Every year, 5.64 million Phoenicians visit California—that’s more visitors than originate from any other domestic metro. In light of our obvious love for our western neighbor state, we present your guide to California—what’s new, what’s hot and what’s happening (and what you might have previously missed). Consider AFM your Cali vacay concierge.

San Diego

A quick drive or short flight away, San Diego is one of “Zonis’” (as California residents have playfully dubbed us Arizona tourists) fave spots to escape to during our hottest desert days. From SeaWorld to Balboa Park, this coastal beauty offers all the amenities of a metropolis, but with the laissez-faire vibe of a small town.

Stay

When the iconic US Grant hotel, a glamorous and opulent early 1900’s property, underwent major restoration renovations in 2006, it also installed original artwork in every room. Then, the owners one-upped themselves again by recently opening Celebration Fine Art Gallery, a 3,000-sq.-ft. art gallery on the lobby level—guaranteeing the hotel a reputation as a premier cultural and arts destination in Downtown San Diego. www.usgrant.net.

The Ivy Hotel, the stylish, year-old boutique hotel in downtown San Diego, recently launched “Ivy Enticements,” a hip new program that could easily fill your weekday social calendar. Depending on the night, learn Texas Hold ‘Em, pole dancing, drink mixing and more. Or enjoy movie screenings, video game night or chef demos. www.ivyhotel.com.

In a massive comtemporary glass-and-steel structure, the newest luxury condominium-hotel, Setai San Diego, will wow visitors with its signature “Zen Chic” style when it opens in October near the Gaslamp Quarter. www.setaisandiego.com.

Last summer, legendary sanctuary Hotel del Coronado unveiled two new reasons to book a stay: Beach Village (a collection of 78 guest rooms and suites) and the Spa at the Del.

Although constructed more than a century after the hotel’s main buildings, Beach Village echoes the resort’s iconic aesthetic. The interiors boast all the modern comforts you could want, like flat-screen TV’s, fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens. Contemporary conveniences also abound at the Spa at the Del, where visitors can enjoy Pacific Ocean views from the comfort of an infinity-edge pool. Inside, therapists soothe away stress using a variety of sea-centric treatments. 800.468.3533, www.hoteldel.com.

Play

Torrey Pines Golf Course is one of San Diego’s proudest gems. With coastal views and immaculate fairways, it’s easy to understand why the historic course hosted this year’s U.S. Open. The South Course underwent several renovations to prep for the tourney: adding a full-length cart path, thicker rough and tighter fairways. Experience the course as the pros do, by reserving your tee time during the preparation phase for the PGA Tour’s Buick Invitational each January. www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com.

The two-and-a-half-hour V.I.P. tour at the San Diego Zoo grants guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse. www.sandiegozoo.org.

One of the leading arts organizations in San Diego is the Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre located in Balboa Park. In addition to its upcoming season’s shows, Old Globe Theatre hosts fun, social events like wine samplings. www.theoldglobe.org.

All over San Diego, the numerous OEX Dive & Kayak Centers equip and charter sea adventures like kayaking, fishing, diving, scuba diving and snorkeling. Whether you need to hire a guide or simply rent some gear, this well-established company knows its way around the sea. www.oeexpress.com.

Dine

The nearly new Bondi’s restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter was the Lamplighter winner for Best New Restaurant last year. The oh-so-Australian beer and food make patrons feel wistful for the great “down under,” even if they’ve never visited the continent. www.thebondi.com.

The Prado at Balboa Park, located in one of the most ornamental buildings in the park (The House of Hospitality), cooks up a tasty fusion of Latin and Italian cuisine. Executive Chef Jeff Thurston utilizes the freshest Southern California ingredients to create his balanced menu. www.cohnrestaurants.com.

San Diego North

(FAST FACT: Legoland in Carlsbad opened in 1999 and boasts more than 1.5 million visitors per year.)

The region north of San Diego has some of the most beautiful coastline in California as well as several of its most popular and picturesque towns including La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas and Carlsbad. Upscale dining and accommodations abound, as do countless opportunities for adventure.

Stay

Condé Nast Traveller magazine once designated Hotel Parisi in La Jolla one of the “Top 20 Small Hotels in America.” The 21-room self-proclaimed “Feng Shui” hotel with sweeping ocean views consistently earns its reputation as one of the most stunning hotels in California. www.hotelparisi.com.

Reopening in June 2008 after a $25-million renovation, L’Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa, a AAA four-diamond award winner, promises an unparalleled seaside escape. Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, the completely redecorated and upgraded boutique hotel provides an intimate scenic setting with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Its world-class luxury spa is getting a December revamp too. www.laubergedelmar.com.

While luxe resorts overlooking the ocean abound, few in the area compete with the just-a-tad-inland La Costa Resort and Spa, fresh from a several-year $140 million restoration. Each of its buildings, awash in the pristine Spanish Colonial style, is painted a brilliant white. Rooftops are lined with sun-baked tiles, and balconies are decorated with elegant wrought iron. Bright blue pots frame the pathways, and lush gardens teem with gigantic, orange birds of paradise. Walls double as soothing fountains, and a refreshing ocean mist lingers on the vivid green lawn, resulting in a dreamy, “living in paradise” feel.

Suites include flat-screen TV’s, indulgent tubs and huge, European-style windows that open, allowing the fresh California air to gently waft through the room.

While there, do not miss indulging at Spa at La Costa. Named No. 1 Spa in the West by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2005, the refuge deserves its kudos. Some of its most luxurious treatments include the signature Spanish Herbal Body Rub, Avocado-Cilantro Body Masque, Coastal Stone Massage and Botanical Facial. Lastly, visit the on-site Chopra Center for Wellbeing, founded by spiritual guru Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon, to fully immerse yourself in the healing mind-body-soul experience of this rejuvenating resort. www.lacosta.com.

Opening in November 2007 in Encinitas, Lux Art Institute helps patrons appreciate not only art itself, but the process of its creation with an artist-in-residence program that has resident artists create work while visitors observe. Soon, this art center also expects to be the first LEED-certified museum in the state. www.luxartinstitute.org.

The colorful underwater world of the 6,000-acre La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve is home to fish, seals, crabs and forests of kelp. Sign up for a guided tour or rent snorkel gear at a local dive shop to explore one of the most picturesque spots to snorkel in the state. www.sandiego.gov.

Overlooking scenic San Diego Bay, you’ll find the lushly landscaped Self-Realization Fellowship Temple. Attracting spiritual seekers of all backgrounds, the quiet temple offers services that include readings of the writings by Paramahansa Yogananda, silent meditations, prayer and devotional chanting. www.yogananda-srf.org/temples/sandiego.

Upgrade your Legoland California experience with the exclusive Premium Play Pass for nearly no-wait lines and priority show seating. The ultra-exclusive, personalized V.I.P. tours include all of the above plus a tour guide. www.legoland.com.

For quality shopping, visit Prospect Street in La Jolla, frequently referred to as “the Rodeo Drive of San Diego.” Browse everything from sophisticated boutiques, high-end retail shops and überhip furniture stores to antique emporiums.

Dine

One of the most revered places to eat in La Jolla is George’s Bar, which offers panoramic views of La Jolla Cove. Fresh from a renovation, this upscale favorite featuring high-brow bar food has won numerous titles and awards for notables from its wine selection to its chef. www.georgesatthecove.com.

Fine dining on Prospect Street in La Jolla can be found at Pasquale, a four-star Italian restaurant offering fabulous food in a classy chic atmosphere. Also, watch out for celebrities—they’ve been known to frequent this warm and inviting eatery that becomes a lively hot spot at night. www.pasqualesrestaurant.com.

(FAST FACT: Palm Springs was originally named “Agua Caliente,” which is Spanish for “warm water.”)

Orange County

(FAST FACT: Gum is not sold anywhere at Disneyland, nor has it ever been.)

Now known as “The O.C.” thanks to pop culture trendsetters, Orange County features 42 miles of picturesque coastline. Anchored by Disneyland, this family-friendly zone features several entertaining attractions, including Knott’s Berry Farm. This region, south of Los Angeles, also offers countless chic stays, cultural draws and leisurely activities.

Anaheim and Surrounding Areas

Play

Who doesn’t visit Mickey on a trip to the O.C.? This year, see Disneyland from the vantage of a V.I.P. tour. Starting at $125 per hour with a six-hour minimum, parties up to 10 can get priority seating at Disneyland Resort restaurants, plus special seating at live shows and parades, and behind-the-scenes insights. 714.300.7710. www.disneyland.com.

While there, drop into the new and evolving destinations surrounding Disneyland. The much-touted Anaheim Garden Walk, located between Disney’s Magic Kingdom front gate and its recently announced third park, is a new venue rich in shopping, dining and entertainment options. Scheduled to be fully opened by June 2008, the center includes restaurant draws like McCormick & Schmick’s, The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s and Roy’s. It also houses an upscale bowling lounge, “300,” the first in Southern California; the hot spot Heat Ultra Lounge; a 14-plex theater; and a boutique hotel. www.anaheimgardenwalk.com.

Likewise rising in the vicinity is Platinum Triangle, Anaheim’s 820-acre mixed-use urban development, predicted to be Orange County’s “new downtown.” The high-density development encompasses Angel Stadium, and popular sports and entertainment venues like Honda Center and The Grove of Anaheim. When complete, the Platinum Triangle will house up to 18,000 residential units and 5.5 million square feet of commercial space. www.anaheim.net.

Though known for entertainment, Anaheim is also abundant with culture. Don’t miss new museum and cultural arts center The Muzeo. 714.956.8936, www.muzeo.org.

In operation since 1990, the newly renamed Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda (previously called the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace) became the 12th Presidential Library in the federal system in 2007 and is now operated by the National Archives. Numerous hours and pages of sought-after presidential tapes and documents are being transferred to the museum for public viewing. www.nixonlibrary.gov.

Santa Ana has become a mini arts mecca. Through Oct. 12, Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is hosting the U.S. premiere of one of the largest and most noteworthy Chinese exhibits outside of China, “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of the first Emperor.” Also, don’t miss the Bowers Kidseum, where kids can play international dress-up, tinker with tribal instruments and explore other languages in hands-on interactive activities. www.bowers.org.

Also in Santa Ana, at the O.C. Pavilion, fine diners shouldn’t miss local favorite Ambrosia Restaurant, a five-star restaurant under chef Michael Rossi serving “seasonal marketplace” cuisine. Before leaving, stop into The Vault V.I.P. Lounge, referred to by patrons as Orange County’s hottest jazz club. www.ocpavilion.com.

The CAMP in Costa Mesa is another must-see, especially if you’re big on holistic health or the outdoors. The “compound” includes several outdoor and active sports outfitters, bike and scuba shops, and a yoga studio not to mention healthy fare, including vegan options, in the form of new restaurant 118 Degrees, which serves gourmet organic and raw food, as well as a hip bar. www.thecampsite.com.

Huntington/Newport

Two trendy new beachfront developments purport to transform Huntington Beach’s downtown district. Opening this fall, The Strand will include casual draws like RA Sushi, Ben & Jerry’s and a boutique hotel called Shorebreak. Anticipated mid-2009, the other project, Pacific City, will house high-end fashion boutiques. By summer 2010, a W Hotel with a signature restaurant, destination spa and residences, will form the development’s hub.

Nearby Newport Beach, central on the O.C. coastline, is frequently referred to as the “Hamptons of Hollywood.” Composed of nine neighborhoods, the destination offers visitors the best of both worlds: city and coast.

Play

Need a reason to visit? You may be familiar with the Toshiba Classic in March, an official PGA Champions Tour event. Likewise, the Grunion Run (best witnessed in March through July) tends to garner national press. Two other events worth visiting in April are the Lexus Newport-to-Ensenada International Yacht Race (the world’s largest international race of its kind) and the Newport Beach Film Festival, which laidback affairs attract numerous celebrities.

Newport boasts some of the best shopping around. Stroll and shop outdoors at Fashion Island, home to a Bloomingdale’s and Orange County’s only Neiman Marcus. Closer to the coast, Corona del Mar Plaza and Crystal Cove Promenade also offer upscale retail and restaurant venues. Those in search of one-of-a-kind wares will love ambling through the shops in the village of Corona del Mar (tip: Most streets are named after flowers and in alphabetical order) and the unique establishments of Balboa Island (Starbucks is the only chain store you’ll find).

Make sure to schedule time in between window shopping to view the wildlife. Newport is home to about 30,000 migratory birds, some of them rare or endangered. The Back Bay estuary is a great place to jog, bike or hike while wildlife watching. Better yet, kayak through the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve with a knowledgeable naturalist to learn background on the wildlife and their habitat. While exploring the preserve, don’t miss the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, which provides educational resources on preservation and the like. Kayak Tours via Newport Bay Naturalists & Friends, 949.923.2269; Interpretive Center: 949.923.2290, www.newportbay.org.

For a customized Orange County stay, elite travelers can consult Le Rêve Destination Services for the ultimate in personalized travel and concierge services. In addition to arranging stress-free custom itineraries, they’ll provide butler, domestic and personal chef services; shop for you; and even hire a professional photographer to compile a photo-journal of your vacation memories. www.lereveoc.com.

Carolyn Clark, the knowledgeable guide behind Newport at Your Feet, conducts extensive and diverse tours of Newport—and she can customize them to your specs. Our fave: Clark hosts tours of featured sites from “The O.C.” www.newportatyourfeet.com.

Dine

Newport offers plenty of fare for foodies. Opened in November 2007, The Crow Bar gastropub is quickly becoming one of the hippest new eateries on the Newport scene. Expect gourmet pub grub, and food and beer pairings emphasizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients. www.thecrowbarcdm.com.

Housed in a former commercial fish cannery dating to 1921, The Cannery has been a culinary hot spot since the decline of commercial fishing in the harbor in the 1960’s. Dock and dine at this historic venue. (For a guide to other dock-and-dine venues, consult www.visitnewportbeach.com. We recommend historic Harborside Restaurant for satisfying seafood in a classic setting.) www.cannerynewport.com.

Points South

Orange County’s southern coastal resorts offer the ultimate in amenities. A few of our faves: the four-diamond Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa at historic Dana Point, with a full-service spa and wellness center, The Spa at Laguna Cliffs. Also in Dana Point, the prestigious St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach is the only O.C. resort to boast the esteemed Mobil Five Star designation. In upscale, artsy Laguna Beach, Montage Laguna Beach is an ultraluxurious beachfront hotel, decked out in Craftsman-style architecture and Early California artwork. While there, jaunt to The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel to experience its new wine tasting room, ENO. The wine, cheese and chocolate pairings—including 50 rotating artisanal cheeses and 16 compelling drink flights (think Chocolate Buzz or Drawing a Blanc)—should more than satisfy the palate.

Stay

Within walking distance of both the Orange County Museum of Art and popular shopping destination Fashion Island, the AAA five-diamond The Island Hotel in Newport Center is a favorite of leisure and corporate travelers alike. Its Palm Terrace Restaurant and Lounge attracts a significant local following on weekends. 866.554.4620, www.theislandhotel.com.

Elite individuals from past presidents (Ford, Nixon and Reagan) to celebrities (John Wayne, aka The Duke) frequented the Balboa Bay Club. Today, at the four-diamond Balboa Bay Club & Resort, stylish rooms afford priceless views of California’s Riviera. Visitors can enjoy casual sophisticated dining at on-site First Cabin Restaurant and dockside Duke’s Place. www.balboabayclub.com.

In search of a bohemian beachside stay? Reserve a cozy cottage in Crystal Cove’s historic district. The highly coveted houses, former film site locations and founding residents’ abodes, were recently restored. Lounge on the beach, hike at the adjacent state park, tour beachfront historic guideposts, and grab breakfast or refreshments at the popular Beachcomber Café or Shake Shack. www.crystalcovebeachcottages.org.

Los Angeles

(FAST FACT: The tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi - The Library Tower - is in Downtown Los Angeles.)

Welcome to Los Angeles, home of cutting-edge everything—from fashion to savory cuisine and world-class resorts. This sophisticated and sexy hot spot overflows with celebrities and glamour. Fortunately for us jet-setting desert dwellers, this lovable locale is just a quick plane ride away.

New to downtown, in-the-works entertainment “campus,” L.A. Live is envisioned as a major draw for the area. The first phase, launched last October, includes Nokia Theatre, soon to become a household name after hosting the American Idol finale. This fall, visitors can look forward to more than 10 restaurants including a Wolfgang Puck concept and a Fleming’s. Other venues will also soon call L.A. Live home including The Grammy Museum; ESPN’s West Coast broadcast headquarters; Jimmy Smith’s much-anticipated club, The Conga Room; and a trendy Lucky Strike Bowling venue. By 2010, the district will boast Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Residences as well as a JW Marriott. www.lalive.com.

Play

It’s only natural that the premier greens in Los Angeles belong to Trump. Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, the Trump National Golf Club underwent a $250 million revamp to a course originally designed by Pete Dye. With Trump’s extensive involvement in the project, including his role as lead architect, the new track is now regarded as a Trump Signature Design golf course. www.trumpnationallosangeles.com.

Santa Monica is more than meets the Boulevard. Don’t miss Bergamot Station. Once a former industrial site, the landmark was converted in 1994 and now ranks as Southern California’s largest art gallery and cultural complex, housing numerous contemporary art galleries as well as The Santa Monica Museum of Art. www.bergamotstation.com.

The Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCMA) opened in February at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). BCMA is the first museum built in L.A. since 1997. www.lacma.org.

Even our native Angeleno staffers didn’t know the city had a Museum of Neon Art (MONA). Visit the recently reopened institution to learn about “the cultural, historic, aesthetic and technical elements of electric art.” www.neonmoma.org.

So, you’ve experienced Rodeo Drive, Sunset Boulevard and Melrose Avenue. On your next visit, spend the day sauntering along the up-and-coming shops of West Third Street. This district boasts several fashion-forward boutiques retailing tomorrow’s trends in addition to local farmers’ market The Grove as well as Beverly Center.

Coming in ’09 are the $600 million mixed-use Hollywood and Vine development, complete with a W Hotel and residences; and the 57,000-sq.-ft. Children’s Museum of Los Angeles, which will house interactive-learning exhibits. www.childrensmuseumla.org.

Dine

With the upscalization of downtown, fantastic restaurants and bars have found a following in the neighborhood. Takami Sushi, Elevate Lounge, Blue Velvet and Edison Bar are popular tasting and tippling spots du jour. In Hollywood, acclaimed Sushi Katsu-Ya under popular Chef Katsuya Uechi is attracting discriminating diners and elite celebrities with innovative sushi offerings. In search of fine fare and celebrity eye candy? Dine at The Huntington, a popular spot frequented by A-listers (and the paparazzi, of course).

The first Gordon Ramsay restaurant in Los Angeles opened its doors in May. Be among the first to taste The London West Hollywood’s fare. www.gordonramsay.com.

Foodies, consider planning your trip around the end of January to catch the two-week annual DineLA restaurant event. Sample three-course prix-fixe meals from some of L.A.’s best dining establishments. Advance reservations strongly encouraged. www.dinela.com.

Santa Barbara

(FAST FACT: With over 50 parks of all kinds, Santa Barbara has more open space per capita than any other city in the country.)

A mere 92-miles north of Los Angeles, the easygoing wine-country community of Santa Barbara has long been recognized as California’s “American Riviera.”

Play

Golf gurus can experience top-quality Bermuda while also appreciating expansive ocean vistas at Sandpiper Golf Club. For scenic panoramas of sweeping mountains and valleys, Rancho San Marcos is a best bet. Duffers in the Santa Ynez wine region should golf the greens at La Purisima. A member of California’s Central Coast Golf Trail, La Purisima was voted one of the 50 Toughest Courses by Golf Digest. Its tough layout and ball-thieving tendencies have even provoked locals to nickname the course “La Piranha.” www.lapurisimagolf.com, www.sandpipergolf.com.

The arts are now more alive than ever in Santa Barbara, since 1st Thursdays debuted downtown in early 2007. Also, you can easily view downtown architecture by way of the city’s simple self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour. www.santabarbaradowntown.com/go.

The emerging Funk Zone (a hot hangout among locals), east of State Street by the waterfront, is a can’t-miss. What used to be the town’s industrial hub is now a mixed-use establishment housing eclectic businesses like galleries, wine tasting rooms, surfboard shapers and other local indie treasures. Cap off your night’s entertainment with a visit to The Granada theater on State Street, which reopened in March after a several-year closure for extensive renovations. www.granadasb.org/index.html

Dine

Hungry tourists can indulge at David Lentz’s hip and happening hot spot Hungry Cat, which initially carved its culinary reputation in Hollywood. The raw bar and bistro offers unique handmade cocktail creations that complement your meal. www.thehungrycat.com.

Two blocks from State Street, Quantum Kitchen & Cocktails, another newbie, serves gourmet comfort food and farm-fresh classic dishes. www.quantumrestaurant.com.

SeaGrass, a seafood restaurant in wine country, was started by the team behind Bouchon Santa Barbara. With fish and produce sourced from fresh local markets and an entire menu page devoted strictly to Santa Barbara pinot noirs, this is a superb spot to savor local flavors. www.seagrassrestaurant.com.

Healthy sorts will drink to EOS Lounge, which since summer of 2007 has been offering chic organic cocktails.

Several reputed local chefs make themselves available for cooking classes in the area. Chef Leonardo Curti opens his own home in wine country to teach visitors. Culinary aficionado and writer Laurence Hauben has been known to host special tours and culinary courses. At the Roblar Winery & Vineyards in Los Olivos, learn from “guest chefs” hailing from fine restaurants and resorts worldwide. Market Forays’ guided culinary tours will let you meet the people behind your meal. You’ll meet growers and fishermen; visit the farms where raw ingredients originate; and cook and eat amazing dishes. www.marketforays.com.

Wine

It goes without saying that Santa Barbara has more wine tasting and touring options than you can raise a toast to. Still, there are new ways to “wine” in the region.

Several local outfitters offer guided tours of Santa Barbara’s Downtown Urban Wine Trail. In the span of an afternoon, you’ll tour four downtown tasting rooms. (Conveniently, bottles you purchase can be dropped off at your hotel.) www.breakaway-tours.com. Don’t want a chaperone? Do it yourself with the Urban Wine Trail Map, available at any of the wineries en route.

Sustainable Vine Wine Tours are another fab way to experience Santa Barbara’s venerable vinos. Take a “green” wine-tasting tour of the area’s organic and biodynamic wineries, and learn about cutting-edge sustainable and organic wine-making practices. With transportation provided by a biodiesel-powered van, tour-goers enjoy rare behind-the-scenes access to wineries normally closed to the public. www.sustainablevine.com.

Quit wining! Well, just for long enough to celebrate the noteworthy (and in some cases, award-winning) microbreweries located in the Santa Barbara region. Get a taste of Santa Barbara’s sudsier side through one of Captain Jack’s Tours. www.captainjackstours.com.

Stay

The new Canary Hotel Santa Barbara (formerly Hotel Andalucia) opened on downtown State Street in January. Brought to you by the team behind celebrated Santa Monica celeb haunts Shutters on the Beach and Casa del Mar, the sophisticated hangout, complete with rooftop pool and bar, is a stylish scene. www.canarysantabarbara.com.

Paso Robles, Big Sur and Monterey

San Francisco

(FAST FACT: The infamous Alcatraz Island, once home to notorious criminals like Al Capone, is now a lush ecological preserve with one of the largest western gull colonies in California.)

Idyllic San Francisco houses some of the most revered cultural landmarks in the country. The Golden Gate city has some new places to peruse. So drop that tourist map, hop a trolley and tour the most recent additions to this modern metropolis.

Dine

If there’s one culinary genre guaranteed to appease your San Fran epicurean desires, it’s seafood. Anchor & Hope mixes San Francisco and Eastern Seaboard fare in an authentic 97-year-old mechanics’ garage complete with a roll-up metal door. www.anchorandhopesf.com.

Venture northeast for the sake of your taste buds. The Slanted Door in the Ferry Building dishes up modern Vietnamese creations with the highest quality locally grown produce and meats. www.slanteddoor.com.

When San Franciscans fancy French cuisine, Fleur de lys is one place with that certain je ne sais quoi. (And they make a mean chocolate soufflé.) www.fleurdelyssf.com.

Imagine hopping out of your Model T and dining at a jazz bar reminiscent of the 1950’s. Well, 1300 Fillmore provides just this opportunity, with Chef David Lawrence’s bold north-meets-south flavor combinations accentuated by the smooth riffs of live jazz on Sundays and Mondays. www.1300fillmore.com.

Stay

A total of seven boutique boudoirs by Personality Hotels are scattered throughout the city, several of them newly renovated. Check out the Hotel Vertigo and its brand-new upcoming fall addition, Bar Florence, the first restaurant venture by celebrity chef Tyler Florence. www.personalityhotels.com.

Experience San Franciscan grandeur at its best by setting foot in the soon-to-be-renovated Westin St. Francis, a timeless Union Square monument. Already home to one of San Fran’s top eateries, Michael Mina, the renovation (slated for completion late this summer) entails a new lobby and the Clock Bar. www.westinstfrancis.com.

Drop anchor in the foggy city for one-tenth of the year. The Fairmont Heritage Place, which opens this month, affords suburban escapees the opportunity for fractional ownership in revitalized Ghirardelli Square. Featuring large living spaces, plasma TV’s, and modern touches throughout, these luxury residences uphold their namesake hotel’s above-par service standards. Unobstructed views of Alcatraz Island and the bay start at $275,000. www.fairmontheritageplace.com.

To Do

Juxtapose an eerie (albeit informative) visit to Alcatraz by strolling through the former prison’s sensational gardens. With a few years in revitalization efforts remaining, the preservation of natural plant species found on The Rock will, upon completion, emulate vintage images of the prison’s past. www.parksconservancy.org.

Eye-popping coastal views, mouthwatering meals and historic San Francisco architecture are staples at the world-renowned Cliff House. An integral element of the Sutro Historical District (walk down stairs to tour the intriguing Sutro Bath ruins on the beach), Cliff House is preserved by the National Park Service and offers an array of dining options in its two restaurants. www.cliffhouse.com.

Napa

(FAST FACT: A ton of grapes yields approximately 720 bottles, or 60 cases, of vino.)

What’s New in Napa? Pack some stemware and fill up in Napa Valley. If it’s been a while since you’ve paid a visit, get your reservations in a row and hit up these Napa newbies.

Dine

In December, Oxbow Public Market became Napa’s newest culinary magnet, where about 35 merchants sell the region’s best meats, poultry, seafood, artisan cheese, breads, baked goods and, of course, wine. 707.963.1345, www.oxbowpublicmarket.com.

Sip

You’ll have to wait to experience one of Napa Valley’s most exciting tasting spots: the new-and-improved Hall Wines in St. Helena. Renowned architect Frank O. Gehry is at the helm on the eye-popping project, scheduled to open in 2010. The nearly 11,000-sq.-ft. center will include the restored Hall Wines building, top-notch technology and eco-friendly design elements. (Hall Wines hopes to achieve LEED certification.) If you simply can’t wait for Hall’s completion, book a tour now to witness four-years-worth of drawings, photographs and models that went into the project’s conception, plus partake in a wine tasting. www.hallwines.com.

Whether you are a Napa Valley novice or a frequent visitor wanting to experience the area’s little-known gems, contact Wine Country Concierge (WCC). Longtime Napa resident and WCC owner, Jackie Richmond, knows the in-and-outs of Napa and can create a personalized itinerary to suit your sipping needs. 707.252.4472, www.hallwines.com.

Live

If you’re an FNV (Frequent Napa Visitor), maybe it is time to consider a second home in Cali’s lush wine country. In the spring, The Lodges at Calistoga Ranch unveiled its final phase of 27 two-bedroom, fractional-ownership residences. Each picture-perfect pied-à-terre comes equipped with more than 2,500 square feet. of space, an alfresco living area, an expansive kitchen (with storage to stash your vino, of course), and access to a community pool, fitness area, wine cave, hiking trails and The Bathhouse at Calistoga Ranch. www.calistogaranch.com.

Stay

Set to open Sept. 18, The Westin Verasa is the first luxury property to debut in Napa Valley in five years—and it will be well worth the wait. The 180-suite hotel-condominium is rooted in the historic architectural style typical of the area—from wood and stone accents to expansive bay windows. Plus, the Westin outpost has a lengthy to-do list to keep you busy during your wine country reprieve, including a tasty trip to Chef Ken Frank’s famed French eatery, La Toque. If you’re in town this January, enroll in Frank’s highly anticipated Truffle Camp, complete with truffle-cooking lessons and winery visits. Can’t get enough of Verasa? A few condos are still available for purchase starting from the $400,000’s. www.verasanapa.com.

Yosemite, Tahoe and Mammoth

Yosemite

(FAST FACT: Yosemite National Park boasts the tallest waterfall in North America: Yosemite Falls at 2,426 feet.)

Just because you go to Yosemite for the great outdoors, doesn’t mean you should give up fine dining. Reserve your spot now for January or February, during Chefs’ Holidays at The Ahwahnee. During the annual two-month celebration, some of our country’s most prestigious chefs host sessions complete with a chef’s reception, cooking demos, and a final five-course Gala Chef’s Dinner. ($155 per person), 801.559.4949, www.yosemitepark.com.

For those wanting to do more rejuvenating than roughing it, choose destination Spa du Sureau, located at the AAA five-diamond and Mobil five-star bed and breakfast, Chateau du Sureau. The Chateau, which boasts European stylings, offers luxurious amenities and estate hospitality like butler service. 559.683.6860, www.chateausureau.com.

Tahoe

(FAST FACT: Lake Tahoe is about 22 miles long and 12 miles wide.)

Tahoe is known for its lake and outdoor recreation, and while that’s unlikely to change, what will change is the resort scene: The Ritz-Carlton Highlands opens in fall 2009. www.ritzcarlton.com.

On the restaurant scene, Mikuni, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar which expanded operations to Tahoe from its five locations in the Sacramento area, has become the newest attraction. The upscale Southwestern spot Caliente is also attracting crowds, www.mikunisushi.com, www.calientetahoe.com.

While in Tahoe, don’t miss the Shakespeare Festival—the event of the summer in the area—which runs July 9 through Aug. 17. (This summer you can also catch the original musical production “Cambio,” a modern retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame story.) www.laketahoeshakespeare.com.

Mammoth

Mammoth Marvel Late last year, visitors to Mammoth Lakes encountered a brand-new high-end accommodation option within easy reach of the town’s ski slopes and translucent lakes: The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth. As the first full-service hotel in the area, The Westin sits in a prime spot near the Village Gondola, which connects to Mammoth’s superior slopes. To fuel those days of battling moguls and black diamonds, guests can savor the American fare offered at the hotel’s on-site eatery, Whitebark Restaurant, Bar and Lounge. Try to grab a seat around the open kitchen and make sure to take a close look at the wallpaper, which isn’t just an eye-catching design—it actually features topographic maps. www.westin.com/mammoth.

Summer or winter, ride the gondola to the new Top of the Sierra Interpretive Center, California’s highest facility of its kind. After taking in the lofty viewpoint and interactive exhibits, grab a bite to eat at 11,000-plus feet. www.mammothmountain.com.

Dig into the family-style fare at Restaurant LuLu, which sits in Village at Mammoth. And trust us, you’ll want to end your meal with the cookie plate. www.restaurantlulu.com.