The past two years have had us all dreaming about traveling more, and Visit California’s latest television commercial, which debuts during the Feb.13 Super Bowl Pregame, may inspire your next Golden State getaway. Feel like you’re flying as you spot some of California’s most iconic landmarks, attractions, and even some celebrities along the way. Want to visit these amazing destinations in person? Here’s how to do it.
The Coronado Bridge, San Diego
Surfer Malia Ward catches a wave in San Diego, where amazing seafood, nightlife, and surfing await. The expansive Coronado Bridge, accessible from just south of downtown, leads to the island city of Coronado. Take a tour of the island’s crown jewel, the Hotel del Coronado, before heading to Del Beach for a day of stand-up paddleboarding and tide pooling.
The Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles
Few landmarks are more iconic than these nine white letters atop Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains. For the best views of the Hollywood Sign, make your way to the Griffith Observatory or Lake Hollywood Park at sunset. Hike the West Trail in Griffith Park or join a guided trail ride out of Sunset Ranch, near the end of Beachwood Drive, for a unique viewing experience on horseback.
Point Mugu, Malibu
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is a quintessential California experience. Watch as Mario Lopez joins “Alex,” the TV spot’s protagonist, for a cruise on the famed motorway past Point Mugu State Park in sunny Malibu. Its sandy beach and rugged bluffs are popular for sunbathing, hiking, and body surfing.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz
There is nothing quite like the majesty of seeing the tallest trees in the world, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains is one of only a handful of locations where you can view these woodland skyscrapers. Hop on a 1900s Pullman car with Roaring Camp Railroads for an open-air excursion through this ancient forest all the way to the coast.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Did you spot San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford diving for a catch across the world’s most recognizable bridge? Painted in eye-catching “International Orange,” the Golden Gate Bridge spans nearly two miles over the cool waters of the San Francisco Bay. You can take in the celebrated span from Kirby Cove, Fort Point National Historic Site, or during a bike ride around Crissy Field.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
The spot ends poolside at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel with an appearance from Black-ish star Anthony Anderson. The Santa Monica Pier is just a five-minute walk from this stylish hotel, which features 13 oceanfront fire pits, bottomless mimosas during weekend brunch at Blue Streak, and a two-tier pool deck overlooking coastal views.
More California Cameos
If you watch closely, you’ll see even more California backdrops throughout the spot. After running out of the San Bernardino Airport, Alex also rides the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, then soars over the slopes of Mammoth Mountain, a perfectly manicured golf course in Palm Springs, and magnificent rock formations at Yosemite and Joshua Tree national parks. The commercial also highlights the beautiful coastlines of Bodega Bay in Sonoma County and Dana Point—and its renowned whale watching—in Orange County. Want to float amongst colorful hot-air balloons like the spot’s star? In Napa, you can do just that with Napa Valley Balloons.
For more behind-the-scenes takes on “Am I Dreaming?” check out this article.
