The 12 Places You Need to Know When Visiting California

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite lies in the Sierra Nevada mountains and holds towering sequoia trees, roaring waterfalls and massive granite cliffs. Popular features include Half Dome for hiking and rock climbing; Glacier Point for aerial views of the park; and Yosemite Falls for a classic waterfall photo opp.

The Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coastal Highway is most likely the most iconic road in California. PCH hugs the coastline and has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean at every turn. Jump in your vehicle – convertible preferred – in Malibu and zip along the highway with the dazzling sea on one side and million-dollar homes nestled into the rugged mountains on the other. Head towards Los Angeles. You’ll go through Redondo Beach, Hermosa and Manhattan Beach, all worthy stops in their own right. Take time to admire the spectacular views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, then finish up the last highway stretch to San Pedro.

Sonoma

Sonoma has a picturesque downtown and plenty of cheese, wine and scenic views. Make sure to come early in the day, since wineries close around 5pm and there is nothing worse than a rushed wine tasting. After getting your fill of wine, take a walk through the residential neighborhoods where if you’re lucky you might see a few horses grazing in someone’s yard.

Berkeley Marina

The non-profit organization, Cal Sailing Club’s is volunteer-run and takes guests on introductory sailboat rides every month during their Open House. Children must be at least 5-years-old and accompanied by an adult. Open house hours are 1-4 p.m. Pro tip: get there early, since spots fill up fast.

Joshua Tree National Park

Here where the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems come together, you’ll find prickly Joshua trees and rugged monzogranite formations. Joshua Tree is one of the world’s predominant climbing areas. Camp the night and hear the coyotes howl at dawn. For those just staying the day, there are plenty of hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities.

Gold Country

From the state capitol of Sacramento, which was a bustling hub of activity during the height of the Gold Rush to the more remote Marshall Gold Discovery Park, where gold was first discovered, this area of California offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Rush. California State Route 49 passes through most of the major historic mining towns like Jamestown, Placerville and Sutter Creek. You can still walk through towns that feel stuck in time and see landmarks that memorialize a mineral and time that changed California forever.

Oakland

Oakland is one of the state’s most diverse cities. Grab a cheese-centric sandwich at The Sacred Wheel and then head to Lake Temescal for a peaceful picnic lunch. Venture to Oakland’s Chinatown where you sample delicious baked goods from many of the small bakeries in the area. For a true taste of Oakland, check out First Fridays with art, brews, food and live music.

Death Valley

California’s lowest point in the state can reach triple digits in the summertime and freezing temperatures during the wintertime. Despite these seasonal extremes, the weather in the spring and fall can be an ideal time to visit and explore. Hike through landscapes that will change your idea of gorgeous, including Titus Canyon and Badwater Basin’s saltwater flats – or head to Racetrack Playa, where large rocks move all on their own accord.

Venice Beach

Locals nosh on artisanal pizza and get their chakras in line by drinking their daily quota of green juice in this beachside city. In the past decade, companies like Google have moved in, changing the dynamic of the area into a more tech-centric environment. But, if you go to the boardwalk, you are still likely to find street performers and cheap souvenir shops. For a delicious meal head to Abbot Kinney, where you can find Gjelina .

Santa Barbara

It’s hard not to fall in love with the Mediterranean-style architecture featured around the downtown as a nod to the city’s Spanish colonial past. World-class wineries, fine dining and an ideal mild climate make Santa Barbara a tourist and local favorite. Stroll down the main thoroughfare, State Street, to get a good feel for Santa Barbara.

San Luis Obispo

This college town located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, embraces a slower way of life on California’s Central Coast. Do not let its size deter you, since it has plenty of things to see and a wealth of good food. Spend a few hours wandering through the town’s historic mission or indulge in some tri-tip at Old San Luis BBQ. For a taste of the whimsical, head over to Bubblegum Alley in downtown or lay your head at the famous Madonna Inn-where every room has an elaborate theme.

Point Reyes National Seashore

If you find yourself in West Marin, make sure to stop by this stunning national park that boasts rugged coastline, sheer cliffs and towering redwoods. This is California scenery at its best and there are plenty of hiking trails to meander along, bird-watch and if you’re lucky you might spot a whale or two off in the Pacific. For some of the best ocean views, make sure to head over to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Point Reyes Station, a nearby small town is the perfect place to pick up picnic provisions before heading out on your grand adventure.