California: Golden State Golf South to North

California is the Golden State, the land of plenty, with Carlsbad standing out in SoCal and Napa Valley in NorCal. There is plenty of golf, plenty of beaches, plenty of tourist attractions, and plenty of wine. To top it off, the climate is sublime year-round.

Carlsbad in SoCal is lined by seven miles of cream-colored beach along Pacific Coast Highway 101 with plenty of spots to park and watch the waves. Halfway between SeaWorld and Disneyland, it is strategically positioned for day tripping to any of SoCal’s popular attractions.

Stay at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort and Spa in California. This boutique hotel has entertaining ocean views as surfers crash against the rushing waves with bonus performances by pelicans’ air ballets. Beach chairs and umbrellas as well as bike rentals are complimentary and inside or out, their Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining is famous for the best sunset view in Carlsbad.

Or stay at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, a luxurious California icon with stunning grounds, exquisite spa and two championship courses. Enjoy the Bar Traza overlooking the Legends Course where the Executive Chef from Guam, melds unique flavors. For dinner, Bob’s Steak & Chophouse is one of the best in the nation.

Play at Aviara Golf Club in California, familiar to all who watched the LPGA compete there for 9 of the past 11 years. The Arnold Palmer design is a visual beauty throughout with par 3s especially adorned with bright gardens around ponds.

Omni La Costa’s two courses have a prestigious PGA and LPGA history. Renowned architect, Gil Hanse is currently renovating the Champions Course where the nation’s finest collegiate golfers will compete in the NCAA Division1 Men’s and Women’s Golf Championship in 2024-2026. While that course is closed for revamping, the Legends Course is more than satisfying members and guests of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. Ponds and streams are nature lined along the way and the side of a lake is florally engraved with the name LACOSTA.

The Crossings Golf Club in California, designed by Greg Nash is named for the five bridges that cross over canyons and creeks. Every hole has a beautiful view of Pacific surf or turf with a spectacular waterfall on number 7. The ascending, descending cart path feels like a roller coaster ride, while coaster screams may be heard from LegoLand across the road.

More fun awaits in downtown Carlsbad, between the beach, shops, restaurants, and a Farmer’s Market every Wednesday. The foodie scene runs the full gamut from a Windmill Food Hall to Michelin Star and The Blue Water Grill featuring an abundant array of scrumptious, fresh seafood. Visit The Oyster Farm for shucking lessons, and tastings. Then select aquatic options at Agua Hedionda Lagoon or simply stroll the beach.

Fly into John Wayne or San Diego airports in California. www.Visitcarlsbad.com

Napa Valley in NorCal has been cultivating grape vines since the 1800s but in the last 15 years it has achieved international acclaim as a true wine destination, sparked by the movie “Bottle Shock.” Now there are over 400 wineries and 90 urban tasting rooms in a 30 mile stretch plus a bustling downtown with a trendy culinary, shopping and music scene.

Stay at Silverado Resort in the heart of wine country with two championship courses and all the amenities you might desire for a relaxing or adventuresome vacation. A signature white mansion built in 1870, is the resort focal point. Accommodations in four neighborhoods are comforting with a fireplace in the suites and private patios. Dial 0 to ask for a log and it will be lit.

Cuisine at the Mansion Bar & Terrace, The Grill and the Market & Bakery is creatively prepared and presented in delectable fashion to pair with yes, wines or cocktails. Consumption is balanced by tennis, bocce, pickleball, a fitness center and three swimming pools as well as a world-class spa and golf.

Play right there at Silverado Resort. It is essentially an arboretum with 300 species of trees where Robert Trent Jones Jr. carved out 36 holes.  The courses were redesigned by Johnny Miller who grew up in the house on number 11 North and bought the property in 2010. And under KSL’s recent acquisition and Troon management, improvements are constant.

The North Course has hosted the PGA, now Fortinet Championship for ten years. The design flows around the foothills and waterways of Napa Valley like a smooth Pinot Noir.

While the North Course is PGA Tour ready, the South Course matches its exceptional condition with fairways and greens that reflect the beauty of the surrounding vineyards and homes. It is like a walk in the park with more elevation changes and gently rolling hills, habitat to deer and skunks among red headed acorn woodpeckers. On both courses a snack shack serves the famous burger dogs and libations.

More fun in Napa Valley California is all about those wineries. Take an Uber or chauffeur to sip, shop, and savor. Close by Silverado Resort is Prime Solum, a wine tasting barn where artist Elana, daughter of wine grower William Hill, is passionately sharing her art, wine, and heart with virgin and expert oenophiles. Find your favorite varietals and music venues or for a bird’s eye view of the vineyards, hop in a hot air balloon.

Fly into Sacramento or San Francisco airports. www.visitnapavalley.com