Los Angeles International Airport

City of Angels? Technically Los Angeles is the Queen of the Angles, it was founded as “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Angeles”. Stretching over 40 miles from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles is a top destination for travelers across the globe. With an agreeable year-round climate and rich natural resources at its core, Los Angeles has long been a major business, manufacturing, industrial and shipping center.

World renowned as well for Hollywood entertainment and home to the rich and famous, millions of visitors throng to Los Angeles each year, flocking to the requisite sites grown around the entertainment industry. Los Angeles International Airport serves as the largest gateway to southern California and its diversity. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach create the second busiest customs district in the US, and are a cornerstone to the enormous international trade and finance business transacted in Los Angeles.

Visitor's Tip: Fear congested traffic, or intimidation by the rich and beautiful? No worries, there is no better place to be yourself than LA, go, have fun and enjoy. Ditch the car and you can take advantage of the subway system that takes only 12 minutes to get from downtown to Hollywood and in combination with over 1,500 buses makes it easy to get around.

Go over budget at Christmas? LA is filled with interesting places and things to do that are free. Catch a rehearsal in the morning at the Hollywood Bowl for an upcoming concert which are open and free to the public. The Hollywood Bowl scenic overlook is worth the drive, especially on a clear day when, in addition to downtown and the Hollywood sign, the ocean and Catalina Island can be seen. The Santa Monica stairs good spot for an awesome workout - outside, no membership required and simply 175 steps to kick your butt. With no admission fee and free parking, Beverly Hill's Greystone Mansion and Gardens is the perfect spot for some peace and quiet in the urban chaos.

Take a walk along the Hollywood walk of fame and its granite stars, which honor the best of the entertainment industry. Measure your hand and foot prints against those of well known stars that are caste in the concrete in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater. For the price of lunch, you can have a ring side seat on the Venice Beach Boardwalk – always a circus of local characters providing the best people watching in town.

It's Basketball season and Los Angeles has two pro teams that play at the Staples center. The well known and successful Lakers might be your first choice, but it will be easier and more affordable to catch a Clippers game. LA is also home to perhaps the most recognized WNBA team, the Los Angeles Sparks led by home grown star Lisa Leslie. Like the action of men's and women's college ball? Generally top ranked PAC 10 teams, the Trojans of USC and the Bruins of UCLA may be playing a home game at the Galen Center or Pauley Pavilion that fits your schedule.

The list of things to do and see are endless in Los Angeles, but always remember the basics, sunglasses and beach wear. With amazing weather and flawless beaches, a stop to stick your toes in the sand is the best part of any trip to LA.

Best Western Hotels in and around Los Angeles provide convenient and affordable lodging for any itinerary. With a net work of nearly 300 locations in the state of California, put Best Western at the top of your accommodations.

Disneyland - Anaheim, CA

If Disneyland's Matterhorn attraction counts as bobsledding on a snow capped mountain, Orange County is arguably the place that has it all. It has inviting year round weather, wide sandy beaches, picturesque coastal cliffs over looking the pacific and beautiful canyons and nature reserves separating its cities. World class dining, shopping and attractions top Orange County offerings, that draw millions each year to the area.

It is always time to plan a trip to the original Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, whether the first visit of one of many, it never gets old. No one gets too old to enjoy the magic.

Across the large plaza at the entrance of Disneyland is Disney's California Adventure theme park, a celebration of all things California. Rides and attractions focus on well known California history, culture and sights. A bit of planning goes along way, as there are tickets which allow park hopping between the two parks.

Tourist Tip: RideMax is an independent software that can be purchased which personalizes an itinerary depending on individual priorities for rides and attractions. This will save you time and money, if you stick to the outlined agenda and stay on schedule.

Credit for the first theme park in the US goes to Knott's Berry Farm located in Buena Park. Daily itineraries can be planned for thrill seekers, families, families with small children and ride warriors, maximizing your stay in the park. Original to the park is the popular Chicken Dinner Restaurant featuring fried chicken made with Mrs. Knott's original recipe – a must do when you are there.

Nature has gifted Orange County with a bounty of amazing sights worthy of celebration. Dana Point, in the south is an ideal spot for whale watching in spring. The Festival of Whales is held in early March at the Dana Point Harbor. The Festival celebrates the southern migration of the whales with a weekend of entertainment, fun, food, and a street fair full of local arts. Don't for get to stop and watch for the whales as they pass. Newport Beach is another alternative to take a boat trip or a day trip for whale watching or fishing.

San Juan Capistrano is famous for the return of the swallows from their winter home in Argentina. This will happen on or around St. Joseph's Day, March 19. A Taste of San Juan kicks off the seasonal celebration in February, an event that brings the best restaurants in the city together for a sampling of their culinary delights. Time to start the party!

For active runners, Surf City USA, known to commoners as Huntington Beach, hosts one of the first marathons of the season. Plan for next year - it is popular and slots fill quickly. The medal is also a collectors piece because of its unique surfboard design. Nearby, Los Alamitos hosts a unique event for athletes. At the end of February, the Race on the Base is held on the runways of the Joint Forces Training Center and features a reverse triathlon, and 1k, 5k, and 10k walks and runs. Wheel chairs and in line skates are welcome in the 10k, and the 1k is great for kids.

For music aficionados, Orange County is home for the Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, and the Pacific Chorale. Performances are regularly scheduled at the world class Orange County Performing Arts Center which also hosts a broad variety of top theater, dance and musical events.

Best Western Hotels in Orange County are ready to meet your lodging needs with warm hospitality and affordable prices. Conveniently located to make your dream vacation better, your convention or business travel easier, or keep your road trip on schedule.

Spend the day on the SF bay

From the hills and coasts of San Francisco, through the busy shipping ports of Oakland, or south to the quaint magic of Half Moon Bay, Best Western Hotels offer a variety of affordable, convenient locations wherever you travel in California. One of the most visited metro areas in the world, San Francisco's wharfs, trolleys and beautiful Victorian architecture provide an amazing backdrop for business or pleasure in the city.

A visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a must on everyone's bucket list. Surrounding are the fashionable Pacific Heights and Marina neighborhoods, along with landmarks like the Presidio and Fort Mason. Visit the new Walt Disney Museum housed in a renovated army barracks in the Presidio to enjoy the high-tech celebration honoring one of America's most loved showmen.

Tourist Tip: The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park  is exhibiting Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs through March; for a glimpse over 3,000 years into the past of ancient Egypt's celebrated “boy king”.

Fisherman's Wharf, along the northern waterfront, is a delightful locale filled with unique shops, interesting people and is a fantastic place to enjoy a glass of wine and bowl of fresh clam chowder. Through mid February you can enjoy an informative stroll hosted by a Park Ranger to discover the history of the Cannery, Hyde Street Pier and Fish Alley.

Upscale shops surrounding Union Square, downtown skyscrapers amid the Financial District and the Civic Center bring multitudes to the downtown area for business, events, and world-class shopping. Through January, Art in Storefronts places original art installations by San Francisco artists in vacant windows along Taylor Stree store fronts. Locations are in the Tenderloin, as well as Third Street in Bayview, Central Market Street and Lower 24th Street in the Mission. With an objective of engaging local artists in reinvigorating neighborhoods and commercial corridors, that have suffered the economic downturn, this is a great viewing opportunity to see and support local artists.

Just south of San Francisco, the San Francisco International Airport is convenient and easy to access for business and leisure travel. Towns like Pacifica on the coast and South San Francisco are excellent options to enjoy both the excitement of the city as well as popular surfing beaches, parks, Oyster Point Marina, or a 49er's Game at Candlestick Park.

Oakland, San Francisco's sister city on the east bay, is a busy port city that also offers terrific options for visitors and tourists. Old Oakland, Chinatown, Jack London Square and Rockridge all showcase Oakland's multicultural diversity through unique stores, specialty shops, restaurants, and markets. Although Stockton and it's surrounding cities in the central valley, in the recent past have provided an affordable alternative for housing outside the bay area. Originally settled with the development of the railway systems, cities like Tracy and Lathrop now offer a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect to relax and enjoy a break from the chaos of travel.

Sonora and the actual town of Angels Camp, both to the west in gold rush country, also offer small town peace and tranquility. Both are located along historic route 49 – with all the benefits of Best Western hospitality - along with unique shops and restaurants to enjoy along the way. And did you know that Sonora is only about 70 miles from Yosemite National Park – the most popular National Park in the USA?

San Diego's Coronado Island Bridge

San Diego, How do you define it? – great weather, beautiful beaches, the ocean, and a multiplicity of activities and attractions make San Diego a destination everyone can enjoy. There are over 70 miles of pristine beaches on the San Diego coast, including eleven municipal beaches maintained by the City, most including facilities, lifeguards and convenient parking.

With a temperate climate and over 300 days of sunshine a year, San Diego is also a serious golfing paradise. Enjoyable all year around, there are over 90 courses within 40 miles of downtown. San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and the Wild Animal Park, certainly the most world famous tourist attractions in the area, but they are just the beginning of the list of interesting activities and things to do.

At Ocean Beach dogs are welcome at “dog beach”, which is very popular with pet lovers, and is an easy to get to location. For the more adventurous, take your dog to Mission Bay where all of Fiesta Island is designated an off leash area. Tip to Travelers: Many Best Western Hotels are pet friendly, welcoming guests and their four legged friends.

After a year of change for the Padres in 2009, the hometown favorites will begin their regular season schedule in April. Can't wait? They will be in spring training at the Peoria sports complex in Peoria Arizona. Tickets are available now for tours of the Padre's magnificent PETCO stadium. Tours are offered everyday but Monday, now through March. Take a tour behind the scenes, including the press boxes and even the Padre's dugout. Pre season, this is the next best thing to a game.

Known for the US Naval base alongside pristine wide beaches, Coronado Island is just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego. The beaches on the island are free and parking is plentiful. A couple of secrets: There is public access to the beach at the Coronado Shores high rise condominiums, with a public parking. The lot is tucked behind, but accessible if you enter via the left side of the Visitor's Gate/Guard Booth. To visit a “secret” beach, drive to the end of Orange avenue and turn right where you will find a small parking lot for visitors to the nearby beach. The beach is rarely busy and is just north of the facilities that house the Navy SEALs. If you go, remember the beach in front of the Naval property is off limits.

Half way between San Diego and Tijuana, Chula Vista is home to an official US Olympic Committee training facility for summer Olympic athletes. Chula Vista is also home to the Nature Center which features a zoo and aquarium, both focused on local animal and plant life. Both the Olympic training center the the Nature Center are open year around. A visit to these is a good casual day outing for the family.

The busiest land border crossing in the US, is the southernmost community of San Diego, San Ysidro. Over 50 million travelers cross the border here each year from Tijuana. A day trip to Tijuana is a popular adventure for a quick international experience. Tourists flock to shop eat and have a real margarita. Good advice is to take a trolley or park on the US side of the border and walk across. Crossing on foot will save on average at least an hour of time and eliminates any stress of driving and parking in a very busy border town.

February is museum month in San Diego with over 30 museums participating by offering discounts on entrance fees up to 50%. Visit the San Diego Natural History Museum, in Balboa Park, for the Charles Darwin exhibit through February, or take in Wild Ocean, 3D at the 3D theater through March.

For active runners and fans, the Carlsbad marathon and half marathon held the last week of January provides a unique opportunity to participate in a “triple crown” challenge to finish three half marathons starting with Carlsbad. The La Jolla Half Marathon is coming up in April, and San Diego's finest city race; later in the year. Complete all three and receive the special triple crown medal. For the hard core athletes, Oceanside hosts California's Ironman Half triathlon in late March – another excellent physical challenge in a breathtaking environment.

For travelers on interstate 15 near Escondido, the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park is a favorite stop. Much like a safari, animals can be observed in a natural setting. Visitors ride in look out vehicles, stopping at special viewing areas. The adventurous can view wildlife while taking a zip line tour in the park. The kids will love this one.

Best Western Hotel locations throughout the San Diego area are convenient for all travel itineraries. Lodging close to Interstate 5, Interstate 15, and Interstate 8 from El Centro and Calexico, to El Cajon and the costal cities is affordable and well suited to all travelers needs.

The Beautiful Sanford University Campus in Santa Cruz

Do you know the way to San Jose? Once a small farming community, San Jose has grown to become known as the capital of Silicon Valley. Famous for a large concentration of high-tech companies and boasting a list of 25 well-known companies with over a thousand employees; several headquartered here.

San Jose has the ideal infrastructure and facilities to host conventions of all sizes. With a population of over seven million in the San Jose Greater Metropolitan Area, the requisite quality restaurants, as well as a full spectrum of arts and cultural activities make this an exciting place to visit for business or pleasure.

The multiplicity of technologies, delightful cities surrounding San Jose, and the amazing coastal drive along highway 1 draw throngs of travelers through the region. In addition the proximity to area universities including University of California's Berkley and Santa Cruz campus', Stanford University and several state universities attract many of the best and brightest students to the area.

Several cities like Menlo Park, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara are also considered centers for Silicon Valley commerce and industry as well as bedroom communities to San Jose. These communities focus on quality of life and offer small town charms amidst the booming urban activity. A variety of golf courses and the moderate year-round weather make golf an ideal activity. San Jose has an excellent 18 hole municipal course, and is home to a number of top notch clubs; including Coyote Creek Golf Club and the popular Cinnabar Hills Golf Club.

Santa Cruz and Half Moon bay coastal towns are idyllic destinations to see and enjoy the great pacific. Santa Cruz is home to California's oldest and only major seaside amusement park. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features traditional rides for young and old including the giant wood framed roller coaster and bumper cars.; The park is on the beach so if the weather is on your side that day; be sure to bring your swimsuit. The weather in the Half Moon Bay area is milder and can be quite cool (for California) in winter. Home to the popular Arts and Pumpkin Festival in the fall, Half Moon Bay is a terrific town for a stroll to enjoy unique shops filled with antiques, art, and local creations. Golfers can enjoy Half Moon Bay Golf Links, a public course which features both an American parklands style old course and a Scottish Links style Ocean Course.

To the east about a one and a half-hour drive is Modesto; which sits in the agriculturally-rich Central Valley. On the road there, check out LeMans Karting located in Fremont. LeMans Karting is the area's fastest indoor go-kart racing facility. With 9-horsepower go-karts that reach maximum speeds of 40-mph, and a twenty-foot wide race track, everyone can enjoy the fast-paced racing action. For a calmer adventure perhaps 'Bean Town' (Tracy), Lathrop, or Manteca down the road will warrant a stop.

Best Western hotels, born in sunny California, are a common site all across the state – providing comfortable and convenient accommodations no matter where you choose to travel in California. And with affordable lodging a rare commodity in the more-expensive San Jose locale, Best Western adds value to travel in and around the area.

Napa Valley Vineyard

Famous for California's premium wine production, the region heading north from San Francisco is also a draw for its delightful climate, picturesque towns and rolling landscapes. Visit the vineyard of a favorite winemaker, a must if there is a tasting on the schedule. Or visit one of many spas in the area and wander the unique downtown shops of Petaluma, Napa, or Sonoma.

Recognized as the birthplace of the California wine industry, Sonoma County is home to many wine festivals and events throughout the year hosted by local wine producers; with education, tastings, food pairings and typically California-style casual settings.

Equally enticing are a consistent schedule of wine pairings with cheeses, chocolate, and appetizers in Napa. Best Western Hotels are a perfect host if you are staying in the area for Women's Wellness Week in January; featuring a series of topics and activities centered around women's health. Likewise in March Best Western accommodations are ideal for both the 32nd annual Napa Valley Marathon ,or the Northern California Screenwriters Expo; which includes a pitch-fest on the last day to well-known agents, producers, and studios.

Want more than wine country? Vacaville is only 20 minutes from Napa and is a charming and vibrant community that makes a perfect base for any activity or event in the area; especially for travelers to and from Sacramento. Santa Rosa, 55 miles north of San Francisco, is a crossroads for travels to the coast, wine country, redwoods, rivers, and farmland. Central to numerous state and local parks, along with excellent hiking and biking trails this make a terrific place to stay and enjoy a diversity of activities.

Sonoma County hosts the annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest in early February and festivals celebrating the olive harvest between December and February. A must-see for young and old is the Charles Shultz Museum, creator of the Peanuts comic strip and beloved Snoopy.

Just north of San Francisco passing over the Golden Gate Bridge is Marin County. Best Western accommodations in destinations like Corte Madera and Novato offer the best of all worlds. The area is within a half-hour drive from San Francisco's big-city energy and also within minutes of Napa and Sonoma wine county. Some of the west's most beautiful vistas are easily accessible on short hikes and bike trails throughout the area. Discover the hidden gems in the green countryside while enjoying fine wine, local food artisans, and all that is clever in this corner of California.

No matter where you choose to start in Marin, Wine Country, or the coast, Best Western Hotels are affordable, convenient accommodations for your California travels.

Sacramento Bridge Welcomes Visitors

Many a youngster has incorrectly guessed the capital city of California to be Los Angeles or San Francisco, not Sacramento. Overshadowed by its well known metroplex neighbors, it is the heart of the state. True to its history, as a critical crossroads for the overland Pony Express, river travel, and the railroad, today Sacramento remains central to state government and commerce. It remains a crossroads for highway, rail and river travel in the region as well. Historically a gold rush city, a key stop for miners heading to the north, Sacramento is a traveler's gold mine. It is filled with museums, parks, recreation, and activities for all.

Due to great preservation efforts, early American nostalgia permeates Old Sacramento, a 28 acre town, complete down to wooden sidewalks reflecting the city's early history. Today, over 125 unique shops and restaurants are mixed in the historic buildings of Old Town. Filled with art, gifts, clothing,souvenirs and casual dining, it is a fun and interesting place to spend a day. Old Sacramento is also home to the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum, a treat for history buffs to learn about the region.

Bordered by the Sacramento and American rivers, water recreation opportunities abound near Sacramento. The full service Sacramento Marina and a variety of launch sites accommodate watercraft from houseboats and power boats to personal water craft. Picnic sites, beautifully set along the river, have well maintained facilities for families big and small, load up and take the whole clan to the river.

For sports fans the Sacramento Kings have games through out the winter, a great option for a family outing. The regular season runs through mid April, check the schedule when you're in town and enjoy a basketball game.

The Lake Tahoe Area, west of Sacramento, along the California state line with Nevada, is an outdoor enthusiasts dreamland – Lake Tahoe. For starters it is the largest alpine lake in North American and the third deepest (Crater Lake in Oregon is deepest). Easily accessible by car, via Interstate 80 west through Sacramento, and Reno to the east, or from the south on US Route 50.

Plan your ski trip: The city of South Lake Tahoe, close to the Lake Tahoe airport, is an ideal location to enjoy Heavenly Mountain Resort an all season destination. Heavenly is one of over ten ski venues around Lake Tahoe, and one of the premier areas of the US to enjoy a broad diversity of downhill and Nordic skiing as well as snowboarding. There are slopes for all ages and abilities, take your pick and enjoy the world class snow and amenities.

Affordable and convenient, Best Western Hotels throughout the region offer excellent accommodations and hospitality. From the south in Lodi, Davis and Dixon to the west, east to Placerville and Pollock Pines and north passing Roseville to Yuba City enjoy your travels with Best Western.

San Simion Pier on the Central California Coast

The Central Coast of California stretches from Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz south to Oxnard and Ventura. Made up of over 300 miles of matchless sandy beaches, mixed along with splendid pacific cliff lines. Picturesque vistas abound for travelers along the coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles. From unpretentious communities with the charm of small towns like Carpinteria and Goleta, to the more well-known enclaves of Santa Barbara and Monterey, California casual is the rule whether traveling for business or pleasure.

The schedule of events in Winter and Spring does not slow down, and it is an wonderful time of year for a visit. Major attractions along the central coast include eleven of California's historic missions, as well as Hearst Castle and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Through February the trees in Sperling Preserve in Goleta are swarmed with the orange and black beauty of monarch butterflies.

Off the coast, Grey whales can be spotted easily through early March. On a calm day a whale watching trip may reward with the sight of the distinct V shaped blow created by the grey's two nostrils. Pismo Beach's sea caves and rock arches are experienced best by kayaks, which are readily available for rent or provided by tour hosts. Jade cove, close to Big Sur, is an excellent spot to treasure hunt in tide pools that capture jade polished by the sea and sand.

The unique California condor can be spotted at Andrew Molera State Park, which offers a special two hour condor viewing tour sponsored by the Ventana Wildlife Society. Don't forget the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the kids to experience the updated splash zone, the new seahorse exhibit, and the always popular penguins. Tickets are now on sale for the Cooking Solutions celebration at the Aquarium. This is held in May, and joins together well known chefs that specialize in cuisine that sustains the oceans and soils. An excellent and elegant educational event to discover how your food choices protect the health of the soil, water and ocean wildlife.

For the active the central coast is filled with terrific biking and hiking trails complimenting beach and ocean ventures. Paso Robles hosts a half marathon in March that courses through wine country and ends at River Oaks Hot Springs with a kids 1/2 mile grape stomp. Formerly home to Fort Ord, the city of Marina, has completed a new recreational walk trail. The path features a view tower on the bluffs overlooking Monterrey Bay and a trail leading to the four miles of beach below.

Bargain hunters take note, Ventura hosts a large flea market every two months with over 500 vendors. In April and May, Ventura celebrates chamber music at the Ventura Music Festival and the annual springtime art walk is also on the April calendar. Santa Barbara is a hub for events for the culturally well heeled. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is scheduled for early February and will showcase an excellent range of independent films from across the globe in venues throughout the city. March brings the International Orchid Show with the exciting and exotic blossoms from growers across the Pacific Rim. The city of Ojai is home to the unique Ojai Storytelling Festival held at the end of April, a magical and uplifting event for all ages. Later in spring Ojai also hosts a Wine Festival and the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival. For all edibles made with strawberries including new and exciting recipes visit Oxnard for the California Strawberry Festival in May.

Best Western Hotels dot California's central coast travel routes, conveniently located for overnight or longer stays. An excellent value for lodging in this popular and exciting region of the country, Best Western hospitality will make any trip complete.

Enjoy Palm Springs Golf Courses

Descriptively named to distinguish the region from the coastal areas, San Bernardino and Riverside counties are the core of the Inland Empire Region of California. Enormous residential and economic development, over the last several decades, have boosted the region to the third largest metro area in the state. Blythe, off Interstate 10, and Needles, off Interstate 40, in the west near the Arizona border are common gate ways to the state as well as routes for California visitors to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River, a popular water recreation spot.

Get ready for the Colorado River Fair in April. Hosted by the city of Blythe, this years theme is “Tropical Nights and Midway Lights”. You can enter your best arts, crafts, photography and agriculture for a shot at a blue ribbon. Check out the barns for local 4-H and FFA livestock projects, and stick around to see which ones get top dollar at the auction. Entertainment at the Fair will feature Shamrock Shows carnival rides, and Lucas Oil Stock Car Racing. Gather the troops, this is an event for the whole family.

The regions calendar is full of other arts festivals, including the Palm Springs or La Quinta arts festivals in March and the Desert arts festival, which is a series of festivals through the year in Palm Springs. Indio hosts the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April. Fans have dubbed this festival “the best American rock festival”. The 2010 lineup is packed with performances, including the uber famous Jay-Z. Music lovers – plan now for this festival, it is truely amazing. Country music fans gear up for the last weekend in April for Stagecoach – California's Country Music Festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio as well. The 2010 lineup is unbelievable – Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Sugarland and Brooks and Dunn are just a few of the performers you will recognize.

The 2010 Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is a not to miss ten day event that begins mid February. In it's 64th year, the Fair will feature a series of headliner entertainers, monster truck shows, a Livestock Auction, and over 200 exhibitors. Another great family event, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The diversity of the Inland Empire includes the popular mountain recreational areas of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. For sport fishing enthusiasts, the county of San Bernardino sponsors a trout fishing derby that features fishing events monthly January through April. The end of April brings the Berdoo Bikes and Blues Rendezvous featuring top notch music and activities for motorcycle enthusiasts. Take a road trip on your bike and stay at a biker friendly Best Western Hotel in the area.

Starting mid April the regular baseball season opens for the Inland Empire 66ers, a minor league team affiliated with the Dodgers as well as the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, which feeds the LA Angels. Check the schedules, there is nothing like family night at a baseball game. If the talent for baseball runs in the family, you could be accompanying your star to San Bernardino. It is home of the Western Regional Little League Headquarters and host of the Major Western Regional Little League Tournament.

The Desert and Inland Empire regions of California showcase wide diversity in geography and an accompanying breadth of events and activities. Best Western Hotels throughout the region are ready to provide excellent hospitality, that is convenient and affordable for the needs of any traveler.

Yosemite National Park

America's Cornucopia of Agriculture - California's Central Valley forms one of the largest and most agriculturally rich valleys in the world, made up from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley's. Stretching nearly 400 miles from Redding in the north to Bakersfield in the south, nearly a quarter of America's fruits and vegetables come from this region. Traversed by Interstate 5 and SR 99 cities, towns, and attractions are all easily accessible. Best Western Hotels are convenient all through the Central Valley, providing affordable lodging and quality hospitality.

Recognized for the fertile land and abundant agriculture, local residents celebrate the bounty through a variety of fun and entertaining festivals and events. 2010 is the 25th anniversary of the Stockton Asparagus festival. Held in April, this year will feature a cookbook of 166 asparagus recipes from past festivals. Zinfest, held at Lodi Lake in May, celebrates the areas wine production. The event features wine seminars, games and demonstrations.

When cherries come on in May, Lindon holds its annual Cherry Festival with entertainment and food. Although not a native crop, chocolate is always worth celebrating, and Oakdale hosts a Chocolate Festival, complete with tastings and a lot of fun. Rounding out May is the Strawberry Festival in Galt. In addition to everything strawberry (edible and otherwise), a fun run is included in the schedule of events. Apricots are one of the early tree fruits to ripen, and early June brings the Apricot Fiesta in Patterson with a parade among other events. Bring everyone to this event as it is especially geared to families with children.

Famous for beautiful vineyards and wine, California, is also famous for it's central valley raisins. South of Fresno, the Circle-K Ranch is a family owned agricultural business, that began as wine vineyards. The farm has grown and diversified and now includes orchards bearing a variety of fruit. The Farm is open to visitors all year, however, especially enticing is a visit in May thru November, when fresh picked fruit is available. Stop by to enjoy the daily tastings or enjoy a tray of California almonds, walnuts, pistachios with dried fruit. For the best of two worlds, head west of Fresno for a free tour of Sun Empire Foods. Their specialty is the making of chocolate covered fruits and nuts. Nothing can beat a free sample of these.

California State University at Fresno offers an extensive agricultural education program, which includes production for the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market. Products from over 15 university enterprises, in five departments, are stocked in the market. A great place to make a purchase and support the education of future agricultural leaders.

Did you know? Near Porterville and Exeter to the east are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Park is home to both the world's largest tree and North America's deepest canyon. Two amazing sights that are relatively unknown.

Close by, the city of Visalia is the largest town in the area and a likely stoppin' point. Visalia also has nice facilities for groups and meetings, it is a great destination to host a convention in the central valley area.

California's central valley is home to a diversity of cultures which are proudly celebrated through several unique and worthwhile events. Stockton will celebrate the Chinese New Year in March. 2010 is the Year of the Tiger which will be the central theme. New this year, all performances and entertainment will be held at the beautifully restored Fox California/Bob Hope Theater. Pick a performance and come enjoy it along with the amazing restoration. April brings the Cambodian New Year with a community celebration in Stockton. Check local schedules and bring the whole family to one of the events. Of course Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated early May in many locations including Concilio's Cinco de Mayo Family Festival in Stockton organized by the Council for the Spanish Speaking. This will be one of the best Cinco de Mayo Festivals to attend. Temple Israel celebrates Jewish culture in June with a food festival and in July the Stockton Obon Bazaar celebrates Japanese culture at the local Buddhist Temple. The options are non stop, there is no excuse to stay home.

Both a breadbasket for the United States and a cultural melting pot, California's Central Valley is unique from the bright lights and rush of the larger coastal cities but equally important to the states growth and economy. Visit one of the largest and most fruitful gardens on earth with lots to enjoy and Best Western Hotels to make your stay easy and comfortable.

California's Coastal Rain Forest

From Susanville and Alturas, west of California's Cascade mountain range, to the breathtaking northern California coast, Best Western Hotels are prepared to meet any travelers lodging needs. Interstate 5 runs down from Yreka near the Oregon state line, through Mount Shasta, and past Redding on the way to Sacramento, the State Capital. Highway 101 follows the coast line past Redwood National Park, Eureka and provides a convenient exit to the spectacular coastline of Mendocino County. Traveling throughout the region is easy and you can keep it that way with Best Western Hotels.

Just over 85 miles from Reno sits Susanville, an exit for highway 44 to head north to Mount Shasta. Mount Shasta sits prominently in the center of the region, as it rises independently over 10,000 feet above it's neighboring terrain. With sunrise, the western side of the mountain remains in shadows because of the dramatic rise of the mountain. Set the alarm if you stay on the shaded side, mornings seem to come late. The Siskiyou Sled Dog Races 2010 were hosted in the area in January. An exciting enhancement for this year - the race distance was increased to 220 miles and is now an official qualifying race for the Iditerod. You may see teams practicing if you are there in late winter.

The area is very popular among snow sport enthusiasts. For skiers and boarders the Mt Shasta Board and Ski park offers one of the best series of off trail slopes in the west. Don't miss the state of the art half pipe grinders and man made terrain for beginners as well as advanced boarders. Trailer your own snowmobile or rent one locally to enjoy over 250 miles of trails, accessible from four different trail parks.

Heading closer to milder climate of the northern coast? There are a variety of fun events to fill the early months of the year. Near the end of February,, there is the three day Chopper Westbrook Steelhead Derby and in March the Hank Westbrook Derby, both fundraisers for the preservation of the outdoors for future generations. Join friends and family for some outstanding fishing in beautiful surroundings. The hospitality of nearby Best Western Hotels will make your visit complete.

The Redwood Wild River Run is held in late March. There is both a 15K race for serious runners as well as a 5K for running buffs of all ages and abilities. Get ready to enjoy a run along with some amazing scenery. The course runs along the river and through the forests, which are alive in spring with the runoff and new blooms.

Looking for a simple night out? Crescent City will host a fiddling concert at the end of April by the Hunt Family Fiddlers. A bit earlier in the month you can watch the new Junior Miss be crowned at the Crescent City Junior Miss Scholarship Program.

May brings the California Redwoods Bird and Nature Festival in and around Crescent City. Formerly the Aleutian Goose Festival, this is a terrific bridge from spring to summer. Timed with the migration season, visitors enjoy bird watching among the majestic redwood. Featuring wild bird and birds of prey exhibits, nature walks and seminars, this is an amazing educational opportunity as well as a great outdoor event.

No matter where you go, or what you choose to do, look for Best Western Hotels on the route for lodging. Convenient and affordable, you can count on Best Western.