Just when I thought beautiful California has given me everything it has to offer, I finally listened to family, friends and neighbors and took the 395. In case you don't know, 395 is the freeway running north-south on the east side of the Sierras, much like the 5 runs north-south on the west side of the Sierras. The magnitude of the Sierras hit me anew the first time we drove south from Tahoe to LA on the 395. I fell in low with California all over again.
The cool thing about the 395 is that there are a lot of interesting and eclectic spots to see along the way too. Here are some of them.
This sculpture garden is free! And definitely better than I expected. The art is actually beautiful and thought-provoking. The desert and mountain backdrop are perfect for the artwork. You might miss it, but it's worth it to turn around and make another attempt to see them.
This WWII Japanese internment camp is a stark reminder of how fear can drive men to do inhumane things. It was a solemn, illuminating and touching experience. It wasn't all sad. I was amazed at the strength of the people who strived to make life as normal as they could despite their circumstance and I was hopeful for humanity when I read that the American government admitted they've done wrong.
California never ceases to amaze. This alien landscape is thanks to volcanic activity. To get a really good view with minimal effort, you'll need to take your 4-wheel drive out of the visitor center, drive south for a bit and then turn into Route 120. A few miles in, you can park and walk to the water. Oh what a sight! You'll need a 4X4 to drive on Route 120 though.
Spongebob's House
Okay, okay. I know it's not a pineapple under the sea. It's actually a lemon on land. But it's close enough! Kids loved it!
This former gold mining town had the most expensive state park entrance I had to pay. So far. It's also the best maintained ghost town I've ever been to. I haven't been to many, but this one certainly takes the cake. Also, their restrooms are clean. The historical background provided for each building certainly brought the town to life.
There are more things to see at the 395. I myself hope to see the following sometime in the future:
Natural Hot Springs
The Twilight Zone House
June Lake
Devil's Postpile
Rainbow Falls
Map is hyperlinked to interactive version.
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