Living the American Dream in California

Did you enjoy watching Big Little Lies with Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Zoe Kravitz? Were you captivated by the atmosphere of the wind-exposed coast, its steep cliffs, waves, and sea spray? The small Pacific coast station was particularly well-suited to the mystery surrounding this American series. Nevertheless, California is not limited to its seashores, it also includes Yosemite National Park with its giant sequoias, and the Mojave Desert, must-visits in the United States...

From a distance, the hills of Twin Peaks take shape. You might even wear out the clutch of your rental car as you navigate the 8 hairpin turns of Lombard Street! That's why it's better to opt for the cable cars, these wooden trams that travel, for example, Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde, especially since they have an exterior platform. You pass by the painted ladies, the colorfully painted Victorian houses that appear on magnets.

To prepare for your visit to the inescapable prison of Alcatraz, you might watch The Rock, which Sean Connery performed magnificently.

A boat excursion from Pier 33 takes you to encounter Al Capone and the birdman. Indeed, it is all about the art of escape in this prison famed to be inescapable, which closed its doors in 1971. At Fisherman's Wharf, you stroll around and take the opportunity to rent an electric bike and cross the Golden Gate.

On the other shore, Sausalito, a former fishing port stormed by hippies in the 60s, awaits you. Otherwise, head to China Town to taste authentic dumplings. If the size of this neighborhood impresses you, it’s because you are in the presence of the largest Chinese community outside Asia and the oldest of all. In Golden Gate Park, you relax by a Dutch windmill or facing a herd of buffalo. This haven of peace proves to be an excellent choice for an impromptu picnic.

As I mentioned earlier, some small stations along the Pacific coast have inspired screenwriters. Thus, the city hall of Monterey, an impeccable building made of white bricks and dating back to 1840 appears in the series Big Little Lies. Already the famous American author Steinbeck, who depicted the Great Depression, had set some of his novels here. It's in Monterey, a former sardine industry town, that the Who performed for the first time. Lastly, Monterey is home to a very renowned aquarium.

Not far from Monterey is Carmel, perfectly Instagrammable as it is picturesque. A Spanish explorer (Vizcaino) is said to have anchored opposite this piece of land, and Carmelite brothers founded a mission there (Borromeo Mission). With its cypresses and wooden houses, the small town becomes a resort destination. It attracts artists such as Jack London while maintaining its old-world atmosphere despite the crowds. In 1986, Clint Eastwood, one of its residents, became its mayor!

Just a short distance from LA, here is Santa Monica Beach, an ideal spot for a stroll. In total, there are over 2000 white stones scattered along this breathtaking coastline. An international chess tournament is held here, and if you are a fan, you've always dreamed of playing on a giant chessboard with real people replacing the pieces. Well, now it's possible! The beach is divided in two, and the pier in the middle is none other than the end of the legendary Route 66. Did you know? This beach was nicknamed Negro Beach because it welcomed people of color.

No, this is not the title of a Lana del Rey song! The station near Santa Monica was the meeting point for creators in the 50s-60s. Founded by Abbot Kinney at the beginning of the 20th century, it replicates the canal system of Venice. It has been favored by stars from Jim Morrison to Julia Roberts, including Dennis Hopper and Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons. Many athletes train there, for example, at Muscle Beach. The NBA would come to scout its future basketball players on site…

This city has the merit of fulfilling the expectations of very diverse visitors. On one hand, it is part of the vast Balboa Park and features a very famous zoo. On the other hand, it is full of art galleries. Nightlife enthusiasts will find their happiness in the Gaslamp Quarter, where more than 150 taverns serve beer. It must be said that Mexico is right at the doorstep of San Diego. This is reflected in the cali-baja culture as much in architecture, gastronomy, or the arts.

Furthermore, it has a naval fleet in service like the USS Midway. This aircraft carrier is, unusually, open to the public. Generally, San Diego has a "beach culture." Indeed, its coasts are lined with hiking trails. Whether you prefer water sports is not a problem since you can kayak or surf at the extraordinary site of La Jolla. Looking for an American-style show? Head to Sea World to see a stunning dolphin performance.

Tentacular, here is an adjective that well suits a cinema city. The Walk of Fame is this avenue lined with over 2500 stars of fame. The story begins in 1958, and you will be surprised recognizing few artists: David Bowie, Buzz Aldrin, Mohammed Ali, the Beatles, Sarah Bernhardt, or Charles Aznavour. It's because the “stars” mainly reward those who have promoted the American culture that you are less familiar with.

You cannot miss a visit to the Universal Studios included in a theme park with insane rides! Opt for the World Famous Studio Tour and visit the backlots or exterior sets. Experience the thrill during a wild car chase thanks to the Fast and Furious attraction. Feel the special effects of War of the Worlds and try the 3D experience on King Kong. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will take you to Hogwarts Castle, and you immerse yourself in Walking Dead or transform into a Minion...

Los Angeles is also the ideal starting point for a road trip in California.

It was a wanderer, John Muir, who founded this park which Congress recognized as early as 1890. Yosemite is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes it famous? Probably the black and white snapshots by Ansel Adams who photographed the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. If you visit, do not miss the Bridalveil Fall and the cliffs of Half Dome or El Capitan. Speaking of which, this place will seem familiar if you are a fan of Star Trek. Indeed, a scene from episode 5 was filmed there, do you remember which one?

We wish you a pleasant journey!