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
- 11.12.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
- 11.08.25 – Shucked Musical Comedy Heads to Segerstrom Center November 11–23
- 11.05.25 – Dolly Parton’s Songs Come to Life with Pacific Symphony
- 11.05.25 – Savor the Season by the Sea at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- 11.05.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.04.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.04.25 – Ice at Santa Monica Returns for the Holidays
- 11.03.25 – ZAFFRE Fine Linens Celebrates Two Years in Costa Mesa
- 11.02.25 – North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond
- 10.30.25 – An Evening with John O’Hurley at The Lido
- 10.28.25 – Día de los Muertos Rooftop Brunch at Top of the V
- 10.27.25 – Sip & Shuck Returns to Laguna Beach Nov. 2 to Benefit CASA
- 10.26.25 – A Crystal Cove Takes Mimosa Brunch to the Next Level
- 10.26.25 – Rose Bakery Café Opens in Orange
- 10.21.25 – Last Chance to Dine at 608 Dahlia Before Oct. 26
- 10.20.25 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Announces Fall and Holiday Season Lineup
- 10.20.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival 2025: ‘Blue Moon’ Shines on Opening Night
- 10.19.25 – Wahoo’s Marks 38 Years with Free Community Celebration in Costa Mesa
More Daily Doses
- 11.13.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
- 11.12.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.10.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 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
- 10.15.25 – 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
