California Itineraries

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Back to CaliforniaSuggested California Travel Itineraries

Because California is so vast and geographically varied -- from misty redwood forests to eerily beautiful deserts, gold-sand beaches, and rugged mountain ranges -- it would take months to see all its major attractions. We're guessing you don't have that much vacation time, so we're recommending these itineraries. Essentially, we're divulging how we, as the authors, would spend our own week-long California dream vacations. We've divided them into our four favorite regions -- with our favorite sites, hotels, restaurants, and scenic drives. Skim the trips and decide which one piques your wanderlust. We've allowed leeway to stray from the route, but we've also mapped out enough details to guide you through entire journeys.

As you choose a route, be sure to consider the importance of timing. If you don't care to learn what it's like to drive through an Easy-Bake oven, skip the Southern California Desert itinerary in mid-July. Conversely, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe are best avoided in winter, however, when several access roads close down due to heavy snowfall. The Wine Country is best in spring, when the Napa and Sonoma valleys are abloom and the summer crowds haven't yet arrived, or during the heady fall grape crush. As for cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, any time of the year is fine, as long as the sun is out and the convertible top is down.

For all of the itineraries you'll need a car, so fly into the largest city near each itinerary region, and rent a vehicle for a week. You'll also need a detailed map and some Dramamine if you're prone to road sickness, because most of these itineraries take you down windy roads. And since it's almost always sunny in California, splurge on a convertible Mustang -- it will turn the mundane task of driving into one of the highlights of your vacation.

-- Matthew Richard Poole