If you don't mind the wind, it is a vacation paradise. Santa Rosa Island boasts miles of white sand beaches, rare torrey pine forests and beautiful scenery throughout. It's the second largest island off California's coast and is one of the five within Channel Islands National Park. (if you've got 3 minutes and 30 seconds, check out this amazing photo slideshow of the island). more ›

The close of summer means more opportunities at California's desert National Parks like Joshua Tree and Mojave (though you might want to wait a few more weeks for Death Valley). But these colder weather months mean limited options at Channel Islands National Park, just off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara. more ›