There are many opportunities to take short day trips in Southern California, or longer trips outside of the immediate area over long weekends, or during holiday breaks.  (Remember to bring along your schoolbooks and keep up with your holiday assignments while you are vacationing!)  If you plan to travel extensively in the United States, you should make careful plans, especially if this is your first visit.  You are free to travel anywhere without restriction.  Make flight and hotel reservations in advance.  Youth hostels are not as common in the United States as in other countries.  Be aware that crime is a problem in large cities:  do not carry large amounts of cash; avoid walking alone at night; do not leave your possessions unattended; and lock the door to your car, hotel, or apartment.  Crime is not as common as you might see on television or in American movies, but it is still a serious problem in large cities, and you should be careful.

 If you do travel, you will find the United States has more than large cities.  There are vast areas of wide-open spaces where several kilometers might separate homes or towns.  In small towns, life is relaxed and friendly.  We invite you to experience this part of the United States as well as its famous cities.

 Although there are hundreds of places to visit in our unique state the following is a list of some of the more popular destinations for students.  You can find more suggestions in the Sunday edition of the Los Angeles Times, Travel section.  Plan on spending about $60 a day on yourself if you go to an amusement park.  The average cost of admission to a museum is $6, and campsites cost $12 to $34 per person per day.  Add to that the cost of gifts, transportation, meals and entertainment to come up with your travel budget. 

 Remember to carry your student ID card with you when you travel:  many tourist attractions offer discounts to students.  Purchase a map, and buy a Thomas Brothers map book of Los Angeles and Orange County. 

 The following list is broken down by distance to the destination, into one day, two day, three day and four day trips.  These time classifications are made to help you return to your scheduled classes on time.  Try to avoid driving during weekday business traffic from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, or you will add hours to your trip!

One Day Trips – Less than 2 hours drive from campus :

1.      Alpine German Village:  call (310) 327-4384, 833 West Torrance Blvd., 20 minutes from campus.  Home of Oktoberfest (Sept. 12 to Nov. 1).  Great food, dance floor, markets and shops.  Wie Gehts!

2.      Apple Orchards in Cherry Valley and the Edward Dean Museum in Beaumont:  call (909) 845-2626, take the 91 FWY to the 60 FWY to the 10 FWY east, exit onto Oak Glen Road (San Bernardino Mountains at the 2000 ft. level), 2 hours from campus.  The museum is closed on Mondays, open Tues. – Fri. 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., and open weekends 10:00 to 4:30.  Admission is $3, or $2 with your student ID.  Apple season is from September through October (fresh apple:  pie, jam, cider, juice, etc.)  See the beauty of the autumn colors.  Pick apples: tel. (909) 797-6833

3.      Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Culture Center: call (310) 443-7000, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (next to UCLA), three blocks from the 405 FWY, 1 hour northwest from campus.  Open Tues. – Sat, 11 am – 7 pm, Thurs. 11 am – 9 pm (free admission 6-9 pm) and Sun., 11 am – 5 pm.  Special exhibitions focus on unique topics and historical figures.  Entrance fee $4.50, or $3.00 with your student ID card.  One of the best!  

4.      Aquarium of the Pacific:  call (562) 437-3474, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, off Shoreline Drive.  Take the 710 FWY south; follow signs to Downtown Long Beach and the Aquarium exit.  The Aquarium exit will lead you to Aquarium parking.  The aquarium of the Pacific is one of the largest, most comprehensive marine exhibitions ever conceived.  Admission is $14.95.  Guided tours are an additional $4 each.  (Reservations are required for the tours.)

5.      Banning Museum: call (310) 548-7777, 401 East “M” Street, Wilmington (next to Banning High School off of Carson Street).  One of the country’s most important historic landmarks is the former home of Phineas Banning, the region’s “transportation king.”  In 1863, he established the City of Wilmington, California.  The museum is open Tues., Wed. and Fri.  A $3 donation is requested.

6.      Bower’s Museum of Cultural Art in Orange County: call (714) 567-3600, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, 30 minutes south of campus.  Take the Santa Ana FWY 5 to the Main St. South exit.  The museum is located at the corner of N. Main St. and 20^th St.  California history display with a focus on Native American culture and special feature programs on art from different counties.  Open Tues. – Sun., 10 am – 4 pm.  Entrance fee $8.00 or $6.00 for students

7.      Cabrillo Marine Museum: call (310) 548-7562, 3720 Stephen White Dr., San Pedro.  Take the 110 FWY south until it ends; Turn left of Gaffey St. and proceed until you see a sign, just before a hill, that says “Left to Aquarium”; continue to follow signs to the Aquarium.  Share the realm of the spotted octopus, moray eel and spiny lobster.  More than 30 display tanks give a close-up look at the fascinating creatures of the sea.  (Great touch tide pool).  Take your towel and bathing suit so that you can also enjoy Cabrillo Recreational Beach.  Closed Monday; Tues. – Fri., 12 pm to 5 pm; Sat. & Sun., 10 am – 5 pm.  Parking fee $5.50.  Admission to the museum is free.  Anchors away, matey!

8.      California Afro-American Museum:  call (213) 744-7432, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles (Exposition Park), 25 minutes from campus north off the 5 FWY.  Art and photographic displays, and a great bookstore!  Open Tues. – Sun., 10 am to 5 pm.  Closed Monday.  No fee.

9.      California Natural History Museum of Los Angeles:  call (213) 763-3455, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles (next to USC).  Take the Harbor FWY 110 to the Exposition Blvd. exit.  See many interesting things, such as dinosaurs, mummies, antique cars, scientific displays of anatomy and geology, and stuffed animals from around the world.  Open Tues. – Sun., 10 am – 5 pm; open some Mondays.  Call for information.  Entrance fee $8 or $5.50 with student ID.

10.  Descanso Gardens: call (818) 952-4400, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada, one hour from the campus.  Take the 91 FWY east to the 605 FWY north to the 5 FWY north to the 2 FWY north towards Glendale, to the 210 FWY east towards Pasadena.  Take the Verdugo exit.  Turn right onto Verdugo, then right onto Descanso Dr.   Famous for its Japanese Tea Garden and camellia plants.  Open daily, 9 am – 5 pm.  Entrance fee $5, or $3 with student ID.  The tram ride is $1.50 and runs Tues. – Sat., 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm.

11.  Drum Union Army Barracks Civil War Museum:  call (310) 548-7509, 1052 Banning Blvd., Wilmington (near Banning Museum).  The West’s only Civil War barracks, where 17,000 Californians served from 1861 to 1865.

12.  Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters in Orange County:  call (714) 494-1145, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach.  Living pictures are achieved with real people posing as great works of art in the “Pageant of the Masters.”  From July through August.  The Festival is open daily, 10 am – 11:30 pm.  Admission $5 or $3 with student ID.  The Pageant is staged nightly at 8:30 pm.  Tickets $10 - $50, depending on night and seat location.  This event sells out, so make your reservations early.

13.  Fowler Museum of Cultural History:  call (310) 825-4361, Next to Royce Hall on the UCLA campus.  Take the 405 FWY north, exit Sunset Blvd. Take Sunset 1 ½ miles east to the Westwood Plaza entrance of UCLA.  Parking on campus is $5.  Park in structures 4 or 5 and ask the parking attendant to direct you to the museum.  Open Wed. – Sun., 12-5 pm, Thurs. 12-8 pm. Admission is free, but there is a charge for special exhibits. 

14.  Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage: call (323) 667-2000, located in Griffith Park in Los Angeles on 4700 Western Heritage Way, 45 minutes from campus.  Take the 91 FWY west to the 710 north (Pasadena) to the 5 FWY north.  Take the 134 FWY east/Ventura FWY exit towards Pasadena.  Keep right to get off at Zoo Drive.  Turn left at Western Heritage Drive.  The museum has a nice café, shop and movie theater inside the facility.  Look for special exhibitions.  Gene Autry was one of the best singing cowboys that ever lived.  Open Tues. – Sun., 10 am – 5 pm.  Entrance fee $7.50 or $5 with student ID.

15.  Glen Ivy Hot Springs and Club Mud:  call (800) 454-8772, 25000 Glen Ivy Road, Corona.  About 1 ¼ hours from campus.  Take 91 FWY east to 15 FWY south.  Exit at Temescal Canyon Rd.  Follow the road for 1 mile, then turn onto Glen Ivy Road.  Follow this narrow road to the end.  Eight swimming pools (cold and hot, shallow and deep, including the “champagne pool”, with cold bubbles bubbling up through warm water!) with a café and nearby camp site, located in the middle desert.  Become a club mud member and take a wallow in clay.  Open 10 am – 5 pm Nov. 1 – March 31, or 10 am – 6 pm April 1 – Oct. 31.  Entrance fee $19.50 Monday through Thursday or $25 Friday through Sunday.  Locker rental is $1.  Towel rental is $1.

16.  Hebrew Union College Skirball Cultural Center: call (310) 450-4400, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.  About 1 hour from campus.  Take 405 FWY north to the Skirball Center Drive exit, between the 10 FWY and the 101 FWY.  New acquisitions on display.  Open Tues. – Sat., 12 – 5 pm, Sun., 11 am – 5 pm.  Closed Monday.  Admission $8 or $6 with student ID.

17.  Heritage Square: call (626) 494-0193, 3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles, 35 minutes from campus north off the 110 FWY, exit Avenue 43.  Heritage Square is a haven for some of L.A.’s best historic and architectural landmark buildings from 1865 to 1920 (Victorian Eastlake buildings).  The Southwest Indian Museum, Lumos house and San Antonio winery are also nearby attractions.  Open Fri. 10 am – 3 pm, Free admission, but only to the town; no admission to the buildings on this day.  Open Sat., Sun. and holiday Mondays, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm. Entrance fee $5.  Free guided tours depart hourly from 12:15 pm to 3:15 pm.

18.  Huntington Library and Art Collection and Botanical Gardens:  call (626) 405-2141, located at 1151 Oxford Road in San Marino, 20 minutes from campus, drive north on the 710 FWY then east on the 10 FWY San Bernardino (has great restaurant, tea room, historical movies and one of the best bookstores around).  One of the eight wonders of the rich and famous!  Try their high tea (call their tea room for reservations first).  One of the best places on earth.  Cost is $7.50, or $4 per person with student ID card.

19.  Indio National Date Festival in Riverside: call (760) 342-8247, P.O. Drawer NNNN, Indio (Riverside County), zip 92202, 3 hours from campus, take 91 FWY east to the 10 FWY east.  Taste the many delicious varieties of dates and figs, enjoy the Arabian Nights Pageant played out under the stars (romantic musical fantasy), see camel and ostrich races, a rodeo, guest musical performances, live farm animals and many special attractions held the last two weeks of February.  This event would allow for overnight lodging in Palm Springs (make this a two or three day trip).

20.  Irish Fair: call (626) 503-2511, Located at Santa Anita Racetrack, 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, about 45 minutes from campus.  Take the 91 FWY east to the 605 FWY north to the 210 FWY west. Take the Santa Anita exit and drive south to Colorado Blvd.  Make a right and go two signals. Make a left and enter at GATE 6.  During the second week in June.  (June 19^th and 20^th, 1999.)  The Great American Irish Fair offers grand parades, massed bagpipe bands, over 100 Irish and Scottish import shops, arts and crafts, sing-a-long pubs, leprechaun kingdom and shamrock carnival for the kids, Irish foods, Irish Wolfhounds, Irish sports, Irish traditional dancing and 16 stages of continuous entertainment.  Fair opens at 10 a.m.  Cost $15.00, or $12.50 with student ID card.  $5 off with 2 cans of food for the homeless.

21.  Japanese American Cultural Center and Community Center: call (213) 628-2725, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, 45 minutes from campus off the 101 FWY (Little Tokyo).  Photograph exhibit, art and videos.  No fee.  Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

22.  Japanese American National Museum:  call (213) 625-0414, 369 East 1^st Street, Los Angeles, 35 minutes from campus.  Take the 91 FWY west to the 710 FWY north to the 5 FWY north to the 101 FWY north.  Get off at 1^st St. and turn left off the exit.  Photograph exhibit, art and videos.  No fee.

23.  Knott’s Berry Farm: call (714) 220-5200, located off the 91 FWY (west) on Beach Blvd. in Buena Park, 20 minutes from campus.  (10 minutes from 91 FWY to Farm).  Amusement park with free shopping area and one of the best chicken restaurants in town.  Look for special events (such as Knott’s Scary Farm, a special Halloween event!) Entrance fee $20.

24.  Korean Cultural Center:  call (213) 936-7141, 5505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 45 minutes from campus.  Take the 91 FWY west to the 710 north to the 10 west.  Exit at La Brea Ave.  Turn right onto South La Brea Ave.  Drive for 2 miles, then turn left onto Wilshire Blvd.  The museum is less than half a mile away.  Metal craft, jewelry and photographs exhibited.  No fee.

25.  L.A. County Arboretum: call (626) 821-3222, located at 1300 Baldwin Ave. in the city of Arcadia (next to Santa Anita Race Track), 91 FWY east to 605 north to the 210 FWY west, approximately 45 minutes north from campus.  One of the best botanical gardens in the world.  It is the site of “Lucky Baldwin Estate”, with two hundred peacocks.  Many movies and television have been filmed at this historic park (Tarzan, Fantasy Island and African Queen).  Great cafeteria.  Entrance fee $3.

26.  L.A. County Museum of Art: call (213) 857-6000, located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd.  Approximately 30 minutes northwest of the campus.  Take the Harbor 110 FWY north to the 60 FWY east, off on La Brea Blvd.  Entrance fee $5.  (2^nd Tuesday of the month is free).

27.  Little Tokyo: Little Tokyo Business Association (213) 620-0570, located in Downtown Los Angeles at First Street, off the 5 FWY.  Take a stroll through the Japanese Village Plaza, stores and restaurants housed in a setting built to resemble a Japanese village.  (The entrance, on First Street, is marked by the three-story-high wooden fire watchtower.)  Excellent Japanese food and some of the city’s best sushi can be found here.

28.  Norton Simon Museum: call (626) 449-3730, located at 411 West Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 45 minutes from campus, north past the end of the 110 FWY.  Famous Old Masters Impressionist paintings, drawings, etchings, prints, Asian artwork and bronze statues from the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin.  Colorado Blvd. is the site of the world famous Pasadena Rose Parade on New Year’s Eve, and also the site of some excellent restaurants and shopping.  Entrance fee $4.

29.  Pacific Asia Museum:  call (626) 449-2742, 45 North Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 35 minutes from campus off the 210 FWY.  Special shows:  paintings, art and crafts.  No fee.

30.  Port Of Call and L.A. Maritime Museum: call (310) 548-7618, two miles west at the end of the Harbor FWY 110 in San Pedro.  Approximately 25 minutes south of the campus.  No fee required.

31.  Ramona Pageant: call (909) 658-3111, 27400 Ramona Bowl Rd., Hemit (Inland Empire), 3 ½ hour drive from campus east on the 91 FWY, in the desert.  Enjoy a unique outdoor play of early California (one-of-a-kind).  This pageant is held during the last two weeks in April and first week of May.  Cost $16 to $18 per seat.

32.  Rancho Los Cerritos (founded 1784):  call (562) 570-1755, 15 minutes from campus off Del Amo Blvd. at 4600 Virginia Road, in the city of Long Beach (inside the Virginia Golf Club).  One of the best examples of classic California haciendas.  It also contains a period research library for the late 1800’s that is open to the public.  Entrance is free.  Viva Zorro!

33.  Renaissance Pleasure Faire:  call (800) 523-2473, one hour drive from campus, located at Glen Helen Regional Park, Devore (San Bernardino), off the I-15 FWY, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-April to the first weekend in June.  The sights and sounds of the 16^th century.  Parades, battles, performances, games, authentic foods, drinks and crafts.  Dress in medieval clothing and spend a day in England (entrance fee $18).

34.  San Antonio Winery and Restaurant:  call (213) 223-1401, 737 Lamar St., 5 minutes west from the 5 FWY, 25 minutes from campus (near Dodger Stadium).  A gourmet adventure in the heart of Los Angeles.  San Antonio, the last producing winery in the area owned by the Riboli family (third generation).  Tour a traditional winery with tasting room, gift shop, restaurant and self-guided tours.

35.  Scottish Highlander Fair in Orange County:  Orange County Fair Grounds, Costa Mesa, 50 minutes from campus off the 55 Newport FWY.  The largest collection of Scottish dance, music, sheep dogs, foods and traditional Scottish activities held during the last weekend of May (Memorial Day weekend).  Entrance, food and refreshments cost $30.

36.  Scripps Institute of Oceanography Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum: call (714) 534-3474, North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, 2 hours south off the 405 FWY.  View over 3000 colorful fishes from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Indo-Pacific.  Explore the largest oceanographic exhibit in the United States.  Entrance fee $6.50.

37.  Shakespeare Festival at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego: call (619) 239-2255.  Simon Edison Center for the Performing Arts in Balboa Park, 3 hours from campus.  Take the 405 FWY to San Diego.  One of the best performances of the old bard.  Cost $17 to $30.

38.  Southcoast Botanical  Gardens:  call (310) 544-6815, located at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, 20 minutes from campus.  Beautiful manmade outdoor botanical gardens with lakes.  Cost $5.

39.  Southwest Museum: call (213) 221-2163, located at 234 Museum Drive in the city of Highland Park, 40 minutes north off the Harbor 110 FWY from campus off Ave 43.  One of the best museums on American Indians in the world.  Contains a research library open to the public.  Entrance fee is $5.

40.  Wild Animal Park: call (760) 747-8702, located in the town of Escondido, about 2 hours south off the 5 FWY.  See wild animals in their natural environment from a monorail.  This park is the San Diego Zoo breeding facility.  Great shows!  Evening program from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Home of the zoofari club.  Entrance fee $17.45.

41.  William S. Hart County Park: call (805) 254-4584, located at 24151 San Fernando Road, 1 ½ hours northwest off the Golden State FWY.  William S. Hart was America’s most famous cowboy movie star from 1905 to 1927 (he produced more than 60 cowboy movies).  His home is a treasure of western culture in the Santa Clarita Valley (where he made his western movies).  See American buffaloes.  No fee, donations are requested. 

Two to Three Day Trips – Up to 5 hours drive from campus :

1.     Catalina Island: call (310) 510-1520 for information from the Avalon Chamber of Commerce and for boat ticket reservations call (310) 519-1212 ($35).  Catalina Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, P.O. Box 217, Avalon, CA   90704, (310) 510-1520.  One hour trip (26 miles across the sea, the isle of romance.”  Ballroom dancing in the 1934 Casino, scuba diving, para-sailing, bicycling and hiking.  It’s like the Isle of Capri, in Italy.

2.     Calico Ghost Town:  call (760) 254-2122, P.O. Box 638, Yermo, located 3 hours north off the 15 FWY,, near Barstow (midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas).  Calico’s history is as rich as the silver ore taken from its mountains.  The town has been partly restored to its original state.  You can roam the tunnels or ride a railroad car through the old works of Maggie’s Mine.  This park is run by Knott’s Berry Farm.  A secluded tree-lined canyon offers primitive camp sites for overnighters.  Entrance fee $15.

3.     Death Valley:  call (760) 786-2345, take the 91 FWY East to the 605 North, then get onto the 10 FWY east to the 15 FWY north (5 hours from campus).  Same route to Las Vegas, Nevada.  Menacing, magical, a mystery – all terms to describe Death Valley,  This is one of the lowest sites in the world:  279 ft. below sea level.  It is also one of the hottest spots on earth (120 degrees F from May through October).  Great winter vacation.  Death Valley Scotty’s Castle, natural hot springs and camp sites.  Make sure you call before going to check on the weather and to secure a camp site.  Cost of camping:

4.     Ensenada Mexico (a.k.a.: Baja California): call (800) 336-5454 for hotel information; call (213) 351-6800 for the Consul General of Mexico in L.A.  Approximately 4 hours south off of the Santa Ana 5 FWY.  One hour south of the border from Tijuana, on the Pacific Ocean (nice beaches and warm water).  Remember, international students (F-1) must have their I-20 form signed by the INS Designated School Official before traveling outside the USA.  (This includes Canada and Mexico).  You should carry your I-20 form and passport with you.  When driving in Mexico, you must obtain a Mexican auto insurance policy.  They are available on the American side of the border at San Ysidro.

5.     Lake Arrowhead and Green Valley Lake and Big Bear Lake:  call (909) 337-3715 for Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce.  Total trip will take about 2 ½ hours.  Take the 91 FWY east (about 45 minutes) to the 215 north to the 30 FWY east and exit Waterman Ave. (Hwy. 18).  That will immediately put you facing the mountains ascending to Arrowhead (6,500 ft. level) additional 40 minutes (aka: Rim of the World Dr).  Remember that the mountains will have season weather.  July to September, 90 degrees F during the days and 60 degree nights.  October to June, 50 degrees F during the day to 20 degrees F at night, and possible snow from December to April.  If it is snowing, you will need chains for your car.  In winter, ski lodges and hotels can fill fast!  It’s like the Alps.

6.      Palm Springs (low desert) and Oasis Waterworks and Mt. Jacinto Tramway (climb 10,000 ft. in 15 minutes):  call (760) 345-7873 for the Oasis (a fun water theme park).  Call (760) 324-8244 for a camp site, call (760) 325-1391 for the Tramway.  Take the 91 FWY east to the 60 FWY east to the 10 FWY east (total drive 2 hours).  The Oasis is one of the largest waterworks in the world (slides, tubes, wave machine and volleyball.)  Weather conditions are seasonal.  From May to September, temperatures can rise to over 120 degrees F in the daytime.

7.      San Diego: call (760) 276-8200 visitors information, 2 ½ hours drive south on the 405 FWY which becomes the 5 FWY.  Zoo, museum, historic old town, beaches, sailing and amusement parks of all kinds.  Balboa Park in San Diego has many activities in a centralized location.  Camping around Mission Bay and resort area.  Party on!

8.      Santa Barbara:  call (805) 965-3021 visitors information, 2 ½ hours north.  Take the 405 FWY north and get on the 101 FWY north after you pass Westwood (UCLA).  Great food, historic places and fresh air.  (Remember to come back to campus when your vacation is over!  J

9.      Solvang (Danish Community):  call (805) 688-0701 for camp site.  405 FWY north to 101 FWY north.  In Santa Barbara, take the State St. exit towards HWY 154/Cachuma Lake.  Stay straight to go onto Calle Real.  Turn right onto San Marcos Pass Rd.  Stay on this road for about 25 miles, then turn left onto HWY 246 for about 5 miles.  North of Santa Barbara, beginning of the Central California wineries.  Great food.  Historic places.  Beautiful countryside.  (James Dean country).  About 4 hours north of campus.

Four to Five Day Trips – Over 5 hours drive from campus :

1.      Hearst Castle San Simeon State Monument: call (805) 927-2020.  Take Hwy. 101 north to San Luis Obispo, then Hwy 1 north.  Approximately 6 hours drive from campus (Central Coast).  Magnificent estate of William Randolph Hearst.  See one of the best castles in the world!

2.      San Felipe, Mexico (Sea of Cortez):  call (800) 336-5454, 6 hours southeast of campus towards Mexicali, in Baja California, Mexico.  Make sure you have your I-20 form validated for re-entry by the ISO and that you purchase automobile insurance before entering Mexico.  San Felipe has tropical weather and warm water from April through September.  (100 degrees F in July and August).  Great place for spring break!  Approx. cost is $40 a day if you camp out.

3.      Sequoia National Redwood Forest: call (800) 452-1111, Ticketron for camp site reservation.  Take the 5 FWY north to Bakersfield, then get on the 99 FWY to Visalia, to the 15 Hwy, that becomes Hwy 198 in the mountains (12,634 ft.).  World’s tallest trees soar as high as 367 ft.  Breathtaking views with an incredible environment (one-of-a-kind-place)!  One of the best mountain hiking sites in the world!  Snow from December to April also makes Sequoia one of the best cross-country ski sites in California!  Approximately 6 hours drive from campus (near Fresno).