Let us help you make plans to explore California. Below, we share our top tips and highlights from our travels to cities and great places in the golden state of California. Check out our resources to plan your future travel adventures.
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Introduction to California
Are you ready to explore California? California offers an endless array of possibilities for exploration and adventure. From the sandy beaches of Santa Monica to the majestic trees in Sequoia National Park, California has something for every type of traveler. With our first-hand experiences in the state, we can confidently guide you on your journey to discover all California offers.
As avid travelers, we know the value of learning about a destination through personal accounts and stories. On this page, you’ll find links to our adventures in California and accompanying podcast episodes where we share our experiences and insights.
Our top articles on visiting great places in California
Andrade – A Travelers Guide to Andrade California
Auburn – The Best Things To Do in Auburn California
Big Sur – 25 Best Things To Do in Big Sur (Guest post for The Discovery Nut)
Death Valley – 6 Awesome Death Valley Sand Dunes – Your Complete Guide
Death Valley – The Best Time To Visit Death Valley
Death Valley – One Day Death Valley Itinerary – 9 Awesome Stops
Death Valley – Packing List For Your Death Valley Visit
Death Valley – Where To Stay In Death Valley
Death Valley – Ubehebe Crater
Death Valley – Zabriskie Point Sunset
El Capitan State Beach (Santa Barbara County)
Kings Canyon National Park – Your Guide To The Best Campground in Kings Canyon
Lake Tahoe – 2 Day Lake Tahoe Itinerary
Sequoia – The Best Campground in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia – Scenic Drive and Best Viewpoints
Solvang – Perfect Day Trip to Solvang – The Danish Capital of America
Winters – The Best Things To Do in Winters, California
Winter Activities in California
Our top podcasts on great places in California
Death Valley – 10 Things To Do in Death Valley (Part 1)
Death Valley – 10 Things To Do in Death Valley (Part 2)
Death Valley – Places Near Death Valley
John Muir Trail – Hiking The John Muir Trail
Lone Pine – Lone Pine California
Manzanar – Manzanar National Historic Site
Mojave – Our Mojave Road Trip
Nevada City – Nevada City Celebrates Victorian Christmas
Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara ON the beaten path
Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara OFF the beaten path
Sequoia National Park – Sequoia National Park (Part 1)
Sequoia National Park – Sequoia National Park (Part 2)
Simi Valley – Grandma Prisbrey‘s Bottle Village
Solvang – Solvang – The Danish Capital of America
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Visit California – Key Facts
- California is the most populous state in the United States, with over 39 million residents.
- The capital of California is Sacramento, but Los Angeles and San Francisco are more well-known cities.
- The state is home to many popular tourist attractions such as Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- California has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters in most areas.
- Hollywood, located in Los Angeles, is considered the center of the American film industry.
- Wine lovers can visit Napa Valley or Sonoma County to experience some of the best wineries in the world.
- You’ll find just under a dozen national parks in California. These include Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Other less well-known but equally stunning national parks in California include Death Valley National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Pinnacles National Park, and Channel Islands National Park. Plus, there are numerous national monuments and sites managed by the National Park Service.
Top Tour Books for Exploring California
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Road Trip Guide
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Road Atlas
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Full-Color Guide
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Travel Resources for Visting California
Expedia – Our most used resource for flights, hotels, and rental cars. We recommend Expedia as a one-stop shop for making travel arrangements.
Omio – Book trains, buses, or flights across multiple destinations with a single platform. Compare routes, schedules, and prices on Omio.
Rent Cars with Discover Cars – Explore your destination with a rental car. Use Discover Cars to compare options from multiple providers, ensuring you find the best price and vehicle type to suit your travel needs.
Welcome Pickups offers convenient airport and port transfers, with professional drivers ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start to your trip. They also provide private drivers for personalized sightseeing tours, allowing you to explore destinations comfortably and at your own pace.
Viator for Tours – Find curated tours from experienced local guides to make the most of your visit to a destination
Travel Insurance Master – Travel Insurance Master offers comprehensive travel insurance solutions, ensuring peace of mind with coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.