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West Coast USA
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 travellers. Whether your preference
is for mountains, oceans, deserts, forests, big cities or funky little
towns, California has a colourful palette of options from which to choose.
A debate has long raged about whether California should be split into two
states, owing to the northern half's disdain for their southern neighbours'
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 favourite 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 Grauman's Chinese Theatre,
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 theatre district, offering
productions that range from avant garde performance art to Broadway revivals
of favourite 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 favourite 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 Nevada's. 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.
Since the gold rush days, California has continued to be a wondrous place
sought out by people all over the globe. “Eureka!” is the California State
motto, but it will be the motto of anyone seeking a beach vacation in the
Golden State. California’s general coastline is a lengthy 840 miles, but the
total shoreline, including bays, sounds, and islands offshore, is more than
3,000 miles. In the summer, a high-pressure weather centre hangs over the
California coast, keeping away most precipitation. Winter temperatures are
mild and the rainy season is short, so beach vacations can be planned almost
any time of the year.
The waters of the Pacific Ocean are quite cool, usually not rising above 69
degrees, even on the Mexican border in August. In the northern parts of the
state, the water is so cold that beach visitors will want to stay on dry
land. But in Santa Barbara and points south, the warm air temperatures often
offset the chilly ocean waters, making a summer dip feel refreshing and
invigorating.
Northern California has a rugged, rocky coastline with high cliffs, grassy
hills, and sandy beaches sporadically hidden among the rocks. The northern
coast is more attractive to hikers, tide pool observers and wildlife
enthusiasts than those looking for a summer tan. Average summer temperatures
from San Francisco north hover around 60 degrees, but the trade-off is that
the winter temps are only about 10-15 degrees cooler! Instead of sunbathers
and surfers, northern beaches are filled with seals, sea lions, and sand
crabs, as well as multiple species of birds, including gulls and brown
pelicans. Often seen just off the coast are California gray whales, killer
whales, and of course, the lovable dolphins. Tide pools offer a rich
plethora of life forms, including kelp, sea urchins, snails, hermit crabs,
barnacles, and star fish. San Francisco is, of course, filled with hotels,
restaurants, museums and nightlife, but farther up the coast are small towns
dotted with quaint Bed and Breakfast inns, many right on the water. A few
hours north of San Francisco, Redwood National Park covers 37 miles of
coastline and is home to some of the world’s tallest and oldest trees: the
coastal redwoods.
Central California has the best of both worlds–rugged cliffs and sunny
beaches. Air temperatures are much like temps in the north, but oddly,
summer temperatures actually arrive later in the season. June, July and
August are generally cool and foggy, while September and October bring
sunshine and dry heat. If one desires to explore cliffs, glimpse wildlife,
and still spend some time in the sun, a beach vacation to Half Moon Bay or
Monterey Bay is best taken after Labour Day. Half Moon Bay boasts 4 miles of
wide, sandy beaches with picnic areas and plenty of room for fun in the sun.
The town of Monterey is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Steinbeck’s
nostalgic Cannery Row, world-renowned 17-mile drive, and nearby Santa Cruz’s
Boardwalk Amusement Park. Just a few miles south of Monterey, Big Sur is a
magical paradise of steep cliffs, narrow waterfalls, pine woods, wildflowers
and blue jays. Perhaps the most endearing part of Monterey Bay is its furry
marine inhabitant, the California sea otter. Sea otters are so friendly and
unafraid of humans that they have long been on the endangered species list.
But in recent years, thanks to laws protecting the otters, they can be found
almost anywhere along the coast of the bay. Though Santa Cruz and Monterey
are large towns, they have a small-town feel, and it’s easy to find a
variety of hotels and inns to fit any size pocketbook.
Southern California beaches are the inspiration for songs, poems, movies,
and romance novels. With more than 100 miles of beaches and warm, sunny
weather, the southern coast of California rivals beach playgrounds around
the world. Santa Barbara is the gateway to Southern California, with its
many miles of beautiful coast, and the beaches are not only scenic, but
warmer than their northern neighbours. Los Angeles is home to more beaches
than can be counted and has served as stimulus for the Beach Boys’ songs
that made beach life real to even the most remote, land-locked music lover.
Popular Malibu, famous for its pier and surfing, is filled with spectacular
mansions inhabited by the rich and famous. Much of the beach property, in
fact, is privately owned, and vacation rentals are minimal. A favourite
surfing spot is the Malibu Surf rider Beach where Malibu Creek runs into the
Pacific. This is where the pier is located: one side is where the surfers
congregate, and the other side is known for its saltwater fishing.
For anyone who has visited or wants to visit the French Mediterranean Coast,
look no farther. San Diego is a close second, and much closer to home. Lush,
palm-tree-laden hills filled with hibiscus and birds-of-paradise, roll down
to the scenic coast that has beach after beach full of sun worshippers,
bathers, surfers, volleyball players, and swimmers. Water play abounds with
jet skiing and water-skiing in the waves of the Pacific or in scenic Mission
Bay. If the fog moves in or a diversion is sought, Sea World is right next
door to Mission Beach, and the world famous San Diego zoo is just minutes
away in Balboa Park. Visitors to San Diego will want to check out a
restaurant called The Green Flash on Pacific Beach, where beachside windows
give a stunning view of the sunset over the ocean, sometimes giving guests a
glimpse of the legendary “green flash.” La Jolla, the exclusive community
just north of San Diego, is nestled into a steep hillside and boasts of
multimillion-dollar homes. La Jolla is translated, “the jewel.” The beaches
certainly are jewels, but the underwater splendour and variety make it a
snorkeler’s paradise. Staying in San Diego is made quite simple by a place
known as Hotel Circle. This stretch of hotels of every shape, size and price
range is just minutes from the beaches, bay, and attractions.
West Coast USA Holidays, Los Angeles Holidays, San Francisco Holidays,
Discover West Coast America
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