If you're a fan of being outdoors or love nature and you haven't taken the time to visit the California Redwoods, then this needs to be your next vacation destination. You will not only find some of the tallest trees on Earth, but a beautiful mix of prairie land,  rocky coastlines, and an abundance of wildlife. There are beautiful rivers and swimming areas as well as fantastic hiking and biking trails lined with lush greens all resting in the shade of the magnificent California Redwoods.

If these descriptions haven't already convinced you to plan your next vacation to Northern California, then maybe these 4 reasons why you should visit the California Redwoods will.

4 Reasons You Should Visit the California Redwoods

Flickr-renedrivers

1) The beauty of it all

As Sylvia Plath said in The Bell Jar, 

“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy.”

You will have this same experience the minute you step from your car and enter into the beauty of the California Redwoods. The smell of the forest is unlike anything you've experienced before - fresh, clean, cool. The best case to make for visiting the California Redwoods is the fact that you will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature without the distractions of every day life.

2) Perfect for camping and hiking

Flickr-Steven Fong Whether you like to rough it or prefer an RV, you can find something to suit you in the various state campgrounds located in the heart of the California Redwoods. The Redwood National State Park is located in Humboldt County in Northern California, close to the coast line. It stretches from Trinidad all the way to (and past) the California/Oregon boarder.   World For Travel

There are four main camp grounds to choose from:

Jedediah Smith: This is a beautiful campground located near the banks of the Smith River in the midst of old-growth redwoods. Campground actives include swimming, hiking trails, fishing, and seasonal programs hosted by the campground staff. This campground is open all year and does fill up very quickly for the summer. If you're thinking of vacationing there you should plan to call with plenty of advanced notice. Mill Creek: Located 7 miles south of Crescent City, Mill Creek offers a range of programs led by camp rangers and miles of trails to hike! There is a mix of redwoods as well as maple and alder trees that add diversity to the natural surroundings. This camp is only open from May to September so plan accordingly! Elk Prairie: Another great, year-round option especially for those of  you who are bike enthusiasts. There are over 70 miles of biking and hiking trails surrounding this camp ground. Gold Bluffs Beach: Part of the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Gold Bluffs Beach is just that - a campground near the beach with the benefits of towering redwoods, gorgeous coastline, and a variety of hiking and biking trails. There are no reservations here so it's first-come, first-serve.

3) You could drive through a tree

Flickr-David Dugan Yes, you read that right. Only in the beautiful California Redwoods could you actually drive through a tree! Dating back to the 1930s a hole was cut through this tree (picture above) to allow cars to drive through. Today, guests can visit the park where the tree is located and drive through for $5. A small price to pay for bragging rights and a snapshot or two to prove you, in fact, drove through a tree!

4) Less expensive than staying in a hotel

Let's face it. Everyone is on a tight budget these days, which means vacations are becoming harder to plan and execute. When you visit the California Redwoods you won't need to break the bank. Average cost for camping is $35 per vehicle ($8 for an additional vehicle) or $5 per hiker or biker per night. What a steal! The listed campgrounds (above) all offer RV and tent sites in addition to the hiker/biker campsites so you can pick your level of 'roughing it'. HDWrappers-Ricky These reasons are just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to all that the California Redwoods have to offer. A trip to these beautiful forests crowded with towering trees and lush underbrush will remind you of the sheer beauty of nature. Paired with crystal clear rivers and an abundance of wildlife, you'll never want to leave. World For Travel

 

 Source: National Park Servic Cover photo from Deviant Art by nmsmith

Put on some red, white, and blue and head out to see the fireworks! We've compiled a list of some of the best spots to view fireworks in California. We know cities all over California will be showing off their best and brightest fireworks. Hopefully we've included a city near you!

California Firework Viewing Hot Spots

Mt. Shasta

See some of the best fireworks in Northern California from the Mt. Shasta Resort (a $2 fee) or sit on the beach at the Lake Siskiyou Campground.

From mtshastafireworks.com

Eureka

Directed over Arcata Bay, the best place to view these fireworks is from the Eureka boardwalk area.

Flickr by Christian Arballo

Redding

View the fireworks show from Caldwell Park.

Flickr by Joey Gannon

Sacramento

A great show at the CalExpo Miller Lite Grandstand (Fairgrounds). Admission is free though parking is $10.

Flickr by four years

South Lake Tahoe

These fireworks can be viewed (for free) from a spot on the beach overlooking the lake (suggested that you can park and walk to the beach).

Flickr by simplistic.designs

Vallejo

Spend some time at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and see some amazing fireworks.

Flickr by Socalmacker

San Francisco

There are many firework shows in San Francisco, but some of the best places mentioned for firework viewing are:

• Pier 39 in (watch from Embarcadero or Fort Mason)
• Indian Rock
• Marine Headlands
• For Miley
• Sausalito's show (just north of the Golden Gate Bridge on Richardson Bay)

Flickr by David Yu

Santa Cruz

Apparently, Santa Cruz puts on quite the explosive Firework show with illegal fireworks!

Flickr by simon sun

Santa Barbara

Set off from West Beach, these fireworks last almost 20 minutes and are said to be an amazing show.

Flickr by Angela Sevin

Pismo Beach

View from Oceano Dunes and come prepared to camp for the best spot available.

Flickr by Chris Hearn  

Clovis

Join the Freedom Fest and see fireworks from the Buchanan High School in Clovis ($5 fee).

From E.A. Creative Photography

Los Angeles

Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Spectacular with Steve Marin and The Steep Canyon Rangers. A night you won't soon forget. Grand Park at the LA Civic Center offers the biggest rooftop firework show in LA.

Flickr by iwishmynamewasmarsha

Santa Monica

Come to the Santa Monica College Corsair Field on the Westside and enjoy exhibits and entertainment with amazing fireworks to end your night with a BANG!

Flickr by iwishmynamewasmarsha

Marina del Rey

Set off from a barge in the bay, these fireworks over the water are a beautiful sight.

Flickr by simplistic.designs Pasadena Americafest at the Rose Bowl - fireworks begin at 9pm.

Flickr by Socalmacker

Redondo Beach

Seen from Redondo Beach Pier, the fireworks are complete with themed music.

Flickr by iwishmynamewasmarsha

Long Beach

Hop aboard the Queen Mary for an All-American 4th of July display you won't forget ($39.99 admission).

Flickr by Chris Parker

San Diego

The beautiful city of San Diego boasts many locations to view fireworks:

• Marina District
• North Embarcadero
• Shelter Island
• Harbor Island
• Seaport Village/South Embarcadero
• Coronado Ferry Landing

Flickr by Nathan Rupert

Where's your hot spot for firework viewing in California?

  Cover photo from Flickr by Jeff Turner Source: Travel Tips, About.com, USA Today, AMP Radio

Hot summer days are upon us and we here at California Limited are all screaming for ice cream! In search of the perfect, icy-cold treat, we've compiled a list of 15 popular California ice cream parlors that you just have to visit.

15 Popular California Cream Parlors

Milk

This classic Los Angeles establishment has it all - including great reviews. If you're in Southern California, a trip to Milk must be on your list! From MILK

N'ice Cream

With a few Southern California store options to choose from, find a N'ice Cream near you and get ready to enjoy organic, frozen goodness! Ok, so it's gelato...it's almost ice cream ;) Flickr by Tiny Insomniac

Scoops Westside

Get the scoop on Scoops Westside in East Hollywood from their simple website and awesome commercial (really, you've got to check it out). They claim handmade dairy and non-dairy options and take suggestions for flavors from patrons. Flickr by Liliana Fuchs

Screamin Mimi's

Screamin Mim's makes the  popular California ice cream parlors list due to its ice cream made fresh daily from all-natural and local Sonoma products. Flickr by St0rmz

Gunther's Quality Ice

Founded in 1940, Gunther's is still around for a reason. If you're in Sacramento, make sure you grab a picture of "Jugglin' Joe", the stores neon sign that shows "Joe" tossing a ball of ice cream onto a cone. Flickr by Thomas Hawk

Bi-Rite Creamery and Bakeshop

This popular San Francisco ice cream parlor and bakeshop boasts hand made (down to the fun, mixed in ingredients like brownies or peanut brittle) ice cream that will blow you away with its surprising flavors and unique combinations. Flickr by Keith McDuffee

Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous

Gaining rave reviews on yelp and Facebook, another well-known San Francisco ice cream parlor is Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous.  They are reported to have unusual but delightfully tasty flavors. Flickr by joel kabahit

Fenton's Creamery

If you've seen Disney's Up, you may remember Fenton's Creamery from it. Located in San Francisco, this ice cream parlor is worth a visit for its long-standing history alone, not to mention it's delicious frozen treats! From askmissa.com

Loard’s Ice Cream

Founded in 1950, Loard's Ice Cream in San Leandro is a standing testament to old fashioned ice cream. It had to be included in our list! Flickr by cherrypatter

Tara’s Organic Ice Cream

Organic and offering flavors you've never dreamed of, Tara's Organic Ice Cream (TOIC) can be found in Oakland, Berkeley, Pleasanton, a mobile trike (we're not even kidding), and many other locations that serve their fun flavors. There is no way around trying their amazing flavors! Flickr by Jessica Merz

Mitchell’s Ice Cream

This San Francisco, family-owned ice cream parlor makes their flavors daily and in small batches to guarantee freshness. Flickr by madlyinlovewithlife

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour

Historic and timeless, Farrell's has a location in Sacramento and many locations in Southern California. Flickr by cerebralvista

Sprinkles Ice Cream

Known for their cupcakes, Sprinkles ice cream is just as popular. Stop by their Beverly Hills location and you just may see a Hollywood celebrity there! From Sprinkles

Hans' Homemade Ice Cream

Locally sourced and handmade, this Santa Ana ice cream shop will give you the perfect ice cream cone to put a smile on your face! Flickr by ulterior epicure

Ici Ice Cream

Ici Ice makes everything from only the best organic products right down to their vanilla beans. Stop by this Berkeley shop and enjoy a cool and sweet treat. Flickr by Kelly Bone We've shared our favorites, but did we miss yours? Let us know some of the popular California ice cream parlors you like to visit in the comments below!

Cover Photo: Flickr by madlyinlovewithlife Source: Red Tricycle, CBS Los Angeles

Summer is finally here! You've packed up the car and are ready to head out on a great adventure, but you may find yourself wondering exactly where to go. North, South, the beach, the mountains...? The questions are endless. Don't worry though - California has everything (and more) that you'd want for the best summer vacation! Below you'll find 25 amazing California road trip destinations as well as some fun places to stop along the way to add to your list.

California Road Trip Destinations

Northern California

Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City

This lighthouse and museum is a great stop if you happen to be in (or traveling through) Northern California. Flickr by David A. Hoffmann

California Redwood Parks

We've raved about the beautiful California Redwoods before, but they are worth adding to another list! Some of our favorites include: Jedediah Smith State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (find out more here). Flickr by keppet

Old Town Eureka

Traveling down the coast from Crescent City, you'll come to Eureka. Old Town Eureka is definitely worth a visit, especially the beautiful an historic Carson Mansion! Flickr by Kay Gaensler

Hiking in Mt. Shasta

Over a little ways from the coast is Mt. Shasta. Usually a destination for winter snowboarders and skiiers, Mt. Shasta has a lot to offer to summer hikers. Check out this website for tons of mapped trails! Flickr by Kei Noguchi

Historic Placerville

A less likely place to visit, Placerville is a great stop if you're on your way to Tahoe or feel like taking a day trip from the Sacramento area. With its historic buildings, free stage coach rides (the third Saturday of each month), and fine dining, Placerville has a lot going on! Check out the cities website for more events. Flickr by Wayne Hsieh

Napa Valley Wine Country

Make Napa Valley one of your California road trip destinations this summer! Find actives, wine tours, and spas to build a road trip that is guaranteed to relax you. Flickr by Big D2112

Hearst Castle

Be enchanted and overwhelmed by the stunning Hearst Castle. Flickr by Zengame

Pacific Crest Trail

Spanning over 1500 miles through California (and moving on into Oregon and Washington) the Pacific Crest Trail (known as the PCT to serious hikers) is a fantastic summer adventure! Find out more information about the PCT near you on the USDA Forrest Service website. Flickr by Steve Dunleavy

Central California

Old Town Sacramento and the California State Railroad Museum

Make your way through the historic streets of Old Town Sacramento and stop off at the California State Railroad Museum. You'll find lots of things to see and do whether you're from Sacramento or just visiting for the summer! Flickr by Jack Snell

San Fransisco Fisherman's Wharf

The bark of a seal and the salty breeze of Fisherman's Wharf is sure to satisfy your road trip curiosity this summer! Try the fresh seafood as well - trust us, it's some of the best you'll have! Flickr by aaron arseneau

Golden Gate Bridge

While you're visiting San Fransisco, make a stop (or drive over) the Golden Gate Bridge. Walking it takes about 20 minutes one way, and we'd recommend having your ride pick you up at the opposite side to avoid troublesome parking. Flickr by Kevin Cole

Mt. Diablo State Park

Hike up the incredible Mt. Diablo! Make sure to bring lots of water with you - things are dry due to this years drought. Flickr by Keith Cuddeback

South Lake Tahoe

Located next to the Nevada state line, South Lake Tahoe is definitely a road trip destination you won't want to pass up. Flickr by Patrick Nouhailler

Bodie State Historic Park

Visit an historic ghost town at Bodie State Historic Park.Make sure you check out their visiting guide before you go! Flickr by Jim Bahn

Yosemite National Park

If you enjoy being outdoors Yosemite is the destination for you! Check out their hiking guide in advance and plan a great adventure. Flickr by Hide

Big Sur

Camp, enjoy the beach, and find some great restaurants at Big Sur over the summer. Flickr by Trey Ratcliff

Southern California

Route 66

They say you can "Get your kicks on Route 66" so why not take a little road trip on this unmapped (at least by current standards) road? Flickr by Gianluca Bertoncelli

Vasquez Rocks

With rocky peaks and many trails, this heavily photographed LA park is a great day trip destination! Flickr by XavaZ

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is more of a route than a destination, but you won't be sorry you chose to drive up the coast on the PCH with its stunning ocean views. Flickr by Rachel Kramer

Santa Monica Pier

Ride a roller coaster, lounge on the beach, take a quick walk over to 3rd street. Santa Monica has it all! Flickr by Ross Pollack

Venice Beach Board Walk

Overflowing with street entertainment, unique shops, and endless people-watching, Venice Beach is a fun and entertaining California road trip destination. Flickr by Calvin Fleming

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Make it your mission this summer to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano (or any of the other California missions!). Flickr by Sharon Mollerus

Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park

Whether you're golfing, spending time at Joshua Tree National Park, or taking advantage of your hotels pool, Palm Springs won't dissapoint. Flickr by Merton Wilton

USS Midway in San Diego

Climb aboard this floating museum and enjoy all-day fun! Give yourself about 3 hours to complete the self-guided tour and don't forget your camera. Flickr by Cameron Grant

San Diego Zoo

Come spend the day with the animals of the San Diego Zoo! Flickr by (left) Russ May (right) Linda California is a huge state and we know we've probably skipped some of your favorite places. Where are you going this summer? Any place we should know about? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!   Cover photo Flickr by Kay Gaensler Source: The Grandest Road Trip, Tripit, Moon Travel Guides,

Do you love watching movies? Take a look below at the movie and location lists and plan a vacation (or day trip) to these amazing locations. Bring a camera and may the adventure begin.

By The Movie

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Riding on the coattails of Marvels Avengers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is often shot on location in Southern California in places like Culver City, near Chinatown in L.A., Thousand Oaks, and Malibu. Check out this great site for a list of locations and maps. From schmoesknow

Psych

Though most of this hilarious detective show was filmed in Vancouver B.C. some of the beach scenes were shot in Santa Maria, Ca.  Check out this article about the filming and location. From crimespreemag

TRON

Where the past meets the present. The original TRON and the newer (2010) version used the same building, Flynn's located on the corner of Culver/Washington Blvd and Watseka Ave. You can visit it today! From Seeing-Stars

Inception

This mind-bending movie may be far from being understood, but it's not too far to visit if you live in Los Angeles! Take a trip to 727 Wilshire Blvd to see where this was filmed: From Seeing-Stars Or visit the Creative Artists Agency located in Century City, Los Angeles where some of the film was shot. From Elektrodaily

Mrs. Doubtfire

And oldie, but a goodie. This classic movie featuring Robin Williams was filmed in San Francisco. From Live For Films

X-Men: The Last Stand

Another San Francisco view in this action thriller. From Marvel Films

The Princess Diaries

Portions of this movie were filmed in front of the Doheny Mansion located in Chester Place, Los Angeles. Boy has Anne Hathaway grown up! From FanPop **Find an extensive list of movie locations in California here.

Location Location Location

The Biltmore

The scene for movies like Rocky II, Beverly Hills Cop, Wedding Crashers, Ghostbusters and more, the Biltmore is the perfect backdrop for cinematic beauty. Flickr-Roger

Chinatown

There is always some type of action taking place in Chinatown. The same is true for many movies shot in this sweet location, like Lethal Weapon 4, Rush Hour. Flickr - Michael Locke

Griffith Observatory

From episodes of MacGuyver to movies like Rebel Without A Cause and The Terminator, the Griffith Observatory is popular for movie locations. It's also a fantastic place to visit, so 'kill two birds with one stone' by visiting this amazing location. Flickr - Corey Dorsey

Santa Monica Pier

Popular not only for films that have been shot here, but for the fun atmosphere and theme park located on the pier, Santa Monica has the perfect vibe for movies. Some features you may recognize are Forrest Gump, Beverly Hills Cop III, The Sting. Flickr - Beau Rogers

Union Station

Union Station is the place to go! The fun, hustle and bustle atmosphere adds to charm and you're sure to recognize it from movies like Pearl Harbor, Speed, Star Trek: First Contact, and The Italian Job among others. From E.A. Creative Photography

Vasquez Rocks

These are more than just rock formations, they are iconic in film history! You may recognize them from movies like Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, The Flintstones (movie), The Scorpion King, and Short Circuit. They are also a very popular place to hike and for photographers to do fun sessions at. Check out the park, you won't regret it. Trust us, it rocks ;) Flickr-Jim     Sources: Seeing Stars, Go California, Movie Locations Cover Photo: Flickr - When I Was A Bird