Tour Destination: Southern California

View Los Angeles, San Fernando, and Pasadena in a larger map

View San Diego and Southern California in a larger map

Today we leap from the east coast to the west coast. During the next six weeks, Tour America’s History will explore Los Angeles, San Diego, the beautiful coast between them, and the deserts and mountains to their east. Sixteen Save America’s Treasures projects are spread across this varied landscape.

This is a region that understands catering to tourists, so finding accommodations or a good meal is rarely a problem. For general tourism information on Los Angeles, go to either Los Angeles: The Official Guide or LATourist. For San Diego, here’s the equivalent visitor information site. Out in the middle of the desert (near Joshua Tree National Park!), you can be pampered in Palm Springs. Here’s their official tourism site, operated by the Palm Springs Visitors Center.

Personally, I’ve been looking forward to covering this cluster of sites. My family enjoyed one of our best vacations ever in southern California. We drove a lot—you simply have to be prepared to drive when exploring this region. While the freeways are deservedly notorious, navigating them is a minor irritation when compared with the world-class destinations you get to visit.

Tour America's History Itinerary

Friday’s destination:  Leo Carrillo Ranch
Monday’s destination:  Maritime Museum of San Diego, Ferryboat Berkeley

© 2012 Lee Price