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Charmingmarie

California girl in the Netherlands

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Why You Must Visit California Now

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Are you dreaming of golden sunsets, dramatic coastline and amazing weather? Then perhaps you should consider a visit to California. With strong diversity in its topography, climate, cities, cultures and food – you can truly experience everything here. We offer some of the most striking sights: snow-capped mountains, towering sand dunes, and bewitching forests filled with majestic Redwoods; it’s practically a picture-perfect postcard! Although, I may be a bit biased since the Golden State is where I was born and raised. After living in three countries and traveling to different places I came to realize there is no place that compares. If you’re debating your next travel destination: look no further. Here is a list of reasons why you must visit California.

Visit Beautiful Beaches

Pismo beach view
Pismo beach view

The beaches in California are absolutely stunning and some of our most highest visited attractions. With approximately 840 miles of coastline you have so much variety to choose from between Socal and Norcal. Whether you’re trying to get a tan or catch some waves surfing, you will have approximately 420 public beaches to choose from. My personal choices are Zuma, Pismo, and Baker Beach in San Francisco. If you have the chance, take the scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway where you’ll find a number of monumental beaches.

Experience Incredible State Parks

Beautiful National Park in California that I miss
POINT LOBOS RESERVE

If you’re a nature lover and crave to explore the outdoors then you must absolutely visit a state park. They hold deep history and help protect and preserve California’s biological diversity and culture. Did you know that California has the most amount of National State Parks in the United States? You can see a plethora of natural landscapes like dramatic deserts, forests and beaches. My all time favorite state park is Point Lobos Reserve located between Big Sur and Monterey. If you have the chance I highly recommend visiting because the views are breathtaking! Not only that but you can come to spot wildlife like sea otters or explore the variety of trails to hike.

You Must Try All The Delicious Food

MO's Smokehouse BBQ at Pismo beach
MO’s Smokehouse BBQ at Pismo beach

If you’re a foodie, coming to California for the food alone is worth the journey. It is a foodie haven! With so much cultural diversity you have many cuisines to choose from every corner of the globe. In terms of Culinary arts, we are trendsetters when it comes to food, incorporating regional flavors into dishes. My mouth is savoring thinking of all the Carne asada, Korean BBQ & soul food that I’m missing out on.

Hike Natural Landscapes

One of the things I miss about California is the hiking
Hiking is what I miss about California

You’re already aware that California holds beautiful landscapes so why not visit to hike them? Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking to take a leisurely stroll, there is no shortage of trails in the Golden state. When I’m back home in Los Angeles I love heading to Malibu’s coast to hike Escondido Falls and discovering new trails like Echo Mountain. If you’re an outdoor person there are so many opportunities to hike here.

300+ Days of Amazing Weather

Amazing weather in california
Beach life

California has a very Mediterranean type climate. While it does vary depending on what part of that state you are in, average daily temperatures are around 70F in most places. It’s normal to see people wearing flip flops and shorts every day. In fact, almost every day feels like a beach day so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!

Festival Season Is A Must to Visit California

Festivals are a reason you must visit California
Festivals are a reason you must visit California

Music lovers or those that are curious, try to make your visit from April onwards because this is when festival season starts. There is a nice range of festivals to attend not inclusive to a particular size or genre. Whether it’s jazz, hip-hop, electronic, or house: I guarantee you will find one of your likings. Festivals here also offer more than music but a total experience. In between performances make your way to an art exhibition, pop-up, food truck or light installation.

Explore Lively & Vibrant Cities

San Francisco's Municipal Railways
San Francisco’s Municipal Railways

When I mentioned that California is diverse in its culture and people I truly meant it. Do you need the buzz of a big city? How about cosmopolitan San Francisco? If you’re interested in wine tasting and want to stroll the harbourside then check out Santa Barbara. Want to indulge in cuisine? Head to San Diego for authentic Mexican food and amazing seafood. Be sure to also check out their craft beer scene too! There are just so many cool cities for you to choose from and explore.

My Final Thoughts on Visiting California

You can find everything and anything you like and want to do in the Golden state. Come during summer, fall or winter since the weather makes it an ideal all-year-round destination. It’s unlikely to see the entirety of the state since the distances are too far. You can easily spend a week or longer depending on your interests and what you prefer to experience. Visiting a single destination such as camping in Yosemite will be a different length and itinerary from muli-destinations. Overall, I hope these highlights have convinced you on why you must visit California.

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Hannah Scott

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22 comments
  1. Anirban Panda says:
    April 26, 2020 at 12:46 pm

    The beaches in California has been in my bucket list for a long time. Will definitely go there once.

    Reply
  2. Lori Bosworth says:
    April 26, 2020 at 5:53 pm

    I would love to visit California and take the coastal drive from San francisco to Los angeles. I would also love to visit your state parks!

    Reply
    1. Hannah Scott says:
      April 27, 2020 at 9:46 am

      Yes, the coastal drive is absolutely beautiful, I totally recommend putting it on your bucket list.

      Reply
  3. Anna Audare says:
    April 26, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Wow, beautiful photos! It looks like a dream getaway! <3

    Reply
  4. Maysz says:
    April 27, 2020 at 3:45 am

    Such a beautiful places in california how I wish i have a chance to visit this place someday this is one of my dream awesome photos.

    Reply
  5. blair villanueva says:
    April 27, 2020 at 4:36 am

    I have many relatives who are living in California (LA, Santa Barbara, Sta. Monica) so maybe I will consider visiting this city. After all, it is a city where there are so many Asians as well.

    Reply
  6. Kristine Nicole Alessandra says:
    April 27, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    I would love to visit california someday. I have family who live there and we have not seen each other in years. I would love to walk on those beautiful beaches and taste the local cuisine!

    Reply
  7. Monidipa says:
    April 27, 2020 at 10:59 pm

    I love California, I had lived there for 3 months in 2015 when my brother lived there. All tese places are love. If u love beaches then apart from italy u will love ca

    Reply
    1. Hannah Scott says:
      April 30, 2020 at 12:07 pm

      The coastline and beaches in italy look so stunning. I really hope to visit someday, even the Amalfi Coast!

      Reply
  8. Di says:
    April 28, 2020 at 5:26 am

    We felt exactly the same way back in 1997. We loved it so much we moved here in 2001. Now we’re even american!

    Reply
  9. Breonna queen says:
    April 28, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    GReat blog post! I have to agree, cali has sUch beautiful beaches, state parks and just a culture you absolutelY fall in love with! I cant wait to go back!

    Reply
  10. Christy says:
    April 28, 2020 at 1:47 pm

    I was hoping to visit californIa this sUmmer. Not sure that will happen now. ThaNks for all the great info !

    Reply
  11. Clarice says:
    April 29, 2020 at 11:47 am

    I agree with you. There are definitely a lot of great reasons why one should visit California. I just love the lively vibe and the food. Also, don’t forget about Disneyland. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Erin says:
    April 29, 2020 at 10:45 pm

    Visiting california is SO high on my bucket list. I love how diverse the state is, it seems like it has everything. Cool cities, hiking, hot springs, beaches, mountains. Wow. Thanks for this great post!

    Reply
  13. Isabel says:
    April 29, 2020 at 10:46 pm

    I’ve never been to California but your post is really inviting. I love festivals and landscape. Gonna pin it for the future 🙂

    Reply
    1. Hannah Scott says:
      April 30, 2020 at 12:06 pm

      Thanks so much! If you love music, festivals and beautiful landscapes then you will surely love California.

      Reply
  14. Arabela says:
    April 29, 2020 at 11:00 pm

    I’m currently quarantined in California with my boyfriend. He’s from overseas and I wish I could show him around more.
    Luckily, there are nice hiking trails near my house so there’s some natural beauty to admire during quarantine 🙂

    Reply
    1. Hannah Scott says:
      April 30, 2020 at 12:06 pm

      I love hiking back home in California. I went on hikes in Los Angeles and Monterey for a recent road trip and adored it!

      Reply
  15. Zarina says:
    April 30, 2020 at 8:05 am

    A California road trip has been on my bucket list for years so thank you for these useful tips and suggestions 🙂 Hopefully I’ll make it out there one day soon! I see you’re currently based in Utrecht, I went to Uni there! I’m Dutch but moved to the UK 8 years ago, Hope you’re enjoying living in NL! All the best 🙂

    Reply
  16. Jennifer Rankin says:
    April 30, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    I completely agree with you. I grew up in Temecula which is in southern California and love to visit every chance I get. The beach are the most beautiful .

    Reply
  17. Cass says:
    April 30, 2020 at 10:21 pm

    California is actually super high on my list! This post gives me wanderlust

    Reply
  18. Elizabeth O says:
    May 25, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    California does have a lot I’d great things to enjoy especially the food and landscape. I liibrc there back in the 19990S and enjoyed it.

    Reply

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