July is the month to nail down your travel plans. Take a look at some of the money saving possibilities around the Golden State.

Palm Springs: During the month of July, all active and retired military personnel will receive free admission to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a valid Military ID. Additionally, up to six of their guests will receive a 25% discount on fares. But the savings don’t stop there. Volunteers for the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area also offer free guided nature walks every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day. There are two hikes: at 10:30 AM, the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile loop and at 1:30 PM, the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop. At the top of the mountain there are two restaurants, a gift shop, a Natural History Museum and two documentary-style movies; one on the history of the Tramway and one on the State Park. For more information about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, go online to www.pstramway.com or call 1-888-515-TRAM or 1-760-325-1391.

San Diego: Two free iconic events occur this month. On July 11 – 12, the action begins at Fiesta Island on Mission Bay at the 56th Annual World Championship Over-The-Line (OTL) Tournament, San Diego’s original rowdy and salacious beach softball event. The finals are played July 18 – 19.  Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) describes the OTL as one of the last of the “pure Southern California traditions left untouched by commercialism.” Reminder: This not an event for your kids or grandmother! See more at www.ombac.org. The 29th. Annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition and Street Festival is held in Imperial Beach at and around the Pier on July 18 & 19.  The competition is the largest in the country and attracts sand carving teams from across the United States. There will be hundreds of sand sculpting artists at work; the event also features a parade and children’s sandcastle contest.  For details go to www.usopensandcastle.com.

Temecula: On July 10-12, over twenty concerts will be presented at the 6th. annual Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival. It is a combination of free and ticketed events held in Old Town and various venues around the city. Proceeds from the event go to the Temecula Valley Cultural Arts & Music Center. For this year’s lineup of artists and Festival information, call 1-951-678-2517 or visit www.temeculajazzfest.com. For general Temecula travel information and a visitors guide, log onto www.temeculacvb.com.

California State Parks: Camping and visiting the California park system is another way to save money on your vacation. In a recent survey in ReserveAmerica’s 2009 “Top 100 Family Campgrounds,” many California state parks were award winners. The top parks were determined on specific family-friendly criteria, ranging from educational programs and visitor centers to camping amenities and overall beauty and scenery. Other factors considered included the quality and availability of hot showers, laundry facilities, hiking trails, family beaches, radio-free zones, educational programs, children’s events and location. Here are the California State Parks (and their county) chosen in the “Best of Family Campgrounds” category: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego, Castle Crags State Park, Shasta, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, Fresno, Morro Bay State Park, San Luis Obispo and Sonoma Coast State Beach, Sonoma. For more information about California State Parks, go online to www.parks.ca.gov.

Saving Money: In California and beyond, the Southern California CityPass is a collection of 30%+ discounts for admissions to Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure (the 3-Day Park Hopper), Universal Studios, SeaWorld and a choice of either the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park. There are also CityPass money saving booklets for San Francisco and Hollywood as well as eight other cities in the US and Canada. Check online at www.citypass.com. The Entertainment Book has an interesting current promotion. If you reserve a 2010 Entertainment Book at the regular price, you will receive a free 2009 edition for the city of your choice. There are 16 different California city books each with hundreds of 2-for-1 and 50% off coupons for local restaurants, movie theaters, sporting events, grocery stores, and much more. Check online at www.entertainment.com.

Safe travels and enjoy the journey…

Howard Hian
www.Travels-with-Hian.com

Thanks to the various websites for information. Before you go please check details, rates, etc., availability and restrictions may apply. Photos courtesy of the CVBs.
 

2010

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