15 days in California Itinerary

The country's most populous state, California includes landscapes that range from the forested northern coast to harsh southern deserts. Sandwiched right in the middle of the state is a fertile valley, home to farms, vineyards, and orchards. California's cities offer diverse attractions, from amusement parks and upscale shops to award-winning restaurants and innovative art galleries. Outside the state's big urban centers, places to visit include some of the nation's most rugged national parks, ancient forests, towering mountain peaks, and ski resorts. More than just a surfing destination famous for its beaches and winding coastal roads, California also boasts one of the world's largest economies, bolstered by the booming tech industries.

Less than an hour from San Francisco, Sonoma County bills itself as the "Number 1 Wine Destination in the U.S." for good reason. Though not as famous as the neighboring Napa Valley, Sonoma County features a rolling landscape dotted with over 250 wineries. The county ranks among the country's most agriculturally productive regions. It turns out not only some of America's finest grapes, but also hops, prunes, and apples. The county manages to cling to its leisurely way of life--which is how the local nickname "Slow-noma" got started (despite the fact that the valley attracts nearly 8 million tourists annually)--and is really more about simple enjoyment than a jam-packed sightseeing itinerary. Napa may be better known, but as the crowds of visitors continue to clog the roads there, Sonoma's appeal as a vacation destination only grows.