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California Dreamin
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items California is a large state, and there is so much to do and see in just a short drive over the weekend. These are locations you have to see if you are visiting or have lived here and just need an adventure.
Sections
3
NorCal
Central
SoCal
NorCal
San Francisco has such a rich history and full of iconic monuments and locations. The city itself has a lot of things to do from top rated restaurants, shopping and of course the iconic trolleys.
San Francisco Travel | Official Visitor Information
If you made it to San Francisco then you definitely need to take the tour to Alcatraz. It's an unreal experience that a jail was created in the middle of the ocean.
Alcatraz Tickets | Alcatraz Tours | Visit Alcatraz Island – AlcatrazIslandTickets.com
Coastline of California is unreal, very postcard-esq. Monterey is a must stop visit if you are driving along the coast and take in the beauty. Also, a great place to stop to see one of the worlds best aquarium.
See Monterey County, CA | Hotels, Dining, Beaches & Events
A more developed city but still very true to its earthy nature. Well known for a culture of environmentally friendly and lover of nature.
City of Santa Cruz | Home
North of San Francisco, across the golden gate bridge is home to Napa Valley. Most famous for its vineyards and wine tasting. They have since elevated and expanding on lodging offering more amenities and tour experiences than years past.
Napa Valley | Explore Napa Valley Online
Central
The most breathtaking home that was once owned by William Hearst a publishing taycoon.
Home - Hearst Castle
Another beach town along the coast of California, known for golf as well. Great place to stay and relax in between site seeing like at the Hearst Castle
Visit Pismo Beach | Hotels, Things To Do & Restaurants
Beautiful costal town in central CA that is great for sailing, surfing and lounging around.
Come Get Salty in Morro Bay - Visit Morro Bay
California has a lot of mission towns that still honor the history while bringing it to the modern world. San Luis Obispo is just that with also the added benefit of being close to the beach.
Visit San Luis Obispo | Find Hotels, Food, Things to Do & More
Yosemite is a National Park located centrally that is easy to drive to from NorCal or SoCal. Even if nature is not your thing, you'd still want to visit this park. It is so beautiful that you are unable to put your camera down.
Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
SoCal
Santa Barbara is on the northern part of where southern California starts. About an hour drive north of Los Angeles, perfect for a day trip to have some good food, enjoy the weather and do some light shopping.
Santa Barbara, CA | Hotels, Restaurants, Events & Activities
Many don't make it to Catalina Island, but its one of the most out of the world places to visit if you are visiting southern California. Not necessary to spend the night here, you can make it a day trip.
Visit Catalina Island
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The zip code is famous, and for that alone its worth visiting. Drive through the flats of Beverly Hills to see the homes lined by palm trees and walk through their downtown shopping center, stop for lunch and people watch.
Beverly Hills, CA | Official Website
Part of the south bay, Manhattan Beach is what you imagine when you hear about the beaches of California. They have a downtown area to grab food and shop, while being close (walking distance) to the beach
City of Manhattan Beach | Home
Orange County is home to so many amazing locations, Anaheim that is home to Disneyland, Laguna Beach and Dana Point all are iconic places that is part of this county.
Orange County | Orange County
Another popular city in CA is San Diego. Home to Legoland and SD Zoo, is also a great beach town depending on where you are staying.
City of San Diego Official Website
Wine country is not just in Europe, we have many areas in California you can go to enjoy vineyards. Old town Temecula is also a very cute town from 1800's that has kept its western aesthetics
Temecula CA | Official Website
Recently becoming popular because of Coachella and Stage Coach festivals, Palm Springs has been a go to weekend getaway for locals for years. If visiting California, going out to the desert is a must.
Greater Palm Springs Hotels, Restaurants, Things to Do & Events
Tucked away in Santa Ynez, less than an hour drive outside of Santa Barbara is the cutest Dutch town.
Official Visitor Guide for Solvang, California