Yosemite National Park
California

Yosemite National Park is a beautiful place to visit in the summer, but it's even more glorious in autumn when the forest turns into a golden paradise of dogwood trees mixed in with evergreens.

The route: Begin in Merced, California, gateway to the Park, for an 80-mile drive one-way along Highway 140.

Roadside attractions: Mariposa, the halfway point, is home to the Chappell Winery, where you can pick up some bottles to sip on after the drive. There are also a number of antique stores to explore downtown.

Visit the Yosemite Park Web site at www.nps.gov/yose for more information.