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Highway to San Diego is Dana Point,
where youwill discover one of the classic
beach resorts of Southern California,
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. On
the way, you could stop at Anaheim,
the spiritual home of Walt Disney and
the location of the original resort.
Sitting dramatically above the
sweeping beaches of Orange County,
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is the
perfect place to regard Californian
beach culture. A word of warning
though, there is a sensible reason why
you see so many surfers wearing
wetsuits and it has more to do with
the fact that the coastal Pacific
currents tend to run southwards
from much chillier waters!
Notwithstanding, nearby Dana
Point Harbour is an excellent
place to spend a day sailing, visit
Catalina Island or wrestle with
some deep sea fishing. Laguna
Beach is also worth visiting. This quirky,
bohemian seaside community is full of
restaurants, art galleries, studios and
interesting boutiques.
At the end of the trail lies California’s
second largest and eldest city, San
Diego, with a legacy stretching back to
Spanish Colonial rule. It is also the
birthplace of all that is Californian.
Many of its key attractions are within a
short distance of the attractive and lively
bay-front downtown district. Must do’s
include the world-renowned San Diego
Zoo, Spanish Colonial Balboa Park,
Seaworld, the Gaslight District and even
a visit to the venerable, but retired liner,
Queen Mary in neighbouring Long
Beach. Jump on an old Town Trolley for
a city tour or take the Tijuana Trolley
(and passport) for a day trip south across
the border into Mexico!
In this road trip we have cruised along
golden coasts and into the desert,
(hopefully with the hood down and the
sun at our backs!). We have traced the
footsteps of the stars and chilled out like
the locals ...to quote a song title by the
West Coast band, The Eagles, cruising
Southern California sure is a glorious way
to “take it easy!
Blending luxury with the authentic spirit of
relaxed Southern California living, Rancho
Valencia welcomes its guests with passion and
grace. Near the chic beaches of La Jolla and Del
Mar, this is an exclusive and tranquil hideaway
set among 18 hectares of rolling hills, orange
groves and gardens full of hibiscus and cacti.
Reminiscent of Spanish-colonial haciendas,
bungalow suites boast stunning craftsmanship
including hand-painted tile work and custom
furnishings. With its world-renowned tennis
program, innovative cuisine and rejuvenating
spa, and year-round sunny climate, Rancho
Valencia is the perfect place to discover this
beautiful San Diego region.
Rancho Valencia
, Rancho Santa Fe, near San Diego
Relais & Chateaux pedigree and
relaxed Southern Californian living
Discovering Southern California
Driving times and distances
Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Distance - 145 Kms
Driving Time - 2 hours 15 minutes
Los Angeles to Palm Springs
Distance - 190 Kms
Driving Time - 2 hours 45 minutes
Los Angeles to Dana Point
Distance - 105 Kms
Driving Time - 2 hours 45 minutes
(quick route)
Driving Time - 3 hours 45 minutes
(scenic coastal route)
Dana Point to San Diego
Distance - 105 Kms
Driving Time - 1 hour 25 minutes
(1 hour 5 minutes to Rancho Santa Fe)
