Featured Articles in This Edition
Danielle AccovelliFor the rugged individualist in all of us, the splendor of Yosemite National Park offers natural beauty at its finest, along with the physical challenge of miles-long hikes, the “not for the faint-hearted” climb up Half Dome, or the thrill of white water rafting along the majestic Merced River. The plentiful wildlife and scenic wonder of the valley will calm your mind, restore your vigor, and remind you that slowing down and experiencing the great outdoors is equally as important as your inbox and networking group back home. With lodging options ranging from the chic Ahwahnee Lodge or charming and more traditional Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, to back to basics cabins and campsites, there’s an option for every taste and a price point to match every budget. Just pack your hiking boots and remember the bug spray.
For those craving sun, sand and water, the choices are endless along California’s 800 miles of glorious coastline … or go inland to the many lakes and deltas… ripe for water skiing, kite-boarding, and paddle enthusiasts. If great surf is your goal, there are countless spots to shred within 100 miles of Los Angeles. Malibu Beach with easy access from Pacific Coast Highway offers laid-back waves, warm sands, and beautiful people. For more experienced surfers, there’s Zuma Beach just below Malibu, The Wedge, and Trestles in Orange County, or Cardiff Reef and Black’s Beach just north of San Diego. Up north, Sherman Island on the California Delta is a magnet for kite-boarders, windsurfers, and stand-up paddleboarders. Nearly constant thermal winds from April through September provide a playground of bumps and swells for sailing, kiting, and down-wind paddling.
If the kids are looking for manufactured thrills this summer, Southern California plays host to more theme parks and attractions than any other region in the nation. For the little ones, Disneyland, SeaWorld, and Legoland offer up treasured cartoon characters, awesome sea creatures and seven iconic areas of the country recreated in miniature at Legoland’s “Miniland.” For the older kids, more daring rides and adventures can be found at Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, or Raging Waters.
Wherever the road finds you this summer, take time to appreciate the wonderful and varied state we’re lucky enough to live in. And when you return rested and renewed, remember that home is truly where the heart is.
