hollywood Walk of Fame on TV in one way or another. You see the movie stars putting their hands in wet cement to mark their hand prints at the Mann Chinese Theatre. From Harrison Ford to Mel Gibson, the big stars have their prints right there in front. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the final monument of America that I am suggesting today. Marked with over 2,400 stars from the 1920's to present day and adding 20 new ones each year. After you are able to see that you'll want to walk over the the beautiful outdoor mall at Hollywood & Vine. There's ample parking and on the second floor is a wonderful view of the Hollywood sign and a great photo opportunity for the family. Check out local timeshare resorts for great deals on timeshare rentals from all the top companies.

There is so much to do in California that at times it becomes overwhelming. And with the perfect weather almost every day of the year this makes for a great quality of life. If you feel overwhelmed with all the things to do like me go ahead and make a list on the refrigerator and update it whenever you hear of a new place. Then go ahead and plan your weekends and vacation weeks accordingly. Cross them off as you see them and make a picture diary. Let's be grateful for every moment and enjoy it. Life is a magnificent gift not to be wasted.


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Erick Arndt is the founder of Timeshare Juice, a vast selection of timeshare rentals and timeshares for exchange including Marriott, Starwood, and RCI.com. Come learn how to exchange your timeshare for free at over 4,000 resorts worldwide at Timeshare Juice.