Having recently shed its rakish reputation, Tijuana has undergone a complete renaissance. Although lively bars serving tequila shots are still in plentiful supply, the Tijuana Cultural Centre, the Estadio Caliente Stadium, and El Popo Market also offer a healthy dose of Mexican culture.

San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.

California's capital city is often overlooked by tourists seeking out better known destinations in other corners of the state. Look again: Sacramento offers a range of exciting, educational and historic attractions sure to entertain all. Families will want to check out the cheetahs, jaguars and crocodiles at the Zoo while political buffs should head to the state Capitol, which features a park and museum on California history, or the Governor's Mansion. Anyone with an interest in trains will enjoy the Railroad Museum's massive collection of antique locomotives. Everyone will enjoy the restaurants and shops of historic Old Sacramento on the city's lovely waterfront.

Located 4,000 feet up the southern slope of Mt. Hood, Government Camp is an acclaimed destination for winter recreation including the Mt. Hood Skibowl and Timberline Lodge ski resorts. Home to a wide array of mountainside dining, shopping and lodging options, Government Camp also offers year-round opportunities to travel the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway or the historic Barlow Road and follow in the path of pioneers on the Oregon Trail.

Sitting along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo is conveniently located between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. The town itself is rich in frontier history, allowing visitors to step back in time to the days of cowboys and sheriffs. Have a glass of authentic sassafras in the saloon of the Occidental Hotel, right on Main Street, or head south of town and search out the Hole-in-the-Wall hangout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.