Patch Picks: Great Staycations

1. The Santa Cruz Dream Inn is a beautiful beach front hotel next to the Santa Cruz Wharf and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Hotel amenities include a heated beachside pool and Jacuzzi, concierge services, in-room dining and free valet parking. On-site, dine at Aquarius, a Santa Cruz favorite for local, sustainable seafood and a fantastic wine list, which includes many regional wines. The hotel property is newly renovated and boasts and eclectic and laid-back feel. Enjoy the ocean breeze and the view of the surfers and sea lions right from your hotel balcony. Walk to nearby restaurants and night life. The Dream Inn offers packages to accommodate the needs of any guest. The Sweet Treat Romance package includes a hand-selected goodie from the restaurant chef as well as rose petal turndown service and champagne, all for only $199. There's also a Family Getaway package with milk and cookies, swim goggles and board games. For reservations or more information, contact the hotel at 831-426-4330 or visit dreaminnsantacruz.com.

2. Oenophiles will rejoice in a tour through Paso Robles. The landscape of the beautiful region flourishes with more than 26,000 vineyard acres. The area’s warm, sun-kissed days and cool evenings create an ideal growing season resulting in vibrant fruit with deep and complex flavor profiles. There are approximately 160 wineries that produce from such varietals as the deep cherry cabernet sauvignon to the honey and floral essence of a roussanne. Make a weekend of wine tasting. Purchase a Paso Passport, grab a map of the wineries and book a room. Local accommodations range from a cozy stay at a bed and breakfast to a hotel and even a farm stay. Plan a visit for the 29th Annual Wine Festival the weekend of May 20-22. To learn more about what the area has to offer, visit pasowine.com.

3. Outdoor lovers can take advantage of a walk along the beach or hiking in the backwoods of beautiful Big Sur. The area is full of both state parks and privately owned campgrounds. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has two hike-in environmental campsites. The park features redwood trees, tan oak and chaparral. There is an 80-foot water fall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean. Fernwood Campground is another option for Big Sur camping. For the less rugged camper, this 60-unit campground features a 12-unit motel with fireplaces and is along the Big Sur River. There are also plenty of spots throughout the area for tent camping and RVing. For a complete list of Big Sur campgrounds, visit bigsurcalifornia.org/camping.html.

4. Gather the family and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is a great day adventure and a chance to see what life under the ocean is like. The aquarium offers regular exhibits and activities designed to teach you about zebra sharks, great white sharks, pink flamingos, jellyfish and all things related to marine life. For a more in-depth learning experience, choose from one of the 50-minute behind the scene tours or partake in an aquarium hosted sleepover and cozy up next to your favorite exhibit. You’ll certainly want to photograph this memorable trip. The aquarium’s resident photographer is on hand for helpful hints on getting the best shots. Admission is $29.95 for an adult. Special pricing applies to seniors and students. Children under 3 are free. Yearly memberships are also available. To learn more, visit montereybayaquarium.org.

5. Take an eco-adventure with a zip lining tour through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood Canopy Tours offers a perspective of the redwood forest that can only be seen from a canopy tour. This is a two hour, all-inclusive guided tour. There are six zip lines up to 440 feet long and two sky bridges situated at least 150 feet in the air. Tours are led by certified guides who share ecological knowledge and a historical perspective of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This year-round activity is geared toward people ages 10 and up. Participants must be between 75-250 pounds, at least 72 inches tall and in good physical condition. To find out more, visit mounthermon.org/redwood-canopy-tours or call 831-430-4357.