There is no state in the U.S. that I have traveled to as much as California. Here, the mentality feels a bit more Scandinavian, and the nature feels a bit grander. The trees are gigantic, the sea wilder, the waterfalls higher, the desert hotter, and the food culture a bit healthier. The weather along the coast is pleasant year-round, with temperatures around 15 degrees in winter. In these times, it may also be interesting to note that California has voted Democratic in every presidential election since 1988.
In total, I have spent more than two months in California โ including a drive through Northern California, road trips along Highway 1, and visits to national parks, mountains, deserts, and wine regions, from Eureka all the way down to Los Angeles. Some favorites that have stayed with me include Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Tahoe, Mendocino, Death Valley National Park, and the ghost town of Bodie.
It's been more than 15 years since I was last in California, but this week the urge to go back to an event in Copenhagen inspired by Visit California from Monterey, Santa Cruz, Carmel-by-the-Sea and some parts of California where I haven't been before โ including San Diego.
What places in California have you visited? What do you want to experience during a trip to California?
(The pictures below are my own from previous trips)
1. Monterey
Sweet little Monterey sits along the California coast, with a charming small-town vibe and boats gently bobbing in the harbor. But what truly sets Monterey apart isnโt just its quaint atmosphere โ the real adventure begins beneath the seaโs surface.
Just off the coast, the seabed plunges into the massive Monterey Canyon, which is even larger than the Grand Canyon and one of the worldโs most fascinating ecosystems. Here, some of the oceanโs most remarkable inhabitants thrive, from curious sea otters to enormous blue whales. In fact, 20 different species of whales and dolphins have been spotted in these waters, making Monterey a paradise for marine biologists and ordinary tourists alike, who love the thrill of watching a whale send a cascade of water into the sky.
And if, like me, you love to nerd out about animals and nature, then there's a place you absolutely can't miss: Monterey Bay Aquarium. At the world-famous aquarium, you can see giant schools of sardines and jellyfish swirling in huge tanks and meet the adorable sea otters that live in the bay.
The aquarium is not only a place for unforgettable encounters with marine life โ it is also a key advocate for ocean conservation. The more we learn about nature, the clearer it becomes why we must protect it. After a visit here, itโs impossible not to feel deeply inspired to do just that!
Read more about Monterey here.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Five kilometers from Monterey, nestled between gentle hills and dramatic cliffs, lies Carmel-by-the-Sea โ a charming town that consistently ranks among the worldโs most beautiful cities. Carmel is a haven for connoisseurs โ and I donโt just mean in the realm of art. Here, boutique hotels and intimate restaurants reign, where the menus are as thoughtfully curated as the artwork adorning the walls.
The area surrounding Carmel is renowned for its fertile soil and mild climate, creating ideal conditions for wine production. With over 360 wineries in the region, itโs a paradise for wine lovers. The combination of fresh local ingredients and award-winning wines makes Carmel an essential destination for anyone who believes that dining should be an experience, not just a meal.
Anyone looking to combine great flavors with some fresh air can embark on The Wine Walk. Here, you'll be guided through the city's best wine bars and tasting rooms. No need for a packed lunch or hiking boots โ just bring a cheerful spirit. A glass of strawberry-rich Pinot Noir here, a crisp Chardonnay there โ and before you know it, a simple stroll becomes a miniature gastronomic journey.
Read more about Carmel-by-the-sea here.
3. Santa cruz
In Santa Cruz, the towering redwoods meet the sparkling ocean in a city brimming with creativity, surf culture, and a laid-back lifestyle. The legacy of the hippie movement can be felt in everything from the vibrant houses to the strong focus on sustainability and locally sourced food. Here, it's not just about talking "field to fork" โ itโs a way of life. The restaurants source ingredients from local farms, and the menus change with the seasons โ whether you're enjoying freshly grilled fish caught that day or a creamy cheese from a nearby farm.
For the adventurous, thereโs the Giant Dipper, one of the worldโs oldest wooden roller coasters, which has been making both children and adults scream with joy since 1924. Prefer something a little more relaxed? Hop aboard the Roaring Camp Railroad and let the historic steam locomotive guide you through the majestic redwood forest.
For those curious about the soul of the city, there is a tiny surf museum Housed in a lighthouse at Lighthouse Point, you can learn about the town's rich surfing history and about Tom, the surfer who lost his life in the waves and who named this place after him.
And if you want to discover Santa Cruz's lesser-known treasures? Then head out into the woods after a good rain. Here you might be lucky enough to come across the city's strangest inhabitant โ the bright yellow the banana slugAccording to locals, it is said to be lucky to see a banana snail.
4.San Diego
With 112 kilometers of golden sandy beaches San Diego is the definition of a classic California beach town, but to think that San Diego is all about beach life would be a big mistake. San Diego is the uncrowned craft beer capital of the United States. With 135 breweries there is a beer for every taste โ from bitter IPAs to fruity sours. For those who prefer to stick to wine, there is over 115 wineries in the area.
San Diego is a foodie paradise where it's just as natural to grab a taco from a small street stall as it is to step into a Michelin-starred restaurant and experience a world-class culinary experience. But what San Diego is perhaps best known for is its family fun. It's home to some of America's most beloved attractions, with the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Legoland and Sesame Place attracting adventurers young and old. If you're traveling with kids and want to make the most of your travel budget, fall break and October are the golden months โ when kids up to 11 years old get free admission to over 100 different attractions.
If you're now starting to wonder how to get here most easily, KLM will start flying directly from Amsterdam to San Diego from May 8th. For SAS travelers, this means an easier and faster route across the Atlantic.
Do you want to read more about California?
Check out my page about Yosemite or read more at Visit California.
