Traveling to the Golden State? Check Out These California Attractions
What’s not to enjoy about California? Aquamarine beaches, majestic redwoods, and breathtaking national parks—you’ll never run out of interesting locations to explore thanks to the abundance of stunning landscapes and historical landmarks. Boasting a rich history, lavish art scene, and diverse culture, the Golden State is a dream destination that many wanderlusts wish to cross off their bucket lists right after National Casino. And if it’s time for you to head to sunny California, make sure you pay a visit to these awesome and underrated attractions.
1. Firefall, Yosemite National Park
Before visiting Yosemite’s Firefall, most people are ignorant of its existence. In fact, many believe they will see a stunning lava flow as a result of its name. But in reality, this waterfall gets its name due to a phenomenon that occurs in late spring when the crimson light of Yosemite National Park’s sunset reflects off Horsetail Fall, giving it the appearance of liquid fire. In case you have more freedom in scheduling your vacation, do plan it around springtime so you get to experience the majesty of Firefall.
2. Petrified Forest
Consider yourself a Harry Potter fan? Wait until you see Calistoga’s Petrified Forest if you like enormous California redwood trees. A volcanic outburst buried a forest of redwood trees over 3.5 million years ago. The organic substance in the trees was gradually replaced by silica, culminating in stone fossils that preserved the precise features of the original trees. You will not be disappointed by the brief hike you will take in this strange part of California—it is truly magical.
3. Sailing Stones, Death Valley
Keep an eye out for the sailing stones, also known as wandering rocks, which can be found on Racetrack Playa in Death Valley. Examine the geology of the area and the strange passageways that run behind the stones. Dolomite and syenite, the same elements that make up the surrounding mountains, make up the rocks of Racetrack Playa. They tumble down due to erosion forces, settling on the arid earth below. The rocks move horizontally as they reach the level surface of the playa, leaving immaculate tracks behind them to document their path. Many of the larger rocks have left trails up to 1,500 feet long, indicating that they’ve traveled quite a distance from their original site.
4. Pioneertown
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live on the set of a Western film? The answer can be found in the High Desert of San Bernardino, where a group of Hollywood investors founded a town. This consisted of false-front facades in the style of the 1880s with actual items for tourists to enjoy on the inside. Saloons, stables, residences, and jails were built later, as shown in many films and television shows from the 1940s and 1950s. That’s one strange city you won’t want to miss.
5. Cypress Tree Tunnel
Anyone who has an Instagram profile has seen photographs of the Cypress Tree Tunnel and fantasized about getting hitched in its shadows. The tunnel is a must-see on any excursion to Point Reyes—Monterey cypress trees stack up and bend over the driveway, creating the illusion of a tunnel. We recommend making this strange landmark the background of your next viral IG post.
