palm springs is, in fact, very boring. some more inspiring places are:

1. yosemite would be amazing. obviously.

2. the Muir Woods in northern california are… wow i don’t even have words for it. google the pictures and they still don’t do it justice.

3. big sur. but only if you like camping. there are very few places to stay there. i think it’s worth it to swim in coves lined with jade. big sur is a strong kind of quiet magic.

4. channel islands: snorkel, dive, and kayak through caves and giant kelp forests. it’s the roughest and most rugged of the bunch. and you need to take a ferry from ventura to get there.

5. lake tahoe: trees, fishing, jet skiing, the cleanest water around. emerald bay. amazing food in understated restuarants. and emerald bay. gorgeous.

i think, the best of california is it’s natural beauty. disneyland and hollywood just can’t compare. they’re kind of "junk food" for the soul, and leave you wanting.