alaska weather J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center (Los Angeles): Since its opening in 1997, the Getty has bee

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, Pebble Beach. A PGA- sponsored tour where pros are teamed with celebrities to compete on three famous golf courses. Call & 800/541-9091 or 831/6491533, or visit www.attpbgolf.com. Late January.

J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center (Los Angeles): Since its opening in 1997, the Getty has been deluged by visitors eager to see whether this complex fulfills its promise as the cultural cornerstone of L.A. Besides boasting a permanent art collection and notable visiting exhibits, the center is a striking and starkly futuristic architectural landmark. From its picturesque vantage point, the Getty offers panoramic city and ocean views. See p. 517. Museum of the American West (Los Angeles): Relive California s historic cowboy alaska weather past and see how the period has been depicted by Hollywood, from Disney cartoon re-creations to founder Gene Autry s singing cowboy films to popular 1960s TV series. Highlights include a glimmering vault p. 526 Petersen Automotive Museum (Los Angeles): This museum is a natural for Los Angeles, a city whose personality is so entwined with the popularity of the car. Impeccably restored vintage autos are displayed in life-size dioramas accurate to the last period detail (including an authentic 1930s era service station). Upstairs galleries house movie star and motion- picture vehicles, car-related artwork, and exhibits. See p. 526. The Museums of Balboa Park (San Diego): In a relaxed, verdant setting, alaska weather these venues offer a variety of cultural experiences. My favorites alaska weather include the Aerospace Museum, the Museum of Photographic Arts, the Model Railroad Museum, the Botanical Building, the Timken Museum of Art, and the Mingei International Museum of Folk Art. Check in at the House of Hospitality for a map and Passport to Balboa Park, a low-cost combination pass to the museums. See Exploring the Area in chapter 16. 9 The Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts Ritz-Carlton San Francisco (& 800/241-3333): Two blocks from the top of Nob Hill, San Francisco s Ritz is world-renowned for its accommodating staff, alaska weather luxurious amenities, and top-rated restaurant. alaska weather Another bonus is the most lavish brunch in town, served on Sundays in the Terrace Room or on the patio amidst blooming rose bushes. See p. 86. Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford; & 800/348-5406): The Inn of the Sun, a Relais & Ch teaux member in a 33-acre olive grove, stands above the vineyards of Napa Valley. This French country style inn is the Wine Country s best resort. Each of the villas is named after a region of France and exudes an ambience of romantic exclusivity. And the spa is to die for. See p. 177.

Third Sunday of May. Carnival, San Francisco. The Mission District s largest annual event is a 2-day series of festivities that culminates with a parade on Mission Street over Memorial Day weekend. More than half a million spectators line the route, and the samba musicians and dancers continue to play on 14th Street, near Harrison, at the end of the march. Call the hot line at & 415/9200125 or visit www.carnavalsf.com. Memorial Day weekend.