Lake Tahoe
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This freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is one of the largest alpine lakes in the United States and one of the clearest in the world. For the best views, hike the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, where natural beauty abounds everywhere you look.
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Painted Ladies
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This San Francisco landmark seen on Full House needs to be seen in person. Located on the aptly named “Postcard Row,” Painted Ladies is a neighborhood of pastel-colored Victorian homes built in the late 1800s. Walk up a broad hill and enjoy picturesque views of the city skyline.
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Mossbrae Falls
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This dreamy spring-fed waterfall near Dunsmuir in Northern California tumbles into the Sacramento River, and it’s the moss-covered canyon walls that make this stunning sight so memorable.
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Venice Canal Walkway
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If you want to travel to Italy without leaving the United States, put Venice on your bucket list. Walk along the canals of Venice or bring your own boat for an unforgettable adventure. Surrounded by beautiful waterways and bridges, you’ll never get bored exploring this amazing area.
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Emerald Bay
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Also near Lake Tahoe is Emerald Bay, a National Natural Landmark, where bright green trees surround a tranquil island that gives new meaning to the great outdoors.
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Joshua Tree National Park
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This rugged California park is best known for its Joshua Trees, and rock climbers come from all over the world to tackle the terrain, but the panoramas from Keys View, one of the most accessible viewpoints, are just as impressive.
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Newport Beach
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This bright and cheerful city is the perfect place for boaters, with eight islands separated by canals, and waterways often replacing standard roads.
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Big Sur
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The Pacific Coast Highway offers some of the most beautiful views of the region’s rugged cliffs and stunning ocean, and many people take the road trip to see them (be sure to cross the famous Bixby Bridge, recently featured in Big Little Lies), staying in yurts along the way.
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Lava Beds National Monument
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If you’re up for an underground adventure, visit this treasure in Tule Lake, California. You can walk through caves created by the historic eruptions of Medicine Lake Volcano. Some of the underground structures even have tubes made entirely of lava.
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Two Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau
This Beverly Hills mall is more than your average shopping mall. This luxury shopping destination was designed to resemble Paris’ Marais district, with cobblestone streets similar to the Rue des Rogiers. Arches, fountains and lush vegetation add to the sophisticated European atmosphere.
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June Lake
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Known for its sparkling waters and snow-capped mountains, the region is often referred to as the “Switzerland of California.” Wildflowers bloom in the spring. Hiking is available in the area, but there’s also a scenic drive called the June Lake Loop, which you can experience all from the comfort of your vehicle.
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Rainbow Falls
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It’s clear where this beautiful view got its name: Rainbow Falls is located in Mammoth Lakes and is a whopping 101 feet tall. To increase your chances of catching some beautiful rays of light, make sure to go at midday when the sun is at its highest. Note: It requires a hike to access (about 2.5 miles one way), but it’s worth it.
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Ferndale
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Walk the streets of Ferndale and you’ll see why it’s called a “Victorian Village.” Gorgeous architecture can be found throughout, including its famous Main Street. Largely untouched since the town’s founding in 1852, it still contains classic shops, such as the butcher shop and Ferndale Repertory Theatre.
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Fern Canyon
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The towering green walls will transport you back in time. Located in the heart of Redwood National and State Parks, this stunning 50-foot canyon is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. It’s no wonder Jurassic Park was filmed here.
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Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
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The hills of the Mojave Desert are bursting with life, and that’s where you’ll find this magical place. Walking among the rows of vibrant orange flowers (which bloom from mid-February to May) will make any vacation that much more special. After all, the poppy is the official flower of California.
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Napa Valley
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California’s wine region is home to more than 400 wineries and its rolling hills are best viewed from a hot air balloon, followed by a stroll through downtown Napa, filled with acclaimed restaurants and architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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Griffith Park
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Griffith Observatory has an incredible planetarium inside, but what’s truly breathtaking is the outdoor park, which spans over 4,000 acres and offers incredible views of the Hollywood sign and downtown Los Angeles. It’s no wonder this location played a starring role in La La Land.
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Cypress Tunnel
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Between the Pacific Ocean and Tomales Bay there’s a beautiful path nicknamed the Tree Tunnel because the branches intertwine at the top. This spot is popular with locals because of its secluded location (and great for photo ops).
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Glass Beach
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Instead of white sand, this beach is covered in round shards of glass, the result of years of waves washing up against the former rubbish cliffs at its northernmost point – truly turning trash into treasure!
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Santa Catalina Island
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If you’re looking for a taste of Greece in sunny California, this island off the coast of Los Angeles is the place to be. Cliffside homes have a resort feel, and mountain hiking trails will take you to new heights.
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