Repeat destination? 🏝️ Traveling for merch? Lost, damaged? Tell us What you're owed ✈️
DESTINATIONS

Photo tour: Beautiful California

USA TODAY
One out of every eight people in the U.S. live in California, the 31st state to join the Union. That's just the start of the superlatives. It's the most populous, the third largest by size, has the most national parks, the lowest point in North America and the highest peak in the lower 48.
One out of every eight people in the U.S. live in California, the 31st state to join the Union. That's just the start of the superlatives. It's the most populous, the third largest by size, has the most national parks, the lowest point in North America and the highest peak in the lower 48.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
The oldest and largest trees in the world can be found within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, both located side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada range.
The oldest and largest trees in the world can be found within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, both located side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada range.
Getty Images/Ingram Publishing
Located between Truckee and Tahoe City on the shores of magnificent Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows has more than 100 trails winding across 2,400 acres of skiable terrain.
Located between Truckee and Tahoe City on the shores of magnificent Lake Tahoe, Alpine Meadows has more than 100 trails winding across 2,400 acres of skiable terrain.
Tom Zikas, Alpine Meadows
Lover's Point Park in Pacific Grove is one of the region's most popular spots for picnicking, and it's also one of the few spots in the state where you can watch the sun rise over the water.
Lover's Point Park in Pacific Grove is one of the region's most popular spots for picnicking, and it's also one of the few spots in the state where you can watch the sun rise over the water.
Chris Leschinsky, Visit California
Think California glamour, and more often than not, Beverly Hills comes to mind. The iconic Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard embodies timeless Hollywood glamour. Since it opened in 1912, the hotel has hosted scores of celebrity clientele.
Think California glamour, and more often than not, Beverly Hills comes to mind. The iconic Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard embodies timeless Hollywood glamour. Since it opened in 1912, the hotel has hosted scores of celebrity clientele.
Dorchester Collection
One of the largest ski areas in the United States, Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and spreads across six peaks with over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain.
One of the largest ski areas in the United States, Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and spreads across six peaks with over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Tor Johnson, Squaw Valley
Crossing the Sacramento River in the middle of Redding, the Sundial Bridge was designed by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
Crossing the Sacramento River in the middle of Redding, the Sundial Bridge was designed by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
Andreas Hub, California Travel And Tourism Commission
Pleasant year round temperatures make California a golfer's paradise, and while public courses can be found throughout the state, Palm Springs (pictured) has garnered a reputation as one of California's best golf destinations.
Pleasant year round temperatures make California a golfer's paradise, and while public courses can be found throughout the state, Palm Springs (pictured) has garnered a reputation as one of California's best golf destinations.
Greater Palm Springs CVB
San Francisco often ranks among the world's greatest cities, and for good reason. The 50-square-mile city is packed with world class dining, a top-notch theater and art scene, plenty of iconic architecture and a hip vibe.
San Francisco often ranks among the world's greatest cities, and for good reason. The 50-square-mile city is packed with world class dining, a top-notch theater and art scene, plenty of iconic architecture and a hip vibe.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
From the Cinder Cone trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park, hikers have excellent views over the strange and beautiful Painted Dunes.
From the Cinder Cone trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park, hikers have excellent views over the strange and beautiful Painted Dunes.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
California is the nation's biggest wine-producing state, and while it boasts a number of wine regions, none match the prestige of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Pictured here is the Carneros Inn in Sonoma, one of the region's most highly rated hotels.
California is the nation's biggest wine-producing state, and while it boasts a number of wine regions, none match the prestige of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Pictured here is the Carneros Inn in Sonoma, one of the region's most highly rated hotels.
Carneros Inn
Fifty feet tall and 150 feet wide, Mossbrae Falls flow down a canyon wall into the Upper Sacramento River
Fifty feet tall and 150 feet wide, Mossbrae Falls flow down a canyon wall into the Upper Sacramento River
Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Monterey Bay Aquarium draws in nearly two million visitors per year with its collection of interactive exhibits on aquatic life.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium draws in nearly two million visitors per year with its collection of interactive exhibits on aquatic life.
Tyson V. Rininger, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Mono Lake, the second oldest lake in North America, is instantly recognizable by the unusual rock pillars, called tufa, jutting from its glassy surface.
Mono Lake, the second oldest lake in North America, is instantly recognizable by the unusual rock pillars, called tufa, jutting from its glassy surface.
Ryan Killackey, Visit California
The quirky stretch of shore known as Venice Beach in Los Angeles has long attracted surfers, street performers and basketball players - it's quite possibly one of the best people watching spots in the entire nation.
The quirky stretch of shore known as Venice Beach in Los Angeles has long attracted surfers, street performers and basketball players - it's quite possibly one of the best people watching spots in the entire nation.
Andreas Hub, California Travel And Tourism Commission
Nowhere is California's multicultural heritage more evident than at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Built with Spanish colonial flair, the mission started as a self-sufficient community of Spanish padres and American Indians; today it's a historic landmark and museum.
Nowhere is California's multicultural heritage more evident than at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Built with Spanish colonial flair, the mission started as a self-sufficient community of Spanish padres and American Indians; today it's a historic landmark and museum.
Courtesy Of AOCVCB
Los Angeles defies definition as a travel destination. It ' s got it all: shopping, world-class museums, beaches, hiking, award-winning restaurants and architectural landmarks.
Los Angeles defies definition as a travel destination. It's got it all: shopping, world-class museums, beaches, hiking, award-winning restaurants and architectural landmarks.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Named for the Dr. Seuss-like yuccas that grow throughout, Joshua Tree National Park can be visited on a day trip from Palm Springs, though it's worth staying the night to see the sunset and array of stars in the desert sky.
Named for the Dr. Seuss-like yuccas that grow throughout, Joshua Tree National Park can be visited on a day trip from Palm Springs, though it's worth staying the night to see the sunset and array of stars in the desert sky.
Brad Sutton, NPS
Huntington Beach, a.k.a. Surf City USA, is one of SoCal's most iconic stretches of sand. It's also home of the International Surfing Museum and Hall of Fame.
Huntington Beach, a.k.a. Surf City USA, is one of SoCal's most iconic stretches of sand. It's also home of the International Surfing Museum and Hall of Fame.
Courtesy Of AOCVCB
Huntington Beach may be most famous for its surfing, but if you're a local, you'll know it as the nation's beach bonfire capital with 600 fire rings available on any given night.
Huntington Beach may be most famous for its surfing, but if you're a local, you'll know it as the nation's beach bonfire capital with 600 fire rings available on any given night.
Andreas Hub, California Travel And Tourism Commission
Yosemite
Yosemite
DNC Parks & Resorts At Yosemite, Inc.
California houses more national parks than any other state (nine in total), including the iconic Yosemite, a 1,200 square mile park famous for its plummeting waterfalls and towering peaks (Half Dome pictured here).
California houses more national parks than any other state (nine in total), including the iconic Yosemite, a 1,200 square mile park famous for its plummeting waterfalls and towering peaks (Half Dome pictured here).
Kenny Karst, DNC Parks & Resorts At Yosemite, Inc.
Perhaps the most recognizable (and beautiful) bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge stretches 1.7 miles from San Francisco to Marin County.
Perhaps the most recognizable (and beautiful) bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge stretches 1.7 miles from San Francisco to Marin County.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Another recognizable San Francisco site is Lombard Street. It's known for its steep hills and twisty turns.
Another recognizable San Francisco site is Lombard Street. It's known for its steep hills and twisty turns.
Eric Risberg, AP
Set in a basin below sea level, Death Valley National Park is the largest national park outside Alaska and home to the lowest point in the United States. Pictured here are the Mesquite Flat Dunes.
Set in a basin below sea level, Death Valley National Park is the largest national park outside Alaska and home to the lowest point in the United States. Pictured here are the Mesquite Flat Dunes.
California Travel And Tourism Commission/Bongo
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, or Coachella for short, began in 1999 and has become of the nation's largest music festivals with an attendance of over half a million people.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, or Coachella for short, began in 1999 and has become of the nation's largest music festivals with an attendance of over half a million people.
Greater Palm Springs CVB
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlesbad, Calif. feature 50 acres of brilliant color overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlesbad, Calif. feature 50 acres of brilliant color overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
In 1955, the first visitors entered the 'Happiest Place on Earth.' Today, Disneyland Resort has expanded to include a second much-loved theme park, California Adventure (pictured).
In 1955, the first visitors entered the 'Happiest Place on Earth.' Today, Disneyland Resort has expanded to include a second much-loved theme park, California Adventure (pictured).
Paul Hiffmeyer, Disneyland Resort
Some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet lies just off Highway 1 in Big Sur, just south of Carmel.
Some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet lies just off Highway 1 in Big Sur, just south of Carmel.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
One of the most scenic sights in beautiful Big Sur is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall flowering directly into the sea.
One of the most scenic sights in beautiful Big Sur is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall flowering directly into the sea.
Simon East, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Big Bear Lake, California's alpine playground, offers a lakeside getaway in the San Bernardino Mountains that feels worlds away from the typical beach scene of SoCal.
Big Bear Lake, California's alpine playground, offers a lakeside getaway in the San Bernardino Mountains that feels worlds away from the typical beach scene of SoCal.
California Travel & Tourism Commission/Bongo
A trip to Big Bear Lake isn't all about water sports either. The four-seasons resort area also offers mountain biking and hiking amid stunning alpine scenery.
A trip to Big Bear Lake isn't all about water sports either. The four-seasons resort area also offers mountain biking and hiking amid stunning alpine scenery.
Ryan Killackey, Visit California
The University of California, Berkeley is one of nine schools in the University of California system and is often considered one of the best and most prestigious public universities in the world.
The University of California, Berkeley is one of nine schools in the University of California system and is often considered one of the best and most prestigious public universities in the world.
California Travel And Tourism Commission/Bongo
Ranked as one of the world's best parks, Balboa Park in sunny San Diego comprises 1,200 acres of museums, galleries and other cultural attractions, earning it the nickname 'Smithsonian of the West.'
Ranked as one of the world's best parks, Balboa Park in sunny San Diego comprises 1,200 acres of museums, galleries and other cultural attractions, earning it the nickname 'Smithsonian of the West.'
Lowe Llaguno, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Stepping off the boat in Catalina Island, located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, feels like stepping into the Mediterranean.
Stepping off the boat in Catalina Island, located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, feels like stepping into the Mediterranean.
Catalina Island Chamber Of Commerce
Beginning in mid-February, the rolling hills of Antelope Valley get blanketed in orange California poppies and other wildflowers.
Beginning in mid-February, the rolling hills of Antelope Valley get blanketed in orange California poppies and other wildflowers.
Flickr/Ada Be
Alcatraz Island sits in San Francisco Bay, where each day thousands of visitors come to wander the cellblock that once held some of the nation's most notorious criminals.
Alcatraz Island sits in San Francisco Bay, where each day thousands of visitors come to wander the cellblock that once held some of the nation's most notorious criminals.
Red And White Fleet
SeaWorld San Diego, the oldest of the SeaWolrd parks, has seen 155 million visitors pass through its gates since it opened in 1964.
SeaWorld San Diego, the oldest of the SeaWolrd parks, has seen 155 million visitors pass through its gates since it opened in 1964.
Mike Aguilera, SeaWorld San Diego
The iconic Hollywood Sign sits on Mount Lee and overlooks the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles.
The iconic Hollywood Sign sits on Mount Lee and overlooks the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles.
Robert Hanashiro, USAT
Sitting under The Hollywood Sign is the Griffith Observatory, where tourists can catch striking views of Los Angeles.
Sitting under The Hollywood Sign is the Griffith Observatory, where tourists can catch striking views of Los Angeles.
Anthony Cook, Griffith Observatory
The Hollywood Walk of Fame gives visitors the chance to see the names of celebrities from today and back in the day.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame gives visitors the chance to see the names of celebrities from today and back in the day.
Robert Hanashiro, USAT
Universal Studios is another Hollywood attraction. Experience the cinema theme park's rides, restaurants and shops based on popular Universal shows and movies.
Universal Studios is another Hollywood attraction. Experience the cinema theme park's rides, restaurants and shops based on popular Universal shows and movies.
Patrick T. Fallon, Bloomberg
Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco features sea lions, restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco features sea lions, restaurants, shops and entertainment.
DANIEL SLIM, AFP/Getty Images
The legendary Hearst Castle was built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst in San Simeon, Calif. The mansion is now a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark.
The legendary Hearst Castle was built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst in San Simeon, Calif. The mansion is now a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark.
Joe Johnston, AP
The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals. It also offers a Safari Park where guests can see wildlife up close.
The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals. It also offers a Safari Park where guests can see wildlife up close.
Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Park
Chinatown in San Francisco is blocks of restaurants, bakeries, shops, cocktail lounges and karaoke bars.
Chinatown in San Francisco is blocks of restaurants, bakeries, shops, cocktail lounges and karaoke bars.
Jeff Chiu, AP
Featured Weekly Ad