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Many people who’ve never been to California envision it as a place with golden beaches and beautiful people soaking up the sunshine. While you will find that, this diverse state offers a whole lot more, like the Monterey Cypress Tree Tunnel, a signature landscape at Point Reyes station, just north of San Francisco. Upon entering, the interlocking branches close out the world, while quiet and darkness descend.
Cholla Cactus, Joshua Tree National Park
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Just after sunrise, the light casts a golden glow over the cholla cactus garden in Joshua Tree National Park making this desert landscape come to life.
Burney Falls, McArthur–Burney Falls Memorial State Park
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Stress melts away in the presence of Burney Falls, once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by former president Theodore Roosevelt.
Vernal Falls, Yosemite National Park
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Sunshine beaming through the mist at Vernal Falls creates a brilliant rainbow highlight the beauty of this massive 317-foot waterfall.
Bumpass Hell, Lassen National Park
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Yellowstone isn’t the only place to experience spectacular geothermal areas, California has some of its own in Lassen National Park, home to a number of groups of hot springs and fumaroes that are remnants of former volcanic activity.
Elk in Redwood National Park
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The Golden State is even home to a wide array of wildlife like these bull elk who are competing for the attentions of a female in Redwood National Park.
Black Bear in Yosemite National Park
While it’s rare to see them during the day, black bear can be spotted in Yosemite National Park.
McWay Falls, Big Sur Coast
Photo Credit: Flickr: 4744241983
Of course, there are breathtaking beach scenes too, but it’s not always what you might think. Set along the Big Sur coast, McWay Falls plunges onto this idyllic stretch of sand looking as if it were a scene from a tropical island paradise.
