BALLARD (Central Coast) Mission Santa Ynez The 19th in a chain of 21 Californaia missions. Visitors can view furnishings and artifacts from the early 19th century. Other nearby missions are located in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and San Luis Obispo. Quicksilver Ranch This 20-acre ranch is one of the largest miniature horse spreads on the west coast. A registered "miniature" horse must not exceed 34 inches in height. Good-natured, inquisitive and intelligent, these animals make loving, adorable pets. Hearst Castle A magnificent estate built by publisher William Randolph Hearst. "The Enchanted Castle" with its 165 rooms, vast collection of art and antiques, exquisite pools and acres of gardens, comprise California's most impressive state Historical Monument. (approx 1.5 hours north) Museums/Galleries Visit the charming community of Los Olivos and discover all the artistic talent it holds. Carriage House Museum Presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Elverhoj Museum Portraying Solvang's Danish background Natural Historical Museum Showing Santa Barbara's outstanding culture Chumash Indian Casino Late night action and casino thrills await you! There's nonstop excitement with high stakes bingo, video gaming, poker, and Chumash 21. Goood Luck! Wine Country Santa Barbara county is blessed with a climate and topography that make it a vintner's dream. Visit any of the 45 local wineries for year round wine tasting. In addition, wineries also welcome wine lovers to concerts, harvest parties, special dinners, and other fabulous events.

CAMBRIA (Central Coast) The Village The Charming East and West Villages of Cambria with fine art galleries and studios, antique shops, heart warming gift shops featuring many local artists and craftspeople, and of course a great selection of award winning restaurants. You will find Cambria quaint and friendly. Wine Country Tours and Tasting Our Wine Country starts just a short, beautiful 20 minute ride from Cambria on breathtaking Highway 46. You will enter a world of rolling hills and magnificent vistas, including Morro Bay, rich farmlands and the intimate wineries scattered throughout. Here you will find a rich history of winemaking and grape growing that began in 1797. Today there are more than 70 wineries and 100 vineyards growing premium wine grapes on rolling hills that vary from 700 to 1100 feet in elevation. Wine tours can be arranged via Limousine or shuttle, or tour the region by bicycle or car. Of course a picnic lunch is always worth considering. The Central Coast Wine Region is well known world wide for producing award winning wines and for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. You will be warmly welcomed at the winery tasting rooms. For Wine Region information: http://www.pasowine.com. Hearst Castle This is a fun way to spend some of your time. The castle shows a taste of the life of William Randolf Hearst and his passion for this part of the world. His magnificent estate "La Cuesta Encantada" (The Enchanted Hill) is open for tours daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Elephant Seals & Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

EUREKA (North Coast) MV Madaket Cruises For a unique view of Humboldt Bays history and wildlife, go aboard the MV Madaket Cruises. Departs daily in summer. Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary The college town of Arcata is proud of its bustling shop-lined Plaza and pristine Community Forest, but the crown jewel is the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (interpretive center on South G Street), a world-class bird-watching destination with trails, blinds and an ever-changing cast of feather characters. Avenue of the Giants It's a redwood adventure! Pilot your car between the huge trees; stop for nature walks and unique roadside attractions including a legendary drive trough tree! In Humboldt Redwoods State Park, stroll the easy trail at Founders Grove and see the fallen 370-foot Dyerville Giant. Six Rivers National Forest Just Minutes from the cool coast is a magical land of warm sunshine and sparkling rivers. Six Rivers National Forest serves up one million acres of outdoor recreation, including rafting, hiking, wildlife, fishing and biking. Start at the forest headquarters, 1330 Bayshore Way, Eureka (off Broadway). Old Town Eureka Stroll brick-lined streets in the heart of the Victorian Seaport. Browse thought Unique shops, enjoy fine dining and view art at many galleries and the Morris Graves Museum of Art. Fern Canyon The vertical walls of this magical place are draped in luxurious ferns. Take Davison Road off Hwy. 101, past Gold Bluffs Beach to the parking lot. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Redwood National & State Parks This National Park has everything...except crowds. Don't miss spectacular Fern Canyon or the haunting beauty of Lady Bird Johnson Grove. View magnificent Roosevelt Elk at Elk Meadow or Elk Prairie, where the visitor center is a hub for scenic walks on the James Irvine, Rhododendron and other incredible trails, including some that are wheelchair accessible. Victorian Village of Ferndale Step back in time in this town on the National Historic Register (exit Hwy. 101 at Fernbridge). Visit charming shops, galleries & museums on America's most perfect Main Street.

GROVELAND (Gold Country) Yosemite National Park 23 miles away. Our staff is knowledgable about Yosemite / Gold Country and will provide you with insider tips and assist with your transportation needs. Our restaurant would be happy to pack you a gourmet picnic basket for your day trip to Yosemite National Park or to Tuolumne Meadows. Gold Rush Communities Big Oak Flat, Coulterville, Chinese Camp, Jamestown, and Columbia to name a few.

GUERNEVILLE (North Coast) Visit the quaint coastal village of Mendocino Sightseeing in the charming towns of Healdsburg Occidental Freestone and Graton Sonoma Plaza Fort Ross Neighboring Sebastopol

HEALDSBURG (North Coast) Wine Country A visit to Healdsburg wouldn't be complete without visiting some of the more than 150 wineries in and around Sonoma County. Some of our personal favorites are: In the Alexander Valley — Alexander Valley Vineyard, Chateau Souverain, Clos du Bois, Fieldstone, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Hanna Winery, Kendall-Jackson Winery, Lancaster, Silver Oak Cellars, Simi Winery, Stryker Sonoma, White Oak. In the Russian River Valley — Belvedere Winery, Christopher Creek, Davis Bynum, DeLoach Vineyard, Foppiano, Gary Farrell, Hop Kiln Winery, Iron Horse, J Wine Co., Korbel Champagne Cellars, Limerick Lane, Rabbit Ridge, Rochoili, Rodney Strong. In the Dry Creek Valley — Alderbrook Vineyards, Armida Winery, Bella, Camellia Cellars, Ferrari-Carano Vineyard, Dry Creek Vineyard, Frick, J. Fritz Winery, Gopfrich Winery, Lake Sonoma, Lambert Bridge Winery, Mazzocco Vineyards, Michel-Schlumberger, Mill Creek Vineyards, Passalacqua, Preston Vineyards, Quivira Vineyards, Raymond Burr, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Seghesio Family Vineyard, Unti Vineyards, Wilson, Yoakim Bridge. In the Sonoma Valley — Benziger Family Winery, Chateau St. Jean, Gundlach-Bundschu Winery, Kenwood Vineyards, Matanzas Creek, Ravenswood Winery, Robert Stemmler Winery.

JULIAN (San Diego County) The George Washington Mine On the site of the original quartz ledge so rich in ore that it caused Julian's decade-long gold rush, is accessible from a hiking trail just steps from your room. Eagle Mining Company - conducts tours through two mines, the Eagle and High Peak. Much of Julian's early mineral wealth came from these mines. During the tour you'll descend 1000 feet to formations where gold-bearing ore was found. You'll also get a look at a century- old processing mill, the shop where the gold was cast into bars, and a gold panning demonstration. Museums/Galleries Theaters Vineyards and Wineries Nashoba Valley Winery, Menghini Winery, Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum, Witch Creek Winery, Shadow Mountain Vineyards, Bernardo Winery, Temecula Wine Country: just an hour's drive north of Julian

LA JOLLA (San Diego County) Museum of Contemporary Art of La Jolla Stephen Birch Aquarium Scripps Institute of Oceanography U.C. San Diego The Cove Beach San Diego Zoo Sea World, CA The Wild Animal Park La Jolla is ideally located in the center of costal San Diego County. Minutes to all the best San Diego has to offer. Old Town, Downtown San Diego Baja Mexico Take a car or take the train, the flavor of Mexico is within minutes from Downtown San Diego. Wine Country Del Mar Race Track Balboa Park Museums

LAGUNA BEACH (Los Angeles County & Orange County) Art Institute of Southern California Offers four year degrees in Fine Arts, Drawing, Painting, and Illustration in addition to adult and children extension classes. 949-376-6000 Bette Davis House English Tudor home, built in 1929, which overlooks beautiful Wood's Cove. Bette Davis lived here during the early 1940's. City Hall Built in 1951 in Mediterranean Revival style, it stands next to a heritage pepper tree that was planted in 1881. The adjacent Fire Department was built in 1931. Cope House The oldest remaining dwelling in downtown Laguna, built in 1897 in Settlement style. Edwards South Coast Laguna Cinema Built in 1934 in the Mediterranean Revival style. First building in Laguna to be constructed of steel and concrete. Eschbach Building Built in 1927 in an eclectic style with Normandy Revival influence, it started out as the home to South Coast News. Gallery Row Declared "GalleryRow" in 1960: this area currently has 12 fine art galleries. The Sawdust Festival began here in 1965 and moved to its current location in 1968. Greeter Statues Laguna's beloved and famous Greeter, Eilar Larsen, has been memorialized by two statues - one in front of the Greeters Corner Restaurant, and the other in front of the Pottery Shack. Heisler Point On coastal bluff just north of Main Beach. This spot, with a gazebo, offers a beautiful view of Laguna's coastline and is a popular wedding site. Historical Society Located in the Murphy-Smith House. Built 1920 in Builder Bungalow style, this building is an example of an early Laguna Beach cottage. Hotel Laguna Originally a wooden structure built in 1888, it was reconstructed in 1930 in its current Mission Revival style. The hotel has an attractive garden with gazebo, and along its main hallway are displayed fascinating photos of old Laguna. Hortense Miller Gardens 2 1/2 beautiful acres on the upper slopes of north Laguna: includes 1500 plant species. Two hour docent-lead, garden tours begin at 10 am on Wednesday, Saturday and alternating Tuesday and Thursday. Reservations required and must be made 2 - 6 weeks in advance. No children. Free. 949-497-3311 ext. 426 Laguna Art Museum The Laguna Art Museum (the oldest cultural institution in Orange County) is a museum of American art with a special focus on the art of California. Its purpose is to provide the public with exposure to art, and to promote understanding of the role of art and artists in American culture through collection, conservation, exhibition, research, scholarship and education. Laguna Playhouse Founded in 1920, it is one of the regions premier professional theaters, offering a 5-play main stage season and a 4-play children's season in the beautiful 400 seat Moulton Theater. Season runs September through June. 949-494-8021 Lifeguard Tower At Main Beach, it was originally part of a gas station built across the street in the mid 1930's. When the station was demolished, the tower was moved to its present location and converted for lifeguard purposes. The current Lifeguard Headquarters is at the north end of Main Beach. Lighthouse Tower On the hill opposite the Festival of Arts grounds. What many have thought was a old lighthouse, never was. In 1935 the tower was built in the Mediterranean Revival style as a vent for the flow of treated sewage; however, it no longer serves that purpose today. No Square Theater No Square Theatre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing performance and theatrical experience to local amateur performers, directors and technical staff of all ages, with ticket prices affordable for the whole family. We provide workshops for all ages, children's theatre, theatre for the deaf and hearing impaired, and other venues with manageable rehearsal and production schedules so that students, professionals and seniors have the time to participate. The events schedule includes plays, musicals, reviews, choral performances, and our annual roast of life on the coast, Lagunatics. Oldest Remaining House in Laguna Beach Built in 1883 with wood floated in from boats, wood from shipwrecks and driftwood. Peppertree Lane The Peppertree Lane is a historic building (1934) originally built around a pepper tree. When passing through the arched brick entries of this Laguna Beach landmark, one can leave reality behind and experience the mood of a European holiday. St. Francis-by-the-Sea Catholic Church Built in 1933 after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake materials destined for the Long Beach National Register of Historic Places.

LITTLE RIVER (North Coast) Mendocino Botanical Gardens "A plant lover's jewel" ... 47 acres to the sea Noyo Harbor Working harbor, restaurants -- in Fort Bragg Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Recently restored, working light house The Iris Gallery Irises, irises and more irises Mendocino Arts & Gifts Gourmet picnic & party baskets Galleries pARTners' Gallery: Contemporary art at Glendeven Inn Highlight Gallery: Fine woodworking, sculpture, paintings, jewelry Mendocino Art Center: Art classes and exhibits; pottery and weaving studios Zimmer Gallery: Painting, sculpture, jewelery, hand-crafted furniture Museums Ford House Museum: 707-937-5397 Built in 1854; now a museum and visitor center Guest House Museum: 707-961-2840 Focused on the history of redwood logging Kelly House Historical Museum: 707-937-5791 Extensive collection of early photos of Mendocino Parks Van Damme State Park: 707-937-5804 Adjacent to Glendeven... trails to the ocean and redwoods Mendocino Headlands State Park: 707-937-5804 Around the peninsula on which Mendocino Village is located Russian Gulch State Park: 707-937-5804 Hike to a waterfall Jughandle State Park: 707-937-5804 Blowholes and caves along the ocean's edge MacKerricher State Park: 707-937-5804 Headlands, a lagoon and sand dunes Montgomery Woods State Reserve: 707-937-5804 Pristine, old growth redwoods ... 1 hour from Glendeven Wineries Claudia Springs Winery Eaglepoint Ranch Winery Esterlina Fetzer Husch Vineyards Navarro Vineyards Pacific Echo Pacific Star Raye's Hill Roederer Estate Music and Theater Gloriana Opera Company Opera Fresca Mendocino Music Festival Symphony of the Redwoods Mendocino Theater Company Warehouse Repertory Theater

MENDOCINO (North Coast) Mendocino Headlands State Park North Coast The North Coast is rich in history. In addition to the village of Mendocino, there are several historic sites in Fort Bragg just fifteen minutes to the North. Fort Bragg was the site of a U.S. Army Fort which was established circa 1852-54. It is no longer an army fort, but the original fort building still stands on Franklin Street between Laurel and Pine Streets. The town also hosts the Skunk Train Railroad which has run an historic steam engine since 1885 through the redwoods offering passenger rides daily. Mendocino Area There is truly a myriad of things to do in the Mendocino area. To name but a few of the exciting activities and excursions, there is: canoeing, bicycling and horseback riding; horse-drawn carriage rides through Mendocino, golf, tennis, scuba diving and chartered whale watching boats. This should satisfy the sports person in all of us. For those who prefer to just relax and take in the ocean views, there are several stretches of beach and headlands to wander about, have a picnic, or view the whales (seasonal) and harbor seals.

MONTEREY (Central Coast) Monterey Bay Aquarium Offers exhibits on happenings in the Monterey Bay such as the new outer bay million-gallon tank with its schools of fish and special species, such as sun fish, shark & tuna. Other exciting exhibits include jelly fish, sea otters, a three story kelp tank and the kids favorite "touching pool". This is a real educational experience for all ages. Cannery Row One of the many historic sites in the area that today utilizes some of the old buildings for retail shops, restaurants, a factory outlet center, wine tasting, and galleries, in addition to historic tours. This is also the jumping off place for scuba divers. Monterey's Historic Fisherman's Wharf Featuring whale watching tours, fishing excursions, restaurants, souvenir shops, as well as the wonderful tall ship California, and the semi-submersible Nautilus, for trips on and under the sea. Monterey State Historic Park Features over a dozen early California historic buildings and museums, plus the new Maritime Museum. Walking tours are available 3 times daily. Also, attend a melodrama and olio performance in California's First Theatre (cheering & hissing allowed). Monterey Museum of Art Has exhibits from early California in addition to contemporary and traditional American artists Elken Slough Reserve This is just a marvelous nature sanctuary that is within a 30 minute drive from the inn. Winter is a wonderful time for "birders" as not only are the usual shore birds there, but migrating birds stop by for an overnight or two. Otters, seals fish, deer and small ground animals are also in attendance. Good show! Ano Nuevo State Reserve Located about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz and from December to March is the breeding grounds for elephant seals. Reservations are required with a guide. More than 3,000 seals arrive, as large as14 feet long, weighing some 5,000 lbs. each. One needs to know the rules! (A good, fun day out on a windy cold beach.) Big Sur Is the spectacular coastal area that runs south from Point Lobos that one can visit by taking a leisurely one hour drive south from the Inn. Be sure to ask us for our Big Sur letter to guide you along the way. Tapes are also available to borrow or buy providing an audiotour of the cultural and natural history. Point Lobos State Reserve Called "The greatest meeting of land and sea in the world." Take one of our picnic baskets and spend an entire day at the reserve enjoying the wildlife, walking trails, museum, tide pools, and the most scenic water views. For many, this is the highlight of their visit. Pacific Grove Known for its picturesque shoreline "The Three-Mile Drive" and tide pools at Hopkins Marine Station. Between November and March thousands of orange and black Monarch butterflies live in the trees in and around Washington Park - quite a sight. Touring the residential side streets, one sees many attractively restored Victorian homes (on tour the first weekend in October). Pebble Beach Renown for its world class golf courses, equestrian center and 17-mile drive, not to mention the spectacular scenic beauty and the Lone Cypress. Wine Country There are 50 wineries in Monterey and adjoining Santa Cruz county with about half having tours and tastings. Forest Theater Offers Shakespeare, world class dramas and light musicals

MURPHYS (Gold Country) Historic Murphys Main Street With shops, galleries, museum and restaurants Calaveras Big Trees State Park Mercer Caverns Black Chasm Cavern, California Cavern, Moaning Cavern Largest cave systems in Northern California Wineries and Vineyards Black Sheep Vintners Chatom Vineyards Domaine Becquet Winery French Hill Winery Gerber Vineyards Ironstone Vineyards Malvadino Vineyards Milliaire Winery Rios Vineyards Stevenot Winery Zucca Mountain Vineyards Columbia State Historic Park Irish Days in March Calaveras County Fair & International Jumping Frog Jubilee

OCCIDENTAL (North Coast) Safari West A most unusual wildlife park. Unlike zoos or drive-through parks, Safari West's expeditions are by appointment only and offer intimate exposure to wildlife. The park's naturalists provide a unique tour for each group in an authentic safari vehicle. Guests experience a two- to three-hour adventure visiting mixed herds of African native animals that interact much as they would in the wild. A 400-acre wildlife sanctuary, Safari West is home to more than 400 mammals and birds, including two young cheetahs. Go and experience Africa in the heart of the wine country! Christopher Queen Gallery The Asian-influenced Ren Brown Collection Sonoma County Repertory Theatre Located in nearby Sebastopol The Actors' Theatre of Sonoma County Santa Rosa Symphony Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

PACIFIC GROVE (North Coast) Lone Cypress Pebble Beach Golf Links Monterey Bay Aquarium Pet the starfish and enjoy the kelp beds. Cannery Row Stroll Steinbeck's renowned Cannery Row and imagine the legends that once walked there. Fisherman's Wharf Where shops and restaurants surround the fishing fleet. Coast Guard Pier Naval Post Graduate School Museum Located in the famous Old Del Monte Hotel Carmel Mission Carmel-by-the-Sea 17-Mile Drive Drive the famous 17-Mile Drive. See the Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach Golf Links, fabulous Coastline and magnificent homes. Pacific Grove Art Center Monterey Peninsula Museum of Art Carmel Art Association Galleries Wine Country Taste our fine wines and visit the local wineries in the hills of the Carmel and Salinas Valleys

PALM SPRINGS (Los Angeles County & Orange County) Attractions Palm Springs is unquestionably the world's most famous desert playground - from golf in the winter to a massage at a first-class spa resort. A charming village with an urban culture, the shopping, entertainment, architecture, dining and recreation are second to none. Palm Springs lies on the western edge of the magnificent Colorado Desert less than 2 hours east of Los Angeles and northeast of San Diego, CA. Creating a breathtaking backdrop for the quaint downtown is the impressive Mt. San Jacinto, rising behind it to an elevation of 10,831 feet. Famous as the playground for stars such as Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, Palm Springs is once again a magnet for celebrities of all persuasions. The explosion in interest in mid-century modernist architecture has also helped put the spotlight on Palm Springs, which boasts perhaps the most extensive and pristine collection of the best of this design of any city in the world. In this desert city the sun shines nearly every day, making the climate perfect for the multitude of popular outdoor activities, such as golf, tennis, hiking and horseback riding. Palm Springs boasts numerous parks and other recreational facilities, public and private golf courses and tennis courts, extensive hiking trails, bicycle routes, a water park and riding stables, libraries and a variety of fascinating museums. Take a breathtaking ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, traveling 8,500 feet up Mt. San Jacinto in about 15 minutes. On horseback or hiking, discover the serenity and beauty of the Indian Canyons, with their hidden waterfalls, wildflowers, unusual rock formations and towering palms. Or make your pulse race on a rented ATV, mountain bike or Harley-Davidson motorcycle, or as a guest on a desert Jeep tour. Take in the Palm Springs Desert Museum, or enjoy a show at the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. Spend your days shopping and dining at an extensive list of fine shops and restaurants. In downtown Palm Springs on the city's main drag - Palm Canyon Drive - parades and festivals are staged, and every Thursday night it is closed to traffic for a delightful Street Fair featuring food, crafts and entertainment. This famous strip is lined with antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs as well as their own "Walk of Stars." In January, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, for over 10 years, draws thousands to its more than 100 screenings of the best of international films. Come share the legend. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Since the 1960's, a favorite attraction is the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which ascends 8,500 feet up the side of Mt. San Jacinto in new, Swiss-made rotating tram cars. Starting in Chino Canyon near Palm Springs, the tram takes passengers on a breathtaking 15-minute journey up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon to the "Mountain Station" at an elevation of 8,516 feet—and a temperature drop of 30 degrees! The Mountain Station features a restaurant, gift shop, snack bar, and the Mount San Jacinto State Park Visitor Center. At the top, mountain hiking trails wind among green, lush pine trees in the spring and summer, and the snow is deep enough for cross-country skiing in winter. In summer, camping, hiking and guided tours are available. In winter, you can cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowtube. Enjoy spectacular views of the desert below and dine at the Top of the Tram Restaurant located within the Mountain Station, where lunch and dinner are served daily. In Long Valley, a short walk from the station, you will find the Long Valley Ranger Station, a picnic area with barbecue stoves and restrooms, a ski center, a self-guiding nature trail, and Desert View Trail which offers panoramas of the high country including several peaks over 10,000 feet in elevation. You can enter the hiking trail system from this point. The tram operates year-round, 10 a.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. weekends and holidays. Cars depart at least every half hour and the last car comes down at 9:45 p.m. For information, call (760) 325-1391. Palm Springs Follies : Acclaimed Palm Springs Follies is a Palm Spiring favorite. The Palm Springs Follies features internationally known guest stars, hilarious variety acts and the legendary line of lovely chorus "girls,” a knockout group of glamorous beauties that’s become an audience favorite and a Follies trademark . . . all 56 - 86 years young. The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies has not only earned a worldwide reputation as the only show of its kind, but is helping to re-define what growing “old” in America is all about. The evolution and growth of the Follies is nothing short of a miracle… both as a business enterprise and for the cast members who perform up to ten shows a week, seven months a year! The Follies has become a “poke-in-the-eye” to the stereotype of “old age,” as well as a model for vitality and vibrant life in the third age. Each season, the Follies promise a new and innovative theatrical experience while remaining true to the music, dance and comedy of the ‘30s and ‘40s. This year’s Follies – Give Them What They Want – celebrate those Hollywood hopefuls who arrived – usually by bus - from small towns everywhere. Fame, wealth and fulfillment of the American dream existed just behind the gates of the studio dream factories. The Follies runs from November - May 30. For additional information, visit www.psfollies.com. Palm Springs Walk of Stars : The ever-growing "Walk of Stars" on Palm Canyon Drive honors the city's pioneers and the celebrities—such as Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant and Sonny Bono—who have contributed to its growth and international reputation. Indian Canyons : Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and located on Agua Caliente tribal land, the Indian Canyons’ undisturbed natural beauty is combined with remarkably easy access to downtown Palm Springs. Fifteen miles long, Palm Canyon features indigenous flora and fauna and abundant palm trees in breathtaking contrast to the rocky gorges and barren desert lands beyond. A moderately graded, paved foot path winds down into the canyon for picnicking near the stream, meditating, exploring, hiking or horseback riding. Andreas Canyon is a lush oasis of magnificent fan palms and more than 150 species of plants within a half-mile radius. A scenic foot trail leads through the canyon, passing groves of stately skirted palms, unusual rock formations and the perennial Andreas Creek making it perfect for photography, bird-watching or a picnic along the trail. An easy hike south from Andreas Canyon. Murray Canyon has its own secluded beauty. Foot and equestrian trails lead to beautiful recreation areas among the many palm trees. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the peninsula Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), wild ponies or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness : The deeply weathered summit of Mount San Jacinto stands 10,804 feet above sea level, the highest point in the San Jacinto Range and second highest in Southern California. No more than a two-hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego, the mountain's magnificent granite peaks, subalpine forests, and fern-bordered mountain meadows offer a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy a scenic, high-country Wilderness area. The park offers two drive-in campgrounds near the town of Idyllwild. Most of the park is a designated wilderness area enjoyed by hikers and backpackers. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens : The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is one of the most unique tourist attractions in the Palm Springs desert area, giving visitors a complete introduction to the desert's indigenous animals and plants. Children are especially fond of "critter close-ups," a chance to see and touch small desert animals, tortoises, snakes and birds. Palm Springs Desert Museum: The Palm Springs Desert Museum is a nationally accredited art and natural science facility, that would be at home in any major city, featuring fine permanent collections and top touring exhibitions, galleries, sculpture gardens, the Annenberg Theater, and the Toor Gallery Cafe. Open Tuesday - Sunday year round except major holidays. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum: The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum focuses on the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other Cahuilla peoples. Exhibitions of pottery, basket-weaving, the Cahuilla language and the unique trdition of "birdsinging" bring the Cahuilla culture alive. Every year, as part of the Native American Cultural Weekend, the museum sponsors a Native American Film Festival featuring more than 20 feature-length and short films by Native Americans from across the country. Knott's Soak City USA : A deluxe, 16-acre oasis of fun, Knott's Soak City USA is a family-oriented water playground with 18 major water slides and attractions, including the 800,000-gallon Rip Tide Reef wave pool. Open daily mid March through Labor Day, weekends through October. Palm Springs Air Museum : This inspiring and expansive collection features propeller-driven World War II aircraft, the 60-seat Buddy Rogers Theatre of the Air, a restoration center, photographs and memorabilia. The Palm Springs Air Museum is open daily year-round and offers group tours. Boomers! Family Fun Center : Families can golf kid-style at Boomers! Family Fun Center, with three wacky and colorful 18-hole miniature golf courses. Non-golfers can try bumper boats, go carts, batting cages, a 10,000-square-foot games pavilion and 200 video and sports games. Joshua Tree National Park: Joshua Tree National Park is immense (nearly 800,000 acres), delicate and extremely fragile — a land shaped by strong winds, sudden torrents of rain, and climatic extremes. Winding your way between the park's two entrances you will experience two different deserts ("high" and "low") and three distinct ecosystems. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert, occupying the eastern half of the park, is dominated by the abundant creosote bush and small stands of spidery ocotillo and cholla cactus common to the low desert.. The higher, slightly cooler, and wetter Mojave Desert features extensive stands of the fantastical Joshua tree. (According to legend, Mormon pioneers considered the limbs of the Joshua trees to resemble the upstretched arms of Joshua leading them to the promised land.) Standing like islands in a desolate sea, a third ecosystem of oases provide dramatic contrast. Six fan palm oases dot the park, indicating those few areas where water occurs naturally or near the surface, meeting the special life requirements of those stately trees. The park also features extraordinary rock formations With rugged red mountains and exposed granite monoliths to climb and admire. It's no wonder that unique place draws visitors from around the world to hike, picnic, climb, explore, camp or simply breathe in the tranquility.

SAN FRANCISCO (San Francisco Bay Area) Exploratorium This fascinating hands on museum is a great adventure for all ages. Located in the Marina, the Exploratorium us in the only structure left from the San Francisco Pan Pacific Exhibition of 1916. The building itself is worth the visit. It is easily accessible by public transportation. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: This is newest museum in our city and is as modern looking as the collection inside of it. The permanent collection is a world-class assemblage of painting, sculpture and other medium that make the world of Modern Art. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco The California Legion of Honor, in Lincoln Park, houses a large Rodin collection of sculpture, the Aschenbach Collection of Etchings and hosts the worlds finest touring collections. The M. H. deYoung Museum, in Golden Gate Park, houses an outstanding American Fine Arts paintings. American Conservatory Theater Theatres Golden Gate Theater, Curran Theater, and Orpheum Theater: These lavish historic jewels in the nearby Theater District host touring productions of Broadway hits. Visit the Best of Broadway site for performance and ticket information, or call (415)512-7770 Beach Blanket Babylon San Francisco Symphony San Francisco Opera

SAN RAFAEL (San Francisco Bay Area) Fine Arts Symphony Marin Symphony 415-479-8100 Ballet Marin Ballet 415-453-6705 Marin Center for Performing Arts 415-472-3500 Theatre Marin Theatre Company 415-388-5208 San Francisco Excursions

SANTA BARBARA (Central Coast) Santa Barbara Museum of Art Natural History Museum and Planetarium Zoological Gardens-A Child's Estate Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens Just walk out the gate, turn left and cross the street and you are there. Lovely mini-botanical gardens, benches, lawns, scenic walkways and a large pond with Koi, turtles and ducks. It's hard to find a prettier spot anywhere. Alameda Park One and a half blocks from Simpson House, it is one of the oldest parks in Santa Barbara, established in the 1870s. Sunday concerts in the park are a big event during the summer months, and are performed on the 1880s bandstand. Just walk out the gates and turn left. Turn right on Santa Barbara Street, walk a block and you'll see the old bandstand on your right. Arlington Theater Miniature Hispanic Village Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Gardens Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens Sixty acres of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and cacti in natural settings. Five miles of easy to walk nature trails. Open daily 8am-sunset. 1212 Mission Canyon Road. Two miles from Simpson House. You can walk, but best to conserve your energy for the lovely trails in the gardens. Exit the driveway, left and turn left at Santa Barbara Street. Follow Santa Barbara Street to Los Olivos St. Turn right, pass the Mission, remain on Mission Canyon Road. At Foothill Road, turn right to Mission Canyon Road on your left. Wind up Mission Canyon to the gardens. Franceschi Park Walk or drive from the Inn. A lovely park, high on the Riviera, with a panoramic view of the city, the sea and the Channel Islands. The park has pleasant walks that wind through four acres landscaped with an unusual, rare botanical collection. 1510 Mission Ridge. Follow the directions to the Botanic Gardens as far as the Mission. Turn right on Alameda Padre Serra (just past the Mission). Left on Moreno Street. Which becomes Mission Ridge. The park entrance sign is on your left. · Mission Rose Gardens: Walk up to the Mission (approximately 8 blocks) and you'll find lovely lawns, a rose garden that is home to dozens of rose varieties, and beautiful views of the Mission and the ocean. Marina and Boat Harbor Wear casual clothes, as the only place to sit is on the cement quay, but it is worth it. Take your picnic out to the end of the breakwater where you can sit and view the city and the sea. Exit our drive to the right and turn left on State Street. Drive to the Dolphin Fountain at Stearns Wharf and turn right. The Harbor is about 1/2 mile from the Wharf. Turn left on Harbor Way and park in the public parking lot. Shoreline Park Overlooking the ocean, the park sits on a bluff beyond the Boat Harbor. There are tables, benches, and BBQ facilities. It is a favorite spot for kite flying, as it is usually quite breezy. A good site for sunsets. Follow the directions to the Marina but continue to the top of the hill where you'll see the grassy knoll. Stearns Wharf Walk or drive out onto the Wharf and find a sunny spot to sit and watch the gulls, pelicans and the fishermen. This tends to be a busy spot. Take away food is available there. Simpson House Gardens Find a secluded bench in the garden and just enjoy where you are! Monarch Butterfly Preserve California coastline, grasslands, vernal pools and some of this nation's best monarch butterfly groves-all linked by footpaths with stunning views of the Santa Ynez mountains, the Channel Islands and Pacific Ocean. Millions of butterflies migrate to winter roosts in the eucalyptus woodlands. Scientists rate it among the three largest over-wintering sites west of the Rockies. For a first time visit may we suggest a counter clockwise loop out to the coast and return via the butterfly groves. Directions: Exit Inn driveway to the right and drive to the 101 N. sign. 12 miles north take the Glen Annie/Storke Road exit, turn left on Storke Road. Drive to the first intersection. Turn right on Hollister Ave. and drive 1.6 miles to an unsigned turn off on the left (coast) side of the road. Turn left into the parking lot of Santa Barbara Shores County Park. A picnic overlooking the bluffs is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Seal Rookery Our local Harbor Seal Colony is one of four along the Southern California Coast. Seals haul out with their young during the day and night. Adults leave their young on the beach while fishing during the day. Seals may be seen from December 1 through May 31.Visitors are cautioned to view from the cliffs above and not to approach from the beach as this may cause adults to abandon their pups. Exit SH Inn driveway, turn left, 1 1/2 blocks to Garden street and turn right. One mile to 101 South. South on 101 to Bailard exit. Turn right and park at the end of the road. Take the path toward the ocean veering right through the Eucalyptus grove. When you're finished looking for "Surf Dogs", there is a small cart that parks at the end of Bailard Rd. He sells the best "Hot Dogs" around! Madame Ganna Walska Estate This Montecito estate is a botanical showcase, but you'll need to book in advance to visit. The well known Madame Ganna Walska, a Polish opera singer purchased this thirty seven acre estate in 1941 and renamed it Lotusland. In creating Lotusland, she experimented freely with bold forms and unusual color combinations. She contrasted serene, traditional vistas with daring theatrical displays. A series of gardens draws the visitor from surprise to surprise, through a delightful labyrinth of landscape adventures. Well worth the wait $10. Santa Ynez Valley Vineyards, Wineries and Mission Arts and Crafts Fair on Cabrillo Blvd.

SANTA YNEZ (Central Coast) Wine tasting Sunstone Vineyards and Winery Glider Rides Let one of our FAA certified pilots take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Soar silently above the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Don't put it off another day. Missions California Missions, Santa Inez Mission Museums Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, Vintage Motorcycle Museum, The Wildling Art Museum, The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society and Carriage House, Elverhoj Museum of Danish History and Art

SOUTH PASADENA (Los Angeles County & Orange County) Attractions *Old Town Pasadena-minutes away *Norton Simon Museum-1.25 miles north *Huntington Library & Gardens-10 minutes across town *The Gamble House-nearby *Wrigley Mansion & Rose Garden-minutes away *Rose Bowl-minutes away *Downtown Los Angeles-12 minutes away   City of Pasadena South Pasadena Chamber City of South Pasadena

ST. HELENA (North Coast) Napa Valley Wine Train COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts Culinary Institute of America Napa Valley Museum Safari West Wildlife Preserve & Resort

TAHOE VISTA (High Sierra) Boat Cruise 3-hour cruise on the Shore House Yacht "Lady of the Lake" or sailing tour on the Woodwind. Lake Tahoe Drive around the lake, stopping at Emerald Bay for a hike to Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake. Squaw Valley

TWAIN HARTE (Gold Country) Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows Historic Towns Chinese Camp, French Flat, Poverty Hill, and Mi Wuk Village. Sonora Pass Wineries The Gold Country has become the second "Wine Country" of California. Vineyards and wineries are available for touring. Columbia State Park The town's old Gold Rush-era business district has been preserved, with shops, restaurants and two hotels. Visitors have the chance to time-travel to the 1850s, imagining life when gold miners rubbed shoulders with businessmen and the other residents in Columbia. Visitors can experience a bygone era watching proprietors in period clothing conduct business in the style of yesterday. There are opportunities to ride a 100 year-old stagecoach, hire a "fine steed" for a horseback ride through the "diggins," pan for gold, or tour an active gold mine. Railtown - Jamestown Located in Jamestown, California, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to one of America's last authentic, operating railroad roundhouses. Known as "The Movie Railroad," Railtown's locomotives and cars have appeared in over 200 film and TV productions, including Back to the Future 3, Petticoat Junction, and Little House on the Prairie. Weekends April-October (plus selected weekends in November and December), take a ride behind a real steam locomotive.