USA Travel Guide

If yesterday’s pick, Santa Monica Beach, was a little too predictable for your Spring Break beach vacation, maybe you should be thinking East Coast instead. If you can believe it, not all of the East’s top beaches line the coast of Florida. Head towards the southern tip of Virginia and you’ll find the charming bayside community of Hampton Roads, home to quaint Buckroe Beach and massive Virginia Beach.

Buckroe Beach
Though not as famous as nearby Virginia Beach, Buckroe Beach is terrific family destination to compliment any Spring Break in Virginia. The beach is modestly sized (about three-quarter mile), but is in top condition following a recent renovation by the city of Hampton.

In fact, there’s a lot new about Buckroe, which is currently in the middle of a major revitalization project. Top activities include swimming of course, and also picnicking, paddle-boating and fishing off the new pier. You won’t get several days of fun out of Buckroe, but it’s well worth an afternoon. Learn more.

Virginia Beach
The real star of any Virginia Spring Break, Virginia Beach boasts a world-record holding 28 mile-long beach, and with that much room to stretch out, you can bet that it brings every kind of Spring Break crowd. Another cool thing about the area is the city of Virginia Beach itself, which features near-endless entertainment. You can check out the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Amusement Park, Virginia Zoo, Mount Trashmore, several museums and state parks, the historic boardwalk and, naturally, lots and lots of shopping. Pound for pound, mile for mile, Virginia Beach offers more to love than just about any other beach in the country.

Families, college kids and rumpshakers need certainly apply! Learn more.

Have fun for Spring Break 2010!

Feels like Spring Break snuck up fast this year, but that’s not gonna stop the USA Travel Guide team from rolling out a few top picks for 2010. College students, vacationing families (and anyone else), welcome to Spring Break 2010.

First to the docket: Santa Monica Beach in splendorous Santa Monica, California. It’s the quintessential American beach in a lot of ways. There’s boardwalk entertainment nearby, there’s always a chance to spy a celeb, and most importantly, it’s the very same beach where they filmed “Baywatch”. This beach changed our expectation of beaches forever.

Too much? Alright, let’s just look at all there is to do:

• Santa Monica Beach – the main attraction. Santa Monica Beach is a sizzling scene come Spring Break, with miles of tanned bodies writhing to the same beat. The busier it gets, the crazier the party, so why not add yourself to the mix.
• Nightlife – a lot of people keep the party going late into the night, but you shouldn’t let your close proximity to the L.A. club scene go to waste. Head back to your room, throw on your best, and hit the town.
• Montana Avenue – Spring Break in Santa Monica means sensational shopping. Montana Avenue is the beach scene’s Beverly Hills, sure, but the real star of this stretch is the “dressed down” celebs.
• Santa Monica Pier – the “World Famous” Santa Monica Pier is a must-do for dining and cool afternoon entertainment. Visit Pacific Park, an admission-free amusement park (you pay by the rid featuring a heart-pounding over-the-water rollercoaster.

And don’t forget, Spring Break in Santa Monica can quickly become Spring Break in Los Angeles, Redondo Beach or Malibu. If you’re willing to drive, even San Diego or Enseñada, Mexico are within reach. Make Spring Break 2010 in California one to remember.

Have fun and stay safe for Spring Break 2010!

Okay, maybe it’s a little early for Spring Break in your neck of the woods, but who knows? Maybe it’s senior year and you promised your future-graduate something awesome. Well, unless you’re MacGyver, something awesome requires a bit of planning.

Spring Break vacation in Maui, Hawaii? Now that’s something awesome!

Atlantis Submarine Tour in Maui, Hawaii
We’ve talked about Hawaii’s second-largest a couple times before. From Maui golf vacations to whale watching. Today we’re headed back for our most adventurous pick yet: Atlantis Submarine Tours.

The sub is real, and so is the wonderment. Atlantis Submarines Maui invites you aboard a 48-passenger shallow dive submarine for a nearly two-hour tour of the Maui coast – from the fishes’ point of view! Descending more than 100 ft. below the surface, you’ll explore natural and artificial reefs and all the amazing creatures that call them home.

Fairly new to the tour (2005) is the Carthaginian, a 19^th-century supply vessel replica that Atlantis Submarines intentionally sank to create an additional landscape for the tour. This handsome tall ship, now teeming with life and young reef, proves a highlight of the tour if you can turn off your authenticity filter. As someone who loved that Speed Racer movie, I can do that just fine.

The basic tour runs roughly 105 minutes and costs $89.10 per person online (ages 13 and up). That includes a submarine trip only. Atlantis also offers a few combo packages which include the submarine tour along with other popular Maui attractions: Royal Lahaina Luau, Maui Ocean Center, Maui Tropical Plantation, Hawaii Nature Center, snorkeling and dolphin adventures among the choices.

Explore all of their Maui tour options here.

Whether planning for a Spring Break trip to Maui, or any other kind of trip, what’s most important is that you score your reservations early. Like, right now, if you can. With only 48 seats per trip, they do fill up quick, and it’s not like you can just go back any time.

It’d be a shame to stay anywhere but the beach in Maui, so of course we recommend the Maui Oceanfront Inn, located right on Keawakapu Beach – great for couples, great for families, great for anyone who like soft sand and warm sun. The hotel offers great rates if you stay so many nights, so be sure to look into that. Maui vacation specials here.

Have fun on your Spring Break (or anytime!)

Now here’s one you don’t see often: a Valentine’s Day package that doesn’t so much pamper you with lovey-dovey crap as it does get you off your butt for a little cardio. I’m not sure I see the Valentine’s connection myself, but even with no package at all, Valentine’s Day in Redondo Beach, California is a good idea.

Valentine’s Day Packages in Redondo Beach, CA
We’ve mentioned our fair share of Southern California beach hotels over the past 16 months – Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Laguna, Dana Point – but for that well-honed blend of peace and personality, we really do like Redondo Beach and the Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach Hotel.

Days are all about the beach, all about luxuriating in the warm South Cali sun and letting the resonant hum of the surf melt away your stress. Nights are whatever you want to make them. Hit up a vibrant dance scene, or keep it laid back with a meal and a beachfront stroll. You might even let the Crowne Plaza decide for you with a couple of Valentine’s Day Packages:

Valentine Bikes at the Beach
Like I said, unusual. This package includes a half-day bike rental so you two can celebrate your love in heart-healthy style. Might we recommend that South Bay Bicycle Trail. Package also includes:

• Deluxe accommodations
• Full American breakfast for two
• ½ day bicycle rental
  

Crowne Royal Spa Package
Don’t want to spend Valentine’s Day working on your gluts? Can’t blame you. The hotel also has a more luxurious package:

• Deluxe ocean-view accommodations
• Two full-session (50 minute) spa treatments of your choice:
  • European Facial
  • Body Massage
• OR One couple’s massage
• Buffet breakfast for two

View all Redondo Beach hotel packages at the Crowne.

With the day less than a week away, our Valentine’s Day coverage is dwindling down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great option in your area. Head to our Valentine’s Day Getaways and Packages portal for all of our stories.

Throw care to the wind, escape the retched cold of February, and turn this Valentine’s Day into a three, four, or even five night romantic retreat for two on the idyllic coasts of Baja California. It’s not too late to reserve a Valentine’s Day getaway to Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort in beautiful Los Cabos, Mexico.

Mexico Valentine’s Day Packages
Just imagine it: soft sands beneath your feat, a warm tropical sun, vivid blue waters that roll on to infinity – who needs a partner? I’m just joking, the Hilton Los Cabos is picture perfect for romantic couples looking to celebrate together. Whether its candlelit fine dining, an adventurous hike, a shared day at the spa or just a quiet evening on your private balcony, the escape is sweeter when you share it with loved ones.

The packages help, too

Fun in the Sun Package
While not a romance package per se, the Fun in the Sun package encourages you to enjoy what the Hilton Los Cabos Resort has to offer however suits you best. Use your resort credit at the spa, on drinks and dining, on an excursion. The fun part is, you get to decide.

• 2 or 3-night stay = $100 resort credit per stay
• 4 or 5-night stay = $200 resort credit per stay
• 6+ nights stay = $300 resort credit per stay
• Option: for every 3-night stay, you earn a fourth night free. Don’t think that affects the credit though – I’m sure that’s based on paid nights.

Learn more about their Mexico vacation packages.

Tucked away in the reservations system you can also find an actual “Romance” package, which includes a bottle of wine, full breakfast and accommodations, but honestly we’d go Fun in the Sun. Do it your way, ya know.

You might also check out Fun in the Sun PLUS.

Have an incredible Valentine’s Day, or a romantic escape anytime, to the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort in Mexico.

A bit extravagant for your budget? We’ve got plenty of more affordable Valentine’s Day suggestions, and one of them might be in your neighborhood. Head to the Valentine’s Day Getaways and Packages portal.

When I do Valentine’s Day on the beach, you know I’m running behind for the day. It’s just so easy! Blazing sunsets, a calm surf, you and your loved one walking hand in hand. Beachfront Valentine’s is the proverbial fish in a barrel. Which doesn’t make it at all a bad idea…

Valentine’s Day Packages in Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood Beach is one of our favorite pieces of coastline in Florida. The sand is soft, the sights are serene, and it never seems to get so crowded as to ruin your fun. We definitely recommend a hotel near Hollywood Beach.

Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Hotel
From the poolside Tiki lounge to the near-instant beach access, the Crowne Plaza has that upscale, destination getaway kind of feel that will make your Valentine’s Day memories truly last. They back it up with a good package:

“Find Cupid at Crowne Plaza” Package
Champagne and cocktail coupons? What kind of Valentine’s Day is this?

• Accommodations
• Bottle of champagne
• Chocolates to share
• Coupons for two (2) cocktails per stay

Learn more about their Valentine’s Day hotel specials.

Anti-Valentine’s Day in Hollywood, Florida
Do your prospects have you feelin’ down come February 14^th? Don’t let them! Forget this Hallmark holiday and the sappy crap that goes with and just enjoy yourself. The Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach also offers a couple “anti-Valentine’s Day” packages:

Ultimate Girlfriends Getaway Package

• Deluxe ocean view accommodations
• Champagne upon arrival
• Two daily drink coupons
• Breakfast daily in hotel restaurants (for two)

Shop ‘Til you Drop Package

• Deluxe overnight accommodations
• “First Class Shopping Savings” Discount Book from Aventura Mall
• 2 cups of Starbucks coffee
• Complimentary high-speed Internet

Learn about these packages here (toward the bottom).

That’s a lot of packages, but we’ve got lots more on our ever-growing on our Valentine’s Day Getaways & Packages portal. Find the location, hotel or package that’s right for you.

From the Caribbean heat of Miami Beach to the exuberant family fun of Orlando, the state of Florida is one of the nation’s most diverse vacation destinations. Even more importantly, it’s also one of the most diverse ecological destinations, with regions comparable even to South American rainforests.

Among these, the sadly narrowing dollop of natural wetlands we call the Everglades stand leagues beyond the rest, robust to this day with remarkable creatures, one-of-a-kind fauna and yet-to-be-discovered life. The Everglades are best known as a far South Florida attraction, but in fact their northern peak stretches over 150 miles north of Florida’s southern tip to a place called the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. That’s where we’re headed today.

The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: big in name, big in size, big in relevance. The 143,874-acre refuge sprawls over Florida plain, Cypress swamp and a sweeping cross-section of natural Florida marshland. The area is so large and so abundant, in fact, that only a small portion of it need be made available to the public. The remainder is closed off for preservation and research.

What people do with what little we’ve been given is dive into a world of endless ecological wealth. Here are just a few popular attractions that draw visitors week after week to the refuge:

• Sightseeing trails
• Observation tower
• Bird watching / wildlife watching
• Photography
• Canoeing / kayaking
• Sport fishing
• Waterfowl hunting
• Bicycling
• Ecological tours

Of course, this being a nationally protected reserve, all of these attractions and activities are strictly regulated, with rules dictating the place and time for each. Waterfowl hunting in particular is closely watched and regulated, so follow the rules to avoid getting a ticket.

If you’re happy just to see the animals and don’t feel a need to murder them, you’re in real luck. The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of distinct bird species, including beautiful herons, egrets, wood storks and wading birds. If gamier sights are your bag, hit one of the canoe trails for an up close and personal sight of the American alligator, still alive in abundance throughout the marsh.

The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is open daily, sunrise to sunset, however areas may be closed without notification due to season, weather or various park reasons. The refuge is technically free to visit, although there is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee (no vehicle, no fee). Vehicle movement around the refuge is strictly limited; you’ll be better off parking it and traveling on foot to whatever you need. Learn more.

We fully support getting back to nature and discovering the beauty, the majesty and the importance of our natural ecosystems. But hey, idyllic island beaches are natural too, right?

That’s why we can in good conscience recommend a day at Loxahatchee and then a night at beautiful Singer Island, just 30 miles away. The upscale resort island located on Florida east coast offers many resorts, but we’re fans of the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort. They welcome you with all the resort amenities you desire, and often at a surprisingly reasonable price.

Have fun at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge!

At USA Travel Guide, we’ve perhaps been a little extravagant with our L.A. advice: fifty-eight dollar bus tours, holidays at Disneyland, a British film festival. So today, we’re going simple and inexpensive.

Which isn’t to say we’re going small. In fact, you can explore a huge chunk of Los Angeles, California coastline for the cost of only a few thousand calories when you grab your two-wheeled ride and hit the South Bay Bicycle Trail. It’s good for the body, and as many fascinating sights as you’re like to see along the way, it’s good for the mind as well.

Considered the longest beach path in the nation, the South Bay Bicycle Trail is a 22-mile paved path that starts at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades, north of Santa Monica, and continues southbound all the way to Torrance County Beach, south of Redondo. Though paved, the trail sits on the beach for almost its entire length, with only one or two pesky detours that you may actually find well worth the effort.

The South Bay Bicycle Trail is an easy ride except for its length, fourteen feet wide and fairly flat most of the way down. The challenges you face will have nothing to do with the path, and everything to do with the folks on top of it. With such beautiful scenery (both left and right), the trail attracts thousands of walkers, runners, riders and wheelers every day. It’s not like trying to ride a bike through downtown Tokyo, but it’s a not a secluded mountain trail either. Always ride carefully and courteously, and be prepared to hop off and walk your bike maybe once or twice each way.

That’s not all a bad thing, though. More people means more people to watch, which should be every bit a part of the fun. Unless all you care about is sustaining that heart rate, we’re not actually recommending you tackle the trail in a straight shot. Park it from time to time, lock it up and see the sights. Don’t think of it as exercise. Think of it as a DIY tour of all the famous Los Angeles beach communities.

Along the way you’ll have opportunities to stop in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina del Ray, El Porto and the big three: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. If there’s a downside, it’s that the most interesting stretch of the trail, the famous boardwalk of Venice Beach, comes along so early. After an easy, scenic ride along the coast of Santa Monica, take a break in Venice and watch the street performers, chat with the sidewalk vendors and maybe even grab a snack at any of the charming little shops.

Don’t stay too long though, because you’ve got another 14 miles to go, and 36 to go if you plan to make the return trek (otherwise you can rely on public transportation to get back to wherever you need to be. Most L.A. bus routes offer racks.)

The South Bay Bicycle Trail is completely free, of course, making it altogether one of the best and cheapest tours of Los Angeles. No Web site for this one, but you can learn a little more about traffic hazards and view the map here.

Completists will force themselves to ride from Will Rogers State Park, but truth is we like to take a little bit of a head start by launching in Santa Monica. For one thing, that’s often where our hotel is. For Santa Monica hotels, we’re fans of the Holiday Inn Santa Monica Beach Hotel – At the Pier. This is a timely choice, actually, because the hotel actually rents bikes, and it’s located more or less on the trail. We always find it a little silly to drive to a bike trail, so it makes us happy that when we stay here, we don’t have to.

Have some heart-healthy fun with the South Bay Bicycle Trail!

If there’s one thing that almost the entire animal kingdom can agree on – from human all the way down to pygmy voles – it’s that we do not want to be cold. That’s why birds, fish, insects, and even some humans are equator-bound come wintertime. No doubt the most awe-inspiring migration of all is that of the massive humpback whale.

Experience these whales’ warm winter getaway, and enjoy one of your own, with a fascinating whale watching adventure off the coast of Maui, Hawaii.

The Pacific Whale Foundation is an easy favorite for whale watching tours in Maui. Options is just the first of many reasons why. From November to May (but really December is better), head out on one of nine whale watching cruises exploring the vibrant coast of Maui and the further waters where the whales roam by the hundreds.

You really can’t pick a bad cruise, so your choice should be guided by the time of your visit, the time of day you want to cruise, and to a certain extent what you want to see (though really it’s all about the whales, and you’ll get that no matter what).

Because you really can’t match the beauty of Hawaii’s vivid waters at sunset, we recommend the “Sunset Whale Watch”. Hosted from December to April, this evening cruise features three cocktails, an hors d’oeuvres bar and, of course, guaranteed whale sightings.*

For true enthusiasts, especially those with a little cash to spend, we say go big with the “Ultimate Whale Watch”. Your day begins with breakfast and a short presentation from a member of the Foundation’s research team about their scientific study tactics, why they choose certain locations and so on. Next, you’re on the boat with the research team for a highly-informative whale watching tour. Finally, you have the chance to meet a full research team, all of whom are willing to field your questions about their latest work.

It runs a little pricier at $71.95 per person (roughly 4 hours excursion), but if you’re really into it, there’s simply no better tour!

There are seven more incredible Maui Whale Watching tours to choose from – everything from sunrise embarkations to special guides like the Foundation’s president. Check them all out.

When browsing hotels in Maui, you’ve just got to go oceanfront. In fact, at this time of year, pick the right hotel and you might see whales right outside the front door. One such Maui beach hotel that we like a lot is the Days Inn Maui Oceanfront Inn. A cut above your average Days Inn, the Maui Oceanfront Hotel has a beautiful property that captures the fresh, lively energy of the Hawaiian Islands.

Have fun!

*The Pacific Whale Foundation guarantees whale sightings. In the event that you don’t see any whales, you will be provided a voucher for a free cruise in the future. No cash/credit refunds.

There’s nothing sadder than a golfer with frozen balls. Grab your clubs and head some place warm for the winter, some place where the bright green beauty of summer never goes out of style, some place like Cocoa Beach, Florida on the Space Coast.

The golf courses of Cocoa Beach and surrounding areas welcome golfers novice-to-pro for serene and scenic outings at any time of year. What’s more, the average green fees aren’t as pricey as you’ll find even a little bit south near the Palm Beaches or Miami. For Florida golf vacations, winter or summer, it really can’t be beat.

Here are a few favorite Cocoa Beach golf courses:

Cocoa Beach Country Club
5000 Tom Warriner Boulevard
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
321-868-3361 | Web site

Beset on all sides by the inky blue Banana River, the Cocoa Beach Country Club provides some of the best aerials in the industry. It also provides a great game of golf. A trio of 9-hole courses challenge your long game and twitch skills as sand and water hazards wraps their way into nearly every hole. If you time it right, you can even see a shuttle take to the sky from Cape Canaveral.

Favorite Course: River Course

Viera East Golf Club
2300 Clubhouse Drive
Viera, FL 32955
321-639-6500 | Web site

The smooth, beguiling slopes of the Viera East’s 18 holes hide a subtle challenge that seems to reward more experienced players. Designed by architect Jon Lee, Viera East offers equals chances to power through the ball and hone that chip shot. The game proceeds well over 18 holes, the design growing only more robust as you reach the latter half of the course. Spotted with towering palms, Viera East offers a fresh and, most importantly, fun game of golf.

Turtle Creek Golf Club
1279 Admiralty Boulevard
Rockledge, FL 32955
321-632-2520 | Web site

Few golf courses in Florida offer more varied play than the 18-hole course at Turtle Creek Golf Club. Unlike the others, the course at Turtle Creek is heavily wooded, winding tirelessly – dogleg after dogleg – through dense clusters of trees stemmed only by amoeboid water hazards. Counting your wedges, you could have 10-12 irons in your bag. Turtle Creek finally gives you a chance to use them.

Stay and Play
There are just three of our favorites. There are dozens more golf courses in Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast, courses attuned to every level of play and right for every budget. (But really, start with these three, and we’re sure you’ll be satisfied.)

Heading in? One of our favorite Cocoa Beach hotels is the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort. This surprisingly affordable property is located just minutes from the Cocoa Beach Country Club, and just a few miles more to our other suggestions. Plus, if you don’t get enough sun out on the course, you can walk to the beach.

Have fun golfing the Space Coast!