Destinations and attractions things to do in california

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

It's not hard to see why the diversity of the California landscape has made it as big a hit with the motion picture industry as it is with adventure-bound travelers. Whether your preference is for mountains, oceans, deserts, forests, big cities or funky little towns, California has a colorful palette of options from which to choose.

Don't expect to cover the entire state in a long weekend, though. The following overview will help you identify the best attractions of each region in order to concentrate on one locale per vacation or spread your visit out over several fun-filled weeks.

THEME PARKS AND FESTIVALS

A debate has long raged about whether California should be split into two states, owing to the northern half's disdain for their southern neighbors' smog, freeways and bad drivers. On the other hand, Southern Cal has three of the most popular theme parks in the country, a draw that keeps even the staunchest anti-L.A. supporters from continuing to visit. Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott's Berry Farm will definitely be at the top of the list if you have kids. All three are located within easy driving distance of one another, offer multi-day passes and convenience to economical hotels that cater to families.

Northern California, meanwhile, is home to world famous killer whales, dolphins and a variety of wild animal acts performing daily at Six Flags Marine World/Africa USA in Vallejo. Sacramento, capital of California, plays host each summer to the State Fair and harness races at Cal Expo, an opportunity to see for yourself how California's expansive agricultural industry literally feeds the planet. Memorial Day weekend, by the way, is also when jazz, Dixieland and blues musicians from around the country chime in for the capital city's annual Jazz Jubilee.

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD

This is where our love affair with the movies all began. There's always something being filmed on the streets of Los Angeles, affording star-struck tourists the chance to glimpse their favorite actors and actresses in action. Shop where the celebrities shop on swanky Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, walk the walk on the Avenue of Stars past Graumann's Chinese Theater, or hop a bus for a narrated tour of famous homes and infamous La-La-Land scandals. Oh, and don't forget the dark glasses!

LEAVE YOUR HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco has a well deserved reputation as being one of the most romantic and picturesque cities in the world. From the elegance of Nob Hill to the hubbub of the Financial District to the carnival atmosphere of Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, it's impossible to soak it all up in a single day. You'll also want to schedule time for a tour of San Francisco Bay on the Red and White Fleet or take a peek at how yesteryear's most famous felons served out their time on Alcatraz, "The Rock."

Did you bring your appetite? San Francisco will appeal to every ethnicity and budget. The city is also famous for its theater district, offering productions that range from avant garde performance art to Broadway revivals of favorite musicals.

MONTEREY/CARMEL

If you love the ocean but would prefer a quieter environment than San Francisco in which to enjoy it, head for the central coast's Monterey Peninsula. Here, in a region made famous by Hemingway's "Cannery Row," you can visit the Monterey Aquarium (which is where "Star Trek IV"--the one with the whales--was filmed), look for butterflies in Pacific Grove, visit the Old Sardine Factory, and enjoy fabulous seafood. Nearby, the city of Carmel is a favorite hideaway for honeymooners. For breathtaking scenery, save some time for the Pacific Coast Highway, preferably behind the wheel of a high-performance convertible. It's an ocean view you won't soon forget!

SAN DIEGO

If you and your travel companions love animals, you've come to the right city. San Diego not only has one of the most famous zoos in the world (a few of China's Giant Pandas call it home) but a nearby Wild Animal Park as well where you can (safely) pretend you're in the midst of an African savannah. On nearby Coronado Island (serviced by spiffy water taxis) you can tour the century-old Hotel Del and enjoy its gallery of famous guests. Not only was The Del the backdrop for the Jack Lemmon/Tony Curtis/Marilyn Monroe comedy "Some Like It Hot" but it was also where Britain's King Edward VII first met the woman for whom he would ultimately give up his crown--Wallis Warfield Simpson.

SNOW-BOUND

Eastward on Northern California's Highway 50 or Highway 80 is California's ski country. Whether you're a beginner, a pro or just enjoy watching the snow fall as you quaff a hot toddy, you'll have plenty of lodges and ski resorts to choose from. Lake Tahoe attracts a fair share of summer tourists, too, lured by water sports, hiking, and overnight camping.

WINE, WINE, WINE

The regions of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino are renowned for their vineyards and the production of award-winning wines that rival those of Italy, France and Germany. Most of the area wineries offer tours and tastings. The best way to enjoy them is to stay at a local B&B and either plan a picnic around your wine purchases or hire a limo that can take you around to several wineries for tastings without the worry of having to drive.

INTO THE WOODS

California has some of the tallest trees in the world; specifically, the Giant Redwoods. Located in the 17,000 acres that comprise Humboldt State Park near Mendocino, these towering timbers date back over 2,000 years. Many of them are also taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Another place to enjoy spectacular woodland views is Yosemite National Park on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas. A lot of this scenery was popularized by the black and white photography of John Muir. Hiking, wilderness camping, and rock-climbing are favorite attractions for the athletically inclined.

ON THE HOT SIDE

If you enjoy being really toasty, California is where you'll find the driest land in the United States: Death Valley, so named in 1849 by a group of pioneers who got stranded there. Although only one person actually died prior to the group's fortuitous rescue, the ominous name managed to stick. Located a few hours from Las Vegas, Death Valley receives less than 2 inches of rain per year and is a hard place to find any patches of shade. The desert sunrises and sunsets, however, are incredible. Just pack plenty of water and lots of sunscreen to protect you from the triple digits.