I have compiled a few of my bucket list ideas - some must visit places and must do things in California - a state that has it all, be it mountains, beaches, forests or deserts.
Some places will be familiar and famous, others might be unknown or forgotten.
So when you do plan a trip to California, make sure you don't miss out on these amazing places.
Take a photo of the Golden gate bridge at San Francisco
The view from atop the bridge, from the far side of the bridge and from the beach below are way different. Do get to all these vantage points if you would like capture its beauty in its entirety. My family friend Ram Bezavada took this picture of the Golden gate bridge.
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Go on a cable car ride at San Francisco
You can ride the cable car on any of the three routes available and you can get it as low as $7 and as often as every 10 minutes.
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Lake Tahoe - swim during summer or skee during winter
This freshwater lake with its clear transparent waters is a no-fail tourist place which is beautiful in every season.
Watch the natural Horestail Firefall at Yosemite National Park
Usually during the second week of February, the sun shines at a particular angle that makes this waterfall glow orange during sunset. There is also an artificial firefall which is glowing embers being thrown down from the Glacier point during summer.
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Meet the tallest trees you will ever see at Big Basin or Muir woods or Sequoia National park
Yes, all three, Big Basin Redwood State Park, Muir Woods and Sequoia National Park are lush with extremely tall redwoods towering over you. Each of these places has innumerable hiking trails with an occasional stream or waterfall on the way.
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Race through the Death Valley Road
This stark and varied desert landscape with scanty vegetation and sand dunes has a different kind of beauty which is not everyone's cup of tea. You can drive straight for 2 hours or do hiking here.
Glass beach in Fort Bragg
Go while there are still glass rocks left.. This beach used to be a dumping place before, the waste bottles broken down by the harsh sea waves became these beautiful glass rocks over time.
Camp at Point Lobos
This place has so much to offer..from great hiking trails, sea lions playing in the beach, whale watching opportunities, wildflowers to high cliffs and breathtaking views!
The picture is of Sea Lion Cove at Point Lobos.
Hike through Cypress Grove Trail
The cypress grove itself has an ethereal quality to it and the view once you get to the top is mesmerizing!
Play at the Mcway Waterfall at Big Sur
Have you ever seen a waterfall at a beach?? Well, this one has!
Mount Hermon adventures at Santa Cruz
Looks like an awesome adventure.. The reviews are pretty great too..
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Party at Las Vegas
Although Vegas is not in California, a tour of California would not be complete without a quick trip to the neighboring sin city. Lots of clubs, casinos and themed restaurants give you all the freedom to party, gamble,date, dance, eat and have so much fun.
California has far too many places to compile into a single post. I still have a whole lot more on my bucket-list which I would like to share with you all (depending on the response to this post)
(None of the pictures were taken by me. All pictures without the image source mentioned are the 'Labelled for Reuse' ones from Google Images)
Thank you for reading!