There's no urban monopoly on history and culture, so you'll find many interesting museums in the California Countryside.

Here are just a few:

Kern County Museum - Ranging over 16 acres, the museum includes 56 historic buildings, a children's Discovery Center and a $4 million exhibit a century of oil discovery and production, a dominant force in Kern's economy and history.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - A world-class aquarium and learning center with family-friendly facilities and exhibits, featuring more than 30,000 creatures from the waters of California's central coast.

National Steinbeck Center - The official museum of the great American writer, John Steinbeck, who wrote compassionately about the land and the people of California. Don't miss the Valley of the World agricultural wing -- NEW!

Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History - Exploring the crossroads of art and history in the land between the sea and the Big Trees, the museum includes galleries, historic buildings, a sculpture garden and a Gold Rush era cemetery.

Sutter's Fort - The birthplace of Sacramento founded by Swiss immigrant John Sutter. The fort hosts several "Living History" events that portray typical days in California 150 years ago.

Valley of the World - An interactive survey of California's agricultural history.