California is called the Golden State for a reason. It’s diverse geographical and cultural offerings, critically acclaimed food scenes and vibrant cities really are the gold standard for all sorts of travelers. It doesn’t matter if you’re walking where Hollywood’s brightest stars have walked, relaxing on its southern, sunny beaches, sampling a bit of the bubbly in California’s northern valleys, or even just hiking through one of their scenic parks, this is a state that’s definitely a sight worth seeing. Here’s a quick look at just a few of the places in California that everyone should see at least once.

San Diego

This city is truly the finest in California. You can go play casino bingo if that’s your thing, enjoy warm weather 12 months out of the year, spend some time on the beach or surfing, and experience the best Mexican food north of the border. Visitors to San Diego can also enjoy a variety of attractions that include a WWII museum that’s situated on an actual aircraft carrier, Balboa Park, and even one of the most famous zoos in the country: The San Diego Zoo.

San Francisco

If you want to have a romantic getaway without the kids, why not head to San Francisco? This is a city that’s brimming with life. It doesn’t matter if you want to experience the variety of the foodie scene, admire the redwoods in the vicinity of the Golden Gate Bridge. Or even just to explore one of the eclectic cultural neighborhoods, the energy of this city is incredibly electric whenever you get the opportunity to visit it.

Lake Tahoe

Another of the best places to visit is Lake Tahoe. This is a destination where you’ll have the ability to enjoy being outside regardless of the time of year. In the winter, this area is known for skiing, but when it’s warmer, you’ll find many people enjoying the lake with boats. Even if all you want to do is relax and unwind, it’d be a crime to leave without at least a walk around D.L. Bliss or Emerald Bay state park.

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular of all of the national parks in the country. You’ll find it a little more than 150 miles to the east of San Francisco. It offers visitors nearly any type of adventure they can imagine. You can go fishing, or even pursue more daredevil activities like rock climbing. It doesn’t matter which activities you choose, there are a few can’t miss attractions, like Vernal Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point.

Big Sur

This area is dramatically situated right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and is breathtakingly beautiful. The beauty of it has the ability to put visitors into a sort of trance. The rugged coastline stretches for roughly 90 miles and offers people a maze of hiking trails weaving through the surrounding valleys and mountains, along with pathways that lead to beaches that are seemingly untouched. If you don’t have any idea of where to begin exploring, try Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where many first-time visitors go.

Really, anywhere you go in the state of California has something to offer. Including each of the inlets and bays, there are over 3,000 miles of coastline. There are mountains, national parks, vineyards, and so much more. If amusement parks are more your thing, or if the kids will be with you, California boasts the original Disneyland, Legoland, and many others. You can even catch sight of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars if you know where to look!