Great trips to Golden Circle start here.

When it comes to exceptional landscapes and breathtaking sights, the Golden Circle in California has it all. From the awe-inspiring coastlines to towering redwoods, this region offers an abundance of natural beauty that will leave travelers amazed. Here are the top areas to explore in the Golden Circle:

The North Coast is home to the magnificent Redwood National & State Parks, where camping beneath the world's tallest trees is a true highlight. The vast groves found throughout the parks provide an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors and nature enthusiasts alike. As you travel further south from Eureka to Mendocino and San Francisco, you'll encounter a series of private and state park campgrounds nestled along rugged coastlines. These areas are adorned with dramatic cliffs, picturesque coves, sandy dunes, and fascinating tidepools, creating a truly scenic experience unmatched by any other.

Stretching from Monterey to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast offers a great escape from the bustling cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. As you traverse along Highway 1 in Big Sur, you'll witness stunning vistas of redwoods, cascading waterfalls, and windswept bluffs. The coastline north of Santa Barbara is adorned with state parks that provide an opportunity to camp while being mesmerized by crashing waves. For those seeking a more remote camping experience, Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara offers campsites that will satisfy your desire for solitude and natural beauty.

Southern California's golden beaches are legendary, attracting visitors with their laid-back atmosphere and iconic charm. In addition to lazy days and pop songs, these beaches also offer fantastic camping opportunities. The prime coastal campsites can be found between Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County, with a few more perched on the coastal bluffs north of San Diego. Given their popularity, it is advisable to book these oceanfront sites well in advance.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are home to some of the most picturesque campgrounds in California. Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite domes and lush alpine meadows, providing an enchanting backdrop for camping enthusiasts. Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks boast towering sequoia trees and campgrounds that offer a unique glimpse into the ancient beauty of these natural wonders. Additionally, camping beside alpine lakes and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe provides a postcard-perfect setting that will take your breath away.

For a taste of surreal sunsets and unique desert landscapes, venture east to the Southern Deserts. Death Valley National Park, with its striking rock formations, majestic sand dunes, and vibrant wildflower displays, provides a captivating experience. Joshua Tree National Park is another gem in this region, where the distinctive Joshua trees and picturesque boulders create a mesmerizing environment. Just outside San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers fantastic desert hiking opportunities. Late fall through spring is the high season to explore these areas, as temperatures are more pleasant during this time.

In conclusion, the Golden Circle in California is a treasure trove of natural wonders. With its North Coast redwoods, Central Coast landscapes, scenic Southern California beaches, majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, and captivating Southern Deserts, this region offers a diverse array of travel destinations that will captivate and inspire every adventurer.