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About this time last year, I was a newly minted resident of California. Although I’d spent a fair amount of time in the Golden State in the past, I’d never lived here, and to say I was excited to explore my new home would be an understatement for the ages. For the past year, my family and I have spent as much time as possible tooling up and down the land, checking what the state has to offer. With gasoline prices creeping ever upward, most families are looking to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to summer travel.
While many stones are left unturned, here are some of the best places I’ve visited over the past year.
1. ANAHEIM
Home to Disneyland, Anaheim should be on any family’s list. Beyond rollercoasters and cotton candy, the city offers plenty of other entertainment. Yorba Regional Park is great for a picnic; check out a game at Angel Stadium Anaheim or bounce to your heart’s content at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Hollywood and Catalina Island are just a stone’s throw away. While you could spend an entire week at the latter amusement park, the nearby Knott’s Berry Farm is no slouch.
2. LAKE TAHOE
Most people don’t necessarily associate California with snow, but there is fun to be found in west coast powder. Northstar Ski Resort, in particular, offers 3,000 skiable acres and a variety of activities for all ages, from snow tubing to skating and fat biking. Lake Tahoe is also a world-class mountain biking destination. During the summer months, the lake itself offers plenty of opportunities for water-based recreation, including jet skiing, paddle boarding, and fishing.
3. THE LOST COAST
Nestled in the wilds of Humboldt and Mendocino counties, Shelter Cove is the termination point for the popular Lost Coast Trail, a popular 25-mile ramble from Mattole down the rugged coast to the unique Black Sands Beach. Hiking the entire length of the trail requires arranging a drop-off at Mattole to the north with one of several shuttle services in the area. Due to tidal action, most people spend a leisurely 3-4 days making their way south back to Shelter Cove, stopping at any number of the perfect campsites spread out along the way.
A backcountry camping permit is required; visit recreation.gov for more information.
Is a full-on backpacking adventure a little beyond your paygrade? The surrounding area is ideal for hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the day. The area is also perfect for families looking for a quiet destination with a decidedly earthy vibe.
4. SACRAMENTO
Known for its history, the state capital offers numerous activities to entertain and engage local visitors. Pan for gold while learning about the infamous Gold Rush of 1848 at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Get a sense of the pioneer spirit at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, which has undergone painstaking restoration over the years (the Donner Party stayed here not long after their rescue in 1847). The state capital museum is also open to the public, with an extensive collection of artifacts.
5. SAN DIEGO
World famous and for a good reason, the San Diego Zoo is a genuine wonderland. Over 12,000 animals of 650 different species are on display. Between expert talks, guided and self-guided tours, and interactive wildlife presentations, there is enough to keep a family busy for a week, never mind the traditional day-at-the-zoo most of us are used to. In addition to the full zoo, the Safari Park also offers close encounters with cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. Unique experience packages and themed activities are also available. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Download the San Diego Zoo app for a GPS-enabled map and inside information on dining, activities, special programming, and more.
A “don’t miss” in the San Diego area is USS Midway Museum. For lovers of modern aviation history, this one is hard to top. Over 30 fully restored jet and propeller aircraft reside on this museum aircraft carrier. Commissioned just eight days after the end of World War II, the Midway served for nearly fifty years before being decommissioned in 1992. The ship features an array of top-notch exhibits above and below deck, including guided tours and flight simulators. Open Monday-Sunday from 10a.m.–4p.m. For tickets and more information, visit midway.gov.
6. SAN FRANCISCO
One of the most eclectic cities in the country lies just two hours north of us in the Bay Area. Families with kids of any age will find various options at their fingertips. Check out the Exploratorium in the Embarcadero waterfront or catch a Giants game at Oracle Park. This is a perfect city for families with older kids to explore on foot; wind your way up the Embarcadero to Crissy Field and a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Fans of animation will love the Walt Disney Family Museum, and you can plot your escape from the historic Alcatraz Island.
7. SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
This is right up there with Yosemite in terms of the wow factor. Created in 1890 to protect its venerable giant trees, Sequoia National Park is also home to Mount Whitney, the tallest point in the lower 48 states. At over 400,000 acres, the largest tree in the world, General Sherman, can be found in the aptly named Giant Forest, home to five of the ten largest trees in the world. Perfect for day hikes and extended trips, visit recreqtion.gov for more information.
8. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
One of our nation’s crown jewels, Yosemite, is the definition of impressive. If you can only visit one outdoor destination during your time in California, this is it. Yosemite is split into two main regions: the Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. The Valley is known for its sweeping, glacier-sculpted walls and picturesque waterfalls. Spend an afternoon floating the Merced River, watch climbers on the 3,000-foot El Capitan, or hike to the top of Yosemite Falls and take a one-of-a-kind view of the splendor. The high country of Tuolumne features a playground of rounded granite domes, wildflowers, and cooler temperatures during the hot summer months. There are also several redwood groves within the park boundary and just a short walk from the road. A range of accommodations is available in the Valley, from simple camping to the luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel. To manage traffic, reservations are required to drive into the park from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. until September 30. Please visit recreation.gov for more information.
Originally from New England, Matt Desenberg is a writer living in Monterey.