| "bottom-link"> | | | | and the Earthquake walk. There are some really |
| California possesses one of the most beautiful | | | | amazing views in this area and if you're interested |
| coastlines in the world stretching some 1100 | | | | in marine animal rescue or marine biology, check |
| miles. It's drawn millions of travelers and inspired | | | | out the Marine Mammal Center. There are tours |
| dozens of books each describing different ways | | | | of the facility and all of the employees are |
| to experience the coast and no wonder - with the | | | | extremely knowledgeable. |
| jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean, the | | | | If you like frozen yogurt, you should try the |
| majestic mountains and steep cliffs that define its | | | | 'yogen fruz' frozen yogurt shop in Novato. We |
| boundaries, and the huge Redwood trees | | | | had to make a special stop on the way home |
| towering overhead it's hard to resist. Even the | | | | just for this frozen yogurt. |
| toughest critics will find themselves mesmerized. | | | | Healdsburg, CA |
| California possesses one of the most beautiful | | | | Healdsburg is such a pretty town. It's got a very |
| coastlines in the world stretching some 1100 | | | | relaxed, comfortable feel to it. There are |
| miles. It's drawn millions of travelers and inspired | | | | specialty shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, |
| dozens of books each describing different ways | | | | bookstores, coffee houses and more lining the |
| to experience the coast and no wonder - with the | | | | downtown streets. Stop in at Copperfield's |
| jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean, the | | | | Books and enjoy a bite at the Bovolo |
| majestic mountains and steep cliffs that define its | | | | restaurant. Unfortunately, it was closed and we |
| boundaries, and the huge Redwood trees | | | | were unable to eat there but I've heard great |
| towering overhead it's hard to resist. Even the | | | | reviews. We ate at the Baci Cafe & Wine Bar. |
| toughest critics will find themselves mesmerized. | | | | It has a relaxing ambiance, excellent service and |
| There's something deeply stirring about standing | | | | delicious food. |
| on the edge of a cliff staring out at the vast | | | | Leggett, CA |
| Pacific Ocean, feeling the wind pushing past you, | | | | Have you ever driven through a tree before? |
| and hearing the crashing waves below. My | | | | Well, then - here's your chance. Visit the |
| husband and I were recently fortunate enough to | | | | Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree Park and drive |
| experience this sensation at countless spots along | | | | through the Chandelier tree. It's 315 ft tall and |
| the coast. We took a round-trip coastal drive | | | | over 2000 years old. If you're driving a mid-size |
| from the bottom of California to the top and into | | | | SUV or larger I suggest checking to see if your |
| parts of Oregon. We stopped along the way to | | | | side view mirrors fold inward. It can get a little |
| visit family and in total our trip took 11 days. We | | | | tight. Be sure to take a picture going through |
| attempted to see and do as much as we possibly | | | | the first time as it's a one way road. |
| could but there was still so much more we | | | | Klamath, CA |
| missed. | | | | Visit the Trees of Mystery and say hello to Paul |
| Here are some highlights from our trip (things to | | | | Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. Take the gondola |
| see, do, and eat) that may help give you some | | | | ride up to the top of the trees and look out at |
| ideas for your next vacation. To get more ideas | | | | the views. If you're a strong hiker, hike the hill |
| and in-depth information on the California Coast, | | | | down but beware, there are about 6 steep 45 |
| check out the Coastal California guide book by | | | | degree inclines. Many have reached the exit with |
| Lonely Planet. We added a lot of sights and | | | | scraped elbows and knees. Take a live souvenir |
| activities to our agenda that were outlined in this | | | | home with you - a redwood tree or burl. |
| book. | | | | Jedidiah Smith State Redwoods Park (10 Miles |
| Carlsbad, CA | | | | North of Crescent City, CA) |
| If you're looking for the beach atmosphere that's | | | | This is the northern most redwood park and it is |
| young and hip but still family oriented, check out | | | | filled with some of the most magnificent redwood |
| Carlsbad, CA. There are a lot of beach activities | | | | giants. Take one of the hiking trails to get a true |
| as well as shopping and fine dining. Speaking of | | | | sense of how big these trees are. Perhaps you'll |
| dining, grab some Mexican food at Fidel's. Our | | | | find the area looks familiar. The Endor scenes |
| service was just okay but the food was fast and | | | | for Star Wars "Return of the Jedi" were filmed in |
| quite good. I recommend the fried pinto beans. | | | | the park. Think ewoks. |
| Marin County, CA (North of San Francisco,CA) | | | | I could go on and on and still just touch the |
| There's so much to see in Marin County but a | | | | surface. If you're considering a California |
| few sights we especially enjoyed are the Marine | | | | vacation, I recommend taking time out to enjoy |
| Mammal Center, Muir Beach Overlook, Point | | | | the coastline even if you can only visit parts of |
| Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Lighthouse, | | | | it. You won't regret it. |