When you’re looking for places to visit in California, you’ll find everything from mountain ranges to the Pacific coast. There are places like Santa Barbara, Idyllwild, and Muir Woods, to name a few. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you can even visit a national park. You’ll also discover that the state is home to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to see awe-inspiring scenery. It is a unique desert park with striking rock formations. You can also find a large variety of animals and plants that are unique to the area.
The best way to experience the park is to drive around. The drive is very scenic, and you will get to see a lot of the different areas. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can drive off-road, which is only recommended if you have a high-clearance vehicle.
If you like to hike, there are many trails in the park. One of the most popular is the Hidden Valley trail. This route is a mile-long loop with some minor scrambling. There are several informative plaques along the route.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a popular California attraction that offers plenty of activities for the entire family. It is one of the best places to visit in the country and it’s known for its waterfalls and giant sequoia trees. The park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is part of the Stanislaus National Forest.
One of the best things to see in Yosemite is the famous Bridalveil Fall. This fall is a beautiful sight to see any time of the year.
Another great thing to do is hike the Sentinel Dome. It is a scenic 2.2-mile round-trip hike that takes about an hour. You can also go wildlife viewing along the way.
Muir Woods
Muir Woods is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The park has a giant redwood forest. Its scenic drive offers views of the Pacific Ocean. There are hiking trails that wind through the forest.
Muir Woods is home to a number of species of birds and mammals. You can also enjoy the scenic Redwood Creek that flows through the area year-round. In addition to the wildlife, the park is popular for its wildflowers.
If you don’t have a car, you can get around using public transportation. Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit Bus Service are both options. To avoid traffic, you can also book a guided tour.
Idyllwild
Located in the San Jacinto Mountains above Palm Springs, Idyllwild is a small, charming town. It’s the ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. While it’s known for its gorgeous mountain scenery and outdoor activities, it also offers many interesting places to eat and shop.
The Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum has numerous exhibits that document the history of the area. Located in a historic summer cabin, the museum is run by volunteers.
The Town Gallery is a unique craftwork gallery that displays artwork created by local artists. It features paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. The exhibitions change throughout the year.
Another place to visit is the Idyllwild Nature Center. This museum provides guided tours that focus on local flora and fauna. The center offers environmental education programs and seasonal events.
Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is a great place to visit in California. It’s a great destination for hiking, camping and off-the-grid fun. With its rugged coastline, redwoods and wetlands, this park is perfect for a nature lover.
If you want to experience the wilderness, you’ll find the hike to Fern Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in the Redwood parks. The trail winds through a deep canyon and offers a view of bubbling Home Creek.
For a longer hike, you can take the James Irvine Trail. This 1.2-mile loop will take you through a grove of old-growth redwoods. Take the time to stop and take photos along the way.
Santa Barbara
There are plenty of great places to visit in Santa Barbara, California. From museums to galleries, this city has a lot to offer. It is known for its Spanish architecture, beautiful beaches, and fun activities. You can also check out the local wineries and enjoy the scenery.
One of the most popular historic landmarks in the city is the Presidio. This is a former military settlement built by the Spanish. The building has been partially restored for tourists. During your tour, you can learn about the history of the place.
Another great place to see is the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens. They have five miles of hiking trails. In addition, they have a Japanese Tea Garden and a desert garden.
