Discover California’s Hidden Gems
While Los Angeles often steals the spotlight with its glitzy Hollywood Hills and sunny beaches drawing crowds, California offers much more than this famous city. When considering places to visit in California, there’s a wealth of options beyond the City of Angels.
For those interested in exploring Los Angeles in depth, a Los Angeles 4 day itinerary can help you make the most of your visit to this iconic city.
Explore charming Mendocino County towns, undoubtedly a refreshing change of pace. You can sample top-notch wines in Napa Valley, furthermore. Palm Springs awaits, consequently, for those seeking luxury escapes.
California offers ideal getaways without leaving the state. From tech-free retreats to pampering sessions, diverse experiences await within California’s borders.
Here’s Our Guide to 10 Places to Visit in California
1. Enjoy Santa Barbara’s Coastal Charm
Santa Barbara’s relaxed beach town atmosphere is sure to charm visitors. Boasting sunshine most days, stunning coastlines, and nearby wineries, the city offers diverse experiences. For a great stay, the Hotel Californian comes highly recommended.
If you’re planning a broader journey, consider incorporating Santa Barbara into a California coast road trip for a comprehensive coastal experience.
Don’t overlook Montecito or the famous Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel, additionally. These spots enhance your coastal adventure, surely.
2. Enjoy Fun at Lake Tahoe
You’ll love Lake Tahoe, which sits between California and Nevada. It’s near big mountains and has lots to do. You can play golf, swim, hike, and ski here all year.
Lake Tahoe helps you get away from it all, undoubtedly. You can have fun outside and then go out at night. This mix of nature and fun makes Tahoe a great place to visit.
3. Explore San Diego’s Diverse Delights
San Diego offers a wealth of attractions to enjoy. As a top California destination, it features miles of beaches, craft breweries, and museums. Additionally, the city boasts excellent Mexican food and near-perfect weather.
San Diego’s spread-out neighbourhoods each deserve attention. You should plan a long weekend, at least, to truly experience the city. Five days would be ideal, consequently, to fully explore its diverse attractions.
4. Discover Mendocino’s Coastal Magic
There’s a hidden gem in Northern California: Mendocino. This area shows you a different side of the state. Expect quiet seaside towns, friendly locals, and fantastic seafood. For a more detailed exploration of this charming area, refer to our Guide to Mendocino California.
Seek advice from residents, then dive into outdoor activities. You can canoe, hike, and explore the stunning surroundings. You will likely fall in love with Mendocino’s natural beauty, undoubtedly.
5. Savour Napa Valley and Sonoma County
You might think these regions are just for wine lovers. However, they offer much more. Even if you don’t enjoy wine, you will find plenty to appreciate here.
The area boasts top-notch restaurants, undoubtedly. You can explore impressive art galleries, additionally. Great live music scenes thrive here, consequently. These attractions make Napa and Sonoma worth visiting, regardless of your interest in wine.
You will discover countless activities in Napa Valley. A trip here promises enjoyment, even without tasting wine. The region’s diverse offerings ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.
Top Tip When You Visit California:
Don’t Confuse Napa Valley and Sonoma County
You should note that Napa Valley and Sonoma County are distinct, though close. Sonoma typically features more family-owned wineries. Napa, conversely, offers more upscale international labels.
Both areas have unique charms, undoubtedly. You can discover value in exploring the wider region, consequently. If time allows, visit both to compare their different atmospheres.
Your experience will vary between these areas, surely. Planning with these differences in mind helps you choose the best fit for your preferences.
6. Experience Palm Springs’ Retro Glamour
You’ll find Palm Springs still shines as a celebrity playground. Known as the Golf Capital of the World, it charms visitors with its glamorous retro vibe.
Palm Springs is just one of many exciting things to do in southern California, offering a unique blend of retro style and modern luxury.
Mid-century design fans will love this city, undoubtedly. The Riviera Palm Springs offers a perfect spot for a relaxed getaway, additionally. You’ll likely fall for Palm Springs’ unique atmosphere, just as many visitors do.
7. Discover Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea
On the Monterey Peninsula lies the storybook town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This charming locale features cute cottages, old missions, and nice art shops. Additionally, the town’s proximity to Big Sur adds to its appeal.
Carmel keeps winning awards, undoubtedly. People say it’s very romantic and pretty. Dog owners love it too, consequently. This small town offers a lot to see and do.
8. Explore Rugged Big Sur
Big Sur’s wild central coast captivates visitors with its rugged beauty. For accommodation, the Ventana Big Sur undoubtedly offers a great stay. This area quickly becomes a favorite destination for those seeking rustic getaways.
Big Sur is perfect for hiking, consequently. Bring sturdy boots and your camera. You’ll see amazing views, from pretty beaches to tall mountains. The diverse natural beauty here will surprise you.
9. Discover Joshua Tree’s Desert Wonders
Joshua Tree’s unique desert towns are a sight to behold. Situated between two deserts, these communities offer art galleries and mountain views. The national park consequently provides breathtaking vistas for nature enthusiasts.
Joshua Tree’s distinctive home designs stand out, particularly. Many Airbnbs are attractions themselves, creating unforgettable stays.
10. Explore the Natural Beauty of Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a perfect showcase for nature’s splendour. You should unplug and lace up your hiking boots. The park’s back country awaits, offering a true escape into the wild.
Top Tip When You Visit California :
Make the Most of Your Yosemite Trip
You can see Yosemite’s highlights in a day. However, a weekend stay allows for a richer experience. Whether you prefer camping or luxury lodges, extra time enhances your visit.
You’ll appreciate the chance to explore more, undoubtedly. This extended stay lets you soak in the park’s beauty at a relaxed pace. You can dive deeper into Yosemite’s wonders, consequently.
See also: California coast road trip guide
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Travel Insurance for Your California Trip
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in California stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in California
Indeed, renting a car in California is easy and is a great way to explore the California countryside freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
When it comes to lodging, the best time to visit California can affect your accommodation options and prices. The best way to book your accommodation in California is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to California
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights.
