Top 15 Places to Visit in California

Top 15 Places to Visit in California


California has a beautiful landscape and natural beauty that you will not forget. California has National Parks to explore, from Joshua Tree to Yosemite, beaches perfect for surfing, wineries to visit in Napa Valley, and beautiful lakes for kayaking at Lake Tahoe. There is so much to see and do in California. Below are the top 15 places to visit in California. This list is to help you decide where to travel next in the beautiful state of California!

1: Lake Tahoe-

The 20-mile-long lake has the clearest water in the world and sits at the bottom of 10,000-foot peaks. Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for kayaking or paddle boarding in the summer and skiing in the winter. The light blue lake is a sight you do not want to miss!

Read our blog: Top 10 Things to Do at Lake Tahoe

2: Sacramento-

the california state capitol building under a blue clear sky
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Sacramento is the capital city of California. You will find museums, historical sites, and world-class restaurants. Old Sacramento is a MUST-SEE spot because it is a national historic landmark!

3: Yosemite-

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Yosemite sits in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is home to sequoia trees, a waterfall, cliffs, and breathtaking scenery. At Yosemite Village, you will find hotels, shops, and restaurants.

4: San Diego-

San Diego is known for having 70 miles of beautiful beaches. The best beaches are La Jolla and Mission Beach.

5: Malibu-

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Malibu is most famous for its beaches, hiking trails, and luxury hotspots. You will find luxurious beachfront properties. The best beaches are Zuma Beach and Point Dume. You can even explore rock formations at El Matador State Beach. The best hiking trail is at Malibu Creek State Park.

6: San Francisco-

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San Francisco is home to trolleys that can take you around the city! You MUST see the Golden Gate Bridge most famous for being in the hit TV series Full House. It is one of the world’s most beautiful bridges.

7: Big Sur:

Big Sur has rugged natural beauty, secluded in a remote location. You can even find natural springs and waterfalls nearby.

8: Napa Valley-

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Who doesn’t want to get TIPSY in NAPA VALLEY and try delicious wines? There is even a winery in a medieval castle. Surrounding the castle, you will find massive redwood trees! The winery is called Castello di Amorosa! I LOVED IT.

9: Sequoia National Park-

Sequoia National Park is in the Sierra Mountains and is most known for its natural beauty and sequoia trees!

10: Los Angeles-

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If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles, please read this post! I dive deeper into the best things to do in Los Angeles from visiting the Hollywood sign at Griffith Park to seeing the Walk of Fame in Downtown Los Angeles. We even list strolling along Venice Beach and seeing the sunset from Santa Monica Pier.

11: Santa Barbara-

Santa Barbara is home to Spanish colonial-style buildings, art galleries, beaches, and wineries.

12: Joshua Tree-

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Joshua Tree National Park is like walking through a desert landscape with rugged rock formations, and you guessed it, Joshua Trees!

13: Catalina Island-

Catalina Island is known for its seafood, wine, and beaches. It is a charming town an hour away from the coast of Southern California.

14: Palm Springs-

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Palm Springs has hot springs, golf courses, restaurants, and luxury hotels.

15: Disneyland-

There is nothing like Disneyland and Epcot!

Have you ever been to California? Please comment below about your experience!

Ten Things to Do in Lake Tahoe, California

Ten Things to Do in Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake located between California and Nevada. Its depth is 1,645ft making it the second deepest lake in the United States after Crater Lake in Oregon.

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My Experience:

I went to Lake Tahoe from Thursday, May 6th to Sunday, May 9th, with a group of friends that went to WVU. I have never seen water so beautiful, crisp, clear, and clean. It was mesmerizing. We stayed at the Marriott Grand Residence Club in Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe, California. Unfortunately, it was too cold for us to swim and too hot to go skiing; however, we made the most out of our experience regardless. Kayaking and hiking are two fun activities that we all got to experience. Listed below are ten things to do in Lake Tahoe!

1- Enjoy Views of Emerald Bay from a Helicopter- BOOK THE TOUR

There might not be a better way to take in the beauty of Lake Tahoe than from a helicopter.

2- Experience Lake Tahoe from a Transparent Kayak- BOOK THE TOUR

Ten Things to Do in Lake Tahoe, California

Book a glass-bottom kayak to enjoy the beautiful, crystal-clear lake from a different perspective. 

3- Go Hang Gliding LEARN MORE

Ten Things to Do in Lake Tahoe, California

Flying a powered hang glider over Lake Tahoe is an exhilarating 60-minute experience that will be truly unforgettable. Book the experience!

4- Go Horseback Riding at Zephyr Cove Stables- VIEW PHOTOS

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Horseback trail riding through the woods and mountains overlooking the lake is a fun two-hour activity that you can enjoy.

5- Bike Riding- RENT A BIKE

Rent a bike at Anderson’s Bicycle Rental and go bike riding at the South Lake Tahoe Bike Trail. The scenic views are incredible, and the trail is super family oriented.

6- Go Whitewater Rafting- BOOK THE TOUR

If you are looking for a high adrenaline-filled adventure, then whitewater rafting near Lake Tahoe is for you.

7- Hiking-

Ten Things to Do in Lake Tahoe, California

There are tons of hiking trails in Lake Tahoe. The two hiking trails I recommend are the Tunnel Creek Trail and Emerald Point Trail.

The Tunnel Creek Trail is a 4.7-mile out-and-back hike near Incline Village on the Tahoe Flume Trail. This moderate hike has become known as the home to Monkey Rock, a rock formation in the shape of a gorilla’s head overlooking the lake.

 Emerald Point Trail is a 4.4-mile trail near South Lake Tahoe, California, featuring the lake.

8- Enjoy a Relaxing Massage and Have a Spa Day

You can experience a full body massage at Spa Edgewood in Lake Tahoe.

9- Zip Lining- BOOK THE TOUR

Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park offers zip lines in almost every course. 

10- ATV-

Don’t forget to book a three-hour ATV tour with Sierra Touring Company.

Have you ever been to Lake Tahoe? Please comment below about your experience!

Similar Post: 15 Things to Do in Los Angeles, California

Top 15 Things to Do in Los Angeles

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Top 15 Things to Do in Los Angeles

Background:

Los Angeles is the biggest city in California and is known for its Mediterranean climate. We list the top 15 things to do in Los Angeles!

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 I visited Los Angeles in February of 2018 and stayed in a hostel called the Los Angeles USA Hostels with my friends from college, Ariana and Sarah. We had a incredible trip. Here are my top fifteen things to do while visiting Los Angeles, California, based on my experience and research!

1. Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre

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The TCL Chinese Theatre is one of Hollywood’s most memorable sites, as it opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Don’t forget to stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where movie stars have left their handprints and signatures along the sidewalk. The theatre and walk of fame are two of the best things to do in Los Angeles.

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Walk of Fame: Read the list of entertainment figures placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: http://www.walkoffame.com

TCL Chinese Theatre: Purchase movie tickets: http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com

2. Watch the Sunset at Santa Monica PierScreen Shot 2018-03-19 at 12.08.29 AM.png

Santa Monica is located west of downtown Los Angeles and contains one of the utmost beautiful beaches in the United States. You can explore the area on a bicycle along the 26-mile bike path, which happens to be the longest beach bike path in the world, or you can simply get ice cream on the boardwalk and take in the amazing sunset on the beach.

Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 

Website: https://santamonicapier.org

3. Visit Lake Hollywood Park29026109_10213477713029932_5943110301629236573_n.jpg

I highly recommend visiting the amazing view at Lake Hollywood Park. Don’t forget to snap a picture of the Hollywood sign, a landmark that has been around since 1923. Unlike many nearby hiking trails, Lake Hollywood Park grants you a view of the sign from below.

Location: 3200 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068-1606

4. Visit the Griffith ObservatorySee the source image

Griffith Observatory overlooks the Los Angeles basin. The views are beautiful, and admission is free at the observatory! The observatory sits 1,134 feet above sea level. You might even recognize this spot from popular movies, including The Terminator, Charlie’s Angels, and Rebel without a Cause.

Website: https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark

Location: 4730 Crystal Springs
Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 644-2050

5. Bike Ride at Griffith Park29025675_10213477713789951_5221138498553111302_n

Griffith Park is one of the largest parks in North America, as it covers 4,511 acres. Bike riding through the area is sensational because the park contains trails along the eastern Santa Monica Mountains.

Bike Rentals: In the parking lot behind the Griffith Park Ranger Station.

Website: https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark

6. Runyon Canyon Park 

Reach the top of Runyon Canyon for a breathtaking view of the city. Bikes are not allowed on the trails. Dogs are allowed off leash in designated areas only.                             Location: 2000 N. Fuller Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046           

7. Explore the Restaurants and Nightlife in Downtown Los Angeles        

Downtown LA has the best food and a fun and thrilling nightlife filled with numerous bars, comedy clubs, and nightclubs.

8. The Getty CenterSee the source image

The Getty Center is one of the most prestigious art institutions in the world. Exhibitions include contemporary art, photography, and classical paintings. Spend the day marveling at the art, relaxing in the garden, and enjoying the hilltop views. There are free tours available at The Getty Center. 

9. Stroll Along the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Get Active on Venice Beach!!! The area has an eccentric spirit, as the boardwalk is a great place for people watching, with skateboarders and body builders.

Website: http://www.venicebeach.com/the-venice-beach-boardwalk 

10. The Original Farmers Market and The GroveGrove_9

Go shopping for chic clothes and enjoy delicious food at the open-air mall where you can browse through brand stores. The Original Farmers Market sells fresh produce and offers a international culinary experience.

11. Hollywood and Highland Center

Hollywood and Highland Center is a must-see outdoor mall. This activity is for you if you love shopping!

12. Visit Disneyland, Los Angeles

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Get Animated with Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland. The theme park is packed with fun things to do.

13. Grand Central Market

Satisfy your food cravings at Grand Central Market. The food hall has been operating since 1917.                                                                                            

Location and Hours:  8am – 10pm Monday-Sunday
317 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel: (213) 624-2378

14. Paramount Pictures Studios

Go behind the scenes and take a tour of the classic Hollywood American Film studio. The tour shows historic sets and warehouse. Ps: there is free water and popcorn.

15. Market and shopping on Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is known as the intersection of posh and funky. The ultimate street for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Don’t forget to take pictures in front of the artsy walls along the avenue. 

Top of this post: Top 15 Things to Do in Los Angeles

Similar Post: 10 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe28377674_10213373125135300_6386475233869863420_n

 

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