California Travel & Tourism Commission Announces "Live Like A Californian" Summer Travel Value Packages

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Travel and Tourism Commission's (CTTC) current eight-week "Live Like a Californian" sweepstakes offers the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime travel packages emulating the Californian "innovators and icons" featured, including comedienne Betty White, surf legend Jack O'Neill and food truck pioneer Roy Choi.

With the summer travel season swiftly approaching, you don't have to win the sweepstakes to experience the California lifestyle: throughout the state, there are opportunities to live like your favorite California celebrity, at great values.

Here are just a few examples of the packages that are emblematic of these eight featured "celebrities and pioneers," which everyone can enjoy:

Betty White, award-winning actress and author – Hollywood: Save 56%

It's show time at the W Hollywood! Enter the world of music, dance, love and joy at the historical Pantages Theatre. Stay at W Hollywood July 12-23, and enjoy two tickets to "Shrek: The Musical," a $100 dining credit at Delphine and a wonderful room you'll love from $449! This equates to a savings of $250 versus purchasing the packaged items separately. www.starwoodexclusiveoffers.com/whollywood-pantages-theatre

Roy Choi, innovative chef and founder of Kogi food cart – Los Angeles: Save 44%

Experience the excitement of downtown Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE and in the heart of it all, the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE! From $229 per night, double occupancy, this package includes a deluxe guest room, valet parking and a $50 daily credit to use at one of the hotel's restaurants or the indulgent spa. Book with code YX1. This equates to a savings of $100 versus purchasing the packaged items separately.www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/laxjw-jw-marriott-los-angeles-la-live

Glen Plake, extreme skier – Mammoth: Save 25%

Winter lasts longer at Mammoth Mountain, a favorite of Glen's, with skiing through July 4 weekend. Spring and summer rates start at $99 per person per night, including lodging and an all-day lift ticket. Minimum two-night stay. This equates to a savings of 25% versus purchasing the packaged items separately. www.mammothmountain.com/VacationPlanning/Deals/Deal?CODE=PKGLFLG

Jason Mraz, multifaceted singer-songwriter – San Diego: Save 20+%

Enjoy luxurious accommodations at Se San Diego, located next door to the famed House of Blues in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The "Tender for Two" package includes overnight accommodations in a sleek Cityside Guestroom, and a dining credit for Suite & Tender— San Diego's hippest new restaurant. Starting at $299 per night, this package offers more than 20% savings versus purchasing the packaged items separately. www.sesandiego.com/current-offers.php

Frank Almeda, botanist and designer of the California Academy of Sciences' Living Roof – San Francisco: Save 20%

The Orchard Hotel and The Real SF Tour are celebrating "Earth Month" not just in April, but all year long, by combining green energies to create the Get Real package. The two-night package includes deluxe accommodations in the LEED-certified, first truly green hotel in California, and a tour of the City by the Bay both on foot and on the city's zero emission and biodiesel-fueled public transit system. Packages start at $399 per room and include buffet breakfast for two each morning, representing a 20% discount over purchasing the packaged items independently. Save 20% on a General Admission ticket to the California Academy of Sciences using promo code F&F when purchasing tickets at www.calacademy.org. www.theorchardgardenhotel.com/html/eco-friendly-hotel-sf-pkg.asp

Randy Lewis, winemaker and former race car driver – Napa: Save 10 – 15%

The River Rails and Wine Trails package from the Napa Valley Wine Train offers one of the best deals in Napa: a Wine Train Gourmet lunch, a night at the River Terrace Inn and a day of winery tours by Beau Tours limo. From $539 per couple, versus purchasing the packaged items separately. http://winetrain.com/packages

Kevin Rafferty, Disney Imagineer – Anaheim: "Spend One More Day"

Thrill the whole family with Disney's "Spend One More Day" vacation package through the Walt Disney Travel Company. This special offer includes three days at the Disneyland Resort and two nights at a conveniently located Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, with 3-Day Park Hopper tickets, starting as low as $86 per person, per day for a family of four! In addition to same-day tickets to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, guests can take advantage of preferred seating at select shows, character welcome calls and, on certain days, early theme park entry. This package is available for select days during the 2011 regular season dates with travel completed by November 22, 2011. http://disneyland.disney.go.com/vacation-packages/spend-one-more-day/

Jack O'Neill, surfing legend – Santa Cruz

Experience the exhilarating rush of catching a wave: learn to surf in a two-hour lesson encompassing the fundamentals, etiquette, safety and more from seasoned professionals in Santa Cruz. Accommodations provided by Best Western All Suites Inn ($129 weekday/$185 weekend) or the University Inn and Conference Center ($129 weekday/$169 weekend); rates are per room, double occupancy. Surfing lessons are $65/person. http://arestravel.com/1173_package-list_m1464_r637661.html

For more information on the "Live like a Californian" sweepstakes, visit www.visitcalifornia.com/sweepstakes

About CTTC:

CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state's travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $95.1 billion annually in California, $17 billion of which is international; supports jobs for 873,000 Californians; and generates $6.1 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about CTTC and for a free California vacation packet, visit www.visitcalifornia.com.

SOURCE California Travel and Tourism Commission