One of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a must see for everyone. As soon as you enter this enchanted place, you will be amazed at the sheer cliffs and winding canyons.
The sheer size of this natural wonder is mind boggling. It is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. Looking down, you can be gazing at a depth of 1 mile from the top.
If you love nature and enjoy a little adventure in your life then you must add Yosemite national park to the top of your must-see list. The national park is located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and crosses 3 California counties. It spans an area of 761,268 acres (1,200 square miles) of mountains, steep granite cliffs, valleys, rivers, waterfall and lakes. It is home to groves of Giant Sequoia trees and many species of plants and animals. It is also home for the American black bear and California brown bears.
Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city that is much more than a beach town. The city is nestled amongst rolling hills and valleys overlooking the shoreline with great beaches, shops, restaurants and art galleries - giving it a distinct French Riviera allure.
Laguna Beach is a great destination for a family looking to escape the heat of the inland cities or for couples looking for a romantic stroll on the beach.
The first time I saw Joshua Tree NP I thought I just crossed through the twilight zone and into another planet. The eerie landscape, rock formations and the uncanny Joshua trees combine to transport you to a different state of mind. This 800,000 acres park straddles the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in California. It is home to the most stunning rock piles, mountain ranges, desert views and an unexpected oasis here and there.
It is hard to find a secluded area in Southern California to step away from civilization and commune with nature. But luckily for us, the Channel Islands are a short boat ride away with beautiful nature and great adventures.
The 8 islands making up the Channel Islands are only a few miles away from the coast of Southern California but they might as well worlds away. Those islands have never been connected to the mainland, so they have their own species of animals and plants.