Twelve Tourist Places in California in Your Bucket List

Did you know California is the only U.S. state were you can stand on the hottest spot on Earth in Death Valley and, on the same day, snowboard down the snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains! Here are the top twelve tourist places you must put in your bucket list.

. . 1. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most scenic drives in the world, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, rugged cliffs, and landmarks like the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.

2. Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to awe-inspiring waterfalls, giant sequoias, and the majestic granite peaks of El Capitan and Half Dome.

3. Venice Beach in Los Angeles is a lively destination where you can enjoy street performers, vibrant murals, and the buzzing boardwalk scene.

4. Lassen Volcanic National Park showcases active geothermal wonders like bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, a must-see for nature lovers.

5. The Napa Valley and Sonoma County regions are a wine lover’s paradise, with rolling vineyards, picturesque scenery, and world-class wine tastings.

6. Disneyland in Anaheim, the original Disney theme park, continues to enchant visitors with magical attractions and classic Disney charm.

7. Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border, is the largest alpine lake in North America, offering year-round adventures like skiing, hiking, and paddleboarding.

8. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is not just a feat of engineering—it’s a global symbol of beauty and innovation.

9. Death Valley National Park, the hottest place on Earth, features surreal landscapes like salt flats, sand dunes, and the colorful Artist’s Palette.

10. Monterey Bay is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, where you can spot humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins in their natural habitat.

11. The Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth, surrounded by serene trails and ancient forests.

12. Hearst Castle, San Simeon National Park

How many places above have you visited? I have been to all except the Death Valley National Park.

Meanwhile, Did you Know?

Callao Man – The Philippines’ Earliest Human (67,000 Years Old!)

Before the discovery of Callao Man, it was believed that the first humans in the Philippines arrived 50,000 years ago. However, this finding changed history.

Found in Callao Cave, Cagayan

Dated to be at least 67,000 years old

A newly identified human species called Homo luzonensis, distinct from Homo sapiens & Neanderthals

Scientists found foot bones suggesting upright walking

This discovery challenges theories of early human migration and suggests that ancient humans were already thriving in the Philippines long before expected.

Lastly, here's my Poem of the Week

"When You Are Old"

WHEN you are old and grey and full of sleep,

And nodding by the fire, take down this book,

And slowly read, and dream of the soft look

Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,

And loved your beauty with love false or true,

But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,

And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,

Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled

And paced upon the mountains overhead

And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

~W.B. Yeats