Although we started out with a pretty hefty travel wishlist this year, it looks as though we will be staying more local this Summer. We had big plans to try to go do a roadtrip in Norway, but sometimes plans don’t always line up and we have to adjust our sails. Luckily we live in a place that is already full of it’s own diverse beauty, California! Though it’s fairly large, most places are driveable or a short flight away. Much like last years SF Bay Area bucketlist, today I’m sharing some of my favorite and kind-of local dream destinations from my California travel wishlist.
1. Anza-Borrego Desert Superbloom
This year’s buzz about the Superbloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has me dying to go there. Since I live in Northern California, seeing a desert superbloom isn’t something that’s easy to do without a long drive or flight. I’d love to make it down in perhaps early Summer before it gets too warm there. I doubt there will be flowers, but I’ve always loved to visit the desert, especially Palm Springs.
2. Sequoia National Park
Of all the places I’ve been in California, the southern Sierras have eluded me. I’m dying to visit both Sequoia National Park, and the Lake Mono area. Perhaps worth a road trip up the Sierras this Summer?
3. Pfeiffer Beach State Park
Though I’ve driven Highway 1 more times than I can count on my fingers and toes, I’ve never made a stop here. The highway took a beating this Winter with heavy rains and storms in California, and parts of it were severely damaged or destroyed. While a section of it is still closed, I can drive down to here before needing to turn back (ha!). Maybe, maybe this Summer will actually be the time we make it here. The sand is purple, and at certain times the sunset lines up perfectly with the keyhole rock in the water.
4. Lake Shasta
We have an extended family houseboat trip planned here this Summer. I’ve never been on a houseboat before, so I’m not sure what to expect. I’d imagine it’s a little like glamping on the water and will pack accordingly. I get seasick on smaller boats in rough waters, so fingers crossed I’m okay here!
5. Yosemite National Park
We visited Yosemite last WinterWinter and it was pretty magical. I’d love to visit again this Summer to take in the park again and really be able to explore. I remember going a few times as a kid and I’d love to share that excitement with our little ones as well.
Do you have any special places in California you have been to or would love to visit? I’d love to hear!
Most of the images in this post are stock. Obviously I haven’t been able to take photos like this in these places, which is why I want to go there!
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