This mecca of celebrity culture in the US is where you’ll find Hollywood, after all! This large American state has famous celebrities, film studios and amusement parks that go with them. This is home to Silicon Valley and has the global headquarters of many big tech companies. The Golden Gate Bridge is California’s icon.
California has a rich natural beauty attracting all its tourists. There are giant redwoods to see, deserts and rock formations, and fantastic beaches along the coast. It’s home to sweeping landscapes, vineyards, and a collection of cities that are as famous as the state itself: like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Packed with culture and good food, here are the best places to visit in California are fascinating to explore.
Big Sur
Located between the Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, Big Sur is a large, rocky stretch of the California Coastline. It covers a large space of the coast; although it does not have any official boundaries, covering about 110 km of California’s Highway 1. Big Sur attracts travellers looking for road trips with incredible jagged rocks, towering redwood trees and breathtaking beaches along the route and acts like a huge magnet. More than just beautiful scenery for driving through, the area also provides plenty of top hiking opportunities which wind their way through the several state parks encompassed by Big Sur.
Catalina Island
This charming island is located across the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles. For visitors, this is a favourite day trip to Los Angeles and a popular honeymoon spot. Santa Catalina is a small island with two main centres of population, Two Harbors and Avalon. The Avalon area is where most visitors stay. While filming a movie, a small population of American bison brought to this island, still exists. Travellers can reach the island by private boat, ferries, helicopters or small planes. Transportation in this island is limited to bicycles, taxis and golf carts.
Lake Tahoe
This second deepest lake in the US has a wide length of shoreline that offers fantastic natural vistas. This freshwater lake is a top destination year-round. South Lake Tahoe is the most popular part of the lake, with visitors attracted by the numerous restaurants and gambling opportunities in the Nevada town of Stateline. The lake became a vibrant winter sports destination once the 1960s Winter Olympics occurred in Squaw Valley on the North Shore. Summer brings hiking in the mountains and boat trips on the lake, as well as days, spent lazing on the shore, swimming, and BBQs.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These two national parks are located next to each other in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The National Parks have enormous giant sequoia trees. Therefore, these trees grow more than 300 feet tall and their trunks can be as much as 100 feet wide. Established in 1890, it is home to Mount Whitney with the highest point in the United States. Kings Canyon is the deepest canyon in the US. The parks have wildlife species that include bobcats, mule deer, grey foxes, and bears. In case you are lucky, you might even spot a mountain lion or bighorn sheep. Numerous backpackers and hikers visit Sequoia National Park and there are 14 campgrounds available for visitors.
Napa Valley
This valley attracts all wine lovers in the United States. Napa has a variety of accommodations like charming bed and breakfasts, lovely boutique hotels and top-class chain hotels. There are also camping grounds available for those interested in saving a little money on lodging. In addition, this valley boasts many world-class spas that pamper visitors and let them enjoy a variety of fun activities, that include hot air balloon rides and guided bike wine tours.
San Diego
San Diego has popular beaches, ideal weather and outstanding family attractions. This is one of California’s most popular places. This large coastal city with a small-town atmosphere is located just north of the Mexican border. America’s premier zoo is the most popular attraction in San Diego, located in Balboa Park with flowering gardens and Spanish architecture. The city is home to other family attractions like SeaWorld San Diego and the Birch Aquarium. This tourist magnet has a stunning coastline with miles of fantastic beaches including the neighbourhood beach of La Jolla.
Death Valley
Located in the Mojave Desert, Death Valley holds much of the Death Valley National Park. Although considered as the driest and lowest place in North America, Death Valley has a variety of historic sites, outdoor activities and nature viewing. From snow-capped mountains to colourful sand dunes, Death Valley has unique landscapes in California. Camping in death valley is one of the most chosen activity the tourists would love to experience.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the second-largest city of the USA, located in southern California surrounded by the Pacific Coast, mountains and valleys. The City of Angels has a wide range of attractions and crazy beaches that include Venice Beach and Malibu which are favoured by movie stars. Los Angeles is also one of the best places in the United States to go in search of celebrities. Tourists can shop at the designer stores in Beverly Hills where their favourite celebrities shop. And in Los Angeles, travellers can also visit and eat at the same famous restaurants that the celebs and the rich and famous dine at.
Yosemite National Park
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central-eastern California, the Yosemite National Park boasts stunning granite cliffs, Giant Sequoia groves, beautiful waterfalls and diverse animal and plant life. Visitors can drive along scenic routes or hike among the 800 miles of trails, experience the beautiful landscapes and glimpse wildlife. Attractions include Glacier Point, with beautiful views of the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Museum, the nature centre and historic places like the Ahwahnee Hotel and LeConte Memorial Lodge. Camping in Yosemite national park one sought after activities among the tourists who visit California.
Reasons outnumbered for you to kick-start your bookings. California is going to be a delightful experience for you filled with adventure, luxury and tasteful experiences. We at Pickyourtrail ensure our best travel experience is put into planning your USA vacation with lots of excitement. Start planning and Happy travelling!