California is one of the fifty-two states of the United States of America, located in the westernmost part of the USA. It is the most populous US state and is the third largest by area. Sacramento is the state’s capital, while San Francisco and Los Angeles are some of the state’s most popular cities. The state has made immense contributions to technology, entertainment, music, fashion, sports, and tourism.
Located along the Pacific coast, the Californian state has diverse geographical features, which enhance the picturesque beauty of the state. So, millions of people across the world visit California every year to experience the exquisite scenery of the places here. So, California must be added to the list of the best travel destinations in the world.
California is adorned with a huge number of tourist attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Universal Studios Hollywood, and many more.
The first thing one recalls while thinking of California is undoubtedly the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is iconic for having colossal towers, sweeping cables, and a vast span of 1.6 km in addition to the scenic beauty of oceans and hills in the backdrop. It is one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
Yosemite National Park is well known for its sky-high granite monoliths, tranquil valleys, and roaring waterfalls. A visit to Yosemite is certainly a must for nature lovers. The Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Channel Islands National Park are worth visiting for dendrophiles.
Cinephiles always have a visit to Universal Studios in their plan. Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in California. It has numerous fun rides, seven fantastic shows, and exciting play areas. Harry Potter fans love the roller coaster ride named ‘Flight of the Hippogriff’ and the dark ride called ‘Harry Potter and the forbidden journey’ through the classrooms of Hogwarts. The Jurassic World ride allows us to experience the events shown in the movie ‘Jurassic World’.
Visiting Disneyland is nearly every child’s dream. Located in Anaheim, Disneyland contains nine themed lands. The park opened with Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland, and has since added New Orleans Square, Bear Country also known as Critter Country, Mickey’s Toontown, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Meeting Mickey Mouse and the Disney princesses, like Cinderella, Aurora or Snow White is indeed a lifetime experience for kids. The amazing fun rides, bejeweled souvenir stores, and restaurants guarantee a well-spent holiday.
The Madame Tussauds in Los Angeles is adorned with realistic wax figures of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Ariana Grande, Johnny Depp, Bruce Lee, and so on. Getting close to these famous personalities and clicking pictures with them is genuinely fantabulous.
A visit to California would indeed be incomplete without going to the beaches along the coast of the state. The Seacliff State Beach is popular for wildlife spotting as the nearby Monterey Bay is rich in biodiversity. The Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is unique for its purple sand and is the best place for long walks and photography. Surfing on Huntington Beach and Sunbathing on Malibu Beach is a must on tourists’ to-do list. Lake Tahoe is renowned for its clear waters, spectacular beauty, and outdoor recreational facilities like boating, fishing, hiking, and skiing.
The Hearst Castle, though unfinished, is an excellent work of architecture. The Carson Mansion is one of the grandest Victorian houses in America. The Getty Centre in Los Angeles is one of the premier museums in the United States. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides a joyful ride with uninterrupted views across a 360-degree panorama.
The Griffth Observatory provides wonderful views of the city and a great chance to learn about the skies. This place is the ideal spot to see the Hollywood Sign. Santa Catalina Island is best for glass-bottom boat rides, kayaking, scuba diving, and parasailing. One must visit the island early morning to witness the magnificent orange sunrise.
The hot air balloon tour from Napa Valley, San Francisco is a delightful experience. The San Francisco city tour and the 30-minute night helicopter ride in Los Angeles are not to be missed. Camping at the Joshua Tree National Park at night and roaming around Tufa at Monolake are highly recommended for adventure lovers.
In conclusion, California is an incredible travel destination for people of all ages. The best time to visit California is from June to September as the weather is perfect for beach activities. One can come on a solo trip or a family vacation or spend a holiday with their friends. There is no way that one can get bored over here. Starting from amusement parks to national parks, hills & valleys to beaches, California is a perfect place to visit on a vacation.
By: Suvanwita Das
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