hankm1 Loc: Mount Prospect IL

My wife and I are exploring California by auto for about 3 weeks this coming June. Moderate hiking and many SD cards in hand. Any suggestions such as "Don't miss the _____" ! Any sites not typically visited by mobs of people? We'll be travelling anywhere and everywhere north of LA. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Hank

foodie65

If you get into the Frisco area, go a little further north to Muir Woods.

EdM Loc: FN30JS

well, from Il, to get to Ca you hafta drive thru Co. Hit Rocky Mt Nat Park, drive Trail Ridge Road. Betcha you will forget about the "land of fruits and Nuts"... GBG

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

If you've never been to the Redwood Forest, it's a must see.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

There are many Californians on this forum who are much more knowledgeable than me, but I would certainly not miss Point Sur (Big Sur) and lunch at Nepenthe (outdoor seating). http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/ Enjoy!

CaltechNerd Loc: Whittier, CA, USA

If you're heading north, then the whole Route 1 thing along the coast through Big Sur, etc. is spectacular. Or you can't beat Yosemite. If it's good enough for Ansel Adams ... The views are truly spectacular. First time I took my wife, we came out of the tunnel from Merced and she screams STOP!!! at the top of her lungs. I thought I was about to run over a kid but she just suddenly saw the view and had to pull over at the view-point. It is truly breathtaking.

South of LA to San Diego is La Jolla coast area, the grand old buildings in Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo.

In LA itself, all the main photo sites are known and popular. Griffith Park Planetarium (Rebel Without A Cause, etc.). The Central Library and it's grounds, the Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building. Wayfarer's Chapel in Palos Verdes (never crowded). The Frank Lloyd Wright Hollyhock mansion in Barnsdall Art Park, many more homes by Wright (and his son and grandson), Neutra, Schindler, other mid-century modern icons. Google if you're not familiar with any of these sights and to find location and times.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

The hoards of people are all in Yosemite Valley proper and at the Lone Cyprus on 17 mile drive.
The rest of CA is pretty wide open all the time!!!! :lol:
SS

foodie65

In LA an interesting place is the La Brea Tar Pits

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Muir woods is a very long drive from Frisco. It's well worth the effort, but Frisco is in Texas! :lol: :lol:

More seriously, parking at Muir woods is becoming quite an issue, so planning ahead is strongly recommended. Also, if you want to go to Alcatrez booking ahead is important.

Have a great trip, and definitely consider a trip up Rte 1, possibly with an overnight stop along the way. No point in having to rush. Same with Yosemite, planning ahead is essential and it is not to be rushed.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

foodie65

According to Mapquest Muir Woods is only 13 miles from Frisco a much shorter distance than LA to Frisco.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

It is only a short distance from San Francisco. Frisco is a different city in a different state and a long distance away both physically and culturally.

But hey, you are a New Yorker, what would you know? :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

For your elucidation and delight:

http://www.thebolditalic.com/articles/3271-don-t-call-it-frisco-the-history-of-san-francisco-s-nicknames

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

DON'T miss the PARTY at Peter's house!!!! :lol: :lol:

SS

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Hey, don't give the secret away, I've only invited a few of the Hogs so far! As I recall it was only Nikon, Sony and purist JPEG shooters. It's a VERY special kind of party... :lol: :lol:

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

And Hearst Castle also..., so many good locations..., early morning sea otters from the beach in Cambria. A great place for an overnight or two...

Not sure when the beach sausages, sorry I mean elephant seals show up!