Choosing a favourite time to visit California is like picking a treat from your favourite box of chocolates—each season seems better than the next. In spring, discover waterfalls tumbling into Yosemite Valley and wildflowers painting the hills. Come summer, watch surfers along Southern California beaches, or catch the city vibe at a rooftop restaurant in L.A. Inland, stop by farm stands for juicy peaches, berries, and a chat with local farmers. In autumn, experience harvest time at vineyards north to south. And in winter, look for migrating whales along the coast, or schuss down Sierra slopes.
That’s not to mention year-round must-sees, like cable cars clanging up San Francisco’s hills, celebrities strolling on Malibu beaches, amazing shopping, unforgettable restaurants, world-class museums and, of course, magical lands of make-believe and films. So come and explore the Golden State. No matter which season you pick, you’re sure to find a sweet treat indeed.
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The Golden State puts on a dazzling show in spring, with emerald hills streaked with wildflowers and brilliant displays in desert parks like Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley. In the Central Valley, orchards burst into bloom along the must-see Fresno Blossom Trail. Snowmelt turns Yosemite’s signature waterfalls into booming cataracts. Further south, dogwood blooms float beneath giant sequoias. Look for wildlife too at amazing wetland preserves north of Sacramento, with clouds of snow geese, cranes, and tundra swans.
With marine fog offshore and crowds low until summer, drive the Pacific Coast Highway 1 from Hearst Castle north to Big Sur, through charming Carmel, past Pebble Beach, and on to sparkling San Francisco and majestic redwood parklands.
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Grab your towel—it’s summer in the Golden State. Stretch out along the sand near the rides and fun of Santa Monica Pier or Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Splash in warm waters ringing Catalina Island or bundle up and stroll along the wild beaches fronting romantic Mendocino.
Relax at outdoor cafes in the Mediterranean-style beauty of Santa Barbara and Sausalito. Catch performances at vineyards and other outdoor venues around the state—even Shakespeare on the shores of topaz-blue Lake Tahoe. For theme parks, head to Disneyland®, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo (and its sister Wild Animal Park), Legoland, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and other attractions—go mid-week to dodge crowds. Watch fighter jets zoom during San Diego’s Fleet Week.
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Most savvy locals pick autumn as the best time to visit the Golden State. Chilly coastal fog retreats and valley and desert days cool to comfortably warm temperatures, perfect for exploring. Yet there’s a snap in the air, triggering dazzling aspen displays in the Sierra, especially around Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe. Students return to spirited university towns like Davis, Berkeley, and San Luis Obispo; join in the fun at micro-brew pubs, music clubs, and football stadiums. And coastal Half Moon Bay comes alive with Halloween pumpkin fairs.
Autumn also brings your best chance at nabbing a table at Michelin-starred restaurants like the French Laundry in Yountville and Spago in L.A. And with over 1,000 friendly wineries harvesting grapes state-wide come autumn, you’ll find plenty of places to pick, stomp, sip, and smile.
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Whether you’re riding a horse-drawn sleigh near snowy Lake Tahoe, relaxing at a desert spa in Palm Springs, or scoring holiday bargains at dazzling outlet malls, California keeps the winter fun coming. In San Francisco, stroll around boutique-lined Union Square then catch a world-class performance of The Nutcracker. The Los Angeles region sparkles with the spirited Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day, performances in Disney Concert Hall, and the Grammys and Oscars.
Along the coast, join a boat trip to search for migrating grey whales. In the Sierra, choose from dozens of downhill resorts—if you don’t ski, ride a scenic tram at Heavenly, snowshoe around Mammoth’s Tamarack Lodge, or dine and shop at Squaw’s base village. And don’t miss snow-trimmed Yosemite Valley, beautiful beyond your dreams.
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