The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: January third, doing some California dreaming.

For well over a century now, the Golden State has loomed large in many travelers fantasies. And no wonder. Definitions of glamour and trendiness may ebb and flow with the times, but California's essence and beauty are eternal.

There's its unparalleled coastline, stretching 1264 miles between the borders of Oregon and Mexico. It's studded with three big deal cities, dozens of distinctive beach towns, lots of logging hamlets, and long stretches of wilderness that clearly define the continent's edge.

Inland, California is still rich with the tantalizing scenes that once graced citrus-box labels, lush, verdant valleys; grand redwood forests, ripe orchards set beneath snowcapped volcanoes.

The magazine National Geographic Traveler is a supporter of our program. The latest issue showcases some of the best experiences the Golden State has to offer. There are explorations of trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice and the great old Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, an amusement park that was almost half a century old when Disneyland opened in 1955. That's followed by a slow drive on Highway One through the magnificent Big Sur and a lazy tubing and tasting float through the wine country of the Russian River valley.

Restaurant authority Anthony Dias Blue reveals his five favorite California eateries, Mark Miller finds peace and pleasure among the celebrities in the spa at Two Bunch Palms. For toppers, there are walks among the ancient bristlecones of the White Mountains and the surprises of Lassen Volcano National Park.

Back to January 04 Main

Look through the list of fascinating places and off-beat features we’ve covered. Search text versions of past episodes and articles in our archives.