California is the most populous state in the United States. One in eight citizens of the US live there. It is diverse and filled with attractions to suit people with different preferences. It is bordered to the north by Oregon, Mexican state of Baja California to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Nevada and Arizona to the east. It is the third biggest state in the United States. The state has a pleasant Mediterranean climate. The following are the top gateaways.
San Francisco and the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
Most people in the United States think about San Francisco whenever they visit California. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the nation. The Golden Gate Bridge is a popular attraction for pedestrians and bikers. It has six lanes for vehicles. You can visit the outdoor exhibits to learn about the history of the bridge’s construction. There are free walking tours offered by the San Francisco city guides. The ends of the bridge are close to Golden Gate National Recreational Center. The bridge is great for hiking and exploration.
Disneyland
Disneyland is an excellent place for you and your family to get away for the weekend. Disneyland has more than 50 attractions. There are plenty of shops and restaurants and the crowd is always pleasant. It is a perfect entertainment spot for children of all ages. Disneyland is the place where imagination comes to life and families build life-long memories. You get a chance to experience some of your family’s favorite Disney films. It has two theme parks; Disney California Adventure, and Disneyland Park. It is divided into eight themed areas; Fantasyland, Tommorowland, Mickey’s Toontown, Critter County, Main Street, USA, Frontierland, Adventureland, and New Orleans Square. Each one of the themed lands offers unique experiences. There are plenty of fun things to see and do regardless of whether you like comedy, romance, or action.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is an excellent place for camping and hiking. It has beautiful waterfalls, meadows, deep valleys, cliffs, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The national park has trails and wilderness conditions that offer a great walking and sightseeing experience. You can take a tour bus to see the Yosemite Valley and the beautiful scenery along Tioga Road. You can take some time to learn about the history of the valley at the Yosemite Museum. The park attracts millions of visitors every year and it may be an excellent way to enjoy your weekend. The park in Sierra Nevada occupies 747,956 acres of land. It is one of the biggest and least fragmented habitats in the area. It provides you with the opportunity to see more than 160 rare plants. It is open all through the year.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park in California is the biggest national park in the lower 48 states. It is the hottest and driest national park in the United States. It is an excellent place to spend your weekend sightseeing, cycling, or driving. You can spend your weekend riding through the park on a motorbike. There are roads such as State Route 190 and the Badwater Road that allow easy access to the best attractions. There are plenty of campgrounds and you can camp overnight if you get a permit. There is a resort with two separate hotels; the Inn at Death Valley and the Ranch at Death Valley. The national park has a very dark night sky which makes it great for star gazing.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater lake in Sierra Nevada. It is one of the best places to relax and enjoy tranquility for the weekend. It is popular for summer outdoor recreation, winter sports, and beautiful scenery. There are plenty of big casinos, restaurants, golf courses, and ski slopes in the area. People from all over the state visit the area to enjoy skiing activities. Some of the best skiing places near Lake Tahoe include; Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and Northstar California. The lake is an excellent destination during late spring. It offers an opportunity for tourists to enjoy water sports. Some of the most popular activities include scuba diving and boating. It has plenty of hiking and bicycling trails.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
The national parks have plenty of attractions. They have the giant sequoia trees and plenty of canyons. The parks are close to each other so you can visit both of them on the same weekend. The Giant Forest has plenty of big trees including the German Sherman Tree which is the biggest in the world. You can enjoy a climb on the steps of Moro Rock, take a relaxing walk through the tunnel log, or take a challenging yet fun hike on Mount Whitney. Other attractions on the parks include; Crescent Meadow, Hume Lake, and Buck Rock Lookout.
Big Sur
Big Sur offers you plenty of fun things to do. You can go hiking and enjoy a beautiful view of the beaches, vegetation, and mountains. If you wish to sit back and replenish your spirit for a weekend, Big Sur is an excellent choice. You can take time to look at the wonderful vistas and take long relaxing walks. The rugged and mountainous area is the longest and most beautiful stretch of road in the world.
If you are looking for a place to get away for the weekend, consider visiting some of the attractions in California. There are plenty of beaches, sights, vibrant cities, and parks.