Deriving its name from its crescent-like shape, Half Moon Bay is a coastal city in California. It is popular for its Big Wave Surf Area called Mavericks, a place where surfers conquer enormous waves and perform some unbelievable stunts. Other attractions here include sites on the National Register of Historic Places, several art galleries, ruins of Purissima village, beaches, and the Pillar Point Harbor. The Main Street is the main thoroughfare of the city housing entertainment venues, eateries, and shopping destinations. Visiting this little coastal town on a weekend is a great way to rejuvenate after a tiring week.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the spectacular Pacific Ocean is the picturesque town of Mendocino. Famous for its yearly music festival, with performances by local and visiting musicians, Mendocino attracts hordes of tourists and art enthusiasts year after year. A gem of a town, full of quaint shops and friendly people, it invites travelers of all stripes to make the best out of their vacation here. Bring your children to enjoy a ride on the Skunk Train, go clubbing, horse-riding, indulge in some wine-tasting or sample seafood or gourmet fare from all over the globe. An ideal vacation spot, Mendocino will delight your mind, body and soul.

A beautiful resort city located on San Diego Bay, Coronado is a vacationer's paradise, replete with sunny climes, golden beaches, and boundless avenues for entertainment. Established in 1885, it has been a tourist spot since its founding. Sparkling sand beaches and gentle waters greet visitors, as do beautiful gardens, elegant mansions and charming historic homes. Some of the attractions in this lovely town include the Hotel del Coronado-a historic landmark and an architectural gem, the Coronoado Beach, and Centennial Park, to name a few.

This town on the west shore of its namesake lake is an idyllic place that hosts attractions, shops, dining options and activities for all kinds of travelers. Its town center is a pretty neighborhood that is home to many shops, art galleries and popular restaurants, all within walking distance of one another. Tahoe City offers a range of fun recreational activities round the year, from kayaking and stand up paddleboarding on its lake shores during summer, to skiing and other snow sports come winter.

Sonoma is part of the world-famous California wine country. It hosts a number of wine festivals that draw in wine-lovers from all over the world. Besides its fascinating festivals, Sonoma is also known for its incredible dining scene, its lavish golf courses, rejuvenating spas, museums, fresh food markets and scenic beaches.

With neighboring Murrieta, Temecula forms the southwestern anchor of the Inland Empire region. It is almost equidistant to San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Its sprawling vineyards are simply not to be missed while the Old Town's western and vintage charm is endearing. It also hosts the colorful Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival annually, which draws hundreds of locals and tourists.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, also known simply as Carmel, prides itself on having one of the most picturesque seashores in the country. Pristine white-sand beaches and blue waters soothe your senses, whereas a lovely town center charms you with its diverse offerings. Visitors can pamper themselves at the many spas in town or shop to their heart's content at some of its most beautiful stores and galleries. A must-visit is the Sunset Center, which is famous for its concerts and symphonies. Exquisite gourmet experiences at interesting dining spots across the city will also leave you impressed.

Earlier the seat of the Rancho Ojo del Agua de la Coche, Morgan Hill today is a hub for high-tech companies. Named after its founder Hiram Morgan Hill, the city is surrounded by the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains. El Toro, a hill in the Santa Clara Valley is a distinctive feature of the city. Beautiful recreational spaces, museums and galleries, and an eclectic mix of tourist offerings form the character of Morgan Hill.

Carpinteria is a small but beautiful town by the sea, known for its great beaches, golden sands, and waves which are ideal for surfing and other water sports. Nature enthusiasts must also visit the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and explore the meandering trails there, while enjoying the local flora and fauna. The town is also known for its avocado festival which has been held annually since 1986.

Enjoy the serene and picturesque locale of this seaside resort city on southern California's Pacific Coast. This beachside city has seven miles (11 kilometers) of soft, white sand beach, with space for fun beachside activities. Stay in one of the bed and breakfast facilities that dot the coastline and dine on local as well as international cuisine at restaurants on the main beach. Apart from the beach, the city's other major attractions include the Wilderness Park, The Laguna Playhouse and Laguna Art Museum. Being one of the most spectacular spots to watch sunsets and blessed with beautiful weather during most of the year, it's no wonder that this pristine resort city is one of California's major tourist destinations.

While Catalina Islands is a natural beauty, Avalon is one of the primary cities on this island. The city is known for its crescent-shaped beach and azure waters, as well as its seaside promenade that hosts a bevy of shopping and dining offerings. The nightlife scene of this tourist town is equally enthralling, with the iconic Catalina Casino offering boundless entertainment.

The city of Malibu in California is well known for its beautiful sandy beaches such as Zuma Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which is a surfer's paradise. Those who don't want to get their feet wet but still enjoy the ocean should take a stroll along Malibu Pier. Avid hikers will be amazed with what the winding Escondido Falls Trail has to offer in different seasons and finally, campers can explore the untamed, oceanside wilderness at Leo Carrillo State Park. Overall, Malibu might be predominantly famous for its beaches, but there is definitely more than meets the eye.