JJ & the BUG HOME - JJ and The Bug

Where to Start?

Ah, California. From sun-drenched beaches and ancient redwood forests to bustling cities and iconic theme parks, the Golden State offers something for everyone. Stretching more than 800 miles from north to south, it’s impossible to take in the whole state in one visit. To help you select your must-sees, we break down this big ‘ol state into the following smaller regions.

California Dreaming…

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Think rugged coastline, towering redwoods, and a slower pace of life that revolves around nature and jaw-dropping landscapes. Highlights include walking among the tallest trees on Earth, experiencing geothermal activity at one of our National Parks’ hidden gems, and plenty of boating, fishing, hiking, and stargazing. Northern California is for nature lovers, and families who enjoy quieter escapes full of hiking and scenic drives.

THE BAY AREA

Anchored by San Francisco, the Bay Area is the state’s cultural and technological hub, featuring iconic sights and historic neighborhoods. Highlights include timeless vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, kid-friendly explorations at the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium, delicious eats along the Embarcadero, and the East Bay’s activist roots and delicious food scene. The Bay Area is for you if you enjoy city life, museums, and a mix of outdoor and cultural experiences.

WINE COUNTRY

While famous for its wine, this region also caters to families with scenic beauty, fun activities, and gourmet food. Highlights include unique family-friendly wineries, a Sonoma Safari experience, bohemian vibes and swimming beaches at the Russian River, and delicious eats around every corner. Visit Wine Country if your family enjoys countryside relaxation, culinary delights, and charming small towns.

Though we focus on Napa and Sonoma here, California Wine Country isn’t just Napa and Sonoma anymore. Wine enthusiasts will also enjoy visits to Paso Robles (Central Coast) and Amador County (the Mountains).

CENTRAL COAST

Stretching from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara, this region offers dramatic coastlines, marine life encounters, and quaint beach towns. California’s famous Highway 1 roadtrip includes many regional highlights. Highlights include one of the top aquariums in the country, the spectacular Big Sur coastline, iconic surfing and the retro Beach Boardwalk, a famous farmers’ market, gorgeous mediterranean architecture, and endless beachside fun. The Central Coast is best for beach-lovers, road trippers, and marine wildlife enthusiasts.

THE MOUNTAINS

California’s High Sierra offers outdoor adventure year-round — from snow in the winter to hiking and alpine lakes in summer. Highlights include Lake Tahoe’s year-round fun, Yosemite’s famous waterfalls and stunning granite cliffs, the hidden scenic beauty of Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierras, the deepest canyon in the US, and the largest trees in the whole world. The Mountains are best for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking mountain escapes.

SOCAL

Representing iconic California landscapes, Southern California is known for beaches and sunshine, the entertainment industry, and iconic theme parks. Highlights include Hollywood, Universal Studios, San Diego’s endless family-friendly fun, great baseball, charming coastal towns, world-famous beaches, endless desert adventures. Oh, and Disneyland. Add Southern California to your itinerary if you love sandy beaches, unique entertainment experiences, and otherworldly desert landscapes.