There are lyrics and then, there are lyrics.

California here I come,
Right back where I started from,
Where bowers of flowers bloom in the sun,
Each morning at dawning
Birdies sing an' ev'rything:
A sun-kiss'd miss said, "don't be late,"
That's why I can hardly wait,
Open up that golden gate,
California here I come.

The snappy little chorus is on perpetual rotation in my head's soundtrack, thanks to one Mikey Karolkowski who introduced me to the ditty in the second grade after his trip to Disneyland. (And yes, 'It's a Small World' is trapped in my head as well.)

All it takes is the mere utterance of the word 'California' and I feel the need to sing and tap my way into the hearts and heads of those not too frighten to flee.

Now, I can thank the Los Angeles Times for another reason to explore the Golden State. (I feel a song coming on.)  In the words of the travel staff, "These are 15 places we think you must visit to grasp the wonder of this state." Well, what are you waiting for; it's time to visit California's Golden 15 Destinations.