American Driving Vacations

Just a few hours north of San Francisco, you'll find yourself among thousands of the world's tallest living trees, tracing the ridges where the rugged cliffs meet the sea. Over 40 miles of intertwined national and state parks protect this priceless resource on the California coast,. Along the coastal journey, you'll find Victorian seacoast towns with opulently detailed homes built during the heyday of lumbering. Farther inland, Mount Shasta looms over a landscape with remnants of the lava flows that last erupted in earnest in 1914. The Lassen National Scenic Byway and Smith River Byway wend their way through the thousands of acres of huge trees that represent nearly 60% of the giant redwoods still standing. What an adventure you will have in Northern California!

There's no need to hurry on the scenic roads or through the wondrous landscape. The redwoods are majestic and the coastline spectacular. The mountains are rugged and the lakes are crystal blue. The history of this area is a panorama of mining, timber, and hardy souls who came seeking gold in 1949. Ghost towns with machinery sitting idle for centuries still dot the landscape, living reminders of the past that changed America forever. The culture here is also fascinating. The first European settlement was established in 1770, the Russians arrived in 1812. Less than 50 years later, thousands of lumberjacks, miners and gold diggers hit the ground between 1849 and 1855. It was not until after the Gold Rush that the area witnessed settled farmers, ranchers and winegrowers, who are now so important to the region. Today's lifestyle blends together coast, mountains and forests into a very high quality lifestyle surrounded by fresh air and marvelous climate. Enjoy yourself in this very picturesque part of the United States.

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