Located on the west coast, California is one of America’s largest states, following Alaska and Texas, and it is certainly one of the most talked about and visited states. Locals love the fact that their state is governed progressively by former action hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger, he of Terminator fame.
America’s ‘Golden State’ is perhaps best known for the gold rush of 1849, when several forward thinking people became extremely rich almost overnight. The state’s coastline, with its Mediterranean climate, has traditionally enticed extensive populations. Sittin’ on the dock of the bay in San Francisco brings out the hippie in anyone.
Soak up some history on Alcatraz Island, travel on cable cars and make sure you take a photograph of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. Close by, Silicon Valley is seen by most of the world as being the most liberal place on earth and is home to Stanford University and a crush of futuristic companies.
The heavily populated Los Angeles sits comfortably at the southern end of the state, boasting pollution, traffic jams, super trendy people and of course Hollywood. LA is also home to the state’s political power.
Home to a number of excellent theme parks, southern California is a popular destination for family vacations. Attractions include Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, California Adventure and Universal Studios among many others. Millions of tourists each year flock to the state to visit these parks.
San Diego has much to offer in the way of beautiful beaches and water sports. The Wild Animal Park, Sea World and Mission San Diego de Acala are just some of the attractions that draw the crowds, and all three can be visited on one pass, which will save you money.
California boasts some absolutely stunning hiking areas, with Mono Lake, Yosemite Park and Lake Tahoe being some of the top attractions. Those who can bear the heat should head to the magnificent Death Valley, but the incredible redwood rainforests of the north coast have something completely different to offer and need to be seen to be believed.
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Anaheim: Best known as the home of Disneyland Resort and nearby family-friendly entertainment.
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Bakersfield: A Central Valley city known for country music roots and as a stopover on road trips.
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Berkeley: A vibrant university town with liberal culture, gourmet food, and access to hiking in the East Bay Hills.
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Bishop: A small Eastern Sierra town popular for rock climbing, hiking, and as a base for exploring the High Sierra.
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Burbank: The center of TV and film studios, offering tours and media attractions near Los Angeles.
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Carmel: A picturesque coastal town famous for its art galleries, beaches, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.
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Chico: A laid-back college town known for Bidwell Park and local craft breweries in Northern California.
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Death Valley National Park: The hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America, with surreal desert landscapes.
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Disneyland: The iconic theme park in Anaheim, drawing millions to its classic rides and immersive lands.
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Joshua Tree National Park: Famous for its namesake trees, dramatic rock formations, and stargazing in the desert.
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Lone Pine: A small town near Alabama Hills, popular with photographers and hikers heading into the Eastern Sierra.
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Long Beach: A coastal city with waterfront attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and Queen Mary ship.
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Los Angeles: California’s largest city, offering Hollywood, beaches, museums, and global entertainment.
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Malibu: A celebrity-studded coastal area with scenic beaches, hiking trails, and the Pacific Coast Highway.
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Mammoth Lakes: A high-altitude resort town known for skiing, snowboarding, and access to alpine lakes.
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Mill Valley: A charming town near Muir Woods, with redwoods, boutiques, and easy access to Mount Tamalpais.
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Monterey: A historic coastal city famous for its aquarium, Cannery Row, and marine wildlife watching.
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Mount Shasta City: A small town at the foot of Mount Shasta, popular with hikers, climbers, and spiritual seekers.
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Oakland: A diverse city with a growing food scene, vibrant arts, and waterfront parks across from San Francisco.
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Pacific Grove: A quiet neighbor of Monterey, known for its Victorian homes and seasonal monarch butterfly sanctuary.
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Palm Springs: A desert resort city famed for mid-century modern architecture, golf, and stylish retreats.
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Palo Alto: The heart of Silicon Valley, home to Stanford University and major tech campuses.
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Redding: A Northern California city and gateway to outdoor attractions like Lassen Volcanic National Park.
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Sacramento: The state capital with Gold Rush history, museums, and a fast-growing food and craft beer scene.
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San Diego: A coastal city with beaches, a world-class zoo, historic Old Town, and sunny weather.
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San Francisco: A top global destination with the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz, and eclectic neighborhoods.
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San Jose: The largest city in Silicon Valley, blending tech innovation, suburban sprawl, and cultural landmarks.
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San Luis Obispo: A charming Central Coast town with a historic mission, farmers markets, and nearby Pismo Beach.
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Santa Barbara: An upscale beach town with Spanish colonial architecture, wineries, and a Mediterranean vibe.
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Santa Cruz: A fun, surf-friendly beach town known for its boardwalk amusement park and redwood forests.
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Santa Monica: A coastal city famous for its pier, beaches, and lively shopping along Third Street Promenade.
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Sausalito: A postcard-perfect town across the Golden Gate Bridge, offering waterfront dining and art galleries.
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South Lake Tahoe: A major resort area for skiing, hiking, and lake activities straddling California and Nevada.
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Tahoe City: A smaller, more relaxed town on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, popular for summer and winter sports.
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Venice: A quirky beachside neighborhood of Los Angeles, famous for its boardwalk, canals, and street performers.
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Yosemite National Park: One of the world’s most iconic national parks, with granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias.