Aching for an international getaway… but not so much the international flight? If you live in the United States, you’re lucky to call a vast and varied country home—and if you can make it to the west coast, you can find a lot of incredible international look-alike destinations in California.
Spanning 840 miles of Pacific coast and clocking in at more than 163,000 square miles, it’s perhaps not surprising that Golden State encompasses so many diverse biospheres and cultures. And for those looking for even the most off-the-beaten path international destinations, California can stand you in good stead for a stateside alternative. Below, we’ll dive into five of the best international destination dupes in California, from the rugged terrain of a domestic dupe for the Galapagos to the quaint feeling of coastal international towns in Italy or Scotland—all without leaving the good ol’ U.S. of A. Without further ado!
1. Galapagos in California
Best known as the place that inspired Darwin to come up with his world-shaking theory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands lie about 600 miles west of Ecuador—which is to say, about as far “out there” as it’s possible to get. Since there are no direct international flights available to these far-flung isles, those who are committed to visiting them will need to first fly to the mainland (usually either Quito or Guayaquil), then make another puddle-jump over all those miles of open ocean to finally arrive at your destination. (For many Americans, the flightpath could include up to three or four layovers.)
Channel Islands
Of course, people go to the Galapagos for a reason: Untouched island terrains are full of fascinating plant- and wildlife, and because they aren’t connected to the mainland, they offer unique insight into how species can change over time (which is precisely how Darwn came to his insight). Fortunately, there’s a very similar island archipelago just a few miles off the coast of southern California—five of which are preserved as part of Channel Islands National Park. Although of course the species you’ll encounter between these two different island systems are different, they’re just as wild and fascinating, and just like the Galapagos, Channel Islands is a world-class destination for SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and just plain looking around. (And, for most of us, it’s a far easier commute: The islands are accessible via public boat transportation from the coast of southern California.)
- Similarities to the Galapagos: Remote island ecosystems, endemic wildlife, and marine biodiversity.
- Things to Do: Scuba dive or snorkel to see sea lions and garibaldi fish, hike the rugged trails on Santa Cruz Island, and take a boat tour to spot dolphins and whales.
- Nearby Campgrounds
Italy in California
Who among us has not indulged in fantasies of dining on al dente pasta and sipping a glass of robust red along the Amalfi coast or tucked away in a quaint eatery on the Isle of Capri? Italy is a dreamy destination for many—and for such good reasons. Along with its incredible cuisine, mesmerizing language, and a culture of family festivity, it’s also just plain stunning.
Catalina Island
While no international destination dupe could capture all of Italy’s charm—given that it’s a country that includes both coastal villas and mountainous inland areas, not to mention the chic cosmopolitan vibe of cities like Milan—Cataline Island offers a fair shake for those looking for the Capri experience here in the United States. Another island tucked just off the coast of southern California, Catalina is surrounded by glittering turquoise waters and dotted with incredible restaurants serving up the very freshest seafood, all with the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and rolling green hills. While you’d likely stash your RV on the mainland, Catalina Island is accessible via ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point, and there are also small charter flights that can get you there in a jiffy. Either way, it’s well worth the journey. Cin-cin!
- Similarities to Italy: Crystal-clear waters, cliffside views, and charming harbors with European-style villas.
- Things to Do: Stroll through Avalon’s waterfront, take a glass-bottom boat tour, relax at Descanso Beach Club, and enjoy a meal at an oceanfront café with fresh seafood and fine wine.
- Nearby Campgrounds
3. Denmark in California
Tucked between the heart of the European mainland and the further-flung Nordic countries, Denmark offers the perfect marriage of sophistication and quaint, small-town friendliness—not to mention hearty cuisine including smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), stegt flæsk (fried pork) and frikadeller (meatballs), just to name a few. (That is, if you can actually figure out how to name them out loud in the first place.) While Copenhagen may be the most famous of its cities, there are so many beautiful cities and stunning countryside to explore all across the country—all of which feature fascinating history and a friendly vibe. After all, this is the country that came up with the idea of hygge!
Solvang
You might not have known before, but you do now: the “Danish Capital of America” is conveniently nestled into southern California’s Santa Ynez Valley, just about 45 minutes northwest of Santa Barbara. Surrounded on all sides by stunning wildernesses and historical preserves—including Los Padres National Forest as well as La Purísima Mission State Historic Park and the Refugio and El Capitán State Beaches, Solvang offers a slice of Danish charm just a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of L.A., in both its architecture and its dining options. It’s also home to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, where you can learn more about the prolific Danish mind behind works as beloved as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. Our recommendation: Exploring town as a family aboard a four-seater surrey bicycle (or, if you’re not in the mood for exercise while you’re on vacation, seated behind a friendly draft horse on the Solvang Trolley).
- Similarities to Denmark: Scandinavian architecture, Danish cuisine, and small-town charm.
- Things to Do: Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, tour the local wineries, enjoy authentic Danish pastries, and explore Mission Santa Inés.
- Nearby Campgrounds
4. Scotland in California
With sea-crashed cliffs, a rolling green countryside dotted by ancient castles, and an accent that’s as charming as it is inscrutable, Scotland is a top-tier destination for many. Highlands, lochs, Gaelic, shortbread and black pudding… there are so many wonderful reasons to experience this incredible country, which in its relatively small space includes both cosmopolitan cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as stunning rural zones showcasing simpler styles of life.
Carmel by the Sea
Yet again, California offers an incredible look-alike destination dupe that’ll have you clicking your heels to have missed the transoceanic flight it takes us Americans to reach—and this really is its nickname—The Land of Cakes. Carmel by the Sea should be famous for far more than the fact that Clint Eastwood was, for a while, its mayor: Namely, its stunning surrounding landscape (which mirror’s Scotland’s well), as well as the friendly small-town vibes that will make you feel like you’re having a cuppa with your best charaids. Its collection of brightly painted cottages completes the picture. Haste ye back!
- Similarities to Scotland: Dramatic cliffs, artistic small-town atmosphere, and historical architecture.
- Things to Do: Stroll through the fairytale cottages in downtown Carmel, visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and explore the historic Carmel Mission.
- Nearby Campgrounds
5. India in California
One could say that, in India, life is lived closer to the source. The birthplace of some of the most ancient and well-worn wisdom traditions in humanity (i.e., Hinduism and Buddhism) as well as home to nearly a fifth of the world’s total population, India could never be captured in a single stateside destination dupe. Of course, that doesn’t mean we won’t try!
BAPS Mandir and Chino Hills
Fortunately, cultures as sacred and important as India’s don’t tend to stay localized only in the countries from which they spring—as worthy as those countries are of visits in their own rights. For those looking for the India experience here in the United States, we recommend the Los Angeles suburb of Chino Hills, which is home to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple complex (as well as plenty of delicious nearby Indian restaurants—what better or more intimate way to get in touch with a culture than to eat of its food?). Campers will also enjoy the proximity to nearby Chino Hills State Park, which offers camping opportunities as well as beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
- Similarities to India: Traditional Hindu temple design, cultural significance, and spiritual ambiance.
- Things to Do: Admire the temple’s detailed marble carvings, attend a cultural or spiritual event, and enjoy nearby Indian restaurants.
- Nearby Campgrounds
As you can see, if you can get to LA, you can get to a whole host of one-of-a-kind international destination dupes in California—all within just a few hours’ drive! We may be biased, but we think an RV is the very best way to experience any of these look-alike destinations in California (or beyond), and we’ve made it our mission to help explorers like you have the very best RV experiences they can. We’ll be with you on the road every step (and mile) of the way!
