California is a huge state (more than 164,000 square miles) with plenty of big cities to visit, however, if you’re interested in going off the beaten path to view some of the state’s beautiful wonders, our Newark Airport parking company has a few suggestions:
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is not only the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, it’s the highest waterfall in North America. Standing 2,425 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the park – especially in the spring after the snow has melted and the water flow is at its fullest.
San Francisco’s Cable Cars
When you think of San Francisco, the famous cable car probably comes to mind. As the last manually operated cable car system in the world, it’s worth a ride – just be patient because there are only three remaining (there were once 23).
The Pacific Coast Highway
Love road trips? Head to the West Coast, rent a car, and drive down California’s Route 1. The drive, which follows the state’s coastline, is one of the most beautiful in the world, giving you sights of bright blue waters, jagged cliff sides, lush mountains, and more.
Pfeiffer Beach
Off the beaten path just south of Big Sur, you’ll find a unique beach that not only boasts a beautiful purple sand (caused by the manganese garnet particles washed down from the hillside), but you’ll also find one of the most photographed rock arches right on the beach.
Redwood National Park
A tree that’s wide enough to drive a car through (and have extra room)? That would be a redwood tree, and one of these natural “tunnels” is located in Northern California’s Redwood National Park. Head to the park and take in the sheer beauty of monstrous trees that can soar to heights of up to 325 feet.
Napa Valley
If you’re a wine lover, you simply can’t miss a trip to Napa Valley. The area just west of Sacramento boasts hundreds of hillside vineyards, farmers markets, and even a vintage locomotive (the Napa Valley Wine Train) with its own restaurant.
Emerald Bay
Taking a vacation to Lake Tahoe? Head to the small island that sits at the southwestern tip of the lake. Its natural beauty has earned it a spot on the National Natural Landmark list and it’s a great place to camp and hike.
The Golden Gate Bridge
An iconic symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is truly a site worth seeing. Spanning a full mile over the strait that connects the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, its classic structure and bright red color make for some great photos.
Cathedral Peak
Cathedral Peak is another popular attraction in Yosemite National Park. The peak is part of the Cathedral Mountain Range and sits almost 11,000 feet high. It gets its name from its cathedral-like shape and even sits beautifully next to its own lake (Cathedral Lake).
Alamere Falls
Have you ever seen a waterfall on a beach that pours right into the ocean? Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore does just that. Called a “tidefall,” you can view this unique natural feature via an 8.5-mile round-trip hike along Coast Trail.
Painted Canyons
Just south of Joshua Tree Park in Mecca is an incredible “ladder hike” through a narrow rock gorge. You’ll climb actual ladders through natural rock in shades of red, oranges, pinks, and grays (just make sure to go during a cooler months, as it can get very hot during the summer).
Muir Woods
This dense section of redwood trees is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation area and gives you the opportunity to get lost in a beautiful forest. And because the area is often covered by fog, it presents a unique photo opportunity.