A Trip to San Diego, California

If you are considering heading to San Diego for a vacation, you are probably planning on sitting on the beach all day long. Well, there are a few other things you should know about.

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A Trip to San Diego, California

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When most people think of San Diego, they think of beaches and sitting out in the sun. Obviously, that is what our city is known for, but you will miss a lot if that is all you do. Here are some tips from a local on other things you might want to have a go at.

1. Every city has a zoo, but no city has a Zoo quite like San Diego. The San Diego Zoo is fairly well-known for being huge and impressive. A wide variety of fairly rare animals exists, but you have to be prepared to walk to see everything. We are talking up and down hills, so get your walking shoes ready. Tickets for adults are , while kids get in for . It is worth it.

2. If you prefer a bit of culture, Balboa Park is the place. Located next to the zoo and a few minutes from downtown, the park is a bevy of museums with the Ruben H. Fleet being a favorite. If you get tired of museums, you can also just kick back and people watch all day. There are some very interesting characters in the area.

3. If you prefer a younger crowd and eclectic shops, Pacific Beach is a good spot to visit. Yes, you can sit on the beach, but you will want to take some time to stroll up Garnet Avenue from the beach. You will find coffee shops, more than a few bars, pool halls, eclectic clothing boutiques, more bars and some of the cheapest sushi in the world. This is also a great place to take in the nightlife San Diego is known for.

4. The Carlsbad Flower Fields are definitely worth a trip if you have a thing for blazing colors. Carlsbad is located in what is known as North County and can be reached by taking the I-5 freeway north out of San Diego proper for about 15 minutes. The Flower Fields consist of 50 acres overlooking the ocean and are a sight to be seen. The flowers only bloom from May to March, so make sure to time it right.

5. During summer, Del Mar is the place to be. In June, the Del Mar Fair is a large fair that offers every gadget and sketchy carnival ride you can imagine. Major headlining artists perform each night, so keep an eye out for favorites. After the fair ends, the grounds convert into the Del Mar Horse Track with the ponies racing from July to the middle of September. Bands perform on Fridays after the last race.

The above represent just a small slice of the possibilities when visiting San Diego. Oh, you should probably visit a beach or two as well.

A Trip to San Diego, California

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Hiking Opportunities in California

If you are an adventure sports junkie and live for the next travel adventure that will give you an adrenaline rush, then try hiking in sunny California. You might have gone hiking before, but once you get a taste of the California hiking you wont want to go anywhere else.

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California offers hiking trails through almost all imaginable and existing natural environs from high majestic mountains, beautiful alpine lakes, granite gorges, basalt formations, streaming rivers, to awe inspiring meadows and waterfalls.

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The most fascinating, adventurous and popular hiking trails range from a hike through the legendary Yosemite National Park, through the scenic Devils Postpile National Monument, circling the famous rainbow falls; narrow trails in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and unforgettable hikes through desolation wilderness, bordering lake Tahoe.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite national park established in 1890 has some of the most challenging but beautiful hiking trails in California. The diverse trails can take you from a reconstructed Indian village; the banks of the Merced River; meadows surrounded by majestic mountains; to surging and cascading waterfalls and wondrous rock formations.

With over 840 miles of trail in the Yosemite national park, you can take your pick from a hike around the bottom of the valley or ones with a little elevated trail for the more adventurous hikers. Whichever way you decide to go, don't forget to carry enough water and warm clothes with you to enjoy your trip.

Devils Postpile National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument, located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada was established in 1911. This national monument is home to the awe-inspiring basalt formations and the spectacular 101 foot high rainbow falls. The monument has several hiking trails culminating both these features as also the Joaquin River, flowing by. With camping facilities in a meadow, near minaret falls, soda springs and the actual basalt formations, the trails are ideal for families. The views that you get from almost every trail are breathtakingly beautiful.

The only precaution you'll have to take is, use a metal bear box for storing food, as this is bear country.

Ansel Adams Wilderness

The Ansel Adams wilderness earlier known as Minarets Wilderness is located south of the Yosemite national park. The wilderness offers spectacular hikes through granite ridges surrounded by immaculate alpine flora and fauna. The trails lead through beautifully preserved and unspoiled lakes, where you can also enjoy fishing, summit hikes to any of the hills, or a trail on the edges of the San Joaquin River. The Pacific Crest and John Muir trails are some of the most popular hiking trails in this area. Other picturesque destinations are: 1,000 Island Lake, Garnet Lake, silver lake and Banner and Ritter Peaks.

Keep adequate supply of food, shelter and fishing gear on your must carry list when hiking in the Ansel Adams wilderness.

Desolation Wilderness

Desolation wilderness, located west of the Tahoe River is another great hiking area in the state of California. Some of the most popular hiking trails in desolation wilderness are: Wrights trail, Lake Sylvia, Velma Lakes trails, Fallen Leaf and Eagle Falls trails. With more than a 100 lakes and innumerable streams, fishing activities can also be arranged.

A visitor's permit is required to visit the desolation wilderness all year round. Also, keep a portable stove with you to cook food, as open fires are not allowed.

So, get packing and explore the many wonderful hiking experiences that California has to offer.

To see more hiking related sites go to http://www.adventuretraveltips.com/Hiking/North_America/U_S_A_/index.html

This article is brought to you by http://www.adventuretraveltips.com

Hiking Opportunities in California

GARNET HILL