Best Places To Visit In California
Drive across one of America’s most diverse states to experience film stars, desert land and more.
California is the USA’s most-populated state with nearly 40 million inhabitants covering close to 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) of land. The Golden State stretches all the way from the Mexican border in the south to where it joins the state of Oregon. It is also home to some of America’s most beautiful National Parks, biggest cities and stunning coastal roads.
California is a place where you can easily spend a whole month exploring the sights and cities, whether you prefer the great outdoors or the urban centres. From high, snowy altitudes in the north of the state around Lake Tahoe, to the desert wastelands of Death Valley further south along the border with Nevada, California is as diverse in culture as it is in scenery.
There is so much to see and do that you should plan for at least two to three weeks here to see the majority of what’s on offer. The hardest decision to make is where to start. Flying into Los Angeles Airport, get stuck in to urban culture, Hollywood lifestyle and Californian cuisine. This massive city is home to Beverly Hills, some amazing beaches like Huntington Beach and Long Beach, and a host of incredible architectural marvels and museums.
It’s highly recommended that you hire a car to get the most out of your trip. Head north out of Los Angeles and up to the coastal road that is known as Big Sur. Stopping off at Santa Barbara, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the Mediterranean, in a city that reveals its Spanish colonial past within the stucco-style buildings and a warm sea breeze.
Driving along Big Sur on the Pacific Coast Highway is a visually rewarding journey, showing off many cliffs, beaches and ocean views that will make you want to turn around and drive it back again. Just over a four-hour drive away from Santa Barbara is the incredible Sequoia National Park, home to some of the world’s largest trees from the Redwood family, the giant sequoia trees. Some of the largest sequoias are big enough to have tunnels cut through them for pedestrians to walk under. Heading up further north and through the Sierra National Forest, you can make camp in the spectacular Yosemite National Park, an area of stunning natural beauty that should not be left out of your itinerary.
A trip to California can’t go without a visit to San Francisco, the hilly city that features the notorious Alcatraz prison, now a historical landmark and tourist site, as well as the impressive Golden Gate Bridge that dominates the skyline crossing over the Pacific Ocean. When visiting San Francisco, take a stroll into Fisherman’s Wharf for souvenir shopping, seal watching along the harbour’s edge, and great local cuisine and fish markets.
Head once again onto the open road to get back in touch with nature by exploring an incredible line-up of national parks and forests. It’s possible to experience ski resorts and sandy beaches all in one place in Tahoe National Forest, 160 kilometres (100 miles) east from the state capital of Sacramento. Because of such varying altitudes, weather conditions can change dramatically, so be prepared for every eventuality.
Driving south along the Californian border with Nevada, you’ll reach the vast expanse that is Death Valley National Park; a place of extreme temperature and desert landscapes that will take any hardened traveller by surprise. Dropping below sea level in parts, and featuring incredibly harsh terrain, you will leave thinking you weren’t in California at all, but perhaps on another planet! Venturing further south into the desertlike Joshua Tree National Park, explore a vast expanse of wilderness that’s home to a number of exciting flora and fauna, including the Joshua tree, a plant that is unique to only this part of the world.
San Diego is California’s most southerly city and one that deserves a long weekend exploring its sights and attractions. Spend a day at the San Diego Zoo located in Balboa Park, a massive complex with gardens consisting of Spanish Renaissance architecture in the downtown area. Hop aboard the USS Midway Museum for a historic flight centre featuring simulators and restored aircrafts, and take time to explore San Diego at night to see how the city comes to life after hours.