Since the gold rush of the 1840s, people have been traveling to California to discover its beauty and excitement. From the towering Sierra Nevada mountains and towering redwood forests to the vast desert and rugged coastline, California offers a wide range of breathtaking views as it stretches 1,100 miles down the West Coast. As diverse as the landscape, the opportunities for exploration are endless on your next Golden State vacation.
Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the famous Alcatraz Island, San Francisco offers alluring landmarks, a diverse culture, and picturesque views of the bay from the steep hills. Make exploring the city more exciting by riding a cable car that travels through Chinatown. With year-round street festivals and fantastic shopping in the various neighborhoods, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the city’s culture. At the end of the day, rest your feet and dine in one of the delicious world-class restaurants.
Heading to Southern California, don’t let the sprawling city of Los Angeles turn you away. This diverse city has entertainment for everyone. Visit Hollywood and find your favorite actor on the walk of fame, venture into Mann’s Chinese Theater to place your hands and feet where celebrities once were, and shop like the stars on Rodeo Drive. The Getty is a must-see for museum buffs with its architecture, collection of Western art, and magnificent garden.
When visiting the Los Angeles area, most vacationers think of Disney. Spring and summer are the perfect times to escape to the allure of Disneyland in Anaheim. Kids and adults are sure to enjoy this fantasy land as they hang out with Mickey, Cinderella, Tarzan and his friends. If you’re staying in Anaheim, be sure to take the free bus to Universal Studios Hollywood. Take a studio tour and find out how your favorite show was created or take a wet and wild raft ride in Jurassic Park.
A short drive south of Anaheim will take you to San Diego, where a must see is the world famous San Diego Zoo. Escape the heat of the day and enjoy the zoo’s special summer hours that run until 8:00 pm Visit polar bears, elephants, zebras, tigers, and learn new fun facts. When you get hungry, be sure to indulge in fresh local seafood. And while you’re in San Diego, don’t forget to visit SeaWorld or the Museum of Contemporary Art.
If your idea of the perfect vacation isn’t the hustle and bustle of city life, escape to one of nature’s many outdoor offerings. Yosemite National Park, known as the Jewel in the Crown, is located in central California, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Nature enthusiasts can explore several hiking trails that lead to Yosemite Falls, rock climb the towering granite walls of Toulumne Meadow, or take a guided outdoor tour of Yosemite Valley.
The California coast offers a stunning vacation getaway. Highway One, which runs 90 miles from Cambria to Carmel, offers beautiful views of the rocky coastline. Be sure to visit one of several famous beaches like Venice, Huntington, Laguna, and Manhattan, where you can sunbathe along the California coastline and take part in activities like surfing, fishing, swimming, and biking.
California wine country is every wine lover’s dream. Even the naive will enjoy sampling and touring Napa Valley’s more than 200 wineries. In addition, there are several spas in the area where you can relax with a mineral water bath, a mud bath or a rejuvenating massage.
While the desert of Southern California may not seem like an ideal vacation destination, the unique landscape of towering mountaintops and low-lying valleys draws many visitors here in the winter. Hiking is always the best way to see the stunning terrain, but driving tours are also available for those who can’t make the trip. Spring brings cacti and colorful poppy flowers to bloom and paints the desert landscape orange and yellow.
As the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe offers year-round activities and relaxation. Its deep, crystal blue water and surrounding snow-capped mountains provide the perfect spot for everyone. Enjoy sailing and swimming in the summer and be sure to hit the slopes in the winter at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Additionally, golfers will no doubt want to take advantage of the challenging and scenic courses in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Whether your vacation dreams are to experience California’s great cities, discover the vast landscape, or enjoy quiet and relaxation, finding the perfect vacation rental is important. No matter which part of California you visit, there are plenty of lodging options to choose from. A California vacation rental is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to escape crowded hotels and stay in a relaxing environment close to family and friends. With all the comforts of home at your fingertips, you can have a memorable vacation both inside and outside of your vacation rental.