California Top 10 attractions

Yosemite National Park

If you only had time to visit one outdoor destination during your whole California trip, make it Yosemite. Welcoming millions of visitors per year, Yosemite valley has been known to stir ore for centuries with its grand granite peaks, magnicient waterfalls and lush evergeen landscapes. There is so much to do in this nearly 760 000 acres park, that you'll need several days to take it all in. If you're unsure where to start, know that glacier point, half dome, tunnel view outlook and the mist trail are considered iconic "can't miss" attractions according to recent travellers.

Top 10 Best things to do in California

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is the hottest place on Earth and driest land in all of North America. Going there, it is not easy. The closest international airport is two-hours away in Las Vegas. You can admire memorable desert landscapes including walkable sand dunesand artists drive. It's a nine-mile paved road that features pastel coloured hills. There's also the race track which is home to the famous moving rocks. If you want to stay in the park, there is a variety of lodging options and campgrounds.

Top 10 Best things to do in California

Carmel by the sea

This small community in Monterey county is one of the most unique and charming towns in California. Its enchanting coastal locations, wooded streets, fairy tale-like architecture and bevy of local shops and restaurants is well worth the detour from the Pacific coast highway. While here, be sure to visit a few of Carmel's beaches and not just Carmel Beach, which is located at the end of Ocean Avenue, the town's main drag. Carmel River State Beach isn't as highly trafficked and features the Carmel Meadow's trail, which leads to the more secluded Monastery beach.

Top 10 Best things to do in California

Theme parks

You are truly spoiled for choice, when it comes to theme parks in California. The impressive amount of options will please every type of traveller. Kids will naturally be dazzled by Anaheim's world-famous Disneyland park. However, if you are not up for paying Disneyland's notoriously high ticket fees, consider exciting alternatives, such as Legoland Caliornia or Seaworld San Diego.There are also two Six Flags locations, one near Los Angeles and the other one near San Francisco, perfect for thrills seakers. Universal studios Hollywood which is home to the popular wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Top 10 Best things to do in California

San Francisco

A visit to California is not complete without a stop in San Francisco. There are several ways the city is a stand out, not only in the state but in the entire country. Its scenic bayfront city, its towering hills and the pletohra of colourful Victorian home that line them are a feast for the eyes. On top of all that, the city is home to world famous attractions and is widely considered to be one the best foodie cities in the country. While here, stop at visitors favorites including the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Alcatraz. But take also advantages of the outdoor spaces that make up the Golden Gate National recreation area including Land's End, Muir Woods National Monument and more.

Top 10 Best things to do in California

San Diego

The State's second largest city is a great alternative for those who want a big city experience without the intense traffic and smog of neighboring Los Angeles. San Diego is premiere vacation destination thanks to its diverse array of attractions. Here you can have your pick of fantastic southern California beaches, including Pacific Beach and LaJolla shores. Other top things to explore include the world famous San Diego Zoo, museum of the Balboa Park, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and traveller favorite USS Midway Museum, located in a retired aircraft area.

Top 10 Best things to do in California

17-mile drive

The 17-mile drive is spellbinding route that weaves along the most scenic stretch of the Monterey bay coastline. This road located in the exclusive community of Pebble Beach, takes drivers up to the Del Monte Forest, past palacial mansions and down along picture-perfect craggy beaches and bluffs. Take the time to stop at the various look-at point marked along the way, including the famous Lone Cypress tree. Note that you have to pay a small fee to access the 17-mile drive.

Top 10 Best things to do in California

Malibu

Located a little more than 30 miles west of Los Angeles, Malibu is often seen as coastal refuge for the rich and famous. While that impression is certainly true, Malibu is also home to several superb beaches and is a stone's throw away from exceptional wilderness parks. Drive up Highway 1, make a pit stop at popular shorelines including Robert H. Memorial State Beach Park, Zuma Beach and Point Dume State Beach. You should also take time to hike the many trails at Point Mugu State Park or Topanga State Park. For hikes with spectacular ocean views, hit up the Solstice Canyon Loop Trail or the Mugu Peak loop trail.

Top 10 best things to do in California

Californian desert

To properly appreciate California's diverse geological landscape, you'll need to venture beyond the coast and explore the desert. Luckily two magnificent desert landscapes can be found less than 3 hours from Los Angeles and San Diego. Joshua Tree National Park located about 130 miles east of Los Angeles is a 800 000 acres oasis dotted with the unique Joshua Tree, which can only be found in the American southwest. Meanwhile Anza Borego Desert State Park located about 75 miles northeast of San Diego, is California's largest State Park and features striking scenery ranging from slot canyons to palm oasis. Both of these parks offered memorable hiking trails and camping options. Due to the desert's extreme summer heat think daytime temperature above 100 degrees, it's best to visit during the spring and fall.

Top 10 Best things to do in California

Laguna Beach

If you are interesting in visiting small towns southern California, Laguna Beach is the perfect place to start. Conveniently situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is located along the coast just off of California's Highway 1. Laguna's picturesque setting is characterized by pristine oceanfront parks and a collection of beautiful beaches placed between its coastal bluffs.Be sure to visit unique cove beaches such as Victoria Beach and 1,000 steps beach, as well as larger shorelines including traveler favorite Crystal Cove State Park which receives praise for its beautiful setting.

Top 10 Best things to do in California