Memorial Day Camping California High Sierra

Summer is just around the corner and due to a very mild winter season most if not all High Sierra Campground will be open by Memorial Day Weekend.

Lakes are ice free and are teaming with freshly stocked trout eager to take a bite at your favorite bait or lure.

Reservations are recommended for the most popular campground and sits, however if you decide to head to the California High Sierra at the last moment there should still be plenty of room.

Here is a list of campgrounds open or opening by Memorial Day Weekend.

California High Sierra Campground Open and ready for campers

Tuff Campground (Rock Creek)
French Camp (Rock Creek)
McGee Creek Campground (Rock Creek)
Iris Meadow (Rock Creek)
New Shady Rest Campground (Mammoth Lakes)
Old Shady Rest Campground (Mammoth Lakes)
Sherwin Creek Campground (Mammoth Lakes)
June Lake Campground (June Lake)
Oh! Ridge Campground (June Lake)
Silver Lake Campground (June Lake)
Gull Lake Campground (June Lake)
Buckeye Campground (Bridgeport)
Chris Flat Campground (Bridgeport)
Lower Twin Campground (Bridgeport)
Paha Campground (Bridgeport)
Robinson Creek North (Bridgeport)
Sonora Bridge Campground (Bridgeport)
Reversed Creek Campground (June Lake)
Bootleg Campground (Bridgeport)
Leavitt Meadows Campground (Bridgeport)
Obsidian Campground (Bridgeport)

California High Sierra Campground  Opening no later than May 17, 2013

Green Creek Campground (Bridgeport)
Honeymoon Flat Campground (Bridgeport)
Robinson Creek South (Bridgeport)

California High Sierra Campground  Opening no later than  May 24, 2013

Twin Lakes Campground (Mammoth Lakes)
Lake Mary Campground (Mammoth Lakes)
Pine City Campground (Mammoth Lakes)
Coldwater Campground (Mammoth Lakes)
Lake George Campground (Mammoth Lakes)
Pine Glen Family & Group Campgrounds (Mammoth Lakes)

California Campground Reservations A to Z Book now for best sites.

Mothers Day Sale Go Cards

All Go Cards are on sale for Mothers Day with up to 20% off cards. This runs from /May 8 through May 13, 2013. Go Cards can save you up to 50% off attractions in most major cities and now you can save 20% for even more savings.

Cards on sale: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York Oahu,Orlando, San Francisco and San Diego. Cards are good for 1,3,5 and 7 days and valid through 2013.



Mother's Day SALE - Take up to an additional 20% OFF our most popular Attraction Passes!


In addition to the sale you can use coupon code FREEUSPICKUP for free in-city pick up on all Go City Cards and Explorer Passes

Top 10 Southern California Theme Park Discounts Summer 2013

Summer vacation 2013 best theme park discounts for 2013. Listed here are the top deals to save you money while visiting southern California attractions starting off with the best deals.

Magic Mountain Los Angeles is offering a huge discount, $25.00 off tickets with no advance purchase needed when you buy tickets online. These deal is not available at the ticket booth or from the Six Flags website.

Knotts Berry Farm Buena Park also has a great deal with $25.00 off adult tickets and $5.00 off kids tickets. You can not buy these tickets at Knotts. Tickets are valid through September, but the deal may end soon.

Legoland California 5 Days for the Price of 1 Resort Hopper Special! (Includes LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE/Water Park) Limited Time Only. Tickets must be purchased by June 30, valid until  October 27, 2013.

SeaWorld San Diego 7 day for the price of one. Unlimited admission to SeaWorld San Diego for 7 consecutive days. This deal works out to ten dollars a day!

Disneyland® Resort is famous for not giving discounts or coupons however you can get five dollars off. Save more if you buy a vacation package (hotel and tickets)

Long Beach Aquarium is a great place to take kids and and affordable options to expensive theme parks. You can save a few dollars off with print at home tickets.

Now we get to the discount cards. Savings can be substantial but you must visit more places to reap the rewards. Great if you're on vacation, not so great if you only have one day.

Southern California 2-Park Flex Ticket Includes SeaWorld and Universal Studios. Ticket is valid for 14 consecutive days from first day of use. Savings about 20% off.

San Diego 3-for-1 Pass includes 7 days unlimited use San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park and 

SeaWorld.  about 20% off. 

San Diego's Fabulous Four Combo Pass one day admission to San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, LEGOLAND California & SeaWorld Adventure Park San Diego. Save $30.00 when you visit all attractions.

Go City Card  require you to purchase a 3, 5 or seven day card to get the most out of them but they do include all the major theme parks, depending on card Los Angeles or San Diego. No go cards include  Disneyland.

Finally there is the Southern California Citypass. This card includes a three day Disneyland Park Hopper, One day Universal Studios and one day SeaWorld San Diego. Advertised savings of 26%.

Eastern Sierra Trout Season Opens April 27, 2013

June Lake California Eastern Sierra

The California Eastern Sierra trout season kicks off on Saturday April 27. This year there has been less snow which means many of the lakes that are usually frozen are ice free.

"With so much open water available to anglers this spring, the Mono County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an additional early-season stocking investment of almost $20,000" 

this means the fish to be biting in larger numbers at  Eastern Sierra lakes including  June Lake, Convict Lake, Bridgeport, Crowley Lake and the Mammoth Lakes.

Events to start and throughout the trout season include:

Topaz Lake Fishing Derby - Topaz Lake through April 15.

Fishmas Day Celebration - Tom's Place  April 27. Live music, raffle and fishing derby

Opening Day Fishmas Festival - The Village at Mammoth (April 27, 4-7pm) Lve music by Jeffrey James & The Wanted Gang,  lots of prizes and giveaways including this year's grand prize of a 14-foot Klamath boat, 8 hp Honda Marine Outboard Motor and EZ Load Trailer, and a second prize of an 8 hp Honda Marine

"Big Fish" Contest  Crowley Lake April 27 . Just bring your opening day catch to Crowley Lake Fish Camp Tackle shop for prizes and fame.

Monster Fish Contest - June Lake Loop (April 27). With kids' category!

Mono Village Fishing Opener Derby - Upper Twin Lakes, Bridgeport (April 27-28).

"Round-up at the Lake" Spring Fishing Derby - Convict Lake (April 28-June 13).

Paso Robles California Summer Events

Paso Robles is located in Central California, Inland from Hearst Castle and midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This beautiful area is home to numerous wineries and situated near many of the central coasts attraction make it the perfect base for a vacation or weekend getaway.

The city of Paso Robles has a full lineup of events for visitors and locals to enjoy this summer:

MAY –

5/11: National Train Day - San Luis Obispo County
Events including National Train Day on May 11 in San Luis Obispo, a day to celebrate the 144th anniversary of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.

Downtown Paso Robles, Memorial Day Weekend
Celebrate summer with this magical event for families. New, this year, is a Plein Air Masters exhibition, two-day workshops (taking place the week prior to the main events), guest lectures and an Art Tour.The weekend kicks off with a party on Friday night, followed by a full day of activities on Saturday including a Plein Air Quick-Draw and auction, followed by a fine art show.

5/24 - 5/27: Great Western Bicycle Rally
Paso Robles Event Center, Memorial Day Weekend
Gather some friends, hop on your bikes and get ready for a thrilling weekend of bicycling through the rolling hills of stunning Paso Robles. A variety of routes are geared for all levels of riders so everyone can join.

JUNE –

 
6/1: Model A and Model T Car Show
Rios-Caledonia Adobe in San Miguel, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join the fun at this free event where local antique car clubs exhibit their unique old Model A and Model T automobiles on the original highway that runs in front of the Adobe.

6/2: Paso Pinot and Paella Festival
Templeton Community Park, 6th Street Templeton, CA 93465, 2 – 5 p.m.
Join the Pinot Noir producers of Paso Robles and 20 amazing local chefs for an afternoon of great wine and food.

8/23: Concerts in the Park 
Downtown City Park, Friday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the sounds of live jazz, blues, rock, fusion and more at this free summer concert series in downtown Paso Robles. Savor a glass of J. Lohr wine for sale at the concert.

6/22: Trading Day and Kids Flea Market
Downtown City Park, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Find that coveted antique table or discover the perfect piece of artwork at this popular outdoor yard sale filled with collectibles and curiosities

JULY –
July 6: Forks & Corks Festival
Halter Ranch Winery
Another fabulous new festival in Paso Robles will bring people from all over California together in one setting to enjoy all beverages that have been "cork'd" such as whiskey, gin, wine, Port, beer and ciders.

7/13: Lavender Festival
Downtown City Park, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Relax and recharge your spirit at this fragrant festival. Indulge in lavender ice cream and unwind with

April Events in and Around Palm Springs

April 4-7: Kraft Nabisco Golf Championship at the Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage (formerly the Dinah Shore). For more information call 909-841-8854.

April 4-8: 2nd American Documentary Film Festival at the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. Featuring over 100 documentary films from around the world. For more information: americandocumentaryfilmfestival.com

April 5-7 Indian Wells Arts Festival at the Tennis Gardens in Indian Wells. On-site demonstrations, live musical entertainment and a Gourmet Market Place add to the fun. For more information call 760-346-0042.

April 5: The Commodores Perform at The Show at The Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. For more information call 800-585-3737.

April 6: John Legend in Concert at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. For more information call: 760-342-5000.

April 11: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Presented at The McCallum Theater in Palm Desert. For more information call 760-340-ARTS.

April 12: Morris Day and the Time Perform at The Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon. For more information call 800-252-4499.

April 12: Comedian Biran Regan Performs at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella. For more information call 760-775-5566.

April 12-14; April 19-21: Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival at The Empire Polo Grounds in Indio. This year expanding to two weekends. Featured performers include Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Stone Roses, and Blur. For more information: www.coachella.com

April 19-28: Hair Presented at the Palm Canyon Theatre in Palm Springs (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). For more information call 760-323-5123.

April 26-28: Stagecoach Music Festival at The Empire Polo Grounds in Indio. Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum and the Zac Brown Band headline this highly acclaimed country music fest. For more information: www.stagecoachfestival.com

Catalina Island Events Summer 2013

o   April 13: 18th Annual Conservancy Ball

The black tie event includes dinner and dancing with silent and live auctions. Register early – tickets do sell out. Catalina Island Conservancy. 310-510-2595 ext.140, www.CatalinaConservancy.org, ball@CatalinaConservancy.org

o   April 18:   Spring FestFood, Music & Games! Join the community on Front Street – fun for the whole family. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987,www.CityofAvalon.com

o   Summer Concert Series, May thru September: 5/26, 6/1, 6/15, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 9/1 The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and the Xceptional Music Company present a series of FREE family-friendly concerts on Wrigley Stage. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. 310-510-1520, www.CatalinaChamber.com/concerts

o   May 4-5: Riviera Catalina Island Classic

A follow up to last year’s Catalina Island Classic – a weekend- long Island skate invasion! Downhill skateboarding, ramp ripping and live music!www.catalinaislandclassic.com

o   May 11: 26th Annual Silent Film Benefit

Make 'em Laugh is the benefit's theme this year and it features four comedy

"shorts" by the silent era's greatest comedians: Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton,

Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin. Also featuring live musical accompaniment on the Page organ in the Art Deco splendor of one of California’s last remaining movie palaces. Catalina Island Museum. 310-510-2414,

www.catalinamuseum.org

o   May 11: The 11th Annual Avalon Ball

Get a glimpse of a glamorous bygone era. Enjoy the ocean breezes high above the moonlit waves, admire the sea-themed medallions set into rose-colored walls under an arching fifty-foot ceiling studded with Tiffany chandeliers, or join the dancers on a 10,000 square foot circular floor as Dean Mora and his Avalon Ball Orchestra play hits from the 1920s and 30s. Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. 310- 659-3326, www.adsla.org, artdecola@sbcglobal.net

o   May 11: Catalina Island Grand Fondo

It's back and it's going to be bigger than ever. The 2nd Annual Catalina MTB Gran Fondo is a must attend event on any cyclists calendar. Breathtaking views, challenging climbs and lots of fun to be had after the ride. Fifty-five, 41 and 14 mile rides. Produced by Team Big Bear http://www.uscup.net

o   May 30-June 2: 6th Annual Flying Fish Festival

Join us for the 6th Annual Flying Fish Festival, a four day event to celebrate the return of the incomparable Catalina Flying Fish with a variety of family fun themed activities. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce., 310-510-1520, www.flyingfishfestival.com

o   5/30   9th Annual Taste Around of Avalon

Kick-off to the Annual Flying Fish Festival! Enjoy the most scrumptious tastes of delectable food or beverages from some of Avalon’s finest dining establishments.  Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. 310-510-1520, www.CatalinaChamber.com

o   June 26 City of Avalon Centennial Celebration

·       A Week-long celebration of 100 years of the City of Avalon’s incorporation

o   Thursday, June 20th – Centennial Festival/Fair on Front Street

o   Friday, June 21st – Community Fish Fry on Front Street

o   Saturday, June 22nd – Xceptional Music Concert

o   Sunday, June 23rd – Catalina Movie Night on the Beach (movies filmed in Catalina)

o   Monday, June 24th – Community Picnic at Joe Machado Field

o   Tug of War, Bean Bag Toss, Pie-Eating Contest, Dunk Tank, 3-legged Races

o   Tuesday, June 25th – Local Band Night

o   Wednesday, June 26th – Community Gala Dinner at the Casino

o   Official program of celebration, dignitaries, fireworks

o   Multi-media program showcasing Catalina’s history will play at the Casino at specific times throughout the week

Big bear Lake Trout Derby

Big Bear Lake Resort Association will pay $50,000 to an angler that reels in the grand prize tagged trout at the 5th Annual Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby June 8 and 9, 2013.

 There are a total of fifteen tagged trout at the Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby including one particular fish worth the big bucks of $50,000.

 In the last two years four tagged trout have been caught at Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby, which has caused quite a buzz in the fishing community. This year’s organizers of the event are optimistic that a lucky angler will reel in the trout worth a small fortune.

Free entry is given to Fishin’ for 50K participants who stay at least one night at a Big Bear Lake Resort Association lodge from June 7 to June 9.

The amount of free entries is based on lodging occupancy per reservation. Up to four free entries is also given to participants who rent a pontoon boat on either day.

An awards ceremony takes place Sunday, June 9 at 3 p.m. in the Big Bear Visitor Center parking lot located at 630 Bartlett Road (in the Village). The awards ceremony includes a general raffle with thousands of dollars worth of fishing gear, bait and tackle from national manufacturers.

Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby is Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Entry is $55 for adults and $30 for participants under age 16.

Entries are limited to the first 750 registered anglers. Each contestant receives a free jar of Pautzke Fire Bait and a wristband that provides discounts at participating Big Bear restaurants, shops and specialty services.

For rules and regulations or to register for the event visit www.bigbear.com