California  Vacations - Getaway and stay in California

California vacations rank Number One as destination vacations in the U.S. according to the Travel Industry Association. More people take California vacations than any other destination.  Perhaps the fact that California is the largest state and 85% of travelers are Californians themselves, helps explain the huge popularity. There are so many options for pleasure and business travel in and out of California, including Las Vegas casinos, which is a favored California getaway weekend--but Las Vegas doesn't have the coastline, temperate climate and the beautiful California Beaches that still garner the longest stay for those taking a vacation. 

If you examine the facts about California--it includes 58 counties featuring over 1,000 miles of California beaches, several sets of mountain ranges with lakes and elevations assuring a winter ski season, desert resorts, massive expansive of land both enjoyed for  agricultural interests (ag tours) and as California State Parks and National Parks, then you'll see that California has a lot to celebrate.

As tourists and families seek new experiences, California vacations need not be the traditional trip to the beach. California theme parks, trips to the mountains in the California winter vacation, Ag Tours, food, flower and wine festivals are increasing in popularity.  Many pack their bags to attend the Garlic Festival in Gilroy, the Artichoke Festival in Castroville, Strawberry Festivals in Oxnard and Arroyo Grande and the Rose Parade in Pasadena. With thousands of festivals and events offered on a weekly basis, tourists and travelers have more on their plates to taste than ever before.

Some tourists simply like to "California Shop". It is reported that Japanese shoppers fly into Los Angeles or Orange County airports to spend a few days shopping at South Coast Plaza, Rodeo Drive or other mega-shopping complexes. It's an interesting California vacation idea but isn't for everyone.

Theme parks such as Disneyland bring tourists and family vacationers from around the globe to the original Disney experience with its newer California Adventure an added draw.

Cruise ships depart several ports in California, including Long Beach, San Diego, San Pedro's Port of Los Angeles and San Diego. The cruise ship industry continues to expand with many cruise providers offering 3 to 10-day excursions along the California Coast, to Baja Mexico and even Alaska.

If you are seeking some great ideas for California vacations, look no further than this site to explore the many geographic regions and attractions, amusements, shopping, lighthouses, missions, wineries and beaches that make California Vacations the Number One choice!