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They say the West Coast is the perfect coast and I will again up that declare any day of the week. I could have been born and raised in Texas, however a few of the finest years of my life have been spent in California.
I’m not going to sugarcoat the frustrations of residing right here, however on the finish of the day, there isn’t any different place I’d slightly name dwelling.
And I know so as a result of I’ve left earlier than and the grass really wasn’t greener each actually and figuratively.
The Golden State could not get every little thing proper, but it surely’s probably the greatest locations to journey within the nation.
I have lived right here for 10 years and visited each metropolis. These are my 5 favourite locations:
5) San Francisco
I know, I know – San Francisco has modified. We even included this superior metropolis as a spot not to visit this yr and with good motive.
If Tony Bennett left his coronary heart in San Francisco right this moment somebody would steal it and promote it on the black market.
The crime waves and ugly zombie apocalypse-esque streets are one thing I’m in a position to overlook as a result of I like it a lot and have by no means had a foul time.
Even as unlucky as town has modified, the cultural neighborhoods, wonderful views, enjoyable points of interest and phenomenal meals scene stays, which is why it barely cracks my high 5.
Having traveled to about 30 nations, my favourite restaurant on the planet continues to be Terra Cotta Warrior situated within the Outer Sunset neighborhood.
It’s a no-frills, but genuine, Chinese restaurant specializing in delicacies from the Shaanxi province. If this place ever shuts down, SF could not even crack my high 10. That’s how good it’s!
4) Malibu
Spoiler alert: Los Angeles correct won’t ever crack my favorites listing for something. Personally, I consider it is essentially the most overhyped metropolis in America, however exterior of town limits is the place LA is at its finest.
Malibu is a lot greater than a Miley Cyrus track. This ritzy seashore city is a spot the place common Joe’s like me can mix in and hobnob with the wealthy and well-known, in contrast to Beverly Hills the place I really feel seemed down on after making a Target run.
Lined with scrumptious upscale eating places, very nice seashores and the scenic Topanga State Park for unimaginable views and hikes, Malibu is an superior place to go to.
The coastal drive itself is wonderful. Just plan forward for visitors throughout Spring Break and summer time.
Speaking of summer time, who’s coming to the all the time widespread Malibu Chili Cook-Off with me?
3) Sequoia National Park
My favourite place in California to immerse myself in nature past the state’s unimaginable seashores is no doubt Sequoia National Park.
While you possibly can fly into Fresno (positively not a favourite), a road trip makes the journey extra enjoyable with stops in charming small cities like Kernville.
Sequoia’s backroads are indescribably stunning. Just put together higher than I did by renting a Toyota Yaris.
Regardless, a visit to Sequoia ought to truthfully be bucket-list worthy. Few locations have given me a way of appreciation for nature greater than this park.
Seeing photos of the mountains and big timber on-line are one factor, however seeing them in individual is a complete totally different stage.
2) Orange County (Beaches)
Orange County covers plenty of floor in southern California with cities equivalent to Santa Ana, Irvine, and Anaheim, however I’m not right here to advertise Disneyland anymore than it must be.
Orange County’s quaint seashore cities are attractive and it is truthfully laborious to choose only one. Each of them tends to have its personal distinctive vibe, equivalent to luxurious Laguna Beach to extra laid-back Dana Point and San Clemente.
If I needed to decide one it will rely on my price range for the day, however it will be a toss-up between Laguna Beach and San Clemente.
You cannot go flawed with both, though San Clemente positively has way more of an area really feel as a surfer’s favourite hangout.
1) San Diego
My dwelling for 10 years and hopefully many extra, San Diego is with out query my favourite vacation spot in California.
Traveling is my old flame and certainly one of few passions in life, however irrespective of the place I am or how lengthy I’ve been there, I all the time sit up for coming again dwelling to this stunning metropolis.
Often overshadowed by the gargantuan dimension of Los Angeles, San Diego continues to be a significant metropolis with lots to do past planning seashore days from Coronado to Oceanside.
With historic districts equivalent to Old Town often called the “birthplace of California” to cultural neighborhoods like City Heights the place greater than 80 dialects of languages are spoken, San Diego is not only a “beach town” per se.
While it is positively no digital nomad haven with a excessive price of residing, my favourite half about San Diego apart from Mexican Food, in fact, is you possibly can go mountain climbing within the mountains, hit up the seashore and see the snow all in the identical day.
There is all the time one thing to do exterior within the metropolis, however the pleasant small cities like Julian being in shut attain make for a simple escape for a change of tempo when wanted.
And after an evening within the wild Gaslamp District downtown, you’ll positively want a change of tempo.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
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