Top Things to do in California
Top 10 Scenic Walking Areas in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,300 reviews
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers. With manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, native flora and habitats, fern-covered canyons, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and conifers, heaths, heathers, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue ocean, the garden is a jewel on the Pacific Coast. Your visit is a show of support for our non-profit botanical garden and its mission!
Reviewed By Gardenxoe - Eureka, United States
We’ve never been disappointed by this garden. This time the rhododendrons were in full bloom and it was also a great time to see native wildflowers. We love the transition from beautiful display gardens to native plants (as you head to dramatic ocean overlook). Another good time to visit garden is in July/August, when the dahlias & heathers are blooming.
2. Ibex Dunes
3. Truckee River Legacy Trail
4. 26-Mile Bike Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,463 reviews
Starting at the Santa Monica pier, this is a popular path for biking, jogging and in-line skating along the Pacific Ocean.
Reviewed By eddiepix - Beaverton, United States
My girlfriend and I have ridden this path from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach many times...it's beautiful and exciting and along with the great proximity to the ocean, you will see some of the world's most interesting people along the way.
5. Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower
6. Ocean Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By mnmcsls - Sydney, Australia
My wife and I are the big fans of succulent plant, and we found Carmel-by-the-sea has one of the most beautiful displays of succulent plant in the US (probably the world?). We have travelled the world and to our surprise this little town is probably one of the most charming we have visited. The charming area stretches from 5th Ave to 7th Ave from north to south, and Monte Verde St to Junipero St from west to east. If you happen to have limited time and have to choose between Carmel, Monterey or Santa Cruz, I reckon Carmel is your best choice (definitely lose Santa Cruz due to lack of character in comparison). We glad we have made the right choice!
7. West Cliff Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,319 reviews
Reviewed By CaliforniaBrad - San Jose, United States
The views and stops along West Cliff are amazing. It is a great walk, bike ride or drive from the Boardwalk to Natural Bridges park with stops to enjoy the views, watch surfers at Cowell's or the legendary Steamers Lane and Lighthouse that is home to the surfing museum. Truly one of Santa Cruz's best stretches of coastline
8. Cap Rock Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
This is the Cap Rock Nature Loop. It is only 3 miles to enjoy the cacti and the rocks. While we walk we learn about flowers, rocks and way more At one time we had to enter through a small rock. That was fun! How does anything survive? Do the unique adaptations of many plants. and animals. There were a lot of boulders. We passed through the rocks. Wow! A must see! Getting to know the Joshua tree
9. Santa Barbara Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 771 reviews
The Santa Barbara Waterfront is a gem within the City of Santa Barbara. Visitors can stroll from beach to beach by foot or bike, park in convenient waterfront parking lots, and experience Santa Barbara Harbor & Stearns Wharf. From boating excursions to standup paddle boarding, day fishing to excellent museums, fabulous restaurants to sweets, you can find everything you need to spend the day at the our waterfront. Managed by the City's Waterfront Department, our mission is to provide the community with a quality Waterfront for recreation and commercial use, along with mooring and landside services for boating. Approximately 252 acres of tidelands and submerged lands is managed by the Department. The area encompasses the Harbor and Stearns Wharf and the beaches within the city limits. These lands belong to the State and are held in trust by the City in order to provide preventative maintenance, capital improvements, parking services, staffing, public safety, slip and visitor boat services, special events, public education and more. For those visiting by cruise ship, Santa Barbara is a wonderful day trip destination. Cruise Ship Ambassadors welcome passengers and provide a wide variety of free information on all there is to do and see during your visit. There is also public transportation via MTD Downtown and Waterfront Shuttles along with access to taxis. Check out Visit Santa Barbara or Downtown Santa Barbara's websites for information to help you plan the best experience while visiting Santa Barbara.
Reviewed By 385eileenz - Los Angeles, United States
Took a wonderful 90 minute cruise around the Santa Barbara Harbor with Celebration Cruises. Beautiful area, many boats, kite surfers and everyone friendly when passing people. Ask for Captain Fred who makes it personable, and personal. Get the news on which boats are for sale and what well known people dock here. Also an interesting look at a Kelp cutter and fishing boats.
10. Historic Saratoga Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to Bella Saratoga, a very good Italian restaurant, in the historic Saratoga Village area. This is a wonderful place to then take a walk after dinner. There are various stores, cafes coffee and tea shops, markets, art galleries and more. There are historic signs to read about the history of Saratoga as one walks through town. There is also a very nice World War I memorial to see.
