Ultimate Road to California

Step into sunny San Diego and check in at your all-suite hotel, offering stunning views of the San Diego Bay. This evening, get ready to meet your friendly Tour Manager and eager fellow travelers at the Welcome Meeting, where you’ll share your passion for quilting and excitement for the days ahead.

Embark on a panoramic city tour of San Diego, exploring historic Old Town, Balboa Park, Downtown, and the Coronado. Then, visit the Mingei International Museum and draw inspiration from exhibitions like “25 Million Stitches.” Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the sprawling Balboa Park, San Diego’s brightest gem. Later, shop premium cotton quilting fabrics from Moda, Marcus Fabrics, Andover Fabrics, and more at Rosie’s Calico Cupboard Quilt Shop, a local favorite for more than 40 years. Tonight, relax at the hotel or venture out for your evening at leisure, perhaps exploring the city’s vibrant dining scene. B

After a delightful breakfast, head to San Marcos to browse gorgeous fabrics, notions, kits, and more at Eleanor Burns’ Quilt in a Day retail shop during a special shopping event. Return to San Diego to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps visiting the San Diego Zoo, Visions Museum of Textile Art, or relaxing at one of the many oceanside restaurants nestled along the San Diego pier. B, L

Spend the morning at Sew Treasured Quilt Shop, a quilter’s paradise filled with hand-dyed wools, beautiful homespuns, quilt kits, patterns, embroidery supplies, and more. Their relaxing atmosphere is perfect for morning shopping. Next, ignite your creativity browsing beautiful fabrics, patterns, and notions while chatting with the friendly staff at the charming quilt shop Between Stitches. Later, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in Temecula’s historic Old Town, known for its unique shops and restaurants. After, immerse yourself in Temecula’s vibrant agricultural history with an olive oil tasting at Temecula Olive Oil Company. Tonight, explore more of Old Town for dinner or join fellow travel companions for a glass of California wine at the Manager’s Reception in our hotel’s lounge. B

After breakfast, set off toward the picturesque city of Palm Springs. Enjoy free time to explore this vibrant desert oasis. After enjoying lunch and shopping downtown, depart for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tram offers you breathtaking panoramic views of the desert landscape below. Next, depart for Ontario to check into your comfortable hotel before the evening’s highlight event. Tonight, attend the eagerly anticipated preview night of the Road to California quilt show. The preview night provides an exclusive opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the vibrant quilting community and draw inspiration from the stunning works of art showcased. B

Spend a full day at the Road to California quilt show, admiring prize-winning quilts, shopping the extensive merchant mall, or enjoying a pre-booked class or lecture. Boasting more than 42,000 attendees, you’ll enjoy meeting quilters from across the globe. With the hotel just minutes away from the conference, you can come and go as you please, ensuring you don’t miss any of the incredible displays. Tonight, share memorable stories and exchange addresses with fellow travelers at the customary Farewell Dinner, where you’ll reminisce about the unforgettable experiences you’ve shared. B, D

Personalize your day by returning to the quilt show at your leisure, shopping the merchant mall’s offerings, booking a last-minute workshop, or relaxing by the pool and soaking up the California sun. Later, after packing your treasured finds and souvenirs, take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to the airport to begin your journey home, carrying with you a treasure trove of memories and new quilting inspiration. B