01 Yosemite National Park
In California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains rests a striking wilderness of Yosemite National park, which is majestic, immense, and breathtaking. This well preserved national park is packed with magnificent granite cliffs draped with dramatic waterfalls. You can also watch out for the giant Sequoias trees that are amazing to get a walkthrough. Yosemite offers every adventure activity you can think of, from simple fishing and bird-watching to adventure sports such as rock climbing and rafting. The most famous sites in the park include Cathedral Spires, Half Dome, Vernal Fall, and Glacier Point. Also, you can catch a beautiful glimpse of Yosemite Falls from the highest point of Three Brothers, Eagle Peak.
02 Monterey
Monterey is another stunning place in California. Its serene natural beauty and small-town soul are what visitors keep coming back for. Located in central California, the historic seaport and fish packing town of Monterey is awash with picture-perfect beaches and charming seaside neighborhoods. Beaches in Monterey range from tiny little jewels to large areas of sand. Each beach is unique and offers plenty of recreation facilities, from kayaking to surfing to diving. In recent times, Monterey’s waterfront attracts thousands of visitors to its world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium and lively Fisherman’s Wharf, which has many excellent seafood restaurants. You can head to Carmel to explore its beautiful boutiques and art galleries or visit Pebble Beach for its world-renowned golf courses and beach resorts.
03 Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks of the USA. This suspension bridge traverses the water between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay more than a mile. This bridge was opened in 1937 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world for almost 30 years after its opening. With a combination of red-orange frames of the bridge to the crystal clear blue water of the sea, it gives a stunning view to the visitors. Did you know that the color of the bridge was specifically chosen to make it easily visible during thick fog? Isn’t it amazing? This bridge is one of the most visited attractions in the USA and lies in the world’s most photographed bridges.
04 Big Sur
Big Sur is a beautiful rugged coastline of a 90-mile stretch that offers numerous hiking trails that weave in and out of the area’s mountains, valleys, and forest, which gives visitors a chance to get back to nature. Make a trip to this destination at the edge of the ocean to see panoramas so spellbindingly beautiful that it puts travelers into a trance. The area is lightly populated, and it sits in the south of Monterey. You can visit the Garrapata State Park, where the main attraction is Garrapata Beach, which has a long crescent stretch of golden sand, perfect to relax while soaking up the sun. You can also choose to explore the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which is a great place for those looking for hiking opportunities and nature escape.
05 Joshua Tree National Park
Less than an hour away from Palm Springs in Joshua Tree National Park. Home to Joshua trees that are native to the park and dramatic rock formations, this is a popular area for sightseeing, hiking, camping, and climbing. The area is a designated wilderness and encompasses two very different deserts (Colorado desert and Mojave desert). This desert oasis is excellent for enjoying endless outdoor activities. The main view looks out over the Coachella Valley. Here, nature lovers can explore dozens of hiking trails and tackle some of the park’s thousands of rock climbing routes. Other must-do activities in the park include biking and horseback riding.
06 Big Tahoe/Lake Tahoe
Big Tahoe is counted in the largest freshwater lakes of the world with awesome natural beauty. The lake is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, along the border of Nevada and California. Surrounded by splendid mountain views and hosting many exciting events and activities, Lake Tahoe remains a tourist hub throughout the year.
Regardless of when you visit Lake Tahoe, you will find plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy. In winter, Tahoe becomes a popular ski spot, and when summer hits, locals rent boats in droves as a way to unwind on the lake. No matter in which season you arrive here, the panorama around this place will make your trip a memorable one.
07 Napa Valley
In the north of California, you will find the Napa Valley. The area is famous for its beautiful landscapes and legendary wineries along with wine tastings and wine tours. The county reigns supreme as one of the best wine destinations in the world. It is also a mecca for luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and Michelin-starred dining establishments. The region’s most renowned restaurant is The French Laundry in Yountville, awarded three Michelin stars. Calistoga has a charming downtown and spas with mineral hot springs.
There are also a few kid-friendly wineries, such as Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century Tuscan castle that serves grape juice to young ones instead of wine. You can even venture to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park for a light yet very scenic hike.