California’s a great place to visit. There are so many things to see and do.
If you’re a photographer traveling to the state, you’ll want to bring along a camera. You are sure to get terrific shots to add to your portfolio. Here are some spots you’ll want to hit for the most scenic views.
Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Park
Yosemite Park is a photographer’s dream. It’s known for its hiking trails, waterfalls and rock features. While there, be sure to check out the Valley and make pitstops at key locations like El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridal Veil Fall.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is a charming region with many of its scenic views located in its National Park. It sits at the intersection of the Mojave and Colorado Desert. Its large boulders and unusual fauna make terrific photography subject matter. Don’t miss out on taking shots at Skull Rock. Come in the spring to capture the wildflowers that blossom during that time of year.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
Big Sur’s coastline is located where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the sea. Its 90 miles of shoreline offers magnificent views. Its keyhole rock will make for interesting photos as well. While in the area, stop by Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Bixby Canyon Bridge to get the most impressive shots.
San Francisco Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge National Recreation Area
The bridge itself is stunning but its national recreation area encompasses 37 parks throughout San Francisco each of which has its share of magnificent photo opportunities. Highlights include the trees of Marin Headlands, the beach at Mori Point and the Presidio.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redlands. National Park
Northern California has a huge population of Redwood trees. For the best of the best, head to Redlands National Park. Hike the trail through Lady Bird Johnson Grove for magnificent views and angles.
Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
Heisler Park is an oceanfront park in Laguna Beach. It is filled with colorful flowers, public art and magnificent views. Walk the boardwalk to get shots you will treasure. Stay until sunset to capture the sky’s magnificent colors.
Griffith Park Los Angeles
Griffith Park is lovely in and of itself. In addition to taking in views of the flora and fauna, it also provides terrific vantage points of the Hollywood sign. Hike over to the Griffith Observatory for astrological views that you can take in via the free telescopes. The Los Angeles Zoo is also nearby.
Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
After the earthquake of 1906, this beach became a garbage dump. Since then, the ocean brought pieces of rocks and glass to the shore resulting in a glittering surface that makes for terrific photographs. While you can take all the pictures you want, it’s illegal to take the glass home with you.
Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe has shimmering blue water that makes the perfect reflection for of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. One of the best places to take it in is Emerald Bay State Park which overlooks the bay and Fannette Island. For architectural shots, be sure to check out Vikingsholm Mansion.
Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park
Death Valley may not seem like the most welcoming place to visit but it offers stunning views of colorful canyons and impressive sand dunes. The 3.3-million-acre park has plenty to photograph including Furnace Creek which offers a 360-degree view of the contoured landscape of Zabriskie Point.
California is full of action and excitement, but its waterways, beaches and natural parks provide stunning nature views you won’t want to pass up. Which of these will you be photographing when you visit?
Read more of a Conversation about Art or Shop Now at Schmidt Fine Art Gallery
