My Inspirations

Discover the resort-like splendor of San Diego's Golden Triangle in this spectacular landmark hotel on the city's Northern shore. Located on 11 acres at the Aventine and attached to the 32,000 square foot Sporting Club and Spa, the hotel is minutes from UTC Shopping Plaza, Del Mar Race Track, SeaWorld®, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, Qualcomm Stadium, beaches, and Downtown La Jolla. The Restaurant Village located adjacent to the hotel offers four spectacular restaurants highlighted by Cafe Japengo, which offers tantalizing Pacific Rim cuisine and Sushi.Each room includes irons, ironing boards, I Pod docking stations, hairdryers, coffeemakers, safety deposit boxes, voice mail and computer hook ups. The hotel offers T-Mobile WiFi service available in the guestroom and beyond.

The iconic monument is a work of art, a symbol of American freedom and a lesson in our country’s history.

No longer a prison for some of America's most dangerous offenders, Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service and is a must-see for visitors to the city. Once on the island, you will certainly be captivated by its history and its incredible beauty. Take your camera because regardless of the view, a photo opportunity awaits. Also, dress in layers (even during the summer months) because the island can be breezy and inside the prison walls it is cold and damp. If you want to scare your kiddies into good behavior, there is a cellhouse audio tour of Alcatraz; for more info check out the website. Ferries to Alcatraz depart from Pier 33, run by Alcatraz Cruises. See website for up-to-date schedule and complete visitation particulars.

Kauai is the northwestern-most and oldest of Hawaii's major islands. Called the Garden Island, it is covered with lush greenery and tropical plants, watered regularly by abundant rainfall. As the oldest of the islands, it has been changed the most by the forces of erosion, and this has resulted in natural wonders such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. It is also home to more sandy beaches than any other major island in the Hawaiian chain.

In short, compared to Oahu, Maui or the Big Island, Kauai is smaller, less populated, more rural, and more laid back. That's why it's the favorite destination for many visitors to Hawaii, and for many Hawaii residents as well.

People come to Kauai primarily for one thing: the beaches with their great snorkeling, surfing, swimming and sunning. But Kauai also boasts more navigable rivers than the other Hawaiian Islands making kayaking very popular. If the surf is calm you can even combine a river run with time paddling the bays and ocean shoreline. You'll find kayak rentals near the mouth of the most popular rivers. Kauai has great hiking and mountain biking trails as well.

Can’t get to Venice, Italy this year? Try a romantic gondola ride in Coronado, instead.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular vacation resort on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco. Along with its cobblestone streets, stunning beaches, plentiful marine life, lush Sierra Madre Mountains, exceptional restaurants, fine Gourmet Festival, new golf courses and vibrant culture, Puerto Vallarta is a vacationer's paradise that has maintained its unique Old Mexico charm despite the addition of these modern conveniences.

Around the Bay, beautiful beaches, lush jungles and sparkling waterfalls offer many opportunities for the adventurous, while five star resorts, world-class shopping and gourmet restaurants satisfy even the most sophisticated traveler. Stretching from the south end of Old Town to central downtown, a newly extended and refurbished boardwalk along the ocean, called the Malecon, often plays host to mimes, breakdancers, clowns and artists.

Puerto Vallarta has many activities and excursions to keep you entertained. The adventurous can hike or mountain bike in the hills, explore the jungle and hidden trails on horseback, take a jeep safari, snorkel, scuba dive, charter a yacht or sailboat, or take a cruise on one of the many party boats.