California Dreamin'

Catalina Island: Hotel Villa Portofino
A one-night stay with continental breakfast; a choice of two of three tour options (a glass-bottom boat tour through Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, the Avalon bus tour through town, and a tour of the historic Casino building); round-trip boat transportation from either San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point Harbors, round-trip taxi transfers between the harbor and hotel; and a welcome gift--either a tote bag, champagne, wine, or sparkling cider. Rates start at $110 per person per night. When: Sun.-Thurs. night stays through Mar. 29, 2007. Details: Hotel taxes are included. Based on double occupancy; single supplement $51. Contact: 888/346-2326, hotelvillaportofino.com.

Mendocino: Wharf Master Inn
A two-night stay at the cliffside Wharf Master in a room with a Jacuzzi, a fireplace, a private balcony, and jaw-dropping ocean views. Rates start at $195 per room. This package is one of several great bargains timed to Mendocino's whale-watching season, when gray whales (and some humpback, blue, and killer whales) migrate down the coast. For a complete list of packages, visit gomendo.com, and for information about the Fort Bragg Whale Festival, Mar. 17-18, visit mendowhale.com. When: Sun.-Fri. through Mar. 31, 2007. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 10 percent. Based on double or single occupancy. Contact: 800/932-4031, wharfmasters.com.

Pismo Beach: The Cliffs
 The Family Fun Getaway includes a wine tasting in the hotel lobby (with wines from California's central coast), make-your-own pizza, games (such as karaoke and twilight volleyball), fireside stories, and a one-night stay in a guest room with two double beds and a private balcony or patio with an ocean, coastal, or  mountain view. Rates start at $169 per room per night on weekdays and $209 per room per night on weekends. When: Apr. 1-12, 2007. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 10 percent. Based on double or single occupancy. Contact: 888/335-8882, cliffsresort.com.

Redwood City: Sofitel San Francisco Bay
If you're in the mood for a splurge, the Sofitel is offering an April in Paris package with a one-night stay in a deluxe room, a bottle of champagne and chocolates upon arrival, and a three-course dinner with a bottle of French wine at the hotel restaurant, Bay 223. Rates start at $299 per room. Add extra nights from $99. Note that the hotel is located on the Redwood Shores Lagoon, between San Francisco and San Jose, and that there is free shuttle service to/from the San Francisco airport, about 10 miles away. When: Fri.-Sat. nights through Apr. 29, 2007. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 10 percent. Based on double or single occupancy. Contact: 800/763-4835, sofitel.com.

San Luis Obispo: The Apple Farm
The Garden package includes a half-hour gardening demo, a blooming plant, a $20 gift shop voucher, and a one-night stay in a deluxe room with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds and a fireplace. Rates start at $169 per room per night on weekdays and $269 per room per night on weekends. When: Sun.-Thurs. nights through June 13, 2007. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 10 percent. Based on double or single occupancy. Contact: 800/255-2040, applefarm.com.

Santa Ynez Valley: Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
A one-night stay in a cozy cabin with a wood-burning fireplace at the 10,000-acre dude ranch in Solvang, plus full breakfast, dinner, and unlimited ranch activities: golf, horseback riding, tennis, fly-fishing, biking, archery, kayaking, and more. Rates start at $465 per room per night. For a sense of the savings, consider that included activities such as horseback riding would typically cost $75 per person and that greens fees for the ranch's golf course are $135 per person, including the cart and range balls. When: Sun.-Thurs. nights through June 8, 2007; blackout dates: Apr. 1-15 and May 26-28. Details: Hotel taxes are an additional 22 percent. Based on double occupancy; solo travelers pay a slightly lower rate ($411 per night). Contact: 805/688-6411, alisal.com.

More on California: