I Have Visited Every City In California And These Are My 5 Favorite Destinations

Last Updated 3 hours in the past

They say the West Coast is the perfect coast and I will again up that declare any day of the week. I might have been born and raised in Texas, however among the greatest years of my life have been spent in California.

I’m not going to sugarcoat the frustrations of dwelling right here, however on the finish of the day, there isn’t a different place I’d relatively name residence.

And I know so as a result of I’ve left earlier than and the grass actually wasn’t greener each actually and figuratively.

The Golden State might not get the whole lot proper, however it’s among the finest locations to journey within the nation.

I have lived right here for 10 years and visited each metropolis. These are my 5 favourite locations:

5) San Francisco

I know, I know – San Francisco has modified. We even included this superior metropolis as a spot not to visit this 12 months and with good purpose.

If Tony Bennett left his coronary heart in San Francisco at present somebody would steal it and promote it on the black market.

The crime waves and unpleasant zombie apocalypse-esque streets are one thing I’m in a position to overlook as a result of I find it irresistible a lot and have by no means had a nasty time.

Even as unlucky as town has modified, the cultural neighborhoods, wonderful views, enjoyable sights and phenomenal meals scene stays, which is why it barely cracks my prime 5.

Having traveled to about 30 international locations, my favourite restaurant on the planet continues to be Terra Cotta Warrior situated within the Outer Sunset neighborhood.

It’s a no-frills, but genuine, Chinese restaurant specializing in delicacies from the Shaanxi province. If this place ever shuts down, SF might not even crack my prime 10. That’s how good it’s!

4) Malibu

Spoiler alert: Los Angeles correct won’t ever crack my favorites listing for something. Personally, I consider it is essentially the most overhyped metropolis in America, however outdoors of town limits is the place LA is at its greatest.

Malibu is a lot greater than a Miley Cyrus music. This ritzy seaside city is a spot the place common Joe’s like me can mix in and hobnob with the wealthy and well-known, in contrast to Beverly Hills the place I really feel seemed down on after making a Target run.

Lined with scrumptious upscale eating places, very nice seashores and the scenic Topanga State Park for unbelievable views and hikes, Malibu is an superior place to go to.

The coastal drive itself is wonderful. Just plan forward for site visitors throughout Spring Break and summer season.

Speaking of summer season, who’s coming to the at all times in style Malibu Chili Cook-Off with me?

3) Sequoia National Park

My favourite place in California to immerse myself in nature past the state’s unbelievable seashores is indubitably Sequoia National Park.

While you may fly into Fresno (undoubtedly not a favourite), a road trip makes the journey extra enjoyable with stops in charming small cities like Kernville.

(*5*)

Sequoia’s backroads are indescribably lovely. Just put together higher than I did by renting a Toyota Yaris.

Regardless, a visit to Sequoia ought to actually be bucket-list worthy. Few locations have given me a way of appreciation for nature greater than this park.

Seeing footage of the mountains and large bushes on-line are one factor, however seeing them in individual is an entire totally different degree.

2) Orange County (Beaches)

Orange County covers lots of floor in southern California with cities similar to Santa Ana, Irvine, and Anaheim, however I’m not right here to advertise Disneyland anymore than it must be.

Orange County’s quaint seaside cities are attractive and it is actually laborious to select only one. Each of them tends to have its personal distinctive vibe, similar to luxurious Laguna Beach to extra laid-back Dana Point and San Clemente.

If I needed to choose one it could rely upon my price range for the day, however it could be a toss-up between Laguna Beach and San Clemente.

You cannot go fallacious with both, though San Clemente undoubtedly has rather more of an area really feel as a surfer’s favourite hangout.

1) San Diego

My residence for 10 years and hopefully many extra, San Diego is with out query my favourite vacation spot in California.

Traveling is my past love and certainly one of few passions in life, however irrespective of the place I am or how lengthy I’ve been there, I at all times look ahead to coming again residence to this lovely metropolis.

Often overshadowed by the gargantuan measurement of Los Angeles, San Diego continues to be a serious metropolis with a lot to do past planning seaside days from Coronado to Oceanside.

With historic districts similar to Old Town often known as the “birthplace of California” to cultural neighborhoods like City Heights the place greater than 80 dialects of languages are spoken, San Diego is not only a “beach town” per se.

While it is undoubtedly no digital nomad haven with a excessive price of dwelling, my favourite half about San Diego apart from Mexican Food, after all, is you may go climbing within the mountains, hit up the seaside and see the snow all in the identical day.

There is at all times one thing to do outdoors within the metropolis, however the pleasant small cities like Julian being in shut attain make for a straightforward escape for a change of tempo when wanted.

And after an evening within the wild Gaslamp District downtown, you’ll undoubtedly want a change of tempo.

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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.

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