By Contributing Writer
California has an array of landscapes and climates, making it ideal for many types of
vacations. Whether you are planning a trip to the city,
beach, desert or mountains, the Golden State has them all. How do you narrow down this broad spectrum to find a location to suit your vacation dreams? One quick way: budget.
Ragged Point Inn
The Ragged Point Inn offers million-dollar views at a bargain price. The inn is in Big Sur along Highway 1 just 15 miles north of the Hearst Castle, about a half-day drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Rooms at the Ragged Point Inn start at less than $150 a night, but you won't have to spend much beyond that for entertainment. The view from the wall of glass on the ocean side of your room is likely to be mesmerizing enough to keep you occupied for hours. You may even see California gray whales and golden eagles.
Ragged Point Inn
19019 Highway 1
Ragged Point, California 93452
(805) 927-4502
www.raggedpointinn.com
Mono Lake
Mono Lake, in Lee Vining, California, is a great place for deals in the summer. You can find rooms there for less than $100 a night. The landscape is breathtaking, and there are lots of outdoor recreational activities, such as canoeing, bird-watching and kayaking, plus plenty of hiking trails. Nature tours are available by land or by boat. You can go inside a dormant volcano near Mono Lake, or see a well-preserved ghost town at Bodie State Historic Park.
Mono Lake Information Center
Highway 395 at Third Street
P.O. Box 29
Lee Vining, CA 93541
(760) 647-6595
www.monolake.org
Magic Castle Hotel
If an urban adventure is what you are looking for, you can find some bargains in L.A. In fact, many of the city's tourist attractions are free. Hotels in the Hollywood area can be well-priced. Steer clear, however, of West Hollywood, home of the world-famous Sunset Strip, where prices escalate. It is best for your budget to find an affordable hotel and take a cab to a restaurant or club in the Sunset Strip area. The newly renovated Magic Castle Hotel might have everything you are looking for, including moderately priced rooms and a central location within walking distance to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Mann's Chinese Theater. Nightly magic shows are offered in the Magic Castle Club.
Magic Castle Hotel
7025 Franklin Ave.
Hollywood, California 90028
(800) 741-4915
www.magiccastlehotel.com
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