The Best California Vacations

Yosemite by http://www.flickr.com/photos/christianabe/

Yosemite is a stunning national park filled with flora, fauna and natural wonders. The most famous landmark here is the iconic Half Dome, a rock dome structure completely divided in half. Ansel Adam's most classic photos are almost all shot here. If you aren't visiting in the summer, be sure to bring a jacket, because these mountains can get awfully chilly.

Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
(209) 372-0200
www.nps.gov/yose/

The Golden Gate Bridge by http://www.flickr.com/photos/jag72/

San Francisco has one of the most diverse populations in all of America. From Chinatown to the Castro District to Haight-Ashbury, there is just about every type of person here from every type of background. Whether you're into gay culture, music, architecture, Asian cultures or just shopping, there's something for everyone in San Francisco.

San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 391-2000
www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/

A Los Angeles beach by http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/

While Los Angeles has much of the same cultural diversity as San Francisco, that's not why people visit here. L.A. is all about things to do and people to see. This hustle and bustle city is a great place to go to see celebrities, go clubbing and to go shopping for chic styles or funky duds.

Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 624-7300
discoverlosangeles.com/

Wine barrels by http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimg944/

The Napa Valley area is beautiful and rejuvenating. While trips here are a little on the expensive side, the resorts here are exquisite, offering golf, spa services and, of course, wine tasting galore. Take a week to travel between all the resorts and wineries and you'll have a great time eating, drinking and relaxing.

Napa Valley
www.napavalley.com/

The coastal highway view by http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmueller/

The Pacific Coast Highway not only takes you through some of the best areas of California, it is actually an experience all itself. This is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, taking you through winding mountain roads, along rocky coastal cliffs, through golden wheat fields and beside pristine natural beaches. The highway brings you through Big Sur, San Simeon (home of Hearst Castle), Santa Barbara, Monterrey, Santa Cruz, Redwood City, San Francisco and more. If you have the time, take a few weeks to go up the entire length of this classic route, you won't be disappointed.

Pacific Coast Highway
California State Route 1
www.byways.org/explore/byways/12744/

Balboa Park by http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael-seljos/

Sunny San Diego is a great vacation stop for those who love the weather of Southern California, but hate the pollution and crowds of L.A. This smaller metropolitan city offers multiple family-friendly attractions like the world famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World and lovely beaches.

San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-3101
www.sandiego.org/

Catalina Casino by http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamsters/

Catalina is a stunning island just off the coast from L.A. There is abundant wildlife on this beautiful paradise and scuba diving and glass bottom boat tours are just two of the many popular activities here. It's best to visit the island when you're in good shape because the absolute lack of cars here means you'll be expected to walk or bike just about everywhere you visit.

Catalina Island
(310) 510-1520
info@visitcatalina.org
www.catalina.com/

Sunset at Lake Tahoe by http://www.flickr.com/photos/cowgummy

Lake Tahoe is technically half California and half Nevada, which provides visitors with the best of both worlds. This amazing lake offers relaxing boating and swimming in its crystal blue waters. Visitors on the Nevada side can try their luck at the slot machines in the casinos. California visitors will largely enjoy hiking, bike riding and other relaxing, nature-related activities.

Lake Tahoe
(888) 434-1262
info@gotahoenorth.com
www.visitinglaketahoe.com/

Monterey Bay Aquarium by http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/

Monterey Bay is a gorgeous waterway with many fun towns on its shores, most notably, Santa Cruz and the city of Monterey. Santa Cruz is a fun city with one of the country's most famous boardwalks--portrayed in movies like "Lost Boys" and "Jaws." Monterey offers exquisite seafood and one of the world's finest aquariums. Don't miss the chance to drive a bit south of Monterey and experience the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble beach, one of the world's most beautiful private roads, full of scenic cliffs, beaches and woods.

Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 646-3799
www.monterey.org/

Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 420-5030
www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/

17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
www.pebblebeach.com/page.asp?pageName=_17_Mile_Home

California Screamin' by http://www.flickr.com/photos/expressmonorail/

Anyone with kids will have a great time in Anaheim. Between Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, Knott's Berry Farm and Medieval Times, there's something for every kid of every age. Adults will have a blast at these locations too, and sports fans can go visit an A's game or see the Mighty Ducks play live.

Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 765-8888
www.anaheimoc.org/