In addition to your basic travel needs such as clothes and toiletries, beach vacations require travelers to bring along certain items that you would not necessarily need to bring on other trips. First off, beach towels are a must. Regular size bath towels are not large enough to comfortably lie on while on the sand. If you are driving to your beach vacation, you should also consider bringing beach chairs and an umbrella.

Guests staying in timeshare units can pack less clothes, as most of these resorts provide guests with washers and dryers. Do, however, bring laundry detergent, if you are driving.

If your beach vacation is going to include snorkeling near a reef, think about packing biodegradable suntan lotions. These are required at many reef sites and can be extremely pricey if you purchase them at your destination, especially in foreign countries.

Because most beach accommodations don’t allow guests to check in until 3:00 pm or later, be prepared to hit the beach while you wait. Make sure and have a separate bag packed with bathing suits and towels for each person so that you won’t have to dig through every suitcase to find what you need to be beach ready.

Another packing tip that can help you save precious vacation time is to bring at least a day or two of staples if you are driving to your beach destination. This way you can avoid running to the grocery store at the exact same time as all of the other visitors to the area. Let’s face it, many beach accommodations rent from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday, meaning that everyone enters town and tries to stock up at the same time. If you can avoid the store by having enough provisions to keep you going until Monday, you won’t have to wait in long lines at the grocery store.

Remember, your beach vacation will be more enjoyable and cost you less both in time and money if you take the time to pack wisely.

The name Trestles is legendary with SoCal surfers. This break, which is located just south of San Clemente on San Mateo Point, is famous for its consistency, serving up surfable rides on a regular basis. This surf spot requires a hike to reach.

South Del Mar’s exposed reef breaks that occur from 15th Street south are also really popular with local surfers. To reach these waves, surfers have to negotiate a short hike down the sandstone bluffs that line this area’s beaches.

Some surfers believe that Black’s Beach in La Jolla is the area’s best surfing spot. This site features powerful left breaks that can be two to three feet higher than at other nearby beaches. Scientists and surfers credit the submarine Scripps Canyon located offshore of this beach for helping to create the powerful peaked breaks for which this beach is famous. Black’s Beach does require a long trek down a cliff and is also known for being a favorite haunt of nudist sunbathers.

Sunset Cliffs, which lies just south of Ocean Beach in Point Loma, is one of the more dramatic looking surf spots in the San Diego area. Its beaches are surrounded by wind-carved bluffs and the paddle in and out through the rocky entry point can be dangerous to both boards and humans.

Of course, these aren’t the only great surfing spots in San Diego. Other highly recommended breaks include Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, as well as Cardiff Reef, which is a favorite with longboarders.

Visiting soon? Here are some resorts in the area:

• San Clemente Cove Resort
• Villa L’Auberge
• Del Mar Motel on the Beach
• Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
• Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
• Southern California Beach Club

Because a beach setting calls for casual attire, a bride would be smart to stay away from elaborate ballgown styles with huge trains that will end up dredging a path in the sand. Instead, a bride should choose a simpler style in a length that won’t drag on the ground, such as a tea or cocktail length. And because beaches can be unexpectedly windy at times, a bride should eliminate any dress that could fly up and reveal more than she would like her guests to see.

If the wedding is going to be in a tropical setting, all natural fabrics will be the best choice, as synthetic materials won’t breathe and will also show sweat stains more easily. Brides should also look for dresses that lightly skim the body and have a built-in slip to keep sweat from staining the gown.

Casual doesn’t have to mean boring, however. Strapless or spaghetti strap wedding dresses are perfect for a beach wedding, as are flirty ones that show a little leg. Although many brides choose to go ultra-chic with simple, plain white dresses — a la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy — for beach weddings, a smattering of beadwork will add sparkle under the sun.

Brides who will be getting married on a beach in a cooler location, such as New England or the Pacific Northwest may want to choose a cute short jacket or wrap that can be worn over the dress after the ceremony.

Having the wedding at a vacation rental on the beach will be the smartest choice for a bride. By combining the wedding, reception and accommodations into one location, it will be much easier for a bride to get ready and to also freshen up during her big day.

California boasts over 840 miles of scenic coastline, making it hard to narrow down a list of its top five best beaches. However, the following are considered by many to be the most scenic in the Golden State. Interestingly enough, each is beautiful in its own special way. To truly appreciate these beaches, a visitor needs to take the time to explore and get to know the shores of each. Fortunately, there are a number of vacation rentals that are either located close to or on these natural wonders that will allow visitors who book them to do just that.

Pebble Beach is frequently mentioned as having one of the most breathtaking coasts in the nation. This resort area is also home to the world-class golf course of the same name. Pebble Beach is probably best known for its often-photographed iconic lone cypress that sits perched on a cliff overlooking the stunningly rugged coastline.

On the other end of the spectrum is Coronado Municipal Beach, which is considered by many as one of California’s most beautiful for a completely different set of reasons. This beach is lined with elegant mansions and is known for its wide, clean sands and views of nearby San Diego’s skyline. This lovely stretch of sand was named by the Travel Channel as one of America’s finest beaches.

Point Dume State Beach is a gorgeous beach located near Los Angeles. It features bluffs, rocky coves, rugged cliffs and simply awe-inspiring views of the entire Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Mountains. Lucky visitors may be able to glimpse whales during the migration season or, on clear days, Catalina Island.

In Northern California, the beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore are considered by some to be the most scenic in the state. This area includes lagoons, sand dunes, tidepools and dramatic cliffs.

Ben Weston Beach on Catalina Island is this island’s prettiest stretch of sand. It takes some effort to reach this isolated beach, which can only be reached by boat or by a 14-mile hike.

Each of these five beautiful beaches are definitely worth visiting and all have something different to offer visitors and those who choose to stay in rental properties on or near their spectacular shores.

Visiting soon? Here are some resorts in the area:

• Coronado Beach Resort
• El Cordova Hotel
• Villa L’Auberge
• The Embassy Hotel Apartments
• Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa

Of course, the number one California theme park that most people think of is Disneyland. Unfortunately for families with teens, a large number of this park’s rides are geared towards smaller children. This is not to say that there aren’t any fun rides for teens at Disneyland, as well as at its sister park Disney California Adventure Park. There are. But a better choice for families with thrill-seeking teens is actually nearby Knott’s Berry Farm.

This park, which is located in Anaheim, is home to a number of the exhilarating roller coasters and thrill rides that most teens love, including Sierra Sidewinders, which is a spinning coaster, and GhostRider, one of the world’s tallest wooden coasters.

Teen also love water parks, and sunny California’s weather is perfect for these attractions that marry wet and wild with lots of fast-paced fun. About 24 miles from Anaheim is the largest water park in California, Raging Waters San Dimas. This park was ranked number three in Travel Channel’s Top 10 water parks in the United States. San Diego is home to another large water park. Its Knott’s Soak City San Diego, which is actually located in nearby Chula Vista, will keep teens entertained for hours with enormous water slides, lazy rivers and unique rides.

Of course, one of California’s main attractions is the beach. Because many teens dream of learning to surf, most will enjoy spending time at the San Diego Surf Academy, which offers daily lessons or even weeklong camps.

Even families with persnickety teens will find these attractions will keep their kids interested and happy for at least a day.

Visiting soon? Here are some resorts in the area:

• Dolphin’s Cove Resort
• Lemon Tree Hotel
• Hotel Pepper Tree
• San Clemente Cove Resort
• Carlsbad Seapointe Resort
• Grand Pacific Palisades Resort

For instance, if the only fruit travelers ever dine on comes straight from a can, then they may want to swing by the Del Mar Farmers Market while staying in local timeshare rentals. Every Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., those looking for fresh eats will find produce, fish, handcrafted cheeses and more for sale.

If travelers have never been the biggest seafood fan, then they may want to give it another go in a restaurant close to the ocean. One option is Pacifica Del Mar, where the chefs have a passion for seafood. Here, diners can start with crispy calamari before finishing off a plate of pan-roasted sea bass or sugar-spiced salmon.

When individuals are staying in timeshare rentals in Del Mar, there is a good chance they will find something they may never have tried before, but will surely want to taste again.

Photo Credit: NatalieMaynor on Flickr

As the GIA claims to be the world’s foremost authority in gemology, diamond grading and jewelry education, there is no better place for visitors to California to learn about gems and diamonds. At the Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad, travelers will also find the GIA Museum. At this site, the institute can use its exhibits and programs to enhance people’s awareness of gems, jewelry and gemology.

When visitors explore the museum, they can view the emerald peridot crystal, which was found on the Red Sea island of Zabargad. Also in Carlsbad are several rough diamonds from the Sir Ernest Oppenheimer Student Collection.

Exhibits at the museum are constantly changing, so no matter when travelers arrive at their vacation condo rentals, they are guaranteed a unique GIA experience. For instance, in March, travelers can appreciate a collection of egg-shaped gems and minerals at the Egg-stravaganza exhibit.

Photo Credit: Fdecomite on Flickr

The institution was founded in 1986 after Stuart Resor, an architect and surfer, put out a call to anybody interested in starting a museum dedicated to the sport. Today, visitors can learn about the history of surf culture in California through a variety of temporary and permanent exhibits.

For instance, visitors who are unfamiliar with the history of surfing will get to learn about such legends as Duke Kahanamoku, George Freeth, Rell Sunn and Doc Ball.

The museum’s current exhibit is titled Transitional Thinking: A Short Story 1966-1972, and explores the ways in which surfing evolved along with the rest of the world during this period.

Past exhibits have focused on the rise of the female surfer and the role this aquatic activity has played in popular culture.

After a visit to the museum, travelers may just be inspired enough to hit the waves before leaving their timeshare rentals in Oceanside.

Travelers reserving vacation rentals on the West Coast this spring can consider lining up their trips with the Encinitas Street Fair in late April. Residents and tourists from all over the nation visit downtown Encinitas not only for the fair but for its offbeat and trendy stores, restaurants and sidewalk cafes.

The city possesses a wealth of history, and many of its landmark shops and restaurants are housed in the same buildings as when the district was first established in the early 20th century.

One of the most prominent downtown landmarks, The Paloma Theatre, dates back to the 1920s and still maintains its single-screen, old-fashioned style. On its opening night in February of 1928, the theater screened “The Cohens and Kellys in Paris,” a premiere event that was graced by then-Hollywood A-lister Mary Pickford.

The annual spring festival will take place this year from April 28-29, stretching along Coast Highway 101 in historic Encinitas. Approximately 450 vendor booths line the streets, featuring arts and crafts, antiques, clothing from around the world, food, live music and more. Additionally, Stone Brewing Company and Port Brewing Company will sponsor the Beer Garden Stage this year, so guests staying in nearby timeshare vacations can relax and sample some of the breweries’ award-winning ales.

Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach,” is a protected beach in Maui that is a favorite of locals and exploratory tourists. Located just two miles from Sea Village Resort, the 3,000-foot long and 100-foot wide stretch of sparkling sand is away from the bustling development of central Maui, making it one of the least crowded beaches in the area.

This stunning stretch of coastline has great waves for body surfing, according to Frommer’s travel guide, and is repeatedly rated one of the most beautiful and beloved beaches of Maui.

Continue north along Makena Beach, hike over the lava outcropping of the tip of Pu’u Ola’i and you will have made your way to Little Beach. One thing to keep in mind when visiting this tiny secluded stretch of sand is it is the only beach in Maui where clothing is optional, although public nudity is technically illegal in Hawaii.

If you plan to book your stay at Sea Village Resort or other nearby vacation rentals, don’t miss out on the exquisite beauty of Maui’s prized beaches.

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