California Dreamin: Monterey, Yosemite and Napa

Immortalized as a thriving center of the sardine industry in the books by John Steinbeck, the city of Monterey today has repurposed the wharf's former canning factories into trendy shops and restaurants. In addition to retail therapy, visitors can use their free time to advantage of the very popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. By making use of the seawater in Monterey Bay, the Aquarium is one of the most cutting edge aquariums in the world and features towering kelp forests and the playful sea otters that make them their home.

Connecting Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most beautiful drives in the US,with 17 miles of coastal beauty offering stunning views of three pristine golf courses, such as the famed Pebble Beach, large estates and natural landmarks like the Lone Cypress and Seal Rock. Since it's opening in 1881, not much has changed from the original routing, however the number of vehicles has with over 8,000,000 vehicles travel this classic drive each year.

For over 500 million years, the geology of Yosemite has been evolving from an ocean floor to the rolling hills and valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and beautiful canyons with cascading waterfalls. A national park since 1890 when 1,500 acres were set aside for preservation after the endorsement of conservationist and naturalist John Muir, Yosemite today is a natural playground. Tourists of all ages may experience the park on the two hour ranger-narrated Valley Floor Tram showcasing the flora and fauna distinct to Yosemite.

Known as the "City Where California Begins" thanks to the Gold Rush, Sacramento is the capitol of California. With over 230 days of sunshine each year, Sacramento provides visitors with a wealth of activities including the Historic District. Situated along the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento is dedicated to the Gold Rush of the 19th Century with museums and raised wooden sidewalks in front of historic storefronts and the California State Railroad Museum.

In Sacramento, visit the California State Railroad Museum and explore the detailed exhibits with a guide -OR- peruse a collection of Californian art and European master drawings on a guided tour of the Crocker Art Museum. California State Railroad Museum Activity Level 1: The Museum is completely handicap accessible. Docent led tours in groups of 15. Tour is approximately 1 hour long and entire visit will be 2 hours. Crocker Art Museum Activity Level 1: The Museum is completely handicap accessible. Docent led tours in groups of 15. Tour is approximately 1 hour long and entire visit will be 2 hours.

Tour the lovely grounds of a historic Napa Valley vineyard, before sitting back, relaxing, and indulging in a delicious farewell lunch.

Known as “The City By the Bay,” San Francisco is the second most densely populated American city after New York City with a population of 805,463 packed into its 49 square miles. With famous landmarks such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square, Chinatown and Pier 39, San Francisco offers a multitude of tourist attractions.