Travel
Exploring a classic California beach town: Ventura
11.03.09
Because not all of us can jet off for a week to somewhere exotic—there’s the low-key day-cation or weekend getaway. Tucked between two rivers and situated between California ’s Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean, Ventura might be one of California ’s best-kept secrets. The quintessential California surf town is an outdoor lover’s dream: How about a daylong Kayak adventure? Exploring sea caves? Or maybe spotting some of the 27 varieties of whales and dolphins found in the surrounding waters? Afterward, wind down the day’s activities with a stroll through Ventura’s revitalized historic downtown district packed with boutiques, coffee houses, wine bars and award-winning restaurants. Nab a room at the Crowne Plaza Ventura—the only hotel in Ventura located right on the beach.
For room reservations at the Crowne Plaza Ventura, call: 805.648.2100. To book kayaking and water-related activities, contact Aqua Sports: 800.773.2309 or Island Sports: 805.642.1393
Beijing or Bust
10.24.09
The Forbidden City. The Great Wall. Former home of the 2008 Olympics. The capital of the world’s most populous country, Beijing has emerged as the modern jewel of China, a fast-paced metropolitan hub. If you’re headed there for a trip, consider staying at Opposite House, a sleek boutique hotel designed by Japanese master architect Kengo Kuma. The 99 rooms feature contemporary Chinese decor, natural wood floors and bathrooms with deep oak soak tubs, rainshowers and heated floors. Stay two nights receive a third night free, including breakfast for two on weekends, a guided cultural walk of Beijing, complimentary mini-bar and Internet access. The promotion is valid until Dec.31 and rates start at approximately $337.
More Travel
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- 10.21.20 – Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
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from the blog
- 10.15.25 – Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Discovery Cube OC This October
- 10.14.25 – Irish Spotlight at the Newport Beach Film Festival
- 10.09.25 – The Jill Foundation’s Annual Opportunity Drawing Is Now Open
- 10.09.25 – Born in OC Book Signing at Lido Village Books
- 10.08.25 – Disneyland Experience Headlines The Wish Gala Auction
- 10.07.25 – Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill Reopens Reimagined Anaheim Hills Flagship
- 10.05.25 – Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at Musco Center
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- 10.01.25 – Laguna Cliffs Hosts Harvest Moon Sound Bath
- 09.29.25 – Zov’s Debuts New Brunch Menu Inspired by Family Traditions
- 09.26.25 – Segerstrom Center Expands Feel Good, Do Good Donation Drives
- 09.25.25 – GLOW Coalition Hosts First Fundraiser for Save Newport Nature
- 09.24.25 – Ilissa Michele Jewelry: Purpose-Driven, Handmade, and One-of-a-Kind
- 09.21.25 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 09.19.25 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season With Free Block Party
- 09.16.25 – Seconds at PCH Food Week Returns to 2ND & PCH
- 09.13.25 – Pasta Sisters Marks 10 Years With $8 Pasta Day
- 09.12.25 – Wrap Up by Valerie Perez Unveils Luxe Robe Collection for Fall
More Daily Doses
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
- 10.16.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.15.25 – Tales of Wonder and Imagination: Alexander Shelley Leads Pacific Symphony in ‘Scheherazade’
- 10.14.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18
- 10.13.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 10.08.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Honors
- 10.05.25 – Fashion Meets Film: StyleWeekOC Returns to Fashion Island October 15–19
- 09.29.25 – Pacific Airshow Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 3-5
- 09.26.25 – Mastro’s Brings Its Iconic Dining Experience to Irvine Spectrum
- 09.25.25 – San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein Comes to Segerstrom Center
- 09.19.25 – 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup
- 09.16.25 – Tastemakers of Orange County Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- 09.16.25 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns September 20
- 09.15.25 – The Market Place Opening Celebration
- 09.12.25 – Segerstrom Center Welcomes Yearlong Karon Davis Installation
- 09.08.25 – Pacific Symphony Opens 47th Season with Rachmaninoff and Sibelius
- 09.08.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years with Halloween Boutique, Midnight Market
- 08.24.25 – An Evening at The Lido Theater to Benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
