A Traveller’s Guide to Incredible Adventures Along the West Coast.

Venture through a land of endless opportunity and the epicenter of play — a place that is home to a diverse biome and lifestyles to suit every preference.

The Golden State of California awaits you.

Whether you explore the rugged coastline of Big Sur, or bask in the sun-drenched vineyards of the lesser-known Temecula Valley, California offers a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural attractions and vibrant cities just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures among the towering redwoods of Yosemite National Park or indulging in the glamorous allure of Hollywood, California captivates visitors with its sheer diversity and beauty. Join us on a journey through the palm- fringed beaches of Southern California, the bustling streets of San Francisco and the tranquil vineyards of wine country as we reveal seven must-visit destinations for travellers from around the world.
@visitcalifornia

Hit the beach at Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach
Orange County boasts pristine beaches that are ideal for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and tide- pooling. Crystal Cove State Park, stretching along 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometres) of coastline between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, offers these activities and more. The park, extending east of Highway 1, features chaparral-covered hills with 18 miles (29 kilometres) of trails. For a perfect beach day, you can choose from several within the park: Moro Beach is perfect for beach games, body surfing and kayaking, while Reef Point and Pelican Point are ideal for tide-pooling during low tides. Feeling inclined to extend your adventure? You can also stay overnight, either at the campground or in one of the 1940s cottages in the Crystal Cove Historic District.
@visitnewportbeach
@crystalcovestatepark

Lounge poolside at Ingleside Estate, Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a living museum, home to unique architecture and Hollywood history. Experience both when you stay at the Ingleside Estate, a 1920s Spanish Colonial inn that has hosted celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. Enjoy desert sun by the pool surrounded by palm trees, bougainvillea and distant mountain horizons. Don’t miss Melvyn’s, the stylish on-site restaurant offering live jazz, a classic cocktail menu and plenty of retro charm.
@visitgreaterps
@theinglesideinn

Play in the snow at Lake Tahoe
Imagine being able to ski or snowboard well into spring and even summer! At many Lake Tahoe ski resorts, it’s possible to shred the slopes in the dazzling California sunshine. At both Heavenly and Homewood, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the incredibly clear blue lake right from the slopes. Experience Olympic-calibre runs at Northstar California Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Palisades Tahoe. For cross-country enthusiasts, explore the 100 groomed trails at Royal Gorge, North America’s largest cross-country ski resort.
@visitlaketahoe
@skiheavenly
@skihomewood

Paddle the Klamath River, Yurok Country
Find yourself among breathtaking views along the forty-four- mile (about 71 kilometres) stretch of the Klamath River. Flowing directly through Yurok Country, the North Coast reservation is home to the Yurok people, California’s largest Native American tribe. Discover the river and immerse yourself in Native American culture with a two- or four-hour tour with Redwood Yurok Canoe Tours. You’ll paddle in a traditional dugout redwood canoe while your Yurok guide provides ecological and cultural insights about the river and forest. Interestingly, the Yurok Tribe is one of very few tribes in California that were never displaced from their ancestral land.
@visityurokcountry

Catch a show at The Rady Shell, San Diego
In San Diego you can enjoy vibrant big-city nightlife or a pleasant outdoor evening stroll. Check out the schedule for The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, where you can enjoy music, entertainment and performances all year round. This architectural gem, located in San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park, hosts touring acts as well as the San Diego Symphony. On show nights, you can also savour dinner at the venue’s Street Food Pavilion and Shell Provisions, which feature notable local chefs, including Top Chef champion Richard Blais.
@visitsandiego
@theshellsd

Stay “Golden” while crossing a world- famous span in San Francisco
Visit San Francisco, and take part in a must-do activity that offers stunning views and a glimpse into the city’s iconic architecture. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, view its grandeur and the panoramic vistas of the bay and city skyline. Stop by the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center to learn about the bridge’s history and engineering. For an unforgettable experience, visit at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a magical glow on the bridge and surrounding scenery. Don’t forget to explore nearby attractions like Crissy Field and Fort Point for additional photo opportunities and leisurely strolls.
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Take to the sky in soaring hot-air balloons, Temecula Valley
Soar above the clouds in Temecula Valley, take to the sky in hot-air balloons, enjoying breathtaking views of the vineyards and rolling hills below. Start your adventure early in the morning, with a sunrise flight that offers a serene and picturesque experience. Many tours provide a champagne toast and light breakfast after the flight, enhancing the overall experience. Don’t miss the annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival in early June, where you can enjoy wine tastings, live music and, of course, spectacular balloon displays.
@visittemecula