July is a great month to visit Yosemite because its one of the driest parts of the year, which is ideal for those who want to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. Feast on salmon at this annualFort Braggevent that also includes live music and local beer fromNorth Coast Brewing Co.All proceeds go toward an initiative to improve salmon populations in the region, especially in the streams that flow into the Noyo River. Each evening also includes family-friendly games, food trucks, and of course, local wine vendors, Usually held over Labor Day weekend, this beloved festival in Willow Creek happens during summer this year. Enjoy a day of fun on the water during your stay at a Big Bear Lake vacation rental with fun races, music food and expo. Pick up a 1-, 2-, or 3-day tasting pass to explore more than 20 wineries in this innovative Gold Country-meets-mountains wine region. Best Places to Visit in California for 2023 Back on land, you can walk around the historic Monterey Old Fishermans Wharf. This years two-weekend celebration will include a Drive-Thru Gourmet Alley as well as a Garlic Festival Golf Classic and a Farm-to-Table dinner at Fortino Winery. San Diego seems like a perfect summer getaway destination, and it would be, exceptthat it gets overrun by out-of-state vacationers and Arizonans seeking to escape the heat. You may have heard about the massive Mount St. Helens volcanic eruption in 1980, but it's not the only volcano on the West Coast that blew its top in the 20th century. Legoland California 3. 25 Best Things to Do in Northern California (for 2023) CA This July? July 1: San Diego International Beer Festival, Del Mar Sample your way through more than 1,000 beers, meads, and ciders from around the world at this event within the San Diego County Fair. Celebrate the Fourth of July in California Outdoor adventurers might want to check out camping options to be even more immersed in nature. San Francisco Fireworks Over the Golden Gate Bridge. Temperatures vary quite dramatically across California, tending to feel a lot warmer in the south of the country than the north. Desert locales like Death Valley, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree National Park get so hot that only the hardiest of travelers should make the trip. If you visit Lassen Volcanic National Park today,you can see lava flows, steamingfumaroles, and a bizarre landscape, including a frightening spot called Bumpass Hell. The three routesbest traversed with gravel bikes or hard-tail mountain bikesrange from 19 to 76 miles, and all begin at the Riverview Sports Park. It is a popular place for summertime travel, so make sure to book your accommodations early. You can enjoy it all when you plan a fun Russian River getaway. On July 1, enjoy the carnival, live music, and fireworks at Austin Park in the town of Clearlake. In Morro Bay, stroll the Embarcadero to Morro Rock, where you can try to spot peregrine falcons that nest in the rock. 1. 8 Reasons to Visit Big Bear in July | Destination Big Bear This decades-oldmusic festival, held halfway between Lake Tahoe andYosemite, is the ultimate crowd pleaser: Youll hear classical performances by the Bear Valley Orchestra as well as plenty of pop and rock. The mountain lake water remains chilly even during the hottest months, and its the perfect way to refresh yourself after a day of hiking. Avoid the busiest attractions during the day and instead, check out all the fun things to do on a summer night in San Diego. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. With jaw-dropping views of the Pacific, stunning coastal cliffs, and pretty waterfalls, its no wonder why this area is so popular among photographers and artists! ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The summer months are some of the busiest of the year in Los Angeles, so if youre not a fan of crowds or dont fancy sharing your trip with hundreds of other tourists, you might be better off visiting in the spring or autumn instead. In that case, you can take part in a private hike with a professional photographer, capturing every moment of your journey and leaving you with lasting memories of this stunning part of California. Watch an otherworldly light show over the course of three evenings in San Francisco, emanating from the top of the Fairmont San Francisco in Nob Hill. Or dock the boat for a while and take day trips to the surrounding sights in Lake Shasta and surrounding Shasta Country. Stop and smell the photos. What to Do in Northern California in July - This Is My Happiness We love to celebrate Independence Day, don't we? Summer in the redwoods means camping, hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting. Mendocino Headlands State Park Mendocino 9. Experience this belovedOrange Countyevent featuring both traditional art exhibits and tableaux vivantslive recreations of famous works of art. Thankfully today the boardwalks and designated pathways make this stunning area safer to visit! Compete in logging events (including a Lil Logger contest) or go head-to-head by way of horseshoes, watermelon-eating, or dancing. Yosemite is too busy to be at its best in the summer, but there's one exception. Many of the beaches are a bit too rocky and the waves are too big for swimming, but the scenery and fresh ocean breezes at places like Jug Handle State Natural Reserve are well worth your time! Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year in California, so if youre searching for some real heat in the summer then this is the perfect destination for you. The Monterey County festival, which debuted in 1959, returns this year with the theme Thistle Be a Good Time. Youll find plenty of tasty ways to enjoy the local edible thistle flower: grilled, fried, or even in cupcakes. Long Beach, California 90802. Its no secret that the beaches are the top attraction of Mendocino in the summer. There are plenty of fun things to do in Cambria, (and around Cambria), to keep you engaged, but it's also the perfect place to just unwind and relax. March through August is time for a uniquely California event . Whether you plan to spend a weekend in San Diego or you opt for a longer stay, youll find plenty to keep you engaged in Americas Finest City. Inland, it's hot; the theme parks are crazy crowded. A wine tour around this area is the best way to sample the best of Paso Robles vineyards, especially if you book a small group tour that allows for an intimate and informative experience of winery tours and tasting sessions. This year features chestnuts such as Beethovens Emperor Concerto, Aaron Coplands Rodeo, and The English Beat. The lineup includes performers such as Jennifer Hudson and Cuban-American opera singer Lisette Oropesa performing at picturesque venues like Theorem Vineyards and the outdoor stage at Charles Krug. Check the calendar to choose from soul singers, rockers, and cover bands. Sunday, July 16th. San Diego Zoo 4. July may or may not the best time of year for a beach day. Los Angeles is not at its tourist-friendly best in the summer. A post shared by Bear Valley Music Festival (@bearvalleymusicfestival). The Botanical Building is a great photo spot! This belovedOrange County event featuring tableaux vivantslive recreations of famous works of artreturns this year with the theme of Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories. The festival dates back to 1933 and prior to last years cancellation had only ever stopped during a few years of World War II. Come watch the ponies race at this track, located just steps from the beach in the north San Diego County town ofDel Mar. And several June Lake hikes allow you to get up into the surrounding mountains. Capacity will be at 50 percent to begin with, and a few exhibits will remain closed for nowsuch as the Tactile Dome and several hands-on activities. Times vary a little across the country, but the sun usually rises just before 6 am and sets at around 8.30 pm. You can easily fill the weekend sampling local wines (and beer) along the Painted Barrel Trail between San Francisco and Silicon Valleya route dotted with artistically rendered wine barrels and more than 30 wineries. One of the best beach towns for a taste of iconic California summer is Pismo Beach, on the coast between Santa Barbara and San Francisco. No experience required! This years version of the garlicky lovefest will spread out over a few events in theGilroyarea. On the Mendocino Coast, wildflower season comes later than it does in other parts of California. Pin it for later reference! 16 Places to Go in California for Your Summer Getaway Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page. A trip to the lake is always a good summer activity, and you'll find Lake County refreshingly uncrowded. Sample your way through more than 1,000 beers, meads, and ciders from around the world at this event within the San Diego County Fair. Say this. The tranquil waters near the harbor are perfect for gentle paddles, or head over to Channel Islands National Park to experience some of the most stunning coastal scenery in California. The water held by the peat moss will slowly seep through the walls of the clay pot, keeping the soil moist for an extra day or two. San Diegoalways throws its LGBTQ+ party in July, and this years Pride includes a mix of events, starting with aShe FestinHillcrest(July 8), a 5K run and parade (July 15), and then a two-dayfestival(July 1516) inBalboa Park. It can get hot in Lake Tahoe in July, so its a good thing that there is no shortage of water activities at the freshwater lake, from stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking tours of the lake or simply taking a dip in the pristine waters! Fortinbras. 99 Fun Things to Do in California - the Ultimate Bucket List . (As always, check each events website before arriving to get the latest on any special protocols.) In the charming town of Mendocino Village, youll find great bed & breakfasts, local artisan shops, and elegant Victorian homes. Did you find this article informative? Check out our in-depth guide to visitingCalifornia in Decemberfor the best California winter destinations, our round-up of the best places to visit inCalifornia in Aprilfor spring wildflower bloom hotspots and more, and our article on California in October for fabulous fall getaways! Pair dinner from partner restaurant Redbird with a performance by San Franciscobased circus Vau de Vire Society, with its large cast of circus performers, musicians, and dancers. Make the most of longer evenings by experiencing this historic estate in the San Francisco Peninsula. Read our guides to Colombia and Tahiti, or take a look at our rundown of Where to Go in July. Come see the worlds top men's playersincluding many Southern California localsfeaturing past Olympians as well as 2024 Paris Olympic hopefuls. Whether you are looking for a lively party scene, a family-friendly environment, or a quiet escape, youll find a beach to suit. Tasting packages are available to sample local wine, craft beer, cider, and cocktails, and restaurants and fine food purveyors will also be in attendance. The short. TheSiskiyou Countyevent also includes a parade on Saturday. This annual federal holiday celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and is perhaps the biggest national celebration of the whole year.