15 Must-See Attractions in California
California, also known as the Golden State, is full of epic adventures and features famous landscapes, amazing natural beauty, and fantastic cultural experiences. California has something for everyone — whether you’re into sandy beaches, majestic mountains, or sprawling cities. There are many awe-inspiring places for those planning their next getaway.
California offers an experience from breathtaking coastal vistas to landmarks of rich history that you will want more of. Grab a pair of shades and prepare to tour some of the most dare worthy spots that have made this state a dream destination.
Yosemite National Park
If you’re a nature lover, Yosemite National Park is the slice of paradise for you as it’s tucked away in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s a place for hikers, climbers, and photographers; with towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome; cascading waterfalls; and ancient sequoia trees. Millions visit each year to see the incredible vistas and it’s no wonder—they seem to be out of a storybook.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is famed for its innovative habitats and incredible variety of species and is a must see for animal lovers. Over 12,000 animals including pandas, tigers and koalas call it home. You will leave with an appreciation of the natural world that you didn’t have before.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge stretches over the San Francisco Bay, and is one of the world’s most photographed structures. The orange towers that are quite striking protrude against foggy mornings or light of a bright sunset. Cross the bridge by foot, by bike, or in the car to enjoy the gorgeous sights of the bay, and the city skyline.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Los Angeles is entertainment and no visit is complete without strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Legends of film, music and television are honored with star studded sidewalks. If you want to connect with Hollywood’s past and present, it’s a fun, touristy way to do it.
Big Sur
Big Sur’s rugged coastline is one of the most dramatic in California. Highway 1 follows along cliffs right next to the Pacific Ocean, and places like Bixby Creek Bridge offer jaw-dropping photo opportunities. You can make stops to enjoy the scenery, or enjoy a hike or a picnic right next to the ocean.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These adjoining parks are home to the largest trees on Earth and are a must for the great outdoors lover. General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world, a giant sequoia at least 2,000 years old, earns its own awed visit, along with a journey down deep canyons formed over millennia by rushing rivers.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe straddles the border of California and Nevada and is a year-round outdoor enthusiast’s dream. In the summer, the area provides water sports activities as well as hiking, and camping, and in winter it turns into a snowy wonderland of skiing and snowboarding.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is a landscape of extremes. It is the hottest, driest place in North America. Its stark beauty consists of everything from the salt flats at Badwater Basin to the pretty rolling dunes at Mesquite Flat. If you visit in cooler months, you’ll get the most out of this otherworldly destination.
Disneyland Resort
Anaheim’s Disneyland, known as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” is a timeless family destination for Disney fans. You’ll find thrilling rides, magical parades, and beloved characters that have entertained visitors since the day it opened its gates in 1955.
Hearst Castle
While it’s often said that Hearst Castle in San Simeon adds a touch of opulence and imagination, it would be quite an understatement. The castle boasts Lavish rooms, sprawling gardens, and breathtaking ocean views and was once the home to media magnate William Randolph Hearst.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is famous for its world class vineyards and beautiful scenery. Take a wine tour, taste some of the area’s finest vintages, and revel at the rolling hills that make this area so terrific to explore.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a fun oasis of nostalgia. A place to take off your shoes, enjoy the ocean breeze, and ride the Ferris wheel. It’s a place to have fun. It’s also where to catch a sunset over the Pacific.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, offering a landscape unlike any other. The setting, around its namesake trees, and rugged rock formations at sunrise or sunset, is surreal. The park is also a must for stargazing due to its dark skies.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey’s world class aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean. It’s educational and it’s captivating, from beautiful sea otters to amazing jellyfish displays. Connecting with marine life in a meaningful way is also the Aquarium’s conservation efforts.
Redwood National & State Parks
Walking among the tallest trees on Earth is humbling, and California’s Redwood parks have that in spades. Some of these ancient giants are over 350 feet tall and make a forest cathedral that leaves visitors speechless. Long trails will take you into the serenity of this natural wonder.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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