Chris Leschinsky
By Matthew Richard Poole
Like Katy Perry says, you could travel the world but nothing comes close to the Golden Coast. California will always be the golden child of the United States, America's spoiled rich kid, either loved or loathed (haters gonna hate) by everyone else. And we're only getting better. Here are five more reasons for going (going), back (back), to Cali (Cali).
Photo caption: The Renegade zipline is an epic 1,300-foot valley crossing with wide-open views of vineyards and mountains in Paso Robles.
Margarita Adventures (tel. 805/438-3120; www.margarita-adventures.com) has opened new zipline canopy tours for this summer at the Santa Margarita Ranch in Paso Robles. The tour company offers the first commercial ziplines to open on California's Central Coast, with four separate ziplines spanning a total of more than 3,000 feet. Tours typically span 2.5 hours and cost $99 per person (advance reservations required). Your excursion concludes with a complimentary wine tasting at the affiliated Ancient Peaks Winery, 22720 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita (tel. 805/365-7045; www.ancientpeaks.com).
Photo caption: The Archway zipline at Margarita Adventures soars beneath an archway of oaks on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.
Sacramento's Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St. (tel. 916/808-7000; www.crockerartmuseum.org) presents a rare look at works by Norman Rockwell in its exhibit, "American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell," on view through February 3, 2013. You'll get a glimpse of 50 paintings and 323 original iconic Saturday Evening Post covers, plus personal correspondence and archival photographs offering insight into the life of one of the country's most popular illustrators.
Photo caption: The new wing at the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento.
It's one of California top secret adventure trips: off-season houseboating on Lake Shasta (tel. 877/468-7326; www.houseboats.com). Why? You can save more than $1,000 off summer rental rates, the lake is all yours, and because very few people know that off-season houseboating one of the most affordable, fun, relaxing, and romantic getaways in California. There's a reason why Lake Shasta has that title; it's the largest fresh-water reservoir in California, the perfect introduction to the pleasures of houseboating, and one of the most enjoyable ways friends and family can spend time together. Compare boats and rates here; the best rate we're seeing is on the Royal Star, which sleeps 12 and dips down to $871 for a 3-night rental in spring and fall.
Photo caption: Houseboat on Lake Shasta, California.
You'll find apps for every travel necessity you can think of, from booking flights to finding a pharmacy in your destination (read our app articles here) -- and now California tourists destinations are increasingly offering their own. Download a free app that showcases the Gardens of Northern California (https://northerncaliforniagardens.sutromedia.com), from Monterey north to Humboldt County and east to the Sierra foothills. A free Visit Santa Cruz mobile app (www.santacruz.org) provides detailed information on restaurants, hotels, attractions and more, with a function for customized itineraries. The Redwood Park App (www.redwoodparkapp.com; $2.99) showcases 20 of the most popular hikes in the area, with trailhead locations, lengths, levels of difficulty and detailed trail descriptions on a mile-by-mile basis. Half Moon Bay offers the free iCoastside (https://icoastside.com) for choosing a B&B, finding a local seafood restaurant, booking a spa treatment, and more.
Photo caption: Hayward Japanese Garden, Hayward, California.
Like Katy Perry says, you could travel the world but nothing comes close to the Golden Coast. California will always be the golden child of the United States, America's spoiled rich kid, either loved or loathed (haters gonna hate) by everyone else. And we're only getting better. Here are five more reasons for going (going), back (back), to Cali (Cali).
Photo caption: The Renegade zipline is an epic 1,300-foot valley crossing with wide-open views of vineyards and mountains in Paso Robles.
Photo caption: The Archway zipline at Margarita Adventures soars beneath an archway of oaks on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.
Photo caption: The new wing at the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento.
Photo caption: Houseboat on Lake Shasta, California.
Photo caption: Hayward Japanese Garden, Hayward, California.