California Road Trips 2008 - (Page 10) california road trips 2008 CENTRAL COAST S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E Saddle up for fun Paddle a kayak, climb into caves, pedal through vineyards, take a trail ride, or sail off into the sunset along this stunning stretch of classic California coastline. Monterey. Spy sea otters on a kayak tour of Monterey Bay, then explore Cannery Row shops. Tour the historic town square, and enjoy the kids’ Splash Zone at Monterey Bay Aquarium. INFO: More fun 877/666-8373 south to Big Sur, page 32. Lake Nacimiento (79 mi/127 km: 1 hr 44 min). Zoom around in a ski or pontoon boat, or pitch a tent on the shores of this off-the-beaten-track lake, surrounded by classic California hills. INFO: 800/323-3839 Paso Robles (16 mi/25 km: 26 min). Pick from over 100 winetasting options in this vineyardcloaked region. Practice your swing at challenging Hunter Ranch Golf Course. INFO: 805/238-0506 Santa Barbara (33 mi/53 km: 45 min). Hang 10 as you learn to surf, or sail away on a sunset cruise. Back on land, splurge with a visit to Tiffany & Co. and other shops at La Cumbre Plaza. INFO: 805/966-9222 San Luis Obispo (28 mi/45 km: 30 min). Get a great workout climbing 1,257-foot Bishop Peak, the tallest of the mountains surrounding town. Try tapas and a local vintage at Novo, with outdoor dining overlooking San Luis Obispo Creek. INFO: 805/781-2777 Ojai (41 mi/66 km: 49 min). Pedal through rolling wine country on a guided bicycle tour offered by Trails by Potter. Enjoy garden dining at Suzanne’s Cuisine or The Ranch House, then relax at an area spa. INFO: 805/646-8126 California cowgirl; Santa Ynez vineyards (at right) Pismo Beach (11 mi/18 km: San Juan Bautista (33 mi/ 52 km: 40 min). By day, visit the town’s 19th-century adobes, shops, and mission. At night, check out stars and planets through a 30-inch telescope atop Fremont Peak. INFO: 831/623-2454 13 min). Stop by the California Welcome Center SM, then hike through the dunes at Pismo State Beach. Cruise past woodies and blond surfer dudes at bustling Shell Beach. Enjoy Pismo’s annual Clam Festival in October. INFO: 800/443-7778 Monterey Bay 152 152 N 0 25 mi Monterey 68 San Juan Bautista Salinas PINNACLES NM 146 25 5 Pinnacles National Monument (41 mi/66 km: 54 min). Scramble around rock spires and discover cool caverns in this extraordinary park with a volcanic past, especially beautiful when spring wildflowers bloom. INFO: 831/389-4485 1 G14 101 Santa Ynez Valley (61 mi/ 98 km: 1 hr 8 min). Sidle up to Jedlicka’s Saddlery, in Victorian-era Los Olivos. Take a horseback ride from Alisal Ranch into the vineyard- and oak-clad Santa Ynez Mountains. INFO: 800/742-2843 198 1 San Simeon an Oce 46 Lake Nacimiento Paso Robles 46 33 Avila Beach 2 San Luis Obispo Pismo Beach Santa Maria 33 3 10 3 more ways…to play outside 1 1 Peer into the Hidden Terrace and other secret enclaves 246 Solvang Santa Ynez 154 on the Hearst Castle Garden Tour. INFO: 800/444-4445 2 Soak in a hot tub in the hillsides at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, near Avila Beach. INFO: 805/595-7302 3 Holler “Thar she blows!” on whale-watching excursions heading out from Santa Barbara. INFO: 805/969-5217 www.visitcalifornia.com Welcome CenterSM Family Outdoors Shopping Spa Beach Golf Santa Barbara 101 3 Ojai Wine & Dine State Park Nancy Brown/Getty, Chris Leschinsky fic Paci http://www.visitcalifornia.com
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