California is home to some of the most iconic destinations in the United States including dozens of great theme parks, natural treasures, and picturesque coastal towns. There are also many luxurious travel packages that offer amazing sightseeing opportunities in California. Let’s take a look at some of the best road trip ideas from California.
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Half Moon Bay
Well-known for its laid-back atmosphere and spectacular beaches, Half Moon Bay is a small coastal city south of San Francisco. If you are into golfing, every top travel agency will tell you how Half Moon Bay is home to one of the best golf courses in the country that offers amazing 180-degree ocean views. For some delicious goat cheese, make sure to visit the Harley Farms. There is also the famous La Nebbia Winery that offers wine tours and tastings. Half Moon Bay features dozens of cool restaurants including Pasta Moon, Mezza Luna, and Sam’s Chowder House. In case you wish to have a cold beer and enjoy classic American cuisine, check out the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.
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Palm Springs
Whether you are planning to visit Palm Springs in June or October, the climate here is pleasant and the temperature rarely drops below 20C. You will find dozens of cool cocktail bars, stylish hotels, swimming pools, and golf courses in the city. Shopaholics will be happy to hear that Palm Springs has a shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive full of vintage shops and branded boutiques. There are also many places in the city that offer spa treatments including mud baths, massages, yoga classes, etc.
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Santa Cruz
One of the most popular surf destinations in California, Santa Cruz is full of amazing attractions and offers a wide range of activities to choose from. Take a walk on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and make sure to check out the popular Seymour Marine Discovery Center. There are dozens of cool beaches worth visiting in the city including Seabright State Beach, Twin Lakes State Beach, and Cowell Beach. The Pacific Avenue is an ideal place to find galleries, bars, and vintage clothing shops. In the evening, you can have dinner at the Mozaic Restaurant that offers mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes or make a reservation at the Stagnaro Bros Seafood.
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Point Reyes National Seashore
A visit to the Point Reyes National Seashore is one of those road trip ideas from California that should be included on every traveler’s bucket list. Well-known for its open grasslands and brushy hillside, Point Reyes is an ideal destination for both hiking and kayaking. Discover over 1,400 species of animals and plants and visit the famous Point Reyes Seashore National Park. Vacationers who are into hiking should check out the Point Reyes Hiking Trails. Climb to the top of the Point Reyes Lighthouse for awesome ocean views.
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San Diego
Located on the Pacific coast, San Diego is one of the best road trip ideas from California and a perfect weekend getaway destination. Take a walk through the lovely Balboa Park and interact with animals at the San Diego Zoo. Some of the other main attractions in the city include the San Diego Museum of Art, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Gaslamp Quarter, SeaWorld, and Old Town State Historic Park.