Travel :: Best Places to Visit in California

 

 

My parents moved to California when I was around 6 years of age.  Both of them were from the Midwest and they told me they always dreamed of moving to California when they were kids.  I grew up in Southern California but moved up north to attend college.  After I graduated, I moved abroad for a couple years only to move back here in my late 20’s.  At times I have dreamed of moving to a climate where we see more of the seasons pass us by (I always dreamed of a white Christmas), but lately I have really come to love where we live.  We live less than 20 minutes from the beach and a few hours on the freeway will take us to the mountains.  I could do without the traffic on the freeways but overall it is a wonderful place to raise a family and enjoy the wonderful sights!

California is known as “The Golden State,” and is one of the most distinct states in the US. Because of its size, environmental diversity, ethic culture, and urban activity, California has a lot to offer the many visitors who come to stay every year. My daughter is surrounded by other kids from all over the world and there is a large group of Asian, Indian and Persian children who attend her school.  I like that she is learning that people are unique and come from various backgrounds different from hers.  But getting back to what California has to offer:  sun-scorched deserts to shaded redwood forests and majestic mountain tops; from sprawling metropolises to quiet countrysides, California really has it all.  Here are some my favorite places to visit that I have been to or would like to check out in this truly unique state.

 

 

San Simeon State Park/Hearst Castle:

San Simeon State Park/Hearst Castle – Located along California’s Hwy 1, the Hearst Castle and the San Simeon beach are a powerful duo. San Simeon has a really cool viewing area for Sea Elephants and is a fabulous place to watch a sunset. We visited the Hearts Castle as kids and I can still remember how majestic the rooms are and the huge cultivated gardens.   This is definitely worth the trip and is one that will stay with you for a long time as the story behind the Hearst Castle is pretty remarkable! You can learn more here: Hearst San Simeon State Park  and Hearst Castle.

 

 

Knott’s Berry Farm:

I grew up near Knott’s Berry Farm so we went a couple times in my childhood and it was the place to go while in high school.  I love the old western vibe of the place and I try to get a piece of Mrs. Knott’s famous pie at the Mrs. Knott’s restaurant that is almost always packed!  A great place to bring the kids – young and old – as they feature Camp Snoopy and the fastest roller coasters around!

 

 

Napa Valley:

While in college I was able to take a wine tour through the Napa Valley vineyards.  It is so beautiful up there and it was wonderful learning about the history of wine making in California. If you love wine and enjoying a glass (or two) while looking out at the beautiful vineyards – this trip is made for you!  To read more about Napa Valley go to: https://napavalley.com/?gclid=CKjh-sHWwboCFUlp7AodIlgAlg

 

 

The Huntington Library and Gardens, Pasadena:

We went to the Huntington Library a few years ago to enjoy the children’s author book reading they offer in the children’s section.  It really is a beautiful library and if you love to look and enjoy beautiful gardens – you will really enjoy taking this trip to the library!  To read more go to Huntington Library.org.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places in the world to visit!  If I could I would live up there permanently.  The vibe of Lake Tahoe is so peaceful and there is so much to do – from hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, and there are so many beautiful places to sight see.  One of my favorite things to do  was driving around the lake and visiting Emerald Bay.

 

 

Redwood Forest:

Redwood National Park and assorted area state parks are home collectively to some of the world’s tallest trees, true, but also miles of dramatic coastline, mountains, rolling sand dunes, wetlands, rivers, even shimmering blue lagoons. It’s the majestic old-growth coast redwoods – some of them as old as two thousand years.  The dramatic scenery will literally take your breathe away!  It is so beautiful inside the park, make sure to pack enough snacks and water so you can enjoy your time hiking around these majestic trees!  To read more go here. https://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm

 

 

 

Santa Barbara:

Santa Barbara is rich with so many places that can be enjoyed by the entire family.  If you love the ocean you can go paddling or rent a boat for the day.  Or if you like to take hikes, there are some wonderful trails right next to the oceanside.  Check out the Ellwood Main in Goleta,  between November through December to see thousands of Monarch Butterflies during their 4 phase migration.  I recommend to stay in the Upham Hotel that offers a very relaxed and gorgeous atmosphere within walking distance of State Street. And if you are looking for the best restaurant in town – head over to The Palace for some Louisiana Cajun food!  Check back for my post about this amazing restaurant that has been open for over 30 years and won Best Service for over 26 years now! It’s our favorite restaurant to go to and we still dream about their baked oysters!

 

 

LEGOLAND Resort:

We had the chance to check out the LEGOLAND Hotel and Park a few weeks back and boy do the kids love LEGOLAND!  Inside the hotel they have a huge pirate ship made of Lego’s and a whole section just for the kids to play in.  And at night, they offer different activities while the parents sit back and relax in the lounge overlooking the kids having a good time.  The park itself is nothing short of amazing!  I am always amazed to see what LEGOLAND creates with these simple blocks.  Really quite amazing and there are characters found throughout the park for the kids to run up to and take pictures with!

 

 

Hollywood WAX Museum

And if you are in the mood for some Hollywood nostalgia – make sure to stop by the Hollywood Wax Museum in Hollywood. The Hollywood Wax Museum is the longest-running wax museum in the United States. It has been the most visited indoor attraction in Hollywood since 1965. Plans are in the works to celebrate the Museum’s 50th Anniversary in 2015. Hollywood Wax Museum was the first wax museum to dedicate its entire show to Hollywood, celebrities and pop culture. I am looking forward to our trip this next month to our local Wax Museum with my daughter.  When I showed her pictures of the wax people she couldn’t believe they weren’t real!  A great way to teach your kids about Hollywood of the past and new and upcoming stars.  To read more go to Hollywood WAX Museum.  You can find them on Facebook.

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

 

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