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North Central New Mexico

North Central New Mexico is Georgia O'Keeffe country — the high desert with the amazing colors. This is a region of incredible scenic variety and fascinating cultural nuances, with two gorgeous mountain ranges separated by the valley of the Rio Grande. One of the world's great travel destinations, Santa Fe, serves as the southern gateway to the region and is famed for its beauty, culture, and art.

Cities

 * - The capital and principal tourist destination of the state, with a wealth of attractions for visitors: several excellent art and history museums, lovely examples of local architecture, historic churches, many festivals, a vibrant performing arts community, numerous fine restaurants, and a smorgasbord of art galleries await.
 * - Noted for its colorful scenery and its historical connection to Georgia O'Keeffe — nearby Ghost Ranch was a home to O'Keeffe and today serves as a retreat with a pair of small museums on-site and several hiking trails into the red-rock country that O'Keeffe's paintings made famous.
 * - A resort town in the mountains east of Taos that holds a popular ski resort in the winter and many outdoor activities in the summer, as well as a noted memorial to veterans of the Vietnam War.
 * - Near the Colorado border on the northwestern corner of the region, this small town is locally famed for its scenic narrow-gauge railroad.
 * - At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this old Hispanic village is home to the Santuario de Chimayo, a centuries-old church reputed for miracles that is the focus of an annual pilgrimage every Easter.
 * - A small resort town situated on the shores of pleasant Eagle Nest Lake, set at the bottom of a beautiful mountain valley east of Taos.
 * - The most prominent community between Santa Fe and Taos, Española has few tourist attractions but serves as a local commercial center and a useful staging point for trips around the region.
 * - The "Atomic City" where the first atomic bomb was created during WWII, Los Alamos is still the home of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and feels far removed from the rest of New Mexico. Visitors will find a museum devoted to atomic weapons and energy, attractions related to the history of the town, and pleasant mountain scenery.
 * - An old mining town in the high desert country south of Santa Fe, now home to a small but thriving art colony.
 * - Along I-25 east of Santa Fe, this small community serves as a gateway to the southernmost reaches of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is home to Pecos National Historic Park, which preserves the ruins of an abandoned Indian pueblo and Spanish mission.
 * - A small pueblo that primarily serves as a stopping point on the road between Santa Fe and Española.
 * - A resort community nestled in a canyon in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains north of Taos that's home to a ski resort and draws a very Texan crowd.
 * - A prominent community in the northern portion of the region and set between the steep Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the spectacular gorge of the Rio Grande, Taos is something of a smaller, more laid-back Santa Fe. The town and its surrounding communities are noted for a thriving art colony, the popular Taos Ski Valley resort, the iconic Taos Pueblo, and the area's general hippie vibe.

Other destinations

 * - A large national monument near Los Alamos that preserves the remnants of a set of striking ancient cliff dwellings that were carved into the cliffs of a scenic canyon, as well as a scattering of other archaeological sites and a large wilderness of canyons and mesas.
 * - A major mountain range to the west of Santa Fe and the Española Valley, home to Los Alamos, Bandelier National Monument, and a smattering of scattered attractions as well as plenty of recreational opportunities.
 * - A BLM-administered national monument that covers a spectacular stretch of gorge along the Rio Grande west of Taos that's popular for hiking, sightseeing, and whitewater rafting.
 * - The highest mountain range in the state, running west of Santa Fe, the Española Valley, and Taos, offering plenty in the way of outdoor recreation, including most of the state's ski resorts.
 * — This UNESCO world heritage site and national historic landmark has been continuously inhabited by Puebloans for over 1000 years.
 * - A spectacular unit of the national parks system that preserves a scenic grassland within a vast volcanic caldera in the midst of the Jemez Mountains.

Understand
The term "North Central New Mexico" broadly applies to the region bounded on the:
 * North, by the Colorado state line;
 * East, by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, southernmost range of the Rocky Mountains, and their foothills;
 * South, by Santa Fe and environs -- larger Albuquerque is part of the Central region;
 * West, by the Jemez Mountains and, north of Abiquiu, the mountainous country along the Rio Chama west of US 84.

History and culture
Humans have been present in the region for well over a thousand years, as evidenced by the presence of the remnants of Ancestral Puebloan settlements scattered throughout the Jemez Mountains and its foothills, the most famed of which are the cliff dwellings of Bandelier National Monument. The inhabitants of these settlements are generally believed to be the ancestors of today's Pueblo Indians, who primarily settled along the Rio Grande and its tributaries in New Mexico, where many of them still live to this day.

The first Europeans to arrive in the region were the Spanish, with the first European settlement west of the Mississippi established near present-day Española in 1598, shortly prior to the construction of a capitol city at Santa Fe. Tension grew between the Pueblo Indians and the Spanish, particularly as a result of the vicious treatment of the natives by Spanish missionaries, which resulted in the Puebloans revolting against the Spanish. Though the Spanish would reconquer the region, they returned more willing to grant the Puebloans land and rights, allowing the two cultures to live alongside each other. Despite the region's isolation at nearly the northernmost extent of Spanish settlement, the Spanish established farming villages and a trade network throughout the area.

The first Americans arrived in the area in the early 1800s, primarily along the Santa Fe Trail, a wagon route that linked Santa Fe with the American settlements to the east. Following the U.S.-Mexican War in 1846, the U.S. took over New Mexico and made it an American territory, with residents reacting to U.S. presence with a mixture of welcome and deep suspicion; the years that followed were marked by bitter land disputes, a pattern which has since repeated itself with each subsequent wave of newcomers: the arrival of the railroad and the large-scale ranching and mining operations that followed in the late 1800s, the government officials and scientists who built the first atomic bomb in Los Alamos during WWII, and the outside interests that continue to exert influence on the area to this day.

Tourism has become a mainstay of the region's economy, owing in large part to the many artists who settled in the region beginning in the early 20th century, drawn by the region's scenic landscapes and unique culture. The communities of Santa Fe and Taos both became noted for their art scenes, and today you'll find many galleries and artist communities throughout the region. Alongside this development was also the promotion of the region as a center for spiritual retreat; the 1960s and 70s saw the arrival of many hippies, who sought to establish communes and off-the-grid alternative lifestyles in the area's rugged country. While the communes are long gone, many aging hippies and New Age practitioners still live in the region and make their presence felt.

Today, in spite of the region's diversity, North Central New Mexico is still a place often marked by division. Many residents have deep cultural ties to the region and exhibit a sense of protectiveness over their home. Even today, the word "Anglo" is often used as a catch-all term to refer to anyone not of Native American or Hispanic descent, and in the more remote areas locals will often be reserved and regard outsiders with suspicion. All that said, people here generally tend to be quite friendly and this region is a wonderful destination that offers much for the visitor, with historic communities, a rich artistic heritage, and beautiful mountain scenery.

When to visit
North Central New Mexico generally has a dry, mild continental climate typical of the high desert, although the significant elevation variations in the region produce a lot of unique local conditions. Summer, which lasts from June to August, is the prime tourist season, and sees crowds of visitors clogging the streets of Santa Fe and Taos. While summer temperatures rarely get as brutally hot as in lower and more southern locales, this is still a season marked by high temperatures, with spectacular afternoon thunderstorms common in the monsoonal season of July and August. Spring, which generally lasts from April to early June, sees fewer crowds and lower temperatures, but also very windy, dry weather which makes it the most at-risk time for large wildfires. Autumn, particularly September and October, is arguably the best time to visit; the peak tourist season will be over, the weather tends to be dry and sunny with crisp evenings, there are many local festivals, and the aroma of roasting green chile will be prevalent in many towns. Winter produces the biggest variations in local conditions; towns at lower elevations (Santa Fe, Española, Abiquiu) will see little snow which tends to melt quickly, while locales at higher elevations (Taos, Chama, anywhere in the mountains) are more likely to see snow linger, with snow on the highest peaks sometimes lasting well into spring; the one constant in the winter throughout the region is that temperatures are cold, with pleasantly sunny days giving way to very chilly nights. If you're interested in skiing, winter is the obvious time to visit, and Christmas time in New Mexico is a wonderful cultural experience, although some shops that cater to travelers will be closed (and many businesses will have shorter hours) owing to the general lack of tourists.

Talk
English, of course, but a considerable number of other languages are spoken in the area. Many residents speak Spanish at home and sometimes at school and work; dialects of Tewa, Tiwa and Keresan are spoken at the American Indian pueblos of the region; and Jicarilla Apache is spoken in the area of Dulce. Visitors for whom English is a second language may have problems with the indigenous version of English, which is often spoken with a rapid, "machine gun" accent, particularly in some of the rural communities where Spanish is dominant. It doesn't take long to get used to the accent, however. Visitors who speak no English or Spanish at all face some challenges, but a surprising number of residents of Los Alamos and, to a lesser extent, Taos and Santa Fe are fluent in the major European and Asian languages.

One recommendation: If you encounter a place name that appears to be Spanish in origin, it's a good idea to pronounce it as Spanish. A majority of place names in this region are Spanish, some of them with diacriticals to prove it (Española, Peñasco, etc.), and persistently avoiding Spanish pronunciations will be interpreted by some residents, many of whom speak Spanish at home, as rude. The pronunciation tips in the Spanish phrasebook are useful here; the most common things to watch for are words with "ñ" as in the Española example, double "l" (e.g. the very common Gallegos surname), and double "r" (e.g. Rio Arriba County, which incidentally is a particularly good place in which to have your Spanish pronunciations in shape).

Get in
The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque. Santa Fe has very limited air service that, so to speak, comes and goes; check the Santa Fe page for current status.

No interstate highways pass through the region, but I-25 skirts it on the southeast as it passes from the Colorado state line on the east side of the Sangre de Cristos, around Santa Fe, and on to Albuquerque. US 84 and US 285 cross north-south through the heart of this region between Santa Fe and Southern Colorado. East-west, US 64 traverses across the northernmost reaches of the area, just south of the Colorado border.

A commuter train, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, connects the Albuquerque metro area to Santa Fe, with limited service daily. Fares are based on how far you ride, and a day pass will usually be in the range of $5-$10. Tickets can be purchased online or from the conductor on the train. Amtrak's daily Los Angeles-Chicago Southwest Chief route serves North Central New Mexico with a stop in the village of Lamy, about south of Santa Fe on US 285, and a shuttle that transports passengers between Lamy and Santa Fe.

Get around
Drive; the area is too big and hilly for there to be viable alternatives. Note that traveler amenities (grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc.) can be few and far between in this region, reliably found only in towns of substance — that is, Española, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, and Taos. Most of the small towns in the region will have at least a gas station and perhaps a diner or two, but given the general lack of options you're not likely to get the best deal on gas or necessities. However, they can be great places to get a taste of the local culture.

This part of the state has severe problems with DUI, so keep your eye out for erratic motorists. Another, possibly related problem is the astounding fraction of vehicles that are seriously decrepit. You probably won't have to log many hours of driving in northern New Mexico before you see something unexpected and hazardous fall off a car or (particularly) truck, maybe in your path. Defensive driving is a good idea, even though the traffic density is low except in and near Santa Fe.

Relying on others for your transportation doesn't work well here. Hitchhiking in this area is an iffy proposition. Traffic density in the rural areas is low, so you may have to wait a long time for a ride, and the DUI issue makes it downright dangerous to be at the roadside at night.

Surprisingly enough for such a rural region, there is a degree of public transit service in the area. The North Central Regional Transit District operates a network of free bus routes on the weekdays that link the communities of the region. However, this service is really meant more as a lifeline for local residents and isn't going to be very convenient for visitors. The only services offered by the NCRTD geared towards visitors are the Taos Express weekend service between Santa Fe, Española, and Taos, and the daily Mountain Trail service between Santa Fe and Ski Santa Fe, both of which charge fares.

See
There are many interesting sights in this photogenic area, most of which are covered in the separate pages for places named in Cities and Other destinations. A few that don't fall conveniently into one of those pages:

Native American life
Several American Indian pueblos call the region home, many of which are open to public for visits. Española is a good jumping-off place for visits to most of these pueblos, with a couple easily accessed from Taos. More detailed information on each of the pueblos listed here, as well as those in the central and northwestern regions of the state, can be found in the New Mexico Pueblos guide. In geographic order roughly from north to south, the northern pueblos are:

 * Taos Pueblo, on the northern edge of Taos and described further in the guide for the town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably the most famous of the pueblos, with its iconic ancient village. A small casino sits at the entrance to the reservation.
 * Picuris Pueblo sits near the village of Peñasco off NM 75 along the High Road to Taos (see Scenic drives below). This small, relatively isolated pueblo has a fishing lake and some shops selling micaceous clay pottery.
 * Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (formerly the San Juan Pueblo, and still marked as such on some maps) is off NM 68 north of Española along the banks of the Rio Grande, and has a small arts cooperative in the village as well as a large casino along NM 68.
 * Santa Clara Pueblo sits just south of Española off NM 30 and is excellent for American Indian arts and crafts. They also operate the Santa Claran Casino in the middle of Española as well as the Puye Cliff Dwellings, an archaeological site that preserves the ruins of an ancient village carved into a cliffside.
 * San Ildefonso Pueblo is south of Española, just off NM 502 alongside the Rio Grande, and is another excellent folk art center, noted for being the home of famed potter Maria Martinez.
 * Pojoaque Pueblo is near the town of Pojoaque on US 84/285 between Santa Fe and Española, with a gaudy casino and a resort that overshadows an otherwise minor pueblo.
 * Nambe Pueblo lies in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains southeast of Española and is less tourist-friendly, owing to its location off the beaten path and with few amenities for visitors.
 * Tesuque Pueblo is just off US 84/285 north of Santa Fe; this pueblo is also not as tourist-friendly, with the village itself all but off-limits, although there is a flashy casino along the highway across from a little geologic formation known as "Camel Rock," which does indeed look like a camel from certain angles.

High Road to Taos
The High Road to Taos, between Taos and Santa Fe, is perhaps the best-known scenic roadway in this area. From south to north, the route is as follows:
 * From Santa Fe, follow US Highway 84/285 north through Miocene lake bed formations to Pojoaque and turn east on NM 503. This winding country road leads through the villages of Nambe and Cundiyo to Chimayó, with nice views of the southern Sangre de Cristos as you go. From Española, just head east on NM 76 to Chimayó; this is a nice winding road through a scenic wooded valley past farms. In Chimayó you can visit the locally famous Santuario de Chimayó chapel and local weaving shops.
 * Take NM 76 east from Chimayó. This road winds through a number of small, historic farming settlements populated mainly by the Hispanic families who have lived here for generations. Leaving Chimayó, you'll wind past the village of Cordova and climb a steep route to the village of Truchas, perched on a ridge overlooking the Española Valley and with spectacular views of several nearby peaks. After Truchas, the road winds through the mountains, cutting through several small valleys along the way, each with its own village. Las Trampas, one such village, is notable for its large and historic church in the town plaza, right on the main road. Eventually, NM 76 meets NM 75 near Picuris Pueblo; you can turn left and follow the signs about a mile west to the small pueblo, which has a fishing lake and some shops selling micaceous clay pottery. To continue to Taos, turn right on NM 75 instead.
 * After passing through the villages of Peñasco and Vadito, NM 75 intersects with NM 518. Turn left and take the winding road through the mountains, where you'll pass through some lovely mountain meadows and past some steep slopes which offer lovely views before eventually emerging out of the mountains at Ranchos de Taos, where you'll find the extraordinarily beautiful San Francisco de Asis Mission Church near the intersection of NM 518 and NM 68. Turn right on NM 68 and continue into Taos, a worthy destination by itself.
 * If you're returning to Santa Fe for the night, it's best not to retrace your steps exactly, but rather continue south on NM 68 at its intersection with NM 518 - the "Low Road to Taos" (covered below), descending along the Rio Grande back to Española where you can then get on US 84/285, which you can follow south through Pojoaque to Santa Fe.

Low Road to Taos
The Low Road to Taos, also known as the main route or the river road, is another scenic drive between Santa Fe and Taos, and while it's much faster than the High Road, it also offers some scenic attractions in its own right.
 * Starting in Española, take NM 68 north. You'll pass by the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (formerly the San Juan Pueblo) on your left, which has an arts cooperative and makes for a pleasant diversion. Continuing along NM 68, you'll pass through the villages of Alcalde and Velarde, both farming towns on the banks of the Rio Grande where there are plenty of roadside fruit stands selling locally grown fruit. There are also a couple of wineries in the area that include tasting rooms open to the public, with some reasonable table wines; none will rival the products of French wine country, but you could do worse.
 * After Velarde, the road enters the Rio Grande Gorge and hugs the banks of the Rio for many miles to come. The scenery here is spectacular, with sheer cliffs rising above the road. Along the way, you'll pass by Embudo, most well known for the Embudo Station, an old train station across the river (the tracks are long gone) with a collection of old buildings nearby, such as a lovely old wooden water tower. There's also an on-again, off-again restaurant operating out of Embudo Station. A couple of miles later you'll intersect with NM 75, which passes through the village of Dixon just up the road and makes for a wonderful diversion, with a great number of orchards and vineyards in town as well as several art galleries.
 * Continue north along NM 68 to the town of Pilar, the center for whitewater rafting in the region. If you travel this route in the spring or summer, you'll likely see rafts and kayaks making their way down the river before you get to Pilar, and the town itself has a visitor center for the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, with some camping/picnic facilities along the river nearby. After Pilar, NM 68 climbs out of the gorge with some spectacular views of the gorge northward and the surrounding mountain ranges. NM 68 continues on through Ranchos de Taos on to the destination of Taos.

Enchanted Circle
The "Enchanted Circle" is a circuit that loops around the highest mountains of New Mexico. The whole route takes anywhere from 2.5 hours with no stops to a full day if you make time to explore sights along the route. Heading clockwise from Taos (although this route can be done in either direction from any community along the route):
 * Head north from Taos on US 64 to the intersection of US 64 and NM 522. US 64 continues west (left) to the spectacularly high Rio Grande Gorge Bridge several miles west; continue straight on NM 522 towards the village of Questa. Along NM 522 north of Taos, you'll pass by the D. H. Lawrence Ranch, a small shrine that contains the ashes of the late author. From Questa, a very worthy detour is the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, a section of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument west of town that offers picnicking sites on the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge with spectacular views and some excellent hiking trails down into the gorge. To get there, take NM 522 a couple of miles north from town and turn left on NM 387, a short road that leads directly to the site.
 * From Questa, drive east on NM 38 into a canyon through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the town of Red River. Along the way you'll pass by a molybdenum mining facility that unfortunately had a disastrous effect on the local ecology; fortunately, clean-up efforts are underway. Red River is an old mining town with many interesting sights and side trips, a winter ski area, offers numerous year round activities, and hosts a large motorcycle rally on Memorial Day weekend.
 * From Red River continue east on NM 38 out of the mountains and into the gorgeous Moreno Valley. You'll pass the ghost town of Elizabethtown, many trailheads, and spectacular views of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest point, before reaching Eagle Nest, a small town on the edge of the picturesque Eagle Nest Lake at the base of the valley. In Eagle Nest you'll connect with US 64 again in Eagle Nest; turn right to return to Taos.
 * South of the town of Eagle Nest, you'll pass by a turn-off to a state park visitor center for Eagle Nest Lake, where you can get some great info on the area and stop at the lake for fishing. Continue along US 64 to the village of Agua Fria, where you'll pass by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park, one of the first memorials dedicated to veterans of the Vietnam War. In Agua Fria you can turn off on NM 434 for a short detour to the town of Angel Fire, which has a large ski area and a summer resort.
 * Continue on US 64 westward to return to Taos; along the way you'll take a winding route back through the Sangre de Cristos. US 64 crosses the crest of the range at Palo Flechado Pass, itself not terribly scenic but with some pretty country nearby.

Jemez Mountain Trail
NM State Road 4 follows the Jemez Mountain Trail scenic byway through the Jemez Mountains, another spectacular drive that takes you through some lovely alpine forest scenery.
 * From Santa Fe, take US Hwy 84/285 north, exit onto NM 502 at Pojoaque and proceed westward towards Los Alamos. From Española, take NM 30 south until it ends at the intersection with NM 502 and head west towards Los Alamos. There are fine views of the canyon-and-mesa country for about along this road until its intersection with NM 4.
 * You can either continue on NM 502 along the edge of a spectacular canyon to Los Alamos (not for the acrophobic!), or take 4 instead, passing White Rock and the turnoff for Bandelier National Monument, which is well worth a visit for its marvelous cliff dwelling ruins. If you choose to head to Los Alamos, you can rejoin NM 4 by taking NM 501 south from Los Alamos; it'll end at NM 4 west of Bandelier National Monument.
 * Continuing west on NM 4 will take you on a spectacular, winding road through the Jemez Mountains before emerging at the edge of the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a vast grassland situated in a volcanic caldera. After passing the caldera, NM 4 winds its way through the mountains again, passing several campgrounds, trailheads, and nifty geologic features like Battleship Rock on the way.
 * NM 4 continues down the west side of the mountains through the town of Jemez Springs, which has a small developed hot springs as well as a historic site that preserves the striking ruins of a Spanish mission-era church, made of stone from the brilliantly colored red-rock canyon the town sits in. Continuing along NM 4 will take you past more red rock scenery before the road ends at the intersection with US 550 in the village of San Ysidro.
 * Unfortunately, from here your shortest route back to Santa Fe is much less scenic: turn left on US 550 to Bernalillo and Interstate 25 and either north to Santa Fe or south to Albuquerque and out of this region.

US Highway 64
If traveling through the region, rather than within it, US Highway 64 is a scenic option that traverses the region east-west just south of the Colorado border.
 * Westbound, US 64 leaves Interstate 25 near Raton in the northeastern region of the state and makes a beeline for the Sangre de Cristos, passing through the towns of Cimarron, Ute Park, Eagle Nest, and past Angel Fire before reaching Taos. Prior to reaching Eagle Nest, you'll pass through Cimarron Canyon, a narrow forested canyon with pleasant views and a state park offering camping and picnic sites along the creek. From Eagle Nest to Taos, you'll be on the southern portion of the "Enchanted Circle" route described above.
 * After negotiating the frequently aggravating traffic of downtown Taos, continue north and then west on US 64 across the dizzying heights of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. From here, you'll cross a plateau with a spectacular view over Taos and the mountain range beyond. At the tiny settlement of Tres Piedras you'll intersect with US 285; continue straight and into the Carson National Forest.
 * The mountains you'll pass through here aren't as high as the Sangre de Cristos but still offer some pleasant alpine scenery. This is a winding road that takes a while to traverse; you'll know you're near the other side when you catch distant views of the startling Brazos Cliffs. From here, the road winds down out of the mountains to the quiet village of Tierra Amarilla on the western edge of the region, where you'll intersect with US 84.
 * Turning right on US 64/84 will take you to Chama, with its famed narrow gauge railroad. US 64/84 continues west before slitting apart several miles west of town. From here, you can continue on US 64 into the northwestern region of the state, or follow US 84 into Southwestern Colorado.

Do
This is a tremendous area for the active visitor, particularly if your interests run toward the outdoors. Both the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, picnicking, and camping. The Carson National Forest and the Santa Fe National Forest, which administer these areas, both offer excellent information on recreational opportunities in the region. Virtually every town has some good hikes in the vicinity, with some highlights being the foothills above Santa Fe, the canyon-and-mesa country in and around Los Alamos and Bandelier National Monument, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the beautiful red-rock country near Abiquiu.

The Rio Grande Gorge is a well-known destination for river rafting, and the Rio Chama, which flows into the Rio Grande near Española, has one short but spectacular white-water stretch above artificial Abiquiu Lake. There are outfitters in Santa Fe, Taos, and some of the small towns between Taos and Española that run raft trips when conditions are satisfactory (water flow in the rivers varies seasonally, with spring generally being the best time). If you like water sports of a less dramatic nature, there are several small, man-made lakes along the Rio Chama that are suitable for small boating and fishing: Heron Lake and El Vado Lake in the vicinity of Chama, and Abiquiu Lake near Abiquiu.

Birdwatchers can have an interesting time along the Rio Grande, particularly in October and February–March. One of the major North American migratory routes follows the Rio, so that all manner of southbound birds are visible in October and again in late February as they make their way back north. Vast flocks of sandhill cranes and geese fly overhead and can be heard a long distance away. Their wintering grounds are at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, south of Albuquerque in the central part of the state.

Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities in the winter months, with several developed ski resorts in the region. Ski conditions can vary considerably year-to-year, with some of the resorts relying heavily on artificial snowpack. However, the ski areas in the vicinity of Taos are at generally high enough elevations to ensure decent ski conditions, with Taos Ski Valley being far and away the most famed. Nearby Red River and Angel Fire also have large ski resorts with extensive offerings and facilities. South of Taos along NM 518 is the small ski area of Sipapu, which is less reliable for ski conditions and has fewer offerings, but is rather cozy and much cheaper. Near Los Alamos is the similarly small Pajarito, which is also inexpensive but tends not to open during relatively dry years. Ski Santa Fe above Santa Fe is a major resort at a comfortably high elevation for good snow conditions. Additionally, cross-country skiing is also a possibility in the region after a decent snowfall, with some good trails around Chama and Red River.

At the end of a day out and about, go for a soak in a hot spring. The villages of Ojo Caliente (north of Española on US 285) and Jemez Springs (along NM 4 in the Jemez Mountains) contain "developed" hot springs with tourist facilities (and of course a fee). If you prefer "wild" hot springs, several are along NM 4 through the Jemez Mountains. ' Warning: dangerously pathogenic amoebas have been isolated from some of the wild springs. Don't let water from the wild springs get into your eyes, ears or nasal passages. '

Stay safe
The high mountains pose the usual mountain hazards (altitude sickness and avalanche danger for the hiker/skier, snowpacked roads in the winter for the motorist). Roads here are also plagued by drunk drivers; drive suspiciously, particularly after dark.

There are few significant public-health issues in this region of concern to the traveler, but curiously enough, bubonic plague is endemic, and claims a few victims each year (most recover with prompt and aggressive medical care). Plague is carried by the small animals of the region, so if you see one in distress, leave it alone and let nature take its course; buzzards are immune to plague, you are not. Drinking untreated water from regional streams is not a good idea owing to Giardia parasites, but tap water is generally not a problem.

Small-town bars in this area are not recommended unless you're familiar with the locals. Some have clienteles that don't take kindly to strangers, and in too many of the small towns, a bar is a place to find a fight or worse, not a drink and some relaxation. Santa Fe and Taos have plenty of acceptable bars and the few watering holes in Los Alamos are okay. The casinos associated with the American Indian pueblos also provide nightlife of a sort, if you like that sort of thing.

Go next
See the articles on Central New Mexico, Northeast New Mexico and Northwest New Mexico for the contiguous regions of the state. North of the Colorado state line, South Central Colorado retains much of the flavor of this region, although there is less of the red-rock country that is seen around Abiquiu. The northward extension of the Sangre de Cristos is considerably higher and more rugged than the New Mexico Sangres and provides challenges for the "peak bagger" and technical climber. North of the state line, the high country of the Colorado Plateau bearing Chama and Tierra Amarilla turns into a full-fledged, major mountain range (the San Juans), which serves as the dividing line between South Central and Southwestern Colorado.

title: North Central New Mexico


text:
North Central Plains

The North Central Plains are in the Panhandle region of Texas.

Understand
The North Central Plains are the southeastern reaches of the Panhandle region of the state. To the north, the Red River marks the boundary with the High Plains region and Oklahoma, while the Caprock Escarpment separates it from the Llano Estacado to the west. To the east is the wetter and more wooded Cross Timbers region, and to the south and southwest the landscape rolls into the Northern Edwards Plateau.

Cities
fort worth is the biggest town in this region and it is the 12th largest town in the U.S
 * - A convenient stopover halfway between Dallas and New Mexico.
 * - With the largest historic town square in the country.
 * - Named after Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche war chief who fought many battles throughout the area.
 * - Charming small Panhandle town near Caprock Canyons.
 * - Historic town on the old Western Texas-Kansas Trail.
 * - Large regional hub near the Oklahoma border.
 * - Charming small Panhandle town near Caprock Canyons.
 * - Historic town on the old Western Texas-Kansas Trail.
 * - Large regional hub near the Oklahoma border.
 * - Large regional hub near the Oklahoma border.

Other destinations

 * - Dramatically marking the boundary with the Llano Estacado Plateau to the west, this park has breathtaking scenery often overlooked by tourists who stick to the main interstates.
 * Copper Breaks State Park - Southeast of Childress, this park has almost 2000 acres with 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Two lakes provide opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
 * Lake Arrowhead State Park, south east of Wichita Falls.
 * Lake Kemp - Lake south of Vernon that is very popular for sport-fishing.

Get in

 * US 287 skirts across the north part of this region on its way between Dallas and Amarillo.
 * I-20 leads in from Dallas on the east and from Odessa to the west.
 * Wichita Falls Municipal Airport
 * Abilene Regional Airport
 * Barkley Regional Airport

See

 * Medicine Mounds, on private land visible from US 287 near Quanah. This series of low peaks was an important ceremonial site for the Comanche nation.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: North Central Plains


text:
North Central Province

North Central is a province in Sri Lanka.

Other destinations

 * — less known place to see elephants in about 20 km away from Minneriya
 * — primary place to see elephants in this part of Sri Lanka

Get in
Anuradhapura Airport, Hingurakgoda Airport

See
In Anuradhapura you can see many Buddhist temples.

title: North Central Province


text:
North Central Wisconsin

North Central Wisconsin is in Wisconsin. The region’s numerous lakes and forests make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts during the summer season.

Cities

 * — home to the deepest inland lake in the state
 * — has a municipal zoo with bison, cougar, lynx, and red-crowned cranes
 * — the Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the city
 * — its Pioneer Park Historical Complex explores the region's logging industry (including )
 * — best known as the site of the "Grotto Shrine"
 * — the Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the city
 * — home to the Rib Mountain State Park/Granite Peak Ski Area
 * — known for its papermaking history, and its cranberry industry

Understand
Most of North Central Wisconsin is part of the Northern Highland geographical region. The Northern Highland is covered in woodlands. The most common trees of the Northern Highland are the Sugar Maple, Aspen, Basswood, Hemlock, and Yellow Birch, as well as Red and White Pine. A large amount of the forestland in the region is included within the 1½ million-acre (6,150-km²) Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. State and county forests also cover a significant part of the region, and only a small portion of the land is devoted to agriculture. The wildlife of the Northern Highlands includes whitetail deer, timber wolves, elk, moose, and bear.

Despite the absence of large cities, tourism is an important part of the local economy.

Get in
Interstate 39/Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway/US Route 51 runs north from Madison through the region.

See
Wildwood Zoo in Marshfield hosts North American species like bison, cougar, lynx, and red-crowned cranes.

The Pioneer Park Historical Complex, in Rhinelander, has a logging museum and train, a replica of an 1870s logging camp, an old school building and a Soo Line railroad depot from the 1890s.

The Museum of Natural History at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point houses ethnographic and natural science research collections reflecting the diversity in nature and among human cultures.

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, in Wausau, is known for its focus on nature with historic and contemporary paintings, sculptures, and works on paper that focus on birds.

The Grotto Gardens and Wonder Cave in Rudolph attracts many Catholics to its Bible-themed displays.

Do
The Ice Age Trail runs north from Stevens Point, and meanders through the Chequamegon National Forest west of Medford and through the county forest to the northeast.

The Granite Peak Ski Area near Wausau is one of the largest ski areas in the Midwest.

Rib Mountain State Park also near Wausau has a well-maintained network of hiking and nature trails, campsites, an interpretive center, scenic overlooks, and a 60-foot observation tower near the top of the peak provide a spectacular view of the Wausau Area and surrounding countryside

title: North Central Wisconsin


text:
North China

We treat two adjacent areas together as the Northern Central Region of China. One is the historical heartland of the country, along the Yellow River where the Chinese civilization first developed; the other is the more wild and arid territory of Inner Mongolia to the North and West. The two are not as distinct as that makes them sound, though; Inner Mongolia now has substantial cities, and several of the other provinces have desert areas.

Cities

 * — capital of the country.
 * — capital of Inner Mongolia
 * — capital of Shandong Province, at the mouth of the Yellow River
 * — Shandong's largest city, a former German colony known for its beer
 * — capital of Hebei Province
 * — industrial city with a long history, capital of Shanxi Province.
 * — port city near Beijing, known for its wealth of European, American and Japanese colonial buildings
 * — on the south bank of the Yellow River, capital of Henan Province.

Other destinations

 * — former capital during the Northern Song dynasty.
 * — home to the Longmen Grottoes, close to Luoyang in Henan Province.
 * — in Shandong.
 * — ancient city.

The itineraries Along the Yellow River and Along the Grand Canal cover some routes through the region.

Understand
Northern China is widely considered to be the region where Chinese civilization first began, especially the areas along the Yellow River. It has been home to many different Chinese Empires stretching back several millennia. Northern China has been witness to many invasions from different empires including most notably by the Mongolian hordes of Genghis Khan and the Manchu tribes of the Northeast. Northern China has always been an agricultural and industrial-based economy with many manufacturing and energy plants being built here.

Many locals take pride in the fact that they are living in or are from the alleged cradle of Chinese civilization. They speak a variety of different dialects and have their own local sayings and expressions. The rich culture and history make Northern China one of the most traditional parts of China.

Henan and Hebei Provinces are considered to be the "most Chinese" of all the provinces in China, as they have been less influenced by Western culture. This is equivalent to the Wild West in America and the Ocker in Australia. Many people here have historically had lower incomes compared than the rest of China due to the large farming economy however this is slowly changing with Northern China being rapidly developed.

However Beijing and Tianjin are exceptions to this rule.

Talk
Mandarin is the main native language in northern China. Standard Mandarin is largely based on the Beijing dialect, and serves as the lingua franca for all of China. That said, there are dialectal variations of Mandarin, and these can be hard to understand at times, though if you are fluent in standard Mandarin, asking the other person to speak slowly usually does the trick. Nearly all younger locals should be able to speak standard Mandarin if required. Inner Mongolia naturally has many speakers of Mongolian, but most of them speak Mandarin as well. Russian was fairly common as a second language in the Northeast during the Soviet Era and even before that. As elsewhere in China, English is not widespread but some people speak it quite well.

There is another dialect in the Shanxi region called Jin Chinese (Jinyu 晋语). It is usually considered a dialect of Mandarin, but some linguists consider it a separate branch of Chinese. It is spoken in almost all of Shanxi Province and parts of Hebei and Henan Provinces. It is different from Mandarin in a few fundamental ways, including its archaic sounds, different way of pronunciation, and a different grammar structure. However, most people in these areas speak Mandarin in addition to their local dialect.

Get in
Planes and High Speed Rail are forms of transport most commonly used by Chinese and foreigners alike to access Northern China. High Speed Rail is a cheaper and more effective form of transport to access these regions with many trains stopping at these areas. For travelers who want to see more of China, the slower K and T Trains would be recommended.

Tianjin Binhai International Airport

Get around
As elsewhere in China, there is an extensive rail network. Rail is the main means of inter-city travel for the Chinese themselves, and many visitors travel that way as well. The system now includes fast bullet trains on most major routes; unless your budget is very tight, these are the best way to go — fast, clean and comfortable.

All the major cities have airports with good domestic connections; some have international connections as well. See the individual city articles for details.

There is also an extensive highway network, much of it very good. Busses go almost anywhere, somewhat cheaper than the trains. See the China article for more. Driving yourself is also possible, but often problematic; see Driving in China.

title: North China


text:
North Chungcheong

North Chungcheong (충청 북도, 忠清北道 Chungcheongbuk-do), abbreviated Chungbuk, is the only landlocked province in the country. Area is surrounded by lakes and mountains.

Cities
There are only three cities in this mountainous province:
 * - the provincial capital
 * - gateway to other sites

Other destinations

 * - lakeside resort surrounded by three national parks
 * - the remote, utopian headquarters of the Cheontae sect of Buddhism
 * - hot spring and ski resort
 * - including the Beopjusa (법주사) temple, which is of significant historical and cultural importance and has reputedly the tallest Buddha statue

Understand

Because of its geographical location, it was once the central meeting point for expressways and train lines. Although landlocked, the province has no shortage of natural attractions with a bevy of national parks and beach side views to choose from, such as the colossal Sobaeksan Mountain, Songnisan Mountain, Chungjuho Lake and Daecheongho Lake near the presidential lakeside resort. Historically it is best known for being the birthplace of the oldest book, Jikji that was printed with movable metal type. Along with its southern sister province it has a long yangban or noble class tradition. The Chungcheong nobility was made up mostly of scholars and statesmen.

Talk
As with mostly rural areas, things tend to move a little slower here. The local dialect is a mirror of how the rest of the country would characterize the Chungcheong people - forthright, gentle and more laid back. Their speech is deliberate; sounds tend to be drawn out making you lean in and listen more carefully. One way you will immediately recognize a typical Chungcheong dialect is the person will end their sentences with a "yoo" when using jondae mal instead of the standard "yeo".

By plane
Cheongju International Airport has some flights to Jeju-do and some international flights to China.

By train
The Jungang line from Seoul's Chongnyangni station serves Jecheon and Danyang. The Chungbuk line from Bongyang (near Jecheon) to Jochiwon, on the main Seoul-Busan Line, passes through the province lengthwise, stopping at both Cheongju and Chungju along the way. A third line runs from Jecheon all the way the east coast. The Gyeongbu rail line crosses to the extreme southern part of the province and stops at Okcheon and Yeongdong.

By bus
There is an extensive network of highways and byways that run throughout the province. Regular express buses run to the larger as well as the small out of the way cities from most every bus terminal in the country making this area most accessible by buses.

By car
Along the southern tip of the province, you have the Gyeongbu Expressway (no. 1) that follows the railway of the same name hitting Okcheon. That turns into the number 35 Jungbu Expressway which runs along the east passing Icheon, Cheongju, its international airport and Jincheon. The northern pass has the Jungang Expressway (no. 55) which links Chuncheon in the north to Daegu in the south, and passes Jecheon and Danyang. The Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway (no. 45) splits the province in two connecting Yeoju and Gumi, and allows for easier access to Suanbo.

See
Encircled by Chungju Lake and Namhang River, Danyang is one of the most picturesque towns in Korea. Nearby is the Gosu Cave. Inhabited in prehistoric times, this cave is renowned for its awe-inspiring beauty. The Early Printing Museum, where the temple Heungdeoksa in Cheongju was, is worth a look. Here the world's oldest book was printed using moveable type.

Do
A pleasant boat ride that stops at every nearby attraction in the area is offered at the man-made Chungju Lake. Considered to have therapeutic properties, soaking in the Suanbo Hot Springs after a full day of touring will relax you. Located at the centre of the Sobaeksan mountain range and the meeting point of countless hikers every year, Songnisan National Park is best appreciated for its cultural treasures.

Eat
Being the only province without a coastline, the province's cuisine is composed mainly of grains and vegetables. Barley is the most popular alternative to rice for their variety of dishes. Regional specialities include:

 * sanchae bibimbap (산채 비빔밥), rice with mushroom, spinach, an assortment of roots, sprouts and other vegetables
 * hobak beombeok (호박 범벅), winter squash porridge
 * cheonggukjjang jjigae (청국장 찌개), bean paste stew with ground fermented soybeans

Drink
Produced in Cheongju, Cheongju Daechusul is a type of 'takju,' unrefined liquor fermented from grains. It would be in the same family as the popular 'makgeolli' and its cousin, 'dongdongju.' Carefully brewed with jujubes, glutinous rice, yeast, malt, pine needles and spring water pumped from an underground rock bed Daechusul tastes sweet with a bitter aftertaste. The alcohol content is 16 percent.

Okcheon also produces its own makgeolli, Okcheon Ulguem Makgeolli. "Ulgeum" is Korean for turmeric, which Koreans identify with curry. Look for it in yellow bottles.

title: North Chungcheong


text:
North Coast

There's more than one place called North Coast.

Australia

 * North Coast (New South Wales) - contains the Mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers regions of New South Wales.
 * North Coast (Queensland)

Brazil

 * North Coast (São Paulo)

Canada

 * North Coast-Nechako in British Columbia

Denmark

 * North Coast (Zealand)

East Timor

 * Timorese North Coast

Indonesia

 * North Coast (West Java)

Israel

 * Western Galilee

Scotland

 * North Coast 500 - a road route around the Scottish Highlands

United States of America

 * North Coast (California) - a region in California
 * North Coast (United States) - a region formed by Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois, bordering Lake Superior and Lake Michigan
 * North Coast Beaches - the beaches in the state of Ohio, along the south shore of Lake Erie

title: North Coast


text:
North Coast (California)

The North Coast of California has beautiful redwoods and small coastal towns. It stretches along the Pacific from the Bay Area to the Oregon border. The inland valleys of Mendocino County are a significant wine-growing area, and the region is noted for organic produce and its art community. Recreation opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, boating, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and simple sightseeing abound. For those with more urban tastes, art galleries, winetasting, and upscale restaurants are plentiful. Working harbors at Fort Bragg and Eureka offer opportunities for whale-watching, crabbing tours, ocean fishing and the chance to buy fresh salmon right from the boat. Even a simple drive along any road in this region is a refreshing experience.

Other destinations

 * - Ancient coast redwood ecosystem preserved in the park contains some of the planet's most majestic forests
 * - Ancient coast redwood ecosystem preserved in the park contains some of the planet's most majestic forests
 * - Ancient coast redwood ecosystem preserved in the park contains some of the planet's most majestic forests

Talk
English is widely spoken and understood. Spanish is a minority language but not spoken as much as in the rest of the state.

Get in
United Express flies into the Arcata-Eureka airport, near McKinleyville. United offers service from Denver International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport.

Contour Airlines flies to/from Oakland into the airport in Crescent City, but keep in mind that flights are expensive and scarce at this particular airport.

There are various Amtrak terminals on the North Coast but none go north of the Eureka area.

Greyhound has terminals in Arcata, Eureka, and Rio Dell. (Note: The Eureka station is not a full-service station).

Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, American Eagle, and United Express flies from Santa Rosa (STS) direct to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Las Vegas, Los Angeles International Airport, Orange County (CA), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Portland (OR), San Francisco International Airport, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Get around
There are taxi cab companies, shuttles, and buses that provide public transportation.

See
Crescent City is home to Ocean World. This is an aquarium similar to Sea World (but much smaller).

Klamath is where the Trees of Mystery park is located. In addition to the actual trees, there is a statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

There are three drive-thru redwood trees. One is the Chandlier Tree in Leggett. This is north of Laytonville, near the Highway 101 and Highway 1 junction.

The other two are located in Myers Flat (a town on the Avenue of the Giants)and Klamath (a town south of Crescent City).

There is a Redwoods National Park and a Redwoods State Park. Avenue of the Giants is a road that runs alongside of Highway 101. It takes you through or near the following towns: Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott, Redcrest, and Pepperwood. Many of the businesses that cater to tourists close after the summer tourist season. Phone ahead to verify opening dates and times.

Confusion Hill is near Piercy. This is a tourist attraction similar to the many so-called, "Mystery Spots."

Goat Rock Beach on Highway 1 between Jenner and Bodega Bay is a particularly scenic spot on the Sonoma Coast. There are many public beaches in this area, but most are too treacherous for swimming.

Drink
The Alexander Valley, Anderson Valley, Napa Valley, Dry Creek, and Russian River wine regions are all a day trip from Santa Rosa. There are hundreds of wineries, with tasting fees ranging anywhere from free to $20 and up. While most of the tourist-heavy wineries in Napa charge for a taste, many of the smaller operations in Sonoma and Mendocino counties do not.

Stay safe
Violent crime is low because the population is small on the North Coast. The usual safety precautions should be exercised.

Go next
Head north to the Oregon Coast or south to the Bay Area.

title: North Coast (California)


text:
North Coast (KwaZulu-Natal)

North Coast (Dolphin coast), is in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Cities

 * — a beach resort town with lots of holiday accommodation
 * — an exurb of Durban with a long beach, a nature reserve, and a massive shopping mall

title: North Coast (KwaZulu-Natal)


text:
North Coast (São Paulo)

North Coast (Portuguese: Região Metropolitana do Vale do Paraíba e Litoral Norte) is a region in the state of São Paulo. It is formed by the Paraíba Valley (the Paraíba river and the mountainous area around it) and the North Coast itself. The two regions are separated by the Serra do Mar State Park (part of the Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Regions

 * Caraguatatuba (Caraguatatuba, Ilhabela, São Sebastião, Ubatuba)
 * Cruzeiro (Arapei, Areias, Bananal, Cruzeiro, Queluz, São José do Barreiro, Silveiras)
 * Guaratinguetá (Aparecida, Cachoeira Paulista, Cunha, Guaratinguetá, Lorena)
 * São José dos Campos (Caçapava, Jacareí, Monteiro Lobato, Paraibuna, São José dos Campos)
 * Taubaté (Campos do Jordão, Pindamonhangaba, Santo Antônio do Pinhal, São Bento do Sapucaí, São Luiz do Paraitinga, Taubaté)

Cities

 * - City with that attracts Catholic pilgrims of the entire country to see the "Patroness of Brazil"
 * - Small city with valuable historical heritage and access to the natural beauty of the Serra da Bocaina National Park
 * - Mountain resort town popular for its cool climate, German architecture and nightlife
 * - Lively beach city that attracts people from all social classes
 * - Cozy farm resort hotels, ecotourism and several historical farms and constructions
 * - The Brazilian Aerospace capital, the largest city of the region
 * - City with a charming historical center, year-round caipira festivals, and nice nature to explore
 * - A beach city, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the state
 * - Second largest city of the Paraíba valley, in an excellent location to explore the region

Understand
The North Coast of São Paulo is located in the far east of the state, close to the border with Rio de Janeiro, and there is hardly another part of the state with so much variety of things to do. Likely, the most popular are the beaches surrounded by the wild rainforest of the Serra do Mar State Park, but the Paraíba valley also offers beautiful 19th century historical towns, fresh-air mountain resort towns, innumerous ecotourism options, and vivid caipira cultural manifestations.

For those who come for study and business, there are also important industrial cities along the Dutra (SP-060) motorway, including the largest city of the region, São José dos Campos, Brazil's aerospace capital and one of the most important technology centers in the country.

See

 * The North Coast's beaches are arguably the best of the state. There are hundreds of non-contiguous beaches; a few are urbanized and packed during high season, while others are surrounded by the Serra do Mar State Park and are almost always deserted. Most beaches have strong waves, being great for surfing, but the waters between São Sebastião and Ilhabela are calm and suitable for sailing. Precipitation levels are high (in particular in summer months) so checking the weather forecast a few days in advance is recommended - it is not only a joke that Ubatuba and São Sebastião are nicknamed "Ubachuva" and "São Sebastrovão".
 * The North Coast's beaches are arguably the best of the state. There are hundreds of non-contiguous beaches; a few are urbanized and packed during high season, while others are surrounded by the Serra do Mar State Park and are almost always deserted. Most beaches have strong waves, being great for surfing, but the waters between São Sebastião and Ilhabela are calm and suitable for sailing. Precipitation levels are high (in particular in summer months) so checking the weather forecast a few days in advance is recommended - it is not only a joke that Ubatuba and São Sebastião are nicknamed "Ubachuva" and "São Sebastrovão".
 * The North Coast's beaches are arguably the best of the state. There are hundreds of non-contiguous beaches; a few are urbanized and packed during high season, while others are surrounded by the Serra do Mar State Park and are almost always deserted. Most beaches have strong waves, being great for surfing, but the waters between São Sebastião and Ilhabela are calm and suitable for sailing. Precipitation levels are high (in particular in summer months) so checking the weather forecast a few days in advance is recommended - it is not only a joke that Ubatuba and São Sebastião are nicknamed "Ubachuva" and "São Sebastrovão".
 * The North Coast's beaches are arguably the best of the state. There are hundreds of non-contiguous beaches; a few are urbanized and packed during high season, while others are surrounded by the Serra do Mar State Park and are almost always deserted. Most beaches have strong waves, being great for surfing, but the waters between São Sebastião and Ilhabela are calm and suitable for sailing. Precipitation levels are high (in particular in summer months) so checking the weather forecast a few days in advance is recommended - it is not only a joke that Ubatuba and São Sebastião are nicknamed "Ubachuva" and "São Sebastrovão".

Do

 * Bonete Jungle Trail (Trilha do Bonete) – A beautiful 2 day jungle trail on Ilhabela island with picturesque waterfalls, refreshing river pools, beautiful beaches, and flora and fauna of the Atlantic rain forest.

Ecotourism and radical sports
Containing three mountain ranges (Serra do Mar, Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra da Bocaina), countless rivers, and secondary Atlantic rainforest, it is no wonder that radical sports and ecotourism are a strong attraction of the region.
 * Hike through the Pedra do Baú in São Bento do Sapucaí or the Pedra do Corcovado in São Luiz do Paraitinga
 * Visit the innumerous waterfalls in the region
 * Do rafting along the Paraitinga river in São Luiz do Paraitinga
 * Paraglide from the top of Pico Agudo in Santo Antônio do Pinhal
 * Explore forest trails to find deserted beaches in Ubatuba and Ilhabela. Don't forget to bring a good insect repellent, though!

title: North Coast (São Paulo)


text:
North Coast (Zealand)

 * Helsinge redirects here, for the former municipality of Finland, see Vantaa.

The North Coast (Danish: Nordkysten) is a part of northern part of Zealand near the coast of Kattegat. The 30 km coastline between Tisvildeleje and Hellebæk has been dubbed the Danish Riviera, while it may be hard to see why in the rain and cold wind which is prevalent in the winter, the well heeled guests and part time residents that descend on the coast line come spring and summer, makes the nickname much more obvious.

Understand
The 10 or so villages on the coast, have practically been joined together by long swaths of summer cottages - tripling or even quadrupling the population during the summer months, where at times it seems half the population of Copenhagen is here.

Tourist information
The municipality runs several tourist information offices in the area, but the general phone number is, and emails can be sent to info@visitgribskov.dk:

Get in
The easiest entry points are Hillerød and Elsinore. Hillerød is located north of Copenhagen, and can be reached by S-train line A in about 40 minutes from the centre of Copenhagen. From Hillerød, you can catch the local railway Gribskovbanen to either Gilleleje (often direction "Helsingør via Gilleleje") or Tisvildeleje. The trains to Gilleleje and Tisvildeleje operate once an hour every day from early morning to late evening, with additional services during daytime on weekdays, creating a half hourly service on these lines. Hillerød is also the main terminal for bus routes in the area. Another option is Elsinore at the end of the Kystbanen railway from central Copenhagen (45 min) from there you can another the local railway Hornbækbanen to Gilleleje via Hornbæk, running along the coast. Generally speaking, passengers going to Gilleleje get the shortest travel time via Hillerød, whereas passengers to Hornbæk get the shortest travel time via Helsingør.

There are plenty of options for driving and routes naturally depends where exactly you are going, but generally you take the Hillerødmotorvejen (route 16) motorway towards Hillerød for destinations west of Gilleleje, while the Helsingørmotorvejen (route E47/55) motorway towards Elsinore is fastest for destinations to the east.

Get around
Conveniently a small one track railway, Hornbækbanen, runs right along most of the coast between Elsinore and Gilleleje - a journey of 40 minutes - the trains continue onto Hillerød as Gribskovbanen after a brief stop. There are also Gribskovbanen trains to Tisvildeleje from Hillerød. There's a departure every 30 minutes during the daytime and every hour between in the evening. On weekends, trains leave once an hour, except Saturdays on Gribskovbanen from Hillerød to Tisvildeleje from 11:00 to 16:00, where there's a train every 30 minutes. These trains use the same tickets as the rest of the public transportation system.

During the summer season an old steam train occasionally runs to various destinations in the area, the schedule varies greatly so check with one of the tourist information offices for details. These trains require a special ticket.

Tisvildeleje
A quaint seaside town during much of the year, Tisvildeleje bourges with visitors during the summer, and many of the houses outside the small centre, is vacation houses - or sommerhuse in Danish, greatly contributing to a mushrooming population during good weather. When you arrive at the small train station, follow the crowd, and you'll be on the beach after a 300-metre walk, it's kid-friendly, and there are lifeguards stationed during bathing season. If you head northwest along the beach, you'll reach Helenekilde, one of the country's most famous springs, legend has it that it can cure incurable diseases; if you draw water from the spring on St. Johns eve, and find the two boulders leaning against each other, Helenes tomb (on Sankt Helenevej), lye in grass and drink the wate of life until the red sun rises, you will be cured of your disease. With the coast due north, head west or north if you want to escape the crowd, where Tilvildeleje is bordered by the Tisvilde Hegn forest, it's large and quite nice, a good walk takes you to the Troldeskov or Trolls forest, where gnarled old trees create interesting shapes and figures, it's signposted from the entrance.

Gilleleje
Gilleje is the main town on the coast with around 7000 full-year residents, it's an important local fishing harbour, and was indeed founded by fishermen as early as the 16th century, the fishermen are also famous for organising the escape of Danish Jews to neutral Sweden during World War II on the cutters, though unfortunately many were captured during a Gestapo raid, you'll find a few memorials commemorating the tragic night, as well as fishermen who lost their lives hitting sea mines during the crossing, around the town.

You'll usually arrive at the train station which is about 500 m south west of the harbour, and a bit longer from the beach, you'll walk through the nice city centre to get there, which has preserved some of the narrow alleyways and half timbered houses of the original fishing hamlet. The whole place has an aura of sleepy sophistication it's hard to find elsewhere, and Danes have jokingly dubbed the area; the North Zealand Riviera - in fact the great tormented philosopher Søren Kierkegaard used Gilleleje to escape from his world.

The beach is immensely popular in the summer, and locally famous for its white sand - many of the outlying houses are vacation homes, so you can count on the beach being full on weekends (Jun-Aug) if the weather is good. During the season, there is life guards stationed here - if you walk around 1 km north west along the beach, you'll reach Zealand's northernmost point, if you walk around the same distance in the opposite direction, you'll find Nakkehoved Lighthouse, which along with a sister in Sweden, marks the entrance to the Øresund sound.

Dronningmølle
A small village with less than 1000 permanent residents, but one of the best beaches on the north coast with shallow water and a lifeguard service in season, makes it a very popular destination for day trippers and guests to the vacation homes which stretches 2km inland. The name means "Queens Mill", and dates back to the 16th century, but which mill this name refers to remains uncertain.

Hornbæk

While this small village of around 3,500 people, roughly half way between Gilleleje and Elsinore, has more than 500 years of history as a fisheries harbour on its back, there is now little fishing going on, and the village is above all known as popular vacation spot full of day trippers from Copenhagen and many guests in the vacation homes during the summer months. And the old harbour is now a marina for private yachts - this transformation is all mainly thanks to its popular good, sandy, beach that extends on both sides of the harbour. Besides the beach there is not many attractions here, but a small church dating back to 1737, but there are some good strolls around the area to be had, and its also a popular spot for fishing.

Do
Most activities in the area is centred around the excellent beaches, so see if there is a little viking hidden in you, and join the locals in the often fairly cold sea, or just safely ooze in the sun up on the beach. With the amount of well heeled visitors, Golf is naturally another option; the local clubs are; Ree Golf, Gilleleje Golfklub and Hornbæk Golfklub.

Buy
Shopping heaven this is not, but there are a number of stores to breeze through dotted around many of the hamlets. Most of them are located in Gilleleje, which is also where most grocery stores are to be found. A number of artists also have small galleries set up, just look for signs saying "Galleri" when you are driving, biking or walking around the coast.

title: North Coast (Zealand)


text:
North Coast Beaches

The North Coast Beaches are the beaches in the state of Ohio, United States, along the south shore of Lake Erie. Lake Erie was named after the Erie Native American tribe who lived along its southern shore prior to exploration by Europeans. The coastal counties of Ohio and their respective beaches include:

Other destinations

 * is a small town lakefront town near the state border of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
 * is a boating and fishing haven on Lake Erie.
 * , enormous amusement park on the Cedar Point peninsula.
 * is a lakefront town in the northeastern corner of Ohio.
 * is a quaint town with a kid-friendly beach at the mouth and along the eastern bank of the Grand River.
 * includes Geneva State Park and strip of old-fashioned tourist attractions.
 * is home to the largest natural beach on Lake Erie, Mentor Headlands State Park, approximately 20 miles east of Cleveland.
 * is a Connecticut Western Reserve town and county seat of Lake County
 * is a quaint fishing town between Cleveland and Toledo.
 * on South Bass Island, catch a ferry from Port Clinton or Catawba.
 * has a quaint downtown (Harbour Town), a nice public beach and boasts a large number of marinas, beachfront accommodations and fishing charters.

Ashtabula County

 * Conneaut Township Park
 * Geneva State Park
 * Lakeshore Park
 * Walnut Beach

Cuyahoga County

 * Arcadia Beach
 * Bay Park Beach
 * Beachland Park Association
 * Bonniewood Club
 * Bradstreet Landing
 * Cahoon Park
 * Clarkwood Beach
 * Coronado Beach Association
 * Edge Cove Beach Club
 * Edgecliff Beach
 * Edgewater Park in Cleveland, Ohio, just west of downtown, exhibits dramatic vistas of Cleveland's breathtaking skyline.
 * Euclid Park
 * Euclid State Park
 * Groveland Club
 * Huntington Beach in Bay Village, Ohio, an upscale suburb west of Cleveland.
 * Lake Edge Beach Association
 * Luikart Drive Association
 * Moss Point Beach
 * Noble Beach Association
 * Oudenard Club
 * Overlook Park
 * Rocky River Park Beach in Rocky River, Ohio, an upscale suburb west of Cleveland.
 * Royal Acres Beach
 * Shore Haven Club
 * Shore Rest Club
 * Sims Park
 * Utopia Beach
 * Villa Beach Club
 * Wildwood State Park

Erie County

 * Andersen Beach
 * Beulah Beach
 * Bluebird Beach
 * Cedar Point Beach home of the Amazement Park, Cedar Point, the world capital of roller coasters.
 * Cedar Point Chaussee
 * Chaska Beach
 * Hartley Beach
 * Heidelberg Beach
 * Huron City Beach
 * Kelleys Island State Park on one of the Lake Erie Islands - ferry boat connection required.
 * Linwood Beach
 * Mitiwanga Beach
 * Nickel Plate Beach
 * Oberlin Beach
 * Old Homestead Beach
 * Old Woman's Creek
 * Orchard Beach
 * Ruggles Beach
 * Rye Beach Park Beach
 * Sheldon's Folly Beach
 * Sherod Park
 * Vermilion Beach
 * Vermilion Lagoons
 * Volunteer Bay
 * Wilson Avenue Beach

Lake County

 * Fairport Harbor adjacent to the Fairport Harbor lighthouse and the mouth of the Grand River, has a nice playground area next to the sand.
 * Mentor Headlands State Park the largest beach on America's North Coast, managed by the Ohio Park System.

Lorain County

 * Century Beach
 * Lakeview Beach
 * Lakewood Beach Park
 * Village Park (Veterans Memorial Park)

Lucas County

 * Crane Creek State Park
 * Lakeview Shores
 * Maumee Bay State Park beautiful state park, just east of Toledo, with a lakefront lodge, cabins and golf course on the grounds - adjacent to lakefront preservation areas.
 * Olander Park
 * Quarry Beach

Ottawa County

 * Bay Point
 * Catawba Island is not actually an island, attached to the mainland, but serves as an access point for ferry boats to the Lake Erie Islands
 * Crane Creek
 * East Harbor State Park
 * Kelleys Island State Park on one of the Lake Erie Islands - ferry boat connection required.
 * Lakeside
 * Lakeview
 * South Bass Island State Park located in the tourist town of Put-in-Bay on one of the Lake Erie Islands - ferry boat connection required.

Sandusky County

 * Sandusky Bay glassy bay immediately south of the Lake Erie Islands.

Get in

 * Interstate 90 runs along the southern shore of Lake Erie.
 * Interstate 80 (the Ohio Turnpike) also runs east-west through northern Ohio and merges with I-90 through a portion of its course.
 * State Route 2 tracks a beautiful journey through Ohio wine country, farms, small Western Reserve towns, beautiful lakefront communities and the cities that dot the North Coast.

Sleep

 * Maumee Bay State Park, beautiful lodge and cabins along the southern shore of Lake Erie, just east of Toledo in Oregon.
 * Geneva State Park, newly constructed sprawling Lodge and Conference Center in Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Do

 * Swimming, Sailing, Boating and Fishing

Eat

 * Lake Erie Walleye and Perch

Go next

 * Go to Cleveland - there's a lot to do there.
 * Lake Erie Islands, take a ferry to South Bass and other islands.

title: North Coast Beaches


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North Conway

North Conway is a city in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire.

Understand

North Conway is in the heart of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. It is a popular vacation destination year-round. The village of North Conway is located about two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts.

North Conway is home to more than 250 alpine ski trails and hundreds of acres of White Mountain National Forest land surrounding Mt. Washington, the biggest mountain in the northeast. There is plenty to do out of doors during any season. Hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, skiing, sledding, canoeing are common activities. North Conway is home to a large strip of shopping areas including factory outlet stores, antique shops, and country stores.

By car

 * From Boston - Interstate 95 North. In New Hampshire, take Exit 4 to the Spaulding Turnpike, Route 16 North, continue on Route 16 North to North Conway.
 * From Concord - North on Interstate 93, take Exit 23. Follow Rt. 104 East to Meredith to Rt. 25 East. Follow Rt. 25 East to Ossipee and Rt. 16 North.
 * From Montreal - South on Interstate 91 to Exit 19 to Interstate 93 South. Take Exit 40, onto Rt. 302 East in Bethlehem. Follow Rt. 302 East to Bartlett. Continue on Rt. 302 towards Glen/North Conway.
 * From New York City - North on Interstate 91 to Exit 17, Wells River, Vermont. Cross over to Woodsville, NH and follow Rt. 302 to Bartlett. Continue on Rt. 302 towards Glen/North Conway.

Get around
If you fly into Laconia Airport, 50 minutes south of North Conway, rental cars are available at the airport and in nearby Gilford.

Passengers flying into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport or Portland International Jetport  will also find rental cars available at those airports.

Many of North Conway's shops and less interactive attractions are on the town's main road, Route 16. Even with their close proximity, a car is more convenient for travel in the wintertime, and for travel to some of the attractions and activities outside of walking distance. In North Conway, taxi companies service all local areas.

Most of the taxi services include large capacity vans, car seats for children, and airport shuttle services.

See

Do
North Conway is a popular area for rock climbing and hiking with Cathedral Ledge and Diana's Baths being the most popular.

Buy
The numerous stores and shopping centers are located on "the strip," a stretch of road on Route 16 in North Conway. Chains including Wal-Mart and Staples. Stores tend to close early in this area of New Hampshire, so if you're shopping after dinner, shops like Zeb's General Store or the North Conway Five and Dime may be closed.

Eat
Chains including Applebees's, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Friendly's Ice Cream, McDonald's and Pizza Hut can all be found in town. Other options include:

title: North Conway


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North Country

North of the Adirondacks lies the North Country, the northern border of New York. Although more populated than the mountains to the south, this region is still dominated by the large areas between cities. It also incorporates much for the traveler to see, including the St. Lawrence River and its Thousand Islands. Northern New York serves as a gateway into Quebec and eastern Ontario, which exert a strong influence on the culture of the region.

Cities

 * /Canton
 * and
 * /Canton
 * and
 * /Canton
 * and
 * /Canton
 * and
 * and

Other destinations

 * and the Great Lakes region.

Understand
Northern New York was populated in the 1800s, with much of the region serving as agricultural land along the St. Lawrence Valley.

During the War of 1812, a naval base at Sackets Harbor was targeted by two British-Canadian attacks. In the late 1800s, passenger rail and steamships brought New York City's wealthy elites to the Thousand Islands region in search of sites for magnificent summer homes; Boldt Castle (built by George Boldt of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel for his wife Louise) and Singer Castle (built by the sewing machine magnate) date from this era. In 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway and its ability to handle huge ocean-going vessels diverted much marine traffic from Buffalo and the Erie Canal further south.

This border region still retains its military vocation, with Fort Drum (near Watertown) and its US Army 10th Mountain Division as the largest employer. Plattsburgh had served as an air force base during the Cold War; its huge airport is now used as a civilian facility with a few scheduled Essential Air Service flights daily.

To the north lies Canada's beaten-path Windsor-Quebec corridor. its capital Ottawa-Gatineau and its largest French-speaking city, Montréal. To the south is the huge Adirondack Park, whose alpine ski slopes hosted the 1932 and 1980 Lake Placid winter Olympic games.

Get in
Most visitors arrive by automobile, but Trailways does provide limited intercity bus service through Watertown and there are a few small airports operating scheduled domestic service under a federal subsidy. There are no scheduled cross-border public transport services to the Northern New York mainland from Ontario. Amtrak does go through Plattsburgh on its way from New York City to Montréal, but provides no service for Watertown or the 1000 Islands region.

By car

 * From Central New York, take Interstate 81 or US 11 north through Watertown. I-81 ends in the Thousand Islands in eastern Ontario, US 11 continues through Malone and crosses the Quebec border.
 * From Albany, take Interstate 87 north through Plattsburgh toward Montréal.
 * From Vermont, take US 2 across the northern end of Lake Champlain
 * From Ontario, cross at the Thousand Islands, Prescott-Ogdensburg or Cornwall-Massena.
 * From Montréal, Autoroute 15 southbound becomes I-87 to Plattsburgh

By bus

 * Trailways from Syracuse follows US 11 northward from Watertown to Potsdam, terminating in Massena. Rail-to-bus and air-to-bus connections are available in Syracuse, as are onward buses to New York City.
 * Adirondack Trailways stops at Mountain Mobil Mart (7155 Route 9) in Plattsburgh enroute to Albany
 * Universities within the region sometimes run charter buses to Syracuse or Albany/NYC for their students

By train

 * Amtrak stops in Rouses Point and Plattsburgh on the Adirondack line (NYC-Albany-Montréal).

By boat

 * Cruising on small craft is (seasonally) an option to reach various points on the St. Lawrence Seaway and the 1000 Islands. Recreational boaters may take vessels 20' (9m) or larger through the Seaway locks at Massena, but the huge "Seaway max" cargo ships are given priority. Local marinas serve various small towns in the 1000 Islands region, including Clayton and Cape Vincent. Some have boats for rent; depending on type of vessel, rental cost may be up to $300/day.
 * From Vermont, there is a car ferry which joins Burlington to Plattsburgh.
 * From Ontario, there is a seasonal car ferry from Wolfe Island in the Thousand Islands to Cape Vincent. Tour boats carry passengers to Boldt Castle (on Heart Island, NY) from both sides of the St. Lawrence River.

By plane
Two or three Essential Air Service flights arrive daily in each of Watertown (from Philadelphia), Ogdensburg  and Massena  (from Albany) and Plattsburgh  (from Boston). The closest major airports are out-of-region in Syracuse, Ottawa or Montréal-Dorval.

Hertz and Budget hire cars are available at Plattsburgh's airport; Enterprise is available at Ogdensburg and Massena airports.

By car
There are two major Interstate highways, I-81 through Watertown and I-87 through Plattsburgh; both run north-south and terminate in Canada. All other regional traffic is carried by two-lane highways such as US11 (through Watertown and Potsdam), NY 37 (through Ogdensburg) and NY 12 (through Watertown and Clayton).

By bus

 * CitiBus provides limited local bus service on three daytime routes within the City of Watertown.
 * St. Lawrence NYSARC operates weekday commuter buses throughout St. Lawrence County.

By carshare

 * A Zipcar is available for self-serve rental at each Potsdam university campus.

See

 * Antique Boat Museum, 1000 Islands Museum and 1000 Islands Art Centre in Clayton
 * Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, in the 1000 Islands. Tour boats visit regularly (in season) from various points on the US mainland.
 * Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg
 * Various local university campuses dominate tiny Potsdam and Canton
 * Waterfalls of St. Lawrence County Six major waterfalls adorn the area.

Do

 * An assortment of boat tours depart from Clayton and Alexandria Bay into the Thousand Islands
 * Lots of outdoor activities are popular, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and fishing.

Buy

 * Local farmers markets operate seasonally in Clayton, Ogdensburg, Massena, Potsdam and Watertown.
 * The Salmon Run Mall in Watertown and the Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh are popular among cross-border shoppers.

Eat
Plattsburgh is known for its "red hot" steamed hot dogs. Hotter and spicier than a chili dog, a "michigan" is served on a steamed New England roll and buried in copious amounts of "Michigan sauce" — an overflowing, heaping helping of ground beef and tomato sauce, onions buried, with a touch of mustard on the top.

The Saint Lawrence River valley is the birthplace of the 1000 Islands salad dressing; while most of this dressing is manufactured elsewhere, the recipe was originally brought from Clayton and popularised by the big-city hotels in New York City in the passenger rail era, when the 1000 Islands and the Adirondacks were the playground of NYC's wealthiest citizens.

Jreck Subs is a regional chain of about forty submarine sandwich shops, based in Watertown with locations throughout Northern New York. Apparently the odd choice of name was taken from the founders' initials.

Drink
While the cold winters and short growing season have long left Northern NY overshadowed by other wine producing regions in the state (such as the Finger Lakes, the corner of western NY near Lake Erie, the Hudson Valley and eastern Long Island), efforts are being made to breed hardier grapes to permit viniculture to blossom in Northern New York and in the adjacent Adirondacks.

Two of the eighteen New York State wine trails are in the north country. The 80-mile state-designated St. Lawrence Wine Trail links three wineries in Hammond, Lisbon and Winthrop, while another designated wine trail covers the Thousand Islands region. Clayton is home to The Great New York State Food & Wine Festival (in June), a winery and a distillery. There are wineries in Philadelphia NY, in Evans Mills and in Alexandria Bay.

Stay safe
With the exception of I-81 and I-87, which run north-south through Watertown and Plattsburgh respectively, most of the Northern New York road network is two-lane highway and animal collisions (particularly deer) are a hazard. The area is also snow belt, due to lake effect snow from Lake Ontario; caution in winter driving is advised.

Go next

 * Adirondacks
 * Syracuse and Central New York
 * Ottawa-Gatineau and Eastern Ontario
 * Seaway Region
 * Montreal

title: North Country


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North County

There is more than one place called North County:

United States of America

 * North County (San Diego County) - An area of San Diego County in California.
 * North County (Massachusetts) - An area of Worcester County in Massachusetts.

title: North County


text:
North County (Massachusetts)

North County is a region in the northern part of Central Massachusetts.

Cities

 * Athol
 * Ayer
 * Berlin
 * - See the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens.
 * Devens - Formerly a military base (Fort Devens).
 * - See the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens.
 * Devens - Formerly a military base (Fort Devens).
 * Devens - Formerly a military base (Fort Devens).
 * Devens - Formerly a military base (Fort Devens).

 * - Home of Mount Wachusett Ski Area.
 * Royalston
 * Templeton - Including the villages of East Templeton, Baldwinville, and Otter River.
 * Winchendon
 * Winchendon
 * Winchendon

title: North County (Massachusetts)


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North County (San Diego County)

North San Diego County is a largely suburban region, with a number of lovely seaside towns and several beaches popular with surfers.

Cities

 * - A lovely beach town that's home to flower fields and Legoland California, a theme park based on the phenomenally popular toy line, featuring thrill rides, a water park, and strikingly accurate Lego sculptures.
 * - A small, very pretty Bavarian style seaside town, famed locally for its charming beach, its fairgrounds, and its horse racing track.
 * - A small but picturesque beach town with popular surf spots, beachside camping, coastal wetlands and a lovely botanical garden.
 * - A large inland city, mostly suburban in character but with a few minor attractions.
 * - A pleasant agricultural community along I-15 at the northern edge of the county.
 * - The largest city of the North County region, with a popular beach and pier, coastal wetlands, and Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, the largest of the Spanish missions in California.
 * - A large suburban community mostly surrounded by San Diego just off I-15.
 * - A mostly suburban community along SR 78 between Oceanside and Escondido.
 * - A laid-back beach town with a lovely beach and plenty of shops and galleries.
 * - A mostly suburban community along SR 78 between Oceanside and Escondido, home to a couple of small historical attractions.
 * Additionally, portions of North San Diego are also considered part of North County. Of note is the San Pasqual Valley, home to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the expansive sister park to the San Diego Zoo that contains stunningly huge exhibits that resemble African savanna.

Get in
Interstate 5 passes along the coast, connecting San Diego with Los Angeles. Interstate 15 travels north-south further inland, connecting San Diego with the Inland Empire. State Route 76 and State Route 78 serve as the main east–west routes through the region. State Route 76 begins in Oceanside and travels northeast through Pala to Lake Henshaw. State Route 78 is a freeway through Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Vista, before continuing as a two-lane highway to Ramona and Julian.

Amtrak's frequent Pacific Surfliner San Luis Obispo-Los Angeles-San Diego route runs along the coast of North County, stopping in Oceanside and Solana Beach. Additionally, a commuter rail line called the COASTER overlaps with the Pacific Surfliner between Oceanside and San Diego, linking together most of the coastal cities and towns of North County with San Diego to the south.

San Diego International Airport has flights from Canada, Hawaii, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the continental United States.

Get around
Driving is the main way of getting around; everything in this region is pretty spread out. The North County Transit District (NCTD) is the main operator of public transit in the region, providing bus service, the aforementioned COASTER rail service, and the SPRINTER rail service between Oceanside and Escondido.

Go next

 * San Diego lies to the south with its myriad of attractions, including the upscale seaside community of La Jolla, the popular beach neighborhoods of Mission and Pacific Beach, lush Balboa Park with its gardens, museums, and famed zoo, and California's oldest mission in Mission Valley, among other attractions.
 * Taking Interstate 5 or Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner north leads to Orange County, which is separated from North County by the large Camp Pendleton marine corps base. The next town up from Oceanside is charming San Clemente, with its beach and pier, with historic San Juan Capistrano just a little further beyond.
 * Interstate 15 north of here leads into the wine country of Temecula before continuing on into the Inland Empire.

title: North County (San Diego County)