The Golden State of California has everything a traveler desires. From sun-soaked beaches to the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains, the state offers a diverse array of experiences regardless of what you want from a long vacation or a weekend break. The most populous state is crammed full of exciting and relaxing things to see and do. With almost guaranteed spectacular weather, it is easy to see why California is a massive tourist trap all year round.
Soak Up The Atmosphere of a Professional Sports Game
California has no fewer than 18 teams competing at the highest level of North American sports. These teams battle it out in the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and Major League Soccer (MLS). Sports are in Californian’s DNA; they love nothing more than soaking in the atmosphere in one of the colossal stadiums dotted around the Golden State.
Football fans should make it their mission to visit the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams. The 70,240-capacity venue hosted Super Bowl LVI in February 2022 and is packed to the rafters on game day. Although neither the Chargers nor the Rams are highly regarded by the best online sportsbooks in California, the teams’ supporters are among the most passionate in the NFL, creating a rousing atmosphere that is awe-inspiring.
Should you wish to watch a team that should be in contention for Super Bowl glory this season, ensure you time your trip for when the San Francisco 49ers are playing at their Levi’s Stadium home. The 49ers are third-favorites to life the famous Vince Lombardi trophy at the conclusion of the upcoming campaign.
San Francisco: The Ultimate Urban Experience
If you decide to watch a 49ers game instead of one involving the Chargers or the Rams, you should plan to explore San Francisco as much as you can. San Francisco is Northern California’s commercial, cultural, and financial center. It is the fifth-most visited city in the United States, trailing only Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, and Orlando. It is easy to see why when you look at the sheer number of attractions within the city.
Make a beeline to the world-famous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which had a reputation for being America’s strongest prison, one that most prison operators and detainees believed was escape-proof. Alcatraz no longer houses prisoners, but you can enjoy a tour of the iconic jail.
Of course, no trip to San Francisco would be complete without heading to the Golden Gate Bridge. Opened in May 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge links San Francisco to Marin County and is recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Wonders of the Modern World. Over the years, the bridge has featured in dozens of Hollywood movies, but it is best seen in the flesh instead of on the silver screen.
Disneyland Resort: Perfect For Families and Fun-Seekers
Most people think of Orlando, Florida, when Disneyland is mentioned, but the original magical world of fantasy and imagination opened in Anaheim, California, in 1955. The sprawling resort is split into nine distinct lands, each sporting a theme. At the time of writing, those lands are Main Street, U.S.A, Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, and Tomorrowland.
In addition to the differently themed locations, the resort comprises of two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Both parks offer world-class entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and the famous Disney parades throughout the day.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a rollercoaster junkie, a lifelong Disney fan, or a parent to a toddler; Disneyland is a magical place where you cannot help but smile when you are there.
Get Your Camera Ready for the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, stretches more than 600 miles from Orange County to Mendocino County, so you will not complete it in a single day, no matter how hard you try! The scenic route takes you through California’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.
The Big Sur section of the Pacific Coast Highway is well-known for its pristine beaches and the Bixby Creek Bridge, which is perfect for the budding photographers among you. Continue heading south to stumble upon Malibu and Santa Barbara, two coastal towns revered for their stunning beaches and vibrant culture.
In the north, you will pass through Fort Bragg and finally Mendocino, the latter being particularly picturesque and right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean; why not enjoy a dip in the sea while you are there?
Be One With Nature at the Yosemite National Park
California is a state where most cities are on the go 24/7, leading to people wishing to escape the hustle-bustle of city life. Locals and tourists usually head to Yosemite National Park if they want to escape the concrete urban jungles of the Golden State and find some inner peace among nature.
Yosemite National Park is ginormous; it spreads across 1,187 square miles across four counties. The park is renowned for its towering granite cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. It is the perfect getaway for anyone who loves the big outdoors.
El Capitan is the park’s most iconic attraction, a colossal granite monolith on the north side of Yosemite Valley near its western end. It towers approximately 3,000 feet and is immensely popular with rock climbers, although the difficulty of the climbs means only the most experienced climbers dare take on the challenge.
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is where you should head if you want a more tranquil experience. It is the home to some of the world’s largest trees, including the California Tunnel tree and the amazingly named Grizzly Giant. However, be careful in the park because it is a haven for diverse wildlife, including black bears!
Conclusion
Califonia is an incredible state where anything and everything is possible. Whether you love surrounding yourself with nature, prefer shouting at the top of your voice at a football game, or enjoy soaking up the sun on a white sandy beach, the Golden State has everything you could ever dream of. Pack your bags, embark on an epic journey, and discover the magic of California.
