A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
My fondness for beaches is profound – I relish the scent of the ocean, the soothing sounds of the waves, and basking in the sun while enjoying refreshing beverages… Alas! I now havethat catchy Piña coladatune playing in my mind! “If you enjoy Piña Coladas…”
It would be easy to believe you possess comprehensive knowledge about California. Major cities in California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, rank among the foremost destinations for tourism and business in the United States, while the state’s picturesque landscapes have been featured in media since the inception of the film industry. Additionally, attractions such as San Diego and Big Sur have achieved widespread recognition, not to mention the heightened visibility of Death Valley due to the recent super bloom.
California: Come for the beaches, sunshine, and tacos; stay for just about anything else you can dream of. As the third-largest state in the United States, it ranks highest in population and boasts the most national parks – nine in total – and the longest coastline in the continental USA. The Golden State is a blend of small-town getaways, snowy adventures, fine food and wine, Indigenous culture, and unique natural encounters.
California is renowned for its sun-drenched strips of sand along the Pacific coast. No visit to this coastal paradise is complete without spending some time stretched out on the beach. With access to all beaches enshrined in state law, California offers plenty of options for beach lovers. Therefore, here are ten of the best beaches in California for you to explore.
Hovering just off the coast of Southern California are a string of under-explored islands that offer a peaceful escape from the noise and hubbub of the mainland. If you fancy camping in serene scenery in front of epic sunsets, look no further than California’s Channel Islands.
It’s become an iconic image of travel in the United States – a red convertible with the top down, cruising such classic California thoroughfares as the Pacific Coast Highway or across the Golden Gate Bridge.
California boasts an incredible range of landscapes that make it a prime destination for hiking enthusiasts. From dramatic coastlines to towering granite peaks, this state is home to some of the finest hiking trails in the United States. Whether you’re seeking picturesque views, diverse wildlife, or peaceful solitude, California’s trails offer an experience like no other.
Road-tripping is the ultimate way to experience California, so fill the gas tank and buckle up for unforgettable drives through scenery that tugs at your heart and soul.
From towering redwood forests in foggy northern California to perfectly sun-kissed surf beaches in the south, the Golden State on the Pacific simply begs to be explored.
There is a price to pay for California’s envious bounty: miles of salty coastline, bright, sun-filled days, dynamic cities, and an infinite amount of tranquil and heart-pumping outdoor pursuits. However, you don’t have to pay full price to enjoy it all. Although many things in the Golden State can be more expensive than other U.S. destinations, budget trips are indeed possible with careful planning. Here are some tips and considerations to help you explore California without breaking the bank.
In California, where new-age nature meets creature comforts, luxury camping is not an oxymoron.
Hawaii might lay claim to the first waves ever ridden, but surf culture was born in California. Whether it’s the salt-washed hair of theLords of Dogtown, the tunes of the Beach Boys or the legendaryEndless Summercrew, the cultural impact of California on wave chasing is undeniable, backed by numerous breathtaking surf locations.
Surf-bathed San Diego may be the living image of the California coast, but you don’t have to drive far to find a very different California of country towns, mountains, and vineyards. Even a short day trip along the coast will deliver you to low-key beach hubs where you can enjoy the gorgeous SoCal beachfront at your own speed.
California is renowned for its stunning coastline; however, winter travelers who venture inland are rewarded with a unique experience. The mountainous areas in northern California receive significant snowfall from late November through March, transforming the region into a winter wonderland filled with activities for the entire family that do not require lift tickets.
Baja California evokes a rugged, wild west kind of adventure. Stretching some 760 miles south from the US border, this Mexican peninsula is a land of compelling contrasts — a dry, mostly desert geography with hidden enclaves of lush vineyards, jagged mountains, and solemn cactus forests bordered by crystalline waters and wide sandy beaches.
California has a long tradition of extreme sports, from surfing monstrous waves at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay to the renegade skateboarding culture born in Los Angeles. However, California’s adrenaline sports aren’t limited to warm days by the beach.
Beyond its fiery dance floors, there’s so much more terrain to discover in the ‘Salsa Capital of the World’. Similar to its major city counterparts of Bogotá and Medellín, Cali has officially emerged as a friendly and dynamic must-stop on any Colombian itinerary.
California is known for sunny days, stunning beaches, sweet confections, and memorable drives along the coast. You can sample it all on the Pacific Coast Highway, from San Francisco to San Diego. Between exciting attractions and gorgeous vistas, you can indulge in some of the best ice cream along the way. Here’s a roadmap to the best sights and sweets on 500 miles of California coast.
While it doesn’t get the fanfare of Sonoma and Napa Valley, the SLO Coast tucked off the famed Pacific Coast Highway is one of California’s most unique wine regions – and one well-deserving of the hype.
Salvation Mountain California is an artistic landscape that stands colorfully in the California Desert, which I’m sure you’ll love!