The Best Natural Attractions

Redwood National & State Parks: Come see the largest of all living things, the Sequoia sempervirens. Within the old-growth forests that line the northern California coast are acres and acres of unbelievably massive and majestic redwood trees, all of which shade a thick, lush canopy of huge ferns, mosses, and wild orchids.

Lake Tahoe: One of the world's most magnificent bodies of fresh water, sparkling Lake Tahoe is famous for its pure, azure water and incredible volume.

Yosemite National Park: You're in for the ultimate treat at Yosemite. Nothing in the state -- maybe even the world -- compares to this vast wilderness and its miles of rivers, lakes, peaks, and valleys. With 3 out of 10 of the world's tallest waterfalls, the largest granite monolith in the world, and some of the world's largest trees, Yosemite is one of the most fantastic natural places on the planet.

Big Sur: Rock-strewn beaches, towering cliffs, and redwood forests combine to form what may be the world's most dramatic coastal panorama. Our favorite vantage point for taking it all in is Garrapata State Park, a 2,879-acre preserve.

The Elkhorn Slough Safari: When you're sick of schlepping your way through Monterey, take a 20-minute drive north and embark on a safe, friendly voyage best described as stepping into the pages of National Geographic. The up-close views of "rafts" of otters, harbor seals, and hundreds of bird species are priceless.

Cachuma Lake: On mountainous and scenic Calif. 154, halfway between Solvang and Santa Barbara, is this winter home to dozens of American bald eagles. Loons, white pelicans, and Canada geese are some of the other migratory birds that call this glassy lake home part of the year.

Joshua Tree National Park: You'll find awesome rock formations, groves of flowering cacti and stately Joshua trees, ancient Native American petroglyphs, and shifting sand dunes in this desert wonderland.

Torrey Pines State Reserve: Poised on a majestic cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this state park is set aside for the rarest pine tree in North America. The reserve has short trails that immerse hikers into a delicate and beautiful coastal environment.

• Anaheim: Disneyland Resort Tickets
• Anaheim: Southern California CityPass Attractions Pass
• Los Angeles: Go Los Angeles Card
• Los Angeles: Universal Studios Hollywood
• San Diego: LEGOLAND California
• San Diego: San Diego Zoo
• San Diego:Go San Diego Card
• San Francisco: Go San Francisco Card
• San Francisco: San Francisco CityPass
• San Francisco: The Alcatraz and Double-Decker City Tour