Trying to come up with a list of 10 amazing things to discover in California is like trying to choose between being rich and being a millionaire. All the options are incredible, and you can't go wrong no matter what you decide! But if you could only see 10 things in the state this summer, here's a list of some of the top attractions that you can't leave without visiting.
1. Alcatraz, San Francisco
Alcatraz is an abandoned prison that’s located on Alcatraz Island, just off the coast of San Francisco. The world-famous federal prison was operational until 1963, and today the site is a National Historic Landmark. You can tour the island, and the prison through tour services and access to the island is by a ferry.
2. Napa Valley Wineries, Napa County
Napa Valley is a scenic and fertile valley in northern California that’s known primarily for its wine. And while it houses over 400 wineries, Napa Valley also has incredible restaurants and top chefs, amazing accommodations and resorts, and has plenty of entertainment and activities to keep you busy in between tastings.
3. Wineries of Paso Robles, Paso Robles
There's more to California wine country than Napa Valley, and 200 miles south of San Francisco you'll find the charming town of Paso Robles, which is itself home to over 200 wineries.
In fact, it’s the quickest growing wine region in the state, and should definitely be on your list of must-see wine regions.
4. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Possibly one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see for anyone visiting California and the San Francisco area.
Pictures simply cannot do this structure justice, and you really do have to see it for yourself, either on foot, by car, on a bike, or on a walking tour.
5. Big Sur Coastline, Hearst Castle, Carmel
While a highway may not often pop up on top destination lists for a lot of places, that’s because those places don’t have a road as scenic as Big Sur. Part of Highway 1, Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of highway that follows the Pacific coastline, and along the way you can see incredible bridges, lighthouses, and waterfalls.
6. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel
Located at the northern end of the Big Sur Coastline, this destination is a two for one deal, because you get the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve and the adjoining Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area all in one stop. If you love expansive views of the ocean, hiking, lounging on the beach, scuba diving, and wildlife, then this is the place for you.
7. Pacific Park, Santa Monica
Pacific Park is an iconic amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier, and they have everything you'd expect from an amusement park and more. You can look out at the ocean from the top of a Ferris wheel, play games for prizes, stuff your face with corndogs and funnel cake, or just watch the people go by.
8. Sequoia National Park, Tulare County
California houses a multitude of state parks, making it perfect for outdoor and nature lovers. As home to Mount Whitney (the highest point in the contiguous U.S.) and General Sherman (the world’s largest tree), Sequoia National Park is certainly one of the more impressive and popular parks in the state.
9. Venice Beach, Los Angeles
The three-mile-long Venice Beach has been a fixture of the LA beach scene for years, and during the warmer months, the area is crawling with activity. It’s a great place for swimming, soaking up the sun, biking, watching street performers, or being wowed by the fitness fanatics at Muscle Beach.
10. Yosemite National Park
You could have a top-10 list for Yosemite alone because there are so many incredible adventures and breathtaking sights to see in this national park. Yosemite has something for everyone, including mountains, waterfalls, rivers, valleys, wildlife, history, and amazing geographical features. Some of the top attractions in the part include the Half Dome, Tunnel View, Cathedral Spires, Sentinel Dome, Sentinel Rock, Eagle Peak, and Yosemite Falls.
Vacations are meant to be fun and relaxing, so if you want peace of mind during your trip, call Magic Plumbing at 415-441-2255 before you go. We can make sure that everything in your house is in working order before your holiday, and can go over the pre-vacation preparation for your house.