Sunshine, landscapes and style await you in California, one of the most enticing states in the US. Whether you’re dreaming big in Los Angeles or exploring the coast, California has an adventure waiting for you. And we just so happened to have put this list together with the best places to visit in California. So get your map out and prepare to go on a Californian adventure. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Palm Springs 🌴
Palm Springs was once home to many celebrities, thanks to its status as a year-round desert playground. It was also a popular spot with college students on spring break but is now known as a desert oasis with modern architecture, excellent golf courses and an array of tourists and travellers passing through every year. A visit here offers you the chance to see a unique side of California and go hiking in the nearby San Jacinto Mountains.
San Francisco 🌉
Often described as “the most European city in the US”, San Francisco is home to historic neighbourhoods like Chinatown, North Beach (Little Italy) and Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s also the location of Silicon Valley, where the best technology companies in the world operate. Oh, and let’s not forget the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. A trip to San Francisco gives you the opportunity to ride on cable cars, visit Alcatraz, dine at some of the best restaurants in the world and browse boutique shops.
Yosemite ⛰️
Home to one of the country’s most popular national parks, Yosemite offers adventures aplenty. Get the adrenaline pumping through your veins with some rock climbing and rafting. Or take it easy and do a spot of fishing or bird watching. Landmarks at the park include Vernal Fall, Half Dome and Glacier Point, and we can’t forget the impressive sequoia trees, which are over 3,000 years old.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway 🌊
If you’re looking for a scenic Californian drive, then hop in a car and cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world and runs along most of the California coastline. The route is a designated Blue Star Memorial Highway and features majestic cliffs, the bright blue sea and lots of sandy coves where you can stop to soak up the local surroundings.
Laguna Beach 🏖️
You’ll find Laguna Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway, and it’s somewhere you need to visit. Known for its thriving artistic community, Laguna Beach also has plenty of soft sands to catch some rays on, as well as luxury resorts to enjoy. Head here in the summer and participate in the local events, such as the Festival of Arts and Sawdust Festival. Then spend some time exploring the secluded coves and rugged cliffs that make Laguna Beach so pleasing to the eye.
Los Angeles 🎥
What’s left to say about Los Angeles that hasn’t already been said? It’s one of the most recognisable cities in the world and epitomises California. There’s just about everything here, from designer boutiques in Beverly Hills to the movie studios in Hollywood. In fact, the film industry’s rise in the late 18th century saw Los Angeles become such an important city and blossom into the place it is today with all of its allure. Even if you don’t have plans to be famous, visit Los Angeles and take in the vibes, whether it’s at Venice Beach, Silvertown, or Rodeo Drive.
San Diego 🏄♀️
Located in Southern California, San Diego has year-round warm weather and stretches of surf-friendly shoreline as far as the eye can see. Pay a visit to Balboa Park, where you can wander the city’s museums, and don’t forget to check out the San Diego Zoo, considered one of the best in the country. But of course, it’s the surfing and the beaches that really catch the eye here. So get your board out and ride some waves in style.
Big Sur 🌄
Taken from the Spanish words, “el sure grande’ ‘, which translates to “ the big south”, the Big Sur sits south of the city of Monterey and is a small area as far as California places to visit go. But it’s well worth seeing just to witness some of the majestic sights on offer, including the sweeping Californian coastline.
Disneyland 🎢
Anaheim is known as the location of Disneyland, a place that’s equally appealing for children as it is for adults. Kick it with Mickey and pals and join millions of visitors who pass through the gates of Disneyland each year for some Disney magic. From shows to rides and just about everything in between, Disneyland is a major tourist destination with shops, restaurants, hotels, a spa and, of course, the iconic theme park.
California dreaming
With so much to do and see in California, it can be hard to know where to start. It’s the third-largest state in the US – you could live here all your life and still have loads of boxes to tick off. So if you’re planning on going for a holiday, start with some of the destinations on our list and enjoy a Californian adventure you’ll never forget.
