Thinking of visiting California? Big cities like San Diego, San Francisco, and Anaheim will likely figure into your plans, but you will want to make time to visit some of the smaller California cities. Here are five that you won’t want to miss!
Palm Springs, Riverside
Located in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is a popular resort city. With nonstop flights to Palm Springs from 20 cities, it couldn’t be easier to experience. More than 350 sunny days each year make it easy to enjoy area attractions such as Desert Hot Springs, the Joshua Tree National Park, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Palm Springs hotels include budget options like Desert Lodge, and upscale accommodation such as the Colony Palms Hotel.
Garden Grove, Orange
Garden Grove in Orange County is perhaps best known for its annual Strawberry Festival. But a love of berries shouldn’t be the only thing that tempts you to visit this California City. Mickey and his pals at Disneyland Resort will offer you a warm welcome throughout the year, while a highlight of the summer months is the Festival Amphitheater’s annual Shakespeare Festival. Hotel options in the city include the Hilton Garden Inn and Candlewood Suites.
San Gabriel, Los Angeles
Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown LA by heading a little more than ten miles northeast to the smaller city of San Gabriel. Check into hotels such as the Flamingo Inn Rosemead and the Lincoln Plaza Hotel, before setting out to discover local attractions. The San Gabriel Mission, Gamble House, and the Norton Simon Museum of Art make this city a real treat if you are a culture enthusiast. Do not miss the shopping in San Gabriel Square, either.
Palo Alto, Santa Clara
Located in Santa Clara County’s northwest corner, Palo Alto is home to attractions such as the Shoreline Amphitheater, Downtown Mountain View, and the Stanford Shopping Center. If you like getting out and about outdoors, you will love the Arastradero and Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserves. Hotels in Palo Alto include upscale accommodation such as the Westin Palo Alto, and plenty of budget options courtesy of Airbnb.
Yucca Valley, San Bernardino
Located in the Mojave Desert, a little under 40 miles north of Palm Springs, the Yucca Valley boasts a picturesque setting between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Joshua Tree National Park. Its stunning setting makes it ideal if you like exploring the outdoors, although you will want to make time to visit the Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace and the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, too. Accommodation possibilities for your stay include the Best Western Yucca Valley Hotel, Black Rock Campground, and HomeAway options to suit all budgets.
Tempted? Check out California travel options, including flights and hotels on Hipmunk.com. It’s where travelers in the know go to take advantage of the best travel deals. When you have ticked off your visits to these cities, why not come back and share your stories in the comments below?
Author Bio: Linda Forshaw likes to write about local haunts and far-flung places. She lives in Liverpool, England, and spends her free time exploring new places, going to live gigs, and planning her next adventure. She is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove project.
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