Tag Archives: California

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Top Five Outdoor Activities in Sacramento

Couple cycling in the outdoors

Sacramento enjoys gorgeous weather throughout the year, and there will always be days when it is just too beautiful to stay cooped up inside. From splashing away in the river to taking a bike ride, here are the top five outdoor activities that California’s capital has to offer.

Cycling The American River Trail
The American River Trail stretches for 32 miles, beginning at the heart of downtown Sacramento and ending up at Folsom. While it is just as enjoyable walking this trail, this does mean that you will not get to see all of it, which is why cycling is usually the preferred option, as there is so much scenery that you will not want to miss. If you do not want to cycle on your own, there are many different cycling events that you can sign up for, as well as races if you are feeling especially competitive.

The Sacramento River
There are so many outdoor activities to be found along the Sacramento River, making this a great spot for water-lovers to head to. In the summer months, the water levels are lower, but there are still plenty of stretches that are great for white water rafting, making this one of the most popular river sports. Alternatively, there are many outlets that rent kayaks for the day, or, if you would prefer something more relaxing, you could simply grab a tube and float your way down the river.

Amusement Parks
Sacramento is home to several different amusement parks, and these are always a fun way in which to spend a sunny day. Funderland is one of the most popular, and is designed for children between the ages of 2 to 12, as is Fairytale Town, which features characters and play sets from popular fairytales. If you are seeking out a larger, more thrill-focussed amusement park, you may have to head further afield to the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, which is about a two hour drive from the city center.

Man playing golf outdoors

A Round of Golf
Sacramento boasts several spectacular golf courses, making this a haven for those who enjoy the sport. Each course is quite unique in its own way, such as with Teal Bend, which features 250 acres of natural wetlands and the largest all-grass driving range in the entire city. Dark Horse is a course with quite an innovative layout, while the granite quarry turned lake at Turkey Creek is the focal point of the course. For those who are seeking out a private, rather than public, golf course, head to the Winchester Country Club, where you will be able to enjoy amazing views of Sacramento Valley as you play.

William Land Park
Although William Land Park may be located in the heart of the city, it is easy to forget that you are in Sacramento once you enter its green, expansive grounds. There are so many different outdoor activities that you can try your hand at here, from baseball to the zoo, and there are also several outdoor special events held here throughout the year.

For those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, you will definitely have fun in Sacramento. Whether you are into adrenaline-filled sports or simply want to lay back and soak up some sun, you will be spoilt for choice with all that the city has to offer.

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Night Life in California’s Capital

Night at Sacramento, USA

Toribio93 / Shutterstock.com

While Sacramento may already be buzzing during the day, the city comes to life in a whole new way once the sun goes down. From sleek cocktail bars to pulsating nightclubs, here are some of the night life spots in Sacramento that you will not want to miss out on.

Mix Downtown
Many would consider Mix to be the most sophisticated club in Sacramento, especially since they have 25 different wines available by the glass. This is a rooftop club that offers fantastic views of the city from its open patio, as well as fire pits and heated lamps for those chillier evenings. If you are looking for a bargain, try to plan your visit during happy hour, or on a Sunday when there are so many drink specials available.

Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co.
The Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co. pride themselves on showcasing some of Sacramento’s fresh produce, and use this to create one-of-a-kind concoctions. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a few cocktails, all of which feature such a unique mix of ingredients, resulting in flavors that you will have never tasted before.

DJ making the crowd upbeat at Vanguard

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Vanguard
While Vanguard may be one of the smallest nightclubs in the city, its intimacy and original décor helps it to stand out from its competition. The brick walls add a laid back feel to the venue, while the leather armchairs and books almost make it feel like a library. However, thanks to the resident DJ that spins a mix of hip hop and house, as well as handcrafted cocktails, this is a club that is always jumping.

The Park Ultra Lounge
For those seeking out a sophisticated nightclub at which you can really dance the night away, the Park Ultra Lounge is the place to go. While you may have to queue up for a while outside before entering, the wait is usually worth it thanks to the clubs expansive layout. In addition to its massive dance floor, the club also boasts several different bars and a fire pit, as well as plenty of table space, which is something that is lacking from many of the other nightclubs in the area.

Performance at Harlow's, Sacramento

Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com

Harlow’s
Harlow’s is known for its live music, and showcases renowned musicians as well as up and coming locals. Whether you are into blues and jazz or classic rock and roll, there will no doubt be a musical act performing here that you will love. The club has been designed in quite a clever way, in that you can see the stage from just about everywhere, while the dance floor is large enough to not feel too claustrophobic. The outdoor patio here is also a highlight, with many considering it to be one of the finest in the city.

Sacramento boasts some incredible night life, and this is something that every visitor should experience at least once during their stay. Whether you head to Hook & Ladder for some speciality cocktails, or do some wine tasting at Mix, the nightlife that you will find in California’s capital will definitely not disappoint.

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Shakespeare by the Sea, Orange County

Actors in a Shakespeare play

A non-profit organization that was initially founded in 1998, Shakespeare by the Sea, is an annual free summer festival that focuses on the works of Shakespeare. With several events and venues all around Orange County, this is a great opportunity to soak up some culture.

Macbeth
Macbeth is a tragedy written by Shakespeare, and is believed to have been first performed in 1606. Telling the story of how political ambition can cause psychological and physical damage to a person, this is one of the shortest tragedies that Shakespeare has written, but also one of his most popular. This is one of the plays that is being performed by Shakespeare by the Sea this summer, with a number of performance dates to choose from.

The Taming of the Shrew
The other play that Shakespeare by the Sea will be hosting this summer is the Taming of the Shrew, which is a comedy, providing the perfect contrast to the tragedies of Macbeth. This play is believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592, and has been adapted several times since then for everything from the big screen to the opera to the ballet.

angry actor

Tickets and Seating
Since all of the Shakespeare by the Sea performances are free to attend, tickets are not needed. When it comes to seating, this is on a first-come, first-served basis, so you may want to show up slightly earlier than you usually would, in order to guarantee yourself a prime spot. The style of seating varies between locations, but a blanket is always advisable, as it can turn quite chilly in the evenings.

Bard’s Box Stageside Dining
For those who want to take their theatre experience to the next level, Bard’s Box Stageside Dining is something that you need to sign up for. This section features premium seating with plush cushions and blankets, enabling you to really get cozy under the stars. A meal of your choice will also be provided, along with unlimited beverage refills and a selection of tasty treats from the dessert bar.

Period play fighting scene

Kids Camp
For those who have children who enjoy acting, then the Shakespeare by the Sea Kids Camp may be perfect for them. This will be running at the beginning of July, and is designed for children aged between seven and fourteen. The four days feature theatre games and rehearsals, and culminates in an abbreviated performance of one of Shakespeare’s most-loved plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Volunteering for Shakespeare by the Sea
Being a non-profit organization, Shakespeare by the Sea relies heavily on volunteers, and are always looking for more. For those who would like to help out a bit and support what they do, there are a number of opportunities available, from distributing fliers and helping with promotion to gathering support from the local community. Of course, if you are an aspiring actor, you could also audition to perform in a Shakespeare play yourself.

Shakespeare by the Sea has experienced great success since it begun, and is a community event that is always highly-anticipated. Even if you do not usually enjoy Shakespeare, these are shows that really bring together so much energy and passion, and will no doubt result in a truly memorable evening.

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Summer Comedy Events in the OC

Blurred image of stand up comedian

When it comes to having a good laugh, there is nothing like a comedy show to really get things going. For those in the OC this summer, here are a few of the comedy events that you can look forward to.

Underground Comedy & Burlesque, Harvelle’s Long Beach
The Underground Comedy & Burlesque show at Harvelle’s is being held every Tuesday this summer, and showcases the way in which comedy and burlesque seem to go so well together hand-in-hand. With seductive dance movies and hilarious stand-up comedians, this is an event that will definitely keep you entertained.

The Clubhouse Comedy Show, Clubhouse Grille & Sports Bar
A monthly live stand-up comedy show, the Clubhouse Comedy Show is known for providing non-stop laughter for two hours each month. This show brings together some of the best comedians from around the OC, including several that have been featured on Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing and HBO. This event is held every second Tuesday of the month, so be sure to schedule this in to your diary.

Comedian Taylor Williamson

Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Taylor Williamson, Irvine Improv
Taylor Williamson rose to fame after appearing on America’s Got Talent, where he managed to acquire quite the loyal fan base. With his slightly awkward stage persona and his self-deprecating humor, Williamson’s acts are definitely unique, and any fans in Orange County will be able to catch the comedian performing at Irvine Improv on the 26th of July.

Sebastian Cetina, Brea Improv
Sebastian Cetina is a stand-up comedian and impressionist who has been in the industry for over 16 years now. From appearing on television and in the movies to radio shows and festivals, Cetina is incredible at improvising, and keeps his audience roaring with laughter for the entire time. His strong stage presence is one that should not be missed, and fans can catch Cetina in action in Orange County on the 13th of July at Brea Improv.

Arsenio Hall, Brea Improv
An American comedian, actor and talk show host, Arsenio Hall is best known for hosting the Arsenio Hall Show, but has also appeared on a number of other television shows, including the Celebrity Apprentice, which he won, and movies. His comedy shows are always highly anticipated, and he never fails to keep the audience laughing. This summer, Arsenio Hall will be performing at Brea Improv in Orange County across several dates at the end of July, so you are likely to be able to catch him in action.

Nick Guerra
A favorite from NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Nick Guerra is full of energy, and always brings this on to the stage with him. With acts that focus on relationships, family and everyday life, Nick Guerra will be performing in the OC this summer on the 6th of July at Brea Improv, bringing with him plenty of new material.

Orange County hosts some of the best comedy acts in the state, meaning that the summer comedy events this year will definitely not disappoint. From Arsenio Hall to Taylor Williamson, the styles of each comedian are quite varied, but will no doubt keep you laughing all night.

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Visit These Water and Amusement Parks in the OC

Young child with parents at amusement park

California is home to some of the most famous water and amusement parks in the world, and a number of these can be found in the OC. From Knott’s Berry Farm to Disneyland, here are some of the must-visit water and amusement parks in Orange County.

Knott’s Berry Farm
The very first amusement park in the OC, Knott’s Berry Farm can be found in Buena Park, and was once a farm that belonged to the Knott family, who invented the boysenberry there. Today, this theme park features a wide range of attractions, with the Old West attractions, from the Bigfoot Rapids to the Xcelerator, being amongst some of the highlights. When it comes time for a bite to eat, be sure to head to the restaurant at the front of the park, as here they serve up Mrs. Knott’s original fried chicken recipe, as well as fresh boysenberry pies as an homage to the farm that once lay here.

Knott’s Soak City Water Park
Located just across the road from Knott’s Berry Farm is the Knott’s Soak City Water Park, so it would make sense to combine a visit to both. This 13-acre water park provides the perfect way to cool off from the OC’s summer heat, with everything from 17 tube slides to a lazy river.

Couple at theme park

Disneyland Resort
Located in Anaheim, the Disneyland Resort needs no introduction, and prides itself on being “the Happiest Place on Earth”. This is one of California’s top attractions, as you will find so many classic Disneyland rides here, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Space Mountain, with many of the rides still being considered some of the best in the world.

Disney California Adventure
Just outside of the Disneyland Resort is Disney California Adventure, which does not require a ticket to visit. This theme park offers visitors the chance to experience all of California in just one day, bringing together all of the state’s highlights. From California-themed rollercoasters to traditional boardwalk games to a bakery that serves up fresh San Francisco sourdough bread, this is the park to visit if you are interested in everything else that California has to offer too.

Friends on roller coaster

Adventure City
While all of the parks mentioned above are great for visiting with children, they may end up left out of some activities, whereas Adventure City is an amusement park that has been designed with kids in mind. In addition to the fun rides that they have here, including the Giggle Wheel and the Crazy Bus, there are many other child-friendly attractions, such as the petting zoo, children’s theatre and rock climbing wall. When it comes to food options, you will find everything from fresh pizzas to curly fries to churros, ensuring that your kids will really be spoilt for choice.

When visiting Orange County, many people do end up spending the day at a theme park, because the parks that you will find here are truly iconic. From the world-famous rides at Disneyland to the child-friendly attractions at Adventure City, these are some of the finest amusement and water parks in the OC.

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West Coast Beach Getaways

Now that the weather is warming up, it is time to begin planning a few beach vacations for the year. Whether you are seeking out peace and tranquillity or fun-filled crowds, here are a few destinations along the West Coast that are well worth considering.

West Coast beach

Coronado, California
A small, laid back island town, Coronado has long since been a favored vacation spot amongst the rich and famous, because not only does it boast a near-perfect climate and incredible natural beauty, but it is also steeped in history and culture. Many would argue that the best beach in town is the Coronado Municipal Beach, because thanks to a mineral called mica within the sand, the beach literally sparkles. The stretch of sand is wide and flat, with the waves being quite gentle, making it perfect for families and swimmers. At low tide, keep an eye out for tide pools, as well as a shipwreck that dates back to the 1930s. When you want some time away from the sand, Coronado’s historic downtown area is the place to go, as you will find everything from award-winning restaurants to stylish boutiques to lush green parks here.

Cannon Beach, Oregon
With mile after mile of secluded beaches, sloping sand dunes, and dense forests, Cannon Beach has been an inspiration to Oregon’s creative community for many years now. Haystack Rock will likely be one of the first landmarks that you will see here, with this rock famous for being the third largest monolith in the world. Surrounding Haystack Rock is a National Wildlife Refuge, where nature lovers will be able to see everything from crabs to local puffins.

Beach in Oregon

For even more marine life, head to the tidal pool at the Hug Point Recreation Site, just five miles south of Cannon Beach, as this area is known for being a wonderland for natural diversity. When it comes to the town itself, Cannon Beach is known for its impressive array of art galleries and eclectic shops, with the arts being something that is really important to the local community.

South Padre Island, Texas
The beaches that you will find on South Padre Island have a sense of rugged wilderness about them, making them seem even more beautiful. On the southern tip of Padre Island lies the South Padre Island National Seashore, which is famous for being the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world, making this spot definitely worth a visit. This is another destination that is well-suited to families, as there are many family-oriented activities hosted on the beach here, from beginners’ surfing lessons to sand castle building sessions. There is also a huge emphasis placed on wildlife here, from the baby sea turtle hatchlings that are released into the sea early in the mornings to the dolphins that splash around at the Dolphin and Nature Research Center.

The West Coast is home to such a wide range of beaches, meaning that no matter the type you are seeking, you are bound to find it here. From the untouched beauty of South Padre Island to the hustle and bustle of Coronado Beach, each of these destinations guarantees an unforgettable vacation.

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Unique Attractions in Pismo Beach

Located on the Central Coast of California, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Pismo Beach is a quintessential Californian beach town. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure or the chance to be at one with nature, these are a few of the unique attractions to be found in Pismo Beach.

Pismo Beach

State Parks
Pismo Beach is home to two of California’s finest state parks, both of which give visitors the opportunity to get closer to nature. The Montana de Oro State Park features over 8000 acres of sandy beaches, coastal plains, canyons and hills, and is known for being one of the largest state parks in California, while the Morro Bay State Park is home to the Museum of Natural History, as well as a vibrant marina and plenty of outdoor activities.

The Monarch Butterfly Grove
Each year between October and February, thousands of orange and black Monarch butterflies head to Pismo Beach to shelter from the freezing winters up north. On average, around 25,000 butterflies can be found here each year, making it one of the largest colonies in the country. The butterflies gather in the limbs of native Eucalyptus trees, forming a tight cluster to protect each other from the wind and the rain.

Sunset

Skim Boarding
While surfing and skateboarding may both be iconic Californian sports, skim boarding is quite unique to Pismo Beach, and is basically a mix of the two. Riders wait at the shore with their skim board in hand, and, as soon as a wave breaks, they skim across the surface of the water, which is only a few inches deep. For those who have never skim boarded before, Pismo Beach is a great spot to give this a try, with boards available for rental at the Pismo Beach Surf Shop.

Biplane Rides
For those who want unbeatable views of Pismo Beach’s rugged coastline, a biplane ride is an absolute must, and can be found at Oceano Airport. Offered by Banner Airways, visitors are able to enjoy a ride in the open cockpit of a biplane that dates back to WWII, which was the same aircraft that was used to train American pilots. There are a range of rides available, from the serene and picturesque to the exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping, all of which offer views that cannot be found elsewhere.

Pismo beach with surfers

Oceana Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Located just three miles south of Pismo Beach, the Oceana Dunes SVRA is the only state park in California that allows vehicles to be driven on the beach. This is an extremely unique park that offers an off-road adventure to visitors, with 5.5 miles of beach, and 1500 acres of sand dunes, to be explored. In addition to racing around on off road vehicles, there are many other activities to be found here at the Dunes, from surfing and swimming to bird watching and horseback riding, the latter of which is best done at sunset.

Pismo Beach is a one-of-a-kind destination, and it has plenty of unique attractions to match this. From skim boarding to biplane rides, this is a great area to visit if you want to try something new, while exploring one of the most spectacular parts of the Californian coast line.

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Plan a Day Trip: San Francisco to Sacramento

Filled with history, culture and plenty of entertainment, Sacramento makes for the perfect day trip destination. For those visiting Sacramento from San Francisco, here are a few snippets of information to make planning your trip much easier.

Getting to Sacramento
While there are a few different ways in which you can travel from San Francisco to Sacramento, driving is by far the easiest, as well as the quickest, with the journey only taking one and a half hours. For those who want to be car-free for the trip, you also have the option of taking the train or the bus, which only takes slightly longer.

Things to Do
Sacramento is home to a number of different museums, from history to art to transportation, and this tends to be one of the highlights for many visitors. The Crocker Art Museum is a world-famous one, with art collections from Europe, Asia and California, while the California State Railroad Museum is considered to be one of the best in the state. Other museums worth checking out include the California State Capitol Museum, the California Automobile Museum and the California State Indian Museum. For those visiting the city with young children, a visit to the Sacramento Zoo is a must, as is Funderland Park. This is a small amusement park that dates back to 1946, and has nine rides aimed at young kids, meaning that it will not take up too much of your day either. For those who want some time outdoors, head to Discovery Park, which stretches out for over 300 acres and contains everything from biking trails to fishing boat launches, or simply take a stroll along the River Walk, enjoying the views of the city skyline.

Sacramento river walk

Where to Eat
When you first arrive in Sacramento, chances are you will want a quick breakfast stop, so head to the Freeport Bakery, whose fresh, warm cinnamon rolls make for the perfect morning pick-me-up. When it comes time for lunch, the 33rd Street Bistro is a great spot to eat at, as it specializes in casual, regional American cuisine. Of course, you are likely to want a more upscale eatery for your dinner, of which there are plenty to choose from. The contemporary Kitchen Restaurant is known for serving up some of the best food in the city, but often has a month long waiting list, making advance booking absolutely essential. Paragary’s Bar and Oven in Old Sacramento is another hotspot with their hearty, seasonal cuisine, while The Firehouse is a historical institution that dates back to 1853, and has won numerous awards for its food. Biba can also be found in Sacramento, which is the restaurant run by Biba Caggiano, host of a national cooking show and author of six northern Italian cookbooks.

In order to really make the most of your Sacramento day trip, you need to do as much advance planning as possible. From working out the route that you need to take to actually get there, to planning a detailed itinerary for the day, Sacramento is a day trip destination that you will likely want to return to sometime soon.

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Take a Stroll Through Old Sacramento

Established during the 1849 California Gold Rush, Old Sacramento was the very first historic district to be created in the western United States, and is home today to a wide variety of museums, attractions and dining options. Covering an area of 28 acres along the banks of the Sacramento River, here are just a few of the highlights that you can expect to see when taking a stroll through Old Sacramento.

Old Sacramento

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The Museums of Old Sacramento
While you may not have time to fully tour each of the museums of Old Sacramento, they are all located within walking distance of each other, making it easy to spend a small amount of time at each as you pass by. The California Automobile Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, as it has over 150 exhibits that tell the story of the development of the automobile. The California State Railroad Museum is another one that focuses on transport, with everything from extravagantly restored trains to antique locomotives. Of course, the Sacramento History Museum is definitely worth stopping off at if you want to learn more about the city’s dramatic history, as well as its turbulent Gold Rush past, while the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is a living replica of a one-room schoolhouse from California’s early days.

The Delta King
Located at the end of Old Sacramento, the Delta King is a historic riverboat that dates back to 1927, and has been beautifully restored since then. While the boat does not run anymore and is permanently docked here, it is still open for the public to explore, and even has a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a stunning waterfront backdrop.

Old Sacramento Underground Tours
Depending on how much time you have to spare, an underground tour of the city is well worth taking. These tours begin at the Sacramento History Museum, and take visitors down through excavated foundations and enclosed pathways, while teaching them all about the only successful street-raising project in California.

Shops and Restaurants
Old Sacramento is home to a wide range of shops and restaurants that each manage to maintain a quaint and traditional charm. The shops, of which there are everything from toys to handcrafted jewellery, can easily be browsed as you stroll through the town, and you are likely to pick up a few unique souvenirs, whether this may be a local piece of art, or a photograph of you and your group dressed up in Old West attire, a service that is provided by the town’s two old-fashioned photo shops. When it comes to restaurants, there are many to choose from, but if you are just seeking a sweet treat to snack on while you wander through town, head to Danny’s Mini Donuts, or to Munchies Salt Water Taffy.

Old Sacramento is an area unlike any other, and really does make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. While you may not be able to explore the entire area on foot, a leisurely stroll through Old Sacramento will still reward you with plenty of memorable experiences.

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Top Hiking Trails of California

California is filled with natural beauty, and one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in this is by making the most of the many hiking trails that criss-cross throughout the Golden State. From the grueling hike to the top of Mt. Baldy to the spectacular landscapes surrounding Eagle Lake, these are some of the top hiking trails that California has to offer.

Wonder View Trail, Los Angeles
The Hollywood Sign is an iconic part of Los Angeles, and while there are a few different hiking trails that will take you up to it, the Wonder View Trail is the most scenic. This is the least-traveled trail up to the sign, and offers spectacular views out over Los Angeles, while taking you to two different peaks. The trail is a three mile round trip, and ascends 875 feet, so while it may be slightly challenging for some, it is one that many can attempt.

OROGOLD-top-hiking-trails-of-california-lake
Eagle Lake, Lassen County
The trail to sparkling Eagle Lake begins in Emerald Bay State Park, and features a long stretch of well-worn rock stairs that takes you up to Eagle Falls. After climbing for another mile and a half, you will reach Eagle Lake, and, after making your way over to its west side, will be greeted with one of the finest views in the state.

Lady Bird Johnson Trail, Redwood National Park
While there may be several different hiking trails to be found in the Redwood National Park, the Lady Bird Johnson Trail is short and level, making it one of the most popular trails in the park. This trail showcases the park’s towering redwood trees, which are famous for being amongst the tallest in the world.

Ski Hut Trail, Mt. Baldy, San Bernardino County
California is home to many great peaks, but Mt. Baldy is one of its finest. For those who do not want a grueling hike, there is a tram that takes you a few miles from the summit, but for those who want to really challenge themselves, the Ski Hut Trail is perfect for this. While this trail is only eight miles long, it takes you up over 4000 feet in elevation, making it quite the grueling hike. Nevertheless, the view from the summit, as well as the sense of accomplishment that you will feel, makes it all totally worthwhile.

Telescope Peak, Death Valley
Telescope Peak, Death Valley
For those who want an adventure-filled day hike, the trail up to Telescope Peak, which is just outside of Death Valley, is ideal. The trail is a 14 mile round trip, and ascends 3000 feet, taking you to the top of one of the most prominent mountains in California, from where you will be able to see all the way down to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the United States.

No matter what your skill level may be, you can be sure that there are hiking trails in California that are absolutely perfect for you. Whether you want a short and gentle walk, or a steep, uphill climb, these hiking trails are amongst the very best in the state.