California Vacation Ideas

California Vacation Ideas #1:Channel Islands National Park is a marine sanctuary made up of five islands off the California coast near Santa Barbara.

There is much to see here but a bit of planning is required due to the delicate highly protected ecosystem.

Despite their proximity to crowded California, these islands remain relatively undeveloped.

The islands in Channel Islands National Park are great for a hiking vacation as each has many miles of hiking trails.

California Vacation Ideas #2:The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is 1,200 acres of desert plant and animal life and one of the most successful zoological parks in the country.

See the Wildlife Wonders Animal Show, Native American exhibits and the beautiful botanical gardens. Explore the wilderness hiking trails. With special events and programs throughout the year there is always something to do.

California Vacation Ideas #3:Southern California has seven major theme parks. This makes it a super location for a California family vacation. There's Six Flags Magic Mountain which is known for their incredible roller coasters.

At Universal Studios Hollywood you can enjoy movie-themed rides and attractions. GhostRider, the world's best wooden roller coaster, is at Buena Park's Knott's Berry Farm.

There is the world's 2nd most-visited theme park - Disneyland Park. Disney's California Adventure features a magical festival of shows and parades.

Legoland California; where the whole park playing with Legos is taken to the extreme. And then there's SeaWorld San Diego where Shamu the Killer Whale puts on his thrilling live show.

California Vacation Ideas #4:Catalina Island is located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California near Long Beach. Try a little Buffalo Watching, the island has a herd of about 400 buffalos.

Other activities include deep sea fishing, golf, glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling, diving, biking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, shopping and more.

California Vacation Ideas #5:Felicity, California has been declared The Center of the World and there is a 21-foot-tall pink marble pyramid there to prove it.

It's recognized by Institut Geographique National of France, General Dynamics Corporation, and The People's Republic of China so how can anyone argue?

The pyramid's interior is lined with mirrors and a plaque is embedded in the floor, marking the exact spot. Have your name inscribed on the "Wall For the Ages."

California Vacation Spots #6:Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the best places to see a whale while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. Point Reyes runs for 30 miles along the coast and whales can be seen usually in February and March.

Through April, elephant seals can be seen on the Chimney Rock beach. Trails may be used by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Picnicking at beaches and trailheads is also a fun.

This is the only national seashore on the west coast and it is a favorite spot for locals. Bird watchers love the Point Reyes National Seashore as there are over 480 species of birds that can be found here.

Whether you are whale and seal watching, birding, hiking or just seeking solitude in the rugged coastal wilderness, Point Reyes National Seashore is a great California vacation destination.

California Vacation Ideas #7:The kids will love this California vacation spot. Plan a visit to Legoland of California. This theme park is full of wonderful creations all made out of Legos. There are over 5,000 Lego models in the park using over 30 million Lego blocks!

Plus it's a theme park with rides, a 36,000 gallon kid-friendly aquarium and lots of other fun stuff. Both kids and adults will love this incredible one-of-a-kind experience.

Vacation Ideas in California #8:For a golf spa vacation try the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. Surrounded by desert and mountains this resort is in a unique location.

The beautiful 18-hole championship golf courses, Palm Desert Springs and Valley Desert Springs are popular with both the golf pros and many Hollywood stars. They were both designed by the "King of Waterscapes", Ted Robinson.

The Desert Springs resort spa features massage and body treatments for both men and women. Desert Springs has fitness classes, personal training including one-on-one yoga and Pilates.

The Kids Klub organizes fun adventure activities for the kids. Nearby is Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Canyons where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

California Vacation Ideas #9:The Computer History Museum is a cool place to go, especially on a vacation with teens. Located just north of San Francisco, the Computer History Museum is a great place to satisfy the inner geek in you as well as educate and inspire your budding geek teenagers.

Learn how the computer was taught to master the chess board; how the internet came into being; how the microprocessor evolved. All the important artifacts and stories of the information age are on display for posterity.

California Vacation Ideas #10:Humboldt County, California is the place to go if you want to see the giant redwood trees. Head up along the coast of northern California to Redwood National Park and plunge into this fascinating redwood ecosystem - America's version of the rainforests.

At Redwood National Park you can explore by hiking, biking or automobile. The park has excellent camping facilities. This can be a fun and educational vacation destination. The redwood trees are among the oldest living things on the earth and can grow as tall as 300-400 feet. One of them, dubbed the "Tall Tree", is around 600 years old.

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