California promises ‘wet’ summer adventures

With its stunning coastline, pristine lakes, and meandering rivers, California is promising thrilling water experiences for visitors to surf the Pacific waves, kayak through serene lakes, or explore hidden streams.

Visit California is recommending a series of experiences for a water-filled adventure in the golden state this summer:

White Water Rivers

For an early summer trip, the South Fork American River out of Coloma, 45 miles northeast of Sacramento, is ideal. It is one of the most popular whitewater rivers west of the Rockies, and even in a high-flow year, guided trips are suitable for most beginners.

Another early-season option is the Kern River northeast of Bakersfield. The closest whitewater to Los Angeles, the Kern offers Class II and III rapids near Kernville and tougher challenges upriver.

Stand-up Paddleboards to Waverunners

Looking to paddle a kayak or kick back on a pontoon boat during the summer, the state’s reservoirs are fully stocked with rental boats and other watercraft, from stand-up paddleboards to Waverunners.

The California lake vacation can be tailored to suit various watery style: In Northern California, visitors can water-ski across Clear Lake, sleep on a houseboat at Shasta Lake, or join a cruise on Lake Tahoe.

A lakefront cabin can be rented at Bass Lake near Fresno. Wakeboard or ski on the slalom course at Lake Nacimiento in San Luis Obispo County. Cruise around in a pedal boat at San Diego’s Lake Murray, or take a road-trip from Los Angeles to rev up the speed on Lake Elsinore or paddle a kayak on Big Bear Lake.

Summer is a great time to see Yosemite Valley’s misty marvels — Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and more — plus the national park’s lesser-known waterfalls like Chilnualna Falls near Wawona and Wapama Falls at Hetch Hetchy.

Other bucket-list waterfalls in the Sierra Nevada Mountains include Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon National Park, Angel Falls in Sierra National Forest near Bass Lake, and Rainbow Falls in Devils Postpile National Monument.

Trio of Waterfalls

Farther north, Redding’s Whiskeytown Falls, Lake Shasta’s Potem Falls, and the trio of falls on the McCloud River can become mighty given the right conditions. 

Southern California’s cataracts are also known for being capable of putting on a big show. East of Los Angeles, Millard Canyon Falls, Eaton Canyon Falls, and Switzer Falls are the main attractions.

Near Big Bear Lake, Big Falls is often fed by deep snow melting off Mount San Gorgonio. San Diego County has its share of cascades as well: Reserve a permit to visit 80-foot Cedar Creek Falls near Ramona, or take an easy trek to Green Valley Falls in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Water Parks

Thanks in part to its 840 miles of coastline and year-round sunshine, California excels at splashy vacations. And the watery fun doesn’t stop at the beaches or Lake Tahoe.

Water parks abound across the Golden State — some in the inland or mountain regions and others hugging the coast or even bobbing on top of lakes. Many offer wave pools, lazy rivers, and twisty water slides, while others provide inflatable-style obstacle courses.

No matter which California town you’re visiting, you can likely find a good water park that locals love. In the Shasta Cascade region, about 10 miles from Whiskeytown Lake, Waterworks Park in Redding boasts colorful slides made to look like giant dragons or pelicans, along with a wave pool with its own beach.

July Events

July 17–28: California Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles

This much-loved fair dates back to 1946 and is held in the San Luis Obispo County town of Paso Robles. Along with the rides, exhibits, and fair food, this year’s headliners include Miranda Lambert, Nate Bargatze, Brad Paisley, and Cheap Trick.

Begins July 19 to August 4: Bear Valley Music Festival, Bear Valley

This decades-old music festival, located halfway between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: You’ll hear classical performances by the Bear Valley Orchestra as well as plenty of pop and rock. This year features a Disco Inferno night, a Bagpipes in Scotland Night including Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, and Lee Johnson’s “Dead Symphony No. 6,” an orchestral tribute to The Grateful Dead.

July 20: Del Mar Racetrack Opening Day, Del Mar

Come watch the ponies race at this track near the beach in Del Mar. This 85th Opening Day offers serious people-watching thanks to the many women donning fabulous hats, but the whole season offers a variety of events. Runs through September 8.

July 20: Palisades Tahoe Mountain Run, Olympic Valley

Enjoy both a challenge and stunning Lake Tahoe and mountain views on this run that starts at the base of Palisades USA, then climbs 3.6 miles up to High Camp (8,200 feet elevation) where your efforts will be rewarded with a raffle, music, and refreshments.

For lower-key exertion, check out Palisades Tahoe’s Great Bingo Revival, in which a different local restaurant will host a creative bingo night every Thursday through July 27.

July 25–28: Comic-Con International, San Diego

The cultural touchstone returns to downtown San Diego with panels, cosplay, and star sightings. Badges are currently sold out, but anyone can soak up the energy downtown or visit the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.

July 26–28: Lumberjack Fiesta Days, McCloud

For more than 75 years, both lumberjacks and aspiring lumberjacks have tested their skills during this weekend in the Shasta Cascade. Compete in logging events (including a Lil’ Logger contest) or go head-to-head by way of horseshoes, watermelon-eating, or dancing. The Siskiyou County event also includes a parade on Saturday.

July 27: Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, Long Beach

This competition of traditional Chinese dragon boats at Long Beach’s Marine Stadium is one of the largest in California. Watch teams row the long, colourfully decorated canoes, then check out the Chinese dance, acrobats, and martial arts performances.

July 27: Farms, Fish, & Flowers, Half Moon Bay

Farm country meets fresh seafood at this annual event in Half Moon Bay. Get a behind-the-scenes look at spots around the town that are not always open to the public—from historic sites to farms to a working harbour.

Participants include Blue House Farm, which grows certified organic produce and cut flowers (and offers u-pick strawberries this time of year) and Pillar Point Harbor, where you can buy fresh fish from the docks.

July 27: Gilroy Great Garlic Pasta Party, Gilroy

This year’s version of the garlicky lovefest in Gilroy will feature an all-you-can-eat pasta feast with a choice of sauces and lots of garlic-soaked bread. Proceeds of the fundraiser benefit local nonprofits and charities.

July 27–28: Oxnard Salsa Festival, Oxnard

The two-day party in the Ventura County town was first celebrated in 1993 to honour its cultural and agricultural roots. Today the festival celebrates the many forms of salsa in historic downtown Oxnard: live bands, dance lessons, and plenty of chances to taste salsas and hot sauces.

July 29-August 4: Eureka Street Art Festival, Eureka

This little North Coast town is a hotbed for public murals, and this weeklong festival invites you to witness new ones being created.

Watch a range of international painters at work each day, take city mural tours, or try your hand at creating one during a street-painting workshop. On the last day, a party celebrates the new murals’ official debuts. Any time of year, do your own tour of the town’s local murals.,

July 31-August 4: International Surf Festival, Redondo Beach

Embrace surfing’s high season in this Los Angeles County town that hosts an amateur surfing competition, a pier-to-pier swim, and paddleboard races. The swim races and fitness contests for xarea lifeguards are unmissable. – TradeArabia News Service