Wanderlust World Wanderlust World California is known for its beaches, so it's no surprise that vacationers -- and groups of friends -- tend to head to the beach when in California. Northern California beaches are chilly even in summer, so if you plan to go swimming and sunbathing, you're better off heading to Southern California beaches. Venice and Santa Monica Beaches in Los Angeles are known for their people-watching opportunities and their proximity to nightlife, restaurants and shopping. However, if you're after truly breathtaking scenery, you'll want to head south to Laguna Beach or Manhattan Beach less than a couple hours away. Upscale La Jolla just north of San Diego is known for its snorkeling and surfing, and your group of friends can enjoy a gourmet meal at one of La Jolla's upscale restaurants.
If you and your friends are outdoor enthusiasts, think about heading to one of California's regional, state or nationally-protected areas. Most protected parks and preserves offer camping, hiking, biking and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Yosemite National Park in Northern California is one of the most visited parks in the U.S. and is an ideal spot for water sports, hiking, mountain climbing and bird-watching. The Channel Islands off the coast of Ventura in Southern California are a good spot for scuba diving, snorkeling and sunbathing, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers nature lovers plenty of opportunities for mountain climbing and hiking.
When traveling with friends, cities often make the best destinations because of their proximity to restaurants, bars, clubs, museums and other attractions that meet multiple interests. Los Angeles is California's largest city and is home to attractions such as the Kodak Theater, Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills. Funky San Francisco is known for its Victorian architecture, eclectic dining scene and Fisherman's Wharf, the popular pier home to restaurants, bars and excellent views. Beach lovers will want to head to San Diego, home to half a dozen white-sand beaches, historic Old Town and a vibrant Mexican culture. Since San Diego is just 20 miles from the Mexican border, groups of friends can even drive into nearby Tijuana to enjoy the Mexican nightlife -- just be sure to check Mexican security updates before crossing the boarder.
Theme parks aren't just for kids -- and California has its fair share of amusement parks to keep groups of friends busy for at least a few days. Universal Studios in Los Angeles is a good spot for movie buffs, while fairytale lovers will want to head to Disneyland in Anaheim. If killer whales and marine life are more your thing, San Diego's Sea World is the place to go. Although not technically a theme park or amusement park, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is known for its roller coaster, other rides and attractions.