California isn’t all about Hollywood celebrities and Disneyland – there’s also an array of adventure to be had on the slopes of Lake Tahoe, the waves of Santa Cruz or the calmer waters of Half Moon Bay.

Lake Tahoe
It was Mark Twain who once said: ‘To obtain the air the angels breathe, you must go to Tahoe.’ Looking out over the expansive view of the emerald glacier lake on top of the mountain at Heavenly ski resort, you can’t help but agree with him.

It’s a huge mountain to climb. An eight-person Heavenly Village gondola takes skiers and snowboarders almost two-thirds of the way up Adventure Peak, and from here, ski lifts will take you all over this enormous resort.

At Heavenly, there’s a vast array of terrain to explore, so there’s something for everyone from the most experienced shredder right through to families who are fitting on skis for the first time.

There’s also a fantastic ski school for all the family, or you could opt for private lessons that will have you ‘schushing’ down the intermediate runs before you know it.

Fresh snow cover brings out the extreme snowbunnies keen to explore off-piste, and nowhere else is the tree skiing so good. For genuine thrillseekers, heart-stopping black runs include Gunbarrel and The Face.

The exquisite California ski resort's Heavenly,
by name and by nature.

View to a thrill
Off the skis, get a bird’s eye view from the Heavenly Fly zip-line. You can float through the clouds and check out the ski runs to tackle the next day!

The town of South Lake Tahoe straddles the border of Nevada and California. It’s a place with a split personality, on one side of  the road are the Sierra mountains and an emerald green alpine lake. Cross that state line and you enter a different world: one filled with Las Vegas-style 24-hour gambling hotels and glitzy shows at places such as Harrah’s, MontBleu and Harveys.

There are six 24-hour casinos in the South Lake Tahoe area. Together, they have a total (at the last count) of 7051 slot machines and 411 game tables. The hardcore slot jockies can even save a few quarters for the airport in Reno where there are pokies in eyesight as soon as you step off the plane.

All bets are off
If you’re not keen to gamble away your hard-earned bucks you can take advantage of the fabulous eateries housed separately within the brightly lit funhalls. MontBleu’s Steak and Ciera Chophouse is an absolute must-try, as is Harveys’ top-floor restaurant 19 Kitchen Bar, which offers a fantastic sunset view of the region.

Lake Tahoe is easy to get to as well. Fly to San Francisco and take a leisurely four-hour scenic drive or, if you prefer, catch a flight to Reno, Nevada, and then hop on a coach or drive for little more than an hour. Accommodation ranges from B&Bs to high-roller suites at the major casinos.

The ski season’s a long one – it runs from November to April. The bonus is the area gets an impressive 300 days of sunshine each year.

Scene to be believed
It’s the natural wilderness and activities that make Lake Tahoe a must-see destination. In fact, it’s recognised as one of the eight geographic wonders of the world. In summer the lake’s a hub of activity – boating, waterskiing, windsurfing and fishing.

Then it’s transformed into a winter wonderland of world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing, while criss-crossing one of North America’s biggest mountains and best views, that catapults Heavenly to the realm of unmissable.

TO GO: Visit Vail Resorts, www.skiheavenly.com and Tourism California visitor’s guide, www.visitcalifornia.com.au.

Santa Cruz
This laidback town south of San Fran is where the hippies of Haight-Ashbury’s heyday retired. Here the locals – including surf instructor Ed Guzman - hang loose on Cowell Beach by the famous boardwalk.

Ed has devoted himself to the sea since 1969, it’s in his blood: his grandmother was the first woman ever to perform a headstand on a surfboard! And it’s not just surfing he teaches in his highly entertaining classes; he also gives lessons on a more relaxed way of life, so Club Ed will rid you of any stresses. After just an hour you’ll be hanging 10 and hanging loose.

Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk are must-sees. Check out the redwood mountains, then check in at the fabulously hip Dream Inn on the beach. It’s just been renovated, with each suite featuring fantastic views and groovy decor.

TO GO: Visit www.dreaminnsantacruz.com. To enrol in a Club Ed surfing class, visit www.club-ed.com. For more about the area, visit San Mateo County Visitors Bureau website – www.visitsanmateocounty.com

Half Moon Bay
Further along Route 1 is Half Moon Bay, where you can kayak the calm waters with California Canoe & Kayak. Owner Kenny Howell will  carefully steer you across the beautiful bay, around Pillar Point and towards famous surfing spot, Mavericks. And if the swell’s up, take in the iconic view from the beach.

Afterwards, an ale in the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club will be a very welcome opportunity to get the good oil from the locals on why this is their slice of heaven on earth. Try the beers at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Right next door is the Oceano, which offers sheer luxury in the form of suites with balconies, cosy fireplaces, big tellies and Aveda bath products. Bliss!
 

TO GO: Book your sublime kayak tour at www.calkayak.com. Stay at Oceano Hotel & Spa – visit www.oceanohalfmoonbay.com for bookings and information.