California travelers choose from 281 Best Western hotels.

Yosemite National Park

It’s the season for planting in California’s central valley. One of America’s most productive produce regions runs over 400-miles between the Sierra Nevada’s and the California coastal mountains. This is the season the central valley grower’s focus on celery, bell peppers, peas and radishes. The fragrant smell of mint, oregano and tarragon soon fills the California air. From Redding and Sacramento in the Sacramento Valley to Fresno and Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley agriculture reigns.

Tulare, 45-miles south of Fresno on the Golden State Highway, welcomes the world’s largest agriculture expo in February. Tulare’s International Agri-Center hosts the 2012 World Ag Expo mid-February. This year’s event marks the 45th anniversary of the Ag Expo and features over 1,600 exhibitors showcasing the latest agriculture products. The International Agri-Center is the place to be for growers.

Sports fans get ready for March Madness in Fresno. The Save Mart Center at Fresno State hosts the 2012 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship March 24 and 26. Also home to Fresno State University men and women’s basketball regular season play. The Save Mart Center regularly fills with the excitement of basketball this time of year.

Runners and cyclists mark May on your calendar for the Eye-Q California Classic Weekend. Fresno hosts the 2012 California Classic May 17 through the 20, with the bike ride on Saturday and half-marathon on Sunday. Runners enjoy the course, which winds through Fresno’s Chaffe Zoo, the Tower District and finishes in downtown Fresno at Chukchansi Stadium. The ride is the only one in California that closes down a freeway. New in 2012, the 10-mile section of the ride on California State Freeway 168 is timed, and a King and Queen of the Freeway are crowned.

Merced, 60-miles northwest of Fresno on Highway 99, is a gateway to Yosemite National Park. Spring is an ideal time to visit, with cool weather sans summer crowds, Yosemite is delightful. Merced hosts the 2012 MERCO Cycling Classic March 1 through the 4. Visit for the classic and see the excitement of world-class bike racing. New for 2012, a Masters 35+ Stage race is added – bike racers don’t miss the MERCO Classic.

Anchoring the south end of California’s central valley, Bakersfield is coming alive for spring. Join the trill of the 2012 Western Street Rod Nationals at Kern County Fairgrounds. Bakersfield hosts the NSRA Western Nationals April 27 through the 29. Racing fans and car enthusiasts alike, enjoy this weekend in Bakersfield. May is the time for music lovers to visit Bakersfield. California State University, Bakersfield hosts the 2012 Bakersfield Jazz Festival May 11 and 12. Enjoy this Bakersfield “Rite of Spring” at the CSUB Amphitheatre.

Enjoy Palm Springs Golf Courses

East of Los Angeles, southern California’s Inland Empire is considered by many to be part of the Greater Los Angeles Area. Commercial and cultural centers of Ontario, Riverside and San Bernardino are hubs of activity for residents and visitors. San Bernardino’s historic California Theater of Performing Arts, hosts music and theater in the beautifully preserved and restored Spanish – Moorish influenced theater building. In Riverside, the University of California, Riverside ARTSblock covers a gamut of arts with the Barbara and Art Culver Center for the Arts, The California Museum of Photography and Sweeney Art Gallery. There is plenty of fun to keep visitors in the Inland Empire.

Ontario’s Citizens Business Bank Arena has a full schedule of events from sports to entertainment. The Ontario Reign lights up the ice for hockey fans with regular season play through March. Catch the Reign’s last 2012 home games against the Alaska Aces March 24 and 31.

March 2012 brings the newest American Indoor Football team to the field at Citizens Business Bank Arena. 2012 marks the inaugural season for the Ontario Warriors, with the first home game on March 4. Regular season play includes six home games in Ontario. Be sure to catch a season-1 Ontario Warriors game – the last home game is May 20 against Sacramento.

San Bernardino County’s Auto Club Speedway is located 10 miles east of Ontario in Fontana. Conveniently reached by I-10 and I-15, ACS offers racing fans the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience each month. Take the wheel of a real stock car and drive the track with a real NASCAR champion. NASCAR fans head for the track March 23 through the 25 for the Auto Club 400, Southern California’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Spring and summer in southern California is an ideal time to visit the Temecula Valley. Sixty miles south of Ontario on Instate 15, travelers reach Temecula and Southern California’s wine country. Winterfest events end in February, but March brings the start of Temecula’s Springfest. Spring events begin with World of Wine 2012, March 3 and 4. Make an early spring visit and enjoy a tour of more than 30 Temecula wineries.

Have some good ol’ fashioned fun at Old Town Temecula Western Days in May. 2012 Western Days are May 19 and 20. Set in historic Old Town Temecula, festivities include live country music, Western performances and a Chili Cook-Off. Bring friends and family to enjoy the High Noon Shoot Out and have some fun learning calf roping. A great summer getaway, join the fun in Temecula.

Spring and summer mean baseball; the San Diego Padres affiliate Lake Elsinore Storm open the 2012 season April 4. Take a short drive 15-miles north of Temecula to Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium. Enjoy baseball, America’s quintessential summer activity, into September in the Temecula Valley.

Napa Valley Vineyard

San Jose, at the south of San Francisco Bay, is the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. The county seat of Santa Clara County and California’s third largest city, San Jose has a diversity of attractions. As the Capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a mecca for the technology industry. In addition, families enjoy visits to the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Sports fans find the excitement of San Jose State University Spartan football at Spartan Stadium, and San Jose Giants baseball at San Jose Municipal Stadium, while culture and the arts dominate at Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the San Jose Museum of Art.

It’s the season for hockey - catch the excitement of the NHL as the San Jose Sharks take the ice at the HP Pavilion at San Jose. Join family and friends on West Santa Clara Street in San Jose, north of I-280, through April 7. The Sharks host the Los Angeles Kings for the last regular season home game.

Thirty-miles south of San Jose travelers find the bohemian beach community of Santa Cruz. Set on the north end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a classic California community centered on life on the beach. The Arboretum at the University of California Santa Cruz hosts its most popular event in spring. 2012 Hummingbird Days are March 3 and 4, the annual celebration in honor of the arboretum’s resident hummingbirds returning from Mexico

Spring also brings another much-anticipated Santa Cruz County event. The 26th Annual Santa Cruz PaddleFest is March 16 through the 18, 2012. PaddleFest takes place off Lighthouse Point in the famous surfing waters of Steamer Lane. Enjoy watching novice to expert paddle surfers compete in the amazing Santa Cruz surf. Kayak surfers, wave skis and stand-up paddleboard competitions are featured with finals on day three. Join the fun and festivities with the Santa Cruz surfing community at PaddleFest.

The city of Monterey is 45-miles south of Santa Cruz along California State Highway 1. A drive on highway 1 takes travelers through California’s cities of Capitola, Aptos, Watsonville and Marina, all wonderful places to stop and enjoy. Travel directly to Monterey on a flight to Monterey Peninsula Airport. However you get to Monterey, you are visiting a historic and well-known California city.

Must-see destinations for visitors to Monterey are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Warf and a walk down Cannery Row. Monterey County Fairgrounds hosts a west coast Mardi Gras Celebration on February 18, 2012. Enjoy an evening of fun with the renowned Persephone’s Bees.

The well-known Monterey Jazz Festival hosts top student musicians in the 2012 Next Generation Jazz Festival. The three-day event is March 3 through April 1 at the Monterey Conference Center. Come enjoy up and coming jazz musicians from middle school through college age compete for ten performance spots in the 2012 Monterey Jazz Festival this fall.

San Diego's Coronado Island Bridge

Experience a spring spell in “America’s Finest City” – San Diego. With it’s incredible views of the Cuyamaca Mountains, and mix of charming cultures and modern amenities, San Diego is a delight any time of year, in particular the spring season brings a freshness to the area. San Diego alone hosts roughly 30 million visitors a year, with it’s close proximity to the ocean, beaches, a booming nightlife, and a tremendous Mediterranean climate. Surrounding cities like La Jolla, National City, and Santee all provide an eclectic backdrop for San Diego and it’s visitors.

Home to the professional sports, art and culture, and steeped in Spanish history, San Diego is a hub of tourism and activity. Head to PETCO Park on April 10 as the San Diego Padres start a three game series against division foe Arizona Diamondbacks. Visit SeaWorld San Diego, where, through April 15, visitors enjoy the Spring Into Night event, featuring the Shamu Rocks show, and the Sea Lions LIVE show – the events are included with regular admission.

The San Diego Zoo has been thrilling its guests, young and old, for years, as it opened in 1915. With its animals exhibits and displays, there’s never a dull moment at the San Diego Zoo, especially during spring. While visiting the San Diego Zoo, be sure to check out the Safari Park’s Butterfly Jungle, which is in operation through April 15. On April 8, savor the San Diego Zoo Easter Sunday Brunch, a great way celebrate the holiday.

And any visit to America’s Finest City is nearly incomplete without a visit to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you’ll find out what life was like during the mid-1800s.

Less than an hour north of San Diego is Oeanside. An attractive and hospitable city, Oceanside is home to the California Surf Museum, and miles of California beaches. Spring is a great time to get out and explore Oceanside. Tap into your inner thrill seeker and try some rock climbing at Arcadian Ascents. For a more relaxed adventure, take a stroll around the Pier at Oceanside. And Golfers love the scenic views of the San Diego metro area while playing a round at Oceanside Municipal Golf Course.

Less than half an hour to the east is Escondido. Easily accessed from I-15, Escondido is home to the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, a tribute to the 1846 Mexican-American War.

Disneyland - Anaheim, CA

The Orange County area of California is ready for spring rejuvenation. With beautiful cities like Anaheim, and Orange, to the charming and fun seaside cities of Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach, Orange County is the real deal when it comes to spring travel destinations. In Huntington Beach, be sure to check out some of the top surfers in the world compete at the annual Van’s Pier Classic, March 27 through April 1. Laguna Beach, home to Crystal Cove State Park, is another great spring destination. Enjoy a taste of local wine at the Laguna Canyon Winery on April 1.

Experience some of the charm and culture of Laguna Beach with a visit to the Laguna Art Museum. On display until May 1, be sure to check out California Artists: Late Nineteenth Century to Early Twentieth Century, a wonderful event set in the Laguna Art Museum Upstairs Gallery.

One of the major draws of the Orange County area is the close proximity to beaches. While staying at the Best Western hotel in Laguna Beach, be sure to explore the nearly 3.2 miles of beach at Crystal Cove State Park. Take advantage of excellent springtime conditions while hiking, horseback riding, biking or swimming at Crystal Cove State Park.

Set only a half hour north of Laguna Beach is the city of Orange. A pleasant and charming city, Orange is home to the Orange County Zoo. Visitors from across the state make visits to the popular Orange County Zoo, and on March 30, check out the Bonkers for Bunnies toddler program. A family friendly, Easter themed event at the Orange County Zoo, the Bonkers for Bunnies event allows visitors to play with, hold, and even feed bunnies at the zoo.

Scheduled for April 21 at the Orange Public Library & History Center, be don’t miss out on the Earth Day Celebration, where you and the kids will decorate and personalize a tote bag.

South of Orange is Dana Point. Home to the Nautical Heritage Society and Museum, make plans to explore the popular Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy a taste of the sea at Jon’s Fishmarket, while overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Witness the cycling power of thousands of riders at the annual Dana Point Grand Prix on April 30. Enjoy a fine glass of the Red? Be sure to check out the California Wine Festival, April 29-30 at Doheny State Beach.

Many visitors to the Orange County area enjoy exploring Huntington Beach. Home to the International Surfing Museum, and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach is hosting the Paintball on the Beach NPPL Competition on March 29 through April 1.

Mojave National Preserve

California’s desert region is delightful. You can pick your palm – Palm Springs, Palm Desert or Twentynine Palms, this is the season to visit. Southern California’s desert weather is ideal for a hike; Palm Springs’ Indian Canyons, the Randall Henderson Trail in Palm Desert and Joshua Tree National Park near Twentynine Palms are great places to explore. The Coachella Valley Preserve less than 15-miles from Palm Springs has trails for all levels of experience surrounded by the natural flora and fauna of Southern California. If your visit includes a Thursday, don’t miss VillageFest in downtown Palm Springs. Every Thursday evening Palm Springs transforms into the Palm Springs Street Fair.

It is winter and spring in the desert, the best time of year for a visit. Palm Springs hosts a full calendar of signature events. February brings McCormick’s Classic Car Show & Auction, the Tour de Palm Spring Bike Race, and Modernism Week. The Palm Springs Convention Centre hosts events for the 2012 Dinah Shore weekend, one of the most popular lesbian events of the year. In April, Palm Springs hosts the White Party, the largest gay dance music festival. Dinah Shore weekend in Palm Springs is March 27 through April 2, and the 2012 White Party is April 6 through 9.

Music fans are happy in 2012, as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is scheduled for two consecutive three-day weekends. Join the fun and festivities April 13 through the 15 and April 20 through the 22. Hosted at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, multiple genres of music are featured along with art installations and light shows. Less than 10-miles south east of Palm Desert, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival line-up includes the Black Keys, Radiohead, Dr Dre, and Snoop Dogg, among the many performers.

The community of Palm Desert is full of art, culture and fine restaurants. As part of its dedication to public art, Palm Desert hosts a Public Art Documentary Film Series. The 2012 Palm Desert Public Art Documentary Film Series is in the fourth season, offering public art related film screenings to residents and visitors. Screenings are held the third Thursday of the month through April. See “The Rape of Europa” March 15, and the final screening on April 19 is a series of short films.

The Palm Desert Campus of California State University, San Bernardino is home to Indian Wells Theatre. The theater is home to Cabaret Theatre West and their 2012 season. Theater enthusiasts enjoy performances of Hoorah for Hollywood, Hoorah for the USA, weekends in March, and Broadway Tonight, weekends in April. Venture out to Indian Wells Theatre for a wonderful evening of theater featuring talented California and Palm Desert actors.

Golden Gate Bridge

Summer is nearly here in San Francisco - remember its been said “the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” – pack a jacket for downtown San Fran and shorts for the surrounding Bay area suburbs. As May ends, the fun of the Zazzle Bay to Breakers cross-city race is complete; and the Bay Area Discovery Museum celebrates the 75th Birthday of the Golden Gate Bridge, over an extended Memorial Day Weekend. June brings San Francisco Pride to downtown San Francisco City Hall, the Pirate Festival to Vallejo and Shakespeare to Livermore. Make the San Francisco Bay region a summer destination.

Athletes have a variety of summer challenges to keep on pace. Tri California hosts the 2012 Alcatraz Challenge May 28th, featuring a swim only course from Alcatraz Island to Crissy Beach in Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s Presidio Park. The San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz follows July 7th and 8th, starting with the swim in the chilly and challenging waters of San Francisco Bay. The hilly streets of San Francisco await competitors for the bike and run legs of the race. The Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim, July 21st and 22nd, again takes on the challenge of the swim across SF Bay and combines it with a 7 mile run across the Golden Gate Bridge and back.

Featuring the theme Global Equality, 2012 San Francisco Pride is celebrated the weekend of June 23rd and 24th. This 42nd annual event is the largest LGBT gathering in the US. Downtown San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza, in front of SF City Hall, is pride central, with the main stage and exhibitor booths filling the surrounding streets. The always-popular SF Pride Parade is Sunday, June 24th beginning at Market Street and Beale and ending at Market and 8th Street. Celebrate Global Equality at Pride 2012 San Francisco.

2012 brings the 6th anniversary of the Northern California Pirate Festival. The goal of the Pirate Festival is fun and entertainment for everyone - and we all love pirates. The Tortuga Main Stage features entertainment for adults, with the Treasure Island Kid’s Stage lineup just for the little mates. The grounds feature roving entertainers along with a swordfight and pirate's brawling area. Pirate dress is encouraged for the festival which is held on the Vallejo Waterfront the weekend of June 16th and 17th.

Theater fans, don’t miss summer’s Livermore Shakespeare Festival. The 2012 schedule includes performances of The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and The Merry Wives of Windsor from July 12th through August 12th. Shows are held under the stars at Concannon Vineyard, where guests are welcome to picnic and enjoy the estate wines. The amazing location sets the tone for a delightful evening of theater at the Livermore Shakespeare Festival.

San Simion Pier

The central California coast, from Monterey Bay in the north, anchored by Santa Cruz and Monterey, south to Ventura is ready for spring. Santa Barbara, north of Los Angeles is home to UCSB. The University of California, Santa Barbara campus is located on more than 1,000 acres on the central California coast. A hub of education, activity and culture for Santa Barbara, USSB is an integral part of the community. The roar at the Thunderdome, UCSB’s Events Center, can be heard through March as Gaucho basketball runs and guns through the season. UC Santa Barbara’s baseball team is busy with its 2012 schedule including 27 home games. Join Gaucho’s baseball at Ceasar Uyeseka Stadium through May.

A highlight of the season is the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, drawing award-winning films from across the globe. The 2012 SBIFF honors include; Viola Davis as the Outstanding Performer of the Year, Christopher Plummer with the Modern Master Award and Martin Scorsese with the American Riviera Award.

In conjunction with the 27th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, popular Santa Barbara restaurants join the festivities with Film Feast. Bars and restaurants are offering special three-course menus for pre and post screening tastings. This is the season for a visit to Santa Barbara and The American Riviera.

Just ten minutes from the Monterey Peninsula Airport, Carmel, or Carmel-by-the Sea, is a storybook community just south of Monterey Bay. A temperate year-round climate, casual California atmosphere and dog-friendly attitude make Carmel a delightful place to visit. The nearby Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of America’s best public golf courses, is one of the host courses for the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

April 2012 brings the Fifth Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival to Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula. From April 12 through the 15, Pebble Beach is the place to be for exquisite food and wine. With wine tastings, celebrity chef dinners and demonstrations and after hours partying, this is the weekend for foodies to visit Carmel.

The Big Sur International Marathon, April 29, 2012, finishes the CA Highway course in Carmel. An amazing course for runners, the Big Sur International runs from Big Sur to Carmel, with smaller runs beginning at various points along the course. Events include the rocky Point 10.6 Miler, the Pt Lobos 9-miler and kids 3k and 1.5K runs. Spectacular scenery along California’s central coast and mild temperatures make a great combination for runners this spring.

A drive down California’s Highway 1 is known for its majestic views and beautiful scenery. Spring is an ideal time to get behind the wheel for a drive down the Cabrillo Highway through Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Los Padres National Forest. Must stop destinations like San Simeon’s Hearst Castle are worth the delay. By the time you reach Morro Bay, it may be time for a rest. Enjoy your favorite water recreation activities in Morro Bay, spend the night at one of Morro Bay’s three Best Western hotels and be ready to head south for the end of a central California coast adventure.

Sacramento Bridge Welcomes Visitors

Sacramento is California’s sixth largest city and the state capital. A diverse city, Sacramento features a wide variety of attractive sights and exciting things to do. Set within the California gold rush country, Sacramento and it’s neighboring suburbs and cities are full of substantial summer fun. A city like Lodi, home to the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, draws a number of summer visitors looking to visit the Great Valley Serpentarium. Dixon, home to the TLC Petting Zoo, is a charming destination set just 15 minutes south of Davis. Sacramento and the Gold Rush Country have a lot to offer – be ready to explore.

The central hub of activity and tourism in the Gold Rush Country of California is Sacramento. Affectionately known as Sac-Town, Sacramento hosts visitors from around the world on a year-round basis. During the summer, plan a visit to the Sacramento Zoo. Celebrating 85 years in 2012, the Sacramento Zoo is 14 acres of animal-watching adventure – check out the Wildlife Stage Show, engage in the regular Keeper Chats, and let the kids enjoy a ride on the Conservation Carousel.

Tour the California State Capitol Museum, or visit Old Sacramento, a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District. On April 21, experience the 21st Annual Festival de la Familia, celebrating more than 20 different Latino cultures at the Cal Expo center.

Baseball fans exploring Sacramento are sure to visit Raley Field, home to the Sacramento River Cats. As the Triple-A, minor league affiliate of the Oakland A’s, the River Cats play in the Pacific Coast League. Head to Raley Field and check out the action on May 25 when the River Cats take on the Reno Aces.

Davis, a smaller city set west of Sacramento, is home to the University of California, Davis, and the Explorit Science Center. Many guests of the Best Western Davis hotels find time to explore the Rocknasium, a fun and challenging indoor rock-climbing gym.

Take advantage of the tremendous summer weather with a round of golf at the Davis Municipal Golf Course. Tour the UC Davis Arboretum, or check out the Hattie Weber Museum. May 25, head to Dobbins Baseball Field and watch as the UC Davis Aggies battle the UC Irvine Anteaters.

Head into Woodland, a quaint city set just west of Sacramento. While in Woodland, make plans to visit the Hays Antique Truck Museum, and the Woodland Opera House – April 20 thru May 13, check out the new musical stage performance, “13.” Golfers especially enjoy Woodland during the summer for it’s scenery – take it all in while playing a round at the Wildwings Golf Course.

Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles - more than 75 miles of coastline and 30-plus public beaches means classic summer sun, surf and sand. Santa Monica Pier features Pacific Park with rides and midway games – just look for the landmark Ferris wheel. It is the season for Disneyland, and good news, the construction is nearly complete at Disney’s California Adventure, two must-see destinations for families. The 2012 summer concert season is here for the world famous Hollywood Bowl – ideal for an outdoor evening with your favorite entertainers. It’s not summer vacation without a trip to the beach – Redondo Beach is a good start, and there are plenty more.

Los Angeles County’s Hollywood Bowl opens the summer 2012 season June 22nd. Julie Andrews hosts with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra accompanying Reba McEntire and Chaka Kahn for a spectacular evening under the stars. The evening concludes with a special fireworks display topping of this benefit for LA Phil. The full summer calendar of performers includes Barry Manilow, featured for three nights over the 4th of July, and the Mel Brooks musical The Producers, July 27th through the 29th.

Exit Pacific Coast Highway on Torrance Boulevard and head west to the Redondo Beach Pier. Just ten minutes south of LAX, visitors enjoy free concerts on the Pier Thursday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 8pm. The 2012 Summer of Music on the Pier kicks-off on July 5th for the summer. Remember, a fishing license is not required to fish off the pier - another fun family outing.

Tune your radio to CBS Radio Jack FM 93.1 and head to the Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon for a festive 4th of July. Have an enjoyable afternoon on the beach with DJ Wynn, an obstacle course and slide, and children’s activities. Join in the Kids Freedom Parade and enjoy workshops and demonstrations before the live music begins. The fireworks show follows, synced to the radio broadcast.

On a family vacation to Los Angeles? Anaheim's Disneyland, the original Magic Kingdom, is most certainly on the itinerary. June 15th, 2012 brings to completion the makeover of Disney California Adventure just across the plaza from Disneyland. Get in line for the new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street opening this summer along with other improvements. Check into your pick of six Best Western hotels in Anaheim and plan plenty of time to enjoy Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.

Los Angeles area hotels include 53 Best Western properties. Locations from Long Beach north to Woodland Hills and Palmdale, and Santa Monica east to Diamond Bar and West Covina are ideal for destinations across greater Los Angeles. Be sure to look at Best Western for your Los Angeles hotel needs. If you are traveling to LA through Los Angeles International Airport, there are three hotels conveniently located just east of LAX in Inglewood.

Napa Valley Vineyard

California’s Napa County and Sonoma County, arguably the most well-known wine producing regions of the state, are in “Cabernet Season.” The cool winter weather means the grapes are harvested and it's time to enjoy tastings in the Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley and Russian River. Ackerman Family Vineyards, Canard Vineyard and William Hill Estate Winery are a of Napa’s wineries ready for visitors. Rodney Strong Vineyards hosts the 23rd Annual Wine & Chocolate Fantasy in February, and Barrel Tasting in March. Napa’s Silverado hosts Silverado & Hog Island Oysters in March. This is a great season to visit California wine country.

The wineries of the Russian River Valley host the 34th Annual Wine Road Barrel Tasting early March. Join this northern Sonoma County 2012 tasting event, the weekends of March 2 through the 4 and March 9 through the 11. Wine enthusiasts, this is an event for you, with a total focus on wine. Bring a picnic and enjoy more than 100 Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley wineries.

Foodies, mark the week of February 27 through March 4 for 2012’s Sonoma County Restaurant Week. Santa Rosa and Sonoma County’s most popular restaurants create special three-course "prix fixe" menus showcasing their best offerings. Sonoma County Restaurant Week is a great way to try new restaurants at affordable prices. Sonoma’s premier wine selection and farm fresh food make restaurant week especially delicious.

Santa Rosa, home of Snoopy creator Charles M. Schulz, honors the popular comic strip at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Located on the corner of Hardies Lane where Shulz’s art studio and the Redwood Empire Ice Arena are located. Load up the family for a trip to the museum – 2012 kids get in free days are February 4 and April 7.

Through April 1, enjoy the exhibit “ Hit the Road Snoopy!” The show includes 56 original Peanuts comic strips featuring Snoopy’s most famous road trips. Along with the exhibit, “Snoopy Come Home!,” the full length animated feature film, runs concurrently. The Charles M. Schulz Museum is a must see in Santa Rosa.

The 2012 Napa Valley Marathon and the annual Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa 5k Fun Run are on the calendar for March 4. Celebrating the 34th running of the marathon, a satellite Napa Valley Marathon is held in Afghanistan for diploid military. The California race begins on Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga, with the finish in downtown Napa near Vintage High School.

A hub for cultural events in Napa, the Napa Valley Opera House has been a focal point for entertainment for over 130 years. On the corner of Main Street and First Street in Napa, the opera house hosts world-class performers along with the Napa Valley Symphony. Look for the 2012 Mozart Festival April 14 through the 22. The NVS collaborates with artists from around the country to host concerts and education on the life and music of Mozart.

California's Coastal Rain Forest

With a variety of interesting and pleasant attractions, events, and sights, the north coast of California is a brilliant travel destination this summer. Venture into cities like Cloverdale, with the natural beauty of nearby Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve as a backdrop, you’ll find yourself enjoying local wines and incredible weather. Chico is a vibrant city, with a major university, local museums, and is home to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Head to the coast and visit Crescent City, and Arcata – two seaside cities not far apart, and both yielding excellent summertime excitement.

Chico is one of the largest cities in the Sacramento Valley. Home to California State University, Chico, and the National Yo-Yo Museum, Chico is south of Redding. With highs hovering in the 80s this time of year, Chico is a pleasant summer destination. Visit the Chico Museum and check out The Bicycle: Life On Two Wheels, and exhibit on display until July 29.

June 1, plan to attend the Spokes ‘n’ Folks 10th Annual Country Supper, a benefit event to aid the Chico Museum. Entertainment will be provided by local jazz band, Jazzuppa – if you’re looking for a classy evening affair, check out the Chico Museum Country Supper.

Set alongside Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, the Gateway Science Museum can be found, yielding an educational and fun afternoon for you and the family. Baseball fans have a ball watching the Chico State Wildcats play their home baseball games at Nettleton Stadium. Check out all the action as the Wildcats play Cal State Dominguez Hills, on April 27. After an afternoon of college baseball, head to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. for a tour of the facility and, of course, beer tastings.

Crescent City is a pleasant seaside city set in the far northwest of California. Just minutes from the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, Crescent City provides a wonderful Oceanside backdrop for summer visitors – air travelers land at Del Norte County Airport. Marvel at the art while touring the Del Norte County History Museum, or have an aquatic adventure under the sun at Beach Front Park. Most Crescent City visitors explore the Smith River National Recreation Area.

Cloverdale is charming little city set south of the Mendocino National Forest. A summertime visit to Cloverdale means an exploration of the Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. Enjoy a fine taste of locally crafted wine at the Sbragia Family Vineyards in Geyeserville, just 15 minutes south. Closer to your Best Western Cloverdale hotel, experience the full flavors of the rich northern California soil with a tasting at Le Vin Winery & Vineyards.

Home to Humboldt State University, Arcata is another of northern California’s seaside cities. Many Arcata guests find time to check out the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.