There is a reason why California is called the Golden City. This city presents innumerable options for you to fall in love with it. Wineries, beaches, hills, and forests, and the old-world charm mixed with the bustling city life, this city has everything you would want to make it your next vacation destination. Go skiing on the mountains, or sunbathe at its beaches alongside sea lions. Take a hike along the most scenic trails, or kayak amidst the panoramic hills. Get awe-struck looking at the mighty sequoias or wonder at the colorful crystal projections in an underground cavern. Enjoy the peace and serenity with just clouds around you, or scream your heart out while riding some of the scariest rides in the world. California has it all. Here are the best places to go on vacation in California.
1. Santa Cruz
With its mountains, beaches, 14 state parks, over 70 wineries, beach boardwalk, wharf, and outdoor activities such as vintage rides, mountain biking, hiking, surfing, and whale and seal watching there are plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz. Tucked in its mountains, amidst the towering redwoods and misty ocean blues, are its wineries specializing in Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. At 2,701 feet (823.3 meters), Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest wooden pier on the West Coast and is over-a-century-old. You could either fish or take a boat from here to watch whales, sharks or dolphins or explore some local cuisines and shopping. Also, check out the vast grassland or ancient trees at its state parks, or have fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with corn dogs and candy floss while enjoying some classic rides, games, and carousel. Head over to Downtown for some vintage and boho chic shopping experience or to the surf town to experience what surfing is like in the chilly waters of Pacific or just relax at one of its beaches.
2. San Francisco
On one hand, San Francisco gives off a big-city buzz, while on the other it draws you in with its small-town charm. Colorful neighborhoods and beautiful views await those who would like to experience the quintessential San Franciscan experience. You could sunbathe alongside the sea lions on the bay or look at the famous Golden Gate Bridge from Presidio, or enjoy a cable car ride, or admire the city’s skyline from the Twin Towers, or stroll along the marina. The city also boasts of booming nightlife and world-class cuisines. Other attractions are the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf and the China Town, the largest outside of Asia.
3. Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a long list of things to do. For film-buffs Hollywood is a must-see. Check out the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Paramount Pictures Studios in the area. For some hip starry shopping experience head over to Rodeo Drive or cruise along the Sunset Boulevard to catch a glimpse of the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. There are also plenty of shorelines to choose from, including Venice Beach and the Santa Monica pier and beach. A walk through the downtown will give you a glimpse of the city’s top sights and beautiful architecture, including the historic theaters and Art Deco buildings. Also check out Museum of Jurassic Technology, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Griffith Observatory, Watts Towers and The Grove.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Yosemite National Park
Lakes, valleys, meadows, falls, giant trees, tunnels, viewpoints, cliffs, rocks, and wilderness present an abundance of things to do at Yosemite National Park. The breathtaking views from Glacier Point, the walk among the expansive grove of Sequoia trees at Mariposa, the 600-step granite staircase that snakes right up alongside Vernal and Nevada falls at the Misty Trail, the climb to the Half Dome, the view of the Yosemite Valley from the Tunnel View Outlook, innumerable trails to hike, bike and ski, the near-vertical climb of the giant monolith at El Capitan, and the wildlife, these make Yosemite National Park one of the top attractions in California.
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Disneyland
Disneyland is packed with several things to do and see. From gentle rides to the scariest ones, Disneyland has it all. There are over 60 rides for you to choose from. A ride on the Disneyland Railroad (an authentic steam-powered train) will take you through the entire park in 18 minutes. The tour includes tunnels where you get to see various displays, including that of Grand Canyon and dinosaurs. You can meet your favorite Disney character in person or shop for souvenirs at one of the several themed shops in the park. You can also watch a live show, or a parade or fireworks, showcasing some amazing projection work that narrates a story, or just people-watch while grabbing something to bite and drink.
6. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a 13-acre (5.2 hectares) freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains known for its beaches and ski resorts. You can hike through the hills, or ski along the slopes and terrains of the 4,000-acres (16187.4 hectares) big Squaw Valley Ski Resort, or get the bird’s-eye view of the lake from the Heavenly Gondola, or go kayaking in Emerald Bay soaking in its colorful granite cliffs and stunning panoramas. As night falls, head over to the Harrah’s casino to experience the lively counterpart of the otherwise peaceful valley. You may also tour the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion for a peek into the life of the rich in this part of the world. The northern edge of Lake Tahoe is where you should be heading to if you would like to do some swimming, sunbathing and boating at its beach.
7. Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is home to over 8,000 sequoia trees. The most notable one is the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume, that stands tall and mighty in the Giant Forest. A trail of 400 steps will take you up to the Moro Rock, a granite dome, that offers breathtaking views of the hills below and the wilderness beyond. Check out Crystal Cave, an underground cavern that features mineral formations and deposits of various colors - blue, green, yellow, black, white, orange and red - along the cave’s walls, ceilings, and floors. Last but not least is the Tunnel Log, located along the Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest. This 275-feet (83.8 meters) tall tree is believed to be 2,000 years old which fell across the road in 1937. A tunnel was then cut through the tree and it still draws tourists due to its novelty.
8. Bishop
This small city in Inyo County is packed with a lot of attractions. Over 4,000-year-old bristlecone pine trees that have grown in twisted and colorful formations, over the past several millennia, make for a spectacular view at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. There are about 40 historic buildings at the Laws Railroad Museum, including the Laws Railroad Depot. The depot is a 19th-century relic of the Southern Pacific Railroad service that features historic steam engines and other artifacts. A hike across a series of scenic lakes will take you through long stretches of wildflower groves and displays of abandoned historical mining equipment in the Little Lakes Valley Trail. Also, check out the natural hot spring pool at Keough’s and the Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center.
9. Napa Valley
With over 400 wineries, Napa Valley is one of the most sought after wine destinations of the world. Castello di Amorosa winery will allure not just the grown-ups but also the children thanks to the mystic charm this 13th-century Tuscan castle carries around it. Don’t forget to check out the moat, drawbridge and the torture chamber at the castle along with its wines. Check out the artworks at di Rosa, an outdoor sculpture garden, and its Gatehouse Gallery where over 2,000 works from more than 800 artists are displayed. The vintage locomotive Napa Valley Wine Train will cruise you through 36 miles (57.9 km) of scenic, vineyard-lined terrain. You can also enjoy gourmet meals paired with some of Napa’s signature wine selections served in the train’s restaurant. Also, check out the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.
10. Big Sur
Big Sur spans across 90 miles (!44.8 km) of sheer natural beauty. You could hike the 3,379-feet (1030 meters) tall Manuel Peak at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or try your hands at excavating jade at the Sand Dollar Beach. Take a walk in the Limekiln State Park amongst the Monterey County’s oldest redwood groves, or watch the picturesque McWay Falls as it directly falls into the ocean from the cliff at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The Andrew Molera State Park and Garrapata State Park offer trekking opportunities and Keyhole Arch Rock at Pfeiffer Beach is known for some of most photogenic sunset spots.
Explore the Golden City, California
Whether you seek adventure or solitude, or are into exploring nature or mysteries, or are traveling with family or on a romantic getaway, California has everything you would need. Book your tickets today and enjoy a great vacation.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
10 Best Meditation Retreats In California, USARyan Joshua -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Create an account to