California conjures images of endless summers and exhilarating and action-packed winters. Now spring is on its way, California is beginning to bloom into an ocean of wildflowers. This is the best time to hike, take a leisure walk, or enjoy the beach and the waves. This is the best time to be dreaming.

California is the state you want to be in right now.

Photo by Sunny Varghese via trover.com

Riverside: Communing With Nature

Whether you want to trek around Mount Rubidoux Park, explore the University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens, or learn about photography and its history in California Museum of Photography, Riverside has some interesting places to visit. Do not fret, budget hotels do exist in this part of California. For a comfortable yet affordable stay, try Rodeway Inn & Suites for as little as $64 a night. This inn is pet-friendly.

Garden Grove: Staying Young

Crystal Cathedral put Garden Grove on the map, but aside from this ecclesiastical architecture, there are other places worth paying a visit. Stanley Ranch Museum & Historical Village, for example, is a delight for kids and adults alike. Atlantis Play Center is perfect for couples traveling with kids. To make your Garden Grove vacation more colorful, stay at Hotel Menage Anaheim Boutique Hotel, a chic and stylish accommodation that offers exceptional services. Indulge in a drink at its Palapa Bar, or relax in its freeform pool after a day of adventure outside.

Santa Cruz: Relaxing on the Beach

This beach town was the birthplace of the surfing scene in California. Santa Cruz, home to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, is a hip, creative, and adventurous community. Be sure to visit the legendary Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which will give you a deeper understanding of the prevailing local culture and tastes. Ocean Lodge, which is a 10-minute drive to popular destinations, is an unbelievably affordable place to stay. It is also pet-friendly.

Huntington Beach: Beaching All Day

Huntington Beach is the ideal beach town. Its beaches and swells draw a multitude of beach lovers and surfers. If you’re a dog person, then you might want to enjoy an afternoon on Huntington Dog Beach, where locals walk with their beloved pets. Soak up the local culture at Huntington Beach Pier or walk around downtown. For a special treat, indulge in a night at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, a place where luxury and elegance meet. Take a dip in the pool and awaken your senses.

Fresno: Walking Through Gardens

Fresno is a garden lover’s paradise. Wander through Forestiere Underground Gardens, have a relaxing trek around Woodward Regional Park, or draw inspiration from the thriving greens in Shinzen Japanese Garden. Learn more about local history and art at Fresno Art Museum or Kearney Mansion Museum. If you’re looking for a place to stay, a night at The Radisson Hotel and Conference Center is well worth it. This place has a cocktail lounge, an indoor and outdoor pool, beauty salon, and a lot more.

Jona of Backpacking with a Book

Hi there, I’m Jona, originally from Cebu, Philippines, had live in Hanoi, Vietnam, and now currently based in Munich, Germany. This blog used to house thoughts on life and books, but eventually it morphed into a travel blog. For collaborations, projects, and other things, please email me at backpackingwithabook@gmail.com. For essays, creative nonfiction, and others, find me elsewhere.

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