"Go west, young man," advised newspaper editor Horace Greeley in 1850, and started a stampede to California. Visitors are still flocking to California to pack in as many new and amazing experiences as possible. But how to choose?
There's the recreational playground of the High Sierras or the rugged, more isolated, Shasta Cascade Country for true adventure seekers.
The lush farming communities of Inland Empire, Central Valley and Orange County are dotted with interesting heritage townships, gourmet food stops and quaint antique stores. Or you could go for the barren, impressive Desert Country, home to a surprisingly wide array of exotic animals and plants, or visit the Gold Country to relive the hectic Gold Rush days.
Los Angeles is a razzle-dazzle fun park of things to do, see and experience. There is a tour for every interest: cultural, sporting, historical. If you've got star dust in your eyes, you'll be chasing the Hollywood experience. Book at Hollywood institution Chez Jays (no photos, no autographs allowed). You never know who you'll see at the next table.
Your kids will never forgive you if you don't make the 40 minute trip from LA to Orange County. Here Walt Disney transformed 75 acres of potential orange orchards into "the happiest kingdom of them all".
San Francisco is commonly chosen by visitors to the USA as their favourite city. Museums, gardens, gourmet foods, interesting architecture, the Napa wine country a short drive away: There's a lot to fall in love with. San Francisco has the unique atmosphere of a city that genuinely enjoys visitors.
Finally, while Mexico is not part of California, it's so close that it's a shame not to visit. Take the Tijuana Day Trip - it's a real blast!
Aloha! And welcome to warm beaches, hot lava, kava, leis and romance. America's 50th state (and, from tip to tip, the widest) dishes up a perfect blend of lazy, tropical lifestyle, breathtaking adventure, cultural immersion and sophisticated shopping, dining and arts. Bury your toes in the sand, bike down a volcano, dance the hula or savour the strains of a symphony orchestra - this is Hawaii's magical mix.
The Hawaiian archipelago of 132 islands, reefs and shoals runs the gamut of nature, from glittering beaches and lush rainforests to cool alpine regions and stony deserts.
Volcanic mountains create an awesome array of microclimates and give Hawaii as many climate zones as you'd find from Alaska to Costa Rica. But visitors can rely on warm weather all year round, with only a few degrees' difference between summer and winter.
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