Sunny beaches and entertainment draw millions to California each year. Hollywood is grand, and Southern Cal beaches are refreshing, yet sometimes you just have to get in your car and cruise. Nothing says freedom like cruising along the coast with the radio on and singing aloud with friends and family. On this trip we head north to scenic San Mateo for some wine, and to take in the sites.

California is know for its Wine Country, and in San Mateo the wines are superb. Local vineyards take great care in growing their crops while keeping the environment in mind. They also practice the old-world winemaking traditions and take advantage of state-of-the-art techniques to produces their award winning wines. Here are a few picks to visit on your trip:

The oldest winery in San Mateo County is Woodside Vineyards that produces specialty wines. Enjoy a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, and sample other fine wines while relaxing on the outdoor patio where special events can be held from April through October for up to 60 guests. Woodside Vineyards is located at 340 Kings Mountain Road in Woodside. Winery tours are offered by appointment. Call (650) 851-3144 or visit www.woodsidevineyards.com  for more details.

At the Thomas Fogarty Winery sample award winning wine while taking in the beautiful mountain top views. Thomas Fogarty Winery has a beautiful reception facility for special events or share a bottle of their award winning wines in the tasting room with friends and family. Thomas Fogarty Winery is located on the east side of Highway 35, also known as Skyline Blvd. in Woodside. Call information on their wines selections and tasting events call (650) 851-6777 or visit www.fogartywinery.com .

Blended by hand in the coastal hills of romantic Half Moon Bay, La Nebbia Winery has exceptional award-winning wines to sample. This is a perfect place to head to for a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon sampling wine and playing bocce ball. Tours and private events are available at La Nebbia Winery by appointment. To find La Nebbia Winery is head east of Half Moon Bay on Highway 92 to 12341 Highway 92. You can also call (650) 726-9463 or visit www.lanebbiawinery.com  for more information.

While in San Mateo be sure to visit San Mateo Central Park where you'll find the Japanese Tea Garden. Designed by a former landscape architect at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the Japanese Tea Garden is a romantic piece of paradise for couples. This is one place where time doesn't matter and troubles minds soon calm after a short time in this sanctuary. Within the Japanese Tea Garden there is a tea house, a pagoda, and beautiful waterfalls and pathways that spread out through harmoniously arranged trees and rocks. In the spring return to enjoy the fragrant cherry blossoms, or visit in the fall when the colorful blanket of autumn foliage spreads throughout the gardens. Located at East 5th Avenue and El Camino Real, in San Mateo, the Japanese Tea Garden is a must-see on your trip. Call 650-377-4640 for more details.

Also in San Mateo is the largest and most successful Orchid hybridizing laboratory and nursery in the world, Acres of Orchids. This nursery is filled with beautiful Orchids of all shapes and sizes. On your visit to Acres of Orchids, located at 914 South Claremont St. in San Mateo, you can learn more about the Orchids, and tips on the best way to care for nature's delicate works of art. For hours and more details on the Acres of Orchids call 650-373-3920.