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This region, in California's northeast corner, is known for mountains, forests, waterfalls, and amazing, safe-to-visit volcanoes. The region, a 3-hour drive north of Sacramento, gets its name from the rugged Cascade Mountains and their signature peak in state, 14,180-foot/4,322-meter Mount Shasta—yes, a volcano.
With crashing waves along the coast and soaring redwood trees blanketing miles of uncrowded parkland, this is one of California's most spectacular regions. The largest city, Eureka, is roughly a 5-hour drive north of San Francisco—but what a drive: see lush wine country, charming hamlets, spouting whales, and breath-taking sunsets.
Spotlight: Redwood National & State Parks
California Welcome Centers in the North Coast
The western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range, defining California's eastern border, are known as the Gold Country, named after the rich Mother Lode discovered here in the mid-1850s. While gold is still found in the region, new riches include top museums and art in Sacramento, the state capital, plus white-water rafting, tucked-away towns, farm-fresh dining, and award-winning wines.
On the western oceanfront of Northern California, at the state's distinctive bend along the coast, lies this breath-taking region. It's framed by an unforgettable gateway—the iconic Golden Gate Bridge—spanning the mouth of San Francisco Bay. Explore diverse cities, picturesque hamlets, family-friendly beaches, coastal parklands, and wine country, including Napa and Sonoma wine country, 1½ hours north of San Francisco.
Spotlight: Alcatraz
Spotlight: Napa Valley
Spotlight: Sonoma County
Spotlight: San Jose
California Welcome Centres in the San Francisco Bay Area
Spotlight: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
California Welcome Centers in the High Sierra
Running right down the middle of California, this broad region contains some of most productive farmland in the world. Wine country around Lodi features big, bold reds. Further south, Fresno has a lively arts scene.
California Welcome Centers in the Central Valley
In this narrow strip of coastal hills and valleys, discover romantic towns, including Carmel-by-the-Sea, historic Monterey, and elegant Santa Barbara, nicknamed "the American Riviera." The region's classic drive along Highway One, linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, visits Big Sur, Hearst Castle, wine country, and kick-back surf towns.
Spotlight: Monterey & Carmel
California Welcome Centres in the Central Coast
This dramatic region takes up the south-eastern half of the state. Remarkable desert parklands, including Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego, provide an extraordinary chance to explore, while the oasis-like allure of Palm Springs, 3 hours northeast of San Diego, offers sunny resort-style getaways, with golf, tennis, spas, and high end shopping.
California Welcome Centres in the Deserts
California Welcome Centers in the Inland Empire
Spotlight: Pacific Crest Trail
This sunny region along the state's southern coast is California's most populated region, best known as the capital of the entertainment industry. Here, film stars really do work in Hollywood, play in the surf at Malibu, and shop in Beverly Hills. Looping motorways make the car king, but the region also has a surprisingly good network of buses and light rail, a hassle-free way to explore.
Spotlight: The Getty Center
Spotlight: Long Beach
Tucked between San Diego and Los Angeles Counties, this region is known for flawless beaches and "the happiest place on earth," Disneyland Resort. Anaheim, the theme park's home, offers a surprisingly hip vibe in a refurbished downtown. Newport Beach has dazzling yachts, Huntington Beach has iconic surfing, and Costa Mesa beckons with top shopping.
California Welcome Centres in Orange County
Spotlight: Balboa Park