If you're a hardy hiker, the Pacific Crest Trail runs from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. In California, it runs from the Mexican border near the small town of Campo (elev. 2,600') and ends at Interstate 5 near Siskiyou Summit, passing some of the state's most beautiful spots on the way. About 300 hikers attempt to hike the trail's full length every year.

The typical hiker wears or carries up to $3,000 worth of equipment, spends as much as $3,000 for food and an occasional motel room and puts out another $500 for replacement boots, clothing and other gear, but you don't need to make such an expenditure to enjoy the trail. It's within driving distance of San Diego, Los Angeles or San Francisco and the Pacific Crest Trail website can give you all the information you need to sample a section of it.