Disneyland
Probably the most well-known attraction in California, Disneyland was the first of Walt Disney's now international chain of theme parks. The park, home to the original Cinderella's Castle, is focused on Mickey Mouse with cartoon themes throughout the park. The California Adventure, adjacent to Disneyland, keys in rides and attractions celebrating California history from the gold rush to Hollywood. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a marquis attraction. The Coyote Hills Golf Course (Fullerton) and the Black Gold Golf Course (Yorba Linda) are challenging championship courses within a half-hour of Disneyland.
Disneyland
1313 South Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, California 92802
(714) 635-2300
disneyland.disney.go.com
San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park
Recognized as one of the best and most forward-thinking zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is a sprawling facility at which animals are kept in natural habitats. The zoo houses one of only a handful of panda exhibits in the U.S. as well as polar bears, koalas and camels. Its sister property, the Wild Animal Park, is a larger property that includes a caravan ride through its African field exhibits, where you can spot giraffes, zebras and other African animals roaming acres of property. You can also choose to walk through this area and have your own "safari." Golf courses abound in San Diego, including the courses at La Costa and Torrey Pines, both of which are easily accessible from either the zoo or Wild Animal Park.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, California 92112
(619) 231-1515
sandiegozoo.org
San Diego Wild Animal Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, California 92027
(760) 747-8702
sandiegozoo.org/park
Yosemite National Park
Located in California's High Sierra, Yosemite National Park is one of the smallest, but most stunning national parks in the country. Home to Bridalveil and many other spectacular falls, Yosemite has flowery meadows, giant sequoias and plenty of backcountry for hiking and camping. One of the original national parks, Yosemite is home to mule deer, black bears and bobcats as well as a wide array of natural flora and fauna. Visitors may camp in the park, rent a cabin or stay in the park's Ahwahnee Lodge. For a unique golf experience, check out the Wawona golf course, a nine-hole track in the park that was built in 1918 and has stunning scenery. The course is set up with two sets of tees on each hole, so you can play a full 18-hole round, if desired.
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, California 95389
(209) 372-0200
nps.gov/yose
Palm Springs
A popular golf destination, Palm Springs is located north of Los Angeles and has 85 golf courses, casinos and the well-known Palm Springs International Film Festival. Among the golf courses in the area, is the PGA West complex, with courses designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman. The complex includes six golf courses, all with views of the Coral Mountain. La Quinta and Indian Wells courses are also located in the Palm Springs area.
PGA West
55-955 PGA Blvd.
La Quinta, California 92253
(800) 742-9378
pgawest.com
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
