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Blog / Canadians are in for a treat with California 2023 offerings
From off the beaten path hiking trails to MICHELIN star restaurants, California has it all
By Kateryna Ivchenko
Canadians made it to the top! Canadian market has been identified as number one priority market for Visit California and here is what the destination is doing to attract and satisfy Canadian travellers.
WheelsUpNetwork met over 20 various destination representatives from California to find out what agents need to know to sell even more trips to the golden state. All conversations took place at the Visit California’s 2023 Canadian Sales Mission and Media Retreat on Niagara-on-the-Lake where two mazing wine destinations have been fighting over the title of the best wine region (Niagara wines put up a hell of a fight but it’s hard to complete with the world most famous California wines!).
Anyway, back to what’s really important … what Travel Agents need to know about California’s 2023 travel offerings:
1. Napa Valley
Napa Valley's rural 35-mile scenic landscape, conveniently located just an hour from the San Francisco Bay Area, consists of five distinctive towns from north to south: Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, the City of Napa, and American Canyon.
Napa Valley has recently welcomed a brand new luxury property - Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection. The resort has opened on 712 acres of vineyards and ranch land, and offers a total of 135 rooms.
If your clients are looking for unique experiences, look no further! The Napa Valley Wine Train will not disappoint. Embark on a stunning voyage through the heart of wine country, enjoying scenic views and world-class wines! The luxurious vintage Wine Train offers a variety of rides and special events. Your clients can choose from a day of tastings, leisurely lunches, afternoon tea, or even a thrilling murder mystery dinner!
Experience a Taste of the Good Life in Napa Valley
2. Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County is located on California’s Central Coast, 65 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles north of Monterey. It is the second-smallest county in California by land area.
Santa Cruz offers numerous beach and nature activities like hiking, steam train tour, farmers markets where you can try locally grown food, boutique wineries and more.
Santa Cruz County is home to one of the oldest U.S. wineries called Bargetto. Established in 1933, it is still operated by the same family.
New hotel openings include Courtyard Santa Cruz. The hotel is ideally located two blocks from sandy beaches and the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park!
Travel guide to Santa Cruz County
3. Monterey County
Monterey County boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific coastline, a world famous aquarium, 45,000 acres of premium vineyards, 65 tasting rooms, 82 wineries, more than 20 golf courses including the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, hillside elevations of over 5,500 feet and more than 220 lodging properties. The destination welcomes more than 4.8 million overnight visitors annually!
Monterey travel experiences include:
- Monterey Bay Eco Tours
- As almost two-thirds of the world’s artichokes are grown in Monterey County, it is without a doubt the best place to taste this delicacy (including Monterey famous artichoke cocktails!)
- Longest running jazz festival also takes place in Monterey
- Other experiences include rock climbing, star gazing, wine tasting (Monterey is a largest producer of Chardonnay in the U.S.), year-round whale watching and more
Monterey County fun facts
Monterey County travel guide
The cities, towns and regions of Monterey County
4. Santa Ynez Valley
Just 30 minutes from the beaches of Santa Barbara, two hours from Los Angeles and four hours from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains in Santa Barbara County, California.
The destination has 6 distinct communities with less than 5,000 people in each one.
Santa Ynez Valley offers chef-driven cuisine (including a MICHELIN star restaurant), a wide range of boutique hotels for every budget, hot air balloon rides, biking trails, over 100 wineries, and in fall 2023, you will be able to visit Santa Ynez Valley cultural museum to learn about the settlers who first lived in the destination.
Here's everything you need to know about travelling to Santa Ynez Valley
Top 10 things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley
With up to 21 daily flights from 10 major markets, California's Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country is within reach
The Santa Ynez Valley refreshes its experiences while Remaining true to what has long made it to one of the 'Best Places To Go'
5. Santa Barbara
Nestled between a majestic mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, and surrounded by wild, undeveloped coast, Santa Barbara is a self-contained paradise. The city is conveniently located 90 miles north of Los Angeles and 325 miles south of San Francisco. Santa Barbara Airport, just 10 minutes from the city, is served by major carriers with direct flights from multiple domestic cities.
Santa Barbara or how many travellers call it “The American Riviera” is known for its beauty and Spanish-style architecture, with red-tile roofs and white adobe buildings. But did you know that the destination also offers 40 wineries, 15 MICHELIN star restaurants, 10 brand new restaurants, numerous festivals, and outdoor activities like sunset cruises, horseback riding and kayaks?
Click on the links below to learn about Santa Brabara offerings:
What’s new in Santa Barbara, California
Top reasons to visit Santa Barbara
6. Ventura
1.5 hours north of Los Angeles along California's iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura is the perfect escape from the busy crowds.
Why choose Ventura:
- Channel Islands National Park: 5 wild, uninhabited islands with no cars, hotels, etc. However, if you wish to stay overnight, bring your camping gear!
- Affordability: Ventura hotels and restaurant prices are generally much lower than other popular destinations in California.
- Beaches: Mile upon mile of sunny sands. And just off those sands, enjoy surfing, boogie boarding, kite-surfing and stand-up paddle boarding.
- Walkability: Explore Ventura with nothing more than your own two feet. Go from a million-dollar view atop the city on a hill to sipping and savouring all the dining Ventura offers in just a few blocks.
- Ventura Harbour: Sample fresh-off-the-boat seafood and, for kids of all ages, ice cream cone.
What you need to know before travelling visiting Ventura
7. Pasadena
Established in 1874, the City of Pasadena is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Pasadena is unique in that it is home to 16 historically designated districts, such as the Playhouse Village, Bungalow Heaven and Garfield Heights.
Unique experiences include America's famous stadium Rose Bowl, a pivotal venue for large-scale events in Pasadena and the greater Southern California area, serving as a backdrop for thousands of sports and entertainment events.
Another selling point is the Old Pasadena, city's original downtown affectionately known as “Old Pas,” is a 22-block trip down memory lane. Victorian-era architecture and brick alleyways provide a charming setting for specialty boutiques, world-class dining, and open-air shopping plazas. Discover delightful museums and galleries, live music, and late-night fun in Old Pasadena.
Pasadena travel guide. Escape to the lush & walkable cityscape
Pasadena: Historical sites, museums & cultural venues
Discover the growing culinary scene in Pasadena
8. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination - where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome.
2023 is definitely a year to visit Los Angeles as the city is celebrating 100th anniversary of the famous Hollywood sign. With plenty of events running throughout the entire year, hotels have prepared special rates for travellers who wish to join the celebrations.
Over 200,000 new rooms have been opened in L.A. after the pandemic and are ready to welcome travellers.
L.A. is home to 300 days of warm sunshine, 120 kilometers of idyllic shoreline, more museums than any other U.S. city and an innovative culinary scene 26 MICHELIN stars were awarded in the L.A in 2022).
Beginner's guide to Los Angeles
Los Angeles 2.0 Fact Sheet
What's new in Los Angeles | Spring 2023
Dine LA kicks off Milestone 15th Anniversary with 15 days of dining
9. Santa Monica
Situated between the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles, Santa Monica, California offers the ultimate Southern California experience. Besides its beautiful beach and year-round warm weather, its proximity to the greater Los Angeles area makes Santa Monica the ideal base for vacationers and business travellers alike.
Santa Monica offers 41 hotels, outdoor adventures, 400 restaurants, various green initiatives to make Santa Monica a sustainable travel destination, and of course the iconic view!
New properties include The Pierside Hotel (opened in March 2023) and Regent Santa Monica (scheduled to open in November 2023).
Here are some of the reasons why Canadians should visit Santa Monica on their next trip
10. Marina del Rey
Nestled along the Los Angeles coastline just 4 miles north of LAX, Marina del Rey is a charming seaside community with laid-back vibes and stunning views.
Marina del Rey offers 7 hotels located right on the water.
L.A.'s Marina is close to nearby attractions, from Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood to Universal Studios and SoFi Stadium. Alongside a range of distinctive hotels and some of the city's top cuisine, Marina del Rey is coastal vacationing at its best.
Visit Marina del Rey for your next coastal getaway!
11. Huntington Beach
The dynamic coastal city of Huntington Beach (or how some travellers call it Surf City® USA), with its sunny Mediterranean climate and idyllic setting, is located along the Southern California coast in Orange County, 35 miles south of Los Angeles and 95 miles north of San Diego.
Perfect for family and outdoor enthusiasts, the Huntington Beach offers so many experiences ranging from the beach yoga to the private wine charters.
Huntington Beach is now home to ISA World Para Surfing Championship 2023 making the destination absolutely accessible for disabled travellers.
What's new in Huntington Beach
Just the Facts: Surf City USA®
12. Newport Beach
Newport Beach invites visitors to experience the embodiment of California coastal luxury with 10 miles of scenic shoreline, pristine beaches, world-class shopping, dining and entertainment.
The islands of Newport Beach include Corona del Mar, Balboa Island, Balboa Peninsula (also known as Balboa), Lido Peninsula, Newport Coast, San Joaquin Hills, Santa Ana Heights, and West Newport.
The best way to get around Newport Beach is by the boat. Travellers are encouraged to rent an easy to use, small, electric boat that will take you anywhere you wish to go! And the best part is, your food can be served right in the boat! No need to leave it unless you want to experience the dine-in vibes of the destination.
6 unique dining experiences in Newport Beach
Visit Newport Beach makes a splash with spring campaign luring travellers with on the water leisure experiences
A sneak peek at this year's Newport Beach wine & spirits festival
13. Temecula Valley
Temecula Valley, also known as the Southern California's “Place of the Sun”, is a place like no other. It is a completely rural city with 50 wineries, boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Old Town Temecula does not have any franchises, so all businesses you will see are boutique specialty shops.
Besides wines and craft beers, Temecula Valley also produces olive oil and balsamic vinegar on their zero waste ranch.
Unwind and relax at the Temecula Valley
14. Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs is Southern California's most storied resort oasis, with nine distinct cities (Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella) each offering its own blend of excitement and natural wonder.
Palm Springs invites visitors to experience an extensive array of festivals, activities, attractions and events.
Travel guide to Greater Palm Springs, Southern California’s most storied resort oasis
15. Mammoth Lakes
The town of Mammoth Lakes sits high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. At its center is Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, consistently listed as one of North America’s finest winter/summer recreation areas.
Mammoth Lakes speaks to the soul and encourages endless opportunities for adventure for you, your friends and your family year round. Connect over a hike to Rainbow Falls, explore the Devil's Postpile National Monument, or day trip to Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake or Bodie, California's official 'ghost town'.
Summer activities include hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and the best high altitude training in the country. Winter fun is skiing or snowboarding on legendary Mammoth Mountain, one of the official training mountain.
What’s new for winter 2023 in Mammoth Lakes
Experience everything Mammoth Lakes has to offer with this exclusive vacation guide!
16. San Diego
San Diego is California's beach city and embodies an authentic SoCal experience. Beyond the beach, San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter offers 16 walkable blocks of restaurants, nightlife and entertainment. San Diego is also known as the Capital of Craft, with over 130 craft breweries as well as over 100 dynamic wineries to visit.
Known as the birthplace of California, San Diego has a host of historic locations to discover including Old Town San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument and Mission de Alcala, the first of the California missions. Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America, offers 17 major museums plus performing arts, beautiful gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Other San Diego attractions include SeaWorld San Diego, the USS Midway, LEGOLAND California, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
17. Buena Park
Located in the hub of Southern California lies the fun-filled town of Buena Park, home to several attractions like Knott's Berry Farm, which is packed with coasters and rides for little ones. Knott's Soak City boasts water slides, cabanas, lazy river and wave pool during the summer months. Three interactive dinner shows, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times, and Beach Boulevard Club offer entertainment from mischievous pirates to jousting knights and duelling pianists. Hungry travellers can visit Porto's Bakery for Cuban sandwiches or Gaucho Grill for an Argentine steak dinner. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park has hiking trails with views of the city that range from easy to moderate. After a day of exploring, visitors can choose from 17 hotels with spacious rooms, free breakfast, and transportation to local attractions.
18. Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Madera county is more than “California's Getaway to Yosemite,” its small town offer numerous attractions and activities that make for the perfect vacation. Visit the Fossil Discovery Center and see fossils from over 780,000 years ago. Sample delicious wines along the Madera Wine Trail. Try your luck at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. Stay and play in Oakhurst, the largest getaway town with an abundance of lodging, shopping, dining & year-long entertainment. Play at beautiful Bass Lake, named one of the “West's Best Lakes” by the Sunset Magazine. Explore the nearly 100-mile journey of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. Ride the historic Logger at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
19. Visit Anaheim
As a city built on imagination, Anaheim is where all of your inner enthusiasts can have their day. Visit Anaheim and discover an atmosphere where hip hangouts and hidden gems inspire animated attitudes from visitors and locals alike. From the magic of Main Street to a collection of one-of-a-kind flavours, scenes, sights, and sounds - Visit Anaheim invites you to experience all things Anaheim!
20. Visit Laguna Beach
With more than 30 coves and beaches, Laguna Beach is the ideal spot for luxurious coastal fun. From snorkeling, surfing, volleyball and more - the coastline offers something for everyone. Laguna also features one-of-a-kind boutiques and more beachfront lodging than any other city in California. Twenty-thousand acres of wilderness welcomes hikers, bikers and painters to dramatic cliffs and majestic canyons. Known for its mild, year-round weather, average temperature range from mid-60° to 80°s.
Located in the heart of OC and on the Pacific, Laguna Beach is conveniently located near John Wayne and Long Beach Airports as well as Los Angeles and San Diego Airports.
Known as a 100-year-old artist's colony, Laguna Beach offer yearly festivals including Sawdust Winter Fantasy; Pageant of the Masters; Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational and more!
21. Destination Irvine
Irvine is situated in Orange County - only 11 km from the Pacific Ocean, 14 km from famous theme parks, and 64 km from Los Angeles. It's accessed through John Wayne Airport (SNA) with direct and one-stop flights from Canada. Boasting over 67 sq km of hiking and biking trails, world-class shopping, and 23 hotels, Irvine has something for every traveller.
Through Irvine's booming international culinary scene, visitors can explore the world through dining. With so much to discover in Irvine and with the ease of having multiple airports within its reach, Irvine is SoCal's hub!
- Irvine boasts 23 hotels including the brand-new Element Irvine and the soon-to-open Hyatt Regency Irvine
- Open for summer fun is the new Wild Rivers Water Park
- Great concerts are happening at FivePoint Amphitheatre as well as famous comedians coming to Irvine Improv
22. Sonoma County Tourism
Life opens up in Sonoma County, just 30 miles north of San Francisco. Acclaimed food and wine, relaxing spas and stunning beauty create a wine country experience like no other. Taste a diverse terroir at more than 425 wineries, hike among towering redwoods, marvel at the stunning Pacific Coast and get to know inviting small towns. Or, just sit back and take it all in.
