4 Reasons to Take a Trip Along the Coast of California
California is one of the largest states in the country and is by far the most populated with 38 million residents. It also contains 840 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and multiple large cities, making it an incredible place to visit for travelers from across the world. Whether you live in California already or are taking a vacation across the ocean, a trip along the California coast can provide you with tons of opportunities for adventure and wonder.
Planning this type of trip will take a lot of organization and research since there is so much to do. It is simply impossible to experience all that this region has to offer in one trip, so you will need to prioritize what most excites you about this region.
For your next vacation to the California coast, here are a few ideas for some attractions that you could hit up to create a long-lasting memory with your fellow travelers.
Incredible Scenic Drives
There is no shortage of interesting roads in the state of California, especially along the coast. The most famous road in the state is probably the Pacific Coast Highway. 656 miles of the longest state road in California offers plenty of opportunities for amazing views of the Pacific. Maybe you are a thrill-seeker and want to find some dangerous roads to navigate that get your heart beating a little quicker. Patchen Pass between San Jose and Santa Cruz will certainly do the job with extremely tight curves, narrow lanes, and numerous blind spots along the mountain roadway. Highway 101 between Malibu and Lompoc combines lovely views of the coast with stretches through prime wine country. When planning your California vacation, make sure to pass through the many scenic drives that are available throughout the state.
Bustling Metropolitans
Want to feel embedded in densely populated areas that hold massive amounts of people? There are plenty of cities to explore along the California coast to put you in touch with new people and cultures. The second largest city in the country, Los Angeles, is a hugely popular tourist destination with Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, and a designation as the “creative capital of the world.” Head up the coast to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge or to check out popular sports teams like the Golden State Warriors, the San Francisco Giants, or the San Francisco 49ers. The 10th largest city in the country, San Jose, sits at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay and has unique attractions like the Winchester Mystery House to experience. There are multiple large cities along the California coast, so if population centers are your jam, you’ll be very happy with this state.
Wonders of Nature
Such a massive state boasts plenty of ways to get in touch with nature as well. One of the most popular sites for travelers to visit is San Simeon. The reason? Elephant seals. These incredible animals love to gather along the shores of San Simeon, sometimes in numbers nearing 17,000, and you can see them for free with a visit to the Piedras Blancas Rookery. In Northern California, you can find the Redwood National and State Parks. These incredible trees are the largest species in the world and are perfectly adapted to resist pests and fires. The tallest tree in the world, standing at an incredible 116 meters and called Hyperion, resides in California and is a sight worth seeing for nature enthusiasts and travelers of all kinds. With tens of thousands of square miles to explore along the California coast, you are guaranteed to experience many wonders of nature during your vacation.
Adventurous Activities
With so much coastline on the Pacific, there are many opportunities for getting out on the water and experiencing true adventure. You can learn how to surf almost anywhere a city or town touches the ocean. With tons of marine life to observe, you can go scuba diving to see what lies beneath the waves. Stand-up paddleboarding is growing in popularity and can test your balance and core strength as you paddle through bays, inlets, and calmer waters. Head to one of the numerous beaches for some swimming or boogie-boarding that makes for a relaxing afternoon with the family. There is plenty to do to satisfy your more adventurous and active spirit during your California trip.
Plan Your Vacation Today
The vast state of California has much to offer, especially the close you get to the Pacific. The variety of attractions is sure to leave every traveler with memories that will last a lifetime, whether they are history buffs, art lovers, fitness enthusiasts, sports fans, or nature fanatics. The diversity of activities, cultures, and landscapes presents the perfect backdrop for your next vacation, so hop on your phone or computer and start researching to plan your next vacation along the California coast.
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