San Diego Zoo, San Diego - As humane and "natural" a zoo as you'll find anywhere, with a vast collection of rare species.
Mono Lake - The blue waters of remote Mono Lake are prime bird-watching territory; it's also a spectacle in its own right.
Joshua Tree National Park - The eerie "arms" of Joshua trees beckon visitors to explore this long-abandoned mining country.
Hearst Castle, San Simeon - A million visitors a year now tramp through "Citizen Kane's" opulent unfinished home.
Highway 1 - Thrilling drive along the US's west coast, with pounding Pacific surf as far as the eye can see.
Yosemite National Park - Giant sequoias, towering waterfalls, the sheer face of Half Dome - your eyes will hardly get a rest.
The streets of San Francisco - Get the flavor of the Beats in North Beach, flower power in Haight-Ashbury, and gay pride in the Castro.