california 61
Golden TIMES
With dramatic coastal scenery along the Pacifi c Coast Highway, the urban attractions of Los Angeles and San Francisco, vineyards, beaches and mountains, California deserves its ‘Golden State’ billing, says Lynn Houghton
C
alifornia, located on the West Coast of the US on the Pacifi c Ocean, suffered a jolt – literally – last month when the biggest earthquake to
hit the state in 25 years struck in the north, close to the Napa Valley, famous for its wine production. Whilst damage was light, tourism offi cials
– from hotel managers to winemakers – were quick to reassure potential visitors that Napa Valley, one of California’s many prized tourism areas which attracts up to three million annual visitors who spend $1.4 billion in the area, was very much open for business. In fact, according to Napa Valley tourism
offi cials, the quake closed only two of nearly 150 hotels in the valley and damaged about a dozen or so of the valley’s 500+plus wineries. Away from the vineyards – California also has a wine-growing area in the south, less than an hour north of San Diego located around Temecula Valley – ‘The Golden State’ is vast and varied: from forests to beaches to deserts, mountains to canyons, and rivers and lakes. It also has virtually unlimited attractions. But California is possibly most famous for its
photogenic sun-soaked coastline which runs from the Mexican border up to the redwood forests in the state’s northern extremes. “California is a perfect self-drive destination. Driving is a great way to explore the Golden State, and the rugged coastal scenery of Big Sur on the Pacifi c Coast Highway is a real must. The national parks are jaw-droppingly beautiful and magnifi cently diverse,” says Alison Silva, USA and Canada Destination Manager for Hayes and Jarvis. California can also rival Florida when
it comes to ‘theme park heaven’ with top attraction Disneyland (which now includes ‘California Adventure’) a favourite as well as nearby Knott’s Berry Farm. “California really does appeal to everyone; the state is full of attractions for kids of all ages. From theme parks and beaches to historical museums and star-spangled sights, California is an obvious hit for all the family from young to old!” exclaims Angus Bond, Head of Product Services for Virgin Holidays. San Diego is home to the original Sea World and, just up the road from LA in Hollywood
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“In California, the wilderness is never far away. A great way to escape the fierce desert sun is to take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a cable car that whisks visitors up to the cool pine forests of
the San Jacinto Mountains” REBECCA EVANS, MARKETING EXECUTIVE, FUNWAY HOLIDAYS
Hills, Universal Studios offers backlot tours and thrilling movie-themed rides. Speaking of Hollywood, no other city can boast
of having the ‘movie capital of the world’ in its backyard. Tours of movie stars’ homes by Starline Tours (
starlinetours.com) are always popular. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with its
Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the 10 most visited attractions in Southern California and one of Carrier Sales Consultant Lucy Barton’s not-to-miss experiences.
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