Costanoa Eco-Adventure Resort
Pescadero

For those of us who love the outdoors but aren't willing to sacrifice our creature comforts, Costanoa is just the spot. Connected to four state parks, along historic Highway 1, and only an hour from San Francisco, it can be "summed up in three words: camping in style." Not only is the setting overlooking the seaside bluffs and towering redwoods "gorgeous," but you can choose from "an array of accommodations, from campsites to wood-framed canvas bungalows to complete indoor lodging." The décor whispers luxury in the hush of the woods, with Bose stereos, wireless Internet access, and Aveda bath products. Go for a hike or horseback ride, then sooth sore muscles in the outdoor hot tubs, 24-hour dry sauna, at the spa, or by one of the stone fireplaces. All of this is "steps from the ocean." Read more.

The Pageant of the Masters
Laguna Beach

Honoring more than 70 years of art in Laguna Beach, The Pageant of the Masters is non-profit theater performance and "one-of-a-kind celebration of art through living pictures, also known as tableaux vivants." In other words, actors take the stage in elaborate makeup and costumes with sets and lighting that re-create well-known paintings and sculptures in life size with astonishing attention to detail. The 90-minute performance features an accompanying "symphony orchestra and live narration in the 2,600-seat outdoor amphitheater," which serves as a basin for the fresh, salty air, because the icing on the cake: this picturesque locale is "just six blocks from the beach." Read more.

Crab Cooker
Newport Beach

After WWII, the owner of this venerable, local institution returned home to pursue his dream of owning a seafood business by the ocean. Just three years later, in 1954, he changed its name from Seafood Varieties to the Crab Cooker to reflect the tradition of cooking the lobsters and crabs in giant pots on the sidewalk out front (patrons referred to it as "that place with the crab cookers"). Those aren't there any longer, but it hasn't stopped being "a local favorite for a pint of clam chowder, some smoked albacore, and a couple of bread rolls." You can pick up your meal "and wander over to the pier like back in the day" to eat. This place is everything a fish joint by the sea should be, so don't expect a "fine-dining, white tablecloth establishment." Do expect "excellent fish" and a "nostalgic, convivial atmosphere." Read more.

Parkway Speakeasy Theater
Oakland

If you love eating and drinking beer at the movies on "large, over-stuffed couches," the Parkway Theater is for you. This is a "great local theater geared toward the grown-up, 21+ crowd." Located in Oakland, "the Parkway building was constructed in 1925 and has survived many incarnations, including a first-run as a neighborhood theater, then a porn house, and later, a nightclub." Now you'll find "assorted munchies and beer or wine to wash it all down." The eclectic playbill changes weekly, ranging from contemporary cult films, like Thrillvill to African Diaspora cinema. Plus, you "can't miss the showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday night at midnight." On Monday nights, parents don't have to worry if their babies cry during the viewings at the "Baby Brigade," since that's the point. Do-gooders will be happy to know that "the theater hosts fundraisers to benefit local grassroots charities." Read more.

Strawberry Music Festival
Jamestown

Two times a year, over both Labor Day and Memorial Day Weekends, you can "forget all about your regular work-a-day life" and "surround yourself with friendly folks, great music, and the camping vibe in Yosemite." In addition to "good bluegrass music," this festival embraces other genres, including swing, rock, blues, and gospel, and has been "going strong for over 25 years." Located at Camp Mather on the access road to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, it's "delightful family fun for four days." Read more.