Visiting the Most Iconic Regions of California | The American state of California is big enough to practically be its own country. With so much to see and do there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed - but never fear. If planning a trip to California with the goal of seeing its most iconic regions, but unsure which to choose, use the following as a guide:
1. Hollywood
The capital of show business and arguably American pop culture in general, Hollywood is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in the entire country, let alone the state. The streets of Hollywood and neighboring West Hollywood are saturated with cinematic and popular music mythology, not to mention the stomping grounds of celebrities past and present. Furthermore, as Visit West Hollywood points out, the area offers a centralized spot for first-time visitors to LA to situate themselves for exploring the city.
2. Laguna Beach
When one conjures up the iconic west coast beachside town, one is probably envisioning the resort city of Laguna Beach. This warm-all-year-round locale is also home to interesting and exotic sea life, which likes to show up in the tidal pools along the coastline. Just make sure to avoid interfering with the ecosystem, no matter how small.
3. Redwood National and State Parks
The massive redwoods of northern California are a sight to behold for any traveler. Thankfully 45% of the old-growth redwoods in the state are protected by the Redwood National and State Parks strung along the coastline. While it might be fun to drive in a tunnel bored through a giant tree, such novelties take a backseat to the majesty of the preserved redwoods.
4. Death Valley National Park
Nowhere in the United States is hotter, drier, and lower in elevation than the aptly-named Death Valley. But what seems like the kind of place no one would want to visit is, in fact, one of the last locations in the western United States where it’s possible to see the night sky in all its glory thanks to little to no light pollution.
5. Yosemite National Park
We don’t want to burn you out on the national parks, but California has some of the best in the country and Yosemite is no exception. Located to the northwest of Death Valley, Yosemite National Park showcases the beauty of the western Sierra Nevada.
6. Napa County
Maybe you love wine, maybe you don’t. In either case, Napa County is worth visiting. If the world-famous vineyards aren’t your thing, the region has beautiful scenery to scope out instead. The rolling hills and lush valleys are best viewed from hot air balloon, if you dare to get in one.
7. San Francisco
Lastly, we arrive at San Francisco, one of the most iconic cities in the entire world. Whether it’s sightseeing the city’s famous bridges, touring infamous Alcatraz island, or simply wandering around its many diverse districts, a trip to San Francisco is unlikely to disappoint.
The honest truth is California is too big, too diverse, and too interesting to experience in a single trip – unless that trip lasts a lifetime. The next best option is to visit the most iconic areas of the state, an itinerary which is still overwhelming in what it offers.