Got a recently frozen or drenched East Coast visitor who wants to feel the cool sensation of arriving in coastal Orange County? From the 73 toll road, exit at Newport Coast Drive (fork over the $1.75 toll first, of course) and go south. On both sides of the road, they'll see the handiwork of Don Bren, the richest man in these parts. Bren has built fabulous, gated estate communities for the wealthy, including Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and horror author Dean Koontz. Also check out the road's landscaping. Not cheap—and it sets the stage for the California crescendo. You'll reach a peak in the road where you'll tower over the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and then feel the exhilarating descent toward PCH and Crystal Cove State Beach.