“So won’t you carry me back to California? I’ve been on the road too long.” — Carole King.
Ask anyone from abroad what images come to mind when they think about the United States, and you’re going to hear “the usuals” like the Statue of Liberty, The Grand River Canyon, and without a doubt, the Hollywood sign. Since her founding and indeed before, California has captured the very spirit of discovery, pioneers, and opportunity.
Some staple sights and attractions fall under the “must-do” category for many travelers to the state. The parks, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, but there’s a whole state of being discovered out there far beyond just the Pacific Coast Highway. Here are our favorites.
THE SIERRA VISTA SCENIC HIGHWAY
This trip starts at North Fork, around 45 miles from Fresno and literally in the geographical center of California.
This 100-mile stretch of road between Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & King’s Canyon National Parks will take you through breathtaking scenery, open roads, as well as granite domes, and glaciated peaks.
BLACK MOUNTAIN’S GLIDER PORT
This trail begins at the Northwest corner of Black Mountain Open Space Park. It starts with a very sharp descent, and after following a series of switchbacks through a dense thicket, you’ll stumble upon views of the suburbs. Surrounding countryside below that just opens up and draws you into this magnificent vista.
FORT BRAGG
Hidden away along the breathtaking Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is roughly three hours north of San Francisco, just off highway 1. It used to be an army garrison built in the American Civil War, and you’ll be treated to some of the best views of the coastline of and in Northern California.
REDWOODS IN ARCATA
Arcata is located in Humboldt County adjacent to Arcata Bay and home to Humboldt State University. It used to be a logging town, and while it survived the flux of the industry becoming something of a ghost town, the University has kept it on the map. Even though the most likely reasons for traveling through this town will be to visit the magnificent Redwood trees (and you should), give the city itself a sporting chance too.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
San Benito County is home to this town named after its Mission San Juan Bautista. It was initially inhabited by a branch of the “Ohlones.” The Mission was founded by a Franciscan monk (Fermin de Lausen) who intended to convert the Native Americans to Catholicism; Overall, the area presents much for the history lovers among us.
Writers, wannabe movie stars, adventurers, and more have traveled to California for decades, giving the state a unique makeup of many different peoples, all enthralled and seduced by that California sunset that just won’t allow you to not stop and take notice. You can taste the possibilities here, and while it’s always exciting to get your photo on the Hollywood walk of fame, take some time to discover the rest of the state too. You’ve no idea what’s waiting for you beyond the Hollywood sign.
Worldwide travel is opening up all over the world again, so if you’re thinking of traveling to London, check out this guide, but if you’re all about keeping it local, then take a fresh look at California.
This is a collaborative post. Please keep in mind that I only partner with companies I’m passionate about. 💕
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