California is a great place to visit year-round,the best time to visit California is during the summer months from June to August. The temperatures are warm and pleasant, making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming. However, keep in mind that this is peak tourist season, so you'll find larger crowds and higher prices.
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, then the best time to visit California is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, you'll find mild weather and fewer tourists. Plus, you'll be able to take advantage of the beautiful spring blooms and fall foliage.
"Being a fan of the TV show "Silicon Valley" I always wanted to explore California as the geeks did"
As a travel enthusiast, I can definitely relate to the challenges of trying to balance work and play while on the road. It can be tough to find time for sightseeing and adventure when you're busy with work, but it's not impossible!
It's important to remember that travel is all about the experience. While work is important, it's equally important to take the time to immerse yourself in your destination and make the most of every moment. Whether it's trying new foods, meeting new people, or exploring hidden gems off the beaten path, there's always something to discover and enjoy.
So, as a fellow travel enthusiast and digital nomad, I encourage you to embrace the challenge of balancing work and play and to make the most of your travel adventures. With a little planning, creativity, and a sense of adventure, you can have the best of both worlds!
Our first destination was Point Reyes National Seashore, which is famous for its historic lighthouse. The lighthouse, first lit in 1870, stands over 600 feet above sea level on a ledge blasted out of the rock with dynamite. The views of the ocean from here are breathtaking, and the chilly air adds to the overall experience. We reached here in the evening and witnessed a beautiful sunset. The drive to Point Reyes was also amazing. We saw some wonders of nature like the sun setting and moon rising in a single frame, and deer running with our car.
California is also known for its diverse food culture. As an Indian food lover, I must say that I had some amazing food experiences here. Some of my favorite restaurants in California are In-N-Out Burger, Philz Coffee, and Boudin Bakery and rest Indian cuisine are listed down. If you are looking for some recommendations, I suggest you try the Animal Style burger at In-N-Out, the Mint Mojito iced coffee at Philz Coffee, and the famous sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery.
After having a delicious meal, we headed towards San Francisco, which is around 40 miles away from Mountain View. We faced some traffic during the afternoon, so plan your trip accordingly. The Golden Gate Bridge was our next stop. It is the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. The fun fact about the bridge is that it's not actually golden, but a bright red-orange. We took some amazing shots of the bridge from different locations, which I have attached to this blog.
San Francisco is known for its housing patterns and the Golden Gate Bridge, which gives the city a beautiful look. If you want to get a complete view of the city, then Twin Peaks is the place to be. You'll feel like you have already been to SF if you have played the game Watch Dogs 2. Another place you should visit in SF is Lombard Street, which is known for the one-way block on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. The street has eight sharp turns, making it the most crooked street in the world. If you have a drone, don't forget to carry it, but be cautious of the wires.
While you are in SF, you must visit The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, which makes handmade chocolate fudge every day. They have a wide range of chocolates, gift options, and a variety of menus. Everything about this place is exciting.
One of the most famous drives in the California is the 17-Mile Drive, which winds through the Pebble Beach area and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky cliffs, and towering trees. The drive is well worth the admission fee and takes you past several famous landmarks, including the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and the Pebble Beach Golf Course.
But the real gem of the Big Sur area is the natural beauty of the surrounding parks and coastline. With its rugged coastline, rocky cliffs, and secluded beaches, Big Sur offers some of the most spectacular views of the California coast. Visitors can hike along the coastline, explore the redwood forests, and even soak in natural hot springs.
One of the most popular parks in the area is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which offers a range of hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as camping and picnic areas. The park is also home to the Pfeiffer Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that cascades down a rocky slope and creates a tranquil pool at the base.
Another must-visit destination in the area is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which features stunning views of the McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops onto a sandy cove below. Visitors can hike along the coastal trails, swim in the crystal clear waters, and even camp overnight in the park's back country.
Overall, Big Sur is a true natural wonder that should be on every traveler's bucket list. With its rugged coastline, towering trees, and stunning vistas, this area offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
As a travel blogger, I want to share a story that may resonate with some of my readers. It's a story of loss and perseverance, and the importance of finding the strength to keep going even in the face of adversity.
In April 2022, I received the devastating news in the morning at 3 AM that my grandfather had passed away. It was a sudden and unexpected loss that left me reeling with grief and struggling to process my emotions. As someone who typically keeps my feelings to myself, I found it difficult to share my pain with those around me. Instead, I tried to soldier on with my California trip, putting a smile on my face and holding tears in my eyes, pretending that everything was okay.
But deep down, I was struggling. Every day, I was reminded of my grandfather's absence and the finality of his passing. It was a painful reminder that life is fragile and that we never know when our time will come. Despite my efforts to stay strong, I felt like I was slowly unraveling inside.
To make matters worse, I accidentally crashed my brand-new DJI FPV drone on Santa Monica Beach. It was a frustrating setback that left me feeling even more defeated and alone. But in that moment, I realized that I had a choice. I could give up and let my grief consume me, or I could pick myself up and keep going.
So, I decided to keep going. I replaced my drone and continued my trip, trying to find solace in the beauty of my surroundings and the experiences that lay ahead. It wasn't easy, and there were moments when the weight of my sadness felt too heavy to bear. But by persevering and pushing through the pain, I was able to find moments of joy and hope in unexpected places.
In the end, my trip to California was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It showed me that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to keep going and to keep living. It was a reminder that life is a precious gift and that we should never take a single moment for granted.
