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Reasons to visit
California
Best Places to Travel in California
North Coast
Camping beneath the tallest trees in the world, the redwoods, is an unparalleled experience on California's north coast. The Redwood National & State Parks boast majestic groves perfect for first-time visitors. Moving south from Eureka to Mendocino and San Francisco, discover a range of private and state park campgrounds nestled along rugged coastlines featuring bluffs, coves, dunes, and tidepools.
Central Coast
Exploring California's Central Coast from Monterey to Santa Barbara offers a scenic and diverse experience, offering a getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Along Highway 1 in Big Sur, encounter redwoods, waterfalls, and windswept bluffs, while state parks north of Santa Barbara showcase crashing waves. For a remote camping adventure, consider campsites at Channel Islands National Park off the Santa Barbara coast.
SoCal Beaches: Los Angeles to San Diego
Southern California's golden beaches are iconic, making them ideal for leisurely days and scenic camping. The best camping spots can be found between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with additional sites perched on coastal bluffs north of San Diego. Due to their popularity, oceanfront campsites fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
Sierra Nevada Mountains
Experience granite domes and lush alpine meadows at campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, alongside the impressive sequoias in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Campgrounds near alpine lakes and Lake Tahoe offer postcard-worthy views, surrounded by pristine natural beauty.
Southern Deserts
For surreal sunsets, unique rock formations, expansive sand dunes, and vibrant wildflowers, head to the eastern deserts of California. Explore the nine campgrounds within Death Valley National Park, hosting the lowest spot in the U.S. Joshua Tree National Park captivates with its iconic trees and picturesque boulders, while Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near San Diego offers outstanding desert hiking opportunities. Visit during the late fall to spring high season for pleasant temperatures and memorable experiences.
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Explore curated travel guides, itineraries and custom travel planning services for California. Whether you are spending 4 days in California or 2 weeks in California, Thatch guides and itineraries can help you make the most of your trip with curated California recommendations by locals and travel experts. Explore what to eat in California, the best things to do in California and the must sees in California. From a long weekend in California to a trip of a lifetime, let Thatch local experts help you plan the perfect vacation.
California
Majestic redwood forests, stunning coastline, and vibrant cities, ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
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