A beginner’s travel guide to California

California, also known as the Golden State, is a place many people dream of visiting at least once in their lifetime. Famous for Hollywood, the state has a lot more to offer than many people realize. It is home to some of the most amazing landscapes, thanks to the national parks and the mountain ranges that it hosts. The state is also home to some historic sites and museums that are perfect for people who love history. 

Being one of the most famous tourist spots in the whole world, it is not easy to book a flight to California on your desired dates, which is why it is advised to use a service like Cathay Pacific, which offers unmatched convenience when it comes to getting your tickets booked for the best prices. If you find yourself in Cali during your trip, there are a number of places that you must not miss. Starting from Hollywood Boulevard to The Getty Center to Alcatraz Island and Yosemite National Park, the diversity of options you get in the Golden State is unlike any other place in the whole world. 

Below, we have provided a comprehensive travel guide that covers all the essential places you must check out on your trip to California. 

1. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a place that everyone has heard of; from movies to books, its references are present everywhere in pop culture. Located a ferry ride off the coast of San Francisco, it was used to house some of the most notorious criminals. The prison has a rich history attached to it and is a place you must not miss when visiting San Francisco. Inside the prison, you get audio tours that explain everything from its history to the interesting facts related to it. You can also climb the old lighthouse to catch a view of the Pacific Ocean or visit the military forts that were used to house the ammunition and guards on the island. 

2. The Getty Center

Termed as heaven for art lovers, The Getty Center is a modern marvel from the inside out. The building features unique architecture surrounded by lush green gardens that allow for an escape from the busy life of Hollywood. The center features thousands of unique artworks from centuries ago that have been put on display to promote art and support several causes. Along with paintings dating as far back as the Renaissance era, the center also hosts modern works of art. You can also get guided tours inside the center and learn more about the history of the place. 

3. Hollywood Boulevard

One of the most famous sites in Los Angeles and the whole of California, Hollywood Boulevard is full of unique attractions you must not miss. Beginning at Sunset Boulevard and going all the way to West Hollywood, Hollywood Boulevard is home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theater, among several other attractions. Known formerly as the Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the TCL Chinese Theater is a one-of-a-kind representation of the history of Hollywood’s Golden Age. You can get a tour of the theater or watch a show there if you book your tickets in advance. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a place that needs no introduction; with almost 2,700 brass stars dedicated to famous personalities from all eras, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is among the most visited places in LA. 

4. Santa Monica Pier and Beach

A great place to enjoy a sunset, the Santa Monica beach covers hundreds of acres of sandy land; it offers a number of fun activities that tourists can undertake to have a great time. You can cycle along the coast and enjoy the ocean breeze hitting your face while watching the set over the Pacific Ocean. On top of this, Santa Monica also has a raging nightlife, and you can party all night if you want to. With several different restaurants, you can also enjoy a great dinner and spend some quality time here. 

5. Yosemite National Park

Covering the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Yosemite National Park is a wonder of nature that everyone must visit once in their lifetime. It covers nearly 1,200 square miles of land and requires a lot of time to be fully explored. However, if you find yourself short on time, you must at least visit some of the more famous spots located within the national park. These spots include the Yosemite Valley, Tioga Pass, and Glacier Point. 

6. Golden State Bridge

Located in San Francisco, the Golden State Bridge is another famous spot that many people are familiar with. There is a whole recreational area dedicated to the Golden State Bridge where you can undertake all types of fun activities while capturing photos of this architectural wonder. If you want, you can also bike across the bridge and enjoy a guided audio tour that provides insights into its construction and other unique aspects. 

7. Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House is a place many people think is haunted due to a variety of reasons. This unfinished house covers a large amount of area and was under construction for almost three decades. Today, it is a popular tourist site that many people visit each year to see and explore. The Victorian-style mansion does not follow any particular design and is full of labyrinths; there are doors that do not open anywhere, among several other weird things that you can only experience when you visit. Many people believe the widow who created it, Sarah Winchester, did it to confuse the ghosts that were haunting her. You can get a guided tour of the mansion to learn more about the place. 

8. San Diego Zoo

Housing hundreds of different species of animals, the San Diego Zoo is the biggest zoo in California. Many of the creatures that you see at the San Diego Zoo are only on display here and cannot be found anywhere else, which makes it an even more attractive place for people who love seeing exotic animals. Exclusive events for families and couples are also organized every weekend. 

9. Death Valley National Park

The lowest point on the American Continent, the Death Valley National Park, is located more than 200 feet below sea level. Because of its depth, it has super high temperatures and is one of the hottest places in the whole of the United States. Furnace Creek, located within the national park, is a place where the hottest air temperatures on the whole planet were recorded. There are a number of activities you can perform here, including hiking, camping, and biking.