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Journey through California, one city at a time. This state has something for everyone.
As I flip through the pages of my photo album labelled 'California Dreamin', the melodies of La La Land effortlessly resurface in my mind. With every subsequent visit, California has left an indelible mark on my soul. Among the myriad experiences, one train ride stands out—the California Zephyr, which transported me to San Francisco and the spellbinding Griffith Observatory. From there, I witnessed the entrancing panorama of Downtown Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign—memories that will forever hold a special space in my heart. The state has so much to offer, presenting countless sunsets and a tantalising array of culinary delights that can easily overwhelm a first-timer. Amidst this richness, I have made notes of my favourite moments and spots, including some hidden gems. Believe me, there is something to captivate every kind of traveller in California.
I have always considered San Francisco (SFO) to be a lot like New York City—big, beautiful, iconic bridges, and great food. Whenever I visit SFO, my first destination is always Fisherman's Wharf. The last time I was there... Corn dog in hand, I walked to Pier 39 and said hello to the sea lions who hung by K-Dock. They say these noisy buggers arrived in 1990, and since then, have made the spot their home. The sea lions are as much a part of SFO as the iconic cable car. No trip to the pier is complete without a creamy, steamy bowl of clam chowder, that too, at Fog Harbour Fish House. A cruise on the bay is the best way to experience the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Some of my other favourite things to do is walk up Lombard Street—the most crooked street in the world—take a cable car ride across town, a sundae at Ghiradelli, and shopping at Union Square.
However, over the years, I also discovered a few hidden gems in the city. With its mighty marble stairs, statutes and beautiful detailing, San Francisco City Hall deserves a couple of hours of exploration. Dog Eared Books, an independent bookstore on Valencia Street, surprises me each time with its interesting collection of books on local literature. The mosaic steps on 16th Avenue are pretty famous among locals and tourists alike, but the lesser-known hidden garden mosaic—complete with colourful renditions of lotuses, the California poppy and daffodils—has been my go-to spot for a while. Every trip to the bay is incomplete without a cup of coffee from Caffe Trieste, a family-owned coffee house on North Beach that claims to be the first espresso coffee house established on the West Coast. Lastly, you shouldn't miss out on trying the unique gelato flavours from Salt & Straw; the last time, I had a gelato that was a combination of olive oil, pear and blue cheese.
My first Californian experience in the early 2000s took me to Los Angeles (LA). As a fervent movie enthusiast and pop culture aficionado, the city was akin to a dream come true. I strolled along Hollywood Walk of Fame, pausing to snap photos of some of my favorite stars (I chose Daniel Radcliffe and Meryl Streep). A visit to Griffith Observatory offered me the opportunity to witness the aura of the space where a scene from La La Land was filmed. I indulged in traditional Mexican delicacies and the ever-popular avocado toast. A vivid memory from my past involves a visit to Universal Studios—when I was a 10-year-old—a trip marked by a mix of fear during the Jaws boat ride and amusement at a flying cow in the Twister attraction.
But more recently, I had the opportunity to step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—an experience that transported me back to my childhood. With several visits, over the years, I've realised that the best time to visit Universal Studios is on a weekday. While Los Angeles does have a lot to offer, my trips often included a quick getaway to Santa Monica Pier, where I gorged on an array of shrimp at Bubba Gump and marvelled at the sunset. A constant fixture on my LA itinerary has been a pilgrimage to Disneyland in Anaheim. Even if I was unable to visit the park, I always made it a point to walk around downtown Disney and buy myself Mickey-shaped goodies. This would be followed by securing the perfect spot to watch the fireworks that usually start at 9:30 pm. I would suggest snagging a spot at least 15 minutes before the fireworks begin.
There are two things I love about San Diego—the zoo and its weather. San Diego Zoo has been on my bucket list for a long time. When I finally visited, I treasured every experience—from the aerial tram that went through the treetops to watching the cutest pandas and koalas at the San Diego Zoo. I highly recommend this spot. With its great weather, the city is a haven for people who love the outdoors. For history lovers, San Diego offers the charm of Old Town San Diego—a fusion of Mexican heritage that encompasses historical buildings and authentic eateries. Cafe Coyote's margaritas, rolled tacos, and chimichanga have been my staple for almost a decade.
I am not much of a hop-on-hop-off bus kind of traveller, but San Diego’s SEAL Tours changed how I perceived tourist buses. This is a one-of-a-kind tour bus that's functional both on land and water. It started with the charming streets of San Diego, meandering amidst picturesque scenes and then made a splash into San Diego Bay, where I spotted seals, dolphins and seagulls. San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego are my top three favourite cities in California, but there is much more hidden in this beautiful state. The majestic Big Sur, the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea and the famous Napa Valley are on my must-see list. Unveiling California's sunsets, relishing its mountain breeze, and savouring delectable treats demand multiple trips to this remarkable destination.
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