Places to Visit in California

California is one of the most beautiful states in America. The temperate climate, the abundant nature, the charming cities, and the vibrant culture, all make it a great place to live in, and to visit. Because of the moderate temperatures, you can visit California any time of the year. However, I would recommend visiting California during the spring or summer seasons to experience it at its best.

California has a lot to offer. It has a rich natural diversity, ranging from the beaches of Southern California, to the snow-peaked mountains of The Sierra Nevada, to the wine country in the central valley, and the granite mountains and waterfalls in Yosemite. So, if you want to frolic in the sun and the sand, or ski on the snowy mountain slopes, or hike along nature trails, or taste some wine, you can do it all, only in California. Here are some more California State facts. Now, let's take a look at some of the best places to visit in California.

Napa Valley: This is the wine country of California. It is home to some of the best wineries in America, and produces some of the best wines in the world, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Merlot. If you love wine, or nurture an ambition to become a connoisseur of wine, this is the place for you. Learn more about the art of wine making.

Mendocino: North of the Napa Valley, along the Pacific coast, is the quaint little town of Mendocino. The weather here is chilly, and the coastline is engulfed in fog most of the time, but this only adds to the unique nature of this town. This is a perfect place for laying back. But, you can also unwind by taking a walk along the trails of The Mendocino Headlands State Park. Another place you can visit while you are here is Fort Bragg, which is located 10 miles north of Mendocino. It hosts the beautiful Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, and the popularly known Skunk Train (named thus by the locals, because the oil used in the train engines emitted a peculiar smell when it burned). You must take a ride on this historical train, which travels from Fort Bragg, to the town of Willits, through the grand Redwood Trees of California.

Lake Tahoe: The beautiful Lake Tahoe nests in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, on the border of California and Nevada. It is one of the largest lakes in America, being 22 miles in length, 12 miles in width, and 1,645 feet deep. Owing to this, the lake never freezes, even during the extremely cold winters of the Sierra. There are many ski resorts near the lake, including Heavenly Mountain Resort, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, and Squaw Valley, where you can try some skiing and snowboarding. You can also indulge in some gambling in one of the casinos that line the border in Nevada. There are also a lot of water sports activities like boating and sailing, that you can enjoy during the spring and summer seasons. More on things to do in Lake Tahoe.

Yosemite National Park: Yosemite National Park is a perfect place to get away from the frenetic pace of city life. The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by imposing granite mountains, and beautiful waterfalls. The best time of the year to visit Yosemite is summer, when the snow has melted, and the amazing flora and fauna has come to life. You can just choose to kick back and relax amidst the peaceful surroundings, or participate in one of the many activities Yosemite has to offer, like hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, kayaking, biking, etc. Some of the key features of Yosemite National Park include El Capitan, Half Dome, Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, Bridal Veil Falls, Vernal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Read more about Yosemite National Park activities.

San Francisco: I love this city because it has such a different feel from all the other cities in America. There are also a lot of tourist attractions in the city - The Golden Gate Bridge, The Museum of Modern Art, The Golden Gate Park, Crissy Fields, Fisherman's Wharf, Twin Peaks, Coit Tower, the historical Cable Cars, Union Square, Lombard Street, and so on. The list is endless. The city also boasts of a rich, vibrant culture, and an ethic mix unlike anywhere in the world. San Francisco is not only a great place to visit, but also an awesome place to live owing to the high standard of living, and the wonderful climate.

Monterey Bay: The famous 17 mile drive down south from San Francisco takes you to Monterey Bay. Monterey bay is well-known for its abundant marine life, making it a center for marine biology. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must visit. It is an extension of the bay, and reflects the vast number of species present in the sea waters of the bay. The city of Santa Cruz in Monterey Bay is a great place for surfing, and features the Santa Cruz Wharf and Light House.

Carmel: South of the Monterey Bay is the quaint little town of Carmel. Popularly known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, it has a European charm to it. This is a place dedicated to the field of Arts, be it Fine Art, Theater, Literature, or Music. It hosts several amazing art galleries, and is host to many artists. Another interesting nugget about Carmel is that it is extremely dog friendly. In fact, there are more dogs in Carmel than there are people!

Big Sur: When you travel on Highway 1, 12 miles south of Carmel, you reach the breath-takingly beautiful area of Big Sur. Located along the Pacific coast, it offers stunning views of the ocean, the cliffs, and the mountains. There are not many places where you can stay in Big Sur, but it is a great place for camping, and there are many campgrounds available. Another attraction of Big Sur is the historical Bixby Bridge, which is a truly amazing structure.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles, The City of Angels, is home to Hollywood, making it one of the most glamorous cities in the world. It's attractions include Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Boulevard, Getty Center, The Kodak Theater, Staples Center, and The Dodger's Stadium. Los Angeles is also big on sports, and hosts the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and The Los Angeles Dodgers. More attractions in Los Angeles.

San Diego: This beautiful city along the Pacific Ocean, features The San Diego Zoo and The San Diego SeaWorld. It is home to many popular museums like the San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Natural History Museum. San Diego is also known for its beautiful beaches and moderate temperatures, making it a great place for swimming and frolicking in the water. More on major attractions in San Diego.

These were some of the places to visit in California. There are many more California vacations to choose from. One thing is for sure though, whatever you choose to do in California, and where ever you choose to go, you are guaranteed to have a great time.