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California
What to See and Do
California Cities
California's cities draw visitors and migrants from all over the world, lured by the glitz and glamour, leisurely outdoor lifestyle and dizzying array of attractions. From the huge Hollywood sign set high on the Los Angeles hills to the colourful streets of San Francisco and the golden beaches of San Diego, these three cities provide the ideal base for a truly exhilarating holiday. Familiar to many as the backdrop to numerous films and hit TV shows, Los Angeles and its
environs are home to such well known icons as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and the Venice Beach freak show. To the north, explore cosmopolitan San Francisco on foot for a true appreciation of the city's history, liberal ambience and unique neighbourhoods while the relaxing pace of life and picturesque coastline of laid-back San Diego provides the ideal antidote and the perfect conclusion to a holiday on the West coast.
California Coast
Stretching the length of legendary Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the California Coast encompasses the breathtaking shoreline around Big Sur, the majestic Monterey Peninsula and the lively and quirky college towns of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. The route of Highway 1 snakes dramatically through redwood groves and state parks, past soaring cliffs and promontories and despite its rightful claim as one of the most dramatic
drives in the world, try to resist the temptation to complete the journey in a single day. The incredible beauty of this unique area warrants exploration at a far more leisurely pace. A photographer's dream, the awe-inspiring natural scenery is enhanced by unique Spanish- and Mexican-inspired Mission architecture. A relaxed and friendly ambience is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike as are the region's wealth of attractions, restaurants and interesting boutiques.
California's National Parks
Dotted throughout the Sierra Nevada, the longest mountain range in the western USA, are California's breathtaking National Parks. Immortalised through the photography of Ansel Adams, Yosemite is perhaps the best known and one of the most spectacular. Tourist activity covers just a small percentage of the park and the remaining wilderness is overwhelming from wild meadows and glacial lakes to huge granite peaks. To the south, Kings
Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are home to towering sequoia trees, deep canyon trails and vast river valleys. Relative inaccessibility has kept the parks pristine and hence very appealing to nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Straddling the border between California and Nevada lies the desert park of Death Valley. The stark and surreal landscape is equally arresting, interspersed by dunes, campgrounds, peaks and the occasional ghost town. Although open all year, summer temperatures can top 120F so autumn and spring visits are most popular.
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