The best places to visit in California, with practical advice on which destinations fit different trips.
Plan a meaningful visit to Manzanar National Historic Site with realistic timing, the 3.2-mile auto tour, Block 14, cemetery monument, accessibility and Eastern Sierra combinations.
Plan a relaxed Coronado visit with ferry vs driving advice, Coronado Beach, Orange Avenue, Hotel del Coronado area, family tips, accessibility and a 1- or 2-day plan.
Plan two days in La Jolla with the Cove, wildlife viewing, La Jolla Shores, coastal walks, parking strategy, family advice, accessibility and nearby San Diego stops.
Plan a San Juan Capistrano day trip with Mission San Juan Capistrano, Los Rios Historic District, train access, parking, family and accessibility advice, and Orange County combinations.
Plan a Bodie State Historic Park day trip with road conditions, seasonal hours, realistic drive times, photography strategy, family and accessibility advice, and Eastern Sierra combinations.
Plan a first visit to Sausalito with ferry strategy, waterfront walks, parking, viewpoints, family and accessibility advice, plus realistic ways to combine it with San Francisco and Marin.
Plan a first visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium with advance tickets, realistic visit time, parking, free summer trolley, accessibility, families and a Cannery Row day plan.
Plan a San Diego Zoo Safari Park day with drive times, Africa Tram strategy, hills, heat, parking, accessibility, optional safaris and family pacing.
Plan a first visit to the San Diego Zoo with a realistic full-day route, hills, paid parking, bus tour strategy, accessibility, families and Balboa Park combinations.
Plan one day in Golden Gate Park with realistic museum choices, gardens, car-free routes, parking, family pacing, accessibility and San Francisco logistics.