California Travelers Recommend

If you are vacationing there during the winter, there’s a good chance you plan on hitting the slopes. Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe has good runs for both skiing and snowboarding, and staying in South Lake Tahoe offers a wide range of tourist activities, including casino gambling in the adjacent town of Stateline, Nevada. In the summer, Lake Tahoe becomes more than chairlifts and craps tables. On a three-day trip, start it off with a helicopter tour of the lake. There are a number of these, varying in duration and flight time, from ten-minute tours of Emerald Bay to sunset tours of the entire lake. For the time it takes to pay and prep, you might be better served by paying for a longer tour; the lake’s different areas all hold their own charms, and an hour-long flight makes for a truly memorable experience. Helicopter tours are available year round, weather permitting.

A lot is said about San Francisco, both by visitors and locals alike. Foreigners often dub it "the most European" city in America. W.H. Taft called it "the city that knows how," and Rudyard Kipling was known to have said "San Francisco has only one drawback: 'Tis hard to leave." Day 1: See the City Consider one of the many tours available to get your bearings and see some of the traditional “must-sees” like the Cable Car, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Day 2: Local Flavor Today, take time to see the colorful neighborhoods while sampling some local fare. Many wonderful museums and parks are easily accessible as well. Day 3: Day Trips from the Bay Less than an hour from town awaits many a gorgeous vineyard, wine-tasting galore, culinary delights and fresh country air. Head to the Napa Valley and see where those famous California wines are grown.

America's gateway to Mexico, San Diego lies at the end of miles and miles of sandy coastline which span the glittering Pacific. Day 1: San Diego City TourConsider getting settled into your host city with a guided Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour, or add the harbor to your itinerary by way of bus and harbor cruise, or orient yourself by sticking to simply the most famous San Diego sights. Day 2: San Diego AdventureStart your day off with a visit to Balboa Park, where you'll find the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Then head to SeaWorld for another dose of wildlife, or go further afield to Legoland in Carlsbad. The kids will love you for it! Day 3: Day Trips From San DiegoSan Diego abuts the Mexican border and Tijuana. If you're inclined, don't miss out on all the exciting opportunities to explore the southern Californian coast and indeed beyond.

The Napa Valley Wine Country is the premiere destination for wine enthusiasts in the United States with an unrivaled history of quality wine making. Napa and Sonoma make up California's most famous wine region, home to hundreds of wineries and acres upon acres of beautiful vineyard country. Enjoy the views of rolling vineyard hills while tasting wines from world-renowned wine makers including V. Sattui, Madonna Estate, and Chandon on the Wine Country Tour. If you have more time, check out the Wine Country Day Trip and learn the best wine tasting techniques while enjoying a picnic lunch. The Wine Country Explorer Pass gives you great deals on wine tastings and discounts at associated retailers. Tour the cutting-edge facilities of the new ""biodynamic vineyards"" on an Eco Wine Experience. Combine your visit to the various wineries with a stop at Muir Woods, home to some of northern California's famous redwood sequoia trees.

Depart the urban jungle for a day trip to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Yosemite National Park. Your adventure begins with an early departure from San Francisco so you can make the most of your day at the park. Just sit back and relax on the drive to the park. You’ll pass through the Central Valley and ascend into the Sierra foothills before being greeted at Yosemite by jaw-dropping views of the valley. Magnificent granite cliffs slope into the deep verdant valley, which was carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. You’ll have several hours to explore the treasure of the valley, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Listen to your guide as he explains the natural forces that have formed and changed Yosemite over the years. Stroll the pedestrian paths or rent a bike for a refreshing way to see the base of the valley. Gaze up at Yosemite’s most iconic monument, Half Dome, and pose for postcard-perfect photos in front of multiple waterfalls.