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Apr 10, 2024 · 1. Malibu. First on my list of the best places to visit in California in summer is Malibu. This Southern California gem is a popular vacation destination year-round, but in summer it really shines. There’s a lot to do in Malibu, from stunning beaches to fun hikes and great drives.
- One of the country's most popular national parks can be found about 165 miles east of San Francisco. Yosemite offers every adventure activity you can possibly think of, from low-impact activities like fishing and bird-watching to daredevil pursuits, such as rock climbing and rafting.
- San Francisco brims with life everywhere you go. Whether you're zipping around on a cable car, exploring one of the city's many culturally eclectic neighborhoods, admiring towering redwoods near the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or diving fork first into its world-renowned food scene (you'll find more than 30 Michelin-starred restaurants here), San Francisco's energy is always downright electric.
- San Diego is Southern California at its finest (think: warm weather year-round, endless stretches of surf-friendly shorelines and some of the best Mexican food in the USA).
- Regardless of when you visit Lake Tahoe, you'll find ample ways to enjoy the outdoors. In winter, Tahoe becomes a popular ski spot, and when summer hits, locals rent boats in droves as a way to unwind on the lake.
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- Big Sur
- Sequoia National Forest
- Laguna Beach
- Mendocino
- San Diego
- Mammoth Lakes
- Malibu
- Pismo Beach
- Santa Barbara
- Trinidad
If you’re looking to plan an epic summer road trip in California, Big Suris the ultimate destination. In fact, it’s up there on my list of best road trip destinations in the entire United States, as the coastal drive itself along Highway 1 has a front-row seat to dramatic rocky cliffs that plunge down into the most gorgeous turquoise water. Big Sur...
Despite the fact that I have only visited Sequoia National Park during the winter, it is most popular in the summer thanks to the weather and amazing hiking trails. Though I loved experiencing the majestic redwoods covered in snow, there is something about Sequoia National Park that screams summer—and a major benefit is that much more of the park i...
If you grew up in the 90s/early 2000s, then I’m willing to bet you’ve heard of Laguna Beach and the MTV show that made it famous. But if not, let me introduce you to this tiny town in Orange County that is known for its crystal clear water, impeccable surf, and affluent residence. It’s a little less than two hours from L.A. without traffic, and tho...
Mendocino is a quaint seaside town on the northern coast of California known for its rocky beachside cliffs, local art scene, and wonderful coastline trails. Though winter is great for whale watching, summer has better weather, and since it is still a pretty low-key town, you can definitely avoid crazy crowds. I highly recommend checking out the Me...
San Diego is a super family-friendly destination, and it really is the perfect mix of big city vibes and laid-back beach town. If you’re traveling with kids, San Diego in the summer means spending your days building sandcastles on the beach or visiting Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. However, San Diego is just as fun for adults as it is for kids...
Mammoth Lakes is truly one of the most breathtaking destinations to visit in California in summer. The surrounding mountains serve as a picture-perfect backdrop to the bright blue lake, and you can take part in a multitude of outdoor activities ranging from mountain biking to hiking to kayaking. Though Mammoth is super popular during the winter for...
Malibu is one of the most exclusive beach towns in Southern California, and it definitely comes alive in the summertime. If you live in Los Angeles, Malibu is the ultimate place for a beach day. Since I live in Santa Monica, it only takes me about thirty minutes to get to Malibu, so LA locals can definitely make this a day trip. However, if you are...
If you’re looking to go beach camping this summer, Pismo Beach should be at the top of your list! Though the temps stay between the 70s and 80s, you may find that there is a pretty constant layer of fog in the mornings, but it should burn off in the afternoon most days. That being said, Pismo Beach is most popular from September to November, so if ...
Santa Barbara is without a doubt one of the dreamiest and most stunning places on the California coast. Though it is technically the start of the Central Coast, some still lump it in with the rest of SoCal. That being said, I love how you can start to notice the difference in topography once you reach Santa Barbara. From paddleboarding in the harbo...
If you’re looking for a true coastal getaway this summer that’s off the beaten path, then it doesn’t get better than Trinidad. This charming coastal town is located in Humboldt County, and with a population of less than 400, it is one of the smallest inhabited cities in all of California. My time in Trinidad was so peaceful, filled with days spent ...
- Los Angeles. Aptly dubbed the ‘City of Angels’, this cultural haven is one of the coolest cities in California and is bespeckled with scenes to explore.
- San Francisco. Whether you know the city from its old-fashioned cable cars or hilly façade, one thing’s for sure – San Francisco is a top contender for the best city in California.
- San Diego. In 1769 a small Spanish colony became the first European settlement in California. It is often referred to as the birthplace of this great state.
- Long Beach. With the soft sparkle of the ocean and golden beaches as far as the eye can see, Long Beach will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a beachside postcard.
- San Diego. Set just north of the Mexican border, San Diego is the epitome of California’s laid-back surfer culture and balmy weather. With gorgeous year-round weather, beautiful beaches (Mission Beach, Coronado Island, and La Jolla Shores are musts), stylish cafes, fantastic museums, and wonderful architecture that shows off the city’s rich Spanish heritage, visiting San Diego is a true treat if what you’re after is a relaxing city escape.
- Santa Barbara. With Mediterranean-like vibes brimming in every corner of town, Santa Barbara is a quaint coastal town in California perfect for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation with a bit of glitz added into the mix.
- San Francisco. Thanks to its compact size, exploring the colorful streets of San Francisco and all the emblematic sights that come with it on foot is a breeze.
- Los Angeles. We are pretty sure LA doesn’t need an introduction, but we’ll try, anyway! Being the second-largest city in the entire country, the City of Angels is, undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in California regardless of the type of adventure you’re after.
Feb 4, 2024 · Los Angeles. 2. Joshua Tree National Park. 3. Lake Tahoe. 4. Santa Barbara. 5. Yosemite National Park. 6. San Francisco. 7. Sequoia National Park. 8. Palm Springs. 9. San Diego. 10. Napa Valley. 11. Laguna Beach. 12. Death Valley National Park.
Feb 25, 2024 · Napa Valley. Santa Monica Pier. Palm Springs. Sequoia National Park. Balboa Park. Downtown Los Angeles. Catalina Island. Santa Cruz. Idyllwild. Morro Bay. Santa Barbara. Kings Canyon National Park. Mammoth Lakes. Old Town San Diego. Redwood National Park. San Diego Zoo. Griffith Park. FAQs About California Destinations.
