Favorites from California
Regions of the United States
Southeast | Appalachian Highlands | Mid-Atlantic | New England | Great Lakes | Great Plains | Southwest | Mountain West | Pacific Northwest | California | Non-Contiguous
The most populated state in the country, California is a popular tourist destination. The relatively consistent weather makes it a desirable place to be at any time of the year. One of my favorite things about California is the variety. Beaches, lakes, mountains, national parks, and more are all within a few hours drive of major cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Below are my favorite places in California along with links to all my photos.
Lake Tahoe
Located along the California-Nevada Border, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. The blue color of the water and surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains make for gorgeous scenery. Between water sports, hiking, and world class ski resorts there are a number of recreation opportunities. The Nevada side of the lake is also home to a handful of casino hotels.
Los Angeles
While Los Angeles gets a bad reputation for its traffic and pollution, it is actually an underrated city. From theme parks to museums there are no shortage of things to do in and nearby the city. You can find find almost any type of food and there are plenty of chill bars and nightlife options that are not overpriced. Owing to its position as the entertainment capitol of the world, you can watch shows here that cannot be seen anywhere else.
San Diego
San Diego is known for its beaches, microbreweries and laid back atmosphere. Pacific Beach, Old Town, and the Gaslamp Quarter are among the neighborhoods worth checking out. Popular attractions incldue the San Diego Zoo, probably the best in America.
San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco is the cultural and commercial hub of the Bay Area. The picturesque waterfront skyline, iconic bridges, and famous landmarks are just a few highlights of this beautiful place. While it is the second most densely populated city in the United States (after New York), you do not have to travel far to get to open space. The wineries of Napa Valley, the redwoods of Muir Woods, and the trails of Mt Diablo are just a few of many local getaways.
Yosemite National Park
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is characterized by its many granite rocks including the famous Half Dome (pictured below) and El Capitan. The park is also home to impressive waterfalls, clear streams, and giant sequoia groves.
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