Santa Barbara, CA

For decades, the rivers, valleys, mountains and waterfalls of Central California have drawn artists and visitors, while the awe and beauty of its parks have inspired photographers. Central California also boasts some of the most scenic and famous national parks in the United States, and glacier-carved valleys with granite domes and powerful waterfalls. Central California’s beautiful stretches of coastline and forest offer visitors a chance to get back to nature via hiking or camping. The parks offer beautiful sections of beach with splendid views over the picturesque coastline and lovely spots for hiking. Travellers on holidays in Central California and looking to get a little exercise in can take the day hiking trail which offers fabulous views of the coastline, mountains and forests. With a true wilderness that stretches out offering many kilometres of hiking trails, Central California is truly a great place for hikers, sunbathers and those seeking a nature escape.

The best times for Central California holidays are between March and May, as well as from September to November, although the area welcomes tourists the whole year round, thanks to its broad range of activities and attractions available.

With warmer weather come the beachcombers; in July and August, expect to find the shores of Central California lined with umbrellas and sun-drenched children. During autumn, there is a small break in tourist activity. But with the decline of temperatures, visitors re-emerge with skis in hand, ready to tackle the snow. Travelling to Central California in March or November will allow for a particularly enjoyable experience of the area.

Springtime Poetry

Spring marks the transition of Central California from the Mecca of skiing, into a beach destination with the temperatures rising steadily. During this in-between period, there are fewer crowds in the region and if you’re lucky, you may catch a few lingering snowflakes still on the slopes. During a springtime holiday to the United States, visitors can also take part in festivals and events such as Earth Day and the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival.

Summer with Shakespeare

Summer is the most popular time of the year to visit Central California. Thanks to the high temperatures, the trails are ready for some hiking, the beaches are ready for some sunbathing and the lake is ready for some paddling. Brace yourself for larger crowds on the weekends and be sure to make your bookings in advance to ensure availability for your United States holiday. A number of festivals take place here during summer including the Lake Tahoe Paddle Festival, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and the Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest.

Autumn Trailblazing

With temperature drops, the region of Central California experiences a significant slump in tourism as the wind starts to bite and the kids go back to school. A visit to the region in late September will enable you to catch the last remaining days of trailblazing. You could also aim for a late November tour in the United States to get a jump on the ski season. Events worth participating in include Sample the Sierra, the Lake Tahoe Fall Fish Festival and the Camp Richardson’s Annual Oktoberfest.

Winter Panoramas

Believe it or not, the snowy winters of Central California are not that bad thanks to the average temperature highs. So whether you go to shred some powder or simply take in the panoramas, winter is a great time to visit Central California. But don’t expect to be the only one hoping to cash in on the weather. Expect the crowds, which you can avoid by visiting during the weekdays. To prepare for this busy tourism season, be sure to book in advance for your United States tour. The Epicure is a good event to visit while in Santa Barbara at this time.