Vacation Rentals in California

California makes up the westernmost border of the contingent United States, with over a thousand miles of coastline offering world class Pacific Ocean views. California is bordered by other American states of Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona as well as Mexico to the south. Most visitors fly into one of the state's top three international cities of San Francisco, San Diego, or Los Angeles before renting a car to explore the towns in between. California route 1 is a scenic coastal road which travels from San Diego all the way up to Washington state in the north and becomes quite busy with tourists in the summer months. With a varied landscape and temperature throughout the state, California continues to be one of the most sought-out tourist destinations the United States.

While Northern California's Big Sur beaches attract a lot of attention, its the climate down south which draws millions of visitors to the hundreds of miles of pristine white sandy beaches. Offering world class surfing, snorkeling, diving, and parasailing opportunities--the beaches of California aren't so much a destination as a way of life.

California is where the magic happens--cinematically, of course. Film enthusiasts will love the abundance of theaters, concert halls, and movie theaters which help to make Los Angeles one of the world capitals of entertainment. However, the most famous destination for visitors in Southern California continues to be centered around the Hollywood neighborhood--where creative types flock for a chance in the motion picture limelight.

Northern California's Silicon Valley just outside of San Francisco has been attracting tech entrepreneurs for the past 15 years to create innovative and revolutionary technologies. Famous companies like Airbnb, Pixar, Facebook, and Netflix have their headquarters in the "Bay Area," with many more competitors setting up shop every day.

A trip to California wouldn't be complete without stopping by the self-proclaimed "happiest place on earth." Say hello to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, brave the ghosts at the Haunted Mansion, or take the plunge at Splash Mountain at Disneyland's original flagship park. Travel package options often include board and accommodation at one of many hotels surrounding Disneyland park, and are a great way to slowly take advantage of all it's many attractions over the course of a few days.

Sequoia National Park attracts thousands of visitors a year who come to see some of the tallest, widest, and oldest trees in the world. The area nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is also heralded for its huge mountains, deep canyons, and rugged foothills which give way to many outdoor sports activities like hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. Just a short day trip from Los Angeles, this park covers just over 600 square miles and is a beautiful example of the diversity of landscape in California.

Set your sights on the stars at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles which features public telescopes, movie screenings, and a planetarium. The free hike up through Griffith Park also offers some of the best views of the Hollywood sign in the distance, making it a well-trafficked tourist destination. Make sure to arrive early in the morning for some of the best unspoiled views of the sign and Los Angeles in the distance.

Los Angeles' famous Hollywood neighborhood is filled with film production studios making some of the most popular movies in the world. Take a stroll along the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, pop in for a concert at the Dolby Theatre, or compare your handprints to other great stars at the Chinese Theatre. There are also guided tours of nearby Beverly Hills, where many famous actors, directors, and other industry titans make themselves at home.

It was the Beach Boys who cemented California's status as one of the best beach destinations in the world with their classic song, "Surf'n USA." San Onofre State Park in between Los Angeles and San Diego is a beloved spot for local surfers thanks to its challenging waves and protected natural habitat. Looking down from the cliffs, you can view all kinds of dolphins, sea lions, and whales off in the distant waters before heading out to join them in the spray.