All The Best Places To Explore In California

One place that should be on every traveler's bucket list is California. This state is a truly beautiful place, that has so many amazing things to see and do. Stretching from the Mexican border north for nearly 900 miles, California is a big state. Home to amazing forests in the north and beautiful sandy beaches in the south, this is one place that every traveler has to see.

In case you’re planning a trip to the golden state, I thought that I would share all the things that you have to do while you’re there. Take note of this ideas, and you can ensure that you have the best time in California.

Los Angeles

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Los Angeles, or LA as it’s more commonly known, is one of California’s most famous cities. Home to Hollywood and the world’s film industry, LA is one city that you have to see while in California. Situated in the south of the state, this iconic city has so much to see and do that no matter how long you’re there for, you’ll never fit it all in.

From the world-famous Hollywood sign to Venice Beach, LA is home to some fantastic places. Being the home of the world’s movie industry, this engaging city also has various film studios to explore. This includes Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers, two of the world’s largest film companies. (If you want to see either of these studios while you’re in LA, I recommend booking in advance.)

Coastal areas

California might be home to some of the world’s most famous cities and attractions, but it’s also a state with some fantastic coastal areas. I don’t mean beaches like Venice beach in LA, although this is a must-see, I mean areas that are a little less well known.

Aside from being truly beautiful, seaside towns, like Pescadero and Monterey, have a lot to see and do. They have untouched beaches to explore, beautiful countryside, and plenty of fantastic restaurants. The seafood is one of the best things about California’s coastal areas. The food on offer in these restaurants in Monterey, is wonderful - there are so many dishes to choose from. While you're in California, it's coastal region is definitely worth a visit.

Yosemite National Park

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Nestled between California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is famed for it’s waterfalls. However, there is also a lot more to this natural space, including unique rock formations, adventure, and lots of wildlife.

If you’re a keen photographer or a wildlife lover, Yosemite National Park is somewhere that you have to visit. The best thing about this massive park - it spans over 3000 km, is that there are plenty of places to stay. So if you fancy spending a bit of time exploring, you can opt to camp or stay in an authentic wooden lodge here.

California is a big place, and so there are plenty of other things to see and do on your visit. These ideas, however, are just a few of the best ones to get you started. 

Basking in the Beauty of Newport Beach: Five Must-Do Outdoor Activities

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Those who visit California not only visit a state; they embark on a plethora of outdoor opportunities.  Florida may be the ‘sunshine state,’ yet California does not pale in comparison.  Additionally, California weather is mild compared to the intense humidity of its east-coast sunshine competitor.  

Those who visit the west coast, specifically Newport Beach, California, encounter a number of fun and engaging activities.  Here are five activities no visitor can afford to miss.

Davey’s Locker Sport Fishing and Whale Watching

 Those who embark on tours outside of Newport Bay catch views of blue whales in the summer and fall and grey whales the other half of the year.  You may have heard a share of ‘whale stories,’ but Davey’s consumers experience a 95% success rate in spotting the mammoth-sized sea creatures.

Game anglers gravitate toward the service, catching hundreds of fish (per trip), which is not difficult when the waters feature over two dozen species, including giant yellowtail, tuna, and halibut.

China Cove Bike and Kayak

Davey’s offers exciting boat tours, but while the ocean and boats are in motion, riders stand still.  The relaxing occasion calls for some exercise.  Burn calories while keeping cool in the water, or take the tour inland, renting and riding a bike along the coast.  What can one expect to see on their tour?  Kayakers and riders stop at Pirate’s Cove Beach for a swim.  Are you ready to let a machine do the driving for you?  Newport Beach vacation rentals are close to many outdoor activities and tours.  Take a ‘hidden’ jeep tour along Southern California’s Riviera.

Balboa Fun Zone

The name says it all; Balboa Park is California’s oldest family amusement area, featuring a grand ferris wheel, an arcade, a nautical museum, harbor cruises, bike rentals and more.  As an associated extension, park goers hitch a ride on the Catalina Flyer to nearby Catalina Island.  The park and associated attractions remain popular year round, but don’t worry about parking.  A public lot is available, juxtaposed to the pier, making this destination fun and convenient.

Photo-walking Tours

Spend the day, but keep your memories forever on a walking tour of Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor.  Don’t be discouraged by your level of photography mastership; professional photography instructors aid goers, directing attention to unbelievable shots while providing photographic insight you can take home.  Those who don’t come equipped with cameras may rent a device from the service.

Pirate Coast Paddle Company

You may have experienced the Pacific Ocean before, but have you done it on a paddleboard?  Don’t worry if wondering if you’re up to the challenge; professionals offer lessons and kid programs, as well as ongoing rentals for those with more experience.  To add to the ambiance of the occasion, elect to take sunset or moonlight paddle tour.

Those who visit Newport Beach, California never come away with a shortage of outdoor activity stories and memories.  Whether catching an eye-full of blue and grey whales, kayaking among millionaire-dollar coast homes, or paddleboarding in the moonlight, you’ll be more than pleased with the relaxing and active synergy offered at this vacation spot.

Marcus Anderson, now retired, travels as much as he can these days. An avid blogger, he likes to write about where he goes on travel and vacation blog sites.

Fall's Go-To Places

Fall is the next best season I like next to spring. The weather is not so cold and definitely not hot anymore to enjoy the great outdoors. Another reason why I love autumn is because of the beautiful foliage around that turns from green to yellow to amber to a deep crimson shade. And when you drive around the country, you will see all the rolling hills with a pretty vista of autumn colors.

I don't live in the US but I love seeing fall vista. So, I jotted the most go-to places in the US during autumn. It is a great way to enjoy nature, fall activities and the cool, crisp air of autumn. I am looking forward to visit Napa Valley and Vermont on our next autumn break.

Napa Valley

Autumn is also the harvest season of vineyards in Sonoma, California. Sign in for wine-tasting classes and join the grapes-stomping activities.

New York City

Central Park's foliage will be a colorful show of autumn colors. You need not drive too far to view the majestic colors of autumn. You can also watch Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, taste the yummy treats at the festivities of the Feast of St. Geranno in Little Italy.

Vermont 

Vermont offers plenty of fall festivals to celebrate with families and friends. You can take a scenic tour around Manchester, Stowe, Burlington, Woodstock and Montpelier or visit maple producing farms or buy fresh produce at the farmer's market.