Are you dreaming of a relaxing and fun vacation for you and your friends? If so, we have the perfect location. Palm Desert, California, is a hub for nature lovers as well as travelers seeking to reconnect with themselves. In this blog, we’ll show you how to plan your trip with three simple yet exciting outdoor activities in Palm Desert. Read on, take notes, and get ready for some fun!
Want to know more about all the amazing things you can do in Southern California? Download our free San Diego Travel Guide! Inside, you’ll find our top recommendations for the best local restaurants, events, shops, museums, and outdoor activities. 

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You’ll Love These 3 Outdoor Activities in Palm Desert

Yoga

There’s no better way to start your trip to Palm Desert than with an outdoor yoga session. Stop in Palm Springs while driving down from San Diego and try Yoga in the Park! You can stretch out, let your muscles breathe, and find some inner peace while soaking up the scenery. After some time in the car, you’ll love feeling the fresh grass beneath your feet. We recommend bringing a mat and a reusable water bottle. 
Note: The class is free, but $10 donations are highly encouraged.

Hiking

San Diego is well-known for its beautiful hiking trails that you can explore during your vacation. Palm Desert has some excellent routes, too! Pack your hiking boots and head out to the Art Smith Trailhead. If you want to be dazzled by desert views, you won’t find a better spot. We recommend getting there in the morning before it gets too hot outside. Note that this trail is for more experienced hikers, as it is 8.3 miles long and has an elevation change of 1,465 feet. 

Picnicking 

Reward yourself after your challenging hike with a nice picnic! There’s nothing like spreading out a gingham blanket and eating delicious food surrounded by beautiful scenery. Stop in town to buy pre-made sandwiches, or go to the local farmers market and create your perfect picnic menu. We love grabbing artisan cheese, warm bread, cured meat, fresh fruit (maybe cherries or strawberries), and mouth-watering cookies for dessert!

Continue the Fun With Monarch Luxury Villas

Lux at La Jolla Shores deck and patio areaNow that you’ve planned the perfect day in Palm Desert, it’s time to find a place to stay! You deserve to treat yourself to a gorgeous home away from home. At Monarch Luxury Villas, we only offer the best properties in the San Diego area. Our vacation rental homes are the epitome of style and indulgence. Enjoy exceptional furnishing, superb amenities, and unparalleled vacation experience. This is the stress-free getaway you’ve been waiting for! Book your stay today.
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Are you planning a getaway to San Diego from Arizona? How about turning it into a fun road trip? There’s nothing like driving up the West Coast, blasting music, and admiring the scenery! In this blog, we’ll help you plan your adventure and make the most of the journey. So, read on, take notes, and start mapping out your road trip from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego! Next, discover the best things to do once you reach San Diego in our free Travel Guide! This exclusive planning tool features our recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.

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3 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Road Trip from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego

How Long is the Drive?

The drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego is 357 miles long and takes about five and a half hours. It’s the ideal length for a road trip because you won’t spend the entire day in the car!

What to Pack

There are a few things to consider when packing for your vacation. First, pack the items you’ll need for your road trip. That includes water, snacks, phone chargers, etc. We also recommend creating a playlist that you can blast with the windows down! Be sure to load up your itinerary before you leave, too, as there might not be service along the way.
You also need to think about what to pack for San Diego. The weather in Southern California is sunny all-year-long, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared for all types of weather. Here are some items you might want to consider taking with you:

  • Shorts and jeans
  • Cotton T-shirts
  • Sandals and flip flops for the beach
  • Hiking boots if you decide to hit the trails
  • Bathing suits
  • A light jacket
  • Your camera!

Stops to Make Along the Way

The drive from Phoenix/Scottsdale to San Diego is stunning, to say the least. If you love nature and beautiful vistas, then you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of our favorite things to see along the way.

The Perfect Place to Rest After Your Road Trip

Rooftop view of La Jolla, CAThey say it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey. In this case, however, we can assure you that the destination will be the highlight of your trip! Monarch Luxury Villas offers a beautiful selection of properties in San Diego that will make your vacation unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a romantic condo for two or a spacious home for your family and friends, Monarch Luxury Villas has you covered. 
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Choosing the right California vacation destination can be overwhelming. You’re looking for gorgeous beaches, a relaxing atmosphere, and, of course, a luxurious place to stay. Whether you choose La Jolla or Laguna, you’re more than likely to have a fabulous vacation. However, the two are vastly different from the other, and we’re here today to help you decide between them. So, which one is for you? Find out and start planning your trip today.
If you want to learn more about the best things to do in the San Diego area, download our free Travel Guide! Inside, we’ve compiled some of our favorite recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.

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Should You Pick La Jolla or Laguna? 

Stay in La Jolla

La Jolla is the perfect beach destination for travelers seeking relaxation and luxury. This coastal town has everything you need for a lavish vacation filled with fun. Here are some of our favorite things about La Jolla.
Glorious Beaches
La Jolla has some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. La Jolla Shores, for example, is perfect for families. With its mile-long stretch of sand, deep blue water, and rocky bluffs, La Jolla Shores is a picturesque spot for your vacation. If you’re looking for more intimacy, we recommend heading over to Shell Beach. It’s a bit more remote and even has tide pools. Shell Beach is a wonderful area for couples or travelers looking for a top-notch Instagrammable spot. 
Exciting Outdoor Activities
After spending the morning soaking up the sun at La Jolla’s beaches, enjoy a fun adventure in the water at the Underwater Park. This is one of the top outdoor attractions in the state and offers a unique diving experience. Here, you’ll have more than 6,000 acres of underwater world to explore, with many coves, canyons, and wildlife species.
Top-Notch Restaurants (With Views!)
Did we mention the incredible variety of gastronomic options in La Jolla? If you love food and are always looking to taste new flavors, then La Jolla’s restaurants are a dream come true. Duke’s La Jolla, for example, offers stellar ocean views and in the historic Marine Room, where waves come crashing against the window! 
If you’re not yet convinced that La Jolla is the ideal vacation spot, wait until you see the gorgeous selection of luxurious villas we have for you. They’re the cherry on top of a wonderful stay.
 

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Take a Day Trip to Laguna Beach

Don’t get us wrong ⁠—  Laguna Beach is a wonderful place to visit. It’s about an hour away from San Diego, but since this area doesn’t offer as much as La Jolla, we recommend it for a day trip.
Take a gorgeous ride along the Pacific Ocean and spend the day walking by the beach and enjoying delicious food. You can visit Heisler Park, too, and admire some stellar views of the ocean at Crescent Bay Beach. Then, when your stomach starts growling, head back downtown to The Loft at Montagne. The menu at this restaurant is filled with contemporary Southern California cuisine with a high-end feel. We don’t know what’s better: the view or the food!

Discover Our Luxurious La Jolla Villas

view on rue villaOur villas in La Jolla are an easy drive from Laguna! Experience the beauty of Southern California from the comfort of a luxurious home. All of our properties feature the highest quality amenities and beautiful views. You won’t be able to get enough of the outdoor areas where your party can enjoy delicious meals, flavorful cocktails, and ocean vistas. All you need to do is sit back and let the soothing, sunny La Jolla way of life wash away your stress.
Browse Our Villas

Have you started planning your next vacation but are unsure of where to stay? Choosing between a beach house and a mountain villa can be tricky after all, the vacation you’ll get at either location will be fantastic, but the experience will be different. In this blog, we’ll help you decide! Read on to discover what type of traveler you are and whether you should go for a mountain or a beach vacation.
Set on traveling to Southern California? Learn more about all the wonderful things the San Diego area has to offer in our exclusive, free Travel Guide. Access our favorite recommendations for local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more. 

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Mountain Vs. Beach Vacation: Which One Is for You?

 

Your Mountain Adventure

A mountain vacation is an exciting adventure for nature lovers. The Southwest is home to some of the most stunning outdoor areas in the country, including the magnificent Lake Tahoe. It’s the ideal choice for couples and families wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can reconnect with nature and with yourself, and marvel at the scenic beauty of the mountains. 
What to Do
Mountains are the perfect playground for hiking. Here, you’ll have the chance to soak up the scenery while getting some exercise. Did you know San Diego has a variety of fun hikes for you and your family? Iron Mountain Trail, for example, is a favorite among locals. If you’re in the Lake Tahoe area, we highly recommend the Cascade Falls Trail! Remember to bring a camera so you can capture the views of the lake. Are you more interested in the mountains of Park City, Utah? No problem. The rugged trails of the Rocky Mountains are perfect for sharpening your hiking skills and endurance. 
Where to Stay
Luckily for you, Monarch Luxury Villas offers mountain homes in both Lake Tahoe and Park City, Utah. Take a look at our Marla Bay Lake Lakefront Escape. This home provides spectacular views of the water and the perfect amount of space for your luxurious family mountain getaway. 


Your Beach Retreat

A beach retreat, on the other hand, offers an entirely different experience. This type of vacation is ideal for those who want to unwind in sunny weather, soak up the sun on golden beaches, and smell the salty ocean air from their private balconies. San Diego and its surrounding towns offer the beachy, California dream vacation you seek.  
What to Do
Relaxing at the beach is the primary goal of a beach vacation, and Southern California the perfect place to do it. San Diego, La Jolla, and Encinitas offer a wide variety of beaches to choose from. La Jolla Shores Beach, for example, is one of the most popular in the area, and for a good reason. You’ll love its family-friendly atmosphere and long stretches of white sand. It’s also a fabulous spot for water sports. Windasea Beach is another favorite of ours. This beach even features rocky coves along its shore where you can relax while enjoying more privacy. 
Where to Say
If you’re going to go on a beach vacation, you really ought to rent a home by the ocean. ake a look at our Dreamy Seascape Villa. You have never seen such incredible ocean views! You’ll love relaxing on the spacious deck and sipping on a cocktail while gazing at the famous Bird Rock.

Find the Perfect Home Away From Home With Monarch Luxury Villas

Monarch Luxury VillaNow that you have a better idea of what your next vacation will look like, it’s time to find your ideal home. Monarch Luxury Villas offers a wide range of properties in the mountains and along the beaches of Southern California. Experience the luxury and exclusivity of these high-end homes, and create memories with your loved ones that will last you a lifetime. 
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Few places do romance quite like Coronado. Between the stunning views and relaxing atmosphere, the island provides an ideal setting for your romantic getaway. Allow us to suggest a few of your favorite activities while you’re visiting. Here is your guide to the most romantic things to do on Coronado Island
These romantic outings offer only a taste of everything the area has to offer. Gain access to more local information by unlocking our complimentary Travel Guide. Discover the possibilities and allow us to start planning your dream vacation. 

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Try These Romantic Things to Do on Coronado Island

Take a Boat Cruise With the Gondola Company

Book a cruise on a Venetian boat through the many canals and waterways of Coronado with the Gondola Company. They offer several packages, each with a different experience, and there are a variety of add-ons to make the ride even more memorable. Whether you want live music or a specialized wine tasting, these private tours always create a spark in the air. 

Enjoy a Private Beach Bonfire on Silver Strand State Beach

Request a private bonfire on the beach to get cozy and share a s’more or two. Silver Strand Beach is a quiet area, which makes it an ideal location for an intimate evening together. We’ll provide everything from blankets to marshmallows. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and listen to the crashing waves. 

Relax With a Picnic in the Park

Coronado is full of parks that are perfect for an afternoon picnic. A few of our favorites are Spreckels Park on Orange Avenue, Bay View Park, and Centennial Park. The latter offers stunning views of the San Diego skyline. 

Explore the Island with a Bike Ride

Biking is a popular activity on the island and one of the best ways to see its natural beauty. There are miles of paved bike paths that offer various sights and features. The Silver Strand Bikeway is a local favorite! It runs along the connector between Coronado and Imperial Beach. The 14-mile long pathway boasts views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the nearby wildlife refuge. It’s one of the best ways to spend an afternoon on the island! 

Dine by Candlelight

Nothing says romance quite like enjoying a delicious meal by candlelight. Here in Coronado, you’ll find a plethora of outstanding restaurants that will satisfy you on any date night. Whether you like to indulge in a mouthwatering dessert or a full-bodied wine, these restaurants know how to set the stage for love. Explore a few of our favorites:

Stay With Monarch Luxury Villas

Buccaneer Way on Coronado Island owned by Monarch Luxury VillasYou deserve nothing but the best during your stay in Coronado. That’s why our full-service concierge team is happy to arrange any of these romantic activities. You can be confident that you will receive the highest quality customer service when you book your stay with Monarch Luxury Villas. Enjoy relaxing by the water’s edge in the Coronado Cays at Buccaneer Way. You’ll have access to a private pool and hot tub, boat slip, rooftop deck, and swim-up wet bar. There’s no better way to experience luxury in Coronado.