Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
After wintering in South America, the swallows famously return to Mission San Juan Cap-
istrano in Orange County around March 19. The historic mission town celebrates its Span-
ish and Mexican heritage with events all month long.
April
Peak wildflower season in the high desert. Shoulder season in the moun-
tains and along the coast means lower hotel prices, except during spring
break (varies, depending on when Easter falls).
Coachella Music & Arts Festival
Indie no-name rock bands, cult DJs and superstar rock bands and rappers all converge out-
side Palm Springs for a three-day musical
extravaganza
held over two weekends in mid-
April.
San Francisco International Film Festival
One of the Americas' longest-running film
festivals
has been lighting up San Francisco
since 1957, with a slate of over 150 independent-minded films, including provocative
premieres from around the globe, in late April and early May.
May
Weather starts to heat up statewide, although some coastal areas are
blanketed by fog ('May grey'). The Memorial Day holiday weekend is the offi-
cial start of summer, and one of the year's busiest travel times.
Cinco de Mayo
¡Viva México!
Margaritas, music and merriment commemorate the victory of Mexican
forces over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. LA and San Diego
really do it in style.
