What are some amazing sites to see throughout California?|116236

A couple buddies and I are going to go on a road trip for about 1 month this summer, throughout California, but I can_t think of anything that would be a stand out. I live in California, so I_ve had the chance to see Yosemite and other main attractions. But we want to find something that is like a gem that not the average person knows about. Also we want to go backpacking! Any recommendations would be great!

If you want to find a _gem,_ you_re going to have to stumble into it or find it (or make it) yourself. If anyone knows one and puts it here, it_s then going to become... something that everyone knows about.

There are some beaches in Northern California that allow camping you might want to try. You could try wine country for a bit. If you go waaay far north in California things can be more secluded and you might try something like river rafting. The desert and Death Valley can be worthwhile. You might also want to try some of the ski towns in the summer (Mammoth, Tahoe, Big Bear). If you have the time and transportation, you might also head east a bit to Nevada/Vegas, Arizona/The Grand Canyon, etc. They might be different states, but the distances are comparable to driving within California. If you want a _gem_ keep an eye out for smaller towns on Route 66 and the like, but most things that are _amazing_ are already in guidebooks here and there -- the main question is if you can catch them during an unusual time of year, etc.

I will warn you that with the way California is having major financial troubles right now, and some cities more than others, you might find various public grounds and facilities closed or on limited hours, various businesses closed, some roads not being maintained as usual, unpredictable prices, etc. Be ready to be flexible, and for what may have been a _gem_ before to not be one now. California_s in bad shape, and some cities have started dramatic changes that will almost certainly alter visitor experiences from what they were prior. That might mean better deals and fewer crowds in some places, but it_s almost certain to mean disappointment in others.

Go to Dinneyland and Uni-reversal studios! Go to Hollywood and Vine to see all the main attractions and you may as well stop off and see Mann_s Chinese Theater and Hollywood Squares (If they are still there).
Six Flags is another goodie you may want to take in, if you have the time. You only live once! Go for all the gusto! :D
Well if you want to go backpacking in the mountains in uncharted territory I am sure you could find some guides or docents to lead the way. I would not want to venture out there in the wilds by myself... ooh!

Go see my friend Carole in San Diego.