Summer season calls for some much-needed travel plans, and California in USA is one such exciting destination. Supported by great weather and multiple things to do, the Golden State offers a range of activities, from exploring bustling cities and stunning beaches to hiking in majestic mountains and visiting world-renowned attractions. California's diverse landscape provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and for foodies, the wine regions and the cuisine are worth experiencing.
The Independence Day celebration in Huntington Beach in 2025, primarily centered around Friday, July 4, includes family-friendly activities and one of the largest Fourth of July parades. The celebration features the Surf City 5K Run on the morning of July 4. For oceanfront accommodations, you can choose from Huntington Beach's well-regarded hotels such as the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort, Paséa Hotel & Spa, The Waterfront Beach Resort, or the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa.
In the summer, over 90 monthly live music events are lined up on the Santa Clara Valley wine trail. Clos LaChance Vineyards hosts the KRTY Songwriter Series, Guglielmo Winery has its Vines & Vibes Concert Series and Friday Night Music Series with free Friday night concerts at its outdoor amphitheatre, and Lightpost Winery serves up more live tunes and vino.
The Camp at Carmel Valley offers Deluxe Glamping packages, and while they may have special offerings or increased demand during holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day, it's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for specific package details and availability for those dates in 2025. Spectacular views, unique programming and thoughtful amenities elevate the time-honoured and authentic tradition of camping.
Concord, situated in the heart of California's East Bay, offers a variety of attractions suitable for a family vacation. The city features opportunities for outdoor fun, family-friendly restaurants, and a range of hotels, many with pools. At Mount Diablo State Park, families can explore the unique rock formations of Rock City and discover local history at the Summit Museum. Other attractions include Matteo's Dream Playground, an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, and the nostalgic Solano Drive-In movie theatre.
The Solano and Yolo Lavender Trail is a collaborative effort among the women lavender farmers of Solano and Yolo Counties. At Vacaville's Soul Food Farm, June is typically celebrated as lavender month, often featuring themed events on weekends that offer visitors an immersive experience. The participating farms, including growers in Vacaville and other locations within the two counties, showcase diverse landscapes planted with numerous varieties of lavender.
Pacifica's Municipal Pier is a popular year-round fishing destination where anglers can potentially catch various species, including salmon, striped bass, and Dungeness crab (during their respective seasons). While the pier offers fishing throughout the year, anecdotal evidence and historical patterns suggest that the late spring through early fall can be particularly productive for certain species. There is typically no admission charge to access the pier for fishing.
This story was first published on July 31, 2023; and it has since been updated.