What would you show a visitor to California for the first time?

[Dave]

If your trying to show someone visiting California for the first time – what would you show them???

Here are a few “shell” highlights I would absolutely include:

Death Valley
– the hottest natural environment in the world (especially gutsy? Experience this in July!)
– Scotty’s Castle
– Moving Rocks
– Badwater

Lake Tahoe
– South Lake Tahoe/Emerald Bay
– Private boat ride, old Chris-Craft

Yosemite
– Hike to a Waterfall
– Gaze in Awe at the Granite carved formations
– Visit Glacier Point
– Climb backside of Half Dome

Unique Trees
– Sequoia National Park – largest trees in the world
– Redwoods State Park or similar – tallest trees in the world
– Bristlecone Pines – oldest trees in the world, White Mountains
– Joshua Tree National Park

Los Angeles
– Huntington Library
– Exposition Park
– Griffith Park
– Sunset Blvd at Night
– Hollywood Blvd
– Mullholland Drive
– Outdoor Concert
– Private party at club
– Catalina Island

Disneyland
– California Adventure Ride

San Francisco
– Boat into Tiburon
– Golden Gate Bridge
– Alcatraz
– Union Square

Napa Valley
– Balloon Ride
– One of a number of prestigious food and wine events
– Private tasting with view at winery in the hills above the valley floor

Eastern Sierra
– Mt. Whitney portal Road
– Alabama Hills
– White Mountains including Bristlecone Pines
– Mono Lake
– Manzanar
– Bodie

Santa Barbara
– Camino Cielo
– State Street
– Brunch at the Biltmore

Hearst Castle

Mt Lassen National Park
– Cinder Cone
– Tube Caves
– Hot Springs
– Hike to top

Mt. Shasta
– Climb to top

Plumas or Sierra Counties
– get lost in the beautiful wilderness here

Tehama County
– drive the backroads

San Diego – help! While its in the same state as I have lived in all my life, I’ve been once. Pathetic. Yes.
Here are some recommendations from Sami at @SoCalWineDiva – thanks!
Coronado beach, San Diego Zoo, Old Town, Breweries and Wineries, Balboa Ppark, La Jolla Cove, San Diego Bay Embarcadero and Julian mining town

EXPERIENCES
Water Sports
Fruit Picking in Brentwood
– or other Central Valley location
Gold Mining
Zip Lining
Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada’s
Helping make Wine
Audience participation – Live TV Shows
Mountain Climbing
Theme Park
Ethnic enclaves for authentic food
Fishing mountain streams
Skiing

This post will most definitely be updated at any time.

AND PLEASE ADD YOUR FAVORITES TO THIS LIST! FAVORITES MUST BE TRULY SPECIAL

[Author]

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