Community Corner

24 Incredible Reader Images From 2024: California In Photos

From the Northern Lights to King Tides to dogs and butterflies, here are some of the best photos you shared with us this year.

Michael Wittner's profile picture
Michael Wittner, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|
Enjoy this sampling of some of California Patch readers' best photos.
Enjoy this sampling of some of California Patch readers' best photos. (Clockwise: Maria Demarest, Judy Munsen, Nicole Noero, Val M. )

CALIFORNIA — The news is sometimes dispiriting, which is why we so enjoy when Patch readers send us photos that remind us how stunningly beautiful our state is. From snow-capped mountains to sun-drenched beaches to everything in between, it's hardly a secret that the Golden State glows.

This year, talented photographers across the state sent us hundreds of photos, capturing everything from the sunlight hitting a cresting wave at the perfect angle, to a blanket of fog so thick it almost looks like snow. It was a tall order getting paring all these gorgeous photos down to just 24, but we tried our best. Without further ado, enjoy 24 incredible photos of California in 2024, ordered from January to December.


1. Great Blue Heron Gazes Out At Half Moon Bay

Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A great blue heron gazes out at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. (Maria Demarest)

2. Sunset Inspiration At Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Pigeon Point Lighthouse at sunset in San Mateo County. (Shashidhar Sathyanarayan.)

3. Seals Bask In The Sun At Año Nuevo State Park

Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Elephant seals relax at Año Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County. (Aurelija Bolsakova.)

4. King Tide Reveals Coastal Gems

A sea anemone washed up during a King Tide. (Sarah Wirt)

5. Santa Cruz Wildflowers And Natural Bridges

Yellow flowers are a great complement to Santa Cruz's sea stacks. (Aurelija Bolsakova)

6. Inspiring Northern Lights Photos From Palo Alto

2024 will likely be remembered as the year California and much of the country were graced with the Northern Lights, which very rarely show up this far south. (Shashidhar Sathyanarayan.)

7. Fog Rolls Over The Hills Of Marin County

"What I love most about the fog is viewing it from above. It feels like being in another world, floating above the clouds. Sitting there, watching the fog weave its way through the hills, is a magical experience," said photographer Jay Tamang. (Jay Tamang)

8. Bobcat Family Poses For Photoshoot

A pair of bobcats pose for photos on the Sabercat Creek Trail in Fremont. (Jim Erickson).

9. Stumpy The Squirrel Snacks On A Loquat

"Can I help you with something?" (Steve Gorman)

10. American Avocet In Fremont

American Avocet at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. (Henry Shen.)

11. Pacifica Surfing During The Golden Hour

Surfer rides a gold-tinged wave in Pacifica. (Maria Demarest).

12. Wildflowers Brighten San Mateo Park

Flowers explode with color at Seal Point Park in San Mateo. (Michael G. Pagano).

13. Squirrel Sploots To Cool Down

We all know the feeling. (Steve Gorman)

14. The Dog & The Butterfly

This has to be good luck, right? (C.L. Green)

15. Praying Mantis Prowls Sunflower

Praying Mantis jumps on a sunflower in Roseville. (Dan Farquhar)

16. Sun Casts Fiery Glow Over California

A fiery sky like no other. (Noor)

17. Peaceful Beauty at the Wildlife Refuge

Sunset at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Val M.)

18. Pelican Feeding Frenzy At Half Moon Bay

Christmas came early for these pelicans at Half Moon Bay. (Michael G. Pagano)

19. Taking In The View

A little admirer of Half Moon Bay (Victoria Hansen.)

20. Mission Peak Admirers

Two poodles pose at Mission Peak (Jon Miller.)

21. Laguna Beach Loveliness

Perfection near Treasure Island in Laguna Beach (Susana Cruciana)

22. Fog Creeps Over The Marin Hills

The hills, blue skies, fog and autumn leaves — all in one impossibly beautiful landscape. (Helen Caletti).

23. Golden Gate Bridge Night Glow

The Golden Gate Bridge glows at night (Nicole Noero)

24. 'Breathtaking' Sunrise Paints Crown Harbor

Alameda's Crown Harbor is a perfect mirror of the fiery sky. (Judy Munsen.)

RELATED:

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Related:California In Photos

More from Across California