For those of you who aren’t familiar with us, Travel Blog is a blogging assignment for a web journalism class at Syracuse University. Today is the last day we’re required to post and I hope you’ve enjoyed our entries. So since our assignment is coming to an end, here’s a question I would like to pose to the readers we’ve (hopefully) picked up along the way:
And in homage to my home state, here are the top 10 off-the-beaten-path California destinations that TravBuddy ranked for 2008.
- Monterey—Cities along Highway 1 were a popular theme, and TravBuddies went to Monterey to check out the world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and for the scenic drives.
- Santa Cruz—Monterey’s northern cousin was also very popular for hiking, the boardwalk and beaches during the summer months.
- Palm Springs—Popular Labor Day weekend destination among TravBuddies for hiking, dining and as a local escape from Los Angeles.
- Lake Tahoe—Lake Tahoe is known for its snow sports, but it was also popular during the summer months for water-skiing, hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby “ice caves.”
- Napa Valley—This wine-tasting mecca was a favorite weekend getaway for Bay Area natives.
- Joshua Tree National Park—TravBuddies endured attacks by flying bats to witness beautiful sunrises and spectacular hiking among the alien landscape of Joshua trees.
- San Simeon—Hearst Castle was a popular stop, as were the 2-ton elephant seals that gather along the shores here.
- Laguna Beach—Beautiful beaches and the annual Festival of the Arts made this laid back community another favorite along Highway 1.
- Big Sur—Despite the fires, solitude, star-gazing, and hiking made Big Sur a favorite among those seeking a little more peace, quiet and isolation.
- Santa Rosa—Wine, hiking and the Charles M. Schulz Museum were popular draws to this Sonoma County destination.
