It can be challenging to choose the best places to visit in California without getting lost in the multitude of options.
So here’s our selection that will save you hours of research and planning!
1. San Francisco
San Francisco, the urban heart of Northern California, is one of the cities you can’t skip while in the state. Here you will find the famous Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf where you can enjoy some of the best seafood restaurants and Alcatraz Island which you can reachable via a ferry ride. To fully appreciate San Francisco’s maritime charm, consider taking one of the boat tours.
The hilly streets and distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, will enhance your experience in San Francisco. Explore the bohemian vibe of Haight-Ashbury, the charm of Chinatown, and the upscale boutiques of Nob Hill. Don’t miss a ride on the cable cars, which provide not only a convenient way to navigate the city, but also offer picturesque views.
2. Los Angeles
Another gem of California is Los Angeles. If you are into cultural diversity, glamor, and fancy lifestyles, this city should be on your list!
Here you will find the notorious Hollywood Sign reigning from the Hollywood Hills like a symbol of the city. Take a walk through the Walk of Fame with stars of celebrity names encrypted on the sidewalk.
If you want to have a taste of the luxurious side of L.A., Rodeo Drive is the place to go, in Beverly Hills, as it has the most fancy shops and fashion stores. Beach lifestyle is also very vibrant here and you can get a flavor of it at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.
3. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a natural treasure, with beauties that you will not be able to find anywhere in the world. This park has the famous, giant sequoias, waterfalls and granite cliffs to explore during a trip from San Francisco.
In the Yosemite Valley, you can visit the notorious landmarks of Half Dome and El Capitan and if you get on the Tunnel View you’ll have the best panoramic perspective of the park.
You can go on a hiking trail for beginners like Lower Yosemite Fall Trail which leads you to base of the towering Yosemite Falls or try a more daring trail like the Half Dome hike that rewards you with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
Giant Sequoias in the Mariposa Grove remain the main attraction of the park but the entire experience is like an adventure in wonderland.
Visit the Yosemite National Park during summer to make the most out of its attractions. Even if winter gives it an enchanting vibe, some trails will be inaccessible due to weather conditions.
4. Napa Valley
Napa Valley, north of San Francisco, is heaven for all wine lovers out there. Here you find over 400 wineries to delight you with some of the best wines in the world. You can learn how the wine is made and join guided tours that let you in on all the local secrets and history.
Take the Napa Valley Wine Train for a rustic yet elegant adventure that combines delicious meals with the tastiest wines as you go through the vineyards. Tourists can also enjoy hot balloon rides to witness the valley from above and get a unique view of the region.
But Napa Valley is not all about wine. Here you can find fancy restaurants with the best local cuisine and luxurious spas and accommodations.
5. San Diego
Another incredible city that will offer you a true Californian experience is San Diego. Here you can have a family vacation, but also enjoy a vibrant nightlife as the city has it all.
If you want to visit cultural and interesting museums, beautiful gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, head to Balboa Park. Spoilers: the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest in the world with a wide range of animals.
In the Gaslamp Quarter, you’ll find the heart of local nightlife, dining restaurants, and buildings in the Victorian-era style. And for those who want to experience a beach lifestyle, Mission Beach and La Jolla Cove are perfect for water activities and relaxation. Also, SeaWorld San Diego can offer a truly exciting experience for families with children interested in maritime experiences.
6. Lake Tahoe
You’ll find Lake Tahoe at the border between California and Nevada and you can visit it all year round. If you like to spend time outdoors, this place allows you to enjoy stunning nature and activities.
If you visit during winter, you can try skiing and snowboarding in one of the best resorts in the country, Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and Northstar. The summer transforms the lake into a beautiful oasis where visitors can enjoy boating, paddleboarding, or swimming. You can hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail and get some of the most stunning views of the area.
For those wanting a mix of nature activities and vibrant nightlife adventures, South Lake Tahoe offers casinos, live entertainment, and inviting restaurants.
7. Big Sur
On California’s central coast, you’ll find the Big Sur area with natural beauty, rugged cliffs, charming drives and many things to do. The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, winds through Big Sur, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its purple sands and stunning rock formations, while McWay Falls, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is a picturesque waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean. The Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California, offers dramatic views of the coastline and is a must-stop for photographers.
For dining, Big Sur offers refined restaurants like Nepenthe, which pairs its cliffside views with locally sourced cuisine, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, known for its historic atmosphere, and much more.
If you’re looking to experience a closer connection with nature, consider glamping at luxurious spots like Treebones Resort, where you can stay in a yurt with ocean views, blending comfort with the wilderness experience.
8. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera, features beautiful beaches and Mediterranean architecture. In the Stearns Wharf historic area, you can find restaurants, stores, and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Check out the Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786 to get a glimpse into the Spanish heritage of this area, with beautiful gardens and cultural museums. For a fun and cultural experience, take a walk through the Funk Zone where you will find galleries of art and wine tasting rooms.
Santa Ynez Mountains offer you various hiking trails that lead you to stunning views of the ocean and coastline. Also, the Santa Barbara Zoo is a perfect place for quality family time.
9. Joshua Tree National Park
In Southern California, you’ll find the Joshua Tree National Park, a desert region famous for its rock formations and Joshua trees. This park is ideal for those who love stargazing, hiking, and outdoor activities.
The most popular route is the Hidden Valley Trail, which invites you to hike through tall rock formations. If you are looking for the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset, Keys View is the best place for that. Plus, from Keys View you get a panoramic view of Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault.
Ryan Mountain Trail is a more difficult hike but also a very rewarding one as it leads you to some of the best views from the summit.
10. Death Valley National Park
If you are in California, know that visiting the Death Valley National Park is not for the weak but it is one of the best experiences. This is the lowest national park in North America, with the driest and hottest climate. The Badwater Basin is 282 feet below sea level, with a wide salt flat that seems to never end.
The shifting sands in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes offer a fascinating experience by themselves and a great opportunity for artistic photography. And you get to enjoy some of the most stunning sunsets from the Zabriskie Point which offers a surreal panoramic view.
Despite its rough climate, this park is home to wildlife species and wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
11. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks you will find in the southern Sierra Nevada await you with some of the largest trees. The General Sherman Tree, located in Sequoia National Park, is the largest tree by volume, standing over 275 feet tall and estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
If you are up for a more challenging hike, Moro Rock is a fabulous trail that rewards you with great views of the mountains. Get a guided tour to admire the stunning formations and understand the beauty of this region.
In King Canyon National Park you can enjoy the Sierra Nevada peaks and the glacial valley that will take your breath away. Go on the Zumwalt Meadow Trail for a hike along the King River, through meadows and granite cliffs.
12. Monterey
Monterey is one of the must-visit cities for marine lovers. Located along California’s central coast, this city invites you to discover the local marine life. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the top aquariums in the world, offering interactive exhibits and a close-up look at marine species from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Cannery Row is an avenue full of stores, dining restaurants, and cafes. Discover the Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, and the Lone Cypress tree on a 17-mile drive. If you are looking for exquisite hiking trails, check out the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve which offers you stunning ocean views and a glimpse of the local wildlife.
For an unforgettable experience, consider taking a whale watching tour to witness the majestic whales that migrate through Monterey Bay.
13. Palm Springs
Palm Springs, in the Sonoran Desert, is a desert area famous for its hot springs, stylish resorts, and mid-century modern architecture. Here is where many Hollywood celebrities come to relax in between projects so you will find fancy corners and houses.
Visit the San Jacinto Mountains, reachable via the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway which provides a breathtaking journey as you ascend to panoramic views and cooler alpine landscapes. Once you get to the San Jacinto Mountains you can explore them through hiking and during the winter try out snow activities. There are different hiking trails for both beginners and experts, highlighting the desert landscapes.
In Palm Springs you can also find some of the best golf courses, shopping areas, and wellness resorts. Check out the Uptown District for fancy stores and art galleries and head to the Village Fest for street fairs with live entertainment!
14. Malibu
Malibu on the Pacific coast is the home of luxurious beaches and cozy homes lined along the ocean as a declaration of the laid-back lifestyle of this place. The most popular beaches are Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach with tourists often coming here to surf or get a tan.
While you are in town, check out the Getty Villa with its ancient Greek art displayed in a museum surrounded by stunning gardens. For more natural beauty, head to the Malibu Creek State Park where you will find hiking trails, woodlands, and rocky peaks.
The Malibu Pier is the perfect area for fishing with gorgeous coastline views. Here you’ll find dining restaurants and interesting shops for souvenirs. Wine lovers will be fascinated by the nearby Malibu Wine Safari where they can taste original wines and enjoy a private tour of the ranch with animals like zebras and giraffes.
15. Mendocino
Mendocino on the Northern California coast is a village that will take you to a world of picturesque and artistic fairy tales. Its architecture features Victorian styles and stunning coastal views. This can be a great family getaway but also one of the most romantic places in California.
Get to the Mendocino Headlands State Park for breathtaking ocean views and hiking trails. Nearby you will find the Russian Gulch State Park with its beach and waterfall. And if you want a flavor of maritime history, don’t miss out on the Point Cabrillo Light Station.
If you have an artistic talent or want to explore your artistic side, Mendocino Art Center offers classes and exhibitions. Also, film lovers will enjoy the annual Mendocino Film Festival which attracts filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world.
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