California Road Trips 2008 - (Page 32) Suzuki Sand & Sun Day Trips S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E Way of Life! California Dreamin’ 5 1 2 SUN-FILLED DAY TRIPS: ADD A PERFECT DAY OF PLAY TO FIVE OF OUR CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIPS 3 Malibu: Beach Blanket Bonanza Cruise the quintessential California stretch of sand, surf, and sun: State 1 following the coast from Santa Monica northwest to Malibu. Start early; beachfront parking spots are almost as coveted as the region’s zillion-dollar homes. To see surfers slice the waves, head to Surfrider Beach, east of Malibu Pier. Relax at the string of sandy crescents labeled Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, the most popular being El Matador, captured in many episodes of Baywatch. INFO: 800/544-5319 Bodega Bay: Uncrowded Sonoma Coastline Leave footprints in the sand along the Sonoma Coast. Start with a brisk hike up Bodega Head, a dramatic peninsula an hour west of Santa Rosa. Refuel with cups of hot chowder in the bustling fishing port of Bodega Bay. Then romp by the waves at pristine Sonoma Coast State Park, a series of beaches bound by rugged coastlines dotted with natural arches and secluded coves. While often foggy on summer mornings, skies usually clear by midday, offering a perfect escape from inland valley heat. INFO: 800/576-6662 32 www.visitcalifornia.com Big Sur: Wild & Rugged Just south of bustling Carmel lies spectacular Big Sur. Start a visit at Point Lobos State Reserve, where trails lead to pocket-size inlets (keep your eyes peeled for otters and sea lions). Head south on State 1 to see redwood-cloaked mountains plunging to the sea. Stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, then enjoy lunch at Nepenthe, a cliff-hugging restaurant favorite for more than 50 years. INFO: 877/666-8373 4 5 For more information on Suzuki Automobiles, visit SuzukiAuto.com Clockwise from top left: Ericka McConnell; Martin Sundberg; Corey Rich; Gary Conner Shasta Lake: North Country Playground With sparkling, topaz-blue water, Shasta Lake satisfies everyone’s dream of a perfect summer escape. Less than an hour north of Redding, the lake offers 1 plenty of ways to 2 play and explore, 3 all in the shadow 4 of snow-topped 5 Mt. Shasta. Rent an assortment of boats and watercraft from nearly a dozen marinas. Take a guided horseback ride, tour Shasta Dam, or hop a catamaran to visit Lake Shasta Caverns. Stretch it into a weekend on a fully equipped houseboat or in a shoreline cabin. INFO: 530/365-7500 4 2 Lake Tahoe: Mountain Classic Dip down to the water’s edge from State Route 89, tracing the lake’s west side. Start in Tahoe City at Commons Beach Park, with sand and a grassy play area. Head south for lunch at Sunnyside Resort, where classic wooden boats bob offshore. Continue south to hike down to Emerald Bay, then stop for ice cream at Camp Richardson. Tour turn-of-the-century mansions at Tallac Historic Site. INFO: 888/434-1262 (North Shore), 800/288-2463 (South Shore) 3 http://www.visitcalifornia.com http://SuzukiAuto.com
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