With plenty of sunshine, breathtaking landscapes and urban sophistication, the Golden State is simply an irresistible destination. From snow-capped peaks and idyllic farmlands to sandy beaches and multicultural cities, California has it all. Blending glamour with surreal scenery, the sunny state offers a plethora of wondrous experiences to visitors. Trust me, it’s, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in America for all kinds of travelers.
Need some help for your California travel itinerary? Don’t know what to do in California, USA? We’ve rounded up a list of the best places to visit in California, to help you experience a memorable sunny state vacation.
San Francisco
There’s no place quite like San Francisco. Full of colors, energy and life, this famed Californian city teems with trendy and celebrated attractions, such as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, eclectic cultural neighborhoods and many more. Furthermore, it has a booming culinary scene and a vibrant nightlife circuit, making it one of the top destinations for certified foodies and party animals. With its famous cuisine, blooming nightlife and renowned sights, the city promises to appease your wanderlust in a lot of different ways.
Anaheim
Yearning for a family-friendly getaway in California? Why not spend your family vacation in Anaheim, California? Remember, it is home to the world renowned Anaheim-Disneyland Park. Dubbed as the happiest place on earth, Disneyland offers a whirlwind of diversions, attractions and themed areas, like the Little Mermaid, Paradise Pier, and Mickey’s Toontown.
And, guess what? Disneyland isn’t the only family-friendly attraction in this South Californian city. In Anaheim, you can also explore Knott’s Berry Farm, an angelic baseball stadium and Yorba Regional Park.
Los Angeles
Famed for its glitz, glamour and celebrities, La La Land is arguably the most popular city in California. While you’ll likely experience its infamous traffic jams, this glitzy metropolis offers a heap of attractions to keep you amused for weeks. In Los Angeles, you’ll get to see and experience the most popular attractions and sights in California, such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles County Museum and Venice Beach. And, when in LA, don’t forget to hit its lesser-known and locally-loved gems, such as the Grand Central Market and Malibu’s Zuma Beach.
San Diego
Of course, no list of the top destinations in California is complete without the inclusion of San Diego. For decades, the beautiful city in California has been luring visitors with its friendly, warm, year-round weather and gorgeous shorelines. What’s more, it boasts the best-tasting and most irresistible Mexican culinary goodies in the country. To top it all off, it is home to countless of fascinating attractions, like Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum and San Diego Zoo.
Sequoia National Park
A visit to Sequoia National Park is an absolute must for anyone who wants to see something spectacular in California. Humbling and magnificent, it is, after all, home to the tallest trees in the world. With trees that tower over a hundred feet, you’ll feel pretty small, while exploring this national park. And, did we mention that it is one of the oldest national parks in America?
Yosemite National Park
Speaking of national parks, you might also want to include Yosemite to your list of places to visit in California. As you explore the national park, you’ll be enthralled by its one-of-a-kind rock formations, towering waterfalls, millennia-old Sequoia trees and striking cliff faces. When visiting the park, make it a point to check out two of its most renowned landmarks – Half Dome and El Capitan.
Lake Tahoe
Wonderfully surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this enticing natural wonder is a place of sublime beauty and serenity. With its pristine scenery and crystal clear waters, Lake Tahoe is totally awe-inspiring, meditative and therapeutic. Normally, visitors come to Lake Tahoe to admire its natural beauty and experience a mishmash of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re visiting it in summer or winter, you’ll have a host of wonderful experiences in Lake Tahoe, California.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara isn’t nicknamed as the “American Riviera” for nothing. A lovely and impressive beach town, Santa Barbara dazzles and impresses visitors with its charming coastal community, warm climate, excellent beaches and Mediterranean-like houses. To make things even better, it has a mouthwatering cuisine and top-rated wines.
Big Sur
Sitting dramatically at the edge of the ocean, Big Sur is truly one of America’s most spellbindingly beautiful spots. As a matter of fact, it has the habit of putting visitors and onlookers into a trance. Besides its incredible beauty, this 90-mile rugged coastline has a plethora of hiking trails weaving in and out of its surrounding valleys and mountains. Furthermore, it has pathways that lead to seemingly untouched and wild beaches.
Laguna Beach
Craving for a small town and relaxing southern California escape? Why not spend a weekend at Laguna Beach? Nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles, Laguna Beach offers a wide variety of picturesque beaches that will keep you busy for days, from remote to central. For a memorable trip, hit the local favorites, Crescent Bay and Main Beach. Alternatively, you my explore Crystal Cove State Park’s wild shores.
Lava Beds National Monument
There are dozens of lava tube caves to visit in Tuelake. As you head down into its caves, you’ll find tons of mesmerizing sights, offering an outdoor adventure like no other. The caves have intriguing tubes made out of lava. Additionally, there’s a visitor center where you’ll discover how these caves and tubes were formed.
Santa Cruz
They don’t call Santa Cruz as one of America’s surfing meccas for nothing. Despite its small population and size, Santa Cruz still draws tons of travelers, thanks to its impressive swells, bohemian atmosphere and gorgeous beaches. And, with a year-round summer charm, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a never-ending paradise in this Californian city.
Mendocino Coast
Mendocino Coast is, hands down, a nirvana for nature lovers. With an awe-inspiring natural backdrop and rock formations that have been formed by the wind, it will unleash your inner shutterbug. There are secret coves and tide pools begging to be explored as well as wetlands filled with wildlife and birds.
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