Home Is Where Your Passport Is: California Here We Come!

Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime. As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next? _____________________________________________________ Get in the mood We're off daydreaming in the States once more this week, and this time round we're headed for sunny California.  From funky cities to stunning natural scenery, there's something for everyone in the home of movies and we've been listening to this non-stop all week. It's time to book some flights we think! https://youtu.be/wq-S8CIU7VA San Francisco One of our favourite stops on a trip to California, you can now fly direct from Dublin to this brilliant city. With a fantastic, laid-back atmosphere, San Fran is perfect to begin an exploration of the state. Fabulous food and brilliant night life are highlights and be sure to wander down to Fisherman's Wharf. Handy hint: Take one of the famous walking tours of the city – but bear in mind, there are a lot of hills – stop out to the city's most photographed site, the Golden Gate Bridge, and book a trip out to Alcatraz. Muir Woods Another must-see destination, head north out of San Francisco to the stunning Muir Woods. Take your time to explore and see the spectacular old growth Coast Redwood trees. Handy hint: Be sure to leave San Francisco early and have your camera ready as you take a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. Kick off the road trip The best way to explore California is by car, so if possible, pick up a rental in San Fran to take down the coast with you. Leaving the city, head south for Santa Maria and stop off in San José for lunch on the way. Handy hint: Make sure to drop in and visit Hearst Castle, famously owned by newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst who died in 1951. He christened his home ‘La Cuesta Encantada’ the ‘Enchanted Hill’ and it is a must stop. Fall in love with Santa Maria Famous for its wine and laid back atmosphere, Santa Maria will certainly capture your heart and imagination. Make time to spend a couple of nights here just to chill out. A stopover in Santa Maria is not complete unless you visit one of the many vineyards in the area. Handy hint: Take a trip to the Santa Maria Valley where the scenery should look pretty familiar having been used for a number of Hollywood movies. Santa Barbara Moving on from Santa Maria you need to drop into Santa Barbara. Relax on the beach and chill out with the locals and basically, take life easy – California style. Handy hint: Continue down the coast to stop off in Malibu and Santa Monica before hitting L.A. Los Angeles The home of the movies, Los Angeles is a city where you will see iconic backdrops to films, the famous multi-lane highway that boggles Dione in Clueless (we can see why - it's terrifying!) and the enormous Hollywood sign that towers over the city. Be sure to take a trip to Venice Beach and Muscle Beach too! Handy hint: Walk the Walk of Fame, hit Rodeo Drive to relive Pretty Woman and basically, go to as many tourist spots as you can. Anaheim is also home to the first ever Disney Land, but you can also spend your time at Universal Studios. San Diego It's official. We heart San Diego. Just down the coast from L.A., San Diego is a more chilled out version of its neighbouring city. Make a pit stop into San Diego Zoo, sample some stunning local sea food and enjoy the brilliant night life. Handy hint: Leave enough time to spend a few nights here as you won’t want to leave!   Yosemite National Park Heading from San Diego, you can stop off in Death Valley and make your way to Yosemite National Park which is one of the world’s most famous national parks. Set within California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is famous for its giant, ancient sequoias and for Tunnel View. Handy hint: Drop into Yosemite Village for shops, restaurants, galleries and museums.       Insider's tip: If you have the time, be sure to visit Napa Valley too! Be sure to take the Pacific Coast Highway for your road trip.