California - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

California hugs the western coast of the US, home of vibrant cities, awe-inspiring nature and over 800 miles of glorious Pacific coastline waiting to be explored. You’ll find more national parks in California than any other state, each offering awe-inspiring nature on a grand scale – choose from the desert landscapes found along the Mexican border, the rugged mountain ranges of central California, up to the evergreen forests in the far north of the state.

California’s famous coastal cities offer a variety of flavour. Head to liberal San Francisco, glamorous Beverly Hills or chilled San Diego, home of the SoCal spirit. With golden sunsets, endless beaches, and easygoing people, it’s easy to fall in love with Cali.

Top destinations in California

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Orange County
Orange County, CA, is a region famed for iconic and historic amusement parks, surf beaches, vibrant arts and cultural communities and state parks with plenty of hiking and adventure. Perhaps the most iconic spot in Orange County is Disneyland in...
Malibu
Malibu is a city just west of Los Angeles known for its upscale mansions, celebrity homes, wide sandy beaches, hiking and outdoor recreation, historic sites, shopping, dining and nightlife. Zuma Beach is among the more iconic beaches in the region...
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a California coastal city that is famed for its beaches, serene coves and vibrant arts and cultural...
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz sits on the northern edge of glittering Monterey Bay, a sunny area that's known for its golden sandy...
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a Spanish colonial-style town on California’s south-facing coastline. It’s sunny for most of the year, making it...
Anaheim
Anaheim is known around the world as the home of the Disneyland® Resort. This vast complex encompasses theme parks, hotels,...
San Jose
San Jose lies at the southern end of San Francisco Bay and bridges the Coyote and Guadalupe Rivers. Technology is...
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking areas of natural beauty in the world. There are many vistas...
Sacramento
Sacramento is nestled in the lush Central Valley and is known for great food and wine. With its high concentration...
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a Southern Californian city that’s best known for the eponymous Hollywood Sign. You may spot a celebrity...
Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers a desert paradise on the United States West Coast, with hot springs, upscale resorts, golf courses, and...

What to see & do in California

Featured stories & fun stuff

14 Best Family Things to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, with its beautiful parks, kids’ museums, and idyllic beaches, is arguably one of the best destinations in the USA to spend time with your little ones. Downtown LA is where you get to take your kids to Hollywood’s...
10 Most Popular Streets in San Francisco
Visiting the most popular streets in San Francisco will not disappoint travellers looking for an authentic Californian experience. As a...
12 Best Things to Do in San Francisco
This list of the best things to do in San Francisco is a cool mix of sightseeing, shopping and culinary...
11 Best Viewpoints in Los Angeles
The best viewpoints in Los Angeles are varied spots from where you can take in a distinct perspective of the...
5 Most Popular Streets in Los Angeles
Some of the most popular streets in Los Angeles are also among the city's icons, such as Hollywood Boulevard and...
12 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
Some of the best things to do in Los Angeles are often associated with the city's glamour, fame, and fortune....
10 Best Things to Do in Monterey
There are plenty of things to do in Monterey, a quintessential north Californian ocean town in the USA. Facing wide...
12 Best Beaches in San Francisco
The best beaches in San Francisco are some of the city's most popular attractions. San Francisco is home to numerous...
8 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a coastal city near San Diego, California that sports a year-round mild climate and a wide range of...

Where & what to eat in California

10 Best Local Food from Los Angeles
Local dishes in Los Angeles range from unique Californian classics to universally beloved Tex-Mex, western, and domestic fare from all over the country. If there's one thing Angelinos love to do, it's eat, and this is a foodie destination with...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in San Francisco
Our list of places where locals love to eat in San Francisco is quite varied, with Chinese food, Hawaiian food,...
10 Best Local Dishes from San Diego
This guide details the best San Diego foods everyone should try. The city's stunning seaside and surrounding farmland makes it...

Where to shop & what to buy in California

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a Californian desert city with a vibrant shopping scene and a range of retail choices from bargain outlet malls to boho vintage boutiques to upscale designer stores. Cruise along downtown’s Palm Canyon Drive for unique, locally made...
10 Best Shopping Malls in Los Angeles
The best shopping malls in LA are places you can head to in case you get dazed and confused with...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Los Angeles
The best places to go shopping in Los Angeles attract those who take their retail therapy seriously. This Californian metropolis...

Where to go & what to do at night in California

10 Best Nightclubs in Los Angeles
The best nightclubs in Los Angeles are great destinations where you can spend a fun evening out with drinks, dance, and music. This guide presents some of the coolest places to party at night in the metropolis. From booming techno-fuelled...
10 Things to Do After Dinner in Palm Springs
Nightlife in Palm Springs features swanky bars with large terraces, glitzy casinos, and romantic stargazing spots. This well-known desert oasis...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Santa Monica
There are plenty of things to do after dinner in the beachside city of Santa Monica. Its famous Santa Monica...

Useful information

10 Clichés About California That Are Actually True
When you think of California, what usually springs to mind? Perhaps more than other parts of America, the Golden State attracts a good few stereotypes – some fair, others less so, but plenty with a healthy dose of truth. Thanks...
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Los Angeles
The best neighbourhoods in Los Angeles range from entertainment capitals to humble suburbs. Some areas are for those who appreciate...
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting San Diego
This guide to mistakes people make when visiting San Diego helps you plan a hassle-free and enjoyable vacation in the...

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Where to stay in California

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