By Greg Aragon Southern California has so many great beach towns that it is sometimes hard to choose one to visit. While most are beautiful and perfect destinations, some are more crowded and touristy than others. One of my favorite, quieter beach towns is Redondo Beach, where charming hotels and a historic pier set the stage for relaxing near…
By Greg Aragon Summer is here and that means it’s time for the beach and barbecues. And if you love art – especially the kind with living people in it – then it’s time for one of the greatest performance spectacles around. It is time for the annual Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. Held each summer…
Princess MedallionClass makes it easy to unwind with “don’t-get-up service” and other personalized perks. It begins with the OceanMedallion, a quarter-size device that never needs to be turned on or off. On the ship, it replaces your key and credit card. All you have to do is wear it and almost anything you want is at…
By Greg Aragon Oceanside is more than a classic California beach town with a groovy surf vibe and a walkable downtown. The city is also full of history and fascinating architecture, while also boasting eclectic restaurants, boutique hotels, exciting waterfront adventures and more. I took a recent trip to the city and had the opportunity…
By Greg Aragon Los Angeles has many fascinating sights, but nothing can match the history or mystery of the La Brea Tar Pits. This area of bubbling asphalt along Wilshire Boulevard has intrigued scientists and visitors since it was discovered more than 100 years ago. As of today it is the only actively excavated Ice…
By Greg Aragon Paradise comes in many forms. Recently it came by way of a charming suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a secluded beach and a delicious, 40-day aged cut of prime steak. In other words, I spent a night at the historic Grande Colonial in La Jolla and dined at the property’s renowned Nine-Ten Restaurant & Bar. A…
By Greg Aragon Summer is upon us and for me that means it’s time to plan a getaway to Big Bear Lake. The place is a summer paradise. From hiking, mountain biking and rope climbing in the forest, to relaxing on the lake or in a charming, rustic cabin, the alpine area has got it…
Welcome to Holland America Line, the cruise line dedicated to explorers, foodies and music lovers who want to pursue these passions on all seven seas and continents, on perfectly sized, refreshingly uncrowded ships filled with one-of-a-kind experiences. We have nearly 150 years of experience sailing the world’s oceans with more than 500 itineraries visiting over…
By Greg Aragon Sometimes I like to throw a proverbial dart at the map to find new places to discover. And when it’s an unexpectedly hot day, I usually aim for the beach. Such was the case last weekend, when a couple friends and I drove to the neighboring cities of Camarillo and Port Hueneme,…
By Greg Aragon I hit the jackpot recently at Pala Casino Spa & Resort in San Diego County. I didn’t win any money, but I did stay in an awesome hotel room, dine at a couple great restaurants, and experience the resort’s stunning, new pool area. The getaway began when a friend and I checked…