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California Tourism
P.O. Box 1499
Sacramento, California 95812
001 916 444 4429
www.visitcalifornia.com
Posted by: California Travel & Tourism Commission
Introduction
California really does have it all! Whether shopping at mega malls or local boutiques, dining at over 78,000 restaurants, enjoying countless beaches along more than 1,264 miles of coastline, being thrilled at theme parks north and south, hitting the slopes at 34 great ski resorts or visit California’s renowned state and national parks, California is the year-round destination of choice.
California is a land of incredible sights and unparalleled diversity, from the sunny beaches, rugged coastline, best museums, brand-name shopping and iconic landmarks of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Stunning National Parks such as Yosemite and other natural wonders showcase California’s true natural beauty, while the diversity of its peoples and its vast history is reflected in some of the best museums in the U.S.
California is also home to some of the world’s best wine and cuisine, with top chefs using the freshest, most delicious ingredients to concoct incredible foods with great diversity. California’s miles of scenic coastline make touring an exciting adventure, while the mix of urban destinations and small-town gems means a never-ending parade of activities and destinations, including the freshest, finest wine and food offerings anywhere. California is truly a place of diverse wonders – anywhere you go, you’re bound to find something new.
The gateway cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco are fantastic starting places, but all of California’s 12 regions offer something unique. From the redwoods of the North Coast, the endless recreation of the Shasta Cascade, the history-steeped Gold Coast, the eclectic Bay Area, the pristine mountains of the High Sierra, the fine foods of the Central Valley, the breathtaking vistas of the Deserts, the fresh and fun Central Coast, the bustle of Los Angeles, the technological wonders of the Inland Empire, the family friendly shores of Orange County and the amazing attractions of San Diego, there’s enough California for every vacationer.
Highlights
1) 12 Regions
Even though California is the third-largest state in land area, covering 158,693 square miles, visitors travel easily within its 12 regions. With the regions divided into bite-size pieces, with several itineraries on http://www.visitcalifornia.com/for each, visitors enjoy spending time in the North Coast, Shasta Cascade, Gold Country, San Francisco Bay Area, Central Valley, High Sierra, Central Coast, Los Angeles County, Desert, Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego County regions. From the coast to the desert to the mountains to urban oases, California has a little slice of heaven for every audience – and something every visitor will love.
2) Family Fun
A fun-in-the-sun California vacation is the ideal adventure for an exciting family getaway! From perennial favorites Disneyland (and Disney’s California Adventure) and Universal Studios for tweens and teens and Knott’s Berry Farm for the little ones, to newer adventures at Legoland, SeaWorld and Santa Monica Pier, families can find fun for every member. California is a roller coaster hotspot, with attractions launching new thrill rides all the time. Visitors can find exhilaration in spots such as Six Flags Valencia, but also history – the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper roller coaster was built in 1924.
3) Wine and Food
Wine and food lovers around the world flock to California for a taste of the good life. With more than 2,700 wineries, California produces 90 percent of U.S. wine, offering consumers a great selection of varietals, styles and price points. Wine regions spread from the best-known Napa Valley and Sonoma County to new and emerging favorites in the Paso Robles, Lodi, Livermore, Monterey, Santa Cruz Mountains, Sierra Foothills/Gold Country, Temecula and Santa Barbara (made famous in the movie Sideways) areas. Additionally, California’s incredible mixture of cultures from across the globe makes for an equally dynamic cuisine.
4) Shopping
With retailers offering everything from the hippest fashions to handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces, you’re sure to find all you’re seeking at California’s world-class shopping malls and destinations. Whether it’s a glittering metropolitan department store, an outlet bargain mecca or a unique specialty store, you can find it all in California. Most well known for shopping (and celebrity watching) are a three-block area in Beverly Hills called Rodeo Drive and Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. No matter where you visit, California has a shopping experience everyone will enjoy.
5) Beaches
California’s 1,264-mile-long coastline means miles and miles of beaches. From fun in the sun in Southern California to misty mornings on the North Coast, California’s beaches are a place for adventure, beauty and inspiration. With opportunities for diving, surfing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and relaxing, California’s beaches have something for everyone!
6) Scenic Drives
Getting from point A to point B in California can be a vacation on its own, including Highway 1 along the Central Coast, Highway 395 in the eastern Sierra, historic Route 66, the Feather River Highway, and the state’s newest scenic byway—Trinity Scenic Byway, State Highway 299 between Redding and Arcata. The California Road Trips Guide, available online at http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/sunset/californiadrives09/#/0, offers maps and a variety of route recommendations.
7) Iconic Sights
Whether it’s their first trip to California or their hundredth, there are some things in California that are just absolute must-sees. Whether taking pictures in front of the Hollywood sign or on the Walk of Fame, posing with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, these only-in-California icons create the ultimate memory. Other musts include a drive along Highway 1, a glimpse of (or hike up) Half Dome in Yosemite, and a California ski-and-surf vacation. Additionally, California’s hundreds of state and national parks provide incredible opportunities for communing with nature and learning about California’s fascinating history. From state beaches covering most of the 1,264-mile coastline, forests filled with the largest trees in the world, and museums and historical sites preserving priceless cultural artifacts, California’s 4.1 million National Parks acres and 1.3 million State Parks acres offer a place for the entire family to learn, grow and participate in the most exciting adventures.
8) Ecotourism
There’s an eco-revolution, and California’s restaurants and vineyards have always led the way. Restaurants across the state have turned to sustainable ways to support the environment, along with local farmers and ranchers. From the freshest produce at hundreds of farmer’s markets to numerous farm-to-fork operations, California began the trend of producing the finest and most abundant array of organic, slow, locally grown, vegetarian, vegan and eco-friendly food. Wineries embracing green winegrowing and winemaking practices also provide tours and offer tastings of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines. There’s never been a more delicious way for consumers to go green!
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