California has many wonderful places to visit in addition to its famed fun in the sun activities. But California isn’t only about the sunny weather. Here are some great but unheralded vacation spots that are equally entertaining, interesting, and light on your pocketbook.
In the 1900’s California brought hundreds of people to the state promoting ‘The Second Gold Rush’ with the promise of making tons of cash through the citrus industry. The beautiful groves of lemons and oranges were spectacular at the time and presented the picture of California as being a golden state full of sunshine and hope; of making a new success out of life.
California Citrus State Historic Park maintains the early 1900’s look and feel. Step back into time as you experience the feeling of how California began and developed through its citrus industry.
There is an amphitheater, demonstration groves, and activity center. The land in the park is full of original trees that are still producing.
The park is a site to behold with its acres of sweet smelling groves demonstrating the importance of how the citrus industry made Southern California what it is.
Ready for the beach? Check out the Silver Strand State Park. This park, which lies on a narrow strip dividing the Pacific Ocean with the San Diego Bay, boasts beaches on the Pacific side as well as along the 11-mile-long bay. The climate is mild and the fun is contagious with camping, surfing, boating, swimming, and any other outdoor activity you can think of for the beach. The fishing is great and you can angle up a storm for grunion, yellow fin croaker, and perch. On the bay side of the park there are pedestrian tunnels that lead to water that is perfect for sailing and swimming. There are ample barbecue pits and fire rings for anyone poised for a barbeque or campout. Don’t be surprised to find sandollars and moonsnails as you amble along the breezy shoreline. The park was named for the silvery oyster shells that cover the beach.
Vacationers return year after year to this beautiful spot.
There are four parking lots that handle up to 1,000 vehicles. There are cold showers available as well as restrooms at each side of the park.
This is a complete California experience that is both calm and relaxing. Plan to spend some time here because there are so many activities you don’t want to miss!
Muir Woods National Monument near Point Reyes and San Francisco:
Have you ever been close to a great redwood tree, so ominous in its magnificent size? These redwood trees dominate the Muir Woods forest. Surprisingly, fall is when it is the warmest, with crayfish in the Redwood Creek and ladybugs flitting seemingly everywhere. All of the big leaf maple trees begin to turn yellow. During the winter time you will find rainbow trout and salmon in the creek migrating for spawning. Wildflowers galore in the spring and in the summer azaleas, blue jays, and little chipmunks fill the forest. Many of the northern coastal valleys of California had many redwood trees that are similar to those found in the Muir Woods National Monument. The forest that is along the Redwood Creek wasn’t cut down because loggers didn’t possess the technical ability to reach them back in the day.
All the main trails are level and paved. There are bridges along the creek that take you through the old growth coast redwoods.
There is a half-hour walk, a one-hour walk, and a 90 minute walk available for visitors, as well as much longer hikes for those who are able. You will feel extremely tiny when seeing these majestic trees. They are the tallest living things in the world.
The main trail begins at the visitor center where you can follow Redwood Creek on either side of the water. It’s a level and easy walk and you can make it as short as you want and still enjoy every aspect of this magical spot. If you prefer the half-day hike, you can stop at the Tourist Club and enjoy the views and take a break. This is called the Ocean View trail and it is a beautiful sight. The Tourist Club was established in 1912, and though the route is a bit steep and a little dangerous, you can always take the Sun Trail loop back to the Muir Woods if you’re not up to it.
Visit the natural landscapes of Mount Shasta where there are mountain lakes, rivers, forests of untouched beauty.
Are you ready for a climb? Mount Shasta is part of the Cascade Range. It’s elevation is 14,162 feet. Mount Shasta is an active volcano and has its own weather system. The clouds around the mountain are like no other place I have ever seen. The hike can be a challenge and the hiking and climbing is open year round but only experienced hikers should attempt the climb during the winter months. The most popular approach is Avalanche Gulch. This climb can take up to eight hours and it is a strenuous climb.
Mount Shasta always offers great outdoor activities such as skiing, biking, golfing, mountaineering, snowboarding, and swimming. Beautiful Lake Siskiyou and Castle Lake both are wonderful swimming holes as well as picnicking, fishing, and water skiing.
If you love the natural beauty of the outdoors Mount Shasta is the place to go with mild temperatures in the summer and snow in the winter.
Safari West in Santa Rosa:
Want to take a trip to Africa in Santa Rosa? Then the Safari West is the place to go where you can see over 500 animals with every reptile, bird, and mammal with over 100 different species from Africa represented. All the mammals are from Africa and the birds are from Africa, New Guinea, South America, and the United States. You’ll find, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, cheetahs, and hundreds of other animals.
Safari West is in the middle of wine country on 400 acres and is a wildlife preserve recreating the natural habitats of the resident animals. You won’t find this kind of setting in a drive thru park or zoo.
If you choose to take the tour you will enjoy the ride in an open air jeep-style vehicle that will guide you through the preserve. The tour will introduce you to cheetahs and lemurs as well as the many other animals living there. You’ll be exploring the wildlife preserve traveling in a safari vehicle and trekking the grounds while learning about all the fascinating creatures, all in this unique setting. The animals run free and roam around your jeep.
This is a unique learning experience that will entice you to come back year after year and who knows? You might just come face to face with a giraffe!
Skunk Train in Fort Bragg:
You’ll be traveling through tunnels and over bridges on this wonderful Skunk Train trip. The train has been running the Redwood Coastal Route since 1885. You’ll see deer drinking from the river and marvel at the towering trees. You’ll learn what it was like for the loggers who worked hauling timber from the sawmills during the 19th century. The train got its name ‘Skunk’ from the self powered yellow rail cars that were powered with gas engines. Because of the odor the train was named the Skunk. Guess that tells you what it may smell like.
This is a nice relaxing ‘days gone by’ train ride. The 1925 M-100 motorcar runs year round and it is the only one of its kind. The 1935 motorcar also runs the year round. When it gets into a busier season the 1950 diesel powered engines and a 1924 Baldwin are fired up. You decide what you would like to ride on.
Take a beautiful ride on a beautiful train where food and beverage are available aboard.
If you decide to visit in the summer months you’ll be treated to a wonderful barbecue in the redwoods. This afternoon trip lasts about five hours.
There are so many natural beauties out there to visit and these are just a few of the special ones available in the Golden State of California.
