The United States Without California?

There was a song that came out in the sixties that had the refrain "I don't care what you say I won't stay in a world without love." Is it even possible to imagine what a world would be like if we didn't have such a place as wonderful as California? I know imagining the US without a California is almost impossible to do.

California is so rich with sights and great places to visit that one has to plan not one but many trips they're to truly take in all it has to offer. A visit to Los Angeles alone can fill more than a week and you would still leave behind so much to do and see. Everyone needs to come to southern California for a visit at least once in his or her lifetime.

Here you will find the home of our great movie industry. Who can resist the idea of hanging out near the major studios to catch a glimpse of a movie star? And you can pass your time waiting by going to Grumman's Chinese Theater to put your own feet in the famous imprints on the walk of fame. There you can see if your shoe size matches of the Hollywood Greats such as Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Dustin Hoffman or even Lassie.

You can't come to LA and forget that this is the area of the country where you can check in at the original Disneyland and now California Adventure. Don't get me wrong Disney World in Florida and the other Disney Park locations around the world are wonderful. But who can let their child miss the chance to go on the "It's a Small World" ride and sing along with the anamatronic figures at the original Disneyland in Buena Park?

After your visit to Disneyland you can go just around the corner and visit America's first theme park, Knott's Berry Farm. With a mixture of state of the art rides and theme shows, Knott's Berry Farm is another perfect theme park adventure everyone will love.

Wherever you go up and down California, the one thing that will continue to draw your eye is the amazing California coast. The sight of those Pacific Ocean waves making huge breakers on the rocks and beaches has been the object of art for many painters over the years. If you live in a land-locked state or even if you have enjoyed the coastlines in the Gulf States and the eastern seaboard, the California surf will be yet another viewpoint of the majesty of God's creation in the oceans that grace our fair country.

One must drive the coast highway 1 from southern California going North through the many small towns along the way. Towns like Carmel-by-the-sea made famous by it famous one time mayor Clint Eastwood. But the sheer rugged beauty of this coastal drive will thrill and delight you ever mile of the way. You will cherish the wonderful memories of your incredible trip up coast highway 1.

As you continue to travel north you can enjoy other exotic locations all around the city of San Francisco. But give yourself time because this is a town you want to take in on foot or by traveling on their famous and historic streetcars. For a small city, San Francisco will charm you so thoroughly that you would swear you were in one of the quaint and charming villages of Europe, Spain or Greece. The sight of those breath-taking hills that the residents have to drive each day will probably bring back some great movie you saw that was filmed there. And it's easy to get goose bumps standing on the corner of Haight & Ashbury and reflect on the birth of the Hippie Movement in the early sixties right on that spot.

When you are there, you must be sure to visit Fisherman's Wharf and eat at one of the many open-air restaurants. I recommend you try some New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. From the wharf you can check out the one time maximum-security penitentiary Alcatraz and even take a boat ride out to it if you want.

After leaving San Francisco you won't want to miss a tour of the wine country. Visit the famous vineyards of some of your favorite wines all found in northern California. Of course who can't leave without enjoying a wine tasting or two which is yet one more experience that has become famous for charming visitors.

Time fails me to tell you about the giant Red Woods, the Finger Lakes at the Mammoth ski resort, or the incredible beauty of the Sierra Mountains and Yosemite National Park. There really is so much to do and see in this wonderful state even Californians have a hard time doing it all.

California may not steal your heart away from your own hometown and state. But one thing is for sure. Your trip to California will leave you with dozens of exciting memories and it will leave you with something even more lasting. You will come home with a determination that you have to get back to and enjoy the many adventures left undone in this great American State called California.