The state of California takes up much of the west coast of America, stretching nearly 1,300 kilometres from top to bottom. With more icons than just about anywhere in the world, for decades, those in search of something more in life have travelled to California from all over the world, in the hopes of fulfilling their dreams. As a result, it has a culture that is as diverse as its scenery and landscape.
California’s dramatic terrain varies from the rocky cliffs of the coastline, eroded by years of pounding Pacific Ocean waves to the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada Ranges, the rolling hills and fertile valleys of California’s wine region’s to the hot, arid deserts of the east, the sun-kissed surf beaches of the south to the towering redwood forests of the north.
The southern-most part of California, San Diego is famous for its sun-drenched coastline, theme parks including SeaWorld and Legoland California and the well-known San Diego Zoo – one of the finest zoo facilities in the world where more than 3,700 animals from 650 species are showcased. The lively and historical Gaslamp Quarter is a 16½ block neighbourhood where most of the nightlife and fun happens. Art galleries, bars, restaurant’s, entertainment venues and theatres as well as plenty of shops make up this area that was rescued from a period of urban decay in the 1980s and 1990s. Take a kayak ride or snorkel through the calm, clear waters of the ecologically protected area of La Jolla Cove, one of the most scenic places in all of San Diego.
For a spot of golf on a world-class course, you can’t go past Palm Springs – a desert city in California where the sun shines almost every day of the year. Known for its hot springs, golf courses and luxurious hotels and spas, it is also home to hip shops, vintage boutiques and elegant restaurants. Nearby Coachella Valley is not only home to the famous music festival, it also features some great hiking, horseback riding and biking trails. Joshua Tree National Park, just over an hour out of Palm Springs, offers a surreal landscape shaped by strong winds and the occasional torrents of rain. With a fascinating display of plant life and wildlife, the area is the conglomeration of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts and features some fantastic self-guided nature trails.
Located within the Sierra Nevada Mountains is California’s other popular national park, Yosemite. First protected in 1864, it is famed for waterfalls, deep valleys, giant, ancient sequoias and grand meadows. Beautiful at anytime of year, Yosemite is an area of vast wilderness; the lookouts at Tunnel View and Glacier Point afford incredible views.
Thanks to its abundant sunshine and year-round good weather, California is blessed with more than a dozen wine regions. For those that enjoy a tipple, no visit is complete without sampling at least one of them. Napa Valley and Sonoma County are arguably the best-known, however the best way to decide which region to venture to is by following your tastebuds, with each of the regions specialising in particular varietals.
