WINTER IS THE PERFECT SEASON TO VISIT SAN DIEGO'S CULTURAL JEWEL--BALBOA PARK

It’s no secret that San Diego is one of the nation’s top vacation destinations, for so many reasons. Combining year-round, near-perfect weather in a spectacular natural setting, San Diego is home to a long list of attractions to welcome its visitors. It boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century.

San Diego's Balboa Park, an urban oasis like no other, is located right in the middle of the city and is referred to as the cultural heart of San Diego. A recent park-wide renovation was recently completed to restore many of the historical buildings that make this park one of America’s finest.

Since a picture is worth 1,000 words, check out our recently-published USATODAY10Best gallery to see for yourself what awaits you in San Diego’s spectacular Balboa Park.

For more photos of Balboa Park, visit our San Diego Scenic Photos gallery.

December is the perfect time to enjoy the holiday ambiance of Balboa Park © Joanne & Tony DiBona Photography




NEED TO GET AWAY? ENJOY A LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IN NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA

There’s no doubt about it. These past few years suffering through the Covid pandemic have taken a toll on us all. But with the advent of effective vaccines, the world is slowly opening up to tourism. National travel is the easiest, of course, and if you have a need to refresh your mind and spirit, there is no better place to do so than on the coast of Southern California.

You can pretty much travel to SoCal and enjoy wonderful weather and adventures twelve months out of the year in this sun-kissed destination. We had the opportunity to visit Newport Beach in May, 2021 and would like to share this wonderful experience with our readers. For luxury travel at its best, the Balboa Bay Resort is an excellent choice thanks to its long list of amenities, interesting history, and its location directly on the picturesque bay. You can read all about it on our recently published USATODAY10Best article.

We’ve got all our favorite photos from this trip up on our NEWPORT BEACH PHOTO SITE.

Get vaccinated if you are not already, and feel safe traveling! That’s the only way we will defeat this pandemic, and I hope you agree!

Inspiration Point, Newport Beach, California ©Joanne DiBona Photography

USA TODAY Features Photo Show of Catalina Island as a Winter Holiday Destination

In the winter months, Catalina Island, located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, is a perfect winter visitor destination, especially during the holidays. A photo gallery  is currently featured on USA TODAY's 10Best home page.

View on Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island   © Joanne DiBona

View on Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island   © Joanne DiBona


Southern California's Enchanting Catalina Island--The Pleasures of an Off-Season Visit

 
A winter rainbow provides a magical backdrop above the historic Avalon Casino on Catalina Island. Photo:  Joanne DiBona  

A winter rainbow provides a magical backdrop above the historic Avalon Casino on Catalina Island. Photo:  Joanne DiBona  

Fall and winter are the perfect seasons for a visit to Catalina Island, located just 22 miles off the shore of Southern California. Summer crowds are gone, and Catalina is relaxing, romantic, and filled with all sorts of activities and events for every taste. Read how my husband and I spent our December birthdays on this magical island. San Diego Union-Tribune, Catalina Without the Crowds, October 18, 2015. 

See a complete PHOTO LIBRARY of all the images of this trip to Avalon and the Catalina Backcountry.

 


Catalina Island: California's Island Resort

Although just 22 miles off the Southern California coast,

Catalina Island

remains a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The town of Avalon, founded in 1887 as a seaside resort, evokes a charm that is undeniably unique and captivating. It's no surprise that it was a favorite stomping ground for the rich and famous over the decades. View a SLIDE SHOW to see this magical island through my eyes (and camera lens)!

 The picturesque harbor in Avalon, Catalina Island   © Joanne DiBona       

A Whale of an Adventure Off the Southern California Coast

Winter marks the beginning of whale watching season in Southern California. From January through April, Pacific grey whales can be viewed relatively close to shore as they make their way to mate and calf in the warm lagoons of Mexico's Baja California. Whale watching cruises, many of which offer unique experiences, are available from ports along the entire Southern California coast.

Enjoy a photo slide show at the 10Best.com/USA Today link:

Photo courtesy Carla Mitroff, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

Photo courtesy Carla Mitroff, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

 

Where in the World is Oxnard, California?

Despite its unusual name, Oxnard is a hip, happening, and affordable visitor destination in southern California. Located an hour north of Los Angeles on California's Central Coast, Oxnard boasts seven miles of white sandy beaches, a picturesque harbor, farm-to-table international cuisine, outstanding museums, wine tasting, and a historic downtown district.

Oxnard California, Beach Scene   © Joanne DiBona

Oxnard California, Beach Scene   © Joanne DiBona

See all that Oxnard offers the visitor on our 10Best/USA Today Link.

Love is in the Air in Romantic Coronado

It's hard not to feel romantic in Coronado, located just a few minutes from downtown San Diego via the dramatic Coronado Bay Bridge. Get some romantic ideas at my USA TODAY/10Best photo show.

Coronado Bay Bridge  © Joanne DiBona

Coronado Bay Bridge  © Joanne DiBona