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Getaways near LA

The local news station just did a segment on getaways withing 2 hours of LA. Thought it might be of some interest to other Fodorites. LONG BEACH Dockside Boat and Bed is a unique bed and breakfast. You can stay inside one of 5-boats located at the Rainbow Harbor Docks between Shoreline Village and Aquarium of the Pacific. One of the boats is an authentic Chinese Junk, which provides a unique and adventurous getaway without ever leaving Long Beach. Dockside Boat and Bed offers a package deal for $275 per couple. This includes champagne, a night on the yacht, a taxi to and from La Traviata where you'll dine on a three-course meal and enjoy a bottle of wine. The price also includes overnight parking and continental breakfast in morning. Dockside Boat and Bed Address: 316 shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA Phone: 562.436.3111 Web Address: Dockside Boat and Bed La Traviata 301 Cedar Avenue, Long Beach, CA While you are in Long Beach stop by the Aquarium of the Pacific. It is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Its 550 species fill 17 major living habitats, 30 smaller exhibits and takes you on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean's three regions: Southern California/Baja; the Tropical Pacific and the Northern Pacific. For more information on the Aquarium of the Pacific log onto their Web site at www.aquariumofpacific.org/ Another point of interest in Long Beach is the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. The garden is located at 6300 State University Drive in Long Beach. They are open 8-3:30pm. For more information log onto their Web site at Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden And if it is romance that you are looking for, try going for a uniquely romantic cruise through the enchanting canals of Naples on an authentic Italian gondola. Reservations are required at least a day in advance, but we strongly recommend that you call for reservations three weeks ahead of time. This gives you an adequate selection of cruise times as the cruise is very popular. It costs $55 per couple for an hour. You get cheese, salami, bread, ice bucket and glasses. For more information on Gondola Getaways call 562.433.9595 or log onto Gondola Getaways

Here's another of their ideas: TEMECULA Loma Vista Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located to any spot in Southern California -- right in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country. The beautiful Mission Style home is only five miles east of downtown. Temecula dates back to the settling of the Old West. Because of it's colorful western beginnings, Temecula has been declared a Historical Site by the State of California For more information: Log onto Loma Vista Bed and Breakfast Address: 33350 La Serena Way, Temecula, California 92591 Reservations: (909) 676-7047 Price range: $100 to $150 While you're in Temecula try out the hot air balloon rides. Grape Escape's one-hour flight can give you a bird's eye view of Temecula Valley's wine country. They offer a Champagne ceremony with flight certificates. For more information: Phone: 800-965-2122 If dining is more your pleasure, then you might want to stop at Baily's Restaurant in Temecula's Town Center. Baily's is a Gourmet restaurant that serves continental cuisine and changes it's menu weekly. For Reservations: 909-676-9567 Also, check out the many wineries. Temecula has several wineries offering tours and wine-tasting to the public. And, don't miss the antiques and great shopping in old town Temecula.

Here's their last suggestion: Ventura B&B The Victorian Rose is a one of a kind Victorian Gothic Church turned Bed & Breakfast. If a Jacuzzi bathtub, an outdoor patio, stained glass windows, a gourmet breakfast or a wine and cheese hour is your desire, then this is the destination for you. When you're on your weekend stay in Ventura you can also enjoy whale watching from January to March. Check out Island Packers. They have boats departing daily giving you an opportunity to see the Gray Whales as they migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel. For more information on Ric Romero's Ventura Getaway: B&B The Victorian Rose Island Packers Whale Watching

Thanks for the posting. I'm always looking for some new ideas of places to surprise my wife with for a weekend getaway. Her birthday is in April, so I think I might look into the Ventura idea.

Thanks for the great posting. Always good to have some new ideas for the local area.

Thank you for an informative posting. I think I'm going to have to finally get around to checking out Temecula. It's a lot closer for Napa, even if the wine isn't exactly the same level of quality.