The Best Authentic Experiences

Hot-Air Ballooning over Napa Valley: Sure, you have to rise at dawn to do it, but drifting over the Napa Valley's vineyards in a balloon is the best way to view the verdant, undulating hills, meticulously striped with vines and bordered by mountains. Flights run in the morning on clear days, when the air is calm and cool. You can book a trip through your hotel or with Bonaventura Balloon Company (tel. 800/FLY-NAPA) or Adventures Aloft (tel. 800/944-4408).

Wine Tasting in Napa or Sonoma: You don't have to be a connoisseur to appreciate a day or two on the wine trail. All you need is a decadent streak and a designated driver. Sniff and sip at a few wineries, take in the bucolic views, and see why this region is not only one of the country's hottest destinations, but also a place to sample some of the world's best wines right at the source.

Rafting Scenic Northern California Rivers: You can white-water raft through thrilling cascades of raging Class IV waters or float tranquilly under blue skies, through deep forests, past all sorts of wildlife. Depending on the river and the time of year, some trips are okay for children over age 6.

Exploring a Real Gold Mine: Don your hardhat, "tag in," board the mine shuttle, and experience what it's like to be a gold miner. The Sutter Gold Mine tour company (tel. 866/762-2837) takes you deep into a mine that's loaded with gold deposits. You'll have the chance to sluice for some real gold.

Taking a Studio Tour: Studio tours are an opportunity to see the actual stage sets for shows such as ER and The West Wing, and you never know who you're going to spot emerging from his or her star wagon.

Visiting Venice Beach's Ocean Front Walk: You haven't visited L.A. properly until you've rented some skates in Venice and taken in the human carnival around you. Nosh on a Jody Maroni's haute dog; buy some cheap sunglasses, silver jewelry, or ethnic garb, and relish the wide beach, blue sea, and performers along the boardwalk.

Flying a World War II Fighter Aircraft: Don your parachute, strap yourself into the 600-horsepower fighter aircraft, and prepare to blow your mind as you (yes, you) perform aerobatic maneuvers -- loops, rolls, and lazy-8s -- high above the Carlsbad coastline, accompanied (but not driven) by a pilot from Biplane, Air Combat & Warbird Adventures (tel. 800/SKY-LOOP). It's an experience you'll never forget.

Explore Wreck Alley (San Diego): Five drowned vessels sit on the sea floor, 2 miles off Mission Beach, providing certified divers the chance to investigate an exciting nautical graveyard, which includes a 366-foot Canadian destroyer, the Yukon (intentionally sunk in 2000).