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Like San Francisco had one worst years As tourism and wildfires have decimated some of Los Angeles’ most beautiful regions, travelers may be opening their eyes to new destinations in the Golden State.
Home to new, luxury resorts and world-class restaurants. There are three California getaways on the rise, perfect for an unforgettable vacation this year.
Whether it’s wine country, small coastal gems, or the very first resort in an overlooked SoCal city, vacationers should keep an eye on this trio of up-and-coming gems to avoid the chaos of California’s big cities. to avoid.
3 upcoming getaways in California you need to visit in 2025:
Elk: Northern California’s new hot spot
A case of the winter blues can leave you stuck in a rut, so what could be more fitting than a visit to Elk?
This dot on the map along the famous Pacific Coastal Highway (PCH) is more than a pit stop on a road trip for beef jerky and Big gulps; it’s a place where you want to arrive hungry and stay a while.
Receiving 2 stars from the Michelin Guide Harbor Houseanchoring the city’s rising food scene. Here you get the VIP treatment with divine starters such as ‘Slowly grilled halibut‘and’Abalone poached in sake, calhikari rice, offal‘.
Better yet, if you’re feeling overcrowded, you can go straight to your room as the Harbor House restaurant is located within the Harbor House Inn.
Considered Big Sur 2.0, this small town on the rise is one of the most picturesque gems on the California coast.
Although NorCal’s beaches can be a bit tough, the scenery is astonishing, to say the least. Check out Greenwood State Beach to see what I mean.
Nature here is completely untamed and the city couldn’t be more authentic without the eyes of fast food chains.
Instead, mingle with locals on low-light dives Beacon light by the sea.
Chula Vista: San Diego’s last frontier
Chula Vista is more than a suburb; It will soon become a destination in its own right, but already has its own unique culture where the laid-back atmosphere of San Diego meets the delights of Tijuana without the need for a passport.
Home to nearly 300,000 residents, including myself, I’ve never understood why I constantly get the stink eye when I tell “San Diegans” where I live.
The truth is: I love it!
While many tourists visit downtown San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter for late night ragers, Chula Vista’s 3rd Avenue is a great alternative with a much quieter atmosphere for the ‘happy crowd’ at numerous breweries and up-and-coming restaurants, as locally hyped Tuetano TaqueriaCanelo Alvarez’s recently opened taco shop El Pastor Del Ricaand my new favorite, Lime in the coconutfor the best cocktails in town.
There are tons of Tijuana-inspired taco shops here, so close to the border, and yes, it’s home to the OG, Tacos El Gordo – so insanely delicious that it is rumored to bring in $5 million a month at their Vegas location!
Sorry, Gordon Ramsay.
As incredible as Chula Vista’s food scene may be, the city’s claim to fame for 2025 will be very first resort, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Centeroverlooking San Diego Bay and just 7 minutes from downtown San Diego.
The opening will take place in late spring 2025, at an unknown date.
Chula Vista is often mistakenly thought of as a border town, but that’s only if you haven’t been to the Eastlake district.
Check out Mountain Hawk Parkone of my favorite hidden gems with views of staggering mountains and the scenic Otay Lakes that I assume less than 1% of San Diego tourists know about.
Murrieta: SoCal’s new wine country hideaway
Temecula is SoCal’s version of Napa, full of castle wineries and a charming downtown. Despite being quieter than Napa, Temecula can attract large crowds and the traffic is unbearable.
The neighboring town of Murrieta is the place to be with a picturesque main strip and wineries Wine Ranch Grill and Cellars with much less crowds and a newly updated resort that easily became one of my favorite places to stay in California.
This is what the perfect day in Murrieta looks like:
Take a nice walk through downtown Murrieta and grab a delicious latte The artisanal sconewith an impressive Google rating of 4.6.
Go to Toast for brunch, where they serve mimosa flights and sinfully delicious Crab cake Benedict.
Relax for a few hours at the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, whether you are staying as a guest or Day pass holder. Use more than 20 swimming pools Open 24/7 to enjoy or a Roman spa, as you would find in Europe.
End your day with an impeccable meal in the resort’s on-site accommodation Talia kitchenwhich is truly one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
Ask for Isis and enjoy the chef’s latest dish, which I was allowed to take a taste of, Prime Back Loin Center Cut Local Swordfish.
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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
