California is an incredibly popular vacation destination for tourists all over the world. For some, the attraction is the gorgeous, sunny days, whilst for others it’s the allure of Hollywood and being able to see filming locations from favorite films and television series. There are plenty of other sides to the Golden State that you can explore, though.
There are many different open spaces you can experience when touring the state of California, even if you decide to stay in a city. So where should you start? Here are three places you can use as a base for your Californian adventure when you next go on vacation:
Los Angeles
The most iconic part of this city is probably the Hollywood sign. There are many different places you can go to for viewing the sign – such as Lake Hollywood Park, for instance – but you could also think about hiking up to it as well. The Wisdom Tree Trail can be steep, but you’ll get some great views of LA, too.
Santa Monica Pier is at the end of Route 66 and the sign is an often-photographed spot. It’s a good place to go for a day at the beach and, if you want to take more pictures, is great for sunset photography. You can explore the neighboring Venice Beach, a lively city with street art and performers, a skatepark, plus the Venice Canals – which you may not expect in LA.
San Francisco
Walking over the Golden Gate Bridge is a touristy thing to do in San Francisco. However, it is an icon of the city and it’s a globally celebrated landmark that many visitors walk along: it should be included in every visit here. Pier 39 is also another tourist spot – which is also frequented by friendly sea lions, so try to take a picture of them if you can.
Hiking the Lands End Trail is also a fantastic way to see San Francisco. There are places to look at the city and its landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, plus nature and locally-famous land art. You also get to do some exercise.
If you’re looking to add a few places to your Californian trip, you may wish to fly – so consider booking airport parking with ParkOn. All you have to do is search for dates, select a parking lot and reserve your space. It’s easy to do, and you’ll get a great price.
San Diego
If you’re looking for a family beach, then Mission Beach’s calm waters may be for you – and it’s patrolled by lifeguards. Once you’ve spent some time in the sun, you may wish to visit historic Belmont Park to go on the rides or play some games. If you want, you can even try some cotton candy.
You could also go for a hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which has views of the Pacific Ocean and desert landscapes. There are plenty of trails to try out, plus a stunning beach to visit if you’ve got your swimming gear with you.
