California is one of the most famous and most visited states in the USA and it is not hard to see why. ‘The Golden State’ offers great weather year-round, splendid beaches and breathtaking natural scenery. California received its nickname from the boom period of the Gold Rush years when it saw major changes due to the millions of migrants flocking to the area in search of their fortune. Still today, California is the most populated and one of the most ethnically diverse states in the country.
In the north you will find some of the best wine regions, as well as the famous city of San Francisco. Here you can rent a bike and ride across the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and then check out the galleries and museums at Golden Gate Park. Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place to try fresh seafood and to admire the lazy seals bathing in the sun on the rocks below. Make sure you take a ride on the iconic San Francisco cable car that makes traversing this famously hilly city a little easier.
In the Santa Ynez Valley you will find a number of family-owned wineries that produce some of the best wines on the West Coast. Vintners are able to grow a wide selection of different grapes due to the favorable climate. Whether you prefer Bordeaux, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, you will find something to enjoy in this region. You could even book a relaxing weekend at one of the many spa resorts in the area and try some of the finest wines while you are there.
No visit to California would be complete without spending some time in sunny L.A. Take a stroll down Rodeo Drive and you can watch the rich and famous spend their money on luxury handbags and designer clothes. You can even book a tour of celebrity houses across the city, or simply hang out at one of the city’s many beaches. The famous Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must visit when in town and Venice Beach is the perfect place to soak up the sun.
San Diego has one of the sunniest climates in the entire country and is therefore a popular vacation destination. Located only 30 minutes from the Mexican border, you can still see architectural influences from when it was part of its southern neighbor. Old Town San Diego showcases a range of different museums and local stores that remind you of the Wild West. It is also here where you can find some of the best Mexican food in the country. San Diego is also home to wonderful sandy beaches, such as Pacific Beach, North Shore and Coronado Beach.
As you can see, California is a true paradise for visitors. However, many students also come here to join some of the best programs in the world. Stanford, UCLA, and Berkeley are some of the top schools in North America and count tens of thousands of American and international students. Come to California and join our TEFL/TESOL program and you can start a new career teaching English as a foreign language right across the globe.
