Shouldn’t California be on your radar if you’re planning for a long overdue vacation? After all, the Golden State offers a spectrum of places, from charming whistle stops to prismatic municipalities. While the choice is yours, why not visit a picturesque spot where no filter is required? The following are just five of the most colorful destinations in sunny California!
Most Colorful Destinations in California
Capitola
Of all the vibrant seaside communities along Monterey Bay, Capitola is among California’s most colorful destinations. That’s because of the historic Capitola Venetian, a centerpiece at the oldest beach resort area on the West Coast. Featuring several eclectic boutique shops, Capitola Village also offers beachside dining options, like Paradise Beach Grille and Zelda’s. Minutes away is the enchanting Shadowbrook Restaurant, one of the country’s most romantic. Just six miles north is Santa Cruz, known for its admission-free Beach Boardwalk, California’s oldest surviving amusement park. Try Roaring Camp Railroad or Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park if you need more ideas.
Related: America’s Best Seaside Boardwalks
Mendocino, California
Mendocino, the only town along the California coast with a National Historic Landmark designation, resembles a vintage New England fishing village. Complete with impressive 19th-century architecture, this small community is home to romantic B&Bs and intriguing art galleries. Further up the Mendocino Coast is colorful Glass Beach in the picturesque town of Fort Bragg. Like Mendocino, Fort Bragg is minutes from towering redwood trees and world-class wineries. Among the leading wineries to consider are Fetzer Vineyards, Goldeneye Winery, and Navarro Vineyards. Of course, you have several dining options in Mendocino, from budget eats to upscale. Indeed, Trillium Cafe, MacCallum House, and Ravens are all excellent.
San Francisco
From the Golden Gate Bridge to eye-catching street art, San Francisco is awash with various colors. Aside from one of the world’s most photographed bridges, San Francisco offers several vibrant spots. For instance, there are the iconic Painted Ladies and stately Victorian homes in Haight-Ashbury. The latter is famous for its vivid street art, the Mission District, and North Beach. Other splashy spots are Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Union Square. Golden Gate Park, the neon lights of North Beach, and the Bay Lights along the Embarcadero can provide additional photo opportunities. San Francisco is among California’s most colorful destinations.
Related: What To Do On Father’s Day In San Francisco
Solvang
Solvang seems like a magical place from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. Nestled within the Santa Ynez Valley, it’s a mirror image of an 18th-century Danish village. Complete with windmills and timbered structures, it’s no surprise that Solvang is known as the Danish Capital of America. With Old World charm, Solvang also features a Little Mermaid statue and Danish-influenced hotels like Svendsgaard’s Danish Lodge. Also nearby are several of Santa Barbara County’s finest wineries, including Casa Cassara and Lions Peak. Of course, Solvang has excellent restaurants, like Leonardo’s Ristorante and Copenhagen Sausage Garden.
Venice, California
Named after its Italian counterpart, Venice has its canals and is one of Los Angeles’ most famous beaches. While the canals are noteworthy, the Venice Beach boardwalk is the place to see an array of brilliant colors. It’s a quirky mixture of shops interspersed with street performers and budding social media stars. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Venice Art Walls, the basketball action and the world-famous Muscle Beach Gym. Follow the iconic walkway to the family-friendly and colorful Santa Monica Pier if time permits.
Related: Best Historic Seaside Amusement Parks
About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across two dozen CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University.