Anytime is a great time to road trip through California. There's great weather, scenery and food to enjoy in such a large state. On one side, you have the coast and on the other are the mountains. Everything else in between is a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. You can drive to the city or you can run away from it in just a day. Visit the desert or visit the ocean, or even visit the snow.
California is full of endless adventures. Here's a list to help you experience the best of them:
1. Old Town San Diego
This historic park connects San Diego's Mexican origins to us with adobe buildings, museums, and entertainment. It was the first Spanish settlement on the West Coast and is a monument to help us remember the history of California.
2. USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway was once the largest aircraft carrier to serve the United States. The museum is not only located in beautiful San Diego, but you can see the living quarters, jail and other components of the ship on a self-guided tour. There are over 60 exhibits with restored aircrafts.
3. Laguna Beach/Newport Beach
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California are right down this coast. Coronado, Newport, Laguna, Crystal Cove...the coast is full of hiking spots for every skill level and beaches for surfers, swimmers, and tanners. If you don't want to be out, there are also great shopping spots that offer great stores, dining, and views.
4. Disneyland
This suggestion is sort of a given. You're in California, why would you want to miss an iconic park like this? Hang out with Mickey and Minnie or Mater and Lightning McQueen. Get the most bang for your buck by getting park hopper tickets and moving between Disneyland and California Adventure.
5. Malibu
Malibu has one of largest waterfalls in Los Angeles at Escondido Falls. You won't believe that you're in the city while you're relaxing under the falls. After checking out the falls, you can have lunch at Malibu Cafe and enjoy a walk, swim or surf at any of its beaches.
6. Big Sur
This scenic drive probably has the most beautiful views in California. 17 miles of beauty and open air makes it perfect for singing in the car with your favorite people. You can find a cozy cottage, go for a hike, find a waterfall, and maybe even see some whales swim by.
7. Monterey Aquarium
Being one of the greatest aquariums, Monterey Bay has over 600 species, including sharks, jellyfish, and penguins. They also have had the largest exhibition of California kelp. Their open sea gallery enables visitors to see the everyday life of oceanic animals.
8. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz is historically known as the first place in California to learn the sport of surfing. It's a classic beach town community and is topped off with an amusement park for all ages. Rent a bike and take a day trip all over the town to see the spots where legendary surfers like Jay Moriarity learned to surf the famous Mavericks.
9. San Francisco
There are endless spots to hang out at and views to see in San Francisco. It's a lot busier than its counterpart of Southern California. You can check out DJ, Steph and Michelle Tanner's childhood home, sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, and the famous Chinatown. You also have to check out the famous clam chowder, which is probably the best on the West Coast.
10. Wine Country
Napa Valley has 1,000 of different wines produced for your tasting pleasure. It's a lot more high-end than the laid-back Sonoma region just half an hour away. Try Sonoma for a laid-back weekend with friends, and Napa for the limos and hotels.
