California Backpacking USA

A popular destination for many travellers, California is often seen as a paradise. Be prepared - sometimes especially the northern and central coast can be cooler than many are aware of. While there certainly are warm days more than not, there are equally some very cool mornings and evenings. These are areas you can save money travelling when others don't.  

Most travellers fly in to either San Francisco or Los Angeles. For those who like the night life and tourist destinations there are plenty of both at either location. There are also, for those with other interests, quieter and interesting destinations that await within a couple hours drive. For those landing in San Francisco there are of course many attractions. From concerts to ball games to horse racing to street festivals there is a wide variety of things to see and do, with diverse neighborhoods being a hallmark. http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/ has a great deal of information. From the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum ($15) at the Fisherman's Wharf to the Aquarium of the Bay ($15) you can see the unusual, walk through tunnels underwater, touch sharks and see many things that make this part of the world unique. Shoppers will not want to miss Pier 39 - with over 100 stores, over a dozen restaurants with a view, street performers and much more.

Don't miss the tour of the USS Pampanito Submarine ($9). An authentic restored World War II submarine, there is a touch of history unlike any television show or book can bring when you stand in the small areas that was home to 80 men for weeks.

A short trip worth the drive is the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. This is a house unlike anything you'll see anywhere - http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/ - designed and under construction for 38 years, the Winchester rifle heiress is said to have believed the ghosts of the people killed by rifles would visit her. This 160 room Victorian mansion with 47 fireplaces and detailed floors to chandeliers is the result. On Friday the 13 and at Halloween you can get special flashlight tours - moving through the house at night with just the moon and a flashlight guiding your way. These sell out so it's highly recommended to get tickets in advance. Regular group tours are $21-29 depending on how much you see.

A short trip of the city to the north lands you in the heart of wine country with the most expensive agricultural area in the United States being in the vineyards here. There's also natural wonders in California such as the Redwood National Park and Yosemite National Parks.

Looking for free? Take a tour of the Jelly Belly candy company near Fairfield. With over 150 flavors these unique jelly bean type confections are available in nearly every flavor you can think of, some you can't and some you'll wish you hadn't heard!

Across "the hill" lays Santa Cruz, with a variety of clubs and entertainment. While the beaches make Santa Cruz a surf haven, there's much more to see and do. Wilder Ranch State park lays just north of the city along highway 1. Don't miss the Natural Bridges State Park - the best time to visit here is from mid October to January when you can see thousands of butterflies that travel to the area to winter. On warm mornings you walk down into a sheltered valley and there are huge masses of monarch butterflies in the trees and fluttering around. From the beach you can watch shore birds, sometimes get a look at migrating whales as well as seals and otters. Walk down to the tidepools at low tide to see life in another world. There's also many native meadows to see. There is a $6 parking day use fee. Stop at the Long Marine Lab/Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10-5 with a $6 admission with tours at the Long Marine Lab being free. Learn about the scientific work with dolphins, seals, sea lions and whales.

Venture down on the Santa Cruz wharf for a meal, shops and viewing the sea lions and birds. For those dining outside do not leave your food unattended - eager gulls and even the occasional pelican will have a feast before you! The next day explore at the Santa Cruz Arboretum where you can walk through beautiful gardens and spot small wildlife.

Further south in the Watsonville area is a natural center called the Elkhorn Slough - this is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday 9-5 local time and is free for the visitors center and picnic areas, with a small day use cash fee (under $5) to walk the trails. There are binoculars available to rent for those who enjoy birdwatching and occasional tours. Others may be interested in watching the largest breeding colony of Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets in the area. For those who enjoy the natural side it's a unique chance to see a side of California few think of.

There is a place to drift through the water near sea otters and other wildlife that many describe as a once in a lifetime chance. Continue down the coast to the Monterey Bay Aquarium - http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/ - the $25 fee is a factor but the aquarium has been highly recommended from hostellers that have visited. For many types of marine life this is a working nature center as well as educational facility.

Hearst Castle is another popular tourist attraction that has tours available. Further south, in and around Los Angeles is more the stereotypical view of California - the world of entertainment and excess awaits. From the well known attractions of Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Knotts Berry Farm and Sea World to Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame there are longtime established things to see. Universal Studios gives visitors a look at movie special effects. If you're willing to stand in line and arrive early shows such as "The Tonight Show" have live audiences. http://www.losangeles.com/attractions/ lists many of the common tourist destinations and many things to see and do. Less known destinations in southern California include the Ronald Reagan Presidential library, and depending on the time of year catch a glimpse or take a boat tour out to see the grey whales as they move along the coast. Take a short trip to Palm Desert to see the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - a 1,200 acre spot with many animals in their natural state. Surrounded by fancy housing developments and golf courses, which are beter known around Palm Springs, this oasis is left as the desert has been long before the California boom.

For those with time to drop further south don't miss the San Diego area. The Birch Aquarium has 22 aquarium displays, a huge kelp forest and hands on tide pool area as well as spectacular views of the Pacific ocean. The Buena Vista Nature Center and the Japanese Friendship Garden offer other experiences. History buffs may enjoy visiting the Gas & Steam Engine Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museu, Hotel del Coronado, USS Midway museum, Mission San Luis Rey, Old Town San Diego, Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Cabrillo National Monument. Check out the Palomar mountain Observatory - be warned this is 5,500 feet above sea level! The Quail Botanical Gardens near Encinitas is another treat.

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Los Angeles information
San Francisco information