Large in both size and imagination, California wants you to “dream big.” With seven active Army posts, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself visiting the Golden State.
Planning a trip to California might bring to mind popular locations like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose—all in the top 10 of the nation’s biggest cities. But the country’s third-largest state offers much more than Hollywood, Disneyland, and Silicon Valley.
Take in everything from scenic state parks to vibrant seaports to breathtaking coastal drives to meticulously manicured golf courses. Marvel at the state’s magnificent redwoods, hop a ride on the iconic San Francisco cable cars, or go back in time to Gold Country and try your hand at gold panning.
From historic moments to futuristic breakthroughs to movie fantasy, you can find it while vacationing in California. Check out these top attractions around the state’s U.S. Army posts:
Barstow
Nearby post: Fort Irwin
Outside of the larger touristy areas of California, you can travel back to a simpler time in Barstow. Get a taste of the Old West, explore the Mojave Desert, and take in the glory of Route 66.
Calico Ghost Town features a silver mine, working railroad, gold-panning experience, and more. Active in the 1880s, the Maggie Mine provides a self-guided tour that shares the history of miners in the Calico mountains. Then jump on the Calico Odessa Railroad to gain a different perspective of the hill and hear more area history. If you’re feeling lucky, see what you can discover while panning for gold. Or, head to the Mystery Shack for a good laugh at local oddities. The bravest stay for one of the town’s three ghost tours: down Main Street, through Maggie Mine, or in the old School House.
Less than an hour from Barstow, adventure through the Mojave National Preserve. This National Park Service location is where three of North America’s four major deserts join together, providing a breathtaking landscape and a diversity of wildlife. For 10,000 years, the Mojave Desert has connected humans to desert life. During your visit, take advantage of 4-wheeling, biking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, and more. And don’t miss exploring a Lava Tube, wandering through the Joshua Trees, or hiking the Kelso Dunes—the largest in the country!
Then get your kicks on the famed Route 66! Running through the heart of Barstow, Route 66 is speckled with both vintage and modern facilities. Established as one of the country’s first major highways, Route 66 covered nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Although decommissioned in 1985, the nostalgia from Main Street USA lives on through Historic Route 66, which exists in eight states. Check out the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in downtown Barstow’s Casa del Desierto. Opened in 2000, the museum shares photos and artifacts from Route 66 and the Mojave Desert community.
Montaña de Oro State Park
Dublin
Nearby post: Parks RFTA
On-post accomodations: IHG® Army Hotels on Parks RFTA
A fast-growing community about an hour from downtown Oakland or San Francisco, Dublin offers lots of area history and recreation. Hop on your bike or lace up your sneakers for 20 miles of flat, scenic pathway at Iron Horse Trail Loop. Formerly a railroad, the trail leads to several local businesses and restaurants in Danville.
The Wave Waterpark is fully open during summer months and provides indoor swimming from October through May.
Step back in time at the Kolb House, providing an authentic snapshot of family life from the early 1900s. This 1911 craftsman bungalow was donated to the City of Dublin from the Kolb family with nearly all of its original furnishings and appliances. Then head to the Murray Schoolhouse Museum, which tells the story of Dublin’s founding family. At Dublin Heritage Park and Museum, take in 10 acres of historic buildings, cemeteries, and picnic areas.
Riverside
Nearby post: Camp Haan
Known for launching California’s citrus industry, Riverside lies about an hour east of LA. Get a closer and tastier look at these southern California gems with a trip to California Citrus State Historic Park. The park shares stories of a time when “Citrus was King” in the late 1800s, leading to a booming economy and one of the highest per capita incomes. Take a tour to taste these natural treats for yourself.
Then head over to the March Field Air Museum for “an airshow everyday”! This aviation museum highlights 100 years of flight, with exhibits ranging from more than 80 historic aircraft to the most recent tactical planes. Learn about the evolution of flight and space exploration.
Take in beautiful downtown architecture with a visit to The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. This Mission Revival-style structure has welcomed presidents, Hollywood stars, and royalty. The inn is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Its astounding features include grand archways, flying buttresses, lush greens and flowers, detailed domes, and stained glass windows.
Obispo
Nearby post: Camp San Luis
This picture-perfect coastal spot, roughly halfway between LA and San Francisco, offers beach, shopping, and dining galore. When in town, do like a local and grab a bike! Learn how to get from Point A to Point B with tips from the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club.
If quiet hiking is more your speed, explore Montaña de Oro State Park where you can tackle rugged cliffs, chill on secluded beaches, or venture to Valencia Peak.
Experience “baby Friday” with the local college kids at the Downtown SLO Farmers Market, featuring more than 120 farmers as well as music and artists. Just try to say no to the variety of mouth-watering charred barbecue options. And of course grab California staples at the peak of ripeness—citrus, berries, greens, avocados, and more!
More attractions
If you’re looking to travel to San Francisco and stay at IHG® Army Hotels Gibb Hall on Fort Hunter Liggett, take a look at our blog post from last year with all the great things to do there, and stay tuned in May for our post all about the historic Spanish colonial era town of
