guide2travel.ca

...travel adventures with a twist of history

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at Sunset. Photo by PhotoQuest7 from Sacramento, California.

Located in San Francisco, California, the Golden Gate Bridge dates back to 1917. The engineer behind its construction was Joseph Strauss. The American Society of Civil Engineers proclaimed the bridge as one of the wonders of the World. Golden Gate Bridge has an average length of about 1.7 miles. Its height is approximately 746 feet, while its width is 90 feet.

The iconic bridge stands over the magnificent blue waters of San Francisco Bay. You would appreciate viewing the spot at sunset or night. The Golden Gate Bridge features an orange frame that hits the water at night, creating a spectacular scene. You can drive past the bridge, walk, or bike across it.

2. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a sight to behold from a distance. The rock formations, dunes, mountains, a lake, and salt fields design a unique landscape. In 1933, the park became a national monument in the United States. Typically, Native American cultures lived in the spot as hunters and gatherers about 10,000 years ago.

Death Valley has the best panoramic views from:
• Dantes View
• Badwater Basin
• Stovepipe Wells
• Zabriskie Point

Alternatively, you can drive to the place with your 4WD vehicle. Popular activities on the site include hiking, viewing magnificent nature, and paddling in Badwater Lake.

3. Yosemite National Park

Home to bounteous arrays of animal species, Yosemite National Park, is a must-see destination. In 1890, John Muir and his colleagues joined efforts to pave the way for the park’s establishment. The park boasts of deers, bobcats, mountain lions, red foxes, toads, and a range of bird species.

There is a waterfall that complements the valley. The highlight is that you can always maintain unforgettable memories with a feature wall from https://www.photowall.com/ca-en. Place the photo wall in your bedroom or living room to reminisce the moments.

Fun activities at Yosemite National Park include:
• Hiking
• Camping
• Animal and bird watching
• Seeing giant sequoia trees

4. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach forms an incredible spectacle with rock arches, cliffs, tide pools, and caves. It is one of the most captivating coastlines in California. Tongva people and Paleoindians first inhabited the beach before the 1870s. After the Mexican-American War, Laguna Beach became part of the US in 1887. By 1927, the California State fully incorporated the beach as a city in Orange County.

Fascinating things to try at Laguna Beach are as follows:
• Watch the breathtaking sunset
• Take a stroll through the beach
• Swim in the turquoise waters
• Play volleyball or football at the sandy beach
• Cruise through the ocean

5. Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos State Reserve is the ideal place to visit if you desire to lay your eyes on a scenic spot. The gorgeous coastline and rugged coastline are top things to explore in the area. Point Lobos has a rich history that’s worth mentioning. In 1851, Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese lived in the area. Also, Rumsien Indians inhabited the spot doing activities like shipping, whaling, abalone harvesting, and granite quarrying.

Today nature lovers visit Point Lobos State Reserve for the following:
• Hiking
• Viewing sea animals and wildlife
• Swimming
• Checking out a whaling museum
• Taking peaceful walks

Point Lobos State Reserve hosts California wildflowers that oversee the beaches and cliffs. In late spring, the flowers blossom, creating the best view that accentuates the landscape.

6. Redwood National Park

As the name suggests, the national park is home to redwood trees that live for close to 240 million years. Such trees are the tallest, growing up to 350 feet. Besides that, oak woodlands, prairies, and rivers thrive in the Redwood National Park. What’s more appealing is the 40-mile coastline which makes the spot a special place to discover.

Redwood National Park constitutes other parks, including:
• Jedediah Smith State Park
• Prairie Creek State Park
• Del Norte State Park

The park qualifies for short hikes and scenic drives to appreciate the natural wonders. Redwood National Park is a 6-hour drive away from San Francisco.

7. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is 21 miles long, with jewel-colored waters dominating it. The north and south shores are the perfect spots to explore. What’s more, Lake Tahoe features fantastic beaches to swim in and relax after a tiresome day. You can reach the place via a car or plane, depending on your budget.

Exciting activities that you can look forward to are hiking, playing, and boating. There are tons of mountain sceneries to enjoy as you sip a drink.

About the Author

Rebecca is a content writer who enjoys travel.

More Things to See and Do in California

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum — From the Movies to the White House

Ronald Reagan, 40th president of the United States, was America's oldest president, and some might say brought one of the most colorful personal histories to the White House. Indeed, acting in 50+ films, over nearly three decades, seems an unlikely career choice for...

Hike the Unforgettable Giant Redwood Forest or Ride the Sky Trail

Take an unforgettable hike through California’s giant forest at Trees of Mystery, in Klamath, or an adventure ride on the gondola Sky Trail through the treetops.

Explore the Fishing Village of Morro Bay on the California Coast

Mist rolled off the waters of the bay, shrouding the seaside fishing community of Morro Bay, as well as Morro Rock, the formation also known as the Gibraltar of the Pacific. About 23 million years old, the rock is all that remains of an ancient volcano. The rock...

DSRV Avalon — Pioneer of Submarine Rescue — Morro Bay, CA

The USS Thresher atomic submarine was the first of a new class that could dive further beneath the ocean, and run quieter along the ocean floor, than any of the submarines that had come before it. Launched by the US on July 9, 1960, during the Cold War era, it...

5 Places to Visit This Winter in California

When it comes to winter in California, you can choose from desert to top-notch skiing! Discover 5 amazing places to visit and things to do this winter.

Taking the Scenic Route with the Coast Starlight Train Down the California Coast

There’s something about the comforting sway of a bunkbed, whether it’s on a train on land, or a boat at sea, that makes it easy to sleep. At least for me, anyway! But get up I did, for the third day of my Amtrak trip--riding the Coast Starlight Train down the...

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail for Spectacular Views

Check out this infographic of The Pacific Crest Trail. Running for 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) down the U.S. West Coast, it provides hikers and equestrians with some of North America’s most spectacular scenery and hiking opportunities. Thru hikes take about 5 months to get from the Canadian border to Mexico.

Ocean and Sand Dunes to Giant Redwoods — Road Trip

The Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 101, is the one of the most well known road trips in America--and with reason! Day 5: Oregon's Pacific Coast Scenic Byway to California's Redwood Highway No matter what name it goes by, Highway 101 is an ever-changing drive down the...

Avenue of Giants to Tahoe National Forest to Donner Pass to Reno — Road Trip

Sometimes putting miles on during a road trip feels like you're dumping out a child's toy box, and rolling pieces of a dozen different games and toys in different directions. Day 6 was one of those days. Day 6: Arcata, California, to Reno, Nevada The day began near...

Avenue of the Giants — Sounds of Silence in the Redwood Forest

While Paul Simon says he wrote the classic folk rock song, Sounds of Silence, in the bathroom with the lights off, the lyrics could have been inspired by a walk along the Avenue of the Giants in the Redwood forest. In fact, Avenue of the Giants is the most solemn,...

About the Photo

The photo in the header above is of Vernal Falls, a 317-foot waterfall on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. Image by David Mark from Pixabay