California Attractions Include Nature Activities

Apr 25, 2013

Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park is just one option in California this summer. // © 2013 Thinkstock 3

As warmer weather beckons travelers to seek the outdoors, California is the place to be for activities in the fresh air and sunshine.

Popular with locals for activities such as hiking and rock climbing, Joshua Tree National Park is about a three-hour drive from Los Angeles — far enough from city lights to make it an ideal stargazing spot. Head to one of Joshua Tree’s nine campgrounds and set your eyes on the sky once the sun goes down. Advise clients to bring binoculars and a star chart, so that they can pick out celestial objects that they may never have had the opportunity to see before.

Santa Cruz is a nature lover’s dream city, with access to both beaches and California’s famous redwood forests. For a unique experience in the redwoods, a Mount Hermon Canopy Tour makes a great outdoor adventure. A two-hour, all-inclusive tour from Mount Hermon Adventures includes six ziplines and two sky bridges at heights of up to 150 feet, while certified guides share their ecological and historical knowledge of the forest.

To try out life on the water, plan a houseboat getaway on Shasta Lake, Trinity Lake or Lake Oroville, near the city of Redding in Northern California. Houseboats offer accommodations, transportation and activity options all in one — perfect for groups looking to get away from it all and spend quality time together. Make stops for hiking and exploring, cast your fishing line right over the side or just take in the scenery as you float along. And if clients are beginners, a detailed orientation makes even first-time boaters ready to set sail.