California

How could anyone possibly experience all of California in one lifetime? This enormous and wonderfully diverse state seems to have it all, from sun drenched beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs to towering redwoods, majestic sequoias, rugged mountain peaks, spectacular alpine landscapes, sprawling cities, and wide open desert landscapes.

California is home to some of the country’s most recognizable destinations and attractions. There is the unmistakable magic of Disneyland, the epitome of awesome at LEGOLAND California, the laid back coastal beauty of San Diego, the diversity of Los Angeles, the breathtaking coastline around Monterey, and the unmistakable character of San Francisco.

And then there are the road trips. Few experiences compare to following Highway 1 along the California coast, watching the Pacific Ocean unfold beside you as the road winds past rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, seaside towns, and viewpoints that no words can describe. Add in golden hour sunsets, palm lined coastlines, mountain scenery, ancient forests, and landscapes that seem almost unreal, and it is easy to understand why California inspires so much wanderlust.

Whether you are planning a family vacation, searching for a memorable weekend escape, dreaming up an epic road trip, or simply looking for somewhere beautiful to explore, California offers seemingly endless possibilities. These are some of the destinations and experiences that make the Golden State so special and hopefully give you plenty of ideas for where to go next.

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California is located on the West Coast of the United States, bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and Mexico to the south. To the west, the Pacific Ocean stretches along more than 800 miles of coastline. It is the most populous state in the country and the third largest by area, with an incredible range of landscapes packed into one state.

From the beaches and coastal cities of Southern California to the redwood forests of the north, the Sierra Nevada mountains, fertile Central Valley, and vast Mojave Desert, California is one of the most geographically diverse places in the United States. It is also known for its famous cities, national parks, entertainment industry, agriculture, technology, theme parks, wine country, and endless opportunities for adventure. In other words, California is big, beautiful, and almost impossible to fit into just one trip.

LEGOLAND

(Theme park, 9 hrs. from Reno, Carlsbad, Southern California, ideal for ages 2-12, on site hotels, water park, paid parking)