Monterey, California

Where: Monterey, California

Why: Young painters compete to capture Old Monterey’s charming streetscapes and gardens in the Plein Air Art Festival (oldmonterey.org), the last weekend of April. Stroll Alvarado Street, watch artists at work, and pick up a piece of art after it’s been judged.

How: Though Monterey has an airport, flying there can be pricey and requires an SFO or LAX connection. A better bet is to fly into San Francisco (about $300 at presstime), rent a car, and enjoy the leisurely, scenic coastal drive along Highway 1 to town.

Stay: The peninsula is swimming with hotels, inns, B & Bs, and resorts, so options are endless. Our pick is Old Monterey Inn (800-350-2344) with manicured gardens, an on-site spa, and luxurious suites, ranging from $270 to $450 per night.

Eat: Reserve a table at the popular Whaling Station (831-373-3778) for prime steaks and seafood above famed Cannery Row.

Pack: A light jacket for those cool, foggy spring mornings.

P.S.: Carve out some time to hit photogenic 17-Mile Drive for some incredible views.