The Golden State is home to some of California’s most iconic destinations. From wine country to the rock of Hollywood, from Yosemite to the Pacific Coast Highway. California offers a vast array of places to visit. Interestingly enough, the US state contains some of the most visited national parks in the US. Places like Yosemite and Golden Gate Bridge draw millions of travelers every year — 3.6 and 7 million respectively. Whether you’re planning a vacation in California. Or simply want to explore a new part of your home state, then this article is for you.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. With over 4 million visitors per year. The park was established in 1890 and covers an area of 1,169 square miles (3,040 km²). The park contains many famous landmarks including Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Falls.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is located on the border between California and Nevada. It is 282 square miles (724 km²) in size and was established as a national monument in 1933 before becoming a national park in 1994. It is also known as “The Gateway to the West”.
Disneyland California
There is no better place than Disneyland California when it comes to family fun. There are rides for all ages and even special events for adults only on select nights throughout the year. The park offers plenty of food options as well as a shopping district that will keep you busy for hours on end!. But make sure to check Disneyland ticket prices and availability, because you will not find it easily.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a vast expanse of desert wilderness in Southern California. The park’s namesake Joshua tree is also the state tree of California. The national park was established on October 31, 1994.
The park is located in southeastern California on the Colorado Desert. It has an elevation ranging from -3,000 feet to 3,500 feet above sea level. It is known for its shifting sand dunes and beautiful Joshua tree forests. The park contains over 800 plant species including some that are found nowhere else in the world.
San Francisco
San Francisco is known as one of America’s most picturesque cities with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. It also has great shopping on Union Square and plenty of museums like The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Which displays work by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol among others. There are also many famous landmarks such as Alcatraz Island and Coit Tower that offer spectacular views of the city skyline.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to Hollywood and all its glitz and glamour, but there’s much more to this city than just celebrities. There are plenty of museums. Including the Getty Center and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Beautiful beaches; amusement parks; theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain; and so much more!
Napa Valley Wine Country
If you love wine then you will want to make sure that you visit Napa Valley Wine Country during your trip to California! Napa Valley is home to several wineries as well as restaurants and shops that focus on local foods and wines from the region. You can also take a tour through some of the most famous wineries such as Robert Mondavi Winery or Beringer Vineyards & Winery which offer tours during their peak seasons (April – October).
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
This is a huge zoo, with over 4,000 animals and plants from around the world. There are also several different types of habitats for the animals to live in. The park is about 20 miles from downtown San Diego and well worth visiting.
Safari Park tickets are also good at SeaWorld San Diego and Wild Animal Park. So if you want to see them all it’s easier if you buy a combo ticket.
Hearst Castle/San Simeon State Historic Park
This place is definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area. Hearst Castle was built by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s as a retreat for himself and his family. It includes several buildings, including a winery and vineyard!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to thousands of fish and other sea creatures that live off the California coast (and beyond). There are exhibits on many different aspects of marine life including sharks, jellyfish, octopuses, and more! You can spend hours exploring this aquarium, which is one of the biggest in the world. It’s also a great place to take kids on field trips! The Bay Model Visitor Center This visitor center for the San Francisco Bay Area is an awesome way to learn more about how the bay works and how it affects us all.
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