18 May 2018
Experience California Like a Royal

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Visit California

Imagine an alternative universe where, after the Royal Wedding, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to her home base in California. Despite the fact that they likely wouldn't end up living in a palace, worry not. For in this surrogate scenario, our young couple would still be living the lux life, which any traveler to California with a taste for the high life can experience.

 

Where Would They Go?

Like any royal worth his salt, Harry loves his polo. Meghan could cheer on her prince and his horse at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. While the place is exclusive, even non-royal visitors are welcome to watch the sport of princes or to partake in “Intro to Polo” clinics.

During their courtship, the royal couple often appeared starry-eyed. Perhaps that's because they spent time gazing at the heavens in places like the Arctic Circle. Were they to live in California, they could experience the dark skies of Death Valley National Park by night and enjoy the premises of the recently-refurbished Inn at Death Valley by day.

Should Meghan and Harry prefer to go further off-the-grid, they could go kayaking at Otter Bar Lodge in Forks of Salmon in northern California. The five-star rustic getaway offers two things the royal couple love: an adrenaline rush and privacy.

Come winter, an in-state “staycation” might involve a high alpine adventure near Lake Tahoe. After a morning of skiing and an afternoon of mushing with dogs, the newlyweds might relax next to the fireplace at the Ritz Carlton's Highlands Bar.

 

Where Would They Shop?

Of course, it's de rigueur that Markle becomes a fashion icon like royal brides before her. And Prince Harry, being a prince, can't look too shabby, either. Living in California, they would have no shortage of high-end shopping options. Fred Segal, one of the most iconic names in California fashion retail, has a new flagship store on Sunset Boulevard. The West Hollywood wonderland has a mix of specialty-curated boutiques under one roof. Of course, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills would be another prime shopping destination for this pretty woman (and her man). But the couple could also discover fashion finds on St. Helena's Main Street in Napa Valley, on El Paseo in Palm Springs, or near the intersection of Prospect Street and Girard Avenue in La Jolla.

 

Where Would They Eat?

Since California girl Markle is a self-proclaimed foodie, she and her prince would find unparalleled farm-to-table options throughout the state. First step, heading to one of Napa Valley's Michelin three-star restaurants. They could snag a coveted table at The French Laundry, Thomas Keller's Yountville masterpiece or enjoy the Restaurant at Meadowood, where Chef Christopher Kostow serves up modern American cuisine. For a bit of glitz, Meghan and Harry could mingle with celebrities at Gjelina Venice, known for its Cal-Italian small plates and an A-list clientele. Should the couple feel like a British spot of tea, the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles delivers a high tea fit for a royal.

 

How Would They Get Around?

The couple may arrive to their wedding in a horse-drawn carriage, but their transportation options in California would be a bit more adventurous. They could opt for a bird's eye view of Napa Valley via a Viator VIP helicopter or see Temecula Valley from on high in a hot-air balloon. Another airborne option--chartering a private jet to fly over the Monterey Peninsula.

Alternatively, Meghan and Harry could take to the seas, pushing out from Newport Beach with OC Yacht Rentals. Or they could cruise around the freeways of SoCal in a Rolls-Royce or a Ferrari, courtesy of Beverly Hills Rent-a-Car.

Although we don't know where the royal couple would live should they choose to reside in the Golden State, we do realize that they might end up craving a visit to some palatial digs. When the manor mood hits, they could get their fix by wandering up the coast to San Simeon to check out Hearst Castle, the 163-room former home of early 20th century media magnate William Randolph Hearst.

With the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just weeks away, travelers are looking for exciting ways to inject a bit of the modern fairy tale into their upcoming getaways. We hope you enjoyed our take on this modern fairy tale and look forward to hearing your thoughts!

For more information about Visit California, please visit: http://www.visitcalifornia.com/