Traveling plays an essential role in our lives, being as important as it is entertaining. Exploring new places has a profound impact on our perspectives, igniting inspiration and stimulating innovative ideas that may not have been possible otherwise. Experiencing new environments can open up new horizons, challenge preconceptions and encourage creative thinking.

California is home to so many of the world’s most exquisite sites and sights, it would be a missed opportunity for residents to not go to these amazing places. One does not need to travel far to find beauty and excitement. With the summer holidays steadily approaching, here is a selection of sites that are close to home, but no less fun than ones farther away. While international travel is great, traveling local can be just as exciting, epsecialy in California.

The first on the list is the city of San Francisco. There are a countless number of places to be in San Francisco. One can take a walk down the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the fog, take a ride down the cable cars, enjoy some fresh clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf or just wander amidst the city’s distinctive architecture. Here are three things everyone visiting should definitely do at least once.

Try some chocolate. There are a few great places for chocolate lovers in the city. At Dandelion Chocolate, a visitor can see the chocolate-making process, and indulge themselves in their delectable products. They can also try the renowned Ghirardelli chocolate at Ghirardelli Square.

Take the time to visit one of the numerous beaches near the Golden Gate Bridge. One can look at the vast Pacific Ocean and sit with the seagulls in the sand. 

While it may not be an immediate thought of when one thinks of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument should be visited at least once if one is in the area. The feeling one gets being with the tall redwood trees is indescribable.

Only a mere seven minutes away from FHS, Downtown Sunnyvale’s downtown is a delightful place to visit. Murphy Avenue is a small and historic place with some good restaurants to eat at. Being so close, everyone should be able to visit, even on a weekday.

The final recommendation is a sight to remember for a lifetime. From Fremont, Lake Tahoe is roughly a four-hour drive with no stops. The largest alpine lake in North America, it is situated at the border of California and Nevada, in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Its enormous shoreline is scattered with adventure and gorgeous vista points it is an absolute must see. 

Skiing and snowboarding are reasons why many travel to Lake Tahoe. Typically, the best time is around January or February. There are many great spots where one can enjoy sliding down the snow, such as Heavenly, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Sugar Bowl and more. If the traveler does not already know how or is a beginner, they can always learn to ski. All of the areas mentioned have lessons they can take. Even if they are not an expert, they can take the gondola at Heavenly and enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the snow-capped mountains atop the peak. 

If a visitor wants a closer look at the lake, then the beaches on Lake Tahoe’s shoreline are perfect. They can relax underneath the pine trees, or stare out into the seemingly endless lake and onto the white peaks under the blue sky. If the weather is good enough, they can actually go and kayak in the lake and paddle in transparent boats by Clearlytahoe in a guided tour. They can also go on a cruise, sailing across the blue seams of the lake and admiring the view.

One of the joys the lake brings is the breathtaking sites where one can go and fill their eyes with the picturesque scenery. Vikingsholm is a beautiful and intricate Scandinavian castle that includes Tahoe’s most beautiful views. It is right next to Inspiration Point, which unveils the sight of the Emerald Bay’s crystal-clear waters and Tahoe’s only island: Fannette. 

There are a ton of places to go during free time, from a mere seven minutes away to a couple of hours, and they are all worth the time. Good luck and happy traveling!