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Namechecked in countless songs and pined for in innumerable films, California’s romantic beaches, glamorous cities and astounding national parks have earned their global reputation for good reason. Whether you’re looking for an arts and culture kick in forward-thinking San Francisco, losing yourself in the redwood forests of the state’s north or seeking a glimpse of the rich and famous in sunny Los Angeles, a trip to California is a chance to embrace America’s most popular coastal mainstay.
With famously fantastic year-round weather, California has numerous delights to enjoy from north to south. In effortlessly cool San Francisco, you can catch an endless stream of live music, sports and art exhibitions, sample world-class cuisine and book a plethora of adventurous day trips, from Alcatraz to the redwoods of Yosemite National Park and a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Further south, Los Angeles is a sprawling city of diverse cultural heritages, with exceptional Mexican food, uber-cool bars and dreamy beaches for surfing or lazing away the day. The homes of the glitterati are on full display in exclusive Malibu, while San Diego boasts a renowned zoo and beautiful beaches.
You can spend hours searching for Hollywood’s most recognisable ambassadors, but Los Angeles has plenty to offer beyond its famous film stars. A hike to Griffith Observatory takes you into the nearby hills with views over the far-reaching city, and a great shot of the iconic Hollywood sign. Santa Monica Pier marries funhouse colour with beachy style, while the blue lifeguard towers and sandy stretches of Redondo Beach are a picturesque backdrop for some stellar surf. For things to do in California with kids, families will want to choose between Anaheim’s top theme parks, from Disneyland to Universal Studios, and Venice Beach offers a look at the colourful locals.
No matter where you land in California, you have your pick of the litter for beautiful beaches. Near the southern border, La Jolla captures San Diego’s rugged drama and white-sand romance. With excellent surf and tidepools, Monterey’s beaches have helped it grow into a popular seaside city, while Venice Beach is arguably even more famous for its zany clientele than its sandy shores. The broad bridges and cliffy surrounds of Big Sur make for a thrilling introduction to these renowned sands. In San Francisco, the untamed beauty of Ocean Beach and Baker Beach are a welcome respite from city living.
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