The Golden State has extra to see than most nations, and it’s bigger than many as nicely. With so many various landscapes from forests to deserts, mountains, and shoreline operating alongside your entire western facet, I’ve spent most of my life exploring this state and nonetheless discover new factors of curiosity continually.
So what are the most effective locations to see in California? As a local Californian, images junkie, and perpetual traveler, that is the last word California bucket checklist from south to north:
1. Surf’s up in San Diego
San Diego is the third largest metropolis in California and doubtless has the most effective climate of anyplace on this planet. Given its proximity to Mexico, you possibly can plan on a number of the greatest meals within the state and a pleasant mixture of cultures, although that’s true throughout California. The seashores of La Jolla, Coronado Island, and the funky tradition of Hillcrest make these areas my private favorites. Pacific Seashore is a favourite of these within the 20-something crowd and Ocean Seashore is a laid-back surfer hippie spot.
In your approach north, cease by Encinitas for much more of a hippie vibe, and the free Self-Realization Fellowship meditation gardens. For those who’re tremendous into browsing, you may already know concerning the well-known waves of San Onofre.
E book your keep in San Diego right here, or e book a cute Airbnb!
2. Be Blown Away by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Font’s Level in Anza-Borrego should be the most effective dawn in all of California, the place sunsets normally reign supreme. The unimaginable rock formations and wind caves are tremendous enjoyable to discover, too. In case you are tenting, don’t neglect to search for at evening. Anza-Borrego is nice for stargazing. I can’t say sufficient nice issues about this stunning park! It’s solely a 2.5 hour drive away from Los Angeles, and greatest visited within the winter.
E book your keep close to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park right here!
READ: A Native’s Information to the Greatest Los Angeles Weekend Getaways
3. Discover the Final Free Place in America, Slab Metropolis
I first went to Slab Metropolis to see the Salvation Mountain artwork set up, solely to discover that Slab Metropolis is definitely a neighborhood of squatters and outcasts utilizing what’s been left behind and rejected by others to create a free society that operates practically independently of the remainder of the world. It felt like coming into a brand new dimension. The artwork set up alone is well worth the lengthy drive into the center of nowhere. It was created by US Military veteran Leonard Knight, a loyal Christian who expressed his dedication for Christianity by means of artwork, although I’d say anybody no matter non secular affiliation would discover the set up interesting. For those who’d like a singular expertise, lease a camper van and drive in the direction of the final free place in America.
Discover a distinctive Airbnb in Slab Metropolis right here!
Learn: A Information to Slab Metropolis
4. See the Magnificent “Timber” in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
For those who take pleasure in mountaineering and love stargazing within the wilderness, Joshua Tree is ideal for each and past. It is usually the one place that you would be able to see Joshua bushes, which are literally agaves, a succulent plant. This nationwide park is legendary for mountain climbing and bouldering as nicely. Simply watch out in the summertime months. It might get blazing sizzling.
E book your keep in Joshua Tree right here, or discover a distinctive Airbnb right here (like this superior Airstream).
5. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight over Orange County
Have you ever heard that the sunsets are higher in Southern California? They’re good with explosions of orange, pink, pinks, and generally even inexperienced flashes because the solar hits the watery horizon. What higher approach to see the OC sundown than on a helicopter journey? For those who depart from John Wayne Airport in Newport Seashore down the coast, and fly all the best way to Dana Level and again, you’ll move by Laguna Seashore, Corona Del Mar, and different iconic landmarks. Seeing these locations soaking within the golden hour glow is an exquisite and distinctive expertise I extremely suggest when in Orange County.
I additionally extremely suggest watching the sundown from the Newport or Balboa Piers in Newport Seashore, the place I lived for 4 years. Different favorites of mine are Laguna Seashore and driving a bicycle from Newport to Huntington for some nice train. There’s even a drum circle on the Huntington Seashore Pier on Sunday evenings in the event you’re into it.
E book your keep in Orange County right here, or discover a distinctive Airbnb right here (like this cool treehouse!).
READ: Flying Excessive over Orange County
6. Go to Disneyland
This one’s a traditional. I grew up about 15 minutes from Disneyland and had a parks move for many of my life and nonetheless by no means acquired uninterested in it. It’s so nostalgic, glowing clear in contrast to different amusement parks, and the meals is truthfully actually good. You may also get beer and wine in California Journey if that’s extra your pace. Whilst an grownup, I nonetheless love the Magic Kingdom.
E book your keep in Orange County right here, or discover a distinctive Airbnb right here (like this cool treehouse!).
7. Study to Ski in Huge Bear Lake (within the Winter)
Huge Bear Lake is a mountain resort city within the San Bernardino Mountains that body Larger Los Angeles. It has been a ski city since 1925, and is the primary place the place I strapped on a snowboard. It’s good for snowboarding lovers of all ranges – in reality, many come to Huge Bear Lake to be taught to ski for the very first time. There are two mountains to select from – Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, although I’d say go for each in the event you can, since there’s a shuttle between the 2. You may additionally snowshoe and sled in between.
E book your keep in Huge Bear Lake right here, or discover a beautiful cabin on Airbnb right here.
8. …Or Go Climbing & Tenting in Huge Bear Lake (within the Summer time)
There are such a lot of unimaginable mountaineering trails to select from! You can be positive to discover one which most closely fits your skill. Huge Bear Lake additionally has many campgrounds and RV parks, so in the event you plan to spend the evening, contemplate tenting out – gear is offered for lease, and the amenities are nice. Serrano Campground is the most well-liked space for each tent and RV tenting.
READ: How to Spend A Weekend in Huge Bear Lake, California
9. Hike to the Hollywood Signal
This hike surprises some individuals given the steepness and publicity to the weather, nevertheless it’s a good way to see the entire metropolis from one of the iconic landmarks in LA. The hike is simply over 6.5 miles with over 1700 ft of elevation acquire. Put together for a exercise and go within the early morning or later afternoon hours if trying in the summertime. As at all times when mountaineering in California in the summertime, concentrate on snakes, notably rattlesnakes. I encounter them on a regular basis within the dry summer season months.
E book your keep in Hollywood right here, or discover an exquisite Airbnb!
10. Spend a Few Days in Venice Seashore
Venice Seashore is a traditional LA cease in the event you love locations which are just a bit bit bizarre. Cease by the skate park, get an overpriced espresso on Abbot Kinney, and watch the sundown on the sand. For those who’d moderately go much less bizarre and extra traditional, keep in Santa Monica and watch the sundown close to the pier because the Ferris wheel lights up. Alternatively, keep in Silver Lake for a hipster vibe shut to the well-known Sundown Blvd, or in West Hollywood if you’d like extra of a celebration vibe. If I can speak you out of even visiting the Stroll of Fame permit me to attempt – it’s the worst a part of LA and so overrated. Stick to the seashores or Silver Lake as an alternative!
E book your keep in Venice Seashore right here. Airbnb is ruining the native housing market within the space, so please stick to lodges within the space.
11. Discover the Kelso Dunes in Mojave Nationwide Protect and Monument
Overlaying 1.6 million acres, the Mojave Trails Nationwide Monument is the biggest nationwide monument within the contiguous United States, with the Mojave Nationwide Protect, subsequent door, enormous as nicely. There’s loads of cool issues to do, however personally, I feel the sand dunes come out on high. Sure, you don’t have to journey all the best way to Namibia to see the sand dunes – I used to be so pleasantly stunned to have discovered them again dwelling! It’s nowhere close to as well-liked because the sand dunes in Namibia, however the expertise was simply as spectacular, minus the crowds.
Climbing up by means of the unfastened sand could be fairly tiring, however the panoramic view you get from the highest is totally beautiful. You’ll be able to glide down slowly after taking within the views. I like to recommend going barefoot for this.
The sand dunes are unimaginable at each dawn and sundown, and are accessible with a traditional, non-Four x Four automobile so long as you keep on the tar street and don’t proceed onto the sand.
E book your keep in Mojave Nationwide Protect right here or camp within the protect itself. There are websites simply on the base of the dunes, nevertheless they don’t have any companies like showers, bathrooms, or operating water. Please pack every part out.
12. Stare on the Stars on Salty Flats in Badwater Basin, Loss of life Valley
The Badwater Basin, which sits beneath sea stage, makes up a big a part of Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park and is unimaginable for stargazing, or throughout a full moon. It’s a flat and simple stroll out to them from the primary viewing space and from there you possibly can go so far as you please. It’s the bottom level in North America positioned within the hottest desert on this planet, so in the event you’re visiting in the summertime, achieve this after darkish.
E book your keep in Loss of life Valley right here, or discover a distinctive Airbnb right here.
13. Go to the Alabama Hills
The Alabama Hills is the gateway to Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in California in addition to the best summit within the decrease 48. The jagged formation of the mountain makes it an exquisite sight, particularly when lined in snow. It’s acquired beautiful arches, stunning views of the Japanese Sierras, and many Hollywood historical past. Each Mobius Arch and Boot Arch had been a spotlight throughout my latest California desert street journey!
The greatest time to benefit from the Alabama Hills is within the winter or the spring. Within the wintertime, you possibly can see snow on the mountaintops, and generally snow within the Alabama Hills themselves, whereas within the springtime, there are swaths of wildflowers in bloom.
E book your keep in Alabama Hills right here, or discover a cozy Airbnb right here.
READ: The Ultimate Alabama Hills, California Information
14. Search for McWay Falls in Huge Sur
The Central Coast is my favourite a part of California, starting with Santa Barbara the place I attended faculty (I’m a UCSB Gaucho for all times) heading up to San Francisco through Huge Sur. This is among the hottest parks in California, so it normally books up nicely upfront for good cause. You will note unimaginable coastal redwood bushes, and naturally, discover the distinctive McWay Falls, standing tall at 80ft, flowing instantly into the ocean when the tide is available in. It’s a beautiful spot you don’t even want to hike to. Simply park your automobile exterior of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and stroll over.
Lastly, no Huge Sur street journey is accomplished with no cease on the notorious Bixby Bridge, which makes the right ending to your Huge Sur journey as you head north to Monterrey.
E book your keep in Huge Sur right here, or discover a cute Airbnb right here (like this cozy riverside studio!).
Learn: The Good Pacific Coast Freeway Street Journey Itinerary
15. See the World’s Largest Timber
Heading again inland, you’ve acquired the trifecta of California’s most well-known nationwide parks together with Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia Nationwide Parks. Sequoia is legendary for the world’s most large bushes. It’s unimaginable to see such previous residing organisms, with out having the ability to see all the best way to the highest in lots of instances.
16. Stroll Throughout the Golden Gate Bridge
One of the vital iconic landmarks in San Francisco, if not all the US, the Golden Gate Bridge is greatest explored on foot and within the morning. You’ll be able to stroll throughout the bridge and take a brief stroll to Golden Gate Park with stunning gardens afterwards (good spot for a little bit picnic!). Another choice is to lease a motorbike and journey throughout the bridge.
In order for you to see it from afar, I recommend heading to Baker Seashore, which is a nudist seashore. When you’ve acquired that good selfie with the bridge as your backdrop, there are many nice eating places and cafes round to fill your stomach.
READ: The Good Pacific Coast Freeway Street Journey Itinerary
17. Go to the Largest Chinatown exterior of China
As cool as San Francisco is, don’t simply stick to the conventional Fisherman’s Wharf and Painted Women. Take a look at Chinatown for some significantly good meals, and make your approach to Oakland for reside music or Ecstatic Dance. It’s simple when you possibly can BART and UberPool or Lyft Line throughout the Bay Space.
18. Take a look at Mammoth Lakes for Climbing or Snowboarding
Simply south of Yosemite and on the opposite facet of the Sierras from King’s Canyon, ensure to take a look at Mammoth Lakes for a number of the most good stargazing, waterfall chasing, and snowboarding within the winter. I beloved mountaineering there this summer season and seeing the glimmering Emerald Lake and Duck Cross pictured above.
E book your keep in Mammoth Lakes right here, or e book a comfortable Airbnb right here.
19. Go Climbing in Yosemite Nationwide Park
The crown jewel of California and the primary land to be federally protected within the US, Yosemite is on everybody’s bucket checklist after they go to California, and it needs to be! You’ll be able to have a implausible time within the valley, however if you’d like to keep away from the crowds, I recommend tenting in White Wolf and sticking to the paths close to Glacier Level, which is the right place to begin for Nevada Falls and completely different views of Half Dome. That’s solely doable to do as soon as the snow has melted, however Yosemite is magical within the winter as nicely.
E book your keep in Yosemite right here, or discover an superior Airbnb right here!
20. Benefit from the Crystal Clear Waters of Lake Tahoe
One other favourite for snowboarding in addition to swimming in the summertime, Lake Tahoe is positioned on the border with Nevada and is understood for insanely clear water. It’s good for standup paddleboarding or mountaineering. It’s an enormous lake with a South and North space, the latter of which is the much less developed of the 2. Make certain to additionally discover Emerald Bay and Mt. Tallac when within the space!
E book your keep in Lake Tahoe right here, or discover a cozy Airbnb right here.
21. Chill out in Wine Nation
Although I’m not a wine drinker, this isn’t a whole checklist with out mentioning the well-known wine areas north of San Francisco. The most well-known are Napa and Sonoma. The latter tends to be a bit cheaper and fewer posh whereas Napa could be pricey however has a few of California’s most well-known wines.
E book your keep in Wine County right here, or discover a pretty Airbnb right here (like this excellent visitor room).
22. Go to the Misplaced Coast
You principally can’t go fallacious driving north to Humboldt and alongside the scenic drive between Moonstone and Trinidad and past. Every seashore is beautiful in its personal approach. You’ll see locals strolling their canine, and surfers braving the chilly and catching some waves. You’ll be able to stroll alongside the coastal redwoods in Humboldt and north into Redwood Nationwide Park. You will note only a few vacationers, which is at all times most well-liked.
I really like this a part of California a lot I’ve been again six occasions. There are a number of viewpoints in addition to nice eating places alongside the best way. Oh, and also you may spot some whales, too!
READ: 7 Issues that Make Humboldt, California so Magical
23. Hug the Largest Tree within the World at Redwood Nationwide and State Parks
Redwood Nationwide and State Parks homes Hyperion, the title of a coastal redwood tree, which is the tallest tree on this planet. Coastal redwoods, that are frequent within the park, can stand tall at over 350ft, are probably the most large bushes on this planet, and might reside so long as 2000-2500 years. The park stays open all-year, although the most effective time to go to is within the spring or fall, when the crowds are a lot smaller. Nonetheless, you gained’t get practically the customer numbers of the geographically decrease parks within the state.
It’s a humbling expertise seeing these giants up shut, not to mention waking up surrounded by them, to say the least. There are additionally quite a lot of mountaineering trails accessible. In case you are into tenting, you possibly can camp on the state park campgrounds (there’s no campground within the nationwide park space).
READ: 7 Issues that Make Humboldt, California so Magical
Whereas these are a number of the greatest locations to see, you possibly can wager there’s a lot extra past this checklist. As I stated to start with, California could be an countless journey with sufficient adventures to fill a lifetime.
What are a few of your favourite spots within the Golden State?
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