Podiatrist in Carmel Valley, CA

Although spring hasn't sprung quite yet, the warmer months are fast approaching. With spring regarded as one of the best times of year to visit California, now is the perfect time to start planning a Golden State getaway. From San Francisco to San Diego, April and May boast some of the most pleasant temperatures while dodging peak-season crowds (and prices).

After exploring the beautiful city of San Francisco, travelers can embark on a whole slew of adventures as they head south. From world-class national parks to stunning beaches and mesmerizing deserts, there are no shortage of options to include on a springtime road trip itinerary. Here are some must-visit sites and locales to visit along the way.

Bay Area To Big Sur: What To See

As one of the most culturally significant and aesthetically stunning cities in the United States, there is no shortage of things to do in San Francisco in the spring. Besides the general attractions, there are a multitude of special events taking place in the spring that are worth checking out.

Spring is also an excellent time of year to visit neighboring wine country and sip some vino. Springtime temperatures hover around a pleasant 70 degrees, and the rows of blossoming flowers among the vineyards gives a magical feel.

The Bottlerock Music Festival, which takes place in May, has become a premier annual event, attracting highly acclaimed musicians. Past headliners have included the likes of Metallica, Foo Fighters, The Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and tons more.

Home to the old-growth redwood forest of Muir Woods, more than 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park, and the expansive Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County is an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Head over to Sausalito to enjoy the quirky houseboat community and take advantage of the springtime weather with the plethora of al fresco dining options.

RELATED: Across The Golden Gate Bridge: Have You Been Missing Out On Marin County?

Before heading down the coast, consider turning inland and adding Yosemite National Park to the itinerary. April is one of the best months to visit Yosemite. The weather is ideal for hiking, and the waterfalls are flowing powerfully from all the melting winter snow.

Those opting to cruise down the majestic Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco can head to the laid-back town of Santa Cruz. Anyone with some extra time should also drop into the seaside surf hamlet of Half Moon Bay on the way south.

Once in Santa Cruz, enjoy the spring weather with a seaside stroll to the beach, a visit to the iconic Santa Cruz pier and harbor, or shop and dine downtown. In contention for the official title of 'Surf City USA,' be sure to log some time in the ocean when in Santa Cruz. There are numerous operators for both paddle-boarding and surfing.

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden is also worth adding to the bucket list. Spanning over 100 acres, visiting in spring is particularly beautiful since everything is blooming during these months.

RELATED: Surf, Sand, and Sun: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Santa Cruz & Things To Do

With clearer, dry weather in the spring and less fog, it is an excellent time of year to take in the sights of the incredible landscape of the area. April and May are the peak season for whale-watching in Monterey too, and the whole region is teeming with marine life.

Neighboring Carmel-by-the-Sea is easily one of the most picturesque towns in the United States. The downtown looks like it is straight out of a storybook, and there are beautiful beaches everywhere. Head to Carmel Valley for wine tasting or the famed 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach.

Springtime In The California Desert

Even though California is full of jaw-dropping beaches, its desert communities are worth visiting too. Spring is a great time of year before temperatures get scorching. There is sunshine every day and while daytime temps are warm enough for lounging poolside, nights are cool and comfortable.

This bustling desert community is home to a variety of museums, as well as a zoo and various gardens that are open to the public. April also marks the annual return of Coachella, one of the most significant music festivals in the world.

Much like Palm Springs, Joshua Tree is another favorite escape from LA. Located less than an hour apart, it is easy to incorporate both stops into a springtime road trip. Its dramatic, craggy landscape of iconic yucca trees makes the area unique. It's also a great option for camping, rather than paying higher prices for accommodation in Palm Springs.

Visiting SoCal In The Spring

Whether looking for sun and fun or to shop til you drop, Southern California in spring is a great option. This is one of the most action-packed parts of the state, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

LA is a city that needs no introduction and is obviously worth a stop. The spring climate is perfect for strolling around Beverly Hills or hitting some of the famous beaches that are part of Los Angeles. Check out these 10 exciting things you can do on the Santa Monica pier, head to Venice Beach, or visit the chic beach suburb of Manhattan Beach.

After perhaps clocking in some further beach time at Orange County hotspots like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and San Clemente, the springtime journey through California will be wrapping up in San Diego. A wonderful destination year-round, visitors can take advantage of much lighter crowds before summer hits. This is a plus not only for the beach but for other attractions like the San Diego Zoo. Spring is also migration season for whales, so there is an excellent chance of getting up close and personal with these gentle giants.

BAY AREA — The Bay Area has transformed into a winter wonderland as a large winter storm dumps snow all over the place. Unlike most winter storms, the snow was not limited to the tops of high mountains. Residents are reporting snow all over the Bay Area, from Oakland to Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo County to Livermore to San Jose.

The winter storm is bringing the most significant snowfall since 1976, according to the National Weather Service. As usual, the most snow fell in the mountains. All the region’s major mountains are bright white Friday, from Mt. Tam to Mission Peak. As much as 14 inches reportedly fell on Mt. Hamilton, according to citizen reports sent to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service put out a tweet asking for readers to report how many inches of snow fell near them. Below are the preliminary results, followed by the time of the report. Not all areas received reports, and initial reports may not be fully accurate.

Cloverdale: 3 inches at 250 feet, 7:22 a.m. Friday

Sonoma: 4 inches, 7:34 a.m. Friday

Day Valley, Santa Cruz County: 7.5 inches, 7:26 a.m. Friday

Saratoga, Santa Cruz County: 8 inches at 2700 ft., 9:40 a.m. Friday

Los Gatos: 11 inches, at 2750 feet, 7:01 a.m. Friday

Lexington Hills, Santa Clara: 6 inches, 7:38 a.m. Friday

Mt. Hamilton, Santa Clara: 14 inches, at 4,202 ft., 9:24 a.m. Friday

Grant Park, Santa Clara: 12 inches, 9:49 a.m. Friday

Portola Valley: 1 inch, 8:20 a.m. Friday

Woodside: 5 inches, at 2,300 ft., 12:52 p.m. Friday

Carmel Valley: 6 inches, 9 a.m. Friday

Kentfield, Marin County: 1.5 inches, 8:30 a.m. Friday

Clayton: 0.5 inches reported near Mt. Diablo at 7:42 a.m. Friday

Grizzly Peak: 3 inches, 8:32 a.m. Friday

Boony Doon, Santa Cruz: 3.5 inches at 1800 feet, 10:03 a.m. Friday

With gorgeous weather year-round, exciting terrain, and seaside escapes, California offers myriad ways to be active—and, thankfully, plenty of ways to rest up, too. Some of the nation’s most acclaimed spas are in the Golden State, each one bringing its own impressive array of offerings, from state-of-the-art treatments and amenities to wellness programming and nature immersions (plus any number of onsite perks, such as world-class dining and tranquil guestrooms). From a coastal R&R retreat to a wine country haven, here are 11 of California’s best spa getaways to book now—with your bestie, your beau, or just for you.

St. HelenaSituated amidst Beringer Vineyards, this adults-only Napa Valley retreat ensures plenty of respite by way of vineyard views, private fire pits, and engaging programming (not short of a culinary garden scent workshop). A calming color scheme and custom artwork from Yabu Pushelberg greet guests at the spa, as does an indoor-outdoor relaxation room, steam room, and hydrotherapy cool plunge rain shower. Enjoy all of it before or after your service. Treatments range from the Alila Massage (60 or 90 minutes incorporating various massage techniques and the team’s signature massage oil) to the Glow, an hour-long facial that focuses on brightening skin complexion with whole-plant phytonutrients. Kick off the next morning with breakfast at Acacia House, enjoying nourishing orders like multigrain oatmeal alongside signature juices, such as herb tonic or carrot turmeric.

Huntington BeachYou may want to extend your stay at this sprawling beachfront property. Between four dining outlets, multiple pools, and dazzling sunset vistas, there’s a lot of goodness to fit in here around the clock. You’ll want to leave ample time to enjoy Pacific Waters Spa, the property’s 20,000-square-foot sanctuary that invites guests to unwind instantly, starting with the entrance’s calming koi pond. Treatments are inspired by the sea and based on botanical and organic ingredients, ranging from classic Swedish massages to detox scrubs and wraps, and call upon advanced skincare lines like Tuscany’s Seed to Skin or Biologique Recherche for them all. Opt for the Therapeutic Massage, a 50- or 80-minute treatment customized entirely to guest needs, and, for those seeking a true escape, the Coconut Island massage incorporates a full-body dry brushing and scalp massage. Once you re-emerge buffed and glowing, explore the property’s many other perks, such as dinner at Watertable, bonfire s’mores by the pool, and beach access via the area’s only pedestrian sky bridge.

Laguna BeachEach of the 167 guest rooms and 13 suites at this Laguna Beach property boasts pristine views of the Pacific, and sounds, with waves functioning like a white noise machine, helping guests get their best sleep yet. Those R&R vibes extend to Aquaterra Spa, where guests can settle into a cozy waiting area before experiencing restorative treatments, such as the Surf & Sand Couples Escape. The side-by-side experience includes a comprehensive body treatment beginning with a lavender exfoliation and cocoon wrap and culminating in an 80-minute custom massage. Continue your day of self-care with time in the eucalyptus steam rooms or outdoor hot tubs, then be on your way to dinner. Onsite restaurant Splashes offers elevated contemporary American fare accompanied by unrivaled sunset views.

CalistogaWith nearly 90 thoughtfully appointed studios and suites, a signature restaurant, and 22 acres with surrounding mountain views, this luxury resort already had plenty going for it. But a $30 million renovation completed in recent years only enhanced matters, bringing renovated spaces, new suites, and fresh-faced Picobar, a favorite for modern Mexican fare and agave-based cocktails. The 20,000-square-foot, award-winning Spa Solage is a destination in and of itself, offering wellness options across 14 treatment rooms, a bathhouse with geothermal soaking pools, and a state-of-the-art gym. Guests can enjoy a variety of massages, scrubs, and facials, including the signature Mudslide service, a three-part detoxifying treatment that cleanses, nurtures, and restores. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, and come morning, enjoy any of the activities in the gym or movement studio. Whether your go-to is cycling, yoga, or Pilates, they’ve got you covered.

Big SurPerched atop the cliffs of Big Sur along California’s Highway One, this sky-high destination is one of the most romantic getaways in the country for its remote environs, epic views, and world-class luxury. Surrounded by state parks, beaches, and waterfalls, the inn has plenty of good neighbors in nature, and you can enjoy much of the outdoors from any of the 40 guest rooms, each offering views of the Pacific or the mountains. Continue to bring the outside in at the spa, a serene space of reclaimed wood and natural elements that offers its own floor-to-ceiling views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and redwood groves. Book their Aromatherapy Massage, a soothing, hour-long service that invites guests to select a signature oil blend for the full-body treatment. Check out yoga and meditation classes, guided nature hikes, and garden tours during your stay. Continue the good views with time in either of the infinity edge basking pools before capping off the day with dinner at Sierra Mar and catching some of the ultimate views with the property’s computerized 12-inch Meade telescope, which is at the ready for nightly stargazing.

Laguna BeachSituated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this 30-acre flagship property is full of opportunities to unwind thanks to three pools, waterfront sports, exceptional onsite dining, and a 20,000-square-foot spa. This year marks its 20th anniversary, and the team is rolling out an array of events and programming throughout the property to celebrate—the spa being no exception. The Five Senses, for example, offers a signature, 150-minute treatment featuring Natura Bissé VR+ (virtual reality) technology that transports guests into globally-inspired states of well-being while helping them stay grounded in the present moment with a full-body massage, facial, and methods of sensory activation. Post-service, check out the eucalyptus steam rooms, dry redwood saunas, ocean air whirlpools, and locker room perks, such as top-tier tools and products from Kerstin Florian. Consider it all prep for an evening at the Loft, where the R&R continues with ocean views, hyper-seasonal cuisine, and an impressive wine list.

ForestvilleJust 25 guest rooms await at this upscale Sonoma County inn, helping the experience to feel intimate and personalized throughout, right down to your time at the spa. You’ll find it within the recently opened Wellness Barn, an open-air, stable-inspired structure complete with multiple indoor-outdoor treatment rooms and a spacious couple’s room that are perfect for offerings like the Love Languages, which invites pairs to pick their love language to help guide treatment customizations. Opt for the Skin You’re In 90-minute treatment featuring a full-body exfoliation, al fresco shower, and tailored massage, or the Nurtured by Nature, a two-hour ode to locally inspired ingredients (think sun-evaporated Pacific sea salt or coastal Redwood mist). Post-treatment, enjoy a trip to the pool and hot tub area, then retreat to your room to get ready for dinner. The Michelin-starred Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn recently reopened with a reimagined space and menu.

Rancho Santa FeThe spa at this five-star SoCal resort recently underwent an all-out renovation, bringing a salon, an expanded retail boutique, and additional treatment areas, including three advanced facial rooms. Check into your room, then head to explore the hydrotherapy circuit, open-air Serenity Yoga Pavilion, adult’s-only Spa pool, and private sun gardens. Treatments range from the relaxing to the results-driven, as evidenced by options like the Biologique Recherche Facial (including boosters and specialized techniques) or the Kur, a 90-minute service with a cooling wrap and therapeutic massage (plus a soak in a private grotto). The treatment rooms here are as thoughtfully designed as the rest of the hotel—intricately tiled with private patios, and many with outdoor, deep soaking tubs and rain showers. If you’re coming with a plus one, spring for one of the couple’s rooms, featuring fireplaces and tubs for two, but be sure to plan ahead. Demand for spa time here is high. Bookings are full three to four weeks out, so it helps to reserve in advance.

Dana PointThis beachfront destination checks a lot of boxes on the getaway front with its innovative cuisine, exciting programming, and panoramic views of the Pacific. It maximizes that proximity by way of ocean-centric experiences throughout the property, and the spa is no exception. Treatments home in on the healing and restorative properties of water and show up in natural ingredients like marine collagen, sea salt, beach stones, and seaweed. Find them in services like the Laguna Wellness Experience, with a specially formulated seaweed body wrap and collagen facial mask, or the Coastal Illuminating Facial, with marine collagen and minerals. Those are just some of the ace products you’ll find throughout the spa menu (think ESPA and HydraFacial). After your treatment, slip into a robe and enjoy the relaxation lounge, some leisurely reads, and seasonal treats, such as this month’s sparkling cranberry-elderflower mocktail, complete with a red-heart ice cube. If you’re planning a group visit, let the spa team know. Whether it’s a birthday, bridal shower, or annual Galentine’s getaway, spa groups receive off-menu, tailored treatment suggestions and personalized gift ideas.

Carmel ValleyIt’s easy to disconnect at this 500-acre luxury ranch, where a lineup of activities is carefully curated with play and discovery in mind via artist demos, cheesemaking classes, and falconry, to name just a few. The 10,500-square-foot Spa Aiyana furthers those self-care efforts with several treatment rooms, VIP suites, and a menu of immersive treatments, many of which call upon ingredients harvested in the resort’s gardens and beehives. A popular choice is the Bee Beautiful, featuring a warm lavender oil application, honey and calendula body buff, and facial massage. Schedule it well in advance to ensure you’re on the books, as appointments here get nabbed fast. Enjoy access to the spa’s saltwater pool, infinity hot tub, and warming room while you’re onsite, and if you’re craving activity during your stay, tap into the property’s wellness programming, which includes a well-rounded array of options like hiking or yoga atop a scenic outlook.

MontecitoSituated within Santa Barbara’s idyllic Montecito neighborhood and home to a state-of-the-art fitness studio, two pool areas, and locally loved restaurants (Caruso’s, Revere Room, and AMA Sushi), this hotel is a favorite for those in the know. The five-star Sense spa reflects Rosewood’s “Sense of Place” philosophy, incorporating local ingredients and products throughout the menu. Take, for example, the Montecito Sage Purification treatment, with a wild sage, pine, and juniper body scrub and full-body massage, or the Rejuvenating Body Ritual, a two-hour, Lomi-Lomi-inspired head-to-toe massage. If you feel like dialing up the activity while here, there’s plenty of it. Guided hikes through Los Padres Mountains, sunset yoga, and an indoor-outdoor fitness studio are all on offer, and you can always follow it up with more downtime at Miramar Beach, where a dedicated service team awaits.

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the evening of February 13^th, California American Water activated two new pump stations as part of our efforts to reduce reliance on the Carmel River. The new Forest Lake pump station located in Pebble Beach and the San Carlos Pump Station in Carmel Valley will allow water sourced in Seaside to be pumped to Carmel Valley, reducing reliance on the Carmel River and protecting the entire Carmel River ecosystem.

“This week’s successful start-up of the two new pump stations is the result of 5 years of engineering work with over $6 million dollars of investment”

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This transformative improvement of our water infrastructure reverses flow direction from how water has flowed in our system for over a century. Historically water was pumped from Carmel Valley to Pebble Beach, however this system reversal draws water from the Seaside Basin to reduce reliance on the Carmel River.

“This week’s successful start-up of the two new pump stations is the result of 5 years of engineering work with over $6 million dollars of investment,” said Chris Cook, Director of Operations for California American Water. “With this new infrastructure, our operations have now reversed the flow of water in our pipes to support the new sources of water for our communities and protect the Carmel River.”

Out of an abundance of caution, customers in Carmel, Carmel Valley and Pebble Beach were sent notices alerting that the reversal of flow may cause some discoloration of water in customers’ homes resulting from sediment or particles becoming loosened in older pipes in the distribution system.

The flow reversal process was successful and water quality was not affected. Water service was not interrupted during this time and the water continues to be safe to drink.

California American Water continues to provide safe, reliable water to our customers while also acting as responsible stewards of existing precious water resources and new sources of water.

About California American Water

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

PEBBLE BEACH – The Spa at Pebble Beach has achieved a five-star award for the 10th-consecutive year from Forbes Travel Guide, along with four-star ratings earned by three other Pebble Beach Resorts properties.

The Forbes Travel Guide boasts being the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, and also awarded The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero, each multi-year winners, with four-star ratings this year. They join 10 other Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur properties to be named on the list of 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award winners.

“It is an honor for Pebble Beach Resorts to once again receive Forbes’ coveted star ratings and to be consistently recognized by leading travel experts as one of the premier luxury resort destinations in the world,” said David Stivers, CEO of Pebble Beach Company in a press release. “Pebble Beach is known for its natural beauty and great golf, but what really makes it special is the world class service provided by our team members who go above and beyond to exceed expectations and provide every guest with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, every time.”

According to its website, Forbes Travel Guide verifies luxury with highly-trained inspectors who visit every property it rates, evaluating based on up to 900 objective criteria with hotel stays spanning a minimum of two nights. Forbes pays its own way so no one can buy a rating as all rating are earned through its objective inspection process. The Travel Guides’ global team of inspectors are anonymous at all times to gain the same experience as a typical guest. While it inspects both service and facility, its star rating system emphasizes service. Forbes created the original five-star rating in 1958, when it was the Mobil Travel Guide.

Stars are awarded to exceptional properties offering a high level of service and facility quality.

Pebble Beach Resorts says it has consistently been recognized by guests and travel industry leaders for its premier golf courses, superior accommodations, luxurious resort spa, fine dining experiences across 16 different restaurants, world-class service and idyllic location along California’s Central Coast.

For more information about Pebble Beach Resorts, visit www.pebblebeach.com.

Other four- and five-star awarded destinations in the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur areas includes one from San Luis Obispo County in Paso Robles – The Restaurant at JUSTIN – which garnered a top rating, as well as Carmel restaurant Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel.

Four-star awards went to Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley, L’Auberge Carmel in Carmel, Lucia Restaurant & Bar in Carmel Valley, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, Post Ranch Spa in Big Sur, Sierra Mar Restaurant in Big Sur, and The Spa at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley.