iStock International
Thanks mostly to the international glamour of Hollywood and the freewheeling reputation of San Francisco, even those who have never been to California have no trouble picturing the famously diverse state. Equally a source of wonder are the Napa and Sonoma wine regions, the towering redwood forests, the dramatic coastline of Big Sur, the sheer cliffs of Yosemite, and the desolate dunes of Death Valley.
Because the Golden State packs in a larger variety of awesome attractions – from natural and idyllic to urbane and hedonistic – than most countries!
$126+: Los Angeles from Las Vegas (round-trip) Expedia
$183+: Washington to Los Angeles (round-trip) Travelocity
$331+: Baltimore to Palm Springs (round-trip) Major Airlines
$296+: Los Angeles from Miami (round-trip) Expedia
$373+: Knoxville to San Jose (round-trip) Travelocity
$231+: Salt Lake City to Monterey (round-trip) Major Airlines
$236+: Salt Lake City to Sacramento (round-trip) Expedia
$205+: San Francisco from Wichita (round-trip) Travelocity
$140/nt: 3-star Hill House Inn Hill House Inn
$140/nt: 3-star Hill House Inn Hill House Inn
$95/nt+: Funky Los Angeles value boutique Sky Hotel
$254/nt+: Parc55 in San Francisco with day spa pass Perfect Escapes
$219+: San Diego Paradise Point with marina, golf Paradise Point Resort & Spa
$149/nt+: Pet-friendly San Diego Sofia with yoga The Sofia Hotel
$148/nt: Quality Suites San Luis Obispo Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
$107/nt+: 3-star Patuxent Inn Expedia
$337+: LA trip w/flight & stay at Westin Bonaventure Orbitz
$490+: California golf and spa trips with airfare Travelocity
$496+: Last-call US beach trips to Miami, AC, more Travelocity
$320+: Peak Napa Valley w/flight & 4-star hotels Major Providers
$262+: 4-day Anaheim stay at mission-style boutique Orbitz
$535+: Bargain Los Angeles trip w/boutique, flight Sky Hotel
$512+: San Francisco 3-nt Union Sq. stay with flight Handlery Union Square Hotel
Under $100: Last-minute American roadtrips w/hotel Major Providers
$599+: Celebrity West Coast cruise with Seattle Cruise.com
$239+: Cabo San Lucas sail from San Diego CruisesOnly
$1449+: Pacific cruise w/Hubbard Glacier, Alaska Travelocity
$899+: 2-week fall Alaska sail on Celebrity ship Cruise.com
$169+: 3-day Norwegian spring voyage to Vancouver Cruise.com
$374+: 3-nt Pacific coast sail to San Diego Cruise.com
Under $10+: Cheap car rentals in major cities CarRentals.com
$13.95+: Daily car rentals in Boston, Dallas & more Hotwire
$13.95+: Cheap car rentals in Chicago, LA & more Hotwire
10% off: Any vehicle at Thrifty Car Rental locations Thrifty
Up to $3 off: Trips to & from airport w/SuperShuttle Super Shuttle