California's State Parks and Reserves
by Candyce H. Stapen
 Everybody
knows about California's impressive national parks: Yosemite, with
its mountains and valleys; Death Valley, where ridges of sand dunes
rise in America's driest locale; and Sequoia, home to towering,
thick-trunked trees. But California's state parks and reserves are
the region's hidden gems, offering spectacular views and wildlife,
and often, fewer crowds.
Point Lobos State Reserve is one of our favorites. Three miles south of Carmel,
Point Lobos offers rocky shores, easy trails and frequent sightings
of sea lions, otters and harbor seals. Some trails wind by aromatic
stands of California sagebrush and apricot-colored monkey flowers
while others lead you under canopies of Monterey pines and cypress
trees to panoramic views of the sea. As you walk along Sea Lion
Point trail, look carefully and you might catch sight of sea otters
in the kelp. More obvious are the harbor seals basking in the sun
and the sea lions barking on the offshore rocks. Binoculars come
in handy so kids can view these noisy critters up close.
Along Cypress Grove Trail between December and May, you can spot
migrating gray whales. Bird Island Trail cuts through woods and
above sandy beaches. The sea surges through the crevices in the
offshore cliffs, and cormorants, oystercatchers and brown pelicans
circle above.
In the 19th century, Chinese fishermen built homes on the Point
at Whalers Cove. One of these, Whaler's Cabin, still stands. Constructed
of wooden planks, granite and six whale vertebrae, the structure
houses a small whaling museum containing scrimshaw, tools and pots
(www.parks.ca.gov).
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Great Places, Great Deals
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St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Maho Bay,
an eco-sensitive collection of four different
types of accommodations located in or near the
Virgin Islands National Park, is one of the best
budget-stretchers in the Caribbean. Maho Bay's
two best properties for families are Maho Bay
Camps, platform tents with separate sleeping and
propane stove cooking areas, and Concordia Studios,
which has condo-style convenience and a full kitchen.
Through April 30, 2006, rates for Maho Bay Camps
are $125 per night, double occupancy, and $145
per night for Concordia.(800-392-9004; www.maho.org).
Maui:
The Westin Kaanapali launched a "Family Splash"
package for 2006 that features breakfast buffet
for two adults and two children, in-room milk
and cookies, lei greetings, and a two-for-one
rate at the Westin Discovery Center kids camp.
Rates begin at $449 per night and are valid between
January 8 and December 22. The Westin also honors
a "Kids Eat Free" program that entitles kids under
12 to free dining at certain restaurants (www.westinmaui.com).
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Sun and Surf
The classic California experience includes beaches and time on
a long board. You can enjoy both at state parks. Take wannabe surfers
to Doheny State Beach, south of Dana Point in Orange County. The
Dana Point Harbor breakwater causes long, gentle waves, good for
beginners. Expert surfers catch the waves at Huntington State Beach.
Non-surfers can build sandcastles in the sun (www.parks.ca.gov).
Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach Park's
natural breakwater creates a long stretch of calm water plus another
area for surfing. Young kids can explore the tide pools and at low
tide, search for sea stars and crabs lurking in the rocks (www.parks.ca.gov).
*****
– Candyce H. Stapen's 26 travel books include National Geographic Guide to Caribbean Family Vacations.
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