California has earned the distinction of being a premier travel destination. What makes it so ideal is the various activities visitors can participate in. Indeed, if you have an adventurous streak, get ready for some amazing thrills. You can climb mountains, explore the deserts, and visit national parks. Alternatively, while away the hours at pristine beaches for maximum rest and recreation.
California covers over 160,000 square miles. You may find reference to it as the ‘Land of Milk and Honey or the ‘Golden State.’ Others call it the ‘Grape state’ or ‘Eldorado State.’ The national tree is the California Redwood, and it even has a motto: Eureka!
If you ever get bored in California, you only have yourself to blame. That is because you don’t even need deep pockets to enjoy yourself. All you have to do is know the best places to go to.
Let’s look at some must-visit places in California.
Traveling to California: Places You Must Go To
1. Channel Islands
Ready to see stunning vistas n the form of jutting cliffs, stunning oceans, and wildlife? If yes, your first stop should be the Channel Islands, off the coast of California. A more exact location would be between the Mexican border and Point Conception.
The Channel Islands consist of eight islands, but only six are open to public visitation. To get the most out of the trip, start by visiting the Channel Islands National Park. You will find it about 11 miles off the coast from Oxnard.
The park consists of five Islands that go by the name Galapagos of North America. Come ready for plenty of sightseeing and water activities. Charge your camera for plenty of sea creature photos at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Alternatively get your fill of swimming, kayaking, diving, and more. The park is also a popular destination for campers.
Please note the islands are only accessible by plane or boat. They are a prime example of untouched wilderness. There are no modern trappings like restaurants or hotels. So, make sure you plan well and take advantage of travel planners to make the trip more memorable. Also, use resources like the Oxnard Travel guide websites.
Take note of the best times to travel. Santa Cruz and Anacapa are open all year round. The other islands are seasonal, thus less frequent trips.
2. Oxnard Dunes
Make time after the Channel Islands visit to go to the Oxnard Dunes. It is ideal for those seeking solitude and peace. You can go alone or plan a romantic getaway with your partner. There is something about walking on the dunes that feel so relaxing. Indeed, the Oxnard dunes are an excellent way to connect with nature.
3. California Theme Parks
Some of the biggest theme parks are in California. Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland top the list. The Universal theme parks double up as film studios. The kids will experience scenes from famous movies like The Walking Dead, Minion Mayhem land, and Harry Potter.
Other notable theme parks are Magic Mountain, Boomerang Bay, and the Discovery Kingdom. The theme parks are an ideal destination for those traveling with kids. But that doesn’t mean that the adults will not have plenty of fun activities as well. Create lasting family memories at these beautiful, fun-filled locations.
4. Napa Valley
Do you fancy some fine living and dining? Well. Then make sure you take a trip to Napa valley. First, it is the best wine destination you can find anywhere in the world.
Check out kid-friendly wineries like the Tuscan castle and Castello di Amorosa. The kids get to take grape juice as you sip on your fine wine.
Napa Valley is also a draw for those looking for luxury experiences. Don’t worry about accommodation because they are plenty of top-notch hotels. The same applies to dining. So get ready to please your palate with Michelin-starred dining.
If you want some physical activity, go for a hike at the scenic Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.
5. Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite Falls are a great site to behold. Standing at a height of 2425 feet, this is the fifth highest waterfall in the whole world. Most of the water source for the falls is melting snow. That means the best time to visit is between May and June.
Many other activities include bird-watching, fishing, rafting, and rock climbing. Wear sturdy shoes to explore the Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Vermal fall.
6. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz makes it to our list as a must-visit romantic spot. It is the perfect place to reconnect and spend quality time with your partner. Other than relaxing at the beaches there are so many other activities.
Surfing is a popular pastime. You will also get your fill of cultural and historical attractions at the museums, arboretum, and art galleries. Also, make time to visit the park, lighthouses, and more. What we love about Santa Cruz is that you can visit any time of the year.
7. San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco bay area is home to the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a true sign of the marvels of architecture.
The breathtaking beauty of San Francisco makes it a popular tourist destination. That means you should be ready to contend with crowds. But it will be worth every second you spend there.
Get ready to spend plenty of time outdoors in the 7 by 7 Square mile city. Don’t bother hiring a car because you can transverse the town on foot. There is also plenty of public transportation like cable cars.
Do take a trip to the bustling Chinatown for some authentic Chinese dishes. Also, make time to visit the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. If you love ballet and Opera, there are plenty of theatres to catch some good action.
Oakland is a multicultural City with plenty to do and see. You can go to the theatres, participate in the summer festival or Lancer history of the museums. If you love birds, check out the Pescadero Marsh Natural reserve.
Final Thoughts
Beaches, dunes, mountains, parks, and city life are all available in California. We can promise with certainty that you will not want to spend a lot of time indoors.
If you are not a resident of the area, it helps to have some help in planning your itinerary. Consider using travel agents or a travel guide website like Oxnard.
