Notwithstanding its cities, California is also home to Hollywood. A beautiful and dynamic sunshine state, California is blessed with plethora of wonderful natural contradictions. There are dazzling long sandy beaches, miles of green forests, heavenly quiet lakes and incredible galleries. From a tight-on-budget backpacker to thoughtful filmmaker looking for filming locations, California has something for everyone.

California evokes many perceptions. On one side it houses those glam glitz sun-kissed Hollywood celebrities in the Hollywood Hills. On the other side, it allows its diet conscious beauties adorn the walkaway at Venice beach (and likes) to make broadwalk glisten with falling sun rays. On one hand, it prides in showcasing Sandpiper Golf Club cajoled by mountains and rife with views of the Pacific. On the other, it gives you an authentic rock star in Hidden Valley which due to its magnificent granitite formations invites climbers from across the world.

Then there is famous Highway 1, meant for a leisurely drive along the scenic California highway. This beautiful stretch will remind you of illustrious footsteps of American literary giants like Jack Kerouac, Hunter S Thompson, Aldous Huxley and John Steinbeck to name a few. Possibly California’s theatrical landscape and warm hospitality acted as a catalyst for these authors and thus the region is christened forever in their body of work.

Catch a glimpse of California’s past in Cannery Row, the waterfront street in the New Monterey section of Monterey, California. Delve deep on locations like Salinas Valley where East of Eden embraces you with sharp contrasts. This agricultural jewel was served as a backdrop for John Steinbeck, America’s great noble winning literary king who grew up here in the valley. Folklore has it saying that Steinbeck spent hours roaming in the hills and its expansive landscape has essentially shaped his artistic vision. There is Wine Country which with its notable vineyards and wine tasting rooms offer wonderful views of valley and the hill beyond.

To gather experiences of energy and spirit, you may consider visiting Esalen Institute. Popular as new age Harvard, this institute offers courses on the Human Potential Movement and West Coast gestalt therapy. The courses range from days to months. However, one can also reserve a one night personal retreat to get access to meditation and yoga classes. Seekers and celebrities frequent this place.

The region is filled with several world famous restaurants. You may consider visiting farmers’ market where celebrities and commoners jostle to bargain the finest organic products. In line with its cool and happening demography, restaurants serve original, super fresh cuisine of the soil. Extraordinary amongst them are local farm’s homemade cheese which takes the entire concept to a whole new level.  Then there is gelato, especially is made with toasted hazelnuts and local chocolate.

Experience the awesome surf the state is so famous for. People who don’t want to get into surfing may try hiking or bird watching. Cycling also is a wonderful option to roam around by the sea and around spectacular lakes like Lake Natoma or Folsom. Skiing can be done in northern California and Sierra Nevada.