US 4-5 feb20 17/2/09 10:49 Page 48
knowledge california
ttglive.com
Paddle boat turned hotel: Delta King in Old Sacramento
ROUTE - NORTHERN.
CALIFORNIA.
Ben Mason, American
Express Travel Services
What we did: We were
based in California’s capital
Sacramento and stayed on the
Delta King, a mighty paddle boat
Lauren recommends visiting the Heavenly Resort in South Lake Tahoe, for easy access to the Nevada and Californian mountains which is now a unique hotel.
While in Sacramento, we ventured out
Resort & Club in Palm Springs, which isn’t ROUTE: CALIFORNIAN. to experience some of California’s outdoor
so much a resort as a way of life. MOUNTAINS. adventures and white-water rafted on the
Finally, it was on to San Diego, where we Lauren Walker, Colletts Travel American River.
had a chance to get out on the ocean wave as We also saw stunning waterfalls, boiling
we helped to sail Dennis Conner's Americas What we did: We started off springs and mudpots in McArthur Burley
Cup yacht. in San Francisco, and visited Falls State Park and Lassen Volcanic State
the soon-to-open California Parks, and visited the breathtaking Redwood
What I discovered: I didn’t realise that Academy of Sciences – the National Park.
California would be such an all-round desti- only place to hold a natural his- We also visited California governor Arnold
nation. Each city is able to offer something tory museum, aquarium, planetar- Schwarzenegger’s offices, but sadly the
unique yet all are within close proximity of ium, and rainforest all under one roof! Governator wasn’t there.
each other so you aren’t limited to one type Outside the city, we were in Yosemite in
of holiday. just a couple of hours, which was amazing, What I discovered: California adventure,
and then moved on to the mountains and relaxation, beautiful beaches, stunning land-
TOP TIPS. arrived at Mammoth lakes – 9,000 ft above scapes, big cities and quaint little seaside
■ Pay extra for VIP passes at Universal Stu- sea level with amazing views. towns.
dios – it really does save you time. We also checked out Rainbow Falls and What surprised me most about the trip
■ An alternative to staying in Hollywood is The Sierra Star golf course, the highest golf were the Americans themselves; the Brits
the Sheraton Universal – it’s just one sub- course in California, before heading to Lake have a view of the Americans as brash and
way stop away from Hollywood so a little Tahoe. loud, but I found them to be some of the
quieter and great for families. warmest, friendliest people I have ever met.
■ Head to the Getty Centre for great views of What I discovered: I would recommend If I was sending clients on the same
Hollywood and some amazing art displays. these mountain areas of California to itinerary we experienced, I’d recommend
couples and families looking for an active at least three weeks and tell them to go in
holiday. These resorts have so many activi- September as the weather was perfect. My
ties to offer and when the going gets tough one must-see would be Trinidad, a beautiful
you can relax in one of the hotel spas or little seaside town.
enjoy an excellent meal out.
Also, its ski resorts can even rival some in TOP TIPS.
Canada. I would recommend clients spend at ■ Stay at the Delta King in Old Sacremento,
least 10 days, either in spring or during the a great experience staying on an authentic
ski season, to take in this part of California. paddleboat!
■ Pick up a Californian cook book – you
TOP TIPS. might think of American food as fatty,
■ Pick up the tourist passport at the airport but the Californians are all about organic,
in San Francisco as it includes offers and dis- healthy, nutritous food.
counts. ■ Drink some Californian wine. Most wineries
■ In Yosemite, visit early in the day so you have small distribution areas so you will taste
Mandy checked out Huntington Beach in Orange County see the park at its most peaceful. wines you'll not find elsewhere.
48 20.02.2009
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