California - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

California hugs the western coast of the US, home of vibrant cities, awe-inspiring nature and over 800 miles of glorious Pacific coastline waiting to be explored. You’ll find more national parks in California than any other state, each offering awe-inspiring nature on a grand scale – choose from the desert landscapes found along the Mexican border, the rugged mountain ranges of central California, up to the evergreen forests in the far north of the state.

California’s famous coastal cities offer a variety of flavor. Head to liberal San Francisco, glamorous Beverly Hills or chilled San Diego, home of the SoCal spirit. With golden sunsets, endless beaches, and easygoing people, it’s easy to fall in love with Cali.

Top destinations in California

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Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking neighborhoods of natural beauty in the world. There are many vistas to enjoy, but if you head up to Tunnel View you can enjoy the park’s most iconic panorama, featuring the...
Catalina Island
Catalina Island, a small yet thrilling island off the coast of California near Los Angeles, is known as a hidden paradise that offers a wealth of both relaxation and adventure. The island, which had previously been inhabited by several different...
San Jose
San Jose lies at the southern end of San Francisco Bay and bridges the Coyote and Guadalupe Rivers. Technology is...
Anaheim
Anaheim is known around the world as the home of the Disneyland® Resort. This vast complex encompasses theme parks, hotels,...
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is a city on the southwestern edge of Lake Tahoe, a huge freshwater lake that sprawls across...
Napa
Napa lies in the north of California and is the epicenter of wine production in Napa County. There are literally...
San Diego
Visitors to San Diego can explore popular destinations like the hip Gaslamp Quarter. Kids can let off steam at the...
Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a coastal Californian town on the Pacific coast between Los Angeles and San Diego. The coastline benefits from...
San Francisco
San Francisco is a vibrant cultural city with plenty of excellent things to do. Whether it’s hitting a club in...
Long Beach
Long Beach, once a rough-and-tumble Los Angeles naval and mercantile sailor’s area, is now a premier destination for vacationers. The...
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz sits on the northern edge of glittering Monterey Bay, a sunny area that's known for its golden sandy...

What to see & do in California

Featured stories & fun stuff

11 Best Viewpoints in Los Angeles
The best viewpoints in Los Angeles are varied spots from where you can take in a distinct perspective of the skyscraper city. For a metropolis, Los Angeles has a diverse terrain, with the downtown area mostly flat while the surrounding...
10 Best Things to Do in Monterey
There are plenty of things to do in Monterey, a quintessential north Californian ocean town in the USA. Facing wide...
10 Best Views and Viewpoints of San Francisco
There are countless viewpoints in San Francisco, but these are the best, in our humble opinion. San Francisco combines the vibrancy...
10 Must-Visit Small Towns Near Yosemite National Park
There are plenty of small towns near Yosemite National Park, which means you won’t be limited to tent or RV...
10 Most Popular Streets in San Francisco
Visiting the most popular streets in San Francisco will not disappoint travelers looking for an authentic Californian experience. As a...
12 Best Beaches in San Francisco
The best beaches in San Francisco are some of the city's most popular attractions. It’s home to numerous coves that...
10 Best Things to Do in San Jose
There are so many things to do in San Jose to appeal to the tech-minded culture that has developed in...
11 Best Things to Do for Couples in Los Angeles
As a city surrounded by miles of coastline and lush parks, it’s not hard to find the best things to...
5 Most Popular Streets in Los Angeles
Some of the most popular streets in Los Angeles are also among the city's icons, such as Hollywood Boulevard and...

Where & what to eat in California

10 Best Local Food from Los Angeles
Local dishes in Los Angeles range from unique Californian classics to universally beloved Tex-Mex, western, and domestic fare from all over the country. If there's one thing Angelinos love to do, it's eat, and this is a foodie destination with...
10 Best Local Dishes from San Diego
This guide details the best San Diego foods everyone should try. The city's stunning seaside and surrounding farmland makes it...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Santa Cruz
One of the best aspects of Santa Cruz is the local cuisine, along with its stunning coast and bustling cultural...

Where to shop & what to buy in California

10 Best Shopping Malls in Los Angeles
The best shopping malls in LA are places you can head to in case you get dazed and confused with the virtually endless supply of shops in this sprawling city. Shopping malls are popular in the City of Angels thanks...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Los Angeles
The best places to go shopping in Los Angeles attract those who take their retail therapy seriously. This Californian metropolis...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a Californian desert city with a vibrant shopping scene and a range of retail choices from bargain...

Where to go & what to do at night in California

10 Best Nightclubs in Los Angeles
The best nightclubs in Los Angeles are great destinations where you can spend a fun evening out with beverages, dance, and music. This guide presents some of the coolest places to party at night in the metropolis. From booming techno-fuelled...
10 Best Nightlife Experiences in Monterey
Monterey is a wave-washed ocean town with a darn buzzing nightlife scene. It's famed around the globe as the setting...
10 Best Theaters in Los Angeles
The best theaters in Los Angeles are also among the city’s most notable landmarks. The California city is widely known...

Useful information

10 Clichés About California That Are Actually True
When you think of California, what usually springs to mind? Perhaps more than other parts of America, the Golden State attracts a good few stereotypes – some fair, others less so, but plenty with a healthy dose of truth. Thanks...
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Los Angeles
The best neighbourhoods in Los Angeles range from entertainment capitals to humble suburbs. Some neighborhoods are for those who appreciate...
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting San Diego
This guide to mistakes people make when visiting San Diego helps you plan a hassle-free and enjoyable vacation in the...

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Where to stay in California

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