A perfect weekend awaits in the waters off the California coast and in the soulful riffs and Creole cuisine of New Orleans. Kayak in peaceful bliss, learn to sail the swells with dolphins, or take part in the undying heritage of The Big Easy.
By Chase Scheinbaum, Nicholas Ayala, and Tara House
Sea kayaking Point Reyes National Seashore, May 1-2
Point Reyes, California
Jutting into the Pacific Ocean like a 30-mile-long shark fin, Point Reyes National Seashore is a place sea kayakers can find one version of perfection. It’s everything you think of when you think of Northern California’s coast: desolate, rocky, teeming with wildlife. What it isn’t this time of year is foggy. Yes, the weather is fickle in northern California, but the sun shines here more during the spring than you might expec.
After an hour drive from downtown San Francisco, a paddling trip here starts in the protected waters of Tomales Bay, which is wedged between the peninsula and the coastal mainland. Slipping quietly over leopard sharks and sea lions, paddlers float between two tectonic plates (and hardly any boat traffic). On their way to the remote beaches at the bay’s mouth, resident Tule elk can be spotted from the water. Sea lions and river otters will be your only other company. Around a half hour of paddling past rocky outcrops will take you to the remote Marshall Beach. Not ready to leave? Beaches on the outer shore are great for overnights. Just make a reservation before hand.
Blue Waters Kayaking rents kayaks and guides a number of single- and multi-day outings on the seashore. A half day tour of the area around Hog Island is just $88 this weekend. Single-person kayaks can be rented for $65 for eight hours; tandem kayaks are $105 for a full day.
Travel and Accommodation
At Hog Island Oyster Co. you can sample the restaurant’s namesake delicacy. Buy them to go, or stay to shuck and grill them on the beach. Nick’s Cove and Cottages offers rustic but sheik lodging and an on-site restaurant. A few cottages with views of the water are still available for this weekend, starting at $375. During the week, the price drops to $275.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 23-May2
New Orleans, Louisiana
Don’t worry that you’ve missed the first few days of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — it’s far from over. Look over the ticket options on the festival site, and purchase them on Ticketmaster. If this is your first time heading to a huge festival, it’s usually best to go with a game plan. First, figure out how far apart the stages are, and when and where your favorite act will be playing (click here to get started). A few of the notable acts are the Gipsy Kings, Pearl Jam, Jeff Beck, B. B. King, and Van Morrison.
There’s an overwhelming number of dining options from which to choose during your weekend, and that’s just at the festival. When you’re out and about on the streets, make a stop at Baru or Broussard’s. If you’re inclined to take a day off from the fest, make a day of canoeing or kayaking at the Barataria Preserve. Find info to get you on your way here.
Travel and Accommodations
Unsure of where to stay? Start here and go to the Travel tab to get yourself booked into a hotel with a festival discount.
If you’re be flying in, it’ll probably be to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. You also can get an airline discount through the festival by checking out this page.
Sail to Catalina Island, May 1 – 2
Marina del Ray, California
This weekend you can sail away from it all — without going too far from home — on a chartered sailboat from the docks of Marina del Rey.
Even if you have never sailed a day in your life, fear not. Charter a boat with a skipper through Blue Pacific Boating, and let the wind take you toward Catalina Island — only a four and half hour boat ride away. Leave Marina Del Rey on Saturday morning at 9:30 AM and arrive at Catalina in time for a late lunch under the palm trees of Two Harbors, or in the refined town of Avalon. From golfing to zip line-tours and Buffalo Safaris, the possibilities are endless.
While at sea you’ll learn how to sail with lessons from the skipper. You’ll get familiar with the basics of handling a sailboat as well as simple navigation tricks. If you’re not interested in playing captain then simply sit back and relax while your Coast Guard-certified skipper takes the wheel. Enjoy sun-bathing at the bow, or dolphin and whale-watching on the beautiful Santa Monica Bay.
For dinner, barbecue on the back of your boat, or enjoy beach-side restaurants and bars in Two Harbors. Come night-fall jump back aboard your vessel and sleep tight inside your fully-equipped cabin on the sea.
In the morning go for a hike, or enjoy a Hummer ride through the wild end of Catalina, before heading back to the mainland around 3 PM.
Prices may vary depending on the boat, and the size of your party. Reservations can be made here.
Travel and Accommodations
Marina del Rey is located just four miles outside of Los Angeles International Airport and minutes from the popular beach towns of Playa del Rey, Venice, and Santa Monica. Fly in Friday night and stay at any one of their many hotels, or spend the night at the lovely Marina. Hotel accommodations for Marina del Rey can be found here.
Once on Catalina Island, if the thought of sleeping atop the sea makes your stomach queasy, check out the camp sites available on the island, or, for a less rugged approach, check out the simple Catalina Cabins, or versatile Hotel Atwater.
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