Top Must-Visit Places in California: My International Student Travel Guide

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One of the best parts of studying abroad in the U.S. is having the chance to explore beautiful places and California is full of them! During my free weekends and school breaks, I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the state, and every trip has been unforgettable. California is known for its beaches, mountains, cities, and national parks, offering something for everyone. One website that helped me when planning my trips was Visit California - Official Travel & Tourism Website it is a super helpful and gave a lot of ideas about where to go and what to see.

So far, I’ve explored Los Angeles, with its iconic Hollywood sign, Santa Monica beaches, and trendy streets like Melrose Avenue. I also discovered the peaceful desert vibes of Palm Springs, a perfect weekend getaway for relaxation. Nature lovers will fall in love with Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park both offering breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable sunsets.

Beyond California, I also had the chance to visit Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas during road trips. Seeing the endless sand dunes of Death Valley and the majestic views of the Grand Canyon were experiences I’ll never forget. I would recommend to check NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service) when you want to visit a national park to look at the prices and if it is open or closed.

If you’re an international student or just visiting California, my advice is simple: make time to travel. Every place feels like a completely different adventure, and road trips are the best way to see the beauty and diversity of the region. There’s so much more to California (and nearby states) than you can imagine all you have to do is start exploring!