California Dreamin' (but not for long!)

Very soon we'll be taking a trip to one of my favorite places. That's right, we're going to California!

I first fell for the Golden State years ago, on a cross-country road trip with my family.

Me in Yosemite National Park, age 10

Six year later and just before my junior year of high school, my mom took me to San Francisco for a five-day mother/ daughter trip. We spent the days walking around, checking out Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf, eating outside at cafés. I loved the salty ocean breeze, the variety of places to eat, and being in a place full of energy and activity.

 

San Francisco, 1998

Mom and me, Sonoma County, August 1998

 

Years later, I spent a summer working and hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail in Central California in my early twenties and was hopelessly hooked on California's natural beauty.

 Stanislaus National Forest,  June 2005

Stanislaus National Forest,  June 2005

Edison Lake, John Muir National Forest,  July 2005

 

Edison Lake

Together, Scotty and I have traveled to California many times. On this trip we'll be flying into San Francisco, spending a few days there, then picking up a rental car and making our way down the coast, with stops in Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and the LA area. In the spirit of our upcoming travels, over the coming weeks I'll be sharing some of the highlights of our past travels in the state.  

Sunrise in Anza Borrego State Park, California,  November 2008

On Highway 1, Coastal California near Monterey

Picnic lunch in Cambria,  January 2007

The best part about going to California is that (almost) none of it has cost us a fortune (with a few notable exceptions, ahem, ahem, Harbor Island San Diego). If you don't mind spending the night in a tent or a hostel at times, exploring California can be very affordable. Also, keeping an eye out for deals on the internet and traveling at non-peak times helps. And there are always opportunities to see and do a lot thanks to a mostly mild climate year-round.

California is the kind of place that seems to always have something new to discover. If you have any suggestions for cannot-miss places, please feel free to share in the comments. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Camping in the Channel Islands, December 2008