Fishing Frenzy

Almost everyone knows something about the nation's third largest state, even if they've never been there. It's easy to find fun things to do in California. Search whitewater rafting, amusement parks, exclusive resorts, fine dining, historic properties, world-class museums and galleries, wilderness, gardens, rare birds, surfing, fishing, hiking, shopping, or car tours, and you'll see the Golden State well represented. It is the most populous of the states, and many consider it paradise on earth.

Famous place names ring a bell for people all over the world. Hollywood. Disneyland. Malibu. The golden Gate Bridge. Fisherman's Wharf. The Presidio. Rodeo Drive. Napa Valley. Oxnard, with its strawberry fields and annual festival. Los Angeles. The list goes on.

Outdoor fun could mean Class III whitewater on the Kings River near Sequoia National Park, where the giant redwoods grow to 350 feet. Real challenges are the Class V rapids of several rivers, including the Salmon, the Scott, and the Illinois. Beginners can see what the excitement is about and expert rafters can find the ultimate thrill.

Hikers can choose to climb part or all of Mt. Whitney, the nation's highest mountain, or venture to the continent's lowest point in Death Valley. They can find real wilderness in Yosemite National Park and rare birds in Sacramento Valley. Those who love the water can catch a world-class wave off one of the Oxnard beaches, swim serenely in Lake Placid, or watch a sunset over the mighty Pacific from a coastal clifftop.

California's cities are as much a draw as its rugged mountains, gorgeous beaches, and fertile plains. Some of the world's most charming residential areas are in San Francisco and San Diego. The Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering marvel, is always on the top ten favorite places to visit list for visitors. The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard and the Getty Center in San Francisco are other attractions that are as striking and memorable outside as in.

People love seeing the homes of the rich and famous in Palm Springs, or strolling through the stars' neighborhoods hoping to get a glimpse of them walking by. Mount Lee overlooks Hollywood; it's the site of the famous, huge, white letters that spell out the name of the city. Los Angeles has the Walk of Fame, where important people hope to get their own bronze star. Plan a tour of a movie studio or a ride on a cable car in San Diego.

Even with all the movie hype and the fabulous cities, agriculture remains California's largest industry. From the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma to the strawberry fields of Oxnard, the richness of the Golden State is not underground. Travel from the Pacific coast to Northern California's farms and ranches to appreciate just how varied this great state is.

Even historic, magnificent municipal buildings are tourist attractions here. Visit a mission to learn more about the history or browse the museums. Swim in a turquoise pool at a luxury resort or spot rare birds in a marshy preserve. Eat fresh seafood. No matter what you want to do on your vacation, you can do it in California.