5.Monterey
Monterey’s stunning natural beauty and small-town soul are what keep travelers coming back again and again. Located in central California, Monterey is awash with picture-perfect beaches and charming seaside neighborhoods. It’s also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, considered one of the best aquariums in the country. But no visit would be complete without exploring the surrounding area. Head to Carmel to peruse its boutiques and art galleries, or visit Pebble Beach to hit the links at its world-renowned golf courses.
6.Big Sur
Make the trek to this destination at the edge of the ocean to see scenery so spellbindingly beautiful, it has the habit of putting travelers into a trance. This 90-mile stretch of rugged coastline offers numerous hiking trails that weave in and out of the area’s mountains and valleys, as well as pathways that lead to wild, seemingly untouched beaches. Don’t know where to start? Turn to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a go-to for many first-time travelers.
