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California is America's third-largest state, so it's no wonder it has so much to offer visitors.
2017-03-22
There's everything from beaches to mountains, bustling cities to vast national parks, as well as world-renowned food and wine.
To narrow it down for you, we've rounded up some of the best things to do in the golden state.
Keep scrolling for inspiration for your next trip.
Located along California's northern coastline, Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. They can live for up to 2,000 years and grow as high as 375 feet.
Further south and more inland is California's capital, Sacramento. The capitol building offers a museum full of artifacts that explain the state's history.
For visitors who are more interested in the outdoors than history, Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for skiing in the winter and for hiking in the summer.
For a different kind of view, go for a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley, one of the world's best wine destinations. There are plenty of vineyards to tour, and, of course, wines to sample.
Yosemite and Napa Valley aren't the only places you'll find good views in the state. The hilly city of San Francisco boasts the Golden Gate Bridge, which provides bikers and walkers with sweeping views of the city's bay.
For a trip to Europe minus the flight, check out the quirky town of Solvang, which provides a decidedly less American experience for travelers. This Danish Village boasts a windmill as well as Danish architecture and food.
Those looking for sun and warmer temperatures should head south on the Pacific Coast Highway, an incredibly scenic road that stretches nearly 700 miles along the state's rugged coastline.
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Long known as a celebrity hotspot, Malibu features palatial homes that open onto beautiful beaches, like El Matador State Beach, pictured below.
Broken Spanish, on the other hand, provides a more upscale dining experience, and is widely considered to be one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city.
If you're looking to splurge on more than just food, head to Rodeo Drive in the affluent suburb of Beverly Hills. The street is lined with every high-end store imaginable, plus numerous luxury cars.
Disneyland, in Anaheim, makes for an ideal day trip from Los Angeles. The park is a magical place for both kids and adults.
Cassidy Hopkins / INSIDER
For a more relaxing getaway, take a trip to Palm Springs, a palm-tree-lined desert city that offers everything from gorgeous golf courses to spas and hot springs.
One of the city's main attractions, besides beautiful gardens and museums, is Balboa Park, a massive space that features impressive Spanish colonial architecture.
Sarah writes for the travel vertical at Business Insider. She graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in magazine journalism and German. She is from Chicago, and currently lives in Brooklyn.
