Speaking of civilized, we recently visited Vancouver, British Columbia for a combo business/pleasure trip. We navigated the city for 5 full days mostly by foot, bicycle, and public transit (and the occasional taxi.) Compared to San Francisco, the weather sorta sucks (which says a lot if you know SF) but Vancouver makes San Francisco look ***archaic*** when it comes to transit. They really have it figured out. Read more about Vancouver Has The Best Bike Lanes
After 10 years in California, we finally made it to Yosemite Valley and stayed in a tent cabin at Curry Village. I think we finally figured out that you either have to luxury camp or backpack in California because typical car-camping simply sucks. I can get along w/ this luxury camping... we are already booked for a heated cabin this coming winter at the same place. Read more about Boegers in Yosemite