California Dreamin': How to Avoid Endless Selfies and Actually Have Fun
Ah, California. The land of sunshine, movie stars, and beaches that stretch on for, well, at least as long as your patience for celebrity gossip. But fear not, weary traveler! There's more to this state than Hollywood and avocado toast. Here's your survival guide to having a ridiculously good time in California, minus the staged Instagram moments (although, a few sneaky palm tree pics are allowed).
Nature is Calling (and Probably Saying "Dude, Chill")
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Hike Like a Hero (Without the Spandex): Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, Joshua Tree - California's got a national park collection that'd make even Mother Nature jealous. Ditch the selfie stick and commune with the redwoods, breathe in the fresh desert air, and maybe even pretend you're John Muir for a day (minus the beard). Just be sure to pack plenty of water - dehydration is not a good look on anyone, not even Yosemite Sam.
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Beach Bumming with Benefits: California's coastline is legendary, but there's more to do than just lie there like a beached whale (no offense to whales, they're majestic creatures). Try surfing in San Diego, kayaking in Monterey Bay, or go whale watching and witness the real stars of the Pacific.
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Death Valley: Hotter Than Your Ex's Dating Profile: Looking for a challenge? Death Valley isn't for the faint of heart (or those who forgot sunscreen). But the otherworldly landscapes and record-breaking temperatures are an unforgettable experience. Just don't say we didn't warn you - it's like stepping onto another planet, only with way less breathable air.
Channel Your Inner Child (Because Adults Are Boring Anyway)
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Theme Parks: Where Dreams (and Ice Cream) Come True: Universal Studios, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm - California's got enough theme parks to make your inner child do a happy dance. Ride rollercoasters, meet cartoon characters, and indulge in enough churros to put you in a sugar coma (don't worry, they have first aid on hand).
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Get Wet, Wild, and Soaked at a Water Park: California may be known for its beaches, but water parks are a whole other level of splashtastic fun. Hurtle down water slides, float in lazy rivers, and maybe even overcome your fear of clowns at Raging Waters (no promises on the last one).
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Get Your Freak On at a Music Festival: Coachella, Stagecoach, Outside Lands - California's music festival scene is legendary. See your favorite bands, discover new ones, and people-watch the craziest outfits you've ever seen (think flower crowns and questionable amounts of glitter).
Bright Lights, Big City (and the Occasional Celebrity Sighting)
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Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Action (Tourist Traps!) Okay, so Hollywood is a bit of a tourist trap, but it's still a must-see. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame (and see how many names you actually recognize), take a studio tour, and maybe even snag a selfie with a cardboard cutout of your favorite celebrity (we won't judge).
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San Francisco: Cable Cars, Golden Gate Bridge, and Sourdough Bread Heaven: San Francisco is a feast for the senses. Ride the iconic cable cars, explore the vibrant neighborhoods, and devour a sourdough bread bowl overflowing with clam chowder (because let's be honest, you haven't lived until you've tried it).
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San Diego: Zoos, Brews, and Views (and Maybe a Sea Lion Encounter): San Diego is a city that has it all. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, sample the craft beer scene in the Gaslamp Quarter, and kayak alongside playful sea lions in La Jolla Shores.
This is just a taste of the fun that awaits you in California. So ditch the guidebooks, embrace the adventure, and get ready to make memories that are anything but #basic.
