As spring makes it way to North America, the West Coast seductively beckons travelers. From deserts to oceans to mountains, this diverse stretch of land blossoms with every imaginable environment. To visit is to truly travel around the globe. Here are seven wonderful locations, a sampler if you will, of what the West Coast has to offer.

Pacific Coast Highway
Highway 1 is not so much a destination as it is a journey. This stretch of road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Los Angeles to San Francisco takes about seven hours, but this is not something you want to rush. Plenty of attractions along the way beg for overnight stays. Begin in Santa Monica where you can rent a convertible before heading north through Malibu and Ventura. The joys of Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Monterey and ultimately San Francisco wait just up the road.

Ventura, California
You may have never heard of Ventura, but that's what makes it all the more appealing. This sleepy coastal town 60 miles north of Los Angeles is a less pretentious version of Santa Barbara. The San Rafael Mountains just to the east are perfect for biking and hiking, but it's the Pacific Ocean that really drives this laid-back town. Surfers and surfer-wanna-bes hang 10 down at C Street Beach while those with a passion for marine life can sail past pods of dolphins, the occasional whale and then onwards to the amazing Channel Islands.

Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree National Park is an hour's drive from Palm Springs, but a world away. Although this wonderland of rocks is the premier Southern California climbing destination, you don't have to be an experienced climber to enjoy it. Thousands of rock formations strewn across the desert provide climbing opportunities for all levels of scramblers. There are also abandoned mines, day hikes, and even an oasis awaiting those who prefer their activities less vertical. However, there are no hotels so bring a tent and catch the change of seasons before the summer heat arrives.

Ashland, Ore.
Every year this city hosts an amazing Shakespeare festival honoring the heralded playwright. Running from February to October, the event attracts more than 350,000 tourists. Ashland is a pleasant respite from the big city and is located just across the California border among rolling mountains and beautiful scenery.

Vancouver, Canada
Loaded with opera houses, museums, fine restaurants, beautiful parks and an amazing harbor, Vancouver has the amenities of a big city but with a small town personality. The natural beauty of surrounding British Columbia further accentuates Vancouver with unparalleled access to a slew of outdoor activities.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is sort of a split personality. You can smoke, gamble and drink on the Nevada side and hike, fish or ski on either side of the state line. Lake Tahoe provides a level of entertainment for everyone, no matter what your vice.

Hoh Rainforest
A rainy spring trip might not seem appealing, but consider visiting the country's most spectacular rainforest. Located within the Olympic National Park in Washington State, the Hoh Rainforest receives 150 inches of the wet stuff each year. The result is a rich blanket of the greenest greens you've ever seen. Ferns, lichens and moss cling tightly to Douglas firs, red cedars and an array of other foliage. Bring your Gore-Tex tent, however, as there are no hotels located within the park.