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Golden Gate Bridge via Presidio. San Francisco, California. May 2025.

Golden Gate Bridge via Presidio. San Francisco, California. May 2025.

Why visit California

Twinkling cities, misty redwood forests, sun-kissed beaches, a creative local food scene and an adventurous attitude: California is instantly captivating.

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From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
  2. 2 Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
  3. 3 Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
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  • Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
    The USA

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    Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

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Top places to visit in California

Discover the best attractions in California from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

California travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees, but there's much more to see in the Golden State. Here are California's top things to do.

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Things to Know

California is irresistible to road trippers. Gas up and get ready for your jaw to drop, from serpentine coastal drives to towering redwood trees, ostentatious castles to quaint seaside towns.

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Transportation

California may be besotted with cars but that's not the only way to see the Golden State. Here's everything to know about getting around California.

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Free Things to Do

California attracts travelers with expensive tastes but there's plenty to do here on a budget. Here's our round-up of the best freebies in the Golden State.

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Best Road Trips

From Santa Monica to San Gabriel, Pasadena to Palos Verdes, Los Angeles is in the midst of a restaurant renaissance. With little more than a reservation…

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Money and Costs

Dionne Warwick called Los Angeles a great big freeway, while John Lennon called the city a big parking lot. Daily gridlock remains the norm in this…

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Traveling with Kids

Within the confines of a museum’s walls, children can explore our planet’s rich history, dive deep to the bottom of the ocean, and discover what other…

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Accessibility

From Santa Monica to San Gabriel, Pasadena to Palos Verdes, Los Angeles is in the midst of a restaurant renaissance. With little more than a reservation…

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