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Golden Gate Bridge HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18) Kung Fu Panda ©2018 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved. ©2018 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 18-ADV-24562

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4 Map & Travel Basics Get more information Your holiday in the Golden State starts here and inspiration at SHASTA california’s gateways CASCADE visitcalifornia.com/au 8 San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego GOLD NORTH COUNTRY Get to know these urban hubs COAST

features HIGH SIERRA National & State Parks SAN 14 FRANCISCO Discover the iconic outdoor sights BAY AREA 16 Shopping Top spots for apparel and gifts CENTRAL VALLEY 18 Culinary Taste your way through California’s diverse flavours CENTRAL COAST DESERTS 20 Snow Experience winter fun at mountain resorts LOS ANGELES 22 Theme Parks COUNTY ORANGE Best-in-class attractions and thrills COUNTY

INLAND SAN DIEGO road trips EMPIRE COUNTY 24 Itinerary ideas for epic drives events 34 Top celebrations and festivals

FOLLOW US Connect, share, COVER: SPOTCATCH/OFFSET; THIS PAGE: ONDREJ CECH/GETTY IMAGES CECH/GETTY ONDREJ THIS PAGE: SPOTCATCH/OFFSET; COVER: and post Venice Beach HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. @VisitCaliforniaAustralia @VisitCA @VisitCA @VisitCaliforniaAU @VisitCaliforniaAU Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18) Kung Fu Panda ©2018 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved. ©2018 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 18-ADV-24562 VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU | 1 NO SMALL ADVENTURE

MONO LAKE TUFA STATE RESERVE

WILDERNESS HORSEBACK RAINBOW TRAIL RIDES FALLS

BODIE STATE HISTORIC PARK GHOST TOWN

Make Mammoth Lakes your base to experience the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, and Bodie – the ofﬁ cial ghost town of California. With driving distances being under one hour to these unique places, Mammoth Lakes allows visitors to enjoy the mountain lifestyle and escape the crowds. MINARET LAKE, AUTUMN COLOR Plan a day in Mammoth Lakes to take the gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS ALONG JUNE LAKE LOOP and ride the Mammoth Mega Zip down, the fastest zip line in North America. Enjoy the afternoon riding bikes along 35 kilometers of paved bike trails in the Mammoth Beauty in nature speaks every language. Welcome to Mono County, at Yosemite Lakes Basin. Winter fun is had skiing on world-famous Mammoth Mountain, National Park’s spectacular east entrance – home to Mono Lake’s unique limestone one of the ofﬁ cial training mountains of the U.S. Olympic Team. tufa formations, authentic Bodie ghost town, Devils Postpile, miles of hiking trails, world-class trout shing, autumn colors, and more! US Highway 395 – a state-designated Any time of the year, in Mammoth Lakes, there are No Small Adventures! Scenic Byway – is open year-round. (*Highways 120, 108 and 89 are closed in winter.) Plan your trip now to California’s Eastern Sierra – we are here to help! CALIFORNIA STATE MAP travel basics

5 Klamath Brookings OREGON Falls 199 CALIFORNIA Dorris 161 Tulelake 395 Crescent Yreka City 97 139 Alturas 299 Weed Mt Shasta Canby REDWOOD 96 14,162ft/ Mount Shasta City 4,317m DRIVING DISTANCES NP 3 89 CALIFORNIA Willow NEVADA Creek SAN FRANCISCO TO: DISTANCE TIME Arcata 299 395 Shasta 299 139 Sacramento 88mi/142km 1½ hours Weaverville Lake Eureka LASSEN Big Sur 145mi/233km 2¾ hours VOLCANIC Redding Lake Tahoe 187mi/301km 3½ hours 44 NP 36 Mt Lassen 44 Anderson 10,463ft/ Susanville Yosemite 191mi/307km 3½ hours 101 3,189m 36 Los Angeles 383mi/616km 6 hours Garberville Red Bluff 395 Redwood National Park 350mi/563km 6½ hours 70 99 32 Leggett Quincy 89 Paradise 70 LOS ANGELES TO: DISTANCE TIME Orland Chico Blairsden Laytonville Disneyland (Anaheim) 28mi/45km ½ hour 45 Reno 80 Fort Bragg Willows Oroville 49 Santa Barbara 95mi/153km 2 hours Willits Mendocino 20 5 Truckee 50 Palm Springs 107mi/172km 2 hours Colusa Nevada City 20 Ukiah Williams San Diego 121mi/194km 2 hours Yuba City 1 Colfax Lake Tahoe Sequoia & Kings Canyon 204mi/328km 3½ hours 128 Clear Lake 49 Point Arena 16 Auburn 89 South Lake Tahoe National Parks Anchor Bay Cloverdale Gualala Dunnigan Placerville 50 Death Valley National Park 290mi/467km 5½ hours Sea Ranch Sacramento El Dorado 88 Jenner Santa Rosa Davis 16 Hills 395 80 Napa Jackson 4 Sonoma 5 POINT Petaluma 37 Vallejo 12 49 108 Mono REYES NS Lake San Rafael Walnut Stockton Chinese YOSEMITE Creek Camp Berkeley 4 Manteca Groveland NP 120 San Francisco Oakland 120 395 580 P 132 140 6 San Mateo Fremont Modesto 49 Mammoth a Lakes c Palo Alto 680 Mariposa i San José Oakhurst Bishop 280 140 Merced f Big Pine i 17 41 c Gilroy 152 KINGS Santa Cruz 152 Madera CANYON DEATH O 99 NP VALLEY c Salinas 180 Mt Whitney NP Monterey Fresno 14,505ft/4,421m e 145 Selma a Carmel-by-the-Sea PINNACLES SEQUOIA 136 Panamint NP Springs 190 n Hanford Visalia 198 NP Death Valley Big Sur 25 Olancha Junction Las Vegas King City Tulare 198 CALIFORNIANEVADA San Lucas Kettleman City Shoshone 43 395 178 15 1 101 65 CALIFORNIA San 5 Delano Simeon 155 Ridgecrest WELCOME Paso Robles 46 CENTERSSM Cambria 46 41 178 127 Get helpful travel information and tips Buttonwillow Bakersfield Mojave at the state’s official welcome centres. Morro Bay San Luis 14 58 MOJAVE Details on accommodation, dining, and Obispo 395 Desert activities, plus free brochures and guides. 33 Tehachapi NATIONAL Pismo Beach 166 Maricopa 15 Kelso Free Internet access at some locations. 166 Wheeler Ridge 58 Barstow PRESERVE Needles Santa Maria Grapevine 14 SHASTA CASCADE 40 33 138 ANDERSON • 1699 Highway 273; 530/365-1180 Lancaster Lompoc Solvang Palmdale Victorville Santa Santa Mojave GOLD COUNTRY Barbara Los 138 18 Big Vidal AUBURN • 1103 High St., Suite 150; 530/887-2111 101 Clarita Angeles 2 Lake Bear Desert Junction EL DORADO HILLS • 2085 Vine St., Suite 105; 916/358-3700 Ventura Pasadena Arrowhead Lake Yucca Hollywood Valley Twentynine Palms Oxnard Ontario San Bernardino 62 SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA Beverly Hills Rancho Cucamonga 62 SANTA ROSA • 9 Fourth St.; 800/404-7673 Malibu JOSHUA 177 95 Buena Park Riverside SAN FRANCISCO • PIER 39, Unit B16, 2nd Level; 415/981-1280 TREE NP CHANNEL Santa Monica Anaheim Palm Indio Springs Blythe ISLANDS NP Long Beach Santa Ana Desert 10 HIGH SIERRA Irvine 74 TRUCKEE • 10065 Donner Pass Rd.; 530/587-2757 Huntington 86 Center A Temecula 111 N MAMMOTH LAKES • 2510 Main St.; 760/924-5500 Beach Santa O San Clemente 79 Salton Z Catalina 5 I

ANZA- R CENTRAL VALLEY Island Avalon 15 Sea

Oceanside A MERCED • 710 W. 16th St., Suite A; 209/724-8104 Escondido BORREGO 78 Del Mar 79 DESERT SP CENTRAL COAST Alpine El Centro Winterhaven SALINAS • 1213 N. Davis Rd.; 831/757-8687 • New address as of La Jolla 8 Yuma late 2018: 1-B Station Place San Diego 94 PISMO BEACH • 333 Five Cities Dr., Suite 100; 805/773-7924 N Chula Vista 0 50 mi MEXICO DESERTS 0 100 km BARSTOW • 2796 Tanger Way, Suite 100; 760/253-4782 YUCCA VALLEY • 56711 Twentynine Palms Highway; 760/365-5464

ORANGE COUNTY

VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU BUENA PARK • 6601 Beach Blvd.; 800/541-3953 California Highway State Capital MORE Interstate Highway NF National Forest INLAND EMPIRE INFORMATION U.S. Highway NP National Park ONTARIO • Ontario Mills Mall, One Mills Circle, Suite 1054; visitcalifornia.com/au/cwc 909/980-2019 Primary Highway NS National Seashore Secondary Highway SP State Park SAN DIEGO COUNTY California Welcome CenterSM OCEANSIDE • 928 N. Coast Highway; 760/721-1101

| 5 SAVE UP TO 20% travel basics For your next California stay, book direct and get our lowest price guaranteed.

PASSPORTS & VISAS VISIT CALIFORNIA Southern California (metrolinktrains.com); BART President & Chief Executive Officer Find out what’s required for travel to the U.S. (bart.gov) and Caltrain (caltrain.com) connect San Caroline Beteta BADDA BOOK. from your country before you make travel plans. Francisco–area towns. San José, Sacramento, and Vice President of Marketing In general, each visitor (including infants) must San Diego also have light-rail and/or commuter Lynn Carpenter ® rail lines. For bus travel around the state, try have a passport valid for at least six months Director of Consumer Content BADDA BOOM. Greyhound Lines (greyhound.com). past the expected return date. The Visa Waiver Gwynne Spann Program allows visitors from some countries to enter the U.S. without a visa; for details and an Digital & Printed Publications Manager online application, visit the Electronic System WEATHER Kayla Bell for Travel Authorization (esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta). Content Coordinator If you live in a country that is not covered by the Much of California enjoys a Mediterranean climate, Lucas Himovitz waiver programme, get details on what is required with long, warm summers and short, wet winters. from the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home In general, temperatures range from 8˚C to 21˚C THE FOUNDRY @ MEREDITH country (locations at usembassy.gov). (46˚F to 70˚F) in San Francisco and roughly Editorial 10˚C to 27˚C (50˚F to 80˚F) in Los Angeles and Editor & Creative Director John Godfrey GETTING AROUND San Diego, though temperatures can vary widely. Southern California enjoys hot, dry summers, while Deputy Editor Jené Shaw San Francisco gets a trademark blanket of cool Executive Design Director Syndi Becker California, the third largest state in the U.S., takes marine fog, usually from June through August. Art Director Nicole Cioe time to explore. Driving from California’s northern Many Californians think September and October Director Video & Photo Content end to where it meets Mexico—a distance of are the best months, with warm, calm days across Jennifer Tuozzolo roughly 800 miles (1,287 kilometres)—takes the whole state. Ocean water tends to be warmest nearly 12 hours without traffic. Even so, it can be then, too, though it’s never really warm. Southern Chief Copy Editors Sara Cahill & remarkably easy to get around California via its California ocean temperatures range from about Christopher Shores excellent network of interstate and state roads and 13˚C to 20˚C (55˚F to 68˚F), while Northern Production Manager highways. Petrol stations are generally easy to find California ranges from 10˚C to 14˚C (50˚F to 57˚F). Nadine Candemeres along major routes. Pre-Press Manager Anne Anastasi HIRING CARS & DRIVING TIPS Reputable car MONEY & TIPPING hire agencies usually have offices at airports, major Business hotels, and other central locations in major cities. In VP, Group Publisher Mark Josephson most cases, the person hiring a vehicle must be at The easiest way to convert money is via automated least 25 years old. Drivers ages 21 to 24 may be able teller machines (ATMs), which are widely available. Managing Business Director to hire a car for a higher fee; check with individual Some financial institutions in your home country Anthony Migliazzo companies. Drivers must have a valid driver’s may have relationships with California banks, Executive Director Stephen Murray offering reduced or no exchange rates or other licence, a passport, and a major credit card. A valid Director, Digital Content Marketing international driver’s licence, issued by your country, fees, so check in advance for the best options. Ensley Eikenburg may also be required; check with the car agency Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American when you reserve your car. Extras, such as GPS Express) are accepted at most locations—except at devices and child safety seats, required for children farmers markets and other special events, where it’s Business and Editorial Inquiries under age 8 or under 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 metres), best to bring cash. Tipping is expected, with 15 to The Foundry @ Meredith are generally available from reputable companies 20 percent of the total for meals and spa services, 225 Liberty Street and a few extra dollars for cab drivers, porters, and should be reserved in advance. Remember: New York, NY 10281 Driving is on the right, passing on the left. Download and maids. If you have an excellent tour guide, a thefoundry.nyc a free California Driver Handbook (dmv.ca.gov) to generous tip is customary and always appreciated. review all the rules. For current road conditions on major routes, visit the Caltrans website (dot.ca.gov/ Advertising Inquiries cgi-bin/roads.cgi). SMOKING RULES Meredith California Account Managers: Steve Dveris, RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Hiring an RV or Smoking is prohibited indoors in public buildings— Kelly Wagner, Tom C. Ward caravan can be a fun way to explore. RVs are including restaurants, bars, and many casinos— Sales Coordinator: Therese Petersen; welcome at many state parks, beaches, and and at national and state beaches and parks. recreation areas (check parks.ca.gov) and at If you’re not sure, ask, as violators can be fined. 949/244-3075 national parks (details at nps.gov). Also try private Accommodations that allow smoking usually have campgrounds, like KOA (koa.com/rv-sites); more designated smoking/nonsmoking rooms; request State Map locations at camp-california.com. Find reputable them when you make your booking. vehicles at Cruise America (cruiseamerica.com) and Karen Minot Illustration El Monte RV (elmonterv.com). This guide is published at no expense to AIRPORTS & TRANSPORT Given California’s PUBLIC HOLIDAYS taxpayers. Advertisements and articles size, air travel between gateway cities can be a good way to get around. Look for affordable On the following public holidays, state and appearing in this publication do not airfares on Alaska Airlines (alaskaair.com), Delta local government services and offices, banks, constitute an endorsement of products (delta.com), JetBlue (jetblue.com), Southwest schools, and workplaces generally close. Shops, or services by the State of California or Visit ChoiceHotels.com/CAInternational or call 1.888.846.9378 (southwest.com), United (united.com), and Virgin restaurants, and attractions are often open, but Visit California. Information, including America (virginamerica.com). Also consider museums may close (check in advance). prices, dates, and hours, was correct to get our lowest price guaranteed. travelling by Amtrak train (amtrak.com); the 1 January New Year’s Day at time of publication but should be Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and Coast verified in advance. Starlight routes are particularly scenic. Gateway January on the 3rd Monday Martin Luther King Jr. Day airports include San Francisco: San Francisco February on the 3rd Monday U.S. Presidents’ Day International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), May on the last Monday Memorial Day and Mineta San José International (SJC). Los Angeles: Los Angeles International (LAX), 4 July Independence Day September on the 1st Monday Labour Day John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), Qualifying rates only. Valid only for current Choice Privileges® members. Members must book direct at ChoiceHotels.com/ Ontario International (ONT). San Diego: San Diego October on the 2nd Monday Columbus Day International (SAN). Mass transport (rail, subway, CAInternational or call 1.888.846.9378. Reservations must be made at least 7, 14, 21 or 30 days in advance, which will vary based 11 November Veterans Day bus) essentials: Los Angeles (metro.net) and San on hotel. Rooms at this discount are limited. Off er not available to groups and cannot be combined with any other discount. Francisco (sfmta.org) both have subway networks November on the 4th Thursday Thanksgiving Consumers who fi nd lower prices must submit claim within 24 hours of booking and at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Additional and commuter light-rail. Metrolink serves much of 25 December Christmas Day Terms and Conditions Apply. See www.choicehotels.com/deals/best-rate and www.choicehotels.com/deals/advanced-purchase for details. Choice Hotels reserves the right to change or discontinue this off er at any time. All Choice Hotels properties are independently owned and operated. ©2018 Choice Hotels International. All rights reserved. 6 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU gateway cities

Los Angeles Los Angeles combines glamour architectural landmarks as the unforgettable metropolitan areas. and culture with California Academy of Sciences, The film industry helped put Los a remarkable famous for its landscaped “living roof.” Angeles on the map, and no visit natural setting. You could stay busy without here is complete without a trip to leaving San Francisco, but the East Hollywood to see landmarks like the Bay cities beckon with their own TCL Chinese Theatre, which features urban styles and more outstanding foot- and hand-prints of screen San Francisco restaurants. Berkeley is home to legends. Or go behind the scenes to Chez Panisse, famous for launching see how movies are made at Universal the farm-to-table movement, while Studios Hollywood and on the VIP Oakland offers an emerging culinary tour at Warner Brothers. While there scene with an artsy edge. South of are no guarantees that you’ll spot the city is San Jose, the urban centre a celeb, you might just get lucky on California’s Gateways of Silicon Valley’s tech world. shopping streets such as luxe Rodeo Cross the Golden Gate Bridge Drive in Beverly Hills and mellow Here’s what you need to know about the state’s urban hubs MORE INFORMATION north into Marin County to stroll Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.

DANIEL KIM/STOCKSY, KIM/STOCKSY, DANIEL IMAGES TAN/GETTY CHEE GIN visitcalifornia.com/au/LA through cathedral-like stands of Come to Downtown L.A. for hile California neighbourhoods. North Beach, the redwoods in Muir Woods National performances in the shimmering is celebrated historic Italian district, bumps up Monument and hike along the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed for its amazing against bustling Chinatown—the unspoiled coastline of Point Reyes by renowned architect Frank Gehry, w range of natural largest outside Asia. Traditionally the National Seashore. Or drive south and to see the prominent collection environments, the heart of the city’s Latino community, on Highway 1 to reach the classic of contemporary art at the Broad— state’s vibrant urban centres are the Mission District has emerged as beach town of Santa Cruz, a surfing its landmark building is notable for a every bit as varied as the landscape a top dining neighbourhood, while hotspot (despite the chilly water). graceful, perforated facade. itself. From the sophisticated and the Castro District is the epicentre San Francisco’s San Francisco is an ideal starting The region’s coastline has many romantic San Francisco to the laid- of the LGBTQ scene. Ferry Building point for destinations in the Sierra moods, from the beach volleyball back, beachy San Diego, learn what Thanks to its ethnic diversity and Nevada mountain range, including and surfing in Manhattan Beach to makes each of these hubs unique. acclaimed chefs, San Francisco is Marketplace is Yosemite National Park and Lake the eccentric scene at Venice Beach also a terrific eating town, whether packed with Tahoe. And wine lovers have endless and the amusement park fun on the SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA you’re looking for Michelin-starred destinations to discover, from the Santa Monica Pier. Continue up the Set on a peninsula between its restaurants or family-run spots. local favourites. fabled grape-growing regions of coast to celebrity hotspot Malibu namesake bay and the Pacific The Ferry Building Marketplace Napa Valley and Sonoma County to find wilder beaches—as well as Ocean, San Francisco is famous for along the Embarcadero is packed north of the city to the Livermore outstanding hiking in the canyons its hills, Victorian mansions, and the with local favourites and merchants Valley less than an hour to the east. of the Santa Monica Mountains iconic Golden Gate Bridge. selling artisanal products. If you’ve National Recreation Area, the From the Summer of Love to indulged a bit, walk it off along the LOS ANGELES COUNTY world’s largest urban national park. today’s technology boom, San Embarcadero to two popular spots: Stretching from the edge of the From L.A., it’s also easy Francisco has long attracted Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Pacific to the desert, Los Angeles to experience the diversity of dreamers—giving the city its San Francisco is also a city of combines glamour and culture California. Head north to immerse creative spirit. Though compact museums and parks. Gorgeous MORE INFORMATION Santa Monica Pier with a remarkable natural setting yourself in the romance of

in size, it’s a city of distinctive Golden Gate Park is home to such visitcalifornia.com/au/SF STOCK ARAS/GALLERY ALPANA to create one of the world’s most Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara

8 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU | 9 and to taste your way through the With 42 miles (68km) of gateway wine regions of the Central Coast. exquisite coastline, Orange County Or go east to explore the rugged is a prime destination for anyone cities mountains of the Inland Empire and who loves the ocean. For a taste of the surreal desert landscapes of the surfing life, browse Huntington Joshua Tree National Park—one of Beach’s surf shops—and consider three desert national parks within a catching a wave yourself in this half-day drive of Los Angeles. town dubbed “Surf City U.S.A.” Take a walk around posh Newport ORANGE COUNTY Beach to see ocean-going yachts, or Orange County, nicknamed the visit the galleries of Laguna Beach, O.C., has evolved from a suburban one of California’s leading artist frontier into an exciting metropolitan communities. Orange County is a area distinct in character from Elegant yet relaxed oceanfront neighbouring Los Angeles and San resorts pamper guests with prime destination Diego counties. Most travellers sumptuous spa treatments and fine for anyone who come to the O.C. to visit Disneyland dining. The O.C. is also a haven for loves the ocean. Resort in Anaheim—only to discover golfers: The county earned a place that there’s more to the county on Golf Digest’s list of the world’s than the famous Mickey Mouse. 50 greatest golf destinations. Snack your way through the Packing You’ll also want to explore the FIND YOUR House, a multistorey food hall, or county’s inland cities. Buena Park experience a true American pastime is home to the famous Knott’s by watching a baseball game at Berry Farm theme park and the Angel Stadium. jousting matches at Medieval Twenty-five minutes away from Times Dinner & Tournament. Visit Disneyland, in Costa Mesa, South diverse Santa Ana for authentic Coast Plaza is a world-class shopping Mexican cuisine and the Bowers MORE INFORMATION destination adjacent to the renowned Museum, which celebrates cultures MARINA visitcalifornia.com/au/OC Segerstrom Center for the Arts. from around the globe. MOMENT Where living in the moment means paddleboarding to breakfast. Seizing the day can be a mid-morning sailing lesson, parasailing over the marina or cycling to Venice Beach. Embracing an evening is toasting the sunset and dancing under the star-kissed sky on a harbor cruise. It’s all here... what will your Marina adventure be? Check out visitmarinadelrey.com or call 310.305.9545 for information.

Get connected with Marina del Rey

Disneyland Resort PAUL HIFFMEYER/DISNEYLAND PAUL

10 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU gateway cities

BOOK YOUR SEASIDE GETAWAY TO LOS ANGELES’ BEACH CITY

Balboa Park

SAN DIEGO COUNTY time along the water. Take the ferry Although most famous for 70 miles or bridge to Coronado, home to the (113km) of beaches, near-perfect region’s grandest lodging landmark, weather, and an incomparable Hotel del Coronado. Or on the collection of major attractions, San bayfront, discover San Diego’s rich Diego is much more than a tourist town. naval history as you tour the USS Lushly landscaped with historic Midway Museum or the Maritime gardens, Balboa Park—North Museum of San Diego. The calm America’s largest urban cultural Mission Bay is a recreational haven park—is the city’s heart and soul. and home to SeaWorld San Diego. San Diego has built Built for the 1915 Panama-California You’ll also want to explore the a reputation as the Exposition, the ornate Spanish coastal towns north of the city. country’s leading Revival buildings house various Wander the galleries and oceanfront museums. Also in Balboa, the San dining options of upscale La Jolla, craft beer city. Diego Zoo ranks with the world’s or relax on the gorgeous stretch best, thanks to the opportunity to see of beach in Del Mar, another posh such rare animals as giant pandas. enclave. Carlsbad draws families to Several of San Diego’s most the imagination-fuelling LEGOLAND intriguing neighbourhoods surround California. the park. Filled with restaurants Head inland to Escondido for the and bars, Hillcrest is the centre of San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which the city's LGBTQ community. San offers up-close encounters with such Diego has built a reputation as a majestic animals as cheetahs. In the leading craft beer city, and you’ll find mountains, the gold-mining town of outstanding brews in the hip North Julian is renowned for its apple pie. Park neighbourhood as well as Farther east but still less than two along the Hops Highway connecting hours from the coast, the starkly Escondido to Oceanside. beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Closer to the bay, the Gaslamp Park comes alive in the spring with Quarter is home to the city’s colourful wildflowers. And from dynamic nightlife, while Little Italy Anza-Borrego, it’s easy to reach Santa Monica is just 8 mi/13 km from Los Angeles International Airport. features not only classic pizza and the Coachella Valley and the stylish Base your stay beachside with 40 hotels, from luxury to budget, pasta joints, but also contemporary desert resorts of Palm Springs. all centrally located to Los Angeles. Visit santamonica.com/hotels spots helmed by celebrity chefs. Given San Diego’s beaches, plus MORE INFORMATION visitsantamonica gosantamonica seesantamonica

two bays, inevitably you’ll spend visitcalifornia.com/au/SD IMAGES ANTONIO/GETTY SAM

12 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU national & state parks Stop and see the General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

ranges, below-sea-level salt flats, on miles of golden sand or hike the and colourful sandstone canyons. coastal hills of Crystal Cove State Climb the Mesquite Flat sand dunes Park in Laguna Beach. Squeeze at dawn, play a round of golf at your way through a slot canyon or the world’s lowest-elevation golf visit a leafy palm oasis at Anza- course, then watch the sun set over Borrego Desert State Park. Along Zabriskie Point’s badlands. For more the central coast, take in Big Sur’s unique desert landscapes, check out craggy coastline and Caribbean- Joshua Tree National Park, home blue waters at Julia Pfeiffer Burns to a whimsical mosaic of boulders State Park, and watch more than and buttresses, gold mining ruins, 3,000 elephant seals crowd the and desert plains dotted with quirky beaches at Año Nuevo State Park. Yosemite National Park Joshua trees. Wander trails through In California’s northern reaches, the Wonderland of Rocks and marvel immerse yourself in Lake Tahoe’s at cactus and other high-desert flora. blue expanse at D.L. Bliss State Check each park's website Park and watch massive Roosevelt If you want to feel small, stop and for information about free public elk graze at Prairie Creek Yosemite is see the General Sherman, the largest transportation options. Redwoods State Park. Take it back National and known for tree in the world, at Sequoia & Kings to the Gold Rush era at Columbia its granite Canyon National Parks. While there, MUST-SEE STATE PARKS State Historic Park near Sonora, cliffs, towering waterfalls, and climb 390 stairs up Moro Rock’s bald Some of California’s greatest where you can pan for gold, ride in giant sequoias. granite dome, then stroll alongside wonders are found in its state parks: a century-old stagecoach, and visit State Parks the rushing Kings River at Zumwalt In Southern California, beachcomb shops and saloons. Meadow. South of San Francisco, Discover the magic of California’s parks, including Pinnacles National Park contains a playground of burnished gold cliffs, everything from iconic sights to hidden gems crags, and spires to hike or climb. Navigate through the cool darkness alifornia’s nine ICONIC NATIONAL PARKS Near San Francisco, Point of Balcony Caves, then ascend to national parks boast Starting at California’s northern tip, Reyes National Seashore protects the High Peaks and scan the sky an astonishing here’s what to see: more than 1,500 animal and for condors. Water lovers should variety of scenery— The trees at Redwood National plant species in a watery maze of consider a visit via boat to Channel c from Yosemite’s Park are some of the tallest on beaches, lagoons, estuaries, and Islands National Park, five Southern granite domes to Redwood’s record- the planet, as high as 35-storey ponds. Watch grey whales fluke California islands known for rare flora breaking trees and Death Valley’s buildings. Wander through Tall Trees near Chimney Rock and waves and fauna. Paddle a kayak into one vast desert. It would take a lifetime Grove or drive Howland Hill Road crash at Point Reyes Lighthouse. of the world’s largest sea caves, visit to see it all, so narrow your options to see the 300-foot (91 metres tall) Further south and east, you’ll find Anacapa’s historic lighthouse, or by choosing your favourite terrains. behemoths. At Lassen Volcanic an iconic view around nearly every camp by the wild Pacific. Sun-drenched desert? Wild coast? National Park, hike to the summit corner at Yosemite National Park. California offers a lot more than Alpine summits? The national parks of Lassen Peak’s dormant volcano or Tour Yosemite Valley’s spectacular stunning coastline. Experience the have all that. But don’t limit yourself explore Bumpass Hell’s otherworldly canyon, watch rock climbers full spectrum with a trip to the largest to just the big names—California’s volcanic features—including scale El Capitan’s sheer cliffs, U.S. national park outside of Alaska— Joshua Tree 270-plus state parks offer even more steaming sulphur vents, mudpots, and feel the awe at Glacier Death Valley National Park, which National Park

diversity and just as much beauty. and boiling thermal pools. Point’s postcard-perfect vista. IMAGES PER BREIEHAGEN/GETTY IMAGES STEINDL/GETTY MATE encompasses soaring mountain

14 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU | 15 shopping

Boutique finds South Coast Plaza Shopping Spree NOTABLE bookstores, clothing boutiques, Visit these standout destinations for posh apparel, NEIGHBOURHOODS and floral ateliers. Further east near eclectic gifts, and bargain finds In Palm Springs, take a stroll Lake Tahoe, in historic downtown along the tree-lined main drag, Truckee, find mountain-inspired Palm Canyon Drive, for a slew clothing and gear and handmade gift of mid-century modern furniture items by local artists. ith famous destination, featuring a European- amenities, including translation South Coast shops, antique stores, and colourful luxury-shopping style alley on a cobblestone street, services. In Northern California, Plaza offers clothing boutiques such as Trina stylists to BARGAIN BUYS destinations such includes notable brands like Versace wander the designer boutiques and personalise Turk. Go west to Los Angeles and For factory prices on designer duds— as Rodeo Drive and Tiffany & Co. Drive west to artisanal shops of Santana Row your shopping cruise Venice Beach’s thoroughfare, including Theory, Ted Baker London, w in Beverly Hills, browse Santa Monica’s outdoor in San Jose. Shop with city views experience. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, for and Polo Ralph Lauren—head to boutique-filled neighbourhoods like Third Street Promenade, lined with at San Francisco’s Union Square, an array of merchants spanning the Camarillo Premium Outlets Fillmore Street in San Francisco, designer stores, street performers, which includes upscale department stationery studios, art galleries, and in Ventura County. Off Highway and outlet malls spanning the state, and an expansive dining deck. stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and bohemian chic vintage troves. 10 on the way to Palm Springs, go California is known for the some of Nearby, at the recently refreshed Neiman Marcus. Here, don’t miss In the Bay Area, check out idyllic bargain hunting at the outdoor, the best shopping in the country. Westfield Century City, go for the afternoon tea at the Rotunda, an Fillmore Street, in San Francisco’s Mediterranean-style Cabazon From a private suite to a world- ultimate shopping experience in atrium-like restaurant with stained- Pacific Heights neighbourhood, for Outlets, or find more than 200 famous flea market, here’s where to the Private Suite: A secret entrance glass ceilings. Walk a few blocks to specialty shoe stores, day spas, big-name stores at Ontario Mills buy your personal souvenirs in the grants you your own fitting-room Westfield San Francisco Centre, and apothecary items; or cross the in San Bernardino County. For an Golden State. lounge with back-door access to where a concierge can offer gift Golden Gate Bridge and venture to eclectic mix of goods, take a trip to your favourite stores. suggestions from merchants such Mill Valley’s woodsy Throckmorton Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Flea Market LUXURY FINDS Further south, in Costa Mesa, as Aritzia and Atelier Cologne. Play Avenue for one-of-a-kind hostess and Market Place—one of the Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills has head to South Coast Plaza—the then stay in downtown Napa at First gifts and culinary stores. most famous of its kind, featuring long been the backdrop for films, largest mall on the West Coast— Street Napa, which features more Three hours north, in the quiet more than 2,500 vendors inside including Pretty Woman and for a plethora of shopping and than 45 upscale stores and a luxury seaside town of Mendocino, go the 90,000-seat stadium (held the

Clueless. The beloved shopping dining options and visitor-friendly boutique property, Archer Hotel. IMAGES IMAGES/GETTY MINT PLAZA COAST SOUTH OF COURTESY to North Main Street to browse second Sunday of every month).

16 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU | 17 culinary Culinary Paradise Taste your way through California’s diverse flavours and specialties

alifornia has long just offshore. Look for Dungeness been lauded as crab and spot prawns when they’re an epicurean in season and Pacific rockfish, wonderland. sturgeon, and freshly caught oysters c Impeccable year-round. Your daily catch is produce, ingenious chefs, and best enjoyed with an ocean view. incredible diversity make the Golden Halfway between Santa Barbara and State one of the world’s premier Monterey, Windows on the Water culinary destinations. Clusters of serves sustainable seafood with the Michelin-starred restaurants surround stunning backdrop of Morro Bay. Try the urban centres of San Francisco Santa Barbara Shellfish Company Lazy Bear on the tip of the 2,000-foot (610m) Stearns Wharf or modern Mexican Taco Maria fare at Coasterra on San Diego’s from Tokyo each day). Architectural GLOBAL CUISINE, Harbor Island. For a get-your- plating, hyper-seasonal ingredients, REIMAGINED sleeves-wet experience, head 60 and creative pairings mark the Cultural diversity is a cornerstone miles (97km) north of San Francisco menus at Saison and Atelier Crenn. of California life—and one that’s to Hog Island Oyster Co. in At former pop-up Lazy Bear, dining reflected in its food. Creative A vibrant agricultural Marshall, where you can shoot briny feels like an intimate luxury dinner culinary minds continue to put industry creates mollusks straight from the surf. party. In Napa Valley, the French Cali spins on international cuisine. an unparallelled Laundry by Thomas Keller holds the Fortune cookies, mai tais, sushi palate for chefs. DESTINATION gold standard for seasonal cuisine burritos, and churro ice cream RESTAURANTS and impeccable service. Looking for sandwiches all originated in the Some dinners are a good way to something more personalised? The Golden State. For elevated fusion, cap off a day of sightseeing—and nearby Restaurant at Meadowood try the pork dumpling served with other dinners are worth building an creates a custom tasting menu Monterey squid at Mister Jiu’s in entire vacation around. California based on your unique desires. San Francisco, or the black cod has an ever-increasing number of and kumquat taco at Taco María establishments serving multicourse FARM-TO-FORK in Costa Mesa. Keep an eye out for meals that just might change your A vibrant agricultural industry Mexican, Korean, Japanese, French, life. Part restaurant, part full-body creates an unparallelled palette for and Chinese influences across the experience, Vespertine in Los California’s chefs. Chez Panisse entire state—no matter where you Angeles encourages diners to in Berkeley—across the bay from go in California, you’re sure to enjoy Vespertine in Los and Los Angeles—both deserving of rethink the meaning of the word San Francisco—is often credited unforgettable meals. a culinary voyage on their own—but “meal,” thanks to carefully curated as the initiator of the farm-to-table Angeles encourages every region in the state serves up scents, service, and ambiance. movement thanks to its pioneer diners to rethink the unique delights. From the oaky heat Across town, celebrity chef David chef Alice Waters. Diners looking of Santa Maria–style barbeque to Chang recently opened his first to go one step further can enjoy a meaning of the word the tangy crunch of San Diego’s fish West Coast venture, Majordomo, meal served on a farm: Campovida “meal”. tacos, here’s a sampling of California’s which is firmly in the running as in Hopland (40 miles [64km] north signature culinary experiences. the best new restaurant in the of Santa Rosa), Full Belly Farm country. San Francisco is home to in Capay Valley (35 miles [56km] WATERFRONT WONDERS a number of over-the-top delights. northwest of Sacramento), and California boasts more than For outstanding sushi, try the Outstanding in the Field (multiple 3,400 miles (5,472km) of coastline, chef’s tasting at either Hashiri or locations across the state) offer Thomas Keller

and it’s rife with delicious treasures Omakase (both fly in fresh fish ANNE WATSON JONES DEBORAH BORRESON, KASSIE intimate, fresh-air experiences.

18 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU | 19 altitude powder isn’t your thing, a quaint ski village and plenty of snow ride Heavenly’s gondola 2.4 miles deep snow. Cross-country skiers California ski (3.9km) to the top—the Lake Tahoe and snowshoers head to Tamarack resorts are Snow Adventures views will take your breath away. Lodge in Mammoth Lakes Basin for known for groomed tracks, clinics, races, and big snow and Experience big snow and big fun at these inviting CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ski tours, plus the chance to stay in sunny days. mountain resorts Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area a cosy cabin on Twin Lakes’ shore. is California’s oldest ski resort, with gentle slopes for beginners SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA luebird skies, 3.2-mile (5.1km) lit-up run for night and a snow-tubing hill for the East of Los Angeles, palm trees mountains dusted skiing. A ticket to Squaw includes kids. It’s also the starting point for give way to pine trees at Big Bear with fresh powder, access to its sister resort Alpine cross-country ski and snowshoe Lake. Bear Mountain offers fir trees crowned Meadows, so you can get all the treks along Glacier Point Road. freestyle tricksters more than in white—these terrain you crave, plus easy access On the Sierras’ steep eastern side, 150 jumps, multiple terrain parks, b are the hallmarks to hot toddies in multiple lodges. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and a massive in-ground superpipe. of a California snow vacation. On top of nearby Donner has bragging rights: an average More traditional Snow Summit Embrace winter’s bounty at dozens Summit, charming Sugar Bowl 400 inches (1,016cm) of snow, attracts Southern Californians to of California ski and snowboard has long and broad runs, top-notch 300 days of sunshine per year, and a its long groomer runs and weekend parks, from the epic slopes of grooming, and the European-style ski season that usually lasts well into nighttime skiing. Wrightwood’s Squaw Valley and Heavenly to Hotel at Sugar Bowl, a 1930s-era inn summer. Ride the glass-panelled Mountain High Ski Resort is more intimate alpine wonderlands accessed by gondola. At Northstar gondola to Mammoth’s 11,053-foot one of the oldest in the country, like June Mountain, Yosemite, and California, intermediates own the (3,369m) summit, then ski, do welcoming skiers since 1937, Snow Summit. California’s got a hill mountain with 60 percent of the some sightseeing, or have lunch at and Running Springs’ Snow for everybody—luxury destination runs marked with blue squares. the Eleven53 Café. For a laid-back Valley Mountain Resort offers resorts, under-the-radar gems, and Add a chic village, luxury resort The ski day, go to June Mountain Ski an economical choice for family everything in between—so wax your Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, plus an Area, a family-friendly resort with skiing, sledding, and snow play. sticks, buckle up your boots, and go. ice-skating rink and cross-country trails, and you have everything you NORTHERN CALIFORNIA need for a well-rounded snow day. Destination skiers can’t resist Tahoe’s south shore also has the lure of North Lake Tahoe’s serious credentials: Kirkwood Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, typically gets California’s deepest a massive resort that hosted the snowpack, with annual snowfall of 1960 Winter Olympics. Steep, fast more than 500 inches (1,270cm), chutes challenge advanced skiers while Heavenly Ski Resort is while a swanky base village, open-air crowned by the highest mountain skating rink, snow-tubing course, of any Tahoe ski resort (10,067 feet and kid-size snowmobiles offer non- [3,068m]), plus a vibrant village and vertical alternatives. There’s even a plush lodgings. If skiing on high-

Kirkwood Mountain Resort COURTESY OF KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT MOUNTAIN KIRKWOOD OF COURTESY

20 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU | 21 theme parks

Universal Studios Hollywood

swivelling seats for 180-degree views of surging rapids and river pirates. Six Flags Magic For thrill-seekers, Six Flags Mountain now boasts the Magic Mountain in Valencia now world's tallest Knott's Berry Farm boasts the world’s tallest pendulum pendulum ride, ride, CraZanity, soaring 17 storeys in CraZanity. the air at up to 75 miles (121km) per hour. In Santa Clara (about 55 miles [89km] south of San Francisco), It’s a Small World. At night, marvel don’t miss RailBlazer—an eight- San Diego Zoo Safari Park. For Theme Park Fun at light projections and a fireworks passenger train with steep turns, an up-close look at elephants, giant show, or follow your favourite charac- three inversions, and a zero-gravity pandas, and rare pangolins, venture Get ready for the ultimate family adventure at these ters from The Incredibles and Finding roll—at California’s Great America. further south to the world-class best-in-class parks Nemo at Pixar Pier (formerly Paradise San Diego Zoo. In 2017, the park Pier). Across from Disneyland Park, ANIMALS AND MORE unveiled a new, eight-acre (3.2ha) daredevils can explore seven diverse At LEGOLAND California, in Africa Rocks exhibit, including nesting heme parks have launched HangTime, the first and lands at Disney California Adven- Carlsbad, about 35 miles (56km) caves for penguins and a massive dotted the California only dive coaster in the state, with ture Park. In Hollywood Land, join north of San Diego, choose from swimming pool for critters that’s landscape since a steep, 96-degree vertical drop. Rocket Raccoon on the thrilling more than 50 rides, shows, and designed to mimic the ocean. At the late 1800s, and Other highlights include the Old Guardians of the Galaxy—Mission: attractions. Don’t miss the aquarium, SeaWorld San Diego, dare to brave t it’s no surprise that West–inspired Timber Mountain Log BREAKOUT! Sea Life (next door to LEGOLAND), the tallest, fastest ride in town—the they remain so popular today. From Ride, set along a twisty waterway, with blacktip reef sharks, octopi, and Electric Eel Roller Coaster. On the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim to Six with a designated area for learning STARS AND THRILLS seahorses, plus 16 interactive zones, loopy attraction with upside-down Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, to pan for gold. At Universal Studios Hollywood, including a tide-pool touch. Or embark views of Mission Bay, expect to soar here’s what to explore at some of The iconic Disneyland Resort in don’t miss the magical fun at The on a real-life submarine on the LEGO 150 feet (46m) at speeds of more the Golden State’s most popular Anaheim is divided into eight themed Wizarding World of Harry Potter. City: Deep Sea Adventure ride—you’ll than 60 miles (97km) per hour. If LEGOLAND theme parks. California lands, including Tomorrowland, Explore the Hello Kitty Animation explore a shipwreck and search for a relaxing afternoon in the water Fantasyland, and Frontierland. Take Studio Store for themed stationery gems and lost LEGO treasure, with the sounds more appealing, float on CLASSIC AMUSEMENT in the scenery aboard the original and freshly baked cupcakes, then help of an onboard touchscreen. an inner tube down a river lined Opened in 1920, Knott’s Berry Disneyland Railroad, or go “around check out Kung Fu Panda: The Nearby in Escondido, guests with flamingos—or splash in one of Farm is known as the oldest theme the world” on a boat ride choreo- Emperor’s Quest attraction at the can go on a safari tour through the the largest wave pools in SoCal at

park in California. In 2018, the park graphed to music on the attraction RESORT CALIFORNIA LEGOLAND OF COURTESY FARM, BERRY KNOTT’S OF COURTESY HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS UNIVERSAL OF COURTESY DreamWorks Theatre, replete with natural habitats of the expansive SeaWorld’s water park, Aquatica.

22 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU | 23 road trips 4 AMAZING ROAD TRIPS One of the best ways to see California’s iconic destinations is from behind the wheel. Whether you’re searching for expansive mountain views or undiscovered wine regions, we have an itinerary for you. These four trips take you to bucket-list landmarks, hidden beaches, and much more. Start exploring.

Joshua Tree Get Closer to the World Beneath the Waves At SeaWorld® San Diego you can experience up-close animal interactions, the awe-inspiring Orca Encounter™ presentation, amazing shows and one-of-a-kind attractions. Plus, ride the all-new Electric Eel,™ San Diego’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, featuring a triple-launch, speeds of more than 60 mph and a height of 150 feet. Immerse yourself in the natural world we share — every visit helps support animal rescue programs and conservation projects around the planet. SeaWorldSanDiego.com DANIEL KIM/STOCKSY DANIEL © 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. 24 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU road trips

1 Cruise up the Coast This journey ranges from lively urban scenes to natural beauty along the Pacific. Start your trip in Santa Fresno Monica with a ride on the Chaffee Zoo solar-powered Ferris wheel at the historic Pacific Park. Continue north to Malibu, where you can watch locals Family Learning Adventure riding waves at Surfrider 2 Ask the kids whether they’d rather go to a museum or a theme Beach. It’s less than an hour park, and you might get a predictable response. But nothing to reach Ventura, where you about this collection of attractions is conventional. Start in San can wander the boutiques Francisco with a hands-on educational museum, then drive down the coast to explore two wildlife institutions, and visit a theme park that will blow your

Downtown mind with its creative flourishes. Ventura Exploratorium puter, driverless Gilroy Gardens Check out tours, Start your cars, and tech Head down like the one educational heroes like U.S. 101 to the where kids can odyssey at San Ada Lovelace. garlic-loving try SCUBA, and Francisco’s town of Gilroy. the family over- Pier 15 in the The Tech Zoom and twirl night option. Embarcadero, Museum on agriculture- where this be- of Innovation themed Fresno loved museum Before you leave rides like the Chaffee Zoo invites visitors Silicon Valley, Artichoke Dip, Take Highways and restored 1920s build- inside scientific stop in San Jose splash in the 152 and 99 ings. Head north to Santa discovery—like at The Tech to water park, and through farm Barbara’s Funk Zone. Shop standing in a build your own check out more country to for vintage accessories or fog cloud, or robots or play than 20 incred- Fresno. This re- stroll the galleries before walking into cyber detec- ible Circus cently revamped continuing to Nipomo for the totally dark tive. For some Trees, grown zoo has a a free tour at family-owned Tactile Dome. outdoor-style in whimsical seriously global The Luffa Farm. Finish your learning, go shapes. community of day wine tasting at Kelsey Computer His- to the nearby wildlife, with red See Canyon Vineyards in tory Museum interactive Monterey Bay kangaroos and charming Avila Beach. Head south of Children’s Aquarium wildebeest, and the city on U.S. Discovery Continue south kids can feed 101 toward tech Museum, where on U.S. 101 to giraffes by hand. Pull over for cliff views haven Silicon kids can blow Monterey and at Carpinteria Bluffs Valley. At this giant bubbles, this world- Nature Preserve. Mountain View climb trees, class bayside museum, learn and learn about aquarium (book Amidst the rugged ocean coastline, soaring redwoods, picturesque about the birth rain catchment tickets online vineyards and abundant food and wine offerings, you’ll ﬁ nd what’s of the com- systems. to avoid a wait). most important. Truly down-to-earth experiences that connect you to the land and its artisans. And also to each other.

MORE INFORMATION visitcalifornia.com/au/familylearning IMAGES BENEDEK/GETTY ZOO, CHAFFEE FRESNO OF COURTESY Cultivate your story and uncover more at SoNoMaCoUnTy.CoM.

26 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU road Where Fun Meets trips Lava Beds National Monument, Photo By Medford Mom Lake Tahoe Tahoe’s got bragging rights, as one of the world’s Adventure largest alpine lakes and America’s second deepest Three hours north of San Francisco is UpState California, (1,645 feet [501m] at designated by San Francisco Chronicle as “California’s its lowest depth). On its Last Frontier”. UpState California is comprised of the eight west shore (Highway 89), northeastern counties of California and covers an area stop at Inspiration Point roughly the size of Ireland but with only 12 percent of for a world-class view of Ireland’s population. For fans of America’s national parks, Emerald Bay and Tahoe’s UpState California is full of natural attractions. Even though only island, Fannette. the region is vast and wondrous, the seven national forests Lassen Volcanic and eight national & state parks, including Lassen Volcanic National Park National Park, are all within a short drive of one another, Hike to the summit McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park making them easy to enjoy. Redding, the largest city north of of Lassen Peak for Sacramento, is a great home base for this vast area of beauty, vista views. Or snap and itself is home to 225+ miles of hiking and biking trails. sizzling images of the hydrothermal marvels of Sulphur Works—boiling ShastaCascade.com | VisitRedding.com | (530) 365-7500 mudpots and steaming vents, one mile (1.6km) from the Kohm Yah-mah- nee Visitor Center. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Mount Shasta The hulking grande dame Lake Tahoe of Northern California peaks, this 14,179-foot (4322m) volcanic cone You're Invited Venture to California’s Best Views dominates, its massive girth even more daunting 3 Drive just outside the gateway cities on this supersize trip where every than its height. Take sight is Instagram-worthy. Among the jaw-dropping vistas, snowcapped the 14-mile (23km) volcanoes, and towering waterfalls, find your awe in the land of superlatives. Everitt Memorial Scenic This big-thrills driving circuit starts 200 miles (322km) from Los Angeles in Sequoia Drive from the city of National Park and cruises through California’s greatest hits—Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Mt. Shasta for photo Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, and the Redwood Coast. ops and hiking trails.

Giant Forest Dome’s iconic profile and Mono Lake Founders Grove Be awed and humbled by shimmering Vernal and Just east of U.S. 395 near In Humboldt Redwoods giant sequoias, the world’s Nevada falls. Sunsets are Lee Vining, an ancient State Park, leave U.S. 101 biggest trees. At Sequoia unforgettable. saline lake looms so and drive through ancient National Park, walk among large that it seems like an old-growth forest on the the titans on the Congress Yosemite Falls inland ocean. Get a closer Avenue of the Giants, Trail, then pay homage Drive into Yosemite Valley look with a shoreline where 300-foot-plus to the General Sherman, in spring and you’ll see walk at Mono Lake Tufa (91m+) redwood trees the world’s largest tree, a bounty of waterfalls State Natural Reserve, blot out the sky. Break up with a 102-foot (31m) flowing. The undisputed where you can see the the drive with a half-mile circumference. king is the 2,425-foot unusual rock formations (0.8km) walk through Unleash Your Inner Scientist (739m) Yosemite Falls, known as tufa towers. Founders Grove. Check out the high-tech world of silicon chip manufacturing. Tuolumne County, an incredible The museum offers guided tours for children and adults and Glacier Point North America’s tallest California destination featuring self-guided experiences that let you explore fun, interactive Known as “the grandest waterfall. Take on the exhibits at your own pace. Yosemite’s photo-ready scenery, view in the West,” this challenging trek to its authentic Gold Country discoveries drive-up vista takes in all of tippy top, or walk an Stop at Tunnel View, Free admission and parking one of Yosemite’s most For more information, please call and breathtaking High Sierra adventures. Yosemite’s major granite easy one-mile (1.6km) famous viewpoints. 408.765.5050 It is all less than 3 hours east of San Francisco. or visit www.intel.com/museum

28 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU road trips

Taste Wine in Undiscovered Regions From its wineries on the edge of Southern California suburbs to vineyards Murphys Tasting Rooms 4 in the Gold Country foothills, California offers growing conditions uniquely Wind into the Gold suited to a wide assortment of grape varietals. Get off the beaten path Country to visit this and sample superior wine in some surprising locations. At many of these destinations historic mining town. you’ll get to meet winemakers who will no doubt introduce you to their favourites. With more than 20 tasting rooms, Murphys is the “The Capital of Cool” hub of Calaveras County’s Hungry Hawk Joseph Filippi Ramos Torres Winery thriving wine scene. Anaheim Majestic Vineyards & Winery Winery & Vineyards With Rhône varietals Thirty miles (48km) Learn about winemaking produced from its Scott Harvey Wines Garden Hotel ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN north of San Diego in while touring this Rancho foothills estate vineyard Sutter Creek is a classic Escondido, this award- Cucamonga facility, a south of Fresno, this is a town one hour southeast Spacious rooms, lush gardens, and incredible Known throughout the winning winery carries on fifth-generation family surprising destination for of Sacramento, famous family amenities, all just moments from world as the mecca of San Diego County’s proud operation. The wine here wine lovers in Kingsburg. for its 19th-century modernism, Palm Springs Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California. winemaking tradition, inspired the Grateful Dead’s buildings with balconies embraces and celebrates which dates back to the “Pride of Cucamonga.” Idle Hour Winery overlooking Main Street. MajesticGardenHotel.com its’ own design aesthetic 18th century. Follow the Madera Wine The Zinfandels at Scott 844.227.8535 with an indoor-outdoor style. Triassic Vineyards Trail as it climbs to such Harvey Wines embody the Robert Renzoni In spring, enjoy views foothills winemakers Amador County style. Vineyards of poppies blooming as Idle Hour, the first in Along Temecula Valley’s in the Cummings Oakhurst, located 14 miles OUTDOOR ADVENTURES 900 South Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802 De Portola Wine Trail, this Valley, 45 minutes from (23km) from Yosemite’s With 365 days of sun-kissed winery brings the flavours Bakersfield in Tehachapi. south entrance. weather and relaxed of Italy to the region, Triassic is celebrated for outdoor living style, thanks to its trattoria and its Zinfandel and Syrah. FIND MORE ROAD TRIPS Palm Springs is the best acclaimed Montepulciano. visitcalifornia.com/au/roadtrips DISCOVER example of health and happiness (in California).

POOLS, POOLS & POOLS More pools per person in Palm Springs than anywhere in the world. Round, rectangle and piano shaped, with ﬂ oaties in every color, shape, and size. Enjoy candy factory tours, beer factory tours, wine tasting, WALKABLE & WELCOMING farm tours, olive oil tasting, and more! The town is uber-friendly, with a lively downtown scene, alfresco dining, and a modern, hip vibe. Vintage boutique shopping is a must-do

For information, go to Temecula Valley Wine Country RON THOMAS/GETTY IMAGES THOMAS/GETTY RON UNCOMPLICATED. UNCONGESTED. UNSPOILED. VisitPalmSprings.com

30 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU MONTEREY COUNTY Monterey County offers iconic California experiences. Wind along the Big Sur coastline and sip your way through Salinas Valley vineyards. Grab life by the moments today. SeeMonterey.com

San Francisco MORRO BAY Charming ﬁ shing village on Hwy 1, bustling waterfront, boutique shops, restaurants, sea otters frolic in the bay, people kayak, paddleboard, bike and stroll on miles of beautiful beaches. MorroBay.org DISCOVER CALIFORNIA’S Los Angeles SANTA YNEZ VALLEY Just two hours north of LA and a four-hour drive from San Francisco, discover over CENTRAL 100 wineries, incredible food, special events and an authentic, relaxed vibe in the Santa Ynez Valley. COAST TheOriginalRoadTrip.com VisitSYV.com

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CAMARILLO Located on California’s iconic Highway 1, Camarillo delights those seeking outdoor Santa Cruz County—the crowning jewel of adventures, shopping and more while enjoying the Golden State—is home to a classic beach picturesque vistas and cool ocean breezes as town, redwood forests, boutique wineries and the backdrop for this charming town. a farm-to-table foodie scene where you can VisitCamarillo.com just be yourself. Come on Let’s Cruz. VisitSantaCruz.org

ROARING CAMP RAILROADS OXNARD See California’s towering redwoods from CALIFORNIA’S COASTAL BREEZE two historic railroads. Visit Roaring Camp, Casual seaside vibe & unspoiled beaches. an 1880s Western town, ride Steam Trains The place to relax, refresh, rejuvenate and to Bear Mountain or Beach Trains to Santa experience the sunny coast! The gateway to Cruz. Located 1 ½ hour’s drive south of San the Channel Island National Park and the Francisco. Trains depart year-round. “American Galápagos.” Come discover Oxnard. RoaringCamp.com VisitOxnard.com

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM VENTURA COUNTY COAST A global leader in ocean conservation, the Ventura County Coast is a string of Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases the communities that radiate warmth from stunningly biodiverse marine habitats of the welcoming people and California sunshine. Monterey Bay and Paciﬁ c Ocean. Find your vibe at MontereyBayAquarium.org VenturaCountyCoast.com EvERyONE’s a littlE BERKElEy calendar

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

People from around the world come to Berkeley seeking acclaimed Plan your holiday at the right time restaurants, museums, shops, and arts. Along the way they discover fabulous of the year, and get more ideas at diversions and a bit of themselves. It’s a place where everyone is welcome. So visitcalifornia.com/au/events Events come, explore, and be a little Berkeley. VISITBERKELEY.COM | 2030 ADDISON ST. #102 | (510) 549-7040 JANUARY the Lunar New Year. Crowds pack the streets of California Poppy Festival. Bright orange San Francisco to watch dragons and lion dancers California poppies tend to hit peak bloom now The new year brings parades, pageantry, and clear out evil spirits. chineseparade.com (Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is American football, plus awards for Hollywood nearby). Visit the reserve and then enjoy this stars. It’s also a brilliant time to find special MARCH homespun event, including rides, food, and deals at California’s best restaurants. music. poppyfestival.com California Restaurant Month. Kick off the year Along the North Coast, festivals commemo- Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Huge with a month of reasons to eat out, like specially rate the start of the California grey whale’s names like Guns ‘n’ Roses and Beyoncé perform priced chef’s menus and wine-and-food pairings. annual migration north to Alaskan waters. at this massive, multiday event near Palm visitcalifornia.com/restaurant-month Springs. Enjoy art installations, amazing food, Autoclub 400. Big, loud, and exciting, this and celebrity spotting. live.coachella.com Palm Springs International Film Festival. This race, at Fontana Speedway in the Inland dazzling event, with galas, movie screenings, and Empire, ranks as one of the biggest events in Passport to Dry Creek Valley. Taste the best of talks with top filmmakers, is well attended by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Splurge on pit Sonoma County at this weekend festival, filled big-name stars. psfilmfest.org passes to hang with drivers and crew. with wine tastings from 40-plus wineries, cuisine from the top local chefs, and vineyard tours. autoclubspeedway.com Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl. drycreekvalley.org Celebrate the American football season and the California Artisan Cheese Festival. Sample Santa Barbara Kite Festival. Watch the air fill start of the year at this combo event, usually held blue cheese, Camembert, and other handcrafted with colourful kites at this family favourite along on Jan. 1 (or Jan. 2, if Jan. 1 falls on a Sunday). cheeses at this three-day event in Santa Rosa, tournamentofroses.com the Central Coast, with awards for most beautiful, north of San Francisco. Join farm tours and wine- funniest, and most unflyable kite.sbkitefest.net and-cheese pairings. artisancheesefestival.com FEBRUARY Stagecoach. Country music’s answer to Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals. Join special Coachella brings top acts like Keith Urban and whale-watching cruises, kayak tours, and guided Garth Brooks to the desert, along with the Though it’s still technically winter, there’s an walks in the North Coast region. Enjoy good festival’s Honkytonk Dance Hall, barbeque, and early hint of spring. Pro golfers gather at one food, beer, wine, and music throughout the area. plenty of cold beer. stagecoachfestival.com of the year’s premier events, and lion dancers mendowhale.com Luxurious Accommodations Luxurious Accommodations snake through the streets of San Francisco. North Lake Tahoe City SnowFest. At this MAY Our property provides a resort style feel whether Our property provides a resort style feel whether AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Top golfers like 10-day “Mountain Mardi Gras,” watch a quirky it is for work or a rejuvenating weekend. it is for work or a rejuvenating weekend. Rory Mcllroy swing clubs with celebrities at this parade, cheer on the dogs in the “I Did-a-Run,” multiday event on the edge of Monterey Bay, Spring slides into summer with hills turning or consider trying the Polar Bear Swim in Lake golden brown, fruit stands popping up in v Extended Breakfast Buffet v Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub v Extended Breakfast Buffet v Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub along the Central Coast. attpbgolf.com Tahoe. tahoesnowfest.org farm country, and beaches filling with happy v Daily Happy Hour v Health Club Gym Passes v Daily Happy Hour v Health Club Gym Passes Riverside County Fair and Date Festival. High locals—especially on Memorial Day, the v 24/7 Room Service v Same Day Laundry Service v 24/7 Room Service v Same Day Laundry Service season in the desert is also peak time for local APRIL unofficial start of summer. dates, which are showcased in creamy shakes Amgen Tour of California. This premiere and other treats at this annual county fair. Also It’s wild flower season, turning the state into cycling event takes top riders on an epic, featured are camel and ostrich races and an one big flower show. Migratory birds return in eight-stage race that loops around the 865 West El Camino Real 10889 North De Anza Boulevard Arabian Nights–themed show. datefest.org big numbers, and there are festivals to match. state. The course, which changes annually, Sunnyvale, California 94087 Ranked #1 on Cupertino, California 95014 Ranked #1 on Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade. It’s also the start of baseball season, with fans also has festivals and special events. [email protected] TripAdvisor. [email protected] TripAdvisor.

Enjoy the largest celebration outside Asia to mark cheering on minor and major league teams. amgentourofcalifornia.com IMAGES RICH FURY/GETTY www.svgrandhotel.com www.cupertino-hotel.com

34 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU calendar

BottleRock Napa Valley. The city of Napa city of Laguna Beach features classic works Corning Olive Festival. Celebrate California’s becomes music central for this three-day of art re-created with costumed actors and olive orchards, which produce 95 percent of event, with great music (Red Hot Chili Peppers, lavish sets. Tickets sell out months in advance. America’s olives. This event in the Shasta No Doubt) and food, local wines, and craft beers. foapom.com Cascade region features a parade, orchard bottlerocknapavalley.com tours, and kid-friendly contests—like who can Gilroy Garlic Festival. Love garlic? Don’t miss spit an olive pit farthest. corningolivefestival.org California Strawberry Festival. In the heart this wildly popular event, with chefs making of the Central Coast’s berry-growing region garlic the star in everything from french fries to Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival. around Oxnard, enjoy chef cook-offs for the ice cream. gilroygarlicfestival.com Embrace the season in this Central Coast best recipe with strawberries, pie-eating town with carving contests, giant pumpkin Vans U.S. Open of Surfing. Top amateur and contests, and even strawberry beer. weigh-offs, music, and pumpkin-flavoured food pro surfers carve it up on the legendary waves strawberry-fest.org and drink. pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com of Huntington Beach, along the Orange County Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival. coast. vansusopenofsurfing.com Hoes Down Harvest Festival. Mark the end Enjoy one of California’s signature foods with of harvest season at Full Belly Farm, in the countless preparations at this popular Central AUGUST Central Valley region’s Capay Valley. Kid-friendly Coast event. Watch chef demonstrations, see activities include sheep-shearing and making ice artichoke-themed art, and cheer for the annual cream, while grown-ups enjoy guided bike tours Artichoke Queen. artichokefestival.org It’s peak season at California’s farms, to area farms. hoesdown.org with celebrations focusing on the state’s Kinetic Grand Championship. This race in the incredible bounty. North Coast towns of Arcata and Ferndale is NOVEMBER one of California’s wackiest, with costumed con- Outside Lands. This music festival in Golden Gate Park attracts big-name headliners like testants steering handmade people-powered Winter starts to roll in; snow in the mountains Janet Jackson and Radiohead. It also offers a vehicles. kineticgrandchampionship.com begin revving things up at alpine resorts. It’s microcosm of San Francisco’s culinary scene. also time for family, capped by Thanksgiving sfoutsidelands.com JUNE at the end of the month. Tomato Festival. Surrounded by the Central Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival. In the desert Valley’s tomato fields, historic Woodland hosts It’s officially summer, with kids out of school, region, join a tour to see Native American rock tomato tastings, chef cook-offs, and salsa campgrounds filling, and festivals celebrating art dating back thousands of years. Also enjoy an competitions. woodlandtomatofestival.com music, food, and fun in full swing. authentic intertribal powwow, plus a street fair, wild burros, and music. rpfestival.com Farmers markets. Like mini festivals every SEPTEMBER weekend (and sometimes during the week), Ski and snowboard season begins. Even if these low-key events pop up statewide. Look for early-season storms are slim, snowmaking freshly-picked produce as well as artisanal crafts Locals know this is California’s secret efforts at mountain resorts in the High Sierra and and foods. cafarmersmkts.com summer, featuring warm days and a fog-free Inland Empire regions get underway as soon as coast. temperatures drop. Get the latest conditions at Mariachi USA. Hear mariachi bands and see californiasnow.com folkloric dances from the U.S. and Mexico in California Craft Beer Summit. This three-day Los Angeles’s iconic Hollywood Bowl. The event summit is the largest California craft beer ends with huge fireworks.mariachiusa.com festival, with unlimited tastings and educational DECEMBER talks and demos. californiacraftbeer.com San Diego International Beer Festival. Sample the region’s outstanding craft beers, along California Wine Month. Harvest time in The holidays brighten the long days of with hundreds of beers from around the globe. California wine country brings plenty of reasons winter, with entire communities decked sandiegobeerfestival.com to celebrate. Enjoy special tastings, wine-pairing with twinkling lights and decorated trees. dinners, and more at a host of vineyards. Spirited festivals and feasts abound. Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival. discovercaliforniawines.com/californiawinemonth Dozens of colourful hot air balloons soar above The Bracebridge Dinners. At sumptuous the Inland Empire’s lush vineyards during this Monterey Jazz Festival. Big-name musicians productions in snow-filled Yosemite Valley, multiday event, with wine and beer tastings, like Pat Metheny and Quincy Jones take the costumed revellers perform as you feast in the music, and balloon rides. tvbwf.com stage at this major Central Coast music event— spectacular main dining room at the Majestic the largest jazz event in the world, featuring Yosemite Hotel. bracebridgedinners.com some 500 performers. montereyjazzfestival.org JULY Nevada City Victorian Christmas. With its Farm-to-Fork Festival. Sacramento’s fresh Victorian-era buildings, this Gold Country town food party stretches a half-mile (0.8km) on is the perfect setting for a festival straight out America celebrates the 4th of July and Capitol Mall, filled with food, wine, and beer plus of Charles Dickens novel. Ride carriages, enjoy everybody heads outside—surfing, barbequing, cooking demos and live music. farmtofork.com costumed carollers, and browse handmade and, of course, going to festivals. crafts. nevadacitychamber.com California State Fair. Enjoy rides, ranch OCTOBER Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. This animals, and horse races, plus bluegrass and Orange County town turns Newport Harbor into a other types of music, in the state capital of spectacular floating light show, with boat owners Sacramento, in the Gold Country. castatefair.org Fall brings a snap to the air, but there are still blue skies. Halloween (October 31) is a decorating their crafts and then parading them Comic-Con International. What started as a seasonal charmer, with kids dressing up in after dark. newportbeachboatparade.com small festival for comic book fans has become a costumes. SnowGlobe Music Festival. This wintertime global event in downtown San Diego, with movie blowout in South Lake Tahoe, in the snowy stars, exhibits, cosplay, and good people- The Big Fresno Fair. Experience California’s High Sierra, showcases ska, rap, and other watching. comic-con.org heartland during harvest season at the biggest event in the Central Valley, with livestock, a huge hot music genres. Bring your parka and Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters. This farmers market, rides, and classic fair food. watch snowboarding and skiing exhibitions. multi-week extravaganza in the Orange County fresnofair.com snowglobemusicfestival.com THRILL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD 36 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/AU Find your oasis.

Come for the sunshine. Stay for the relaxation. Live for the adventure. It’s no wonder the world chooses to holiday here.

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