Take a Weekend Trip to California: Northern or Southern

It's no wonder why over 200 million people traveled to California in 2011, according to Visit California. With year-round gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches and earth-shattering amusement parks, California is one of the top tourist destinations every year. From celebrity sightings, surf-worthy beaches and fabulous fine-dining, you and your loved ones should make the trip to California for a fun and memorable weekend trip.

Huntington Beach

According to the 2010 census, Huntington beach became the largest beach city in Orange County based on population; 189,992. Huntington Beach is widely known for its long stretch of 8.5 miles of sandy beach, great surfing conditions and beach culture. If you travel to this city, you will want to immediately go to a bike rental company to rent bikes for the afternoon.

Pier Plaza: A beautiful roman-inspired amphitheater, this plaza features beach-side concerts, art-a-faires, cultural events and a weekly farmer's market.

Huntington Beach Bicycle Trail: Located near Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Avenue, this trail is good for adults, kids and families. Because of the amazing weather and proximity of beaches, shopping and dining, most people get around by bicycle. You can easily see bike-friendly pathways on the beach when you see rows and rows of twist-in bollards (yellow or white cement, vertical posts).

San Diego

San Diego is the second-largest city in California as well as the birthplace for the state. It also has some of the best year-round climate so any place you visit in this city will be enjoyable.

San Diego Zoo: For family fun, visit the San Diego Zoo, where dozens animals await you. If you can imagine it, this zoo probably has it. With over 800 species and over 4,000 animals exhibited you will need a few days to see everything the zoo has to offer. For an extra price, you can personally interact with some of the animals with the Backstage Pass ticket.

Sunset Cliffs: Nestled inside the Point Loma community is a romantic hot spot Sunset Cliffs. It is one of the most romantic beach spots and best place to watch the sunset. There aren't many safe spots to swim, but with the spectacular views you won't want to go there to swim or surf. Sunset Cliffs is an ideal date night spot. Grab a blanket, some dinner and have a sunset dinner with your loved one.

Gaslamp Quarter: The Gaslamp Quarter encompasses shopping, dining, nightlife and theatre all in one. Really popular among all ages, this is the place for a dining, shopping and entertainment experience. Located in the shopping center are over 70 shops and specialty stores. After a day of shopping, rewind and catch a community show at the Balboa Theater. You won't have to travel far if you're staying in the Gaslamp Quarter either; it offers over a dozen different hotels and lodges for you to choose from.

San Francisco

Countless TV shows have been based in San Francisco, including "Charmed," "Full House" and "Monk." The city of San Francisco is known as the leading Californian financial and cultural center. According to the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, San Francisco is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Filled with businesses, hilly streets, urban areas, museums and foggy climate, this makes for a fun weekend getaway.

Pier 39: Explore two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by the unbeatable views of the city and the bay. The pier offers amazing views. You can experience California wines and bread bowls while dining near sea lions.

Ghiradelli Square: This area is the spirit of boutique San Francisco. It's a part of Fisherman's Wharf. This seafaring feel is a mixture of small cafes, hot coffee, brick walks, burning gardens and cobble stone.

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About Author: 

Kara Stevens Kara has been on every cruise and adventurous getaway that you could imagine. She is either traveling, booking a trip or writing about traveling.

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