The state of California is almost synonymous with gorgeous beaches, pleasant weather and celebrity sightings. It is no wonder that vacation options to the West Coast of the United States are abundant. Whether you are looking for a relaxed week lying on the sand or an action-packed trip full of adventure, the California Coast offers plenty of choices for everyone.
Located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach is a relaxing beach town located right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The area is known for its many wineries, so plan on taking a tour of the vineyards and factories. There is also a butterfly grove to admire if you want somewhere to explore other than the beach.
Pismo Beach has many hotels and accommodations, such as Cliffs Resort, which offers a spa, full golf course, gym and rooms decorated in casual California style. For the more adventurous, there are also campgrounds and RV parks located minutes from the beach.
For a slight variety on the hot, sunny California weather, you can travel to the Northern California coast for a cooler atmosphere. Cities like San Francisco offer their own charm with a much windier, cooler temperature than Southern California. At the Point Reyes National Seashore, which is just a few miles north of San Francisco, there are abundant hiking trails and nature walk opportunities. Huge redwood forests offer hikers the chance to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat, as well as explore the land just off of the coast. Of course, there are also beautiful beaches and plenty of ocean views. San Francisco also offers many vineyards and wine factory tours, as well as the chance to tour this landmark town.
If you prefer to keep your visits to California as hot as possible, San Diego, located in the southern part of the state, offers warmer temperatures. This stunning city has many white beaches, as well as its famous San Diego Zoo, known to be one of the best in the country. Downtown San Diego has many sights and shops to keep a tourist busy, with plenty of clothing stores, restaurants and attractions. There are mini-golf places as well as regular golf and accommodations ranging from low-priced motels to luxurious suites. If you are traveling with children, you can check out Sea World, the aquarium-themed amusement park that has water shows for children, or Balboa Park, a huge park with gorgeous views.
Santa Monica is the perfect destination spot for tourists who want to combine the excitement of LA with the relaxation of a beach-side vacation. Santa Monica is a beach town located on the Pacific Ocean, but it is close enough to Los Angeles that visitors can hop over to the famous city for celebrity sightings, Hollywood tours and its other many attractions. Santa Monica has plenty to do for those coming with kids, such as a pottery painting place, community pool, bowling alley, promenade filled with shops and eateries and an outdoor movie theater. There is also an aquarium and even an electric bicycle tour of the town. For those that are exercise-minded, Santa Monica boasts yoga classes, walking trails, trapeze school and bike rentals.
