Californians are the lucky few that are exposed to 340 days of summer and sunshine. Moreover, California boasts two world-class cities — Los Angeles and San Francisco, the prettiest coast drive in the United States, and of course, In-N-Out Burgers. Forget Los Angeles rush hour traffic and smog, California is home to a biological and cultural melting pot encapsulated in the heart of its cities, national parks, and countryside. After all, in what other states can you snowboard and tan on the beach in the same day?
My favorite National Parks in California
1. Yosemite: Located in the eastern part of central California, Yosemite is known for it’s unbelievable waterfalls, breathtaking views, and stunning granite cliffs.
2. Death Valley: In 1913, the highest temperature ever recorded was in the heart of Death Valley, with temperatures reaching 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors are awed by the colors of sunset and sunrises at Zabriskie Point, sizable sand dunes, and its interesting history.
3. Point Reyes Seashore: Scenic route 1 travels along the magnificent California coast through Big Sur, Point Reyes, and Monterey. Travelers go whale-watching in April, hike on 150 miles of trails and bask in the sun, which sets on beautiful rolling hills. There is truly something magical about watching seals and other wildlife cavort in their natural habitat with people nearby.
Travel the world through California1. Solvang: Nestled in the grassy hills of Santa Barbara County, Solvang is the Danish capital of America boasting architecture that replicates Copenhagen and food such as traditional Danish pastries.
Fun Fact: Solvang is a featured city on the Tour of California for motorcycles.
2. Kingsburg: Located along the Kings River, Kingsburg replicates a Swedish village. The top tourist attraction is a visit to the Sun-Maid factory.
Fun Fact: Kinsgburg is home to the largest bog of Sun-Maid raisins, built by students of CSU, Fresno.
3. Little Armenia, Hollywood: Part of East Hollywood, Little Armenia is a cultural junction of Armenian-American shops and restaurants, especially known for the restaurant Zankou Chicken. Every year, Armenians gather on Apr. 24 in protest of the Armenian Genocide.
Fun Fact: Los Angeles’s Little Armenia “has the second largest Armenian diaspora community in the world, after Moscow, Russia.”
4. Chinatown, San Francisco: While San Francisco is an amazing hub of global cuisine and cultural variety, China Town, SF, is known as being “the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.” For a more authentic experience, meander off Grant Avenue and discover beautiful street art, Chinese bakeries, and a plethora of loose-leaf teashops. While restaurants pushing their menus on tourists and knick-knack shops might be part of the initial fun, explore deeper into the culture offered by Chinatown.
Fun Fact: Welcoming visitors into Chinatown, the Gateway Arch (Dragon Gate) “is the only authentic Chinatown gate in North America.”
5. Napa Valley: Considered as one of the premiere wine production regions of the world, Napa Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate, offering a conducive environment for viticulture or winemaking. Napa Valley is home to more than 450 wineries that grow grapes suitable for making Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, and more.
Fun Fact: The Napa Valley wine industry adds 50 billion dollars to the American economy.
6. Monterey’s Vision Quest Ranch: the San Diego Zoo is home to one of the best zoos in America, but Vision Quest Ranch literally lets visitors sleep in an animal kingdom. Visitors can choose to spend the night in an African-tent style bungalow right next to the animals. Imagine waking up to a lion roaring instead of an alarm clock…The best part? Staff delivers breakfast right to your door, so you’re eating breakfast in bed with lions and tigers right outside your tent.
Fun Fact: Vision Quest Ranch houses more than 100 African and California native animals!
