Rancho Santa Margarita's Ultimate California Bucket List Guide

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — What gets you about the Golden State, Rancho Santa Margarita readers?

Patch asked Orange County residents over Facebook: "If you were making the ultimate California Bucket List, what would be on it?" Our Rancho Santa Margarita readers were more than happy to share the good, the bad, and the ugly about our beautiful state.

Beth Voorneman suggests that the Redwood forests in the northern part of the state are the absolute must-see stop if you're visiting.

Also, looking to the northern part of California, Kathi Collins suggests a stop in Yosemite if you plan a visit.

Readers across Orange County chimed in on our survey.

Ida Dailey of Mission Viejo suggests if you come to California, you can't miss a trip to the "beautiful beaches."

Nadema Sheronick of Mission Viejo encouraged California visitors to look to the northern half of the state for the beauty and must-see travel stops.

Sheronick's bucket list for California would include a visit to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley and Solvang. But bring a friend or loved one, she suggests, adding, "so many don't like to travel alone."

It's been a tough year for just about everyone as California has struggled to rebuild the post-pandemic economy.

Reader Melissa Beoletto wasn't keen on visitors coming here but encouraged visitors to head to Florida instead. Beoletto wasn't alone, as several readers also went political with their suggestions to move away.

Mission Viejo resident Susan Hidde elaborated, saying, "Why come? See what happens when you don't enforce laws on homelessness in great neighborhoods. And [seeveople] here still being told to wear masks to school. No science to support it."

Rancho Santa Margarita resident Terry Hauser said that moving away was preferable to being here.

As for those who love exploring California? Yosemite is the ultimate bucket list place to visit if you are coming to California, according to Patch Orange County readers.

Mission Viejo resident Bryan Gifford also suggests that you should also take time to walk the John Muir Trail, see the sequoias, catch the powerful waves at Big Sur and Monterrey, as well as the stark desert beauty of Joshua Tree.

What would you consider your "Ultimate California Bucket List" to-do? Let us know in the comments or by adding to our Facebook post on Rancho Santa Margarita Patch.