The first of the new series ‘What to do when in…’ is California! In this series we will show you the best sights and activities of one of the 50 states. Ofcourse you spend a lot of time on sports and studying. But there is enough time to explore the country. Today we will tell you everything about the state California. Let’s start with where the state is. We’ll point it out to you on the Slamstox map… Check it out below!
California is also known as ‘The Golden State.’ of the beautiful beaches, but California has more to offer than just that. There is also mountains with snow, deserts and enormous forest areas. Do you want to know what to do when in California? Keep on reading!
San Fransisco
A trip to San Fransisco can’t be missed when you are in California. The eye-catcher of San Fransisco is the Golden Bridge, that is visible from a great distance. The bridge connects San Fransisco to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. From San Fransisco, you can take the boat to Alcatraz, what is definitely worth the visit. You can visit perhaps the most famous prison in the world on this island.
Yosemite National Park
One of the most famous National Parcs of the United States is Yosemite National Park and has a surface of more than 3,000 square-kilometers. During a walk here you will encounter everything: from waterfalls to unique cliffs and rocks. Most of the tourism takes place in the Yosemite Valley. Here you’ll find the park’s most famous landmarks, the Half Dome and El Capitan. For the ultimate adventurers there is also the possibility to climb in nature.
Disneyland Park
When you think of Disneyland, you quickly think of Disneyland in Paris. But did you know that the first Disneyland Park was established in California? The large pink castle, you probably recognize it from TV, can also be found in California. The fairytale park with the attractions and all the Disney characters is located in the city of Anaheim. Opposite the park is the Disney California Adventure Park. This park is a tribute to California, the state where it all started for Disney. So if you like attractions and Disney films, a visit to Disneyland California is a must. Fun for young and old!
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach is the most popular beach from Los Angeles and can’t be missed during a visit to ‘The City of Angels’. Bring a towel and relax on the beach, or play a game of beach volleyball. There is much more to experience at Venice Beach than just a day at the beach, for example, you should also visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is known for its vibrant and colorful atmosphere, which is home to many shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of street artists, so it’s always fun here!
Death Valley
Death Valley is a desert valley in eastern California. It’s one of the hottest places of the world, where temperatures can reach 50 degrees in summer. Because of the beautiful area and the special nature, Death Valley has been named a National Park. The Death Valley is divided into four areas, where you can visit different places of interest. You will find dunes, salt flats, volcano craters, ghost towns and you can visit the lowest place in North America here. The so-called ‘Devil’s Golf Course’ is also located here. Unfortunately for golf enthusiasts, this is not a suitable place to play golf. This place is described as a place where only the devil can play golf, because of the rough surface of the bottom which is covered with a thick layer of salt.
Santa Monica Pier
The well-known Route 66 already passed by in our article about Roadtrips. The end of this route is the Santa Monica pier and definitely a must-see when you are in California. The sign with ‘End of the Trail’ is here. Another highlight at the Santa Monica Pier is the Pacific Park theme park. From the Ferris wheel you have a beautiful view of Santa Monica and the beach.
San Diego
If you like nature, you should go to San Diego. One of the world’s most famous zoos of the country is located there: the San Diego Zoo. Koalas, elephants, polar bears and pandas, are just some of the many animals you can spot there. Besided all the animals that you can see in the park, San Diego Botanic Garden is also worth the visit. The Botanic garden includes rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants and many more. In short: plenty to do when you visit San Diego!
Hollywood Sign
If you want to meet celebrities, you have to go to Hollywood. You can walk on the Walk of Fame, visit the Sunset Strip or take a look inside the well-known theatres by the Hollywood Boulevard. And the most iconic monument from the film industry, the well-known white Hollywood letters, of course shouldn’t be missed during a visit to Hollywood. If you want to visit the Hollywood Sign, you have to give something to get to the letters. You still have to take a steep walk from various parking spaces, but then you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the letters!
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a large sweetwater lake in the Sierra Nevada, on the border between California and Nevada. Around the lake are mountains covered in snow. Thousands of people come to the ski areas around Lake Tahoe. But if you like watersports and mountainbiking or just want to enjoy the beautiful view, Lake Tahoe is the place to be.
Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House is a famous villa in San Jose. The villa used to be the residence of Sarah Winchester. It is a very special villa with absurd features such as stairs that lead nowhere. In addition, there are about 160 rooms, of which 40 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. It is therefore not surprising that it took more than 30 years to build. To this day, the house is still a mystery. Some say Sarah was unhinged after her husband’s death. There are also stories that the house was bewitched by the ghosts of people killed by Winchester rifles. Anyway, the house is a unique experience that you must experience. Watch the video below to get a look at the Mystery House!
A lot of fun things to do and see in California. We So a lot of fun things to see and do in California. We understand that student-athletes would like to go to California. Do you want to become a student-athlete or would you just like more information about sports and studying in America? Feel free to reach out!
