West Coast Wonders

» WHEN IT COMES TO SUMMER leisure, the West Coast is abundant with seaside towns rich in culture, history, activities, and sandy shorelines—most of which fuel the fond memories I have of beach hopping from San Diego’s Mission Beach up to the shores of Oceanside and Santa Monica. While the Golden State’s beaches are a surefire group attraction, the state has even more to offer when you travel inland—namely its nine national parks sprawled across the vast landscape and several historic sites that highlight California’s urban development.

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If planners are looking for a distinct backdrop or memorable add-on for a group event, these national parks and historic sites promise both and then some. This issue of California Meetings + Events explores these nature-filled options and how moving a gathering from the boardroom to the great outdoors encourages mingling in the fresh air. Consider a group hike through the towering trees of Sequoia National Park, or take a stargazing tour through Joshua Tree National Park to view the bright constellations. Many of the parks are near lodges or city amenities as well, like the Evergreen Lodge that sits just a mile from Yosemite. And transportation is made easy with shuttle companies or arranged tours like the Kings Canyon Full-Day Tours with Sequoia Sightseeing Tours, which takes groups into Sequoia’s sister park, Kings Canyon National Park.

Additionally, boost attendees’ intrigue with visits to some of the historic sites across the state that seem to stop time and give an insider’s look into California’s past. The Fort Point National Historic Site in San Francisco offers a memorable glimpse into the role the city’s coastal locale played in protecting San Francisco Bay at the time of the California Gold Rush. Or, go south to El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument in the heart of downtown LA to learn about the first Native American, African, and European settlers who arrived in the area.

Regardless of how planners choose to incorporate the awe-inspiring wonders and stories of these parks and sites at the roots of the state’s origins, the experience will undoubtedly inspire creativity among attendees and leave them with a yearning to return—and an understanding that California dreamin’ goes beyond the salty ocean beaches and lofty palm trees.

AMANDA CHRISTENSEN Managing Editor achristensen@greenspring.com

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