New West Coasters: California Travel

New West Coasters

California Travel

California has long been a hot spot for people to visit, and even move to. With dozens of wonderful cities, the great weather, the Pacific coast and beaches, and all the fantastic things you can do, California can be a perfect place to live. It doesn’t matter at what stage of your life you are at California has plenty for you to know and enjoy.

Outdoor Sports that Californians are Known For

One of the huge perks to living in California is being able to enjoy its great year round weather. Because of that, many people who live there are big into outdoor activities. One fun thing that is hugely popular is surfing. Although you can find surfing up and down the coastline, a few recommended spots for beginners are:

• Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach
• Old Man’s at San Onofre State Beach
• Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
• Mondos Beach, Ventura

Other Outdoor Options

If you like being outdoors, but aren’t looking for a new sport to learn than head over to Santa Barbara to visit Lotusland which is a 37-acre botanical garden. Or visit the Los Angeles area where you can explore Bronson Caves, Angeles National Park, Topanga State Park, and Venice Beach. Get to know the Napa Valley better by taking a tour on the wine train, enjoying some time at the Opera House, or see it all with a Napa Valley hot air balloon ride.

Ways to Get Involved with the Community

If you want to find ways to plug into your new neighborhood and surroundings than try connecting with a volunteer or other local community group. If you like animals you can work with the Happy Tails Sanctuary in Sacramento. If you are partial to helping people you can get involved with programs like the Homeless Garden Project. Fun groups to join might include Malibu areas Boardgamers Weekly Meetup. If you move to San Diego music lessons can be fun and then you can mix it up with groups like the San Diego Creative Connection or AmateurPianists.

Restaurants and Food

There is any number of eateries throughout California and with the mix of cultures and arts you never know what you may find to enjoy. You can find something like the Villa Creek Bar and Grill in Paso Robles with a fusion of American, Californian and Mexican cuisines. Palm Springs has Le Vallauris combining American, contemporary, and French foods and Pomme Frite serving Belgian, French, steaks and seafood. California is also a great place for Mexican, old fashioned hamburgers, and even healthy and vegetarian restaurants like Palm Greens Café.

California really offers so much for people. Anywhere you travel you can find great shopping, a variety of cultures, great food, places to get outdoors like parks, beaches, ski resorts and so much more. There are bands playing live throughout the state on any given night, and in most any genre to enjoy. The only difficulty you will discover is, having to choose what you are going to enjoy first while you settle into your new hometown.

Guest post by Becky W.