Best known for its famous beaches, what else does sunny California have to offer?
Photo: Andrey Bayda
California, popularised in many songs, films and TV shows, is home to major cities like San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles. There are many reasons why the Sunshine State is often portrayed in such a beautiful and carefree way.
Here are a few must-sees if you ever get a chance to visit sunny California in the USA.
In-N-Out Burger: Fast & Yummy
Arguably the best fast food restaurant in the USA, In-N-Out burger originated in California in 1948 and is a bona fide classic. It was only about a decade ago when they started expanding to several other states, including Nevada, Texas and Arizona.
Priding itself on fast, fresh food, its burgers are only made when ordered. You won’t get frozen fries that go through the deep fryer more than once – their fries are freshly cut and thick. You can customise your order, too.
Check out the not-so-secret menu that has been going around, until they decided to place it on their official website.
Disneyland California Adventure: The Happiest Place on Earth
Los Angeles, or LA, is the entertainment capital of the world. Visit the Disneyland California Adventure theme park with the classic Mickey Ferris Wheel.
However, try to avoid the park from May to September. It’s the summer holidays for the US kids and the queues do get pretty long.
If you do visit the park during that period, go to each individual attraction and get the Fast Pass tickets, and return to the ride at the exact allocated time, without having to queue.
Also, get the Park Hopper tickets and visit both Disneyland California Adventure and Disneyland (just right opposite) in one day.
Grand Central Market: for Fresh Produce
Photo: Andrey Bayda
With a cluster of open-air restaurants and stalls selling fresh produce, the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles serves a variety of food and fresh produce and is sure to satisfy your appetite.
Eateries such as Valerie offer the classic LA counter experience with a full menu of savoury and sweet options for breakfast, brunch and lunch. If you’re afraid the heat will dampen your mood, fret not, because the Grand Central Market is properly ventilated.
The Last Bookstore: The Most Gorgeous Bookstore Ever
Decorated with intricate interiors, this two-level building houses a bookstore, a section dedicated to records and even a coffee bar.
Head to the back of the shop where there’s a counter where you can sell your old reads. The large space houses two whole levels of both used and new books, and in the “labyrinth” (Level 2), books are mostly priced at US$1 each.
They even have a few shelves where they colour coordinate all the books, which is a feast on the eyes. Quaint, quiet and comfortable, it is truly a place you can spend an entire day in.
Yosemite National Park: California’s Gem
About a three-hour drive outside of the San Francisco bay area, the Yosemite National Park is truly California’s gem. Serene, picturesque and vast, it almost is like the entire place is part of a desktop wallpaper.
Overnight stays in the park are possible with the availability of camping grounds and cabin lodges in the park. Avoid the area in summer, though, which spans from May to July. Bush fires often occur during the period and trees appear burnt or black, which isn’t most ideal if you’re looking for breathtaking scenery.
Winter is an interesting time to visit, when everything is snow-covered, making Yosemite look even more magical than it already is. In the beginning of summer, California can still be pretty chilly, so be sure to bring a sweater along.
From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the calm and serene Red Woods in the North, California has something to offer for everyone. Be sure to take a trip down the next time you’re planning to go to the USA.
By Eu Shuqi
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