California

Growing up as a child in Alabama, I dreamed of visiting California - the state I now have been lucky enough to call home for two decades.

The Golden State is a bucket list destination for travelers all around the world. It delivers nearly every kind of vacation experience you can possibly dream up: beaches, mountains, deserts, national parks, and more.

It's all steeped in some pretty rich culture and history, from the California Missions to the Gold Rush to the present-day film industry. California is beautiful and quirky and occasionally maddening, but it's home for me. And if it isn't home for you, it's definitely worthy of a visit (or many), particularly with kids.

I've spent the last 20 years trying mightily to explore it all, but it takes more than a lifetime to explore the nooks and crannies of this enormous state. This guide will hopefully help you get started too.

Best places to travel in California, by season: