Explore the USA by bike on one of these great cycle trails.

Kiwis are thriving in America's wine country paradise, discovers Leena Tailor.

Plan a trip to one of these wonderful gardens next time you're Stateside.

America's favourite summer pastime can be a hypnotic experience, writes Dylan Cleaver.

Palm Springs is party-town again, writes Leena Tailor.

If you're a water baby like Megan Singleton, there's lots to do in California's Marina del Rey.

As America's oldest highway marks its centenary, Chris Moss rounds up the options for a US fly-drive.

The alternative spirit is seeping across the bay to Oakland, a once down-at-heel city that's on the up, says Christian Koch.

Jesse Mulligan experiences destination dining at its finest - and most expensive.

Hollywood is the city of dreams and nightmares for many a wannabe actor seeking fame and fortune.

Disney fans are flocking to the amusement park in droves following its five-year, US$1.4 billion upgrade.

Famed for its incredibly long pier, which surfers love surfing alongside, Huntington Beach has plenty to keep visitors entertained ...

Sharon Stephenson explores part of San Francisco that couldn't be further from the glamour of the America's Cup village.

Aerial trams and cable cars take visitors up mountains, over rivers and above cities, and sometimes these cable cars are the destination themselves.

The Pacific Coast sand stretches 5.6km between Venice Beach and Malibu and the well-heeled town of Santa Monica sits in the middle facing the best sunsets in California, writes Megan Singleton.

The drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is only about six hours, but with so much to see on the way, you could make a week of it.

A tour of San Francisco becomes a day of history lessons and surf stories when Duncan Gillies discovers his guide, musician Chuck Prophet, is a fellow surfer.

You can't breathe. Every breath is difficult. The sun is hot and burns your skin. Your throat needs water. This is Death Valley National Park in California, an easy drive barely two hours from Las Vegas.

Not one for tracking down experiences that cause stomach-lurching adrenalin rushes? It might be time to doing something that makes your heart leap.

It's famous in hip-hop and notorious for gang violence. So naturally Sarah Gooding had some intimidating preconceptions when approaching South Central Los Angeles for the first stop of her USA adventure.

When in LA, join the beautiful people and head to one of the many rooftop bars for a cheeky cocktail or two. Here are five that should be on your to-do list.

When in LA, join the beautiful people and head to one of the many rooftop bars for a cheeky cocktail or two. Here are a selection that should be on your to-do list.

If you're keen for a shopping fix overseas this holiday season here are the best streets around the world to fill up the suitcase with goodies.

Sustainability may be the biggest test for the Golden State, reports Peter Huck.

Eveline Harvey is awed by the splendour of a world-renowned national park.

Established in 1890, this national park in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1984. Its spectacular waterfalls, extensive hiking trails and immense granite formations attract millions of visitors each year.

Mariposa, in central California, has in its boundaries the alpine wilderness of Yosemite National Park.

Mariposa is holding its own against invading human industry, says Michael Dickison.