With such a diverse landscape and so many vibrant metropolitan areas, the state of California is a goldmine when you are looking for travel adventure. The only challenge in planning a trip to the Golden State is how to narrow down your itinerary options. Here are nine hot spots to consider adding to your California bucket list:
Santa Monica Beach:
California is known for its miles of coastline and abundance of beaches. Start your trip to this state with a visit to the famous Santa Monica Beach. This beach is the quintessential California beach experience. The laid-back beach features high-end shopping, waterfront dining opportunities galore, 3.5 miles of sandy beach, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier. After a day catching the sun and riding the waves, stroll along the pier to grab a bite to eat and take a spin on any of the exciting midway rides. This landmark beach makes the perfect start to any California adventure.
Coronado Island:
This idyllic island is located just off the coast across from San Diego, making it an easy day trip or a home base while exploring this city. While the soft and sandy beaches are the main draw, visitors also enjoy exploring Frank Baum’s Oz House, the legendary Hotel del Coronado, and strolling through the quaint downtown area. You can reach this accessible island by driving across the Coronado Bay Bridge or by taking a ferry from the downtown San Diego harbor area.
Muir Woods:
Located just outside the vibrant city of San Francisco, you will find the stunning Muir Woods. The Muir Woods National Monument is an ideal place to take in the grandeur of the coastal redwood trees that dot the landscape of Northern California. The trees in the Muir Woods can reach heights over 250 feet tall. Visitors should plan at least an hour to hike out to the popular Cathedral Grove and back out.
Yosemite National Park:
As the home to nine national parks, California bears the distinction of having the most parks of any state. Approximately 200 miles east of San Francisco is the granddaddy of them all, Yosemite National Park. This massive park sits atop the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering cascading waterfalls, amazing hiking trails, spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, and more. Visitors can choose from a myriad of lodging accommodations ranging from rustic campsite to luxury resorts.
Palm Springs:
Featuring endless sunshine, this desert oasis is where you want to go for warm temperatures and year-round sun. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors to the top of the soaring Mt. San Jacinto peak in just 10 minutes via the world’s largest rotating tram. Palm Springs is also known for its outstanding golf courses, its exclusive resorts and restaurants, and its artsy vibe. You can spend the perfect day relaxing by the pool and then strolling along the downtown area exploring all the shops and cafes of this California desert gem. Joshua Tree National Park is under an hour from Palm Springs, making it a great day trip option. This park is popular for its hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities.
Napa Valley:
Napa Valley is about more than just wine. While the region is primarily known for its abundance of world-class wineries, Napa also boasts a host of fine dining restaurants, gorgeous natural beauty, and a way of life that encourages you to sit back and relax. In recent years, Napa Valley has become more of a hot spot than ever before, necessitating that you plan your itinerary in advance of your arrival to ensure that you get to visit the top wineries and restaurants.
Big Sur and the Hearst Castle:
The region of Big Sur features some of the most awe-inspiring coastlines in all of California. And that is saying a lot. This 90-mile stretch of mountainous coastline begins just south of Carmel and ends in San Simeon. Gaze over rugged ocean bluffs into the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean as you wind through hairpin curves. While on your journey, be sure to stop at the famed Hearst Castle. Visiting this 165-room estate is like walking into a fairytale with its impressive stature, beautiful furnishings and art collection, and gorgeous grounds.
San Francisco:
No trip to California is complete without a trip to San Francisco. This modern city has something for everyone, landing it as a perennial hot spot on your tour of this state. The City by the Bay is rich is history, landmark attractions, interesting jobs, and natural beauty. Spend a day exploring Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf before catching a trolley up to Union Square for dinner and drinks. Outdoorsy types will appreciate the recreational options at Golden Gate Park.
Anaheim:
As the home to the Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm, families will want to schedule some time in Anaheim. A host of restaurants are available to satiate any appetite at the Anaheim GardenWalk near Disneyland or the Food Hall at the Anaheim Packing House. If the crowds at the theme parks get too much, it is easy to escape to some of Southern California’s best beaches, located less than an hour from Anaheim. Some of the best choices include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach.
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