Travel

It’s the day after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature is stirring, not even a computer mouse. The kids are off from school and although life got a little crazy through the holidays (too crazy to plan, or even think about, a vacation getaway), there isn’t a whole lot going on right now. Fret not. There are several places you can go at the last minute – for 1-day excursions or for the whole week between Christmas and New Year’s:
    
> The Palm Springs area is always a handy destination and, although it’s busy this time of year, there are a plethora of hotels around town. One attraction you don’t want to miss is Wild Lights at The Living Desert. Thousands of twinkling lights depict traditional holiday scenes, animals and more in numerous displays throughout the zoo. Other highlights of the evening include a live animal show, the model-train exhibit, food, crafts, a visit from Santa and skating on an iceless rink. 

    Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the mountaintop where it will be cold – there might even be snow! If there is, rent snowshoes or cross-country skis to enjoy a trek in the wilderness. Or just have a snowball fight. Top off your time up here by dining at the café or the fine restaurant. Check out the Ride ‘n’ Dine package, available daily after 3 p.m.

    Looking for more to do? Visit the top-notch Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, and/or take a guided ride and tour of the desert via jeep or Hummer.

> For a really GRAND trip, head farther east until you arrive at Williams, Ariz. – a favorite stopping point for the Grand Canyon. Spend the night at the family-friendly Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, which has a great little playground and indoor swimming pool. Catch the comedic Old West show and shoot-out the next morning before you leave on a 2-hour train ride to the Grand Canyon. This delightful, hassle-free experience is a winner for all ages. Enjoy the changing landscape, grab a bite to eat in the café car and be entertained by singing cowboys.

    Once at the Grand Canyon, you have several options. You can make your visit just a day trip by spending a few hours walking around the canyon, gawking at the breathtaking scenery and snapping pictures. You can also take a 90-minute, narrated shuttle ride for a few miles around the South Rim. The bus stops at several strategic locations, so you can stretch your legs and get more pictures of one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. (Tell the kids that fact – it will impress them!)

    Another option is to spend the night at a hotel at the Grand Canyon. You’ll see the canyon seemingly change moods as the sun, clouds and shadows shift, and colors range from gray to red, blue and purple. Time and energy permitting, hike down a ways into the canyon on the most popular pathway, the Bright Angel Trail. Remember, though, that it takes twice as long to come up the trail as it does to go down.  You might even see people on mules along the trail. (And bring your own water.)

    Toss in some education and sign up your child to become a Jr. Ranger through the park program. Find out more information at the park’s website. Stop in at the National Geographic Visitor Center, south of the park’s entrance, and catch a 1/2-hour IMAX movie revealing the history, depths, vistas and other footage of the Grand Canyon that isn’t accessible to modern-day visitors.

Don’t leave Williams, yet!
    More entertainment and a time of relaxation awaits passengers on the afternoon train ride back to Williams. Get your kicks on Route 66 at the unique stores and restaurants located on this slice of historic highway that runs through the quaint town. Williams celebrates this time of year with a myriad of lights that decorate businesses and residences, a large community Christmas tree and an outdoor ice-skating rink. (Yes, it will be chilly here, with a strong possibility of snow, so bundle up.)

    One more add-on to this excursion is a trip to the Deer Farm. Head east just 10 minutes to reach this outdoor petting zoo, where very friendly deer trot up to visitors, nuzzling you for food. Other animals on the farm include reindeer, camels, llamas, pigs, bison and wallabies.

> In any season, the beach is a “shore” bet. At Pismo Beach, you can drive your car right onto the sand. Make a campfire for traditional s’mores. (Bring your own fixin’s, including wood.) If you want to explore sand dunes, but your car isn’t up for it, take a Hummer adventure tour. ATV, bike and horse rentals are available, too. Pismo Beach also has some great tide pools and a fishing pier.

    Trees in the nearby eucalyptus grove are alive with movement, as it’s the prime time to view thousands of monarch butterflies as they rest in the trees before continuing their migration.

    Don’t forget that the impressive Hearst Castle is just about an hour up the coast. Sign up for the Experience Tour, which combines seeing part of the gorgeous estate, along with a film on the castle’s history and behind-the-scenes footage.
    ’Tis the season to travel...enjoy! m

    Susan Peterson is a travel writer who frequently contributes to OC Family Magazine.