The Golden State is one of great contrasts, offering something for everyone. Whether you are looking for sunny beaches, scenic wilderness, vibrant cities, wonderful wine country, or charming towns, you will find it here. There´s too much to mention, but let us just point out nine absolute musts:
Big Sur
The 90-mile stretch of Cali´s largely undeveloped central Pacific coastline (above) is one of the most scenic and dramatic places in the state, featuring rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and lush forests. You can drive along Highway 1, considered one of the world´s most beautiful drives, and stop at the various viewpoints, beaches, and state parks along the way. You can also hike, camp, or relax at the area´s spas and resorts.
Lake Tahoe
Straddling the border between California and Nevada, North America´s largest Alpine lake (at 6,225 feet/1,897 meters above sea level) is one of the world´s most scenic places, and along with its nearby mountains offer year-round activities, such as skiing and snowboarding (there are 15 winter resorts here), hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. You can also enjoy the attractions, dining, shopping, nightlife, casinos, and entertainment of towns such as as South Lake Tahoe as well as smaller Kings Beach, Stateline, and Tahoe City.
Los Angeles
The "City of Angels" (top) is of course the entertainment capital of the world, home to Hollywood and countless celebrities of film, television, and music. But there is more to LA than glitz and glamour. You can also enjoy the diverse culture, cuisine, and art of the city, as well as the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. Some of the must-see attractions include the Getty Center, the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign, the beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica, and Venice Beach.
Monterey
This town of 30,000 a couple of hours down the coast from San Francisco boasts a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a stunning natural setting. It´s famous for its aquarium, one of the world´s largest and most impressive, as well as its historic waterfront street Cannery Row. You can explore town´s historic buildings, art galleries, and restaurants, and if you have time venture nearby communities Pebble Beach (famous for its golf courses) and Carmel-by-the-Sea (known for its natural scenery and artsy vibe).
Palm Springs
Just under a couple of hours south of L.A., this desert oasis that attracts visitors with its sunny weather, stylish architecture, and relaxing vibe, this city is a popular destination for golfers, hikers, and spa lovers, as well as celebrities, artists, and the LCBTQ+ community. You can enjoy the stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains, colorful art galleries and museums, chic boutiques and restaurants, and a variety of resorts from intimate to sprawling. And of course the surrounding communities of Greater Palm Springs also have much to offer; these include Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Riverside.
San Diego
A sunny and laid-back SoCal city that offers a mix of urban and beach life, it´s especially known for its zoo, one of the world´s best and most famous . You can also enjoy the museums, gardens, and architecture of Balboa Park, the 19th-century charm of Old Town, and the nightlife and shopping of the Victorian-era Gaslamp Quarter. And of course, you can't miss the beautiful beaches, such as La Jolla, Coronado, and Mission Bay.
San Francisco
The City by the Bay is one of the most iconic and beautiful in the U.S., famous for its Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Fisherman´s Wharf, Alcatraz island, De Young Museum of art, and steep hills. The city is also known for its cultural diversity, liberal spirit, and innovative tech scene. You can explore the historic landmarks, museums, and parks of the city, as well as the charming neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, and gay hub The Castro.
Sequoia National Park
A wonderland of giant trees, rugged mountains, and deep canyons, this 631-square-mile park five hours from San Francisco and four from Yosemite is home to the largest living tree in the world by volume, the General Sherman Tree (275 feet high, 25 feet in diameter, and thought to have been seeded as early as 700 BCE), as well as the highest peak in the contiguous U.S., Mount Whitney (14,505 feet). Besides marveling at the ancient sequoias, you can hike the scenic trails, explore underground caves, and visit the Giant Forest Museum.
Yosemite National Park
One of the most visited and admired national parks in the United States, and for good reason. Located a four-hour drive east of San Francisco, Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which covers nearly 1,200 square miles of designated wilderness, featuring majestic waterfalls, granite cliffs (including the legendary El Capitan, beloved of rock climbers), giant sequoias, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. You can experience the beauty and adventure of the park by hiking, camping, climbing, rafting, or simply driving through the scenic routes.
Also Read: The Best Things to Do and See in Yosemite National Park!
Comments
I´ve been to several of these and would love to see more. But I agreed with Jordan - why not wine country? And make it an even top ten?
Yep, all the greatest hits, bravo. I´m a little surprised, though, that no mention was made of the USA´s most famous wine country - Sonoma and Napa.