The state of California is a place that many people want to tick off their list, and it is easy to see why. There is some great weather, stunning beaches, good shopping, tasty food, and many world-famous sites to see for yourself. But with it being such a big state, and with a mix of coastline, cities, mountains, and National Parks, it can be tricky to know where to visit first.
There are places like San Francisco where people go to visit for sightseeing, museum hopping, and good food. Los Angeles is a pretty standard place to visit in Southern California, as it has famous things like the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Then there are places like San Diego and Santa Barbara if you are looking for something a little more chilled out and want to experience some of California’s gorgeous beaches.
If you love nature, then it has some of the best places in the world for exploring the outdoors. You could visit Yosemite National Park, or perhaps take in all things alpine in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe, and the other National Parks in the state. So with all of that in mind, here are some of the top places to visit, so you can plan your trip according to what you are most interested in.
The Bay Area
When there is some sun on the sides of the hills and there is some fog coming over from the Pacific, then the Bay Area, which is predominantly San Francisco, is a place of beauty. There is some great scenery in the city and some quirks with the likes of Lombard Street. There are cable cars to ride, history to discover, Chinatown, and beaches.
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Pasadena
LA is something that epitomizes the typical image of sunny California, as there are beaches with palm trees, great places to shop, and busy cities. It is associated with the glamour of Hollywood, but there are some real natural beauties to see like the hiking trails and the LA River. There are famous sights to see like Rodeo Drive and the Beverly Hills and Bel Air neighborhoods. There is the famous Chateau Marmont hotel, as well as the Franklin Village in Hollywood.
San Diego
If you are looking for a warm and balmy climate all year round, then San Diego is one of the best places to experience it. San Diego in the south is quite relaxed and chilled out, and there are beaches to explore, as well as plenty of other outdoor activities. One of the main attractions is Balboa Park, which is a lovely green space that also houses several museums, galleries, and shops. If you are traveling as a family, then you will enjoy some child-friendly things like the hotel resorts, as well as attractions like San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld theme parks, Birch Aquarium, and the New Children’s Museum. There is plenty on offer in California for all of the family, depending on what you want to see and do.