California is home to some of the most gorgeous places in the world, all of which need to be experienced in order to be truly appreciated. From dense, redwood forests to secluded stretches of sandy paradise, these are, without a doubt, some of the most beautiful destinations to be found in the Golden State.

Yosemite National Park
Many would consider the Yosemite National Park to be the number one most beautiful place in California, and it would be hard to disagree with this. The park first opened in 1890, and features over 1300 kilometers of hiking and biking trails. Attracting over 40 million visitors a year, this is a part of the Golden State that is most definitely worth exploring.

Redwood National Park
Rather than visiting just one redwood forest, head to the Redwood National Park, which actually comprises of a number of state parks in its 133,000 acre grounds. Preservation of coastal redwood trees is the main focus here, and these trees are definitely impressive to view, being amongst some of the largest and tallest trees in the world. The best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park is by choosing from one of its many hiking trails, with the most popular being the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail, as well as the five mile long Boy Scout Tree Trail, which passes by some of the largest redwoods in the park.

Lake Tahoe
The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe was formed over two million years ago. This is a truly stunning part of California, and has become a haven for outdoor recreational activities. From skiing and hiking to fishing and golfing, it is no surprise that Lake Tahoe is known for being quite the outdoor playground.

Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most iconic parts of the city of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is not only the most unique bridge in the world, but also the most photographed. The bridge is a vibrant vermilion color, which not only increases its visibility in thick fog, but also perfectly complements its natural surroundings.

Cayucos State Beach
With over 800 miles of coastline, California is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, and the Cayucos State Beach is one of the most scenic of them all. This part of the Golden State is often referred to as one of California’s last remaining authentic beach towns, as its laid-back vibe and spotless stretches of sand are hard to find anywhere else.

Death Valley
The hottest and driest place in North America, a visit to Death Valley may be slightly grueling, but these barren open lands are a sight that needs to be seen. One of the highlights here is the “Racetrack Playa”, a natural wonder that makes it seem as though stones are moving across the desert floor all on their own.

California is home to such a diverse array of beautiful destinations, giving you plenty to choose from when visiting the Golden State. From world-class architecture to ancient forests, each of these Californian destinations is guaranteed to impress and inspire.